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3 High School Student Cover Letter Examples for 2024 

Stephen Greet

  • High School Student Cover Letter
  • High School Student No Experience Cover Letter
  • Summer Job High School Student
  • Write Your High School Student Cover Letter

As a high school student, you’re nearing your first steps into the professional world. You’ve got passion, energy, and a go-getter attitude—all you need is a chance to prove how capable you are. 

Whether you’re angling for a class president position at your school or searching for a part-time job, writing a cover letter to accompany your impressive high school student resume can really help you express your dedication. However, writing your first job application can seem pretty intimidating.

Don’t worry! That’s why we’re here. Start with our high school student cover letter examples and tips, and polish things off with our free AI cover letter generator to impress your target audience and reach for the stars.

high school graduate cover letter no experience

High School Student Cover Letter Example

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High School Student cover letter example

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123 Fictional Avenue Dallas, TX 75001 (123) 456-7890

August 20, 2023

Mia Moore Woodrow Wilson High School 123 Fictional Lane Dallas, TX 75001

Dear Ms. Moore,

I advocate for nurturing students to become leaders, and Woodrow Wilson High School is a fertile ground for such a realization. I am expressing my interest to become a class president in the upcoming student elections. My decision is backed by a strong vision for our school’s role in fostering a positive and inclusive environment that will empower every student to reach their full potential.

Since joining the school, I have been actively involved in organizing various events. I was the lead organizer for this year’s cultural festival, which achieved a 47% more attendance than last year. From this experience, if elected a class president, I will leverage event mobilization skills to create engaging and enjoyable events that bring us together as a close-knit community.

I have also utilized my graphic design abilities to create eye-catching posters, flyers, and social media adverts for different clubs. In particular, I designed social media banners to create awareness for the annual art exhibition, with posts garnering over 1000 comments within an hour across social media platforms. I firmly believe that effective communication is the key to success, and I will use my creativity and design skills to disseminate important information to all students.

Balancing academics, extracurricular activities, and personal commitments have honed my project management skills. As a class president, I will apply these competencies to work closely with my fellow student council members, ensuring that our ideas and initiatives are effectively executed for the betterment of our school and community.

Thank you for considering my candidacy. I look forward to the opportunity to serve our school and contribute to an even brighter future for all of us. If you have any questions or want to discuss further, do not hesitate to reach out.

Miguel Torres

Enclosures: Resume Application 2 letters of recommendation Personal Statement

Why this cover letter works

  • Therefore, it makes perfect sense for your high school student cover letter to emphasize your role in event planning and back it up with the attendance metrics to prove your mobilization competencies.

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High School Student No Experience Cover Letter Example

High School Student No Experience cover letter example

Copy this text for your high school student no experience cover letter!

123 Fictional Avenue Atlanta, GA 30033 (123) 456-7890

Avery Johnson Jamba Juice 123 Fictional Lane Atlanta, GA 30033

Dear Mr. Johnson,

Growing up, I helped my mother with setting the dining table. It put a smile on my face to see everyone enjoy their meal. It is from this childhood passion, which has changed to customer service, I am writing to express my strong interest in the barista position at Jamba Juice.

I have always been captivated by the art of drink preparation and have spent countless hours experimenting with various flavor combinations at home. Moreover, my experience in providing exceptional customer service in my volunteer work at Mercy’s Community Center has allowed me to develop strong interpersonal skills and a genuine commitment to meeting the needs of others.

I am well-versed in creating delicious and visually appealing beverages. Whether it’s crafting the perfect smoothie, juice, or specialty drink, I take great pride in ensuring that each creation is made with the utmost attention to detail and quality. I will also strictly follow food safety guidelines and take personal responsibility for adhering to proper hygiene and sanitation practices.

I believe that working at Jamba Juice will provide me with valuable experiences and skills that will complement my educational journey and future career aspirations. I would be grateful for the opportunity to discuss how my skills and enthusiasm can benefit Jamba Juice in person. Thank you for considering my application.

Diego Chavez

  • Your many experiments at home with multiple beverage flavors and food safety knowledge would be perfect examples of skills that you can highlight for your application to sail through.

Summer Job High School Student Cover Letter Example

Summer Job High School Student cover letter example

Copy this text for your summer job high school student cover letter!

123 Fictional Avenue Omaha, NE 68101 (123) 456-7890

Benjamin Brown McDonald’s 123 Financial Lane Omaha, NE 68101

Dear Mr. Brown,

Every other weekend, my dad takes us out for a brunch at Mcdonald’s. I always look forward to the treat and the excellent customer service. I would welcome the challenge of being on the other side, serving and meeting customer preferences as a crew team member for the upcoming summer break.

As an order taker at local community event dubbed “Good Neighbor” with a 350+ attendance, I developed strong communication skills and the ability to work under pressure while ensuring accuracy in taking orders. Additionally, I honed my cleaning and sanitization abilities during my volunteer stint at FreshBitez food bank, where maintaining a hygienic environment was of utmost importance.

I also have experience in food preparation at school events which taught me the importance of efficiency and attention to detail. Adding that to my food safety knowledge and excellent timekeeping equips me with unique skill sets to exceed all expectations for this role.

As a crew team member at McDonald’s, I am committed to upholding the restaurant’s reputation for excellence. I am a quick learner and thrive in fast-paced environments, which I believe are vital attributes for success in this role’s high expectations.

Thank you for considering my application. I would be thrilled to discuss my suitability further in an interview. Please find my resume attached for your reference. I am available at your earliest convenience.

Ingrid Hansen

  • Telling your story about how it feels every time your dad takes you to McDonald’s for brunch is a great pacesetter to get hired. To add weight to your summer job high school student cover letter, emphasize your order-taking skills when you catered to a 350+ attendance community event.

Related cover letter examples

  • Entry Level
  • Customer Service
  • Social Media Manager

How to Prepare a Fantastic High School Student Cover Letter

Salesperson pops out of computer screen to depict outselling the competition with sales cover letter

Whether you’re still in school or just graduated, you already have a lot more marketable skills than you might think. Your cover letter is how you inform potential employers or the school faculty about them and make them shine.

The key is to focus on the job description and determine what it is that they want. For instance, if you’re applying for a part-time job as a barista, emphasize skills that are key for that role, such as customer service or cash handling. You got this!

high school graduate cover letter no experience

Write the perfect greeting and intro

Start by addressing the recipient by name. If you’re announcing your candidacy for class president, find out the name of the student council advisor or faculty advisor and include it here. Applying for a job? Address the hiring manager or recruiter. If you absolutely can’t, a “Dear Hiring Manager” will do.

Move on to expressing why this particular role is special to you. Perhaps you care about your school and want to improve it as a class treasurer or secretary, or you want to work in food service because of your past volunteering at a food bank. 

Mention these things, alongside the company or school name, to show that you care about the position.

Here’s what you should steer clear of—a generic opener that makes it clear that this role is just a means to an end.

Don’t do this!

I’m applying for this job because I need to save money to buy a new car. I can work every other weekend.

The personal connection in this opener makes it clear that this person cares about the student body and has a deep commitment to the well-being of their fellow students, both of which are essential qualities for a class president.

high school graduate cover letter no experience

Dive into why you’re a great fit in the body paragraphs

Use these 2-3 paragraphs to connect your skill set to the job description and explain why you’re a great fit. The exact contents depend on the role. 

For instance, if you’re applying to work at a pizza joint, emphasize the multitasking abilities that you’ve honed while organizing a class event. On the other hand, if you were ever a class treasurer, that’s a great thing to mention if you’re going to be handling cash—after all, you’ve already got experience in that.

A good way to make your past successes stand out is to add useful metrics. As an example, talk about how your efforts at promoting the school play resulted in over 30% higher attendance than the previous year.

If you don’t have any metrics, that’s okay—simply use this part of your cover letter to emphasize your strengths.

This is the way!

high school graduate cover letter no experience

End on a good note with an impressive closing paragraph

To make a lasting impression, personalize your closing paragraph just as much as you did the rest of your cover letter. 

If you’re applying for a job, make sure to mention the company by name and express why you want to work there. You can also pick a couple of key skills that you’re excited to bring to the role, such as your positive attitude and love for math, if you’re applying to work at the cash register in a supermarket.

It’s important to thank the recipient for their time and express that you’re looking forward to the opportunity to discuss the role during an interview. Make sure to come off as respectful and emphasize how important this role is to you.

This is a poor example of a closing paragraph. The writer assumes that they will be hired due to the shortage of workers, but instead, they leave a poor impression on the potential employer.

Oh, no…

I know you are having trouble finding servers to hire so I hope you can get back to me quickly because I’m ready from next Monday.

Below is a much better approach that establishes a connection with that particular company. The writer comes off as humble and talks about how the job will be a learning opportunity.

Impressive!

Don’t worry—everyone has to start somewhere. Discuss your skills and work experience from school, extracurriculars, and passion projects. For example, if you’ve previously volunteered during a charity event, include it to show that you know how to work in a team.

It’s important to keep things professional. If the job description is informal, you can allow yourself to be a little more casual. However, as a high school student, it’s crucial to show that you’re ready to work with people and avoid using colloquialisms. 

Start by digging through LinkedIn and the company website. You may also be able to find it in the job description or the email you’re sending your application to. If all else fails, you can always call them and ask. Doing this will earn you a lot of brownie points as a high schooler in need of a job.

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High School Student with No Experience Cover Letter Example

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Starting a cover letter as a high school student with no experience can be challenging, but you can focus on your enthusiasm, skills, and willingness to learn. Begin with a strong opening line that captures attention, such as: "Dear [Hiring Manager's Name], As a motivated and dedicated high school student with a strong commitment to learning and personal growth, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to [Company Name] as [Position Name]." This introduction sets a positive tone and shows that you're eager to take on new challenges. Highlight your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, volunteer work, or any relevant projects that demonstrate transferable skills. Your goal is to make a connection between what you can offer and what the employer is looking for, even without direct work experience.

The best way for a high school student with no experience to end a cover letter is with enthusiasm and a clear call to action. Express eagerness to learn and contribute, and thank the reader for considering your application. Then, politely request the opportunity for an interview or further discussion. For example: "Thank you for taking the time to review my application. I am excited about the possibility of contributing to [Company/Organization Name] and eager to learn more. I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to discuss how my interests and enthusiasm align with the goals of your team. Please feel free to contact me at your convenience to arrange an interview. I look forward to the possibility of working with you." This approach shows initiative and respect, while also demonstrating your interest in the position and your proactive mindset, which are valuable traits even without direct work experience.

High school students with no formal work experience can still create effective cover letters by focusing on their skills, achievements, and activities that demonstrate their potential to employers. Here's what they should include in a cover letter: 1. **Header**: Start with a professional header that includes your name, address, phone number, and email address. If you have a LinkedIn profile or a personal website, you can include that as well. 2. **Salutation**: Address the letter to a specific person if possible. Use "Dear [Name]" or, if you can't find a name, "Dear Hiring Manager" or "To Whom It May Concern." 3. **Introduction**: Begin with a strong opening paragraph that grabs the reader's attention. Mention the job you're applying for and express your enthusiasm for the opportunity. 4. **Academic Achievements**: Highlight your academic successes, such as a high GPA, honors, or awards. Mention any relevant coursework or projects that have provided you with skills applicable to the job. 5. **Extracurricular Activities**: Discuss any clubs, sports, or organizations you're involved in. Explain how these activities have helped you develop teamwork, leadership, time management, or other skills that are valuable in the workplace. 6. **Volunteer Work and Community Involvement**: If you've done any volunteer work or participated in community service, describe your role and what you learned from the experience. This can demonstrate a strong work ethic and a commitment to helping others. 7. **Soft Skills**: Even without job experience, you likely have soft skills that employers look for, such as communication, problem-solving, and adaptability. Provide examples of how you've demonstrated these skills in school or other areas of your life. 8. **Personal Projects or Interests**: If you have any personal projects, hobbies, or interests that have taught you relevant skills or show your passion for the industry, mention them. For example, if you're applying for a tech job

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High School Student Cover Letter Example

Show that you're serious about your job search with this professional High School Student cover letter sample. You can use this example for free or revise it in our powerful cover letter builder.

Milan Šaržík — Certified Professional Résumé Writer

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High School Student Cover Letter Example (Full Text Version)

Liesbeth reenkes.

Dear Sir/Madam,

I have read your advertisement on LinkedIn.com regarding the Summer Camp Counselor position and I believe that my skills and qualities make me a great fit for this role and that it would be a great opportunity for me to learn new things, meet new people, and grow not only personally but also professionally.

To shortly introduce myself, I'm a hard-working and dedicated high school student with a proven track record of exceptional academic results, including a perfect GPA of 3.97 and the representation of school at various competitions and contests where I won multiple awards, such as the 1st prize in the National Economics Competition, 2nd prize in the Human Rights Competition, and 3rd prize in the International Aerobics Contest. I am a pro-active individual who likes to participate in various societies and at school, I'm part of the Aerobics Society, Fitness Society, and Tennis Club.

However, my life is not focused only on education and I deeply enjoy getting a "real-world" experience. My work experience includes a job at FieldCore, Inc. where I worked as an Administrative Assistant. There, I was in charge of various tasks, for example, producing professional presentations, improving the existing office procedures, organizing documents, and arranging meetings but my main duty was to provide professional support to managers and supervisors with any tasks as required.

I am a self-driven person with the ability to work and perform well in team environments and to remain calm in stressful situations. Offering excellent time management skills, a highly professional attitude, and determination to achieve great results, I also have the experience of working as a Class Treasurer and Street Fundraiser. I'm passionate about working with other people and am able to use various software programs like MS Office, ProofHub, Netsuite, Trello, and Slack.

Thank you for your attention.

Liesbeth Reenkes

High School Student

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 23.2 percent of high school students participated in the labor force in October 2021. Besides gaining work experience for your further career growth, having a job can certainly teach you valuable skills, such as teamwork, leadership or cooperation. That said, it is only natural that many high school students are eager job seekers. And there is no better way to land a job than to advertise yourself with a professionally written cover letter.

Milan Šaržík — Certified Professional Résumé Writer

Milan Šaržík, CPRW

Milan’s work-life has been centered around job search for the past three years. He is a Certified Professional Résumé Writer (CPRW™) as well as an active member of the Professional Association of Résumé Writers & Careers Coaches (PARWCC™). Milan holds a record for creating the most career document samples for our help center – until today, he has written more than 500 resumes and cover letters for positions across various industries. On top of that, Milan has completed studies at multiple well-known institutions, including Harvard University, University of Glasgow, and Frankfurt School of Finance and Management.

Edit this sample using our resume builder.

Don’t struggle with your cover letter. artificial intelligence can write it for you..

Don’t struggle with your cover letter. Artificial intelligence can write it for you.

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Professions And Applied Sciences Student High School Student University Student Social Sciences Student Student Internship Humanities Student Formal Sciences Student Natural Sciences Student

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How to Write a Resume with No Experience [21+ Examples]

Background Image

It’s time for your first job hunt !

You need to write a resume , which can be nerve-wracking if you don’t have any real-life work experience.  

You don’t know where to start, what to include, or which resume format to choose.

On top of that, most advice you find online isn’t relevant because it focuses on emphasizing professional background.

Chances are, you’re straight out of college with no experience to speak of. 

Or maybe you're a high-school student applying for a part-time job.

Whichever the case may be, you’re probably having trouble filling in the blank space on your resume that’s supposed to be the work experience section.

Worry not, though. In this guide, we’re going to help you create an AMAZING resume, no work experience is needed.

  • How to format your resume with no work experience
  • 4 sections to replace work experience (that help you stand out)
  • 2 no-work experience resume samples (guaranteed to land you the job)

How to Format Your Resume [with No Work Experience + Examples] 

A resume format is the layout of your resume .

The ideal resume format usually depends on how much work experience you have. 

But what happens when you have none?

For a no-experience resume, we recommend that you use the reverse-chronological format . 

no experience resume format

It’s the most popular format amongst applicants and a recruiter favorite.  

The sections in your reverse-chronological resume will be: 

  • Header : Contact Information and Resume Statement
  • Internships, extracurricular activities, projects, volunteer work  (These sections will replace your work experience)

In this article, we’ll walk you through each of these sections, and explain how to write them in a way that you stand out from the crowd.

Let’s dive in.

Start With Your Resume Header

resume header example

Your resume header includes your contact information and your resume statement.  

Below, we’ll show you how to write both of these elements and how to include them in your header section.

Put Down Your Contact Information

Just like the name suggests, the first thing you add to your header is your personal and contact information.

It’s the easiest part to get right, just keep it short and to the point.

In your contact information section, mention the following:

  • First and Last Name
  • Phone Number
  • E-mail Address
  • A link to a professional profile (e.g. LinkedIn ) or personal webpage (if you have one)

Make sure to use a professional-sounding E-mail.

I.e. something along the lines of “[email protected].” 

You’re sure to leave a wrong impression if you use an email you created back in preschool ( “[email protected]” ).

Make sure to double-check, triple-check your contact information. After all, the recruiter can’t contact you if you have a typo in your phone number.

(Optional) Write Your Resume Objective

A resume objective is a short heading statement in your resume, where you describe your professional goals and aspirations.

Fun fact - hiring managers look at your resume for 5-6 seconds max .

Yep, that’s right. In most cases, the hiring manager is literally drowning in resumes. So, they have a couple of seconds to skim each one.

Well, this section is your chance to catch their attention (and let them know you’ve got what it takes).

A resume objective is usually 3-4 sentences max and includes information on:

  • What your field of study is;
  • What your skills and experiences are (ones that are relevant to the job );
  • Why you’re applying for this position and/or this company.

As with contact information, you don’t need to label your resume objective with a title. Just write it underneath your contact information section.

Here’s an example of what a resume objective looks like:

“ Recent Communications graduate looking to apply for the role of Secretary at XYZ inc. Extremely organized with good writing and multitasking skills. Practical experience in management gained through several university projects, which involved coordinating tasks between different team members and ensuring that everyone was in sync with the latest information. ”

Emphasize Your Education

education section on resume no experience

In your average resume, the first section would be work experience.

Since you don’t have any, though, you’ll want to omit that and replace it with the education section.

This way, you bring a lot more attention to your education, which is one of your main selling points. 

What should you include in the Education section? 

List the following features in this order:

  • Name of the degree
  • Name of the institution
  • Years attended
  • Location of the institution (optional)
  • GPA (optional)
  • Honors (optional)
  • Relevant coursework (optional)
  • Exchange programs (optional) 

As a general rule, if you studied in a prestigious university, you can add the name of the institution before the degree . This way, you will catch the recruiter’s attention faster.

Now, let’s go through some real-life examples:

BA in Computer Science

Tufts University

Medford and Somerville, Massachusetts

10/2015 - 06/2018

Magna Cum Laude

  • Exchange Program in Greenville, NY

University of the Arts London

BA in Interior Design 

10/2017 - Ongoing

Westwood High

Boston, Massachusetts

Class of 2018 

career masterclass

Education Section Q&A

Still have some questions about the education section? Worry not, we’re about to give you all the answers!

Do I include my GPA?

  • The answer here is a “maybe.” We’d recommend including a GPA if it’s higher than 3.5. Anything lower than that, and you might be underselling yourself. Keep in mind, though, that most employers don’t care about your grades.

Should I include my coursework?

  • Yep, but just as long as it’s relevant. If you have no work experience, including courses can help establish your expertise in a field. Feel free to skip out on any basic courses, though. No one cares about your Maths 101 course.

Do I mention my degree if I dropped out?

  • If you studied for more than 2-3 years, yes. A half-finished degree is still better than no degree. If you dropped out after a semester, though, that doesn’t really mean much.

Do I mention my high school degree?

  • Only if it’s your only degree. If you have any higher education, your high school degree will only take up space.

4 Sections to Replace Work Experience [With Examples]

Now that you’ve listed your education, it’s time to fill that work experience gap in your resume.

You aren’t still worried about your lack of experience, right?

Because here are four sections you can use instead:

1) Internships

Have you done an internship that is relevant to the position you are applying for?

Now’s the time to mention it. 

Here is how you add an internship to your resume:

First , place the Internship section right after the education section. 

Title it: Internships

Second , write your internship title and role . Be specific.

If your internship was in the marketing department, instead of just “Intern”, say “Marketing Intern”. 

Third , put down the company name , location , and duration of the internship - in that order.

Marketing Intern

Full Picture

New York, NY

09/2019 - 12/2019

Easy and straightforward, right?

One more step:

Last , add a list of responsibilities you had as an intern in bullet point form. 

If you have any tangible achievements , even better! Write those in as well.

Finally, tailor both the responsibilities and achievements to the role you’re applying for.

Here’s how that looks in practice:

You used to be an Advertising Intern .

You’re applying for the position of Social Media Assistant . 

Here’s how you would put down your internship entry:

Internships

Full Picture Company

  • Analyzed various social media platforms for trending content
  • Managed company social media accounts
  • Posted interested content on company Facebook page, increasing engagement by 25%

The listed responsibilities and achievements are directly connected to the Social Media Assistant job requirements.

You’re applying for a Content Writer position. Take a look at the same entry now:

  • Assisted the Marketing Manager in writing press releases and new blog posts , which increased web traffic by 25%.

Notice how the internship title remains the same. 

But in this case you’re applying for a Content Writer position, so you are highlighting your writing experience instead.

For more examples, check out our full guides to an internship resume and how to write a cover letter for an internship .

2) Extracurricular activities

Still have a ton of empty space in your resume?

Extracurricular activities are always a great addition!

Whether they’re related to the job you’re applying for or not, they still show one thing:

You’re hard-working and motivated.

Imagine you’re the HR manager, and you can pick between these 2 candidates:

  • Josh Johnson. Studied at Massachusetts State. 4.0 GPA, but that’s all he did in college - no extracurricular activities, internships, or anything else.
  • Suzie Activeson. Also studied at Massachusetts state. 3.2 GPA. Vice-president of the business club. Served as a student government senator for 2 semesters. Organized several events as part of the marketing club.

Sure, Josh is probably qualified, but we don't know anything about him, other than that he studied a lot.

Suzie, on the other hand, can manage a team (business club VP), organize events (marketing club), and is passionate about making a change (student government).

So, which one would you pick?

Now, let’s explain how to list extracurricular activities on your resume:

  • Title of the section: Extracurricular Activities
  • Name of the organization and/or team 
  • Your role in the organization
  • Time period
  • Noteworthy awards or achievements

Extracurricular Activities

Public Speaking Club

Vice-President

09/2018 - 09/2019

  • Organized 10+ public speaking lectures
  • Brought in speakers from all over the state
  • Conducted public speaking workshops

3) Volunteering Experience

Volunteering shows dedication and passion to apply yourself. 

And there’s nothing recruiters love more than a committed employee.  

Whether you spend your free time in a soup kitchen, or you helped collect trash in the countryside, you can mention it in your resume!

But how do you list volunteering experience?

Well, it follows the same logic as your internship and extracurriculars:

  • Title of the section: Volunteering Experience
  • Name of the organization
  • Relevant tasks and achievements (bullet points)

Volunteering Experience

Grand Archive Library Volunteer

Washington, D.C

08/2017 - 02/2019

  • Performed secretarial activities, such as sorting mail, filing documents, answering phone calls, and taking messages. 
  • Led a poetry reading event twice a month. 

4) Projects

In this section, you can add any relevant projects you were part of during your time in school or at an internship.

Your capstone project, graduation thesis, or research project go here. 

No need for work experience!

You can also mention any other type of project you’ve worked on in school, including:

  • Business project for a real-life client
  • Mock website you created in Web Design 101
  • Fake magazine you created as a capstone project
  • Market research you did as part of your graduation thesis
  • Software you developed in Software Engineering class

...And so on!

Here’s how you put them down:

  • Title of the section: Projects
  • Project name
  • Project type
  • Related organization 
  • Relevant responsibilities and achievements (optional)

And now, for some practical examples. Here’s what a journalism student project could look like:

Online Privacy and Social Media: a Journalistic Study of Facebook and Cambridge Analytica

Journalism Capstone Project

Harvard University

09/2018 - 11/2018

And here’s a law school example:

In-House Pro Bono Project

Columbia Law School

11/2018 - 03/2019

  • Completed a full petition for U nonimmigrant status, interviewed legal persons and drafted affidavits.

If you have anything physical to back up your project with, feel free to include a link.

For example, if you’re a developer, you could include a link to your GitHub profile.

Stand out with your Skills 

skills section no work experience resume

There are two types of skills you can include on your no-experience resume: 

Soft skills and hard skills. 

What’s the difference? 

Soft skills are attributes or habits that describe how you work. They are not specific to a job, but indirectly help you adapt to the work environment. 

Here are some of the most popular ones: teamwork, responsibility, leadership, creativity, etc.  

Hard skills , on the other hand, refer to specific tools, technical knowledge and training and other work-specific skills. They apply directly to the job. 

Technical writing, C++, financial accounting, etc. are all examples of hard skills.

So, which of these skills should you include? 

That depends on a lot of factors, but as someone with no work experience, you should opt more for hard skills .

See, you could write all the cool buzzwords like “Critical Thinking” and “Leadership,” but the recruiter won’t believe you.

Fun fact - that’s what 90% of students do.

Instead, you should focus on skills that make you stand out , and in most cases, those are hard skills.

So, how do you decide which hard skills to mention? Easy! Just check the job ad you’re applying for.

Let’s say you’re applying for an entry-level creative internship, and you find these requirements in the job description: 

  • Video editing experience (Premiere, After Effects)
  • UI design experience
  • Photo editing experience (Photoshop)
  • Photography experience
  • Experience with Adobe Illustrator

You’d transfer this into your skills section:

  • Premiere & After Effects - Expert
  • Photoshop - Expert
  • UI Design - Intermediate
  • Adobe Illustrator - Intermediate
  • Photography - Intermediate

Not sure which skills to mention? Check out our article on 150+ must-have skills for all sorts of professions !

Other Sections You Could Include in a No-Experience Resume

A resume without experience does have one advantage: extra space . 

You can use this space to create other sections that highlight how awesome you are!

Here are some sections you could include:

  • Hobbies and Interests . Add flair to your resume by showing your genuine passion and interest in the industry.
  • Languages. Do you know a second language? Or even a third? Awesome! Most companies these days are pretty international and appreciate an extra language skill or two. Be mindful not to over-exaggerate your proficiency, though. Only knowing how to ask “¿Donde está la biblioteca?” doesn’t warrant a Spanish entry on your resume.
  • Awards & Certifications . Do you have any fancy pieces of paper that show you’re smart? Maybe it’s an award for a terrific essay in a competition, or a certificate from an online course . Whichever the case may be, awards and certifications show that you’re a winner, so definitely include them in their own respective section.

Need Inspiration? 2 No Work Experience Resume Samples

Do you still have questions or don’t know where to begin?

That’s when a resume sample comes in handy. 

It provides you with a predetermined format.

It also helps you picture how your no-experience resume is supposed to look like. 

As Picasso put it: Good artists copy; great artists steal! 

Here are 2 no work experience resume samples you can borrow ideas from:

Business Student Resume Sample

no experience resume sample

High-school Student Resume Sample

high school no experience resume sample

Create a Matching Cover Letter

All done with your resume?

It’s not over yet. You need to write a cover letter to go with it.

A cover letter is a single-page letter that accompanies your resume and is part of your job application.

Look at it this way: your resume describes your experiences, and your cover letter explains (in simple words) how they’re relevant to the job.

Now, here’s a quick infographic on what to include in a cover letter:

cover letter writing for no experience resume

Finally, as with everything else in your resume, make sure to keep your cover letter relevant, short, and concise.

The hiring manager doesn’t have time to read an autobiography, they’ll only review your cover letter for a few minutes. 

There’s a lot more to creating a good cover letter than what we just explained.

For a complete, all-you-need-to-know walk-through, check out our Complete Guide on How to Write a Cover Letter !

Key Takeaways

...and that’s a wrap!

At this point, you should know everything there is to know about writing a killer no-experience resume.

Just to keep things fresh, though, let’s quickly go through everything we’ve learned so far:

  • When creating your no-experience resume, use the reverse-chronological format.
  • You can create a killer no-experience resume by emphasizing your education instead. Include relevant internships, soft & hard skills, and projects.
  • Other sections you can include on your resume are hobbies & interests, languages, certifications, or achievements.
  • Keep all the content on your resume clear, precise, and relevant. Use bullet points for all your descriptions.
  • After you’re done with your resume, you want to write an awesome cover letter that goes with it. The cover letter is a one-page letter that tells the story behind your resume content and reemphasizes why you’re a great fit for the job.

Related Resume Examples

  • Internship Resume
  • High School Resume
  • Research Assistant Resume
  • College Resume
  • Students and Graduates Resume
  • Teacher Resume

Recommended Readings:

  • 43+ Resume Tips and Tricks to Land Your Next Job in 2024
  • 20+ One-Page Resume Templates [Free Download]
  • 35+ Common Interview Questions and Answers [Complete List]

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COMMENTS

  1. Tips for a First-Job Cover Letter for High School Students

    A cover letter is a formal, one-page document you can send with a resume to explain why you are interested in a position. The cover letter is usually three or four paragraphs and highlights skills and experience you can bring to the company. Deepti Sharma is a certified career coach with more than a decade of experience.

  2. How to Write a Cover Letter With No Experience + Examples

    1. Check the company and job description. The first step in crafting a well-written cover letter is to research the company where you want to work. Carefully review what the organization shares about its values and culture on social media or its website to understand how you can relate to it in your letter.

  3. High School Student Cover Letter (Sample & Tips)

    Jamie Hart. 929 Commerce St. Stockton, CA 95202. (209) 984-3632. [email protected]. Dear Mr. Hart, My name is Daria, and I am a graduating senior at Heritage High School. I saw your posting for the position of Business Development Intern on Indeed, and was immediately compelled to apply. My academic and career goals align with the internship ...

  4. High School Graduate Cover Letter With No Work Experience

    Sample High School Graduate Cover Letter With No Experience. February 18, 2020. Dear Mr. Horner: As a fresh and passionate high school graduate, I am eager to work for Great Cucumber Inc as an Administrative Assistant. I have been through the requirements that you have posted in your advertisement, and feel confident that I am the right match ...

  5. How To Write a Cover Letter With No Experience (Plus Example)

    The steps below explain how to write a cover letter with no experience. 1. Carefully review the job posting and research the company's website. Before you begin your cover letter, you'll want to ensure you're relating your information to the preferred and required skills listed on the job posting. You can carefully read through the job posting ...

  6. High School Student Cover Letter Samples & Examples 2024

    Additionally, you should address your cover letter to the person who is most likely to read and review it, such as a company's owner or a head manager. Here are 3 examples of personalized cover letter greetings. Dear Mr. John Doe, Dear Hiring Manager John Doe, Dear Mr. John Doe & the Hiring Department, 3.

  7. High School Cover Letter: Samples, Proper Format, & Guide

    Here's how to ace your high school cover letter for that part-time gig: 1. Choose the right high school cover letter format. Make all margins set to one-inch. Go with single or 1.15 line spacing. Stay professional with an elegant font in 11pt to 12pt size. Read more: The Only Proper Cover Letter Format.

  8. How to Write a Cover Letter With No Experience (+Examples)

    Here are 8 steps for how to write a cover letter with no experience: 1. Study the Job Description and Research the Company. First, before you get down to writing, find and note down all the information possible about the skills, qualities, and qualifications needed and wanted for the job.

  9. 3 High School Student Cover Letter Examples for 2024

    Copy this text for your high school student no experience cover letter! 123 Fictional Avenue Atlanta, GA 30033 (123) 456-7890. August 20, 2023. Avery Johnson Jamba Juice 123 Fictional Lane Atlanta, GA 30033. Dear Mr. Johnson, Growing up, I helped my mother with setting the dining table. It put a smile on my face to see everyone enjoy their meal.

  10. How to Write a Cover Letter With No Experience

    Writing a good cover letter is possible — even if you have no work experience. Here are some tips and an example to show you how to write a cover letter. List your contact information. Include the hiring manager's contact details. Address the hiring manager by name. Write an attention-grabbing opening paragraph.

  11. How to Write a Cover Letter With No Experience & Examples

    Set the line spacing of your cover letter to 1.5 for a paragraph, and double between the paragraphs. Align the text to the left to keep formatting formal. Make sure the length of your cover letter doesn't exceed one A4 page. Name the file with your cover letter like this: JobTitle_CoverLetter_YourName.

  12. High School Student Cover Letter Example [How-to Write]

    Writing a great high school student cover letter is crucial when applying for part-time jobs, internships, or college admissions. Here are some tips to help you craft an effective cover letter: Contact information: Include your name, address, phone number, and email address at the top of the letter. Follow it with the current date and the ...

  13. High School Student with No Experience Cover Letter Example

    The best way for a high school student with no experience to end a cover letter is with enthusiasm and a clear call to action. Express eagerness to learn and contribute, and thank the reader for considering your application. Then, politely request the opportunity for an interview or further discussion.

  14. High School Student Cover Letter Sample

    341 Company Address. Santa Monica, CA, 94301. (xxx)xxx-xxxx. [email protected]. Dear [Hiring Manager's Name], My name is Eleanor Guthrie, and I am a senior at Santa Monica High School interested in becoming a skilled professional in graphic design. I saw [Target Company's] internship opening on Behance and think I would be the most ...

  15. High School Cover Letter Examples and Templates for 2024

    Below, we outline what to include in a cover letter and explain how you can properly focus each section. 1. Heading. At the top of the page, include: Your resume contact header, which should give your full name, address, email, phone number, and LinkedIn or other social accounts if applicable. The date.

  16. High School Student Cover Letter Example

    High School Student. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 23.2 percent of high school students participated in the labor force in October 2021. Besides gaining work experience for your further career growth, having a job can certainly teach you valuable skills, such as teamwork, leadership or cooperation.

  17. Cover Letter for a High School Student (2024 Examples)

    This ensures the hiring manager has your contact information. For an emailed cover letter, include your email address, phone number and full name. For a paper cover letter, include your name, postal address, phone number and email address. 2. Greet the hiring manager. If you know the hiring manager's name, you can address them by name.

  18. High School Graduate Resume: Template & 20+ Examples

    Remember, a great high school graduate cover letter + best high school graduate resume = most likely to succeed. See theory put into practice in our dedicated guide: Entry-Level Cover Letter (Example and Guide). Pro Tip: If there's no way to upload a cover letter through the application system, then just apply without. It doesn't make sense ...

  19. Cover Letter Examples and Tips for Recent Graduate

    A graduate cover letter is a professional document that recent college graduates use when they apply for jobs or graduate degree programs. A graduate cover letter acts as an extension of an individual's resume and includes details about college activities and previous professional experiences. Related: Cover Letter for Graduate School: Tips and ...

  20. How to Write a Resume with No Experience [21+ Examples]

    It's the easiest part to get right, just keep it short and to the point. In your contact information section, mention the following: First and Last Name. Phone Number. E-mail Address. A link to a professional profile (e.g. LinkedIn) or personal webpage (if you have one) Make sure to use a professional-sounding E-mail.

  21. Recent Graduate Cover Letter Example & Writing Tips

    2518 Lilac Ave. North Charleston, SC, 29405. (803) 847-1043. [email protected]. Dear Ms. Johnston, My name is James Amore, and I'm excited to apply for the position of Junior IT specialist at the French Central Inn, Charleston. I'm a recent graduate (June 2023) in Management Information Systems (MIS) from Charleston Southern ...

  22. How to Write a High School Student With No Work Experience Resume

    Here are five steps you can follow to create a high school student with no work experience resume: 1. Include your name and contact information. Start by including your full name at the top of your resume in a bold or bigger font than the rest of the document. Then, include your email address and phone number.

  23. High School Graduate Resume Examples [2024 ready]

    18 year-old high school graduate with good math skills and excellent reading and writing skills. Excelled in science classes and is an extremely hard worker who's not afraid to make big sacrifices to get the job done. Oof! The second of those samples of resume for a high school grad says, "I can get the job done.".