Recent Graduate Cover Letter Sample

After toiling away in classrooms for four (or more) years, getting a job right out of college is a natural goal. But composing a recent graduate cover letter can feel like a kind of catch 22. On one hand, you don't have much material to work with; on the other, you need a strong resume and cover letter to get you in the door.

Why would you even bother with a cover letter in the first place? Thing is, your goal of finding a job as a new grad is shared by every other graduate in the country—plus all the other entry-level job seekers out there—so the competition is understandably fierce. A smart, enthusiastic, and tailored cover letter will help set you apart from the masses.

About the whole lack-of-job-experience thing—how do you explain that to potential employers without sounding like a total newbie? Don't fret: Companies aren’t expecting you to have worked loads of jobs, but they will be interested to know which of your skills and talents you’ve developed while in school.

Ideas for a College Cover Letter

Most cover letter examples for college students will encourage you to highlight what you've learned in class, plus any skills you picked up while working side jobs and/or internships—especially ones that are relevant to the position you’re seeking. Just as important is your enthusiasm for the job itself. A cover letter is a great chance to let a company know you’re not just looking for any old job but that you’re specifically looking for a job with them. (Everyone likes to feel special, even giant corporations.)

There are plenty of ways you can show that you have both ambition and skills that are valued in the workforce. To get you started, take a look at the following questions posed in the bullet points, and make a list of any applicable experience you have under each one. Did you:

• Take certification courses?
• Volunteer at a charitable organization?
• Lead a group project in college?
• Belong to any school clubs?
• Give a presentation to your class?
• Help a professor with a research project?

All of those opportunities can lead to relevant experiences that are perfect for a college student cover letter, whether you’re about to finish your studies and enter the real world or are a year or two from making the leap.

Get started on your career today. View our college graduate cover letter sample below as a guideline, or see all cover letter examples on Monster.

Recent Graduate Cover Letter

Josh Michaels
4 Church St. | Sometown, NJ 08888 | (555) 555-5555 | josh@somedomain.com
[date]

Katherine Yu
HR Director
ABC Company
1530 State St.
Anytown, NJ 08999

Dear Ms. Yu:

Your advertisement for an HR assistant fits my qualifications perfectly, and I am writing to express my interest in and enthusiasm for the position.

After completing a business degree from Rutgers University in May, I enrolled in a human resource development program to enhance my credentials in my chosen field. Course highlights include: Leadership in an Organizational Setting, Performance & Task Analysis in Human Resource Development, and Technology in HR Settings.

Based on your description of the ideal candidate, I also offer:

• A solid educational foundation in organizational development, employee training and development skills and knowledge of how to use technology to improve individual/organizational performance
• A proven ability to build rapport with individuals from all backgrounds
• A track record of excellent performance as a part-time/summer employee concurrent with full-time college enrollment

I would very much like to meet in person to share more of my qualifications and learn more about your HR support needs. Please feel free to call me at (555) 555-5555 or email at josh@somedomain.com.

Thank you for your time and review of the enclosed resume, and I look forward to speaking with you.

Sincerely,

Josh Michaels
Enclosure: Resume

Show Off Your College Graduate Cover Letter

Now that your recent graduate cover letter is out of the way, you want to make sure you’re getting in front of as many hiring managers in your field as you can. Want some help with that? Monster has a bunch of free resources for job seekers to help you launch your career from a strong, solid foundation.