Your education has equipped you with the knowledge and skills to succeed in any role you set your sights on. You perform excellent research, meet deadlines, and can handle data accurately.
But did you write a cover letter and complementary college student resume to provide an effective overview of your capabilities?
Whether you’re applying to an advanced degree program or one of your first jobs, we have the resources to help you succeed. Check out our college student cover letter examples that have helped many academics grab their dream opportunities in 2024.
Copy this text for your college student cover letter!
123 Fictional Avenue
Miami, FL 33101
(123) 456-7890
September 30, 2023
Ava Harper
Sittercity
123 Fictional Lane
Miami, FL 33101
Dear Ms. Harper,
As a diligent college student, I am eager to apply for the babysitter position at Sittercity. I strive to provide a safe, nurturing environment and a vibrant learning experience for every child, which Sittercity exemplifies. Your exceptional work with Fairfield Child Care Centers in Dallas has led to numerous glowing testimonials from parents and children. This resonates strongly with my passion for helping children grow in a secure and happy atmosphere. I am sure that my expertise, including cooking and meal preparation, would significantly contribute to your outstanding team.
Throughout my time at Nanny Poppinz, I curated nourishing meals that catered to the dietary needs of 23 children aged 2-9. I used cookbooks and online resources like the Mealime app to plan balanced, child-friendly meals. My dedication and love for cooking led to a commendation from 86% of the parents for dietary improvements and an 18% reduction in food waste at the facility.
Meanwhile, at the Learning Center for Kids, my First Aid/CPR skills were tested on countless occasions in a bustling learning environment with over 30 kids. From managing minor cuts to reacting promptly to allergy emergencies, I ensured children’s safety at all times by conducting regular safety drills and monitoring play areas for potential hazards.
Additionally, my storytelling capabilities significantly contributed to enhancing the children’s language skills at The Learning Nest. I employed tools like the Storyteller App and diverse books with multicultural themes to create engaging narratives tailored to each child’s interests. As a result, language comprehension increase index rose by 43% among the children within six months, while their active listening skills surged by 67%.
My experiences, coupled with my dedication to child safety and education, would be invaluable at Sittercity. Also worth noting, I have included my police clearance for your review. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my skill set could benefit and enrich your team at Sittercity.
Sincerely,
Seline Dupont
Enclosures:
Resume
Application
2 letters of recommendation
Police Clearance
Why this cover letter works
- So, you’re a college student seeking a babysitter role? Emphasize your love for children and possibly how your college education sets you up for success in the role.
- As with this college student cover letter, use specific examples (whether volunteer work, internships, or babysitting siblings) to showcase your childcare proficiencies. Relevant keywords here include first aid/CPR. Meals preparation, storytelling.
Level up your
cover letter game
Relax! We’ll do the heavy lifting to write your cover letter in seconds.
Copy this text for your college application cover letter!
123 Fictional Avenue
Columbia, MI 48111
(123) 456-7890
March 07, 2024
Mia Santo
University of Missouri
567 Pretend Lane
Columbia, MI 48111
Dear Ms. Santo:
With great enthusiasm, I convey my desire to join the distinguished undergraduate society at the University of Missouri. As a passionate advocate for mental health awareness and a lover of classical music, my journey has been shaped by my dedication to creating positive change and my unwavering commitment to personal growth. I’m convinced your institution offers the perfect environment for me to flourish academically and socially.
I am keenly interested in the humanities and intend to major in this field. My commitment to understanding and empathizing with human experiences has been the driving force behind my extracurricular projects. For instance, as a moderator for #BreakTheStigma, I helped create a supportive community environment for individuals facing mental health challenges, embodying my belief in the power of empathy and collaboration.
Beyond academics, my hands-on involvement in organizing events such as “Keys to the Future” and “Santa’s Workshop” has allowed me to explore my interests in music and community service. At the University of Missouri, I’m eager to delve into courses exploring music’s psychological impact, combining my passion for mental health advocacy and my love for the arts.
My dedication to academic and extracurricular pursuits emphasizes my sincere desire to contribute positively to the University of Missouri’s vibrant community. I’m drawn to your institution because of its outstanding reputation and the supportive environment that encourages diverse interests and interdisciplinary learning.
Thank you for your consideration,
Raj Patel
Enclosures:
Resume
Application
Transcripts
Why this cover letter works
- How to compel the admission committee to consider your college application cover letter, you wonder? Think of it as your introduction to the admission committee, where you must enumerate your academic interests and extracurricular pursuits.
- The essence is to paint a vivid picture of an all-around student. Even better, spotlight prior community involvements. That exhibits your active engagement in contributing positively to society and your potential to further these values in the target tertiary institution.
College Student No Experience Cover Letter Example
USE THIS TEMPLATE
Copy this text for your college student no experience cover letter!
123 Fictional Avenue
Miami, FL 33101
(123) 456-7890
September 30, 2023
Jackson Hill
Park Cities Pet Sitter
123 Fictional Lane
Dallas, TX 75001
Dear Mr. Hill,
As one of the dedicated students of Southern Methodist University studying animal behavior in our Biology department, I am eager to bring my skills to Park Cities Pet Sitter as your next dog walker. With two years of experience volunteering at Dallas Dog and my proficiency in basic training commands and positive reinforcement techniques, I can provide excellent care to your canine clients.
Throughout my tenure at Dallas Dog, I developed a solid understanding of canine behavior. Specifically, I successfully utilized positive reinforcement techniques, which led to a remarkable 83% improvement in dogs’ compliance and adaptability. This experience fortified my empathy and patience, essential traits when working with animals, mainly when introducing new commands and routines.
While being a student at the university, I have skillfully balanced my academic responsibilities with extracurricular activities, maintaining an excellent academic record and actively participating in community service initiatives. This experience has strengthened my time management abilities, which will serve me well when scheduling and fulfilling dog walking duties.
The opportunity to work with Park Cities Pet Sitter excites me due to the company’s reputation for exceptional pet care and strong values of reliability and compassion. As a passionate animal lover, I would be thrilled to contribute to your team, providing a safe and enjoyable experience for the dogs while giving peace of mind to their owners.
My academic background in animal behavior, complimented by my hands-on experience in pet care, equips me well for the role of dog walker at Park Cities Pet Sitter. I look forward to discussing how I can contribute to your team. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Nabil Soliman
Why this cover letter works
- As a college student seeking a dog walker role, grab the recruiter’s attention by unleashing your eagerness for the hiring company, accentuating it with your pertinent skills and academic background in animal behavior.
- See how Nabil showcases his ability to connect with and care for canine pets in this college student no experience cover letter, using metrics to emphasize impact. Transferable skills gained during coursework (cue time management) can be pivotal for your candidacy.
College Student for Internship Cover Letter Example
USE THIS TEMPLATE
Copy this text for your college student for internship cover letter!
123 Fictional Avenue
Miami, FL 33101
(123) 456-7890
September 30, 2023
Jackson Smith
Burger King Corporation
123 Fictional Lane
Chicago, IL 60007
Dear Mr. Smith:
Burger King Corporation’s call for interns who can resonate with the fast-paced and evolving nature of the food industry is why I am eager to bring my marketing skills to the table as an intern. As a college student majoring in marketing, your company’s innovative approach to digital strategy inspires me to make substantial contributions to your team.
As a volunteer at YMCA Metropolitan Chicago, I utilized Microsoft Office Suite to manage event schedules, prepare PowerPoint presentations, and analyze data, fostering a 17% increase in attendance at our community events in six months.
My experience with social media management originated from a class project where I was responsible for revamping a local business’s online presence. Using tools like Buffer and Hootsuite, I crafted engaging content and interacted with the audience on multiple platforms. This contributed to a 13% growth in followers within three months.
A summer internship at Chitech Solutions empowered my SEO prowess. Leveraging Google Analytics and keyword optimization strategies, our team facilitated a 28% improvement in organic search rankings and an 11.9% boost in website-generated leads.
My unique combination of creativity, tech-savviness, and analytical acumen is what sets me apart, and I am excited about the possibility of bringing these traits to Burger King Corporation. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing further this role.
Sincerely,
Santiago Castro
Why this cover letter works
- Emulate how this college student for internship cover letter ignites interest with genuine enthusiasm for the hiring company’s industry and innovative edge.
- Go further to project yourself as a result-driven multifaceted candidate who isn’t just familiar with industry-specific proficiencies and tools (Cue SEO, SMM, and Google Analytics) but has used them to generate tangible results (Think 13% growth in followers).
Copy this text for your college graduate cover letter!
123 Fictional Avenue
Atlanta, GA 43004
(123) 456-7890
March 07, 2024
Mason Martinez
Vector
123 Fictional Lane
Atlanta, GA 43004
Dear Mr. Martinez:
With a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the Georgia Institute of Technology and a solid foundation in both frontend and full-stack development, I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute to your team as a junior software engineer. My interest in Vector is driven by its commitment to building a best-in-class engineering team, and my objective aligns perfectly with your mission to solve a wide range of engineering challenges in a vibrant tech community.
During my internship at Chick-fil-A, I improved checkout efficiency by incorporating Square POS software and spearheaded initiatives that enhanced sales by $4,271 within three months. These experiences honed my problem-solving skills and ability to work collaboratively in a team environment, directly contributing to project success from inception to production scaling.
I’m particularly drawn to Vector’s emphasis on building performant, user-centric interfaces and the prospect of working in cross-functional teams to turn business and product ideas into engineering solutions. My dedication to mastering my craft, combined with a track record of shipping high-quality products and features, positions me to make a meaningful contribution to your team.
The prospect of bringing my blend of skills, passion for fintech, and a strong desire for continuous growth to your esteemed company is thrilling. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my candidacy in further detail. Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
Hannah Levi
Enclosures:
Resume
Application
2 letters of recommendation
Why this cover letter works
- For a college graduate cover letter tailored to a junior software engineer role, conveying your ability to drive tangible outcomes in the real world is crucial.
- Draw on specific examples from internships or college projects where you delivered concrete results—this could range from leading a team project to developing a software program that addressed a real-world problem. Better yet, show how you used technologies like Python, Java, React, and C++ to achieve these feats.
Related cover letter examples
Tips to Write an Effective College Student Cover Letter
As a college student or recent grad, you may have limited work experience, making a cover letter feel challenging. However, with the right planning and use of your academic knowledge, you can write a cover letter that stands out.
The first step is reviewing the job description and picking out job skills that each company emphasizes. For instance, someone applying for a marketing internship may notice a company needs help with lead generation. Then, they could highlight knowledge gained during classes about creating effective landing pages and social media campaigns that will help the company achieve its goals.
Grab attention with the opening of your college student cover letter
While writing reports for your classes, you’ve likely heard that immediately grabbing a reader’s attention is essential. The same is true with cover letters. The best way to make that initial connection is to greet the organization’s contact person by name. You can often find that in the job description or company website.
Now that you have the hiring manager’s attention, you’ll want to take things a step further by connecting to the company’s mission and needs in your opening paragraph. For example, a college student applying for a dental hygiene internship may want to emphasize their eagerness to use their knowledge in X-rays and routine cleanings to help patients achieve a healthy smile.
The example below falls short since the applicant doesn’t greet someone by name or explain how their educational knowledge has equipped them for the role.
Needs to be more specific!
Hello,
As a recent graduate of Boston College’s nursing program, I’m eager to apply for the nursing internship at your company. I believe my education has equipped me with the knowledge to be a great addition to your team.
The opener below provides a more substantial overview of how the applicant’s knowledge from their animal behavior studies and skills in dog training commands will make them a great fit as a dog walker with Park Cities Pet Sitter.
A great opener referencing specific skills!
Dear Mr. Hill,
As one of the dedicated students of Southern Methodist University studying animal behavior in our Biology department, I am eager to bring my skills to Park Cities Pet Sitter as your next dog walker. With two years of experience volunteering at Dallas Dog and my proficiency in basic training commands and positive reinforcement techniques, I can provide excellent care to your canine clients.
Provide the right experiences in the body of your college student cover letter
In the body of your college student cover letter, it’s important to get specific about the job skills that make you a great fit. For example, if you were applying for a student teaching opportunity, you may want to emphasize the classroom management and curriculum planning abilities you’ve gained in your college classes.
You should also use numbers whenever possible. Even if you don’t have much work experience, you can still find data to back up your skill set, like grades, GPA, or accuracy.
A great body paragraph with essential metrics!
A summer internship at Chitech Solutions empowered my SEO prowess. Leveraging Google Analytics and keyword optimization strategies, our team facilitated a 28% improvement in organic search rankings and an 11.9% boost in website-generated leads.
Leave a lasting impression while closing out your college student cover letter
Think of the closing of your cover letter like you’re wrapping up a persuasive class presentation. You’ll want to find ways to relate back to key points about how you connect to the company’s mission and the skills that make you a great fit.
For instance, if you were applying to an entry-level accounting role, you could relate to how you’ll use your skills in QuickBooks to help a company achieve compliant financial practices.
Then, like any good persuasive presentation, you’ll want to use a call to action and thank the hiring manager for their time.
The closer below isn’t making the right impact since the applicant doesn’t go into enough detail about the skills gained from their degree or their connection to the company’s mission.
Needs more detail to make an impact!
I believe my human resources degree has made me well-equipped for this internship. I look forward to discussing this role with you further.
Thank you,
Rebecca Romanov
The closer below does a better job relating to the applicant’s dedication to child safety and education, making them a great fit for Sittercity’s needs.
Stand out by relating to the company’s mission!
My experiences, coupled with my dedication to child safety and education, would be invaluable at Sittercity. Also worth noting, I have included my police clearance for your review. I look forward to discussing how my skill set could benefit and enrich your team at Sittercity.
Sincerely,
Seline Dupont
Cover Letter Tips for a College Student
- Emphasize relevant academic achievements
- Even if you don’t have much real work experience in your field, your academic achievements as a college student will still showcase how you’re prepared to perform well in entry-level roles. For example, if you’re applying for an accounting internship, you could discuss projects you worked on in your financial classes, such as a revenue reporting project where you used Excel formulas to speed up calculations by 56%.
- Write about non-traditional work experiences
- Non-traditional work experience like volunteering or participating in school clubs or other hobbies can still show how you’ll perform well on the job. For instance, let’s say you’re applying for a veterinary internship. You could talk about volunteering at a local animal shelter, following feeding schedules, and providing specialized care to animals from different situations for a 39% better quality of life. All that will show expertise you can use in entry-level vet roles.
- Don’t forget about transferable skills from education
- Both your college experience and jobs in other fields will help present transferable skills that can be applied to a wide range of careers. For an idea, you could write about how you managed time between your studies and participating in your school’s Future Business Leaders of America and math clubs. If you were applying for an entry-level business analyst role, that would show lots of ability in scheduling, business knowledge, and math skills for data management.
College student cover letters should be one page long. Keep it concise and relevant for each job you apply to. For example, if you were applying to an entry-level IT role, a short overview of your troubleshooting and programming knowledge from relevant courses would help you stand out.
You’ve likely gained a lot of skills through your education, so listing all of them would make your cover letter too long. Instead, try to focus on three to five that are relevant to a company’s needs, such as pressure management and structural analysis for someone applying to an engineering internship.
The best achievements to write about will be ones where you have metrics to show your impact and that are highly relevant to company needs. For example, if you were applying to a production management internship, you could explain how you used lean management processes in a class project to boost efficiency by 41%.
