A great recent graduate cover letter can help you differentiate yourself from the competition during the job search. Even if you lack hands-on experience, you can still make a lasting impression on prospective employers by highlighting your academic achievements and industry knowledge. This guide provides examples and expert tips to help you build a winning recent graduate cover letter and land your first entry-level job.
Recent Graduate Cover Letter Templates and Examples
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Recent Graduate Text-Only Cover Letter Templates and Examples
Dental Hygienist
Recent Law Graduate
Computer Science Recent Graduate
Recent Master’s Graduate
Recent Accounting Graduate
Software Developer Graduate
Finance Graduate
Marketing Graduate
Jamie Smith
Dental Hygienist | [email protected] | (206) 555-1234 | Seattle, WA 98101
June 19, 2025
Dr. Emily Carter
Clinic Manager
Bright Smile Dental
(206) 555-6789 [email protected]
Dear Dr. Carter:
In my final clinical rotation at the University of Washington School of Dentistry, I was commended by my supervising dentist for achieving a 98% patient satisfaction score — one of the highest in my cohort. This achievement reflects my dedication to gentle, thorough care and patient education.
I’m excited to apply for the entry-level Dental Hygienist position at Bright Smile Dental because your clinic’s focus on preventive care and community outreach aligns perfectly with my passion for promoting oral health in underserved populations. After reviewing the job posting, I’m particularly drawn to your new pediatric wellness initiative, and I’m eager to contribute my hands-on experience and patient-centered approach.
Relevant highlights:
Completed over 200 prophylaxis procedures and periodontal assessments during clinical rotations, maintaining a 98% patient satisfaction rate
Presented a poster on “Reducing Dental Anxiety in Pediatric Patients” at the Pacific Northwest Dental Hygiene Conference
Graduated with a 3.9 GPA, earning the Dean’s Award for Clinical Excellence
Volunteered 150+ hours providing free dental cleanings at the University’s community health fair
I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my clinical skills and enthusiasm for preventive care can benefit Bright Smile Dental. Please feel free to contact me at your convenience to schedule an interview.
Sincerely,
Jamie Smith
Alex Johnson
Juris Doctor Candidate | [email protected] | (312) 555-2345 | Chicago, IL 60605
June 19, 2025
Mr. Robert Martinez
Recruiting Manager
Martinez & Associates Law Firm
(312) 555-6780 [email protected]
Dear Mr. Martinez:
Last month, I was awarded the Harold Greene Scholarship for my appellate brief on First Amendment protections — an honor adjudicated by three sitting Illinois Supreme Court justices. This recognition underscores my research prowess and persuasive writing abilities.
After reviewing your summer associate posting, I’m eager to join Martinez & Associates because of your firm’s stellar record in media law and commitment to pro bono advocacy. Your recent victory in Smith v. Tribune, securing press protections, particularly inspired me to apply.
Key qualifications:
Authored and argued an appellate brief winning moot court’s Best Brief Award at Northwestern Pritzker School of Law
Served as a student clerk for the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, drafting motions and memoranda on civil rights cases
Co-founded the Media Law Society, organizing speaker events with leading First Amendment attorneys
Graduated cum laude, top 10% of class, with a concentration in constitutional and First Amendment law
I would be honored to further discuss how my litigation research and writing experience can support Martinez & Associates’ media law practice. Thank you for your time, and I look forward to the possibility of an interview.
Respectfully,
Alex Johnson
Taylor Lee
B.S. Computer Science | [email protected] | (415) 555-3456 | San Francisco, CA 94107
During my capstone project at UC Berkeley, I led a team of four to develop a machine learning model that reduced image classification error by 15% over baseline — resulting in an invitation to present at the West Coast AI Symposium.
I’m applying for the Junior Software Engineer role at TechNova Solutions because your emphasis on scalable AI-driven products matches my strengths. I was impressed by your recent launch of the VisionX platform and am excited by the opportunity to contribute to its next generation.
Career highlights:
Designed and implemented a convolutional neural network in TensorFlow achieving 92% accuracy on a 50-class image dataset
Interned at CloudScale Inc., optimizing backend microservices to reduce API response times by 30%
Built a full-stack web application using React and Node.js to streamline event management for student organizations
Graduated with honors, GPA 3.8, Dean’s List all semesters
I welcome the chance to discuss how my hands-on AI and software development experience can support TechNova’s product roadmap. Please let me know a convenient time for an interview.
Sincerely,
Taylor Lee
Jordan Brown
M.A. International Development | [email protected] | (202) 555-4567 | Washington, DC 20001
June 19, 2025
Ms. Laura Kim
Program Director
Global Impact Foundation
(202) 555-8901 [email protected]
Dear Ms. Kim:
As the capstone lead for my master’s thesis in Development Economics, I designed a microfinance impact assessment that increased loan repayment rates by 20% in rural communities of Nepal. The project was later adopted by a local NGO for wider implementation.
I’m inspired to apply for the Program Associate position at Global Impact Foundation because of your proven track record in sustainable development and community empowerment. Your recent initiative in Southeast Asia aligns with my field research and passion for evidence-based interventions.
Selected accomplishments:
Conducted field surveys with 300+ participants in Nepal to evaluate microcredit program efficacy
Managed a team of five researchers, delivering policy briefs to local government stakeholders
Authored two peer-reviewed articles on gender equity in microfinance, published in the Journal of Development Studies
Earned a 4.0 GPA, recipient of the Dean’s Fellowship for outstanding academic performance
I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my research expertise and program management skills can support Global Impact Foundation’s mission. Thank you for considering my application.
Best regards,
Jordan Brown
Morgan Davis
B.S. Accounting | [email protected] | (212) 555-5678 | New York, NY 10001
I graduated top of my class at NYU’s Stern School of Business after completing an audit simulation that identified $250K in cost‐saving opportunities for a midsize retail client — feedback from my professor called it “industry‐ready.”
Your listing for a Staff Accountant resonates with my goal to join a firm known for technical excellence and client service. I’m particularly drawn to Patel & Co.’s work with emerging tech startups and the collaborative culture you showcase in your recent annual report.
Key achievements:
Led a team in an academic audit simulation, uncovering process inefficiencies and recommending controls that saved $250K
Interned at KPMG, assisting in financial statement audits for three Fortune 500 clients and preparing workpapers in accordance with GAAP
Developed an Excel-based budgeting tool that improved forecast accuracy by 12% for a student‐run investment fund
Graduated summa cum laude, GPA 3.95, and passed the CPA exam on the first attempt
I would welcome the chance to discuss how my audit experience and analytical skills can contribute to Patel & Co.’s continued success. Please feel free to contact me to arrange an interview.
Sincerely,
Morgan Davis
Curtis Jones
Software Developer | [email protected] | (123) 456-7890 | Portland, OR 12345 | LinkedIn
Jan 1, 2025
Caroline Matthews
Hiring Manager
Solaris Software Inc.
(987) 654-3210 [email protected]
Dear Ms. Matthews,
As an intern at Portland Technology Inc., I collaborated with a dynamic team of software developers and engineers to design innovative mobile applications for the education industry. While supporting the development of three separate applications, I gained valuable knowledge and training in Agile methodology and software development lifecycles. My internship and academic experience will allow me to deliver valuable contributions to your organization.
Solaris Software Inc.’s reputation for creating value for users draws me to apply for this position. My bachelor’s degree in software engineering from the University of Portland and my experience as a software developer intern will allow me to aid your teams in designing scalable applications based on the following achievements from my career:
Supported the software development team in designing a mobile Android application to aid college students in comparing prices for used college textbooks and subscription services, which garnered over 500,000 downloads following the launch
Executed an academic project to design an application platform for users to improve vocabulary across 10 different languages by providing a database of common colloquial phrases
Completed coursework in Python, Ruby on Rails, SQL, Jira, and JavaScript, graduated with summa cum laude distinction, and achieved a 3.8 GPA
I look forward to speaking with you further regarding how my application development experience can aid Solaris Software Inc. in continuing to create value for users. You may contact me via phone or email at your earliest convenience. I appreciate your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Curtis Jones
Jessica Adams
Financial Analyst | [email protected] | (123) 456-7890 | New York, NY, 12345 | LinkedIn
Jan. 1, 2025
Raymond Johnson
Hiring Manager
Cohen Financial Partners
(987) 654-3210 [email protected]
Dear Mr. Johnson,
During my internship with Brooklyn Financial Services, I interacted with a team of financial analysts to evaluate investment opportunities for a multimillion-dollar firm. This experience gave me valuable knowledge of business models, product use cases, and financial forecasting, which makes me the ideal candidate for the financial analyst position with your company.
Cohen Financial Partners has a reputation for ethical business practices, which strongly aligns with my core values as a finance professional. I can continue to help your organization grow your investment portfolio based on my previous achievements from my work experience and academic career:
Conducted financial analysis of investment opportunities for new products in coordination with a team of economists and analysts, which included evaluating long-term financial outlook, product use cases, and long-term growth potential
Supported the team in creating financial models and PowerPoint presentations on investments
Wrote a 15-page research paper evaluating financial projections for the housing market and the impact of COVID-19 on first-time homebuyers
I would like to schedule an interview to discuss further how my experience in financial analysis and risk management can benefit your organization. Feel free to contact me at your earliest convenience with any additional questions you may have about my background. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Jessica Adams
Arthur Morris
Marketing Professional | [email protected] | (123) 456-7890 | Boston, MA 12345 | LinkedIn
January 1, 2025
Sarah Taylor Hiring Manager
New England Marketing Inc.
(987) 654-3210 [email protected]
Dear Ms. Taylor,
As a marketing intern with the Falmouth Marketing Consulting Agency, I coordinated with a team of specialists to enhance social media presence and web marketing for clients. I also attended meetings with creative teams to define brand messaging based on target audiences. Through these experiences, I developed an advanced understanding of social media marketing, which will allow me to thrive in the marketing specialist position with your organization.
New England Marketing Inc.’s reputation for driving customer success draws me to apply for this position. My expertise in brand messaging and social media marketing will allow me to provide valuable contributions to your organization based on my career achievements:
Supported the marketing team in executing social media campaigns on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter platforms and utilized Hootsuite to schedule posts based on key performance indicators (KPIs), resulting in a 500% increase in followership on LinkedIn
Collaborated with copywriters and search engine optimization (SEO) specialists to create engaging copy and brand messaging for clients, which resulted in a 10% increase in page views for a customer website
Served on a student marketing team to manage Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn social media pages for the University of Columbia under the supervision of the marketing manager
I hope to speak with you further regarding my expertise in social media marketing and how it can benefit your organization. You may contact me via phone or email at your convenience. I appreciate your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Arthur Morris
How To Write a Recent Graduate Cover Letter
To write a great recent graduate cover letter that can truly help you break into your industry, the key is to show the most compelling aspects of your academic career and internships. Carefully analyze the role you’re applying for and identify how your unique skill sets align with the company’s needs. By tailoring your document towards individual opportunities, you’ll maximize your chances of landing an entry-level position. Below, we’ll walk you through each step of building your recent graduate cover letter:
1. Contact information and salutation
List all essential contact information at the top of your recent graduate cover letter, including your name, phone number, email, and LinkedIn URL. Be sure to address the hiring manager by name — Mr. or Ms. [Last Name]. If you can’t find the hiring manager’s name, use a variation of “Dear Hiring Manager.” This is preferable to salutations such as “To Whom It May Concern,” as these types of greetings are largely considered outdated.
2. Introduction
Open your recent graduation cover letter with a powerful introduction to grab the hiring manager’s attention and convey your interest in the job. Feature an eye-catching achievement from your resume and highlight key skills the organization is looking for. If you don’t have an internship you can point to, showcase academic achievements that demonstrate your qualifications for the job.
In the example below, the candidate has a unique advantage due to their experience interning at a large financial institution. This adds a certain level of credibility to the knowledge and skills they gained. That said, even if you haven’t had a similar opportunity, you can still hook the reader in the opening paragraph of your recent graduate cover letter by carefully tailoring it toward the job description.
Example:
During my internship with Brooklyn Financial Services, I interacted with a team of financial analysts to evaluate investment opportunities for a multimillion-dollar firm. This experience gave me valuable knowledge of business models, product use cases, and financial forecasting, which makes me the ideal candidate for the financial analyst position with your company.
3. Body paragraphs
In the body paragraphs of your recent graduate cover letter, continue to focus on achievements from your internships. If you haven’t had the opportunity to work in your field, draw attention to your academic projects. Using a list of bullet points to break up the monotony of the text on the page is helpful here, as this will improve the overall readability of your document. It’s also important to mention the organization’s reputation or mission statement and how it aligns with your background and professional values.
Example:
New England Marketing Inc.’s reputation for driving customer success draws me to apply for this position. My expertise in brand messaging and social media marketing will allow me to provide valuable contributions to your organization based on my career achievements:
Supported the marketing team in executing social media campaigns on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter platforms and utilized Hootsuite to schedule posts based on KPIs, resulting in a 500% increase in followership on LinkedIn
Collaborated with copywriters and SEO specialists to create engaging copy and brand messaging, which resulted in a 10% increase in page views for a customer website
Served on a student marketing team to manage Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn social media pages for Columbia University under the supervision of the marketing manager
4. Recent graduate cover letter skills and qualifications
To compensate for a lack of hands-on industry experience, leverage the skills and knowledge you’ve gained from your academic career in your recent graduate cover letter. Instead of providing a comprehensive list, focus on integrating relevant key terms from the job description into your paragraph. Emphasize how you’ve utilized these skill sets in your internships and academic projects. Below, you’ll find a range of potential skills across a variety of industries:
Key Skills and Qualifications
Academic research
Analytical
Business analysis
Business strategy
Client relations
Cloud technology
Communication
Computer science
Content writing
Cross-functional collaboration
Data analysis
Data analytics
Financial analysis
Marketing
Nursing
Patient care
Sales
Team leadership
5. Closing section
Include a call to action in the conclusion of your recent graduate cover letter. Invite the hiring manager to bring you in for an interview or reach out for more information on your background. Emphasize how your skill sets can translate effectively to a professional industry setting. Be sure to thank the hiring manager for their time and consideration in the last sentence.
Example
I look forward to speaking with you further regarding how my application development experience can aid Solaris Software Inc. in continuing to create value for users. You may contact me via phone or email at your earliest convenience. I appreciate your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Curtis Jones
Recent Graduate Cover Letter Tips
1. Leverage your internships
One of the best ways to grab the hiring manager’s attention is by leveraging your internships. This shows potential employers you’ve acquired hands-on experience, which can be exactly the type of information that advances you to the next phase of the hiring process. Be sure to provide context and numbers for any notable achievements, as this will heighten the impact of your positive contributions.
2. Feature academic achievements and certifications
If you haven’t had the opportunity to pursue an internship, you can still make a strong impression on the hiring manager by featuring your academic achievements. Instead of only mentioning coursework, call out impressive projects that demonstrate how you’ve applied industry skills while completing your degree.
3. Showcase volunteerism and community service
Another way to compensate for a lack of hands-on work experience is by highlighting community service and volunteerism on your cover letter. Even if this isn’t relevant to your field, in some instances, this can help show potential employers you’re the right culture fit for their organization. It also sends a positive message in regard to your personal values.
Recent Graduate Cover Letter FAQs
Why should I include a recent graduate cover letter?-
While not every job will require a cover letter during the application process, including one can help bolster your chances of landing the interview, especially as a recent graduate. This allows you to make a strong introduction and display your most relevant qualifications using a more personal approach than you would on your resume.
How do I make my cover letter stand out?-
To make your cover letter stand out, carefully research the company you’re applying to. Think about how your academic background and experience match the needs of the organization. Mention something specific about the company and why it drew you to pursue the opportunity. This shows you’re a serious candidate who’s truly engaged in the hiring process.
How long should my cover letter be?-
Keep your cover letter concise and focused, limited to no more than three or four paragraphs. This ensures your document is centered on your most relevant academic achievements, internships, and industry-related skills. Avoid padding your cover letter with fluff and generic buzzwords, as this doesn’t provide any valuable information that would interest the hiring manager.
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Frank Hackett is a professional resume writer and career consultant with over eight years of experience. As the lead editor at a boutique career consulting firm, Frank developed an innovative approach to resume writing that empowers job seekers to tell their professional stories. His approach involves creating accomplishment-driven documents that balance keyword optimization with personal branding. Frank is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches (PAWRCC).
