Do entry-level jobs require cover letters?

Yes, entry-level jobs require cover letters. Crafting a cover letter for an entry-level job is especially important because it can help you stand out to your potential employers and help you land your first job after school. Cover letters are a useful tool to demonstrate how your past accomplishments and experience can be useful in the job you are applying for.

What do you write in a cover letter if you have no experience?

When writing a cover letter with no experience, be sure to highlight the soft skills you may have acquired through hobbies, educational courses, or volunteer work. Soft skills are especially important to discuss in your cover letter with no experience because they can be difficult to teach. These skills are typically naturally developed throughout your life, whereas hard skills can be taught on the job. Additionally, it’s a good idea to include how passionate you may be to learn new skills for the job you’re applying for. Highlight your readiness and willingness to learn new things, as this is a key trait many employers look for when hiring entry-level positions.

Do employers read cover letters?

Yes, employers read cover letters. This is especially true when a cover letter is specifically required for your application. A recent study suggests that almost half of HR managers consider a cover letter the second best thing to give your resume a boost during the candidate selection process. However, recent data also suggests that only 26% of recruiters actually read cover letters. Still, that means almost one out of every four recruiters will read through your cover letter, demonstrating the importance of sending a well-crafted one with your job application.

How do you start an entry-level cover letter?

Start an entry-level cover letter by enthusiastically describing why you're interested in the role. The first paragraph of your cover letter is your opportunity to make a strong impression on the hiring manager. Be sure to clearly explain who you are, the position you are interested in, and how you found the job posting. If you have any connections within the company, mention them here.

How To Write An Entry-Level Cover Letter (With Examples)

Cover Letter Examples

If you’re entering the job market in 2026, your cover letter plays a crucial role in your job search.

Your cover letter is a unique opportunity to differentiate yourself from other candidates applying for entry-level positions. Given the competitive nature of the job market, where many applicants may have similar resumes with limited experience, a well-crafted cover letter can make a significant impact.

Additionally, many candidates tend to make common mistakes in their cover letters. By tailoring your cover letter to the specific job you’re applying for, you can open doors that your resume alone might not.

Key Takeaways:

Entry-level cover letters should be concise, ideally between 250 and 300 words, with a maximum of 400 words.
Each cover letter should be specifically tailored for the position you seek.
Clearly state the position you’re applying for, how you will meet the job’s responsibilities, and showcase your personality.
Avoid generalizations in your opening; be specific and direct.
Ensure your cover letter is easy to read, and quantify your accomplishments where possible.

How To Write An Entry-Level Cover Letter (With Examples)

In This Article

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What Is an Entry-Level Cover Letter?
How to Structure an Entry-Level Cover Letter
Elements of an Entry-Level Cover Letter
Common Mistakes in Entry-Level Cover Letters
Entry-Level Cover Letter Tips
Examples of Entry-Level Cover Letters
Entry-Level Cover Letter FAQ
Final Thoughts
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What Is an Entry-Level Cover Letter?

An entry-level cover letter is a document that expresses your interest and qualifications for a job classified as “entry-level.” These positions typically require minimal (or no) previous experience, making it challenging for job seekers to effectively summarize their qualifications.

Your cover letter, alongside your resume, forms the first impression that hiring managers or recruiters will have of you. Unlike your resume, it allows you to explain your interest in the role and how you plan to fulfill it.

The most effective cover letters lead to interview requests, so make sure to highlight your most impressive skills, experiences, and qualities. Even without formal experience, you likely have relevant background and skills that can prepare you for success in this role.

How to Structure an Entry-Level Cover Letter

Hiring managers typically spend about six seconds reviewing each cover letter. This means you need to capture their attention quickly, using around 250 words to highlight:

The position you’re applying for
Your approach to fulfilling the job’s responsibilities
A glimpse of your personality

The structure of your cover letter should be as follows:

Contact Information
Salutation
Body
Closing and Signature

How to write a cover letter

Elements of an Entry-Level Cover Letter

Contact Information

Ensure your contact information is accurate. Include your details at the top left corner, followed by a space and the date, then the salutation. Your contact information should include:

Address
City, State, Zip Code
Phone Number
Email

For the recipient’s contact information, include:

Name
Title
Company
Address
City, State, Zip Code

If you’re sending your cover letter via email, place your contact information in your email signature and remove the recipient’s contact details.

For the subject line, keep it informative and concise, such as “Bilingual Creative Writer Application” or simply your name and the position title.

Salutations

Since hiring managers skim cover letters, avoid overly generic greetings. Instead, do your best to find the hiring manager’s name:

No “Dear Sir or Madam” or “To Whom It May Concern” – these indicate a lack of effort in personalizing your letter.
Use “Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name]” for titles.
If unsure of a person’s gender based on their name, use “Dear [Full Name].”

Employ either a comma or colon after the salutation; we recommend using commas.

Try to find the name of the person reading your letter by searching on the company website or reaching out to the human resources department if needed. If all else fails, “Dear Hiring Manager” is an acceptable fallback.

The Opening Sentence(s)

To stand out, avoid starting with generic phrases like “My name is [name] and I am applying for the [position] at [company].” Instead, capture their attention with a compelling opening.

Examples of Opening Sentence(s)

Clearly state what position you are applying for
Highlight how you will contribute to the role
Convey your personality

Here are some examples:

“My passion for technology began when I built my first computer at age 12, and I am eager to apply that enthusiasm as a Junior IT Specialist at [Company].”

Why it works: This statement conveys enthusiasm for the role and demonstrates relevant personal experience in a relatable way.
“Inspired by my involvement in a community service project, I am excited to contribute my organizational skills as an Event Coordinator at [Company].”

Why it works: This example indicates a personal experience that relates to the job, highlighting the candidate’s skills and motivations.
“While volunteering at a local animal shelter, I discovered my passion for animal care and am excited to bring that dedication to the Veterinary Assistant position at [Company].”

Why it works: This shows the applicant’s commitment and relevant experience, positioning them as a candidate who cares about the role.

These examples illustrate that you don’t need formal work experience to create an engaging opening; your enthusiasm and personal experiences can be just as impactful.

The Cover Letter Body

A common mistake among entry-level candidates is submitting a cover letter that simply reiterates their resume. Think of your resume as providing the “who-what-where-when,” while your cover letter answers the “how and why.”

The goal of the body of your cover letter is to articulate why you are the best candidate for the position. Make sure to connect your experiences to the job requirements without listing them in a dry manner.

If the job description mentions the need for multitasking and meeting deadlines, reference your experience managing a part-time job while maintaining a strong GPA. If they seek detail-oriented candidates, discuss projects where you demonstrated this skill.

Include volunteer experiences, internships, relevant coursework, projects, leadership roles, and applicable skills that relate to the position you are pursuing.

Closing

In your closing, avoid excessive flattery or begging. Even if it’s your dream job, maintain a professional tone and frame it as a business opportunity.

A standard closing could be:

I would appreciate the opportunity to further discuss how my skills and ideas can benefit [Company].

Thank you for considering my application. I hope to hear from you soon.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

If sending via email, include your email signature with contact details instead of a handwritten signature.

Common Mistakes in Entry-Level Cover Letters

Here’s a list of common pitfalls to avoid, as hiring managers often look for reasons to reject candidates:

Avoid generic cover letters. Show employers you’re making an effort and personalize each letter.
Don’t forget about the reader. Focus on how you can meet the company’s needs.
Steer clear of jargon or complex vocabulary. Write clearly and naturally for readability.
Be confident, not modest. This is your chance to showcase your strengths.
Keep it concise. Ideally, your cover letter should be between 200-300 words. Remember, clarity is key.

Entry-Level Cover Letter Tips

With the basics covered, here are some additional tips for crafting an effective entry-level cover letter:

Highlight universally important skills. Incorporate relevant skills from the job description and your strongest transferable skills, especially soft skills like communication and teamwork.
Research the company. Understanding the company’s values and goals can help you align your cover letter with their culture.
Emphasize education. For recent graduates, your educational achievements can help support your application. Mention relevant projects and coursework.
Quantify accomplishments. Use measurable results to demonstrate your impact, such as “managed a team of five” or “increased sales by 20%.”
Proofread. Review your cover letter for spelling and grammar errors, and consider having a friend review it as well.

Examples of Entry-Level Cover Letters

Example 1: Physical Letter

John Brown
123 Brook Ln.
Towne, MD
123-456-7890
john.brown@email.com

08/24/2026

Ashley Smith
Senior Analyst
456 Technology Way
Landon, MD

Dear Ms. Smith,

As a senior sports management student at Roothers State College, I was thrilled to see your posting for equipment interns. Throughout my program, I have gained substantial experience working with athletes across various sports. I am one of only four students to successfully complete rotations in all three sports over four semesters.

I have maintained a 3.8 GPA while being actively involved in several campus recreational leagues, which has given me a unique perspective on the operations side of sports. I understand how to organize and manage equipment effectively due to my experiences.

It has always been my dream to work for a professional sports team, and the [Company] is an organization I deeply admire for its commitment to supporting young players and the local community. I believe my core values align well with those of your organization.

I am confident that I would be an ideal candidate for the equipment intern role, ready to assist coaches and manage inventories. I look forward to discussing the internship in more detail.

Best regards,
John Brown
Example 2: Email

Subject Line: Amy Grant – Junior Copywriter Application

Dear Mr. Jones,

During a recent Job Fair, I had an enlightening conversation with ABC’s recruiter Doris Kelly regarding the Junior Copywriter positions available. As an English graduate, I was excited to learn more about ABC’s innovative content marketing strategy.

My academic background has equipped me with strong writing skills, evidenced by my completion of an award-winning 20,000-word thesis and several undergraduate research papers. I have also collaborated on marketing campaigns for departmental fundraising initiatives and served as a mentor at the university writing center.

Given that the Junior Copywriter role requires collaboration with product, design, and marketing teams, my background in teamwork and my commitment to meeting deadlines would be beneficial to your organization.

I am proficient in Microsoft Office and Google Suite, with a working knowledge of WordPress from managing my personal blog.

I appreciate your consideration for the Junior Copywriter position at ABC and look forward to further discussing my application.

Sincerely,
Beverly Brown
bbrown@uvm.com
555-654-3210
www.bevbrownwrites.com

Entry-Level Cover Letter FAQ

Do entry-level jobs require cover letters?

Yes, entry-level jobs typically require cover letters. A well-written cover letter is crucial for helping you stand out to potential employers and securing your first job after school.

Cover letters serve as a platform to illustrate how your achievements and experiences can be valuable in the position you’re pursuing.
What do you write in a cover letter if you have no experience?

Highlight soft skills you’ve developed through hobbies, coursework, or volunteer work. Soft skills are often more challenging to teach and are highly valued by employers.

Express your passion for learning new skills related to the job, as this trait is critical for entry-level positions.
Do employers read cover letters?

Yes, employers do read cover letters. This is particularly true if a cover letter is mandated as part of the application process.

While not every recruiter will read them, a significant portion considers them important in evaluating candidates.
How do you start an entry-level cover letter?

Begin your cover letter by enthusiastically expressing your interest in the role. Clearly state who you are, the position you are applying for, and how you discovered the job listing. Mention any connections you may have within the company.

Final Thoughts

Writing a cover letter when you have limited experience can be challenging. However, everyone possesses skills, passions, and stories of success. The key is translating those into a compelling half-page document that positions you as the ideal candidate.

By following these cover letter tips, you’ll increase your chances of receiving interview invitations from hiring managers and recruiters.

Cover Letter Examples

Never miss an opportunity that’s right for you.

Author

David Luther

David Luther was the Content Marketing Editor for the Zippia Advice blog. He developed partnerships with external reporting agencies in addition to generating original research and reporting for the Zippia Career Advice blog. David obtained his BA from UNC Chapel Hill.

Expert

Matt Warzel, CPRW, CIR

Matt Warzel a President of a resume writing firm (MJW Careers, LLC) with 15+ years of recruitment, outplacement, career coaching and resume writing experience. Matt is also a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and Certified Internet Recruiter (CIR) with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Marketing Focus) from John Carroll University.

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