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.
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. Here are some tips for writing a cover letter for a first job—or for any job where you may not have much relevant work experience
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The body of your cover letter is where you delve deeper into your strengths and qualifications. With no work experience – whether it’s for a first job after graduating or a cover letter for a part-time job while you’re still studying – your focus should be on skills, personal attributes and relevant achievements, alongside abilities and knowledge 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.
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.
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:
While the above template provides a basic structure, how you customise it is the key to making it truly stand out:
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.
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 in person 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 excelled in presentations.
Writing and self-editing: writing emails, writing reports and creating presentations are common duties in many professions. Real-world example: If you contributed to any school or university publications or written web content you can show samples to demonstrate your ability. Even showing a high level of grammar and essay writing can help show you’re a competent communicator.
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:
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:
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.
In some cases, a lack of experience can be a good thing. It means you bring a fresh perspective and new ideas to the table – companies value unbiased insights that can drive innovation. Some employers also like fresh graduates that they can mould; someone who is a blank slate with no “bad habits” to unlearn.
In your letter, focus on the transferable skills you possess that are relevant to the job. Here are 10 examples of transferable skills you can include in a cover letter with no experience in a professional setting:
Communication (writing, presenting, editing, etc.)
Teamwork/collaboration
Problem solving
Time management
Enthusiasm
Adaptability
Quick learner
Stakeholder management (for example, if you held any project management roles at school or university)
Content creation (if you have experience creating your own social conten)
Tech skills: software packages, content platform knowledge, coding or any technical abilities etc.
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.
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.
Here’s how to write a retail cover letter, no experience:
Here’s how to craft a cover letter for a traineeship:
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.
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 final key tips:
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.