When to use this letter
- Your first job, or your first job in an office, store or professional setting
- Part-time and summer jobs while you're in school
- Roles that say "no experience required" or "we'll train you"
Cover letter template with no experience
For an application form or a PDF upload.
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 [year / student status] at [School] and, while this would be my first [type of] job, I've spent the last [time] doing the kind of work your posting describes: [one-line summary, e.g. organizing events and handling money for a 60-member club].
As [role, e.g. treasurer of the Business Club], I [specific thing you did, e.g. set up a shared budget sheet and kept spending under plan for two semesters]. I also [second example, e.g. volunteer every Saturday at the Eastside Food Bank, where I check in about 80 families a shift]. Both taught me to be on time, keep track of details and stay calm when it gets busy.
Your posting asks for [requirement 1, e.g. reliability] and [requirement 2, e.g. friendly customer service]. I [proof for requirement 1, e.g. haven't missed a volunteer shift in a year], and I [proof for requirement 2, e.g. am the person new volunteers are paired with on their first day]. I learn quickly and I'm comfortable with [tools, e.g. Google Sheets and Square].
I'm available [days/hours, e.g. weekday afternoons and weekends] and could start [date]. I'd be glad to talk about how I can help at [Company Name]. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
What each paragraph does
- Names the job and gives one reason you fit, right away.
- Uses a school, club or volunteer example as work-style proof, with one detail or number.
- Connects what you learned to two things the posting asks for.
- Asks for a conversation and states your availability.
Short email version
When you send your resume by email or apply through a quick form.
The email
Subject: Application for [Job Title] – [Your Name]
Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],
I'd like to apply for the [Job Title] position. I'm a [student status] at [School], and although this would be my first job, I've [one strong example, e.g. run the budget for a 60-member club for two semesters without going over].
I'm reliable, quick to learn and available [days/hours]. My resume is attached. I'd welcome the chance to talk.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Tips
- Swap "experience" for evidence: a class project, a club role, volunteering, babysitting, a sport, a side project. Pick the one closest to the job.
- Give one concrete detail or number per example ("80 families a shift", "two semesters").
- Don't apologize for having no experience. Mention it once, then move on to what you can do.
- Match your availability to the job. For shift work, it's often the deciding factor.
- Keep it under 250 words. A short, specific letter beats a long, general one.
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.