How to Write a Cover Letter With No Job Experience | Cover Letter Template

Summary

In this informative video, Chloe guides viewers on how to craft an effective cover letter, even without prior experience. She emphasizes the importance of personalizing the letter by addressing the hiring manager directly and clearly stating the position applied for. Chloe suggests using relevant school experiences and achievements to highlight skills, incorporating keywords from the job description to demonstrate suitability. She also advises including both hard and soft skills, summarizing key points in the final paragraph, and providing contact information. Viewers are encouraged to download a free cover letter template for easy customization, boosting their job application efforts.

Takeaways

• 😀 Include your name, phone number, email address, and relevant links in the header of your cover letter.
• 😀 Address the hiring manager by name to personalize your cover letter.
• 😀 Start your opening paragraph by introducing yourself and specifying the position you're applying for.
• 😀 Mention where you found the job listing and any referrals in your opening paragraph.
• 😀 Express your interest in the company and the role, highlighting what excites you about the opportunity.
• 😀 Use specific examples from school, volunteering, or extracurricular activities to demonstrate your skills.
• 😀 Incorporate recurring keywords from the job description to align your skills with the company's needs.
• 😀 Highlight both hard skills (like coding or languages) and soft skills (like teamwork or communication).
• 😀 Include relevant achievements and outline what you learned from them to show your capabilities.
• 😀 Conclude by summarizing your main points, thanking the hiring manager, and providing your contact information.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of a cover letter?

The main purpose of a cover letter is to present yourself as the best candidate for a job, showcasing your interest in the position and relevant experiences, even if you lack formal work experience.

What should be included in the header of a cover letter?

The header should include your name, phone number, and email address. If applicable, you can also add your website, portfolio, or LinkedIn profile.

Why is it important to address the hiring manager by name?

Addressing the hiring manager by name personalizes the cover letter and demonstrates that you've taken the time to research the company.

How should you start the opening paragraph of a cover letter?

You should introduce yourself, state the position you are applying for, mention where you found the job listing, and indicate if you were referred by anyone.

What should the body paragraphs of the cover letter include?

The body paragraphs should highlight 1-2 relevant experiences from school, including coursework, volunteering, or internships, and demonstrate how those experiences relate to the job description.

What types of skills should you include in your cover letter?

You should include both hard skills (like coding or software proficiency) and soft skills (such as teamwork and communication), particularly those mentioned in the job description.

How can you enhance your cover letter with specific language?

By incorporating recurring words or phrases from the job description, you can reinforce your suitability for the role and show that you understand the company's needs.

What should be the focus of the final paragraph of the cover letter?

The final paragraph should summarize your main points, restate your interest in the role, thank the hiring manager for their time, and include a call to action with your contact information.

What are appropriate ways to close a cover letter?

You can close a cover letter with sign-offs such as 'Sincerely,' 'Best regards,' or 'Kind regards,' while avoiding being overly formal or too casual.

What additional resource does the video offer for viewers?

The video offers a free downloadable cover letter template that can be easily customized for various job applications, as well as a suggestion to watch a video on writing a resume with no experience.