How to Write a Cover Letter as a Student

TL;DR

Key Takeaways

Your cover letter should not just repeat your CV. It is your opportunity to show the employer that you understand their business and have the potential to solve their problems.

Keep it to a single page (around 300 to 400 words)
Do not use a generic "Dear Sir/Madam" template; address the specific company and role
Research a recent company project or news item to prove your interest is genuine
Focus on transferable skills from part-time jobs, university societies, or projects, rather than apologising for a lack of corporate experience
Proofread ruthlessly; in competitive sectors, a single typo can count heavily against you

The purpose of a cover letter

When applying for graduate schemes or direct-entry graduate jobs, your CV tells the employer what you have done. Your cover letter tells them why you are applying to them specifically, and how your skills fit their exact needs.

A generic cover letter that starts with "To Whom It May Concern" and lists your A-level results is useless. Recruiters can spot a copy-pasted template instantly. To stand out, your letter must be tailored.

The same approach works whether you are a university student or applying for an apprenticeship straight from school or college. If you are a school leaver, draw your evidence from school projects, part-time work, sports teams, or volunteering instead of university.

How to structure your letter

A strong cover letter should be no longer than one page (around three to four short paragraphs). It must be easy to read quickly.

The Header

Put your contact details at the top. If you know the name of the hiring manager, address it to them (e.g., "Dear Ms Patel" or "Dear Jane Patel"). If you do not, use "Dear Hiring Manager" or "Dear [Company Name] Recruitment Team". Avoid "Dear Sir/Madam" as it sounds archaic.

Paragraph 1 (The hook): Who you are, the role you are applying for, and your core motivation.
Paragraph 2 (Why them?): Specific company research showing why you want to work there.
Paragraph 3 (Why you?): Two key skills from the job description backed by real evidence.
Paragraph 4 (The close): A short closing line and professional sign-off.

The Sign-off

End with a brief, professional closing statement. Example: "Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my skills align with [Company Name]'s goals in an interview. Yours sincerely, [Your Name]."

In UK convention, use "Yours sincerely" when you have addressed someone by name, and "Yours faithfully" if you have used "Dear Sir or Madam". "Kind regards" is also widely accepted, particularly when your letter is sent by email.

Paragraph 1: The hook

Do not waste space with "I am writing to apply for the role of X." They already know what you are applying for.

Start strong. State who you are, the role you want, and your overarching motivation in one sentence. Example: "As a final-year Economics student with a passion for sustainable finance, I am applying for the Junior Analyst role at [Company Name] to help drive your new ESG initiatives."

Paragraph 2: Why them? (The research)

This is where you prove you are not just blindly clicking "Apply".

Pick one or two specific things about the company that genuinely interest you. Do not just say "You are a market leader." Mention a specific project they recently completed, a recent acquisition, or a unique training module on their graduate scheme.

Example: "I have followed [Company Name]'s recent acquisition of [Tech Startup] closely. Your shift towards cloud-based architecture aligns perfectly with my academic interests, and I am eager to start my career at a firm that is actively disrupting the legacy software market."

Paragraph 3: Why you? (The evidence)

This is the core of the letter. Do not list every module you took at university. Instead, pick two specific requirements from the job description and provide evidence that you possess those skills.

If you do not have direct industry experience, use transferable skills from a part-time job, a university society, or a volunteering role.

Example: "The job description highlights the need for strong client communication. During my two years working front-of-house in a busy retail environment, I developed the ability to de-escalate customer complaints and communicate complex store policies clearly. I am confident I can bring this same composure to your client-facing analyst role."

Common mistakes to avoid

Apologising for a lack of experience. Never write "Although I do not have experience in..." Focus entirely on the skills you do have.
Repeating your CV. The recruiter already has your CV. Use the cover letter to expand on one specific achievement that is highly relevant to the job.
Formatting errors. Unless the employer asks for a Word document, save the letter as a PDF so your formatting does not break when the recruiter opens it. Name the file clearly, for example "Jane-Patel-Cover-Letter.pdf".
Typos. In competitive sectors like law and consulting, a single spelling mistake suggests a lack of attention to detail and can be enough to put your application at the bottom of the pile. Read it aloud, then ask someone else to check it.

FAQ

Do I need a cover letter if it says 'optional'?↓
Do I need a cover letter if it says 'optional'?

Yes. If an employer leaves the cover letter section optional, treating it as mandatory is an easy way to stand out. It shows you are willing to put in extra effort compared to candidates who just upload a CV.
How do I find out who the hiring manager is?↓
How do I find out who the hiring manager is?

Search LinkedIn for "[Company Name] Graduate Recruitment Manager" or look at the original job posting to see if it lists a contact person. If you really cannot find a name, "Dear Hiring Team" is acceptable.
Should I mention my grades in the cover letter?↓
Should I mention my grades in the cover letter?

Only if they are spectacular (e.g., a First Class Honours) or highly relevant to the role (e.g., scoring 90% in a specific module the employer cares about). Otherwise, leave your grades on your CV.

Next steps

Many large employers ask motivational questions on an application form instead of a cover letter. The same research and evidence work there too; see our guide to online application forms. After you apply, you will often face online tests next, so read our guides on psychometric tests and situational judgement tests to prepare.

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