A cover letter is a document that provides information to the prospective employer about your educational qualifications, career goals, projects, and other key details in a very crisp manner.
It is a document that quickly and directly communicates the position you are looking for in the organization so that the recruiter does not confuse two candidates with the same qualifications. Also termed as a ‘Job Application Letter,’ a cover letter for freshers must highlight one’s exceptional academic records and educational qualifications.
Know the difference between a resume and a CV.
Landing a job is a challenge for many professionals. However, building a resume and writing a cover letter with no experience can be an even bigger challenge when trying to land a job. This could not be more true for the class of 2020, which is entering a profoundly different economic environment, with a 68% drop in new grad-related job openings since the COVID-19 crisis.
As a job seeker without experience, it’s discouraging when you’ve applied for dozens (or hundreds) of jobs and received zero responses from employers. Although you might feel like giving up on your job search, it’s important to persevere and continue writing cover letters that will make you stand out to employers.
How to Write a Cover Letter for Fresher?
Writing a cover letter as a fresher in India follows a similar structure and format as in other countries. Here are some guidelines to help you create an effective cover letter:
- Header: Begin your cover letter with your contact information, including your name, address, phone number, and email address. Below that, include the current date.
- Salutation: Address the letter to the specific person or hiring manager if you have their name. If you don't have a name, use a generic salutation such as "Dear Hiring Manager" or "Dear Sir/Madam."
- Opening paragraph: Start with a strong and engaging introduction that captures the reader's attention. State the position you are applying for and mention how you learned about the job opportunity. You can also briefly highlight your enthusiasm for the company or industry.
- Body paragraphs: In the next one or two paragraphs, focus on showcasing your relevant skills, qualifications, and experiences. Highlight your educational background, including any relevant coursework or projects. If you have any internships, part-time jobs, or extracurricular activities that are related to the position, mention them and emphasize the skills you gained.
- Tailor the content: Customize your cover letter for each job application. Research the company and job requirements to identify the specific skills and qualities they seek. Incorporate relevant keywords and match your qualifications to their needs. This shows that you have taken the time to understand the role and are genuinely interested.
- Demonstrate your value: Use specific examples to demonstrate your abilities and achievements. Highlight your accomplishments and how they relate to the job you're applying for. This could include academic achievements, leadership roles, problem-solving skills, teamwork experiences, or any other relevant accomplishments.
- Show enthusiasm: Express your enthusiasm for the opportunity to work with the company. Explain why you are interested in the position and how it aligns with your career goals. Mention any research you have done on the company and how it resonates with your aspirations.
- Closing paragraph: Conclude the cover letter by summarizing your qualifications and reiterating your interest in the position. Express your willingness to discuss your application further and provide your availability for an interview. Thank the reader for considering your application.
- Complimentary close: Use a professional closing such as "Sincerely," "Best regards," or "Yours faithfully." Leave a space for your handwritten signature and then type your full name below.
- Proofread and edit: Before sending your cover letter, carefully proofread it for any spelling, grammar, or formatting errors. Ensure the letter is concise, clear, and error-free. Consider asking a trusted friend or mentor to review it as well.
Remember to keep your cover letter concise and to the point, focusing on your qualifications and why you are the right fit for the job. It should complement your resume and provide a compelling introduction to your skills and experiences.
Is a Cover Letter Mandatory?
Most job openings require you to submit a cover letter. Recruiters might not have the time to read all the cover letters they receive, but they will read cover letters if they’re on the fence about a candidate. Besides, even if they never get to your cover letter, failing to submit one when it’s required will be a red flag. A cover letter shows that you’ve put in the extra effort. So, even if the recruiters don’t read them, they will know that you want the job and are committed to taking all necessary steps to show you’re worth it.
Find complete job search help in this comprehensive guide for freshers in India.
A cover letter can set you apart from other candidates. Imagine this scenario: a recruiter is looking at two candidates with the same exact professional background and resume. The difference? One submitted an A++ cover letter that showed exactly why they’re the perfect fit for the job, while the other just copied and pasted an internet template. The 3 cases where you don’t need to include a cover letter with your application are:
- The job opening doesn’t require one: Sometimes, the job description will instruct you not to submit a cover letter when applying. Needless to say, submitting one, regardless of the instructions, will not make you a poster child for dedication; it will just show you can’t follow instructions.
- You don’t have the time to customize your cover letters: If there’s one thing worse than not submitting a cover letter, it is submitting a bad cover letter. An uncustomized cover letter, or a cover letter based on a one-fits-all kind of template that you plan on mass-sending to all the jobs you’re applying for. So, if you’re applying to many jobs and you just don’t have the time (or creativity) to write a separate cover letter tailored to each job, then just don’t write one instead of making that cover letter mistake.
- There is no place to upload one on the application platform: When you’re filling out an online job application, you might notice there is no place to upload a cover letter. Consider that a clear sign that a cover letter is not required for that particular role.
How to Write a Great Cover Letter
While building a perfect cover letter, the candidate should follow the chronology to make it systematic and clear for the employer to glance at. Your potential recruiter will take around 5 to 6 seconds to scan your resume, which means you must sincerely work on your cover letter to serve as the opening act. Given below are the different components of a cover letter for a fresher:
- The name of the employer/organization and the person to be contacted
- Date of the application
- The reference line or the subject of the cover letter containing the position you are applying for
- Greeting the employer directly by writing their name
- The body of the cover letter, starting with an introduction about yourself
- Your educational background, skills, and qualities
- Conclusion about why you should be hired
- Lastly, thank the employer and mention your name and contact details.
Check out the best job sites for freshers in India.
Clear Introduction
The first paragraph is your opportunity to make a strong first impression on the employer. This section should explain the following:
- Who you are
- The position you’re interested in
- How you discovered the opportunity
The introduction is also great for mentioning your connections with the organization. For example, if you know a previous intern or alumni who worked for the organization, mention their name in your introduction.
Relevant Skills and Accomplishments
This section is the biggest challenge for job seekers with little or no experience. It’s also the section where many job seekers make mistakes because they don’t know how to highlight their relevant skills and classroom experience.
Find out all about a cover letter and its importance in a job application.
As you explain why you’re qualified for the position, connecting the dots with the employer is important. For instance, if you didn’t have a marketing internship but gained a lot of marketing experience through a part-time job in student services, you could highlight the communications skills and experience you gained through that position.
Explain Why You’re a Good Fit
Most employers want to hire candidates who are creative team players with strong time management skills. Although you consider yourself a great fit for the position, you need to use examples that illustrate why you’re a good fit. Simply stating that you have excellent time management skills and a knack for leadership won’t land you a job. When discussing your qualities, it’s important to talk about real-life examples. The key point is to ensure your examples are succinct and visual.
Call to Action
The final paragraph is the section that will seal the deal for a job interview. You want to leave a lasting impression on the reader, so make sure your conclusion is confident and upbeat and encourages the hiring manager to get in touch with you.
Best Fonts and Letter Size for Cover Letters
The best cover letter examples include highly readable, professional, and clean fonts. This means you should avoid fonts that include stylistic flourishes or special characters. This is especially important since many employers use applicant tracking systems to scan cover letters and rank them based on relevant keywords that work best with clear, simple fonts.
Stand out by choosing something other than Times New Roman. Even though it’s a professional and simple font, it’s not ideal for reading on a screen. Choose a modern, mature font and easy to read both in print and on screens.
Some of the best cover letter fonts are:
- Avenir
- Calibri
- Cambria
- Constantia
- Corbel
- Franklin Gothic
- Garamond
- Arial
- Georgia
- Gill Sans
- Veranda
- Helvetica
Selecting one of the above fonts ensures you’re not causing the hiring manager any unnecessary eye strain and eliminates problems with automated scanning systems. They are also suitable for both on-screen and print reading and bring a modern, polished element to your cover letter—with some added charm and charisma.
Check out the best formats for a fresher resume.
Save your cover letter as a PDF to preserve its original appearance and font style. To do this, click File in your word processing software and choose Save As. Select the PDF file format from the dropdown and click Save. Other file formats, including .doc and .docx, may display your chosen font incorrectly on the hiring manager’s computer.
Once you’ve proofread the cover letter and are confident it’s error-free, you’re ready to send it to the hiring manager. Cover letter samples can give you an idea of how the document should look like. Ensure you’ve included a header at the top of the document, including your contact information and a shortened URL for your LinkedIn account.
Cover Letter Examples For Freshers
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address] [Date]
[Recipient's Name]
[Recipient's Job Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
Dear [Recipient's Name],
I am writing to apply for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name], as advertised on [Source of Job Listing]. As a recent graduate with a [Degree] in [Field of Study], I am eager to contribute my skills and knowledge to a dynamic organization like yours.
During my academic journey, I developed a strong foundation in [relevant skills or coursework]. Through my coursework and projects, I gained hands-on experience in [specific areas relevant to the job]. These experiences have equipped me with the ability to [mention specific skills or abilities].
In addition to my academic pursuits, I actively participated in [mention relevant extracurricular activities, internships, or part-time jobs]. These experiences have honed my [specific skills] and allowed me to apply my knowledge in practical settings. I am confident that these experiences have prepared me well for the challenges of the [Job Title] role at [Company Name].
I am drawn to [Company Name] because of its reputation for [mention a positive aspect or specific projects]. I am particularly inspired by your commitment to [mention a core value or mission]. Your dedication to [mention a specific aspect] aligns with my own values and aspirations.
I am highly motivated and possess a strong work ethic. I am eager to contribute my skills, learn from experienced professionals, and grow within a dynamic team environment. I am confident that my passion for [mention relevant field or industry] and my ability to [mention specific skills] would make me a valuable asset to your organization.
I would welcome the opportunity to further discuss how my qualifications align with the requirements of the [Job Title] position. I have attached my resume for your review, which provides additional details on my educational background, skills, and experiences.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to [Company Name] and would be grateful for the opportunity to discuss my candidacy further. Please feel free to contact me at your convenience.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
(Note: Remember to sign the cover letter if you are printing and sending a physical copy. If submitting electronically, your typed name serves as the signature.)
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