How To Write The Perfect Graduate Cover Letter

Once you finish university and begin applying for jobs, you’ll need to send a cover letter with each application you make. Cover letters go hand in hand with graduate CVs and allow employers to find out a little more about you and your achievements to date.

Before you fire away, make sure to follow these golden rules to ensure your graduate cover letter cuts through the noise and tempts recruiters into shortlisting you for an interview.

• What is a graduate cover letter?

• How to write a good graduate cover letter? 

• How should I address a graduate cover letter?

• How do I sign off?

• Graduate cover letter template

What is a graduate cover letter?

A graduate cover letter is the first document a recruiter reads when scanning your application. It’s a professional piece of writing that highlights your skills and attributes, giving recruiters an insight into your personality, and helping them figure out whether you’re right for the job.

Key messages to communicate in a graduate cover letter 

• Why you want to work for the company

• Why you want to work in that particular role

• Why your skills, personality and experience make you a good fit for the position.

You don’t need a paragraph for each. As long as your graduate cover letter showcases the above and communicates your passion for the industry and business, you’re on the right track.

It’s worth noting that your CV and cover letter might not be read in one sitting. So make sure your cover letter highlights everything you want your CV to, without replicating it.

How to write a good graduate cover letter?

Research is key to writing a good graduate cover letter. When an employer reads it, they must get the impression that you understand the:

• Company and its culture

• Industry and relevant news

• Competitors and market position

• Future company goals (within the next five years or so).

Just make sure your cover letter does not exceed four paragraphs. 

If in doubt, here’s what to target in each section:

• First paragraph - Explain why you’re writing the letter. Tell them key information like your degree subject, university and stage of study. State the role you’re applying for and where you found it. For example, on RateMyPlacement.co.uk

• Second paragraph - Discuss any relevant experience and indicate how your skills match those in the job description. Mention additional skills that play to your strengths

• Third paragraph - Let them know what attracted you to the company, what you can bring to the role and why you’re the best person for the job

• Fourth paragraph - Close off your letter by reiterating your interest for the position, thank the recruiter and express your desire for an interview.

Unless requested, save your CV/cover letter in PDF format. Windows and Macs don’t always read files in the same way. While one uses a .docx file extension, if the recruiter uses the opposite, they won’t be able to open it, meaning all your hard work ends up in the dog’s belly.

If you’re sending out an email application, write your cover letter in the body of the email itself.

What is ChatGPT?

ChatGPT is a term we hear a lot these days. But what exactly is it? And why can’t people get enough? Well, that’s ‘cause AI’s the future. And it’s here to stay.

GPT is a language processing tool that lets you interact with a chat box in a human-like way. From answering questions to scripting out daily tasks such as essays and emails, this nifty little thing does the lot. Think of it as an imaginary friend. You can’t see it. But it’s there.

Should I use ChatGPT to write a graduate cover letter?

While it's fine to use ChatGPT for idea generation and structure, your final graduate cover letter should always be written by you. It can be obvious when something is written by AI, so nothing beats a bit of human touch.

Plus, lots of roles require a solid understanding of grammar and spelling as well as having the ability to write. More and more programmes are being used to pick up content that's been created by AI, so don't get caught out.

How should I address a graduate cover letter?

Always address your cover letter to the person who’s reading it. If you can’t find a name, then Dear Hiring Manager will do. Never write To Whom It May Concern. It’s outdated and impersonal and feels like you’re sending your application out to 100 other people.

Also, don’t presume marital status. So Ms instead of Miss or Mrs. You don’t want to offend anyone and start things off on the wrong foot.

When in doubt, have a look on LinkedIn or the company website. Most will have a “Meet the team’ page which you can use to your advantage.

Best cover letter font

Arial, Calibri and Verdana are the easiest fonts to read, so they’re a great shout for your application. Avoid fonts like Comic Sans. As fun as it looks, it gives employers the impression that you’re not serious about your work and might actually go against you. 

When it comes to font size, anything between 10-12 is fine. Be wary of reducing your font size to fit more words on the page. It rarely works and makes it harder for the other person to read.

How do I sign off?

This depends on who you’re addressing your cover letter to. If you have the name of the recipient, it’s Yours Sincerely. If you don’t, use Yours Faithfully.

TOP TIP:

Never mention anything in your cover letter that can’t be backed up on your CV. Graduate employers will catch you out in the interview and it won’t be pretty! Be honest. Never lie.

Sample cover letter

The moment you’ve all been waiting for. While you’ll need to tailor your CV and cover letter to each role you apply for, here’s a sample graduate cover letter to get you started.

Dear Mr Richardson,

I am writing with great interest to apply for the software engineer position at NBCUniversal after seeing it advertised on RateMyPlacement.co.uk. With A BSc in Computer Science from UCL and a year’s worth of experience in web development and systems architecture, I am confident I have the technical skills to provide your company with a wide range of software-based solutions.

Whilst working as a software engineering intern at IBM, I learned how to identify and fix bugs, code, and use Java, Python and Swift. As a result, my knowledge of programming languages has increased, enabling me to help develop an iOS app that allows architects to render and edit blueprints.

As a company that is uniquely positioned to educate, entertain and empower, I would love the opportunity to work for NBCUniversal, a business whose values and mission reflect today’s cultural landscape. Additionally, your Diversity and Inclusion initiatives, coupled with your work on Corporate Social Responsibility makes the enterprise a favourable choice for me.

I look forward to discussing this role further and would welcome the chance to provide more insight into my experience as well as my track record in building revenue generating web technologies across a wide range of platforms and devices.

Thank you very much for your time and consideration.

Yours Sincerely,

Leticia Sheldon

Ready to write the perfect cover letter? Follow this checklist to get yours looking the best it can.

• Be polite, use a professional tone

• Be specific, match your skills to the job description

• Do not exceed four paragraphs

• Always check spelling and grammar

• Only use ChatGPT for idea generation.