How To Write a Cover Letter With No Experience in 9 Steps [2023]

January 11, 2023
In Resumes & Cover Letters

Writing the perfect cover letter is a challenge even for seasoned professionals. But when you are writing a cover letter with no experience, the stakes are even higher. Demonstrating your value without any professional experience is more challenging. To ensure you stand out from the sea of applicants, you should focus on the value you can provide and the skills that make you the ideal candidate.

How to write a cover letter with no experience

1. Read the job description and research the company
2. Use a professional cover letter template
3. Share your contact information at the top of your letter
4. Greet the hiring manager and introduce yourself
5. List your relevant achievements and skills
6. Explain what makes you the ideal candidate
7. Ask for an interview
8. Proofread for grammar and spelling issues
9. Save your cover letter as a PDF and submit it

When writing a cover letter with no experience, you should focus mainly on the relevant soft skills you possess. Regardless of whether you obtained them through education, training, or volunteering, they are your most valuable assets in the job hunt. Additionally, hiring managers appreciate a strong set of soft skills because they are hard to teach. Apart from featuring your soft skills, show your ability to learn and adapt. This is crucial if you are entering the job market with minimal experience.

Structure of Cover Letter with No Experience.

How to write a cover letter with no experience in 9 steps

1. Read the job description and research the company

Before writing your cover letter, ensure that you are focusing on skills relevant to the company and position you are applying to. Carefully read through the job listing and the company’s website to assess which skills you have. Then, use these key skills as keywords throughout your resume and explain how they may help you succeed on the job. Remember to also review the company’s values and culture. You can integrate these into your cover letter by explaining how they align with your personal values.

2. Use a professional cover letter template

A cover letter template is a great way to get started when writing a cover letter with no experience. Essentially, a template will help you with the layout and overall design of your cover letter. First, find a template that looks professional, polished, and easy to read. Then, copy and paste it into a word processing software and start filling in your information and text. Stick to the general layout of the template for the body of your cover letter as well as your details. This will make your cover letter more professional and easier to scan.

To make sure the hiring manager knows how to get in touch with you, list your name, email address, and telephone number in the top left corner. Also, you can add a date and the company or employer’s name and address. If you have professional social media profiles, link to them and your online portfolio at the top of your cover letter as well.

4. Greet the hiring manager and introduce yourself

If you know the name of the hiring manager, salute them directly. If not, use a formal greeting such as “To whom it may concern.” Then, it is time to introduce yourself. Use your full name and express your interest in the job opening. Remember to mention the exact title of the position you are applying for to avoid any confusion. Additionally, if you found out about the opportunity through a referral, you can mention this in your introduction. Keep this section short and concise at around three sentences.

5. List your relevant achievements and skills

In this section, explain your greatest strengths and why they are valuable for the position. When writing a cover letter with no experience, you can highlight the skills you gained through education or casual jobs. For example, if you led a school club, explain how this allowed you to develop leadership and communication skills. Most importantly, explain how these skills and experiences would be beneficial to the company.

6. Explain what makes you the ideal candidate

In the body of your cover letter, you should convince the hiring manager that you are the best fit for the position. To do this, go the extra mile and show that you did your research. Mention the values or goals you share with the company or bring up a recent project you liked. This will show your dedication and interest in the position. To reiterate your passion for the role, you can also outline some of the key responsibilities and why you are excited to take on them. Very often, passion for the job and commitment to learning can outweigh professional experience in the hiring manager’s eyes. Hence, express your honest interest and passion for the job, as this can make you stand out.

7. Ask for an interview

In the last paragraph, you should summarize your main points and reiterate your interest in the role. Be enthusiastic about the opportunity and ask for an interview straight away. This can often increase your chances of getting a callback, so don’t skip this step. Finally, thank the hiring manager for the opportunity as well as their time. To sign off, use “Sincerely,” followed by your full name at the end of your cover letter.

8. Proofread for grammar and spelling issues

Once you have finished these steps, it is time to polish your cover letter up. Read through the document a few times to ensure there are no spelling or grammar mistakes. Also, check if the writing is continuous, simple to understand, and clear. It can be helpful to get a second opinion, so try sending your cover letter to a friend or a family member for proofreading.

9. Save your cover letter as a PDF and submit it

Once your cover letter is ready to be sent, check if the formatting is consistent and edit it if necessary. Then, save it as a PDF, unless the job posting requires another specific format. Some employers prefer the cover letters to be emailed to HR, while others may let you attach it to your application file. So, always check whether the job posting specifies this.

Cover letter with no experience example

By following these steps, you will be able to create the perfect cover letter. Remember that the key to writing an impactful cover letter with no experience is to focus on the valuable skills and experience you have. Follow these 9 easy steps, and you will end up with a cover letter that will get your application noticed and help you land your dream job.

FAQ – Cover Letter With No Experience

How do I format a cover letter with no experience?

To format a cover letter with no experience, follow these steps:

Use a professional format: Format your cover letter like a formal business letter. Include your contact information at the top, followed by the date and the employer’s contact information.
Include a proper salutation: If possible, address the cover letter to a specific person, such as the hiring manager or recruiter. If you don’t have a name, you can use a generic salutation like “Dear Hiring Manager.”
Write a compelling introduction: Start your cover letter with a strong and attention-grabbing opening sentence. Introduce yourself and mention the position you’re applying for.
Highlight your skills and strengths: In the body of the cover letter, focus on your transferable skills, relevant coursework, internships, volunteer work, or other experiences that demonstrate your qualifications for the position. Explain how these experiences have prepared you for the role.
Show enthusiasm and motivation: Express your genuine interest in the company and the position. Explain why you are passionate about the field or industry and how you are eager to learn and grow in the role.
Tailor the letter to the job: Customize your cover letter for each job application. Research the company and the job requirements to identify specific skills or qualities they are seeking. Highlight those skills and explain how you can contribute to their organization.
Close the letter professionally: Thank the employer for considering your application and express your interest in further discussing your qualifications. End the letter with a professional closing, such as “Sincerely” or “Best regards,” followed by your name and contact information.

What tone should I use in a cover letter with no experience?

When writing a cover letter with no experience, it’s important to strike the right tone to make a positive impression on the employer. Here are some tips on the tone you should use:

Professional tone: Maintain a professional tone throughout your cover letter. Use clear and concise language, and avoid using overly casual or informal language.
Enthusiastic tone: Show your enthusiasm and eagerness to learn and contribute to the company. Highlight your passion for the industry or field and your motivation to succeed.
Professional and polite language: Use polite and respectful language in your cover letter. Avoid using slang or jargon that may not be familiar to the employer.