recent accounting graduate cover letter

Sample Cover Letter for an Accounting Resume

Joe Sirenity 205 Longboat Dr Springfield, MI, 45321 (345)123-5555 [email protected]

May 4, 2014

Sara Riley Human Resources Manager Sam & Associates LLP Wallstreet Way Lansing, MI, 54321

Mrs. Riley,

I obtained your contact information the Sam & Associates LLP job posting on LinkedIn and I wanted to express my interest in the Staff Accountant position. I received my Bachelor’s degree in Accounting with a minor in Business this past April from the University of Michigan. I graduated with honors and qualify to take the CPA exam with my 150 undergraduate credit hours.

I have two years of accounting experience acquired through my internship with Grant Thornton LLP where I used my analytical skills to improve cost saving strategies within the company; saving them thousands of dollars over the course of the year. My experience at Grant Thornton has developed my communication skills and has proven my ability to be a quick-learner and adaptor when placed in a fast-paced work environment.

I am confident that the combination of my work experience and educational background has adequately prepared me for making a strong contribution to Sam & Associates LLP. My prior internship experience has shown me the value of professionalism and has equipped me with the knowledge and work ethic required for long-term success in the field.

Please call me at (345)123-5555 or e-mail me at [email protected] to arrange a convenient time to further discuss my background in relation to the company’s needs. Thank you for your time and consideration, I look forward to hearing from you.

Joe Sirenity

This cover letter is a good example for recent graduates who have majored in accounting. If you see a job posting and don’t know the recipient’s name you could say “Dear Sir or Madame,” as well. Make sure to mention specific skills/experience you think are relative to the job. This is your “attention grabbing” letter, if they like what they see on your cover letter then chances are they’ll read over your resume as well. The goal of your cover letter is to get the reader interested in you and what you have to offer.

THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN WRITING AN ACCOUNTING COVER LETTER:

The key with this type of cover letter is to demonstrate your specific accounting experience and why you are the best choice for the position. This is your personal introduction and your chance to grab your potential employers attention.

Key points to remember:

• Include your contact information at the top of the page as well as the company’s info your sending the cover letter to (if you have it).
• Keep it short, simple, and direct – no more than four paragraphs.
• First paragraph explains WHY you are contacting them and introduces yourself.
• Second paragraph explains your experience that qualifies you for the job or something important you did at your last job, give specific examples (ex. Joe mentions he saved Grant Thornton LLP thousands of dollars during his internship).
• Third paragraph (optional) expands on your qualifications, providing specific examples (ex. Joe mentions professionalism).
• Last paragraph includes contact information and asks to set up an interview or meeting time.

This sample resume is part of the InternationalStudent.com Resume Writing Center .

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Applying for your first job as a fresh college graduate?

While you may have spent days on end drafting a perfect resume for job applications, sending out your resume alone may not be enough to impress the recruiters.

To up your chances of getting shortlisted, you need to leverage your recent education that is up to par with the latest industry trends and tell the recruiters how you can utilize this knowledge to benefit the company.

But since your resume doesn’t allow you to narrate this, a cover letter can do just that.

What’s more?

Including a cover letter in your application shows your enthusiasm, work ethic, and allows the recruiters to have a better understanding of your candidacy.

Read on to learn more about a cover letter for a recent graduate and the following related FAQs:

• What is a cover letter for a recent graduate?
• What should a cover letter for recent graduate include?
• How to write a cover letter for recent college graduate
• What is a cover letter example for a recent graduate?

What is a Cover Letter for a New Graduate?

A cover letter for a recent graduate is a document that supports your job application.

The purpose of a cover letter is to serve as an extension of your resume, presenting your skills and knowledge in more detail.

A recent graduate cover letter must be a page long and should be written with a particular employer in mind.

Given the fact that 26% of employers read and consider cover letters to be influential in their decision to hire candidates, writing a compelling cover letter for a recent graduate can increase your chances of getting an interview callback.

Also read: How to write a cover letter for a recent nursing graduate?

What Should a Recent College Graduate Cover Letter Include?

As opposed to repeating the same details that are already in your resume, your recent graduate cover letter must help recruiters see how your skills and knowledge meet their requirements in the bigger picture.

And unlike a professional cover letter that highlights a candidate’s work experience and professional achievements, a cover letter for a recent graduate must talk about the following:

• Relevant extracurricular activities
• Volunteer work experience
• Academic accomplishments (awards & scholarships)
• Abroad education (if applicable)
• Relevant coursework and skills
• Vocational training and certifications

Whatever aspects of academic experience you choose to highlight in your recent graduate cover letter, ensure that it is relevant to the job profile you are targeting and is tailored according to the job listing.

Also read: How to write a cover letter?

How to Write a Cover Letter for a Recent Graduate?

Although the context of a cover letter for a recent graduate is different than that of an experienced professional, the basic format and guidelines remain the same.

Here are some tips that will help you write an impressive recent graduate cover letter:

Choose a Suitable Format

Not only must your new grad cover letter have compelling content, but it must also look appealing to the recruiters.

Ensure that your cover letter has the following elements:

• 1” margin on four sides
• Double spaces between paragraphs
• 1/1.5 line spacing
• Left-aligned content
• 10-12 points font size

Also, make sure that the font style you choose looks professional and doesn’t have any special characters.

Personalize Your Graduate Cover Letter

Even though you may be sending out multiple applications to different companies at once, you need to personalize your cover letter for each company.

When you put in the effort to research the company and find out the name of the hiring manager for your recent graduate cover letter, it will reflect your genuine interest and attention to detail.

Plus, not a lot of candidates follow this approach, making your application stand out from the rest.

Also, if the hiring manager is a female, avoid using “Mrs.”. Instead, use “Ms.” or “Miss”.

If the hiring manager has a professional title like “Dr.” or “Prof.”, use that title instead.

Take a look at this sample of a personalized recent graduate cover letter salutation:

Also read: How to address a cover letter without a name?

Introduce Yourself and State Your Intent

The first paragraph of a cover letter for a recent graduate should include the following information:

• A brief introduction to yourself (along with your college major, certifications, etc)
• The position you’re applying to
• The source’s name where you found the job listing from
• Mention of referrals (if any)

Write your cover letter concisely to avoid boring the recruiters and deliver all the essential information promptly.

Also read: How to start a cover letter?

Highlight Relevant Information

The body of your new grad cover letter must highlight the best of your academic achievements and knowledge.

Tell the recruiters how the skills and knowledge you have acquired through your education can help you contribute to the company’s growth.

If you received academic scholarships and awards based on your performance, emphasize that. Those are your proven track record of potential and abilities.

Focus on talking about coursework that is in line with the job profile. If you have relevant certifications in the same field, highlight those in the given manner:

“After completing my English degree at XYZ University, I took a certificate course on technical writing that helped me develop the skills and technicality required for writing manuals, documents, and white papers.”

Link Yourself to the Company

Read the job listing thoroughly to understand the requirements of the recruiters and show how your qualifications allow you to meet the company prerequisites.

You must also state your reasons for wanting to work for that particular company.

Beyond the monetary factors, why do you want to work for them? Is it because they offer flexible working schedules? Or is it due to the company’s work culture?

Depending on what you identify with, mention the same in your recent graduate cover letter. Doing so will show your sincerity as a potential employee and will make the recruiters want to shortlist you.

End with a Call to Action

Rather than opting for a generic line like “Thank you for your consideration.”, wrap up your recent graduate cover letter with a strong call to action.

Here’s what you can write:

“I would be delighted to further discuss my qualifications and suitability with you on call or in person. I’m available at 999-9999-9999.”

Also read: How can you draft a stellar accounting internship cover letter?

Sample Cover Letter for Recent College Graduate with No Experience

Also read: What are some samples for great cover letters?

Key Points from the Blog

• A cover letter for a recent graduate is an extension of your resume that gives the recruiters a better understanding of your candidacy.
• Your new grad cover letter must show recruiters how your qualifications and skills make you the perfect candidate for the job.
• Always personalize your salutations and cover letter address to show your attention to detail.
• Highlight your most notable academic achievements like scholarships and awards in your recent graduate cover letter.
• If you completed your degree from a university abroad, mention that in your recent graduate cover letter.
• The format of your recent graduate cover letter must be professional and easy to read.
• State your reasons for wanting to work for a particular company and use the job listing as a reference to tailor your new grad cover letter.
• End your graduate cover letter with a call to action .

Simplify your graduate cover letter writing process by using Hiration's AI-powered cover letter builder .

If you have any questions, you can direct them to [email protected] .

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Accounting graduate cover letter

This free sample cover letter for an accounting graduate has an accompanying accounting graduate resume to help you put together a winning job application.

[date] Dear Sir or Madam Re: Graduate Accountant position I am writing to apply for the advertised Graduate Accountant position. I am a recent Bachelor of Commerce graduate with a major in Accounting, seeking the opportunity to implement my knowledge and skills and make a contribution to your organisation. I have experience in all of the areas encompassed by this role through both work and study, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, bank account reconciliations, statutory account preparation and tax compliance, including BAS, GST, payroll tax and budgets. In addition, I bring a wealth of other essential skills and qualities that I have developed through study and various work experience: teamwork and communication, time management, attention to detail, presentation skills, customer service and the ability to meet deadlines. During my university studies I demonstrated my ability and energy in maintaining accounting-related employment while studying full time. I believe that with my positive attitude and strong work ethic, I would be a great fit for the advertised position. You will find me to be a positive, motivated and hard-working person who is keen to learn and contribute. Given the opportunity, I would apply myself with enthusiasm to all tasks, ensuring that I get the job done accurately and efficiently. My resume is attached, and I look forward to being able to discuss the position with you further. Kind regards [Sign here] Joseph Maradona

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Sample Cover Letters for a Recent College Graduate

Tips for Writing a Strong Cover Letter

• Cover Letter Example & Template

How to Send an Email Cover Letter

Email cover letter example.

For recent graduates newly on the job market, writing an effective cover letter is just as important as crafting a strong resume . In a cover letter, you'll build a case for your candidacy and pitch yourself to the employer. If your cover letter is a success, you’ll receive a follow-up from the recruiter, human resources person, or hiring manager.

As a recent grad, it can sometimes be hard to know how to prove you will be an excellent candidate since you probably do not have a ton of on-the-job experience. However, between summer jobs, campus jobs, internships, campus involvement, and volunteer work, you likely have more experience than you think.

There are two things to consider when writing a cover letter. The first is the content of the letter:

• What will you write to show that you are a strong candidate for the job? Do not copy the information in your resume precisely; instead, cherry-pick your most relevant experience and skills. Read the job ad carefully to get a sense of what the employer is looking for in candidates. It's always best if you can personalize your cover letter — explain to the hiring manager why you would like to work at this company specifically.

The second factor in a cover letter is the format. Whether you send a hard copy cover letter or an email one, it's important to format your letter correctly:

• Review the essential elements of the cover letter , including the salutation , cover letter body, closing, and signature. Then, follow these formatting tips to help your letter stand out.

Your message should be in a formal business-letter format and be targeted to the job to which you’re applying.

Sample Cover Letter and Template

This is an example of a cover letter for a recent college graduate. Download the college graduate cover letter template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online) or see below for more examples.

Sample Cover Letter for a Recent College Graduate (Text Version)

Susan Sharpe 123 Main Street Anytown, CA 12345 555-555-5555 susan.sharpe@email.com

September 1, 2018

Chloe Lee Director, Human Resources Acme Publishing 123 Business Rd. Business City, NY 54321

Dear Ms. Lee,

I would like to express my interest in a position as an editorial assistant for your publishing company. As a recent graduate with writing, editing, and administrative experience, I believe I am a strong candidate for a position at the Acme Publishing Company.

You specify that you are looking for someone with strong writing skills. As an English major, a writing tutor, and an editorial intern for both a government magazine and a college marketing office, I have become a skilled writer with a variety of experience.

Working as an office assistant at the Career Services Office at Acme College has given me the skills necessary to perform various administrative tasks required of an editorial assistant. My job has helped me gain experience in making phone calls, performing ordinary office duties, and executing numerous tasks that involve computer programs such as Microsoft Access and Excel. For three years I have carried out these responsibilities and others with organization, speed, and accuracy, and I know I will be able to apply these abilities to a position with your company.

Although I am a recent college graduate, my maturity, practical experience, and eagerness to enter the publishing business will make me an excellent editorial assistant. I would love to begin my career with your company and am confident that I would be a beneficial addition to the Acme Publishing Company.

I have enclosed my resume and will call within the next week to see if we might arrange a time to speak together. Thank you so much for your time and consideration.

Signature [hard copy letter]

Susan Sharpe

1. Choose the appropriate subject line . If you're sending your cover letter via email, list your name and the job title in the subject line of the email message, e.g.: “Barbara Smith – Graphic Designer.”

2. Keep your message brief and to the point. Attention spans are short, especially when the reader is trying to get through a packed inbox. Aim for three paragraphs, max, and mention the important information right up front. For example, if you’ve been referred for a job, say that in the first paragraph.

3. Include your contact information in your email signature. That will make it easy for hiring managers to get in touch with you.

4. Proofread and test your message before sending it. Make sure your cover letter is typo-free and formatted correctly.

Subject: Alicia Sanchez - Marketing Assistant Position

Dear Ms. Roberts,

George Markowitz recommended that I contact you to express my interest in the role of marketing assistant, which you’ve recently advertised on Elemenco’s jobs page.

I interned with George for two years at Z-Ray before he joined your team, and he can speak to my passion for developing and supporting marketing strategies. In my current role, I work closely with the senior content team to develop campaigns and monitor the success of our programs. I believe my experience makes me an excellent candidate for the job at Elemenco. I have:

Two years of experience as a marketing intern

•  A bachelor’s degree in Marketing & Advertising
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills
• Advanced Google Analytics, Marketo, and Microsoft Office skills

I’d love to speak with you more about your requirements for the role. I hope you’ll contact me at your convenience to set up an interview.

Alicia Sanchez 123 Main Street XYZ Town, NY 11111 Email: Alicia.Sanchez@email.com Cell: 555-123-4545

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How to write a winning CV and cover letter as an accounting graduate

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Your CV and cover letter are your first introduction to a prospective employer. What kind of impression do you want to make? Will you send through the equivalent of a ‘wet noodle’ handshake? A generic document that shows you’re unengaged and haven’t done your research? Or will you create a digital version of yourself that conveys your enthusiasm for the role and your strength as a candidate?

In such a competitive market you need to prove your dedication to understanding the finer details of the company and how much you look forward to communicating them further in an interview scenario. If you want to smash that first barrier to getting a job , employers need to see that you’ve put effort into your CV and cover letter.

Crafting a killer cover letter

A cover letter details why you’re the best candidate for the job you’re applying for. For accounting grads, it’s an opportunity to outline your unique experience or area of interest (management accounting, forensics etc).

Assuming everyone else applying is equally qualified with the same or similar degree, your cover letter is your chance to argue your case about why you’re a strong match with a company’s values and behavioural expectations i.e. why you’re an accounting rockstar who will be an asset to any team they join.

For this reason, a great cover letter talks as much about the company you’re applying for as it does about yourself. This is your first chance to show that you have read and understood the job description and considered how you might be able to fulfil the role.

What to include in your cover letter:

• The name of the company, the hiring manager (if you know it), and the specific role (or graduate program) to which you’re applying.
• A personal introduction to you and your suitability for the role. A cover letter shouldn’t just be a copy of your CV. It needs to specifically address the requirements of the job and give a small indication of how you intend to fulfil them (both with your professional skills and your personal charm).
• The reasons for your interest in the job and/or company to which you’re applying. This is a good time to show that you’ve done your research. Talk about what specifically interests you about accounting and perhaps link it back to work the organisation is doing. If insolvency is your thing, discuss mock cases you did at uni and talk about how you drew on Company A or B for inspiration.
• List your skills and experience and explain how they fulfil the requirements of the job.

Sample cover letter:

Company name

Dear (name of hiring manager e.g. Mrs Shingle, Mr Johnston),

It is with great enthusiasm that I am applying for the position of GRADUATE - AUDIT AND ASSURANCES (SYDNEY). I believe that my education, skills and overall character make me a wonderful candidate for this role.

I am a highly organised and team-focused person, passionate about beginning my career in the Accounting sector with COMPANY NAME.

I am drawn to COMPANY NAME both because of the strong interest I have in this particular role, but also because of a wider belief in the behavioural benchmarks ingrained within your corporate culture. I feel that I would gain a lot from working within a team, and your company credo regarding collaboration and inclusion greatly appeals to me.

My key competencies include an ability to work well with others, a willingness to listen to instruction, and a deadline-focused approach to my work. I am a highly motivated individual with a keen eye for detail, as evidenced by my top-level academic record. My lifestyle, too, is a testament to my drive as a young person, with teamwork and responsibility underpinning my jobs and sporting achievements.

Proactive, naturally curious, and a skilled communicator, I am seeking a challenging position that I can dedicate myself to. It is for this reason and many others that I was naturally drawn to this exciting opportunity.

Best regards,

Address/email

Phone number

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Tips for crafting a winning CV

The purpose of a CV is to give hiring managers an easily scannable summary of your education and achievements so that they can decide whether or not to progress your application to the next stage of the hiring process.

With so much competition for top accountancy jobs, tailoring your CV to really address the requirements for each role can give you an edge over your competition. Now now, we’re not suggesting you write a personalised CV for every application, but making a few tweaks can result in some big success.

You might not have pages’ worth of experience, but the key here is to tailor your career objective or personal statement (the awesome two or three sentences at the top of your CV) to each position or company.

Example one:

Hard-working economics graduate with proven organisational skills seeks to find a home for her passion and experience in the kind of company that makes all the other companies jealous.

Example two:

Highly organised finance graduate with a love of numbers is seeking to leverage her four years of knowledge and training to help [Company A] prosper.

What to include:

• A clear font in a reasonable size. Format your CV with logical headings and well-structured bullet points.
• Acknowledge your academic credentials early on. Mention any majors or specialties that are relevant to the job.
• Include work experience, but not too much. If you’ve worked in five retail stores and eight cafes since you were fourteen, choose two or three of the meatiest roles and include those. A job that lasted less than three months might act as a red flag for employers. Plus, you were unlikely to gain any skills in such a short period of time.
• If you have any accounting or finance experience, include it. Even if it was unpaid. Turn it into a work experience gig and list the skills you gained from it, especially if they correspond to the job requirements.

The contents

An accounting CV should include the following in this order:

• Your contact details, including your phone number and email. Address is optional.
• Your residency status.
• A career statement or overview (remember, this isn’t your goals, but what you can do for a prospective employer).
• A summary of your education and training.
• A list of any professional accreditations you already have (begin with industry-specific qualifications but also mention things like trained language teacher or dance instructor).
• Your work experience, including accounting-related skills and similar qualities that can be linked to the requirements of the job. For example, this is a good chance to talk about how you led your team at Maccas or acted as bookkeeper for your mother’s pottery business).
• Details of your referees or character references (or an explicit statement to provide them on request).

The most common CV format is a reverse chronological approach (most recent jobs listed first then working back from there). Make sure your chronology is clear and simple and that there are no gaps that might act as red flags for employers. For example, if you took a year off after graduating to travel the world, include that as an entry and explain the skills/learnings you took from the experience.

Related articles to help you in applying

How To Craft The Perfect Graduate CV 25 Free Graduate CV Templates Creating a winning cover letter

Browse more articles ➜

Extra tips for a winning cover letter and CV

Strike the right tone.

Accounting is still a largely conservative corporate culture. This might change in the future but for now, assume an air of formality in all of your communications, even your CV and cover letter. We’re not suggesting you craft a document so punctilious that you seem like a fifteenth-century time traveller, but bear in mind your audience when choosing to use conjunctions and colloquialisms like ‘I’m’ instead of ‘I am’ or ‘Rockstar with the books’ rather than ‘highly proficient accounting graduate’.

A word on spelling and grammar

We know you’re probably a numbers person so the finer details around apostrophes don’t carry much weight in your intellectual psyche. However, a hiring manager reading your cover letter and CV most definitely appreciates polished grammar. A misspelled word or poorly chosen pronoun is like wearing a creased shirt to an interview or chewing gum during a response — it doesn’t technically change what you’re saying, but it can greatly impact the vibe you’re giving off.

Top tips for getting the words right:

• Keep your tone professional and polite. Err on the side of formal.
• Use spell check. For the love of all things correct. Use spell check.
• Read what you’ve written out loud. You might feel stupid but you’ll pick up on so many errors of syntax that way.
• Leave what you’ve written overnight then check it again the following day with a clear head.
• Ask someone else to check your work. It might feel juvenile, but even professional writers have editors.

Want to make sure you’re on the right track? Check out our top five essential steps before you apply for an accountancy job .

For our comprehensive and updated guide on how the craft the perfect graduate CV,  check out our latest article here .

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Graduate Accountant Cover letter

Wall street Way, Lansing, MI, 54371

Phone: 022-674-947 Email: [email protected]

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am excited to be applying for the position of graduate accountant, which was advertised on the company website. I am a recent accounting graduate with extensive knowledge in preparing invoices, analyzing financial data, and managing the payroll of employees in the company. I believe I could make a great choice for the entry-level accounting position in your company. I am an efficient, systematic, and self-driven individual passionate about developing my career in the field of accounting as a corporate banker. I have received my bachelor’s degree in accounting with a minor in business this past May from the University of Michigan. I have completed my honors and qualified to take the CPA exam with my undergraduate credit hours.

Through my internship, I gained 2 years of experience in accounting where I used my analytical skills to improve cost-saving strategies within the organization, helping to save thousands of dollars over the year. My work experience has advanced my communication skills and proven my ability to be a fast learner and adapter when placed in a fast-paced working environment. My knowledge of accounting and finance includes maintaining financial records, managing budget, risk assessment, and business strategy reviews.

I am capable of carrying out a wide range of commercial transactions. During my internship, I have gained knowledge in managing financial instruments and accounting software and also been efficient in comprehensively explaining complex information. I am confident with the combination of my work experience and educational background has adequately prepared me for making a strong contribution to the company. I am an accomplished communicator with excellent organization and decision making skills and have a proven track record of consistently meeting and regularly surpassing demanding performance goals.

I would appreciate it if I get an opportunity to speak with you more about this accountant position soon. I invite you to contact me to schedule an interview with you. Thank you for your consideration and time.

Sincerely, Sara Riley

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Cover Letter for a Recent Graduate: Sample and Tips

You have completed a degree — an impressive accomplishment. Now, it’s time to find that first career position, and you are “ready to roll.”

What you don’t have is work experience to put on that resume and to appeal to it in a potential job interview. So you will have to be creative and focus on your coursework and other activities that relate to any opening you intend to apply for.

Be realistic about the openings you go after. You will need to look for entry-level positions and assess if your core competencies match the describe duties. But we all know that those entry-level jobs are very competitive. 

While your resume will look much like that of others applying for those same positions, you can stand out with a cover letter. One that showcases your unique personality, soft skills, enthusiasm, and overall “fit” for the position. 

Recent Graduate Cover Letter Example (Word version)

Below is a cover letter example for a recent graduate in accounting.

Download cover letter example (.docx)

Sample Cover Letter for a Recent Graduate (text version)

Dear Ms. Smart,

I was excited to learn from Dr. Ralph Sommers, my tax accounting professor, that you have an entry-level accounting position open in your firm. He suggested that I apply because he feels I would be a good fit.

I will graduate this May with a Bachelor’s in accounting, a field that has excited me from the very beginning of my studies. I am now looking forward to contributing to a public accounting firm that focuses on external auditing, while I complete the work requirements and exam preparation for my CPA license.

This past semester, I completed an internship with the local chapter of the United Way, working under the supervision of their in-house financial director, and observing an external audit. 

One of the things that excite me about your firm is that it performs audits for a number of non-profit organizations, a few with which I am familiar. In fact, during my sophomore year in college, I volunteered as a tutor for the Boys’ and Girls’ Club of Toledo, which I have since learned is a client of yours.

The enclosed resume will provide my educational background, as well as co-curricular activities, several of which involved leadership positions. For the past two years, I have served as the President of our campus chapter of Beta Alpha Psi.

I look forward to meeting with you to discuss the current opening and how I may be of benefit to your company. Please contact me to schedule any time that would be convenient for you.

Sincerely, Bill Clark

How to Write a Cover Letter as a Recent Graduate

The sample above is short, sweet, yet rather memorable. Why? Because the author mentions specific details about the company and showcases how their experience perfectly matches the company values. 

By the time the recipient of your letter has read it, they should know who you are, why you are applying for this position, why you believe you are a fit for this organization, and that you have the skills to fulfill the requirements of the job.

To draft a similar cover letter, take a close look at these great tips.

Do Your Research

You must demonstrate that you have had enough interest in this company to research it and to know a bit about its mission and its major focuses . In the case of the letter above, the applicant knows that the company performs external audits and that it does so for some non-profit organizations. For your letter, try to find a “connecting point” too and bring that up in relation to your personal interests and/or career objectives.  

Drop a Name if You Can

Note in the letter above that the candidate learned about the opening from one of his professors. It is quite likely that some people in the firm know this individual, so it is appropriate to drop the name. As a side here — be certain to ask the individual if you can use them as a reference . 

Back-Up Statements with Facts

If you state that you have coursework or activities that relate to the position opening, state them specifically, to prove your point. In the cover letter sample for recent graduates above, the internship with a non-profit and the position as an officer with a student accounting association are the perfect details to include.

Refer to Your Resume

Your cover letter should not repeat the information in your resume . The goal of the letter is to engage the reader and generate enough interest that they will be motivated to open up that document and learn more about you. Still, you should point the reader in the direction of your resume for more detail regarding statements you make about your background and qualifications.

Final Thoughts: Perfection is a Must

The smallest error in grammar, sentence structure, or punctuation may seem minor to you, but it isn’t to a reader who is considering job candidates. They want to see the attention to detail and a candidate who has taken the time to review, edit, and ensure that the cover letter is perfectly written. Use basic software editing tools such as Grammarly or Wordtune . Ask a friend, a uni career counselor, or a mentor to review your letter too. 

The bottom line is this: Be absolutely certain that letter is perfect before you click that “send” button.

Elena runs content operations at Freesumes since 2017. She works closely with copywriters, designers, and invited career experts to ensure that all content meets our highest editorial standards. Up to date, she wrote over 200 career-related pieces around resume writing, career advice... more

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Crafting Effective Cover Letters

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In today’s competitive job market, a stellar resume alone might not be enough to secure your dream job. A well-crafted cover letter can make all the difference. It’s your opportunity to showcase your personality, highlight your relevant experiences, and demonstrate why you’re the perfect fit for the position. Here are some tips to help you craft a winning cover letter tailored to specific job applications:

• Research the Company : Before you start writing, take the time to research the company. Understand its mission, values, and culture. This knowledge will enable you to tailor your cover letter to align with the company’s ethos and demonstrate your genuine interest in the organization.
• Address the Hiring Manager: Whenever possible, address your cover letter to a specific person rather than using a generic salutation like “To Whom It May Concern.” If the job posting doesn’t include a contact name, do some digging on the company’s website or LinkedIn to find out who the hiring manager is.
• Customize Your Content: Avoid using a one-size-fits-all approach for your cover letter. Instead, customize each letter to reflect the requirements of the job you’re applying for. Highlight your most relevant skills and experiences that match the job description, and explain how your background makes you an ideal candidate.
• Start Strong : Your opening paragraph should grab the reader’s attention and make them want to learn more about you. Consider starting with an engaging anecdote, a compelling statistic, or a brief summary of your most impressive accomplishment.
• Showcase Your Achievements : Use specific examples to demonstrate your qualifications. Instead of simply stating that you’re a “hardworking team player,” provide concrete examples of times when you collaborated effectively with others to achieve a common goal.
• Quantify Your Successes : Whenever possible, quantify your achievements with numbers to provide tangible evidence of your capabilities. For example, instead of saying you “increased sales,” specify that you “boosted sales by 30% within six months.”
• Highlight Your Soft Skills : In addition to technical skills, employers often value soft skills such as communication, problem-solving, and adaptability. Use your cover letter to showcase these qualities and explain how they’ve contributed to your success in previous roles.
• Express Your Enthusiasm : Convey your genuine enthusiasm for the opportunity and explain why you’re excited about the prospect of joining the company. Employers want to hire candidates who are not only qualified but also passionate about the work they’ll be doing.
• Close Strong : End your cover letter with a strong closing statement that reiterates your interest in the position and expresses your readiness to contribute to the company’s success. Thank the hiring manager for considering your application and express your eagerness to discuss how you can add value to the team.
• Proofread Carefully : Before sending your cover letter, thoroughly proofread it to ensure there are no typos, grammatical errors, or awkward phrasings. A polished cover letter demonstrates your attention to detail and professionalism.

Remember, your cover letter is your chance to make a memorable impression on potential employers and set yourself apart from other applicants. By following these tips and tailoring your cover letter to each job application, you’ll increase your chances of landing interviews and ultimately securing your dream job. Good luck!