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How to help students create a CV and cover letter for entry-level jobs

Entering the world of work can be daunting but everyone has to start somewhere, and securing an entry-level job doesn’t require formal work experience. This article will explore how to write a CV with no experience and a stand-out cover letter for an entry-level position that will get your student hired.

11th Jun, 2023

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For students leaving full-time education without any work experience under their belt, the concept of writing a winning CV and cover letter can seem intimidating. With our guidance, you will be able to advise your students on how to write a CV with no experience and produce a cover letter for an entry-level job.

CV with no experience: what students should include

A CV for someone without experience should focus on everything that makes them the right person for the role, in terms of their skills, motivations and academic achievements. CVs consist of several elements that can help students shine on paper, regardless of their work experience.

The fundamental elements of any CV include:

1. Contact details

Students should first list their full name, phone number, and email address. Adding a home address is still common practice but isn’t necessary and, depending on where the CV is posted, could put the individual’s personal data at risk. Instead, they could list their town or city and county. Where relevant, jobseekers could also add any professional social media accounts or websites they have.

2. Personal statement

Here jobseekers write a sentence or two about who they are professionally, the type of role they’re looking for, and why.

3. Work experience

If a student has no work experience whatsoever, they can, of course, skip this part. Voluntary work, Saturday jobs, unpaid work experience, relevant activities, being a class representative or leader, extra-curricular activities, and relevant hobbies, can all be listed on a CV for students with no experience.

4. Qualifications

In other words, GCSEs, A-Levels, degrees, certificates. Those who have yet to complete their studies can write ‘(pending)’ or offer their predicted grades instead.

If they are relevant enough to the role, hobbies and interests could be listed under work experience. If they simply illustrate the student’s character to the hiring manager, list them under hobbies.

Students learn many skills that could be applied in a work environment, such as IT and maths skills, and soft skills such as communication – perhaps gained through roles in clubs and societies – and time management.

7. Other things to include

Educational school trips can be listed if they are relevant. For example, if you want to be a broadcaster, you can list your school trip to the BBC building.

CV examples for students with no experience will usually be laid out in order of relevance, to the role the student is applying for, as opposed to chronological order, which is somewhat more common for those with some work experience.

Student work experience: what counts as experience?

Work experience comes in many forms and doesn’t necessarily require an official job title or payment. Volunteer roles and practical tasks undertaken as part of education can count towards work experience, where the student has no other experience, especially if these are relevant to the role they want to apply for.

Some students will have already taken on a part-time role such as lifeguarding, babysitting, in retail or hospitality work – any position held will be indicative of a student’s character and motivation to learn and take responsibility. Employers will consider these attractive traits, even if not relevant to their industry. CVs should outline any duties that clearly illustrate interpersonal skills, achievements, an ability to take instruction, work in a team, show leadership and technical skills.

No-experience CV: what students should highlight to help them get hired

To understand the skills the employer most values in any given role, look carefully at the job vacancy’s person specification. Note: the person specification is where an employer lists the skills, qualifications, and traits they are looking for in the person they need to fill a particular role. Those indicated to be fundamental to the role are the ones to highlight.

While the importance of specific skills depends entirely on the role you are applying for, employers in the sector you are working in might find certain skills more useful than others. Universally in-demand expertise includes technological ability, English-language and numeracy, communication, and time-management skills.

Student reference requests: who should the student ask?

References can come from anyone who isn’t a close relative of the student, who knows them well and can speak positively about them. This can include former employers, or work colleagues, but doesn’t have to be work-related. Teachers and fellow students can provide academic references, if they can vouch for the individual’s character, skills, and achievements.

Students can ask anyone who knows them well for a character reference, regardless of professional position, such as teachers or clubs and society leaders/representatives – it’s generally not acceptable to use relatives or acquaintances.

It's most common to either provide two references, or to write “references available on request”. If your student is listing someone else’s contact details on their CV as a referee, they must ask for permission from that person first.

What no-experience students should not include on their CV

There are some dos and don’ts to follow when it comes to CV writing. Firstly, it is illegal to lie on your CV. While errors can be made, intentional falsehoods are not acceptable on a CV and can be checked easily through the candidate screening process .

CVs shouldn’t include any other characteristics protected by the Equality Act (2010), including age, date of birth, gender, religion, nationality, relationship status or sexuality. These details aren’t relevant to the role or the hiring process and can put certain groups of people at a disadvantage if the employer hasn’t been properly trained in unconscious bias.

Finally, the student should consider how professional their email address and social media profiles are before adding them to their CV. They can list their LinkedIn, and if relevant, a professional Facebook page, Twitter account or other professional account – but any social media profile they wouldn’t want an employer to see should be made private. Most employers will look at a CV and search for the candidate on social media, examining their online presence.

How to write a cover letter for an entry-level role

Cover letters are written to the hiring manager to tell them why the applicant is right for the role. Research is crucial to a cover letter because the applicant needs to address the hiring manager by name and talk about what they could bring to their company. This shows interest in the business, and that the student isn’t just applying at random.

Jobseekers should write about the skills and traits that directly correspond to those listed in the person specification, referring to it throughout. This reinforces the idea that the person behind the cover letter is the one the hiring manager is looking for.

For example, a cover letter for an entry-level IT job might include excellent ICT grades, a hobby assembling computers, strong maths and analytical skills, and more.

Many cover letter examples for entry-level jobs will highlight education and hobbies, where relevant, and list skills related to the role. These don’t need to be proven by grades or a job title and are simply what the applicant believes themselves capable of, and where their interests lie.

Download our careers guide for students and school leavers or contact your local Reed office to take the next step in your career.

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9 Recruiter Cover Letter Examples

Recruiters are the gatekeepers of the job market, expertly sifting through countless resumes to find the perfect match for a position. Similarly, your cover letter is the key that can unlock the gate, presenting your skills, experience, and potential in a way that stands out from the crowd. In this guide, we'll delve into the best cover letter examples for aspiring recruiters, showcasing how to make your application as compelling as the candidates you'll be seeking.

Cover Letter Examples

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The best way to start a recruiter cover letter is by addressing the recipient by name, if known, to make it personal. Then, introduce yourself and state the position you're applying for. Make sure to grab their attention by mentioning a notable achievement or skill relevant to the job. For example, "As a recruiter with 5 years of experience in tech industry, I've successfully filled over 100 positions, 80% of which were senior roles." This shows you're qualified and results-driven, which is what recruiters are looking for.

Recruiters should end a cover letter by summarizing the key points, expressing enthusiasm for the opportunity, and providing a clear call to action. This could be a statement indicating the recruiter's availability for a follow-up conversation or interview. For example, "I am excited about the possibility of bringing my unique skills to your team and would welcome the opportunity to discuss further how I can contribute to your company's success. Please feel free to contact me at your earliest convenience." It's also important to end with a professional closing such as "Sincerely" or "Best regards," followed by the recruiter's full name. This ending reiterates the recruiter's interest, provides a clear next step, and maintains a professional tone.

A recruiter's cover letter should ideally be no longer than one page. This is because the purpose of a cover letter is to provide a brief overview of your qualifications and to pique the interest of the reader, rather than to provide a comprehensive account of your experiences and skills. A one-page cover letter is usually sufficient to convey the key points without overwhelming the reader with too much information. It's important to keep the content concise, relevant, and tailored to the specific role or company you're applying to. Remember, the goal is to entice the reader to look at your resume for more details.

Writing a cover letter with no experience as a Recruiter can seem daunting, but it's entirely possible and can still make a strong impression. Here's how: 1. Start with a strong introduction: Begin your cover letter by introducing yourself and expressing your interest in the position. Mention where you found the job posting and why you're interested in the role. 2. Highlight relevant skills: Even if you don't have direct experience as a recruiter, you likely have skills that are relevant to the role. For example, if you have experience in sales or customer service, you can highlight your communication skills, ability to build relationships, and persuasive abilities. If you have experience in HR or administration, you can highlight your organizational skills, attention to detail, and understanding of HR processes. 3. Show your knowledge of the company and industry: Research the company and the recruitment industry and show your knowledge in your cover letter. This can demonstrate your interest and initiative, and show that you're serious about the role. 4. Discuss your willingness to learn: If you're new to recruitment, it's important to show that you're willing and eager to learn. You can discuss any relevant courses or certifications you're planning to take, or express your willingness to learn on the job. 5. Close with a strong conclusion: In your conclusion, reiterate your interest in the role and your eagerness to contribute to the company. Thank the reader for considering your application and express your hope for a chance to further discuss your qualifications. 6. Proofread: Finally, make sure to proofread your cover letter for any spelling or grammar mistakes. A well-written, error-free cover letter can make a strong impression. Remember, everyone starts somewhere. Even without direct experience, your transferable skills, eagerness to learn, and knowledge of the company and industry can make you a strong candidate for a recruitment role.

Related Cover Letters for Recruiters

Human resources cover letter.

Social Worker Cover Letter

Technical Recruiter Cover Letter

Recruiter Cover Letter

Senior Recruiter Cover Letter

It recruiter cover letter, corporate recruiter cover letter, executive recruiter cover letter, staffing recruiter cover letter, campus recruiter cover letter, hr recruiter cover letter, healthcare recruiter cover letter, related resumes for recruiters, recruiter resume example.

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How to write a cover letter, according to a recruitment expert

Listen to our cover letter expert or be resigned to the reject pile, article bookmarked.

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When employers sift through hundreds of applications from people with good CVs, nailing your cover letter could make all the difference between that high-flying job and the doldrums of unemployment.

The eternal questions for job hunters are numerous: How long should my cover letter be? How formal should it be written? What are the do’s and don'ts?

Basics first

Recruitment gurus at Reed reckon a formally structured letter is the place to start. Your address and personal details aligned right and the employers’ aligned left.

• How to make sure your CV avoids the rejection pile

Addressing the letter to someone mentioned on the job application is also essential, and “Dear Sir/Madam” if no name is given. If you’re feeling particularly lazy, Reed even provide a free cover letter template to get you started.

When employers are drowning in job applications, the last thing they want to do is to trudge their way through page after page of flowery prose. Keep it brief and make it clear and punchy. But how long is too long? Reed recommend no more than a side of A4.

Recruitment experts also say the key is not to just replicate the same generic cover letter for different jobs.

Instead you need to tailor it each time to include specific skills and show passion for what is undoubtedly your dream job, even if it is not.

Taking things to the next level

Beyond the basics, what do job hunting experts recommend to up your cover letter game?

Duncan Watt, who runs the website The CV & Interview Expert , told The Independent : “The best approach is to summarise the three to four most important things on the job description and then address these in a logical manner, highlighting briefly how your experience matches the requirements.

• The 2 worst mistakes you could make in a job interview

“If it is a speculative letter then look at the key requirements of the kind of role you are applying for, and the companies stated values, and apply the same principle,” he added.

Watt says one of the most common mistakes in cover letters is “overselling yourself, by making claims which if true would mean you don't need a job as you are already hugely successful”.

The other rooky error is talking about what you want from your next role. “Companies are generally more interested in what you bring to the table in the first instance,” he said.

For candidates who have spent the time building their CV and work experience, it can be tricky to cram it all into one cover letter without waffling on.

“Only cover things in the letter that relate to the company or job in question, if you have 20 skills but only four are relevant then focus on those four,” Watt said.

This article has been updated. It was originally published in December 2017.

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How to Get a Job at Reed

Apply early.  Unless stated otherwise, we review resumes and begin phone screens as soon as applications are submitted. You will apply through our free Interfolio portal and while you may upload your documents in any format, .pdf works best.

Write a short and memorable cover letter. Your cover letter should complement, not restate, your resume. Make sure you answer the questions listed in the job posting.

Answer our question about how you would contribute to diversity on our campus. We’re serious: we all can and should contribute to inclusion and equity on campus. You would be surprised how many candidates skip this question.

Have someone check your resume and cover letter for typos.  A mistake-free resume and cover letter demonstrate your professionalism and attention to detail.

Submit a resume that is chronological. It’s hard for us to understand your prior experience if you don’t tell us what jobs you’ve held and when. Start your resume with your most recent experience and work backwards. You don’t need to provide months of employment, just years. Be honest about any breaks in employment--there are lots of good reasons for breaks, so don’t worry about them. If we want to know more, we will ask you.  

Practice phone interviewing. Have a friend or family member call you to practice phone interviewing. Start with the question “Why are you interested in this position?” Research shows that candidates feel more confident when they stand during phone interviews and use a headset rather than holding the phone.

Research behavioral interviewing. Our favorite interview questions are behavioral, such as “Tell me about a time when you had to deal with a difficult person.” The best responses are stories about a specific time that you faced this situation. There is plenty of information online about how to answer behavioral interviewing questions, so do the research and practice.

Prepare questions for us. Be curious! Don’t forget that you are interviewing us, too. It’s fun for us when you’re the interviewer and we have to answer your questions.

Prepare your professional references. Before we extend a job offer, we call your references. Bring a list of references with you to your first interview on campus. Make sure that at least one of your references is someone who has been your boss.  

Send a thank you note. If you appreciated the interview and are even more interested in the job, let us know. Email or paper, the choice is yours, but don’t miss this opportunity to practice a common courtesy.

Remember that we want you to succeed. We don’t do stress interviews. We want you to feel confident and welcome here. We want you to have a good experience, whether you get the job or not.

For staff roles, we typically have a three-step process.

Phone screen  A 20-minute conversation with the hiring manager or recruiter so that we can fully understand your work history and why you want this role.  

First-round interview  A 45-minute in-person or Skype interview with the hiring manager and a couple others from the hiring team.

Final-round interview  A half-day to full-day interview with people that you’d be working with on campus.

Note that it may take 30 or more days for us to contact you about your application. We do our best to respond to applicants as soon as possible.

About Following Up

At the end of every interview, you should be told exactly when to expect an update about your status. If you don’t receive an update by that time, it is perfectly acceptable to contact the person who promised you the update. Email is generally the best way to follow up with us.

About Job Offers

Reed College does not negotiate starting salary or benefits. The salary listed in the job posting (or shared with you during the phone screen) is exactly what you can expect. Salary negotiations tend to disadvantage women and people from cultures where monetary negotiation is not practiced. Whether or not you’re a good negotiator will not influence your salary at Reed.

• Recruitment Consultant cover letter examples

A good cover letter will make your application stand out from all the other Recruitment Consultant candidates, and ensure that your CV gets noticed.

But selling yourself effectively in a few sentences can be tricky.

So, to help you out, we have put together 3 Recruitment Consultant cover letter examples and a guide that tells you everything you need to know about writing a winning cover letter.

Guide contents

How to write a Recruitment Consultant cover letter

• What to include in a Recruitment Consultant cover letter

CV templates 

Recruitment Consultant cover letter example 1

Recruitment Consultant cover letter example 2

Recruitment Consultant cover letter example 3

These 3 Recruitment Consultant cover letter examples will provide you with some good ideas on how to format a cover letter, along with the type of message you should be trying to put across to recruiters .

To further understand exactly how you can write a cover letter that will get you noticed, check out our further guidance.

Here’s how you can write your own eye-catching cover letter, broken down into simple steps.

Write your cover letter in the body of an email/message

Type the content of your cover letter directly into the email you are sending, or if you are applying via a job board, directly into their messaging system.

The reason for doing this it to ensure that your cover letter gets seen instantly and you can start connecting with the recruiter as soon as they open your message.

If you attach your cover letter as a separate document, the recipient will have to open up the document, which will slow the process down, or make them less likely to even open your cover letter – which could mean your application gets skipped over.

Start with a friendly greeting

Start you cover letter with a greeting that is professional but friendly.

This will build rapport with the recruiter whilst showing your professionalism.

• Hi, hope you’re well
• Hi [insert recruiter name]
• Hi [insert department/team name]

Avoid overly formal greetings like “Dear sir/madam ” unless applying to very traditional companies.

How to find the contact’s name?

Addressing the recruitment contact by name is an excellent way to start building a strong relationship. If it is not listed in the job advert, try these methods to find it.

• Check out the company website and look at their  About page. If you see a hiring manager, HR person or internal recruiter, use their name. You could also try to figure out who would be your manager in the role and use their name.
• Head to LinkedIn , search for the company and scan through the list of employees. Most professionals are on LinkedIn these days, so this is a good bet.

Identify the role you are applying for

After you have greeted the recruiter, it’s important to state the job you are applying to.

Recruiters are often managing multiple vacancies, so they need to know exactly which job you are referring to.

Be as specific as possible and use a reference number if you can find one.

Here are some examples you can use;

• I am interested in applying for the role of admin assistant with your organisation.
• I would like to apply for the role of Sales assistant (Ref: 4057393)
• I would like to express my interest in the customer service vacancy within your retail department
• I saw your advertisement for a trainee project manager on Reed and would like to apply for the role.

See also: CV examples – how to write a CV – CV profiles

Highlight your suitability

The main purpose of your cover letter is to excite recruiters and make them eager to open your CV. And you achieve this by quickly demonstrating your suitability to the job you are applying for.

Take a look at the job adverts you are applying for, and make note of the most important skills being asked for.

Then, when you write your cover letter, make your suitability the focal point.

Explain how you meet the candidate requirements fully, and why you are so well suited to carry out the job.

This will give recruiters all the encouragement they need to open your CV and consider your application.

Keep it short and sharp

It is best to keep your cover letter brief if you want to ensure you hold the attention of busy recruiters and hiring managers. A lengthy cover letter will probably not get read in full, so keep yours to around 3-6 sentences and save the real detail for your CV.

Remember the purpose of your cover letter is to quickly get recruiters to notice you and encourage them to open your CV, so it only needs to include the highlights of your experience.

Sign off professionally

To round of your CV, you should sign off with a professional signature.

This will give your cover letter a slick appearance and also give the recruiter all of the necessary contact information they need to get in touch with you.

The information to add should include:

• A friendly sign off – e.g. “Kindest regards”
• Your full name
• Phone number (one you can answer quickly)
• Email address
• Profession title
• Professional social network –  e.g. LinkedIn

Here is an example signature;

Warm regards,

Jill North IT Project Manager 078837437373 [email protected] LinkedIn

Quick tip: To save yourself from having to write your signature every time you send a job application, you can save it within your email drafts, or on a separate documents that you could copy in.

What to include in your Recruitment Consultant cover letter

Your Recruitment Consultant cover letter will be unique to your situation, but there are certain content guidelines you should stick to for best results.

To attract and entice recruiters, stick with the following key subjects in your cover letter – adapting them to fit your profession and target jobs.

• Your professional experience – Employers will be keen to know if your experience is suitable for the job you are applying to, so provide a good summary of it in your cover letter.
• Your qualifications and education – Highlight your most relevant and high-level of qualification, especially if they are essential to the job.
• The positive impact you have made – Employers love to hear about the benefits you can bring to them, so shout about anything impressive you have done, such as saving money or improving processes.
• Your reasons for leaving – Use a few words of your cover letter to explain why you are leaving your current job and ensure you avoid any negative reasons.
• Your availability – Let recruiters know when you can start a new job . Are you immediately available, or do you have a month notice period?

To round up

Writing an impressive cover letter is a crucial step in landing a Recruitment Consultant job, so taking the time to perfect it is well worth while.

By following the tips and examples above you will be able to create an eye-catching cover letter that will wow recruiters and ensure your CV gets read – leading to more job interviews for you.

Good luck with your job search!

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Looking to score a job as a Recruiter?

You're going to need an awesome cover letter. This guide is your one-stop-shop for writing a job-winning Recruiter cover letter  using our proven strategies, skills, templates, and examples.

All of the content in this guide is based on data from coaching thousands of job seekers (just like you!) who went on to land offers at the world's best companies.

If you want to maximize your chances of landing that Recruiter role, I recommend reading this piece from top to bottom. But if you're just looking for something specific, here's what's included in this guide:

• What To Know About Writing A Job-Winning Recruiter Cover Letter
• The Best Skills To Include On A Recruiter Cover Letter

How To Address A Recruiter Cover Letter

• 3 Recruiter Cover Letter Examples

The 8 Best Recruiter Cover Letter Templates

3 tips for writing a job-winning recruiter cover letter.

Here's the step-by-step breakdown:

Recruiter Cover Letter Overview: What To Know To Write A Cover Letter That Wins More Job Offers

What do companies look for when they're hiring a Recruiter?

Companies want Recruiters with strong interpersonal and communication skills who can effectively connect with candidates and accurately represent the company's culture and values. They also love professionals with keen eye for talent and that are proficient with recruitment tools and technologies.

Your cover letter should show the company that your personality and your experience encompass all of these things.

Additionally, there are a few best practices you want to follow to write a job-winning Recruiter cover letter:

• Properly address your letter: Begin your letter by addressing the hiring manager or team. Don't forget to state the specific Recruiter job you are interested in!
• Express your understanding of the company: Clearly articulate that you are well-familiarized with the company's products and the market, and tie this up with your skills, demonstrating how they align with their needs.
• Highlight your skills: Showcase your most relevant skills for the role, such as Hiring, Communication, and HR, as well as proficiency with specific recruiting tools, software, and technologies.
• Tailor your cover letter for the job description: Emphasize your experience to meet the job requirements listed in the description.
• Be concise and clear: Your cover letter should be short and easy to read. Keep it to one page and focus on the good stuff!
• End with a call to action: Close with an effective call to action, expressing enthusiasm for the opportunity and inviting further discussion on how you can contribute to the company's success.
• Proofread: Make sure to thoroughly proofread your cover letter for any grammatical errors or typos. A well-written, error-free letter can make a strong first impression. I recommend using Hemingway App or Grammarly to do this.

Let's dive deeper into each of these, so you have the exact blueprint you need to see success.

The Best Recruiter Skills To Include On Your Cover Letter

Keywords are one of the most important factors in your cover letter. They show employers that your skills align with the role, and they also help format your cover letter for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

If you're not familiar with ATS systems, they are pieces of software used by employers to manage job applications. They scan cover letters for keywords and qualifications and make it easier for employers to filter and search for candidates whose qualifications match the role.

If you want to win more interviews and job offers, you need to have a keyword-optimized cover letter. There are two ways to find the right keywords:

1. Leverage The 20 Best Recruiter Keywords

The first is to leverage our list of the best keywords and skills for a Recruiter cover letter.

These keywords were selected from an analysis of  real Recruiter job descriptions sourced from actual job boards. Here they are:

• Communication
• Talent Acquisition
• Organization
• Work Independently
• Team Member

2. Use ResyMatch.io To Find The Best Keywords That Are Specific To Your Cover Letter And Target Role

The second method is the one I recommend because it's personalized to your specific cover letter and target job.

This process lets you find the exact keywords that your cover letter is missing when compared to the individual role you're applying for.

Here's how it works:

• Open a copy of your updated Recruiter cover letter
• Open a copy of your target Recruiter job description
• In the widget below, paste the job description and hit scan!

ResyMatch is going to scan the target job description and show you the exact keywords and skills that are relevant to the role and that you should weave into your cover letter.

If you're ready to check it out, grab your target job description and run your first scan here:

To start, paste your target job description (or multiple job descriptions) into the box below:

Scan to help you identify keywords and skills within your target job description.

Scanning...

If you're more of a visual learner, here's a video walking through this whole process so you can follow along:

Personalization is what makes a cover letter stand out. That starts from the very first sentence where you greet the person reading your cover letter! There are two ways to do this well:

1. Use The Hiring Manager's Name

The first, and best, is by including the hiring manager's name. Let's say that you discovered the hiring manager's name from a post on LinkedIn or via an informational interview.

This is the jackpot! All you need to do is use their name in the introduction, like this:

2. Use This Formula: To The [Department] Team at [Company]

If you don't have the hiring manager's name, no problem! You can address your cover letter to the team that you're applying to.

For example, if you're applying for a Product Marketing Manager role at Discovery Education, you might start your cover letter like this:

This shows the reader that this letter has been written specifically for them and the content inside of it will support that.

It's much more relevant and personal than  “To Whom It May Concern!”

For more advice on writing a strong opening to your cover letter, check out this guide.

3 Recruiter Cover Letter Examples For 2024

Now let's take a look at all of these best practices in action. Here are three cover letter examples for different situations from people with different backgrounds who are all applying for Recruiter roles:

Recruiter Cover Letter Example #1: A Traditional Background

Our first example is a cover letter written by a candidate with traditional experience. Here is what an example of their cover letter might look like:

Recruiter Cover Letter Example #2: A Non-Traditional Background

Our second cover letter example comes from a candidate looking to transition from a background as an Administrative Support Specialist to a Recruiter role. This cover letter demonstrates how the author identifies and communicates their transferable skills:

Recruiter Cover Letter Example #3: Recruiter With A Career Gap

Our third example highlights a candidate with a career gap. Here is what their cover letter might look like:

At this point, you know all of the basics you'll need to write a Recruiter cover letter that wins you more interviews and offers. The only thing left is to take all of that information and apply it to a template that's going to help you get results.

We made that easy with  our CoverBuild tool . It has 8 proven templates that were created with the help of recruiters and hiring managers at the world's best companies. These templates also bake in thousands of data points we have from the job seekers in our audience who have used them to land job offers.

Just click any of the templates below to start building your cover letter using proven, recruiter-approved templates:

Free Job-Winning Cover Letter Templates, Have AI Write Yours in Less Than 2 Minutes .

Choose a cover letter template below to get started:.

Great Choice! Now, how do you want to write your cover letter?

Let AI write your unique cover letter using our proven templates.

Or use our templates to write your own from scratch.

You're off to a strong start! But I've got a few more tips to help you take your cover letter to the next level:

1. Use CoverBuild.io To Write Your Cover Letter In <2 Minutes

All of these tips and best practices work, but you still have to implement them. Normally, that'd mean you sitting down and spending hours brainstorming ideas, typing, deleting, and typing again, and then feeling absolutely drained.

Now there's a way to work around all of that so you save your best energy for the writing and edits that matter most. Here's how it works:

• Head to CoverBuild.io
• Select the “2 Minutes” option to have AI write your cover letter
• Select a template for your cover letter, then follow the 3 step process for sharing info about your experience and the target job with CoverBuild's AI
• Click “Generate My Cover Letter” and watch the tool write a unique cover letter that's personalized to your experience and your target job!

To make it even easier, you can select a cover letter template from the widget below to get started:

If you'd like to see the process in action, here's a video walking through all of the steps above:

Note:  I do not recommend or advise that you simply copy and paste any AI-generated content and submit your application. You should always review, revise, and personalize the content yourself before applying.

2. Include Measurable Metrics And Outcomes

Too many job seekers only focus on the actions that they took and not the outcomes that resulted from those actions. As a hiring manager, it's impossible to differentiate between a dozen candidates who were all “Responsible for building applications to help achieve company goals.”

If you want to win, your cover letter should speak to the specific outcomes that you drove in previous roles. That could be:

• The accuracy of the predictive models you've developed
• The sales increase you've helped drive with data analysis
• The operational costs you helped reduce

These outcomes will show hiring teams what you're capable of and make your value crystal clear!

3. Match Your Cover Letter And Resume Design

They're the exact same car, down to the year, make, and model. The only difference is the way the product was presented. Like I said, quality impacts perceived value.

One of the best ways to boost the quality of your cover letter is to make it look clean, professional, and have it match your resume. That's why the resume templates in our resume builder tool match the cover letter templates in our cover letter builder:

If you use both tools to create your cover letter and your resume, your entire application is going to be top notch.

Key Takeaways To Wrap Up Your Job-Winning Cover Letter

You made it! We packed a lot of information into this post so I wanted to distill the key points for you and lay out next steps so you know exactly where to from here.

Here are the 5 steps for writing a job-winning Recruiter cover letter:

• Start with a proven cover letter template from CoverBuild.io
• Use  ResyMatch.io to find the right keywords and optimize your cover letter for each role you apply to
• Start your cover letter with a personalized greeting for the hiring manager or team name
• Emphasize the measurable outcomes and value you drove in previous roles (include metrics!)
• Compare the draft of your cover letter to the examples on this page to make sure you're on the right path
• Use a tool like  Hemingway App or Grammarly to proofread your cover letter before you submit it

If you follow those steps, you're going to be well on your way to landing more Recruiter interviews and job offers.

Now that your cover letter is taken care of, be sure to check out our guide on writing a job-winning Recruiter resume (with examples!).

Paula Martins

Paula is Cultivated Culture's amazing Editor and Content Manager. Her background is in journalism and she's transitioned from roles in education, to tech, to finance, and more. She blends her journalism background with her job search experience to share advice aimed at helping people like you land jobs they love without applying online.

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