Skip to content
launchcv
Log in

Entry-level cover letter: make your first years count.

With a year or two behind you, your letter can point to real work: the volume you handled, a result and how fast you learned.

By · Updated · 2 min read

On this page

When to use this letter

  • Your first full-time job after school, part-time work or an internship
  • You have up to about two years of experience in the field
  • Junior, associate, assistant and coordinator roles

Entry-level cover letter template

For a PDF or an application form.

The letter

[Your Name]

[City, State] · [Email] · [Phone] · [LinkedIn URL]

[Month Day, Year]

[Hiring Manager's Name][Company Name][City, State]

Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],

I'm applying for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I'm a [current role or recent graduate status] with [time] of experience in [area], and I'm drawn to this role because [specific reason about the company or team].

In my current role at [Company], I [what you handle, e.g. support 60 patients a day in a busy family practice] using [tools, e.g. Epic and Excel]. I [one result, e.g. cut check-in time by four minutes by preparing charts the night before], and I was [recognition or responsibility, e.g. asked to train two new hires within my first year].

Your posting asks for [requirement 1] and [requirement 2]. I [proof 1], and I [proof 2]. I'm early in my career, so I've had to learn new systems quickly, and I'm used to asking good questions and then getting on with the work.

I'd welcome the chance to talk about how I can contribute to [team or goal]. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Replace every [bracketed] placeholder with your own details, and cut anything that doesn't apply.

What each paragraph does

  1. Names the role and gives your current situation in one line.
  2. Shows what you've handled (volume, tools, people) and one result.
  3. Connects that to the posting's main requirements and shows you learn fast.
  4. Ends with a clear ask and thanks.

Short email version

When you apply by email or message a recruiter.

The email

Subject: [Job Title] – [Your Name]

Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],

I'm applying for the [Job Title] role. I have [time] of experience in [area], where I [one strong result].

I'm comfortable with [tools from the posting] and quick to learn. My resume is attached, and I'd be glad to talk.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

Replace every [bracketed] placeholder with your own details, and cut anything that doesn't apply.

Tips

  • Lead with what you've handled: volume, customers, tools. It shows you can keep up.
  • One result with a number beats three adjectives.
  • Mention school only if it's recent and relevant; your work comes first now.
  • Use the posting's words for the two requirements you match best.
  • Keep it to one page, three or four paragraphs.

More cover letter help

For the full four-paragraph structure, formatting and sending rules, see the cover letter template guide. For a finished letter in your field, browse cover letter examples by job. Your resume does the heavy lifting, so check it with the free ATS check before you send both.

Frequently asked questions

What should an entry-level cover letter include?

The role, your current situation, what you've handled so far with one result, how that matches two requirements from the posting, and a request to talk.

Is an internship enough experience to mention?

Yes. Treat it like a job: what you did, the tools you used and one outcome.

Should I include my GPA?

Only if it's strong and you graduated recently, and usually on the resume rather than in the letter.

/ Keep going

Letter ready? Check the resume it goes with.

The free ATS check flags missing keywords, columns, tables and contact details.

Check my resume — free