March 31st, 2023
How to Write a Cover Letter with No Experience
You’ve graduated from college, and you’re eager to get your first job. You’ve reached a point where you want to venture into a new career. That’s why you’re excited to apply for jobs at companies you dream of working for. But something is pulling you behind. For one, you have no work experience, which is required for most jobs. How do you craft the cover letter to compel the hiring manager to hire you? It can be challenging, but not impossible. We’ll give you a few tips on how to write a cover letter with no experience and still manage to make a great first impression.
Here’s what you should do:
Focus on Transferable Skills
Most job applications focus on the past (what you have accomplished). You might think you have no experience, but some skills are easily transferable and can reveal your good personality. For instance, you may have been a team leader in an unrelated job or did volunteer work in school.
These skills can help the prospective employer know your capabilities and how they can fit into the new job. After all, most employers like employees with soft skills, such as communication and problem-solving.
Focus on the Future
In case you have no previous experience, focus on what you plan to do in the future. As such, read the job description carefully to understand what the job involves. Learn about the company you’re applying to by visiting their social media accounts and company website. That will help you understand their mission, vision, product lines, and services.
Understanding the company helps you tailor your cover letter to the company’s needs. For instance, you can mention how your education and strengths will help you perform specific company tasks if hired.
Show Your Willingness to Learn
On-the-job training is common in most companies. Even job seekers with previous experience may need some training to fit into a new company.
So, don’t lie about your experience. Instead, say you’re a quick learner and can easily adapt to new working environments. All employers value honesty and may even consider you on that basis.
What to Include in a Cover Letter
Before you write a cover letter, ensure you’ve researched the company and understood the job you’re applying for. A cover letter accompanies the resume. So, avoid repeating what you’ve already said in the resume.
Use the cover letter to explain why you’re the best person for the job.
Here’s what you should include:
- Contact information – Write it at the top of the cover letter, showing your full name, phone number, postal address, and email address.
- Date – Like other business letters, include a date below the contact information.
- Salutation – It’s the greeting part. You can say “dear sir” or “dear hiring manager or recruiter” if you don’t know their name. Otherwise, use the name.
- Opening paragraph – Start your letter by introducing yourself and stating the position you are applying for. You can also briefly mention how you found out about the job opening.
- Body Paragraphs – Explain why you are a good fit for the company or what skills you bring on board. Use specific examples to illustrate your skills.
- Closing Paragraph – Thank the hiring manager for considering your application and let them know you’re excited to apply for the position. Include a sentence showing that you look forward to hearing back from them.
- Closing Salutation – End your letter with a professional closing, such as “Sincerely” or “Best regards,” followed by your name and signature.
Make Your Cover Letter Stand Out
In a competitive job market, only a well-crafted or effective cover letter will get you invited for an interview. So, your purpose is to make it stand out from the others. You can do that by following our tips on how to write a cover letter with no experience.
To boost your chances of getting hired, consider applying through a staffing agency. That’s because most employers use staffing agencies to find employees. PrideStaff is an employment agency in Fort Lauderdale that matches employers with qualified job seekers.
Contact us to discuss how we can help you find your dream job and further your career.