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How to write a cover letter with no experience

SEEK content team – updated on 05 February, 2024

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You’re applying for a job, but you’re a fresh graduate at the start of your career – how do you write an eye-catching cover letter with no relevant work experience? It’s a common challenge for new job seekers.

Without industry experience, your cover letter is even more important in showing a hiring manager the unique traits that would make you the best person for the position. In this article, we explain how to write an effective cover letter, particularly if you need a cover letter for a part-time job or you’re looking for your first role. Use our tips on how to highlight your transferable skills, education and extracurricular activities in a way that will help get you noticed.

Getting started

It can be daunting drafting your first cover letter, but there are steps you can follow to make sure you’re on the right track to making a strong first impression.

Research the company

Before you start writing, thoroughly research the company and the specific role you're applying for. Look into their values, mission statement, recent achievements and any big projects they’ve been working on. This will give you insights that can help you tailor your cover letter so that it demonstrates your genuine interest in the role and the organisation. You want to give the impression that you’re genuinely interested in the work the company does.

Keep it personal

As you write, remember to personalise it. A generic cover letter won’t get you noticed, and one that’s obviously written by AI might get your application rejected regardless of what it says. You can personalise your letter by highlighting how your skills, interests and values align with the company and the responsibilities of the role. Your cover letter should take a professional and polished tone, but should not be formal like an essay – try to inject a touch of personality and warmth. You might include any personal hobbies that are relevant to the job ad, to add more dimension to your application.

Add your standout qualities

Employers are on the lookout for people who will not only succeed in the role but also fit well within their team and company culture. Some key skills and qualities are always valued, such as communication skills, adaptability, teamwork and a strong work ethic. When crafting cover letters for your first job, be sure to demonstrate these qualities through examples from your academic, extracurricular or volunteer experiences.

Structuring your cover letter

Writing a cover letter that captures the attention of a potential employer involves more than just listing your skills and experiences. It’s about sharing who you are in a way that is relevant to the job you’re applying for.

Opening paragraph: Making a strong first impression

The opening of your cover letter is your first chance to grab a hiring manager’s attention. Your first sentence should mention that you’re writing in regard to the specific position you are applying for. Then you should provide an overall snapshot of who you are: your qualifications, your personality and your enthusiasm for the role.

Middle paragraphs: Highlighting your strengths

The body of your cover letter is where you delve deeper into your strengths and qualifications. With no work experience, your focus should be on skills, personal attributes and relevant achievements that are transferable to the workplace. This could include uni or college projects, volunteer work and extracurricular activities. Use specific examples to demonstrate how these experiences have helped you develop skills that are relevant to the job.

Closing paragraph: Ending with a call to action

To end on a strong note, reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and the company, and end with a call to action, like expressing your hope for an interview. This is a proactive approach that shows you’re invested in the outcome of your application and leaves a positive lasting impression on a hiring manager.

Template for a no-experience cover letter

Starting the job hunt for the first time can be a very daunting process, especially when you have no work experience behind you. A well-structured and personalised cover letter is just what you need to stand out.

A cover letter should be concise – no more than one page – and structured clearly. Here’s a template to get you started:

Header: include your contact information at the top, followed by the date, and then the employer's contact information.
Address the letter to a specific person, if possible. Use Dear [Name], or if the name is unknown, Dear Hiring Manager. You can even use To Whom It May Concern, which is a more traditional type of greeting, but still quite standard for cover letters.
Start with a strong opening paragraph that states the reason for the letter and provides a summary of who you are. Mention the job you’re applying for specifically, and express your enthusiasm about the opportunity.
Middle paragraphs: highlight your relevant skills and how they align with the job. Discuss your educational background, relevant coursework, projects, or extracurricular activities. Provide specific examples of your achievements or experiences where you demonstrated skills relevant to the position. Focus on transferable skills like teamwork, leadership, communication or problem solving.
Closing paragraph: reiterate your interest in the role and the company. End with a call to action, like expressing your hope to discuss your suitability in an interview.
Use a professional closing such as Sincerely, or Best regards, followed by your name.

Customisation tips

While the above template provides a basic structure, how you customise it is the key to making it truly stand out:

Research the company and tailor your cover letter to reflect their values and culture. Mention specific aspects of the company that appeal to you and align with your career goals.
Use the job description as a guide and highlight how your skills and experiences make you a good fit for the specific role.
Let your enthusiasm and personality shine through. Employers are looking for candidates who are not only capable, but also a good cultural fit for their team.
Always proofread your cover letter for spelling and grammatical errors. If possible, have someone else review it as well.

Emphasising transferable skills

When you're new to the workforce, one of the best ways to make your cover letter stand out is by showcasing your transferable skills. These are skills you've gained through different experiences, such as volunteer work, that can be applied to a wide range of jobs.

Identifying your transferable skills and using real-life examples

Once you've identified your transferable skills, the next step is to illustrate them with specific examples. Here’s how you can do it:

Communication skills: the ability to express yourself clearly, both in writing and verbally, is crucial in most jobs.
Real-life example: think of times when you have demonstrated written and verbal communication skills. Perhaps you were on your school debate team or studied English literature at uni.
Teamwork: being able to collaborate effectively with others, showing empathy and collaboration.
Real-life example: participation in sports, arts or academic clubs can be a great way to demonstrate teamwork, leadership and commitment.
Problem solving: the ability to identify obstacles and find effective solutions to them.
Real-life example: discuss group projects where you collaborated with others to solve problems.
Leadership: instances where you took initiative or led a project (even at school), can demonstrate leadership skills.
Real-life example: maybe you organised a school event or were a team or house captain.
Time management and organisational skills: the ability to meet deadlines, prioritise commitments and plan effectively.
Real-life example: highlight any projects where you had to meet tight deadlines, showcasing your time-management skills.
Technical skills: basic computer skills or familiarity with specific software relevant to the job.
Real-life example: discuss your experience at school and at home with specific software.

Showcasing your enthusiasm and potential

Even if you have no official work experience, your energy and enthusiasm can be enough to get you a callback. In your cover letter, share your genuine interest in the role and the company. Here’s how:

Personal connection: if you have a personal anecdote or story that connects you to the company or the industry, share it. This can make your interest feel more genuine.
Company-specific praise: mention aspects of the company that you admire. This could be their products, culture, values or recent achievements. It shows you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in being a part of their team.
Enthusiasm for the role: discuss how you have passion and dedication for the industry and the role, and that you’re eager to launch your career.

Beyond skills and experience, employers are also looking for potential. Demonstrating that you are a quick learner and a promising investment can help you stand out. Here’s how:

Learning agility: provide examples of situations where you had to learn something new quickly, whether in your academic life, for a hobby or for volunteer work. This shows your ability to adapt and absorb new information.
Growth mindset: highlight instances where you embraced challenges and grew from them. This could be overcoming a difficult project, learning a new skill or overcoming a setback.
Future goals: discuss your career aspirations and how they align with the role and the company. Show you’re ambitious and committed to the long term, by mentioning how you’re keen to find a company that can nurture your professional growth.

Addressing the lack of experience directly

Don’t let your lack of experience hold you back. With the right approach, you can use your inexperience to your advantage. The key to addressing your lack of experience in a cover letter is to frame it positively. Here’s how to put together a cover letter with no experience, but willing to learn.

Talk about what you bring to the table

Emphasise that your lack of experience means you bring a fresh perspective and new ideas to the table. Companies value unbiased insights that can drive innovation.

Focus on the transferable skills you possess that are relevant to the job. Skills like communication, teamwork, problem solving and time management are highly valued in the workplace. Share your eagerness to learn and grow. In entry-level roles, a strong work ethic can often make up for a lack of experience.

Keep it real

It's important to strike a balance between being honest about your experience level and showing confidence in your capabilities. It's okay to briefly acknowledge your lack of professional experience, but don't focus on it. Dedicate most of your cover letter to your strengths and what you can bring to the role.

Express confidence in your ability to learn and grow in the advertised role. Use statements like, While I may not have extensive experience in [field/role], I am committed to learning and rapidly acquiring the skills I need to excel. Focus on what you can do and how you can contribute, rather than what you haven’t done.

Effective cover letter examples for students

Entering the workforce and crafting a cover letter without professional experience can seem like an impossible task. However, many school leavers and graduates have been in the same situation and have successfully overcome this challenge. Take your cues from these outlines for sample cover letters with no experience.

Retail cover letter

Here’s how to write a retail cover letter, no experience:

Opening: start by expressing your enthusiasm for the retail industry and the specific company, mentioning a personal connection or experience with the brand.
Middle: highlight skills like communication, customer service (gained from volunteer experiences or school projects), and a strong work ethic. Also mention your quick learning ability and adaptability.
Closing: conclude the letter with a reiteration of your excitement about the opportunity and a call to action, like a request for an interview.

Cover letter for traineeship

Here’s how to craft a cover letter for a traineeship:

Opening: start with your enthusiasm for the traineeship program and the company, mentioning how it aligns with your career goals.
Middle: discuss your academic achievements, any relevant coursework, and soft skills like communication, alongside your willingness to learn.
Closing: end with a statement about how the traineeship will be a crucial step in your career development, expressing eagerness for an interview.

Each letter should be tailored to the specific role and company, showing you have a genuine interest in them. Highlight your transferable skills and use real-world examples to demonstrate your abilities and personal qualities. Maintain a positive and enthusiastic tone, and focus on all the good qualities you can offer.

Additional tips for success

While the content of your cover letter is important, the way it is presented can also make a significant difference. A well-formatted cover letter not only looks professional but also makes it easier for the employer to read, and shows them you have good attention to detail.

Here are some key tips:

Use a professional-looking font (like Arial, Times New Roman or Calibri) and keep the font size between 10 and 12 points.
Use clear breaks between paragraphs and sections. This helps in organising your content and makes it easier to follow.
Aim for a one-page cover letter that focuses on the most relevant information.
Ensure your contact information is up to date.

Before you send off your cover letter and resumé, make sure you give it a careful proofread. While it helps to use spell-check tools, don’t rely purely on them. Read through your letter multiple times to catch any grammatical errors or typos.

If possible, have someone else read your cover letter. A fresh set of eyes can catch errors you might have overlooked. Before sending, do a final review to ensure that all information is accurate, especially the company name, position title and your contact details.

A cover letter is an important part of your job application and is your chance to make a strong first impression. Stepping into the job market with no experience behind you can be daunting, but remember: everyone starts somewhere. Be confident in your abilities and what you can bring to a role, even if you don’t have experience in a professional setting yet.

Your enthusiasm, willingness to learn and the skills you've gained through your studies can be just as important in getting you noticed. Take your time to craft a well-thought-out cover letter that allows your potential to shine.