Applying for an entry-level position and having trouble with the cover letter? We’ve got you covered with this entry level cover letter sample from a real client we worked with. Check out the sample and some additional tips to write one that’s just as awesome.
By: Daniel Lorenzo | Content Marketing Manager at Let’s Eat, Grandma
Congratulations! You’re officially a grown-up and ready to jump into an exciting career.
As exciting as it to enter “the real world,” applying for jobs isn’t exactly the thrilling part of adulting.
Whether you’ve already had your first Big-Kid-Job, or you’re just out of school and still looking for one, your application materials need to be in tip-top shape to get noticed among all of the other entry-level candidates out there.
That’s why we’re here with this helpful entry level cover letter sample. Here at Let’s Eat, Grandma, we’ve written over a thousand successful cover letters for job seekers across every industry and experience level. Our professional business writing consultants know a thing or two about cover letters, and we’re happy to share our winning formula with you.
Check out this entry level cover letter sample, then read on for helpful tips to make yours just as awesome:
Entry Level Cover Letter Sample
Let’s walk through a few elements of this great cover letter so you can learn how to include them in your own.
#1: Short and Sweet
For an entry-level position, you don’t need to write a dissertation. Cover letters should always be no longer than a page, but in your case, we advise aiming for 1/2 to 2/3 of a page.
If the job is truly “entry-level,” the hiring manager won’t be expecting to read about 5-10 years’ worth of accomplishments in your cover letter. While you should definitely include specific accomplishments and be tailored to the job description, you don’t have that much to write about in this stage of your career.
As such, we were able to summarize Martha’s qualifications, professional philosophy and values, and future goals in about 2/3 of a page (minus the optional contact info at the top).
#2: Aligned to the Company Mission
When writing this cover letter, we were sure to include a paragraph for Martha to expound on the mission and values of each company she applies to.
As an entry-level candidate, it’s important to stand out from the crowd by showcasing your personal qualities and transferable soft skills as they align with the job. While you can’t expound on your many years of experience, you can demonstrate your passion, initiative, and work ethic, and show how they align with the company’s values.
Go the extra mile to pull the information on mission we left for Martha to fill in from the job posting or company website.
(Note: This is especially true for jobs that require those pesky “2-5 years of experience,” which you should probably still apply to even if you don’t have that many years.)
#3: Specific Stories
We could have just said that Martha was skilled in financial analysis. Instead, we mentioned that she “conducted a spend analysis to help TSI decide where to put more locations” in 2017, which led her to pursue this line of work.
You have room for stories like this in your cover letter than in your resume, and you should absolutely include them to paint a complete picture of your qualifications.
You’re ready for the workforce. Now get out there and write a cover letter that’s ready to land you your dream job.
For even more cover letter help, sign up on our homepage for a FREE phone consultation and/or Career Score to see how our business writing experts can get your materials in shape.
(And, be sure to check out the Career Warrior Podcast for more answers to any and all of your job-search questions!)
