8 September 2023
Writing a Placement & Work Experience Cover Letter
When you apply for a placement, you’ll need to send a cover letter along with your CV. A placement cover letter supports your application by explaining who you are and why you’re interested in the role.
The aim of your cover letter is to persuade an employer to read your CV, (over the fifty others they received), and eventually invite you for an interview.
Want to write the perfect one? Read on for the how…
- What goes into a work experience cover letter?
How to write a cover letter for a placement
Placement cover letter example.
- Things to remember
What goes into a work experience cover letter
Although you should always tailor your cover letter for each job you apply for, there are a couple of things that all cover letters must include.
On top of the usual letter niceties, these are…
- Your name and contact details
- The role you’re applying for
- Why you’re interested in the role
- Your skills and previous experience
- What you’ll bring to the company
- Your career goals
Step 1: Dear Sir / Madam?
The first three words of your cover letter are crucial. Make no mistake!
Recruiters and employers get itchy eyes when they read a work placement cover letter addressed to [Dear Sir/Madam]. And they really lose their minds when they see [To whom it may concern]. It’s best to address your letter to the reader directly. So…
Dear Full Name , e.g. Dear David Attenborough – this is ideal as it’s gender-inclusive and doesn’t rely on the use of ‘Mr’ or ‘Ms’
Dear Mr Surname , e.g. Dear Mr Attenborough
Dear Ms Surname , e.g. Dear Ms Attenborough – never presume marital status. Write Ms instead of Miss / Mrs.
Don’t know who to address your cover letter to? There’s a few things you can do.
1. Browse LinkedIn – Lots of companies have a profile that lists their employees
2. Contact the employer – Ask for the name of the person who is tasked with reading placement cover letters. You can do this by phone or email
3. Address your cover letter to the department manager
4. If you can’t locate the person who handles recruitment, address your placement cover letter to someone who works in HR .
Step 2: Swift intro
Next, you need to disclose what placement you’re applying for.
A company might be hiring placement students in a number of different departments. Be specific to make sure you’re being considered for the right role.
Write something like this –
“ I am writing regarding the vacancy for the marketing placement with IBM, as advertised on RateMyPlacement. Please find my attached CV. “
Let the recruiter know where you found the vacancy for the placement. Employers are always keen to know what channels students use to find jobs. It makes a good impression.
Step 3: Why are you interested?
Now you’ve introduced yourself, it’s time to explain why you’re interested in the chosen placement or work experience scheme.
It’s important to do some research about the company you’re applying to and the content of the programme. Use it to give convincing reasons for your interest in the placement.
Step 4: What can YOU bring?
In this section, you want to explain what you’ll bring to the company as a placement student. There’s no need to mention everything.
Be specific and keep it relevant to the role. What unique skills will you bring to the organisation?
It’s also a chance to talk a little bit about your hobbies and interests – keeping them relevant to the role you’ve applied to.
“ I am halfway through a Marketing degree, and on course to achieve a 2:1. So far, I have focussed on digital marketing modules, which have imparted strong analytical and problem-solving skills. I am also now proficient in basic coding. My three years at Mecca Bingo have provided experience with customer service practices and other useful soft skills. “
Step 5: Final flourish
Aptly named the final flourish, you will end your placement cover letter in this section. Thank the recruiter for considering your application, and register your interest in attending an interview.
“Thank you for considering my application, I’m looking forward to the prospect of discussing the placement in greater detail in an interview. “
Step 6: Farewell
If you found the name of the recruiter/employer, end your placement cover letter with ‘Yours Sincerely’. If you rebelled and wrote “to whom it may concern”, put ‘ Yours Faithfully’.
Want to set yourself up for success with your work experience application? Sign up to our FREE Career Coaching Course, a four-day virtual programme in October, to upskill yourself on CVs, applications and interviews.
Here is an example of a placement cover letter. This is the structure and general length you should be aiming for (approx 250 words) …
Dear Mr Attenborough,
I am writing regarding the vacancy for the marketing placement with IBM, as advertised on RateMyPlacement. Please find my attached CV.
I am particularly interested in this placement at IBM because of the focus on different areas of digital marketing. IBM is at the forefront of the digital marketing industry, and I am fascinated by the cloud-based software IBM provides for companies on email, web and social media.
I have been reading about IBM’s most recent project, which aimed to improve customer experience across the buyer journey. It links closely to a project I completed in the first year of my Marketing degree, which centred around optimising the user experience for online retail.
I am halfway through a Marketing degree, and on course to achieve a 2:1. So far, I have focussed on digital marketing modules, which have imparted strong analytical and problem-solving skills. I am also now proficient in basic coding. My three years at Mecca Bingo have provided experience with customer service practices and other useful soft skills.
Thank you for considering my application, I’m looking forward to the prospect of discussing the placement in greater detail in an interview.
Yours Sincerely,
Kevin McCloud.
Things to remember…
Now you have the tools needed to craft a superb piece of career prose, there are a few things to keep in mind…
Online Placement Applications
1 . If you’re applying for a placement online, you’ll need to write your cover letter in a text box. Write it in Microsoft Word or Pages first, then copy and paste it into the text box. That way you can check your grammar and spelling beforehand.
2. If you’re sending your cover letter via email or attaching it to an online application, save it as a .pdf rather than a Word/Pages file. All computers can read PDFs, so there’ll be no problem when an employer opens the file.
3 . Always save your cover letter as ‘[Your Name] Cover Letter ‘. It looks clean, and employers will be able to find you easier.
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Written by Conor
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Student cover letter examples
Getting a job while you’re a student can be a great way to earn extra cash. The trouble is, you often have little experience behind you, which can make your CV look rather sparse.
That’s where your cover letter comes in. This gives you a chance to go into more detail about your interests, studies and what makes you a good fit for the role.
Find out how to write a persuasive and engaging application, no matter how much experience you have, with our step-by-step guide and student cover letter examples below.
CV templates
Student cover letter example 1
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Student cover letter example 2
Student cover letter example 3
The example cover letters here should give you a good general idea on how your Student cover letter should be formatted and written.
The rest of this guide gives more specific guidance on how to create your own cover letter in this format, and even includes some templates you can copy and paste.
How to write a Student cover letter
A simple step-by-step guide to writing your very own winning cover letter.
Write your cover letter in the body of an email/message
When you send a cover letter with a job application, you should always write your message into the body of your email – or the body of the messaging system if you are sending via a job website.
Why do this?
Simply because you want to get your message seen as soon as the recruiter opens your application.
If you attach the cover letter as a separate item, this means the recipient will have to open it before they can read it – slowing down the process and potentially causing frustration along the way.
So, write your cover note in the body of your email/message to ensure you make an instant connection with the reader.
Start with a friendly greeting
To kick your cover letter off, start with a friendly greeting to build rapport with the recruiter instantly.
Your greeting should be personable but professional. Not too casual, but not too formal either
Go with something like…
- Hi [insert recruiter name]
- Hi [insert department/team name]
Avoid old-fashioned greetings like “Dear sir/madam ” unless applying to very formal 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
Once you’ve opened up the cover letter with a warm greeting to start building a relationship, it is time to identify which role you want to apply for.
Recruiters are often managing multiple vacancies, so you need to ensure you apply to the correct one.
Be very specific and use a reference number if you can find one.
- I am interested in applying for the position of *Student job* with your company.
- I would like to apply for the role of Sales assistant (Ref: 406f57393)
- I would like to express my interest in the customer service vacancy within your retail department
- I saw your advert for a junior 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 sole objective of your cover letter is to motivate recruiters into to opening your CV. And you achieve this by quickly explaining your suitability to the roles you are applying for.
Take a look at the job descriptions you are applying to, and make note of the most important skills and qualifications being asked for.
Then, when crafting your cover letter, make your suitability the central focus.
Explain why you are the best qualified candidate, 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 you for the job.
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 finish off your cover note, add a professional signature to the bottom, stating your important contact details and information.
This not only provides recruiters with multiple means of contacting you, but it also adds a nice professional appearance to the cover letter, which shows that you know how to conduct yourself in the workplace.
Include the following points;
- A friendly sign off – e.g. “Warm 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,
Aaron Smith Customer service professional 075557437373 [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 document that you could copy in.
What to include in your Student cover letter
Here’s what kind of content you should include in your Student cover letter…
The exact info will obviously depend on your industry and experience level, but these are the essentials.
- Your relevant experience – Where have you worked and what type of jobs have you held?
- Your qualifications – Let recruiters know about your highest level of qualification to show them you have the credentials for the job.
- The impact you have made – Show how your actions have made a positive impact on previous employers; perhaps you’ve saved them money or helped them to acquire new customers?
- Your reasons for moving – Hiring managers will want to know why you are leaving your current or previous role, so give them a brief explanation.
- Your availability – When can you start a new job ? Recruiters will want to know how soon they can get you on board.
Don’t forget to tailor these points to the requirements of the job advert for best results.
Student cover letter templates
Copy and paste these Student cover letter templates to get a head start on your own.
Good morning, Jon
I would like to submit my application for the Finance internship at CF Finance, where I believe my skills in financial analysis and investment strategies can make a valuable contribution.
As a highly driven Finance undergraduate student at Bristol University, I possess a strong track record of analysing complex financial data and making informed recommendations, evident from my selection for the prestigious JPMorgan 2-week intensive programme. In my current part time job at Lloyds TSB, I have honed my attention to detail, ensuring a 99% accuracy rate in cash balancing and implementing a new cash management system that reduced discrepancies by 30% within the first quarter.
Additionally, my experience working with the team at JPMorgan allowed me to develop financial models and reports, leading to the implementation of an automated financial reporting system that reduced reporting time by 5%.
I am eager to continue learning and to have the opportunity to work alongside the team at CF Finance. I am available for an interview at your convenience to further discuss my qualifications. Thank you for considering my application.
Kind regards,
Shana Johnson
I am an enthusiastic student in my first year of sixth form with excellent time management skills, seeking to apply for the retail assistant job at White Stuff.
In my current role as a Shop Assistant at Clarkson Newsagents, I serve up to 50 customers per shift and my proactive problem-solving approach has garnered 40 named positive feedbacks in the last six months, reflecting my dedication to exceptional customer service. Balancing academic responsibilities with work commitments, I have maintained excellent grades and actively participate in school fundraisers and community service projects. Organising events such as quiz nights and completing a sponsored half marathon showcase my passion for teamwork and strong work ethic.
I am excited to contribute my customer service skills and attention to detail to your retail team. I am available for an interview from 22nd March, and I am eager to discuss how my skills can benefit your shop’s success.
Thank you for considering my application.
Rachel Blake
I hope you are well. I am a highly motivated and detail-oriented Chemistry student at the University of Newcastle, specialising in organic synthesis with technical expertise in using HPLC and GC-MS for quality checking and chemical identification, and I am writing to express my interest in your master’s program.
With a proven track record of streamlining laboratory workflows during group projects, I am passionate about delivering accurate and efficient results in my research. During my time as a Peer Tutor at UNSU, I took on the responsibility of assisting freshman chemistry students, providing one-on-one tutoring and conducting revision workshops. Through these efforts, I successfully elevated the average test scores by an impressive 15% within just two years, showcasing my ability to effectively communicate complex concepts and support students in their academic journey. I am keen to further hone my analytical skills and contribute to cutting-edge research projects, and the research topics and innovative environment of your university laboratory aligns perfectly with my career aspirations.
I sincerely appreciate your consideration of my application and I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience.
All the best,
Fraser Bleaker
Writing a strong attention-grabbing cover letter is a vital step in landing a good Student job.
Use the tips, strategies and examples above to get more responses from you job applications and start lining job interview up.
Good luck with your job search!
College Student Cover Letter Example (w/ Tips for 2024)
Navigating college, you've aced your exams, written A++ research papers, and delivered exciting presentations.
Your academic journey has shaped you into a specialist in your domain, and the world is eager to see what you bring...
Yet, the challenge of writing a college student cover letter feels more daunting than that trigonometry class you dreaded in your sophomore year.
Here's the good news: We've got your back!
By the end of this article, you'll know exactly what you have to do to write your student cover letter. Here’s what we’re going to cover:
- A Perfect College Student Cover Letter Example (to Inspire You to Write Yours)
- 5 Steps to Writing an Effective Student Cover Letter
- 3 Tips to Take Your Cover Letter from “Good” to “Great”
Let's dive in!
College Student Cover Letter Example
5 Steps for the Perfect College Student Cover Letter
You've just witnessed what a job-winning cover letter looks like. Now, it's your turn to craft one!
Just follow these 5 steps, and you’ll be as good as gold!
#1. Put Contact Information in the Header
When crafting your college student cover letter, it's essential to kick things off with your contact details . Just like on your resume, these should sit in the header of your cover letter.
Here's a breakdown of what to include:
- Full Name. Your first and last name should proudly sit at the top of the page.
- Intended Job Title. Match the job title on your cover letter to the specific position you're seeking. (E.g.: If you’re applying for the job of “Junior Marketing Manager,” use those exact words and not “Marketing Specialist" or “Advertising Executive.”)
- Email Address. Choose an email address that's professional and straightforward. A combination of your first and last name is a safe bet. (e.g.: [email protected] is good but [email protected] is not.)
- Phone Number. Ensure your provided phone number is accurate so that the hiring manager can reach you. If you're applying for a job in another country, add the international dial code.
- Location. Your city and state will suffice, no need to mention the address. However, if you're seeking a remote position or planning to relocate, be sure to mention it.
- Relevant Links (optional). If you have any relevant websites or social media profiles, such as LinkedIn, feel free to include them.
Once your own contact information is in place, it's time to add the hiring manager's details:
- Company Name. Clearly state the company you're applying to.
- Hiring Manager's Name. If you can find the name of the hiring manager for the specific department you're interested in, include it.
- Location. Specify the city and state or country of the company, especially if it's a global organization.
- Email Address (optional). If you manage to find the hiring manager's email address, it's a nice touch to include it.
#2. Address the Hiring Manager
Once you've got all your college student cover letter's contact info in place, the next step is addressing your letter properly.
You can always go for something generic like "To Whom It May Concern,” but if you want to stand out, you’re better off addressing the hiring manager directly .
Start by doing a bit of research. Take a look at the job listing, the company's website, or even their LinkedIn profiles. This will help you find the name and email address of the person who'll be reading your cover letter.
Next, address them in a formal but friendly way. You can use "Ms." or "Mr." followed by their last name. If you're unsure about their gender or marital status, just use their full name. Here are some examples:
- Dear Ms. Rodriguez
- Dear Alex Rodriguez
If you can't find any specific info about the hiring manager or the department head, it's okay to address your letter to the department or the company in general. Just keep it friendly and professional:
- Dear Marketing Department
- Dear Marketing Team
- Dear Human Resources
- Dear Hiring Team
#3. Write an Eye-Catching Opening Statement
Hiring managers typically spend around seven seconds evaluating a college student's application before deciding whether to read it thoroughly. So, making a strong first impression in your cover letter is vital.
In the opening paragraph, be sure to introduce yourself and explain why you're interested in the position. Expressing your enthusiasm for the industry or the specific job can grab the hiring manager's attention.
Doing a bit of research on the company can be very helpful here. The more you know about the employer, the better you can emphasize how well you'd fit into their work culture. This demonstrates that you're not just applying to random companies but are genuinely interested in this particular role.
You can also kick off your cover letter by mentioning a noteworthy achievement or showcasing the skills that make you an ideal candidate. Keep this paragraph short, though. The goal is to spark the hiring manager's interest and encourage them to read into your cover letter's details.
#4. Use the Cover Letter Body for the Details
The body of your college student cover letter is your chance to provide in-depth details that truly showcase why you're a perfect fit for the job.
Discuss courses, projects, or experiences that have given you skills relevant to the role. Additionally, share any extracurricular activities, volunteer work, or internships that align with the position.
For instance, if you're applying for a marketing role and you managed a social media campaign for a college club, that would be perfect to mention. It's also beneficial to highlight any soft skills, such as communication or teamwork, and give examples of when you've put them to use.
Next, demonstrate that you've done your research by mentioning something specific about the company that resonates with you, whether it's their mission, a product, or a recent accomplishment.
It's important to show how the company’s values or goals align with your experiences or aspirations. Every cover letter should be tailor-made for the job you're applying for, so make sure to emphasize experiences and skills that match the job description.
It can also be helpful to incorporate keywords from the job posting, especially if the company uses applicant scanning software for initial screening.That said, avoid the temptation to simply rehash your college resume - your cover letter should be a supplementary document, not a copy-paste.
Want to learn what a great cover letter looks like in different fields? Check out our cover letter examples !
#5. Wrap It Up and Sign It
Wrapping up your college student cover letter is the final touch that can leave a lasting impression.
It's essential to conclude on a strong note, ensuring that your conclusion reinforces why you're an excellent fit for the role.
In your conclusion, confidently recap your qualifications and the skills that set you apart from other candidates in the college student industry. Reiterate how your experiences align perfectly with the job.
Following your conclusion, it's time to include a call to action. Encourage the hiring manager to take the next step, such as initiating a discussion about your application. This proactive approach can significantly increase your chances of securing an interview.
Finally, select an appropriate closing line and follow it with your full name to end your letter like a pro.
Please feel free to contact me at the provided email or phone number to arrange an interview. I eagerly await the opportunity to discuss my application at your earliest convenience.
Warm regards,
Jodie Sawkins
And finally, if you prefer to explore alternative sign-offs to "Warm regards," here are some options:
- Best regards,
- Respectfully,
- Thank you for your consideration,
3 Essential College Student Cover Letter Tips
You've got the basics of cover letters down, and now it's time to take your college student cover letter to the next level with some essential tips .
#1. Match Your Resume
When you're a college student applying for a job, it's important to maintain a consistent application style.
Make sure your cover letter's format and layout closely mirror your resume template to create a professional and organized impression.
Align your text and contact details neatly on the page, keep font styles and sizes uniform, and set appropriate margins and line spacing.
By doing this, you'll present a polished and cohesive application while ensuring your cover letter stays on a single page.
Or Use A Cover Letter Template Instead
Don't want the hassle of starting from scratch? We've got you covered! Our cover letter templates are designed to save you time and ensure your cover letter pairs perfectly with your resume.
Crafted with insights from the world’s leading hiring managers, our templates meet industry standards and look fantastic.
#2. Focus on Extracurricular Activities & Internships
Chances are, as a student, you don’t have a lot of hands-on professional work experience.
That doesn’t mean you lack valuable experience that can impress potential employers.
Extracurricular activities and internships can play a pivotal role in showcasing your skills, dedication, leadership, and adaptability.
Participating in clubs, organizations, or sports can demonstrate skills like teamwork, leadership, time management, and problem-solving. For instance, if you were the captain of a sports team, it suggests leadership and dedication. If you were part of a debate club, it shows strong communication and critical thinking skills.
#3. Proofread the Final Draft
Proofreading your final draft is a crucial step when polishing your college student cover letter. Typos and bad grammar can quickly sabotage a great first impression.
First off, run your cover letter through Grammarly or any other online tool to find any mechanical errors.
Then, re-read it yourself carefully to make sure that the tool didn’t miss something important.
Finally, get a friend to give it a final review to make sure the cover letter is objectively good.
Key Takeaways
Hopefully, by now, you know all you need in order to create an effective college student cover letter.
Before you go and start applying for jobs, here’s a quick recap of everything we’ve covered in this article:
- Your cover letter is often the first introduction to a potential employer. Ensure it's polished, professional, and captures your qualifications effectively.
- Extracurricular activities, internships, and academic achievements can be valuable assets. Don't shy away from showcasing these experiences.
- One size doesn't fit all. Customize your cover letter for each position, emphasizing how your skills align with the job requirements.
- Hiring managers often skim through applications due to volume. Aim for clarity and brevity, getting straight to the point.
- Minor errors can be detrimental. Use online tools, seek feedback, and meticulously review your content before submission.
- Let your passion shine through. Employers value candidates who are not only qualified but also genuinely interested in the role and the company.
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Free cover letter template for students and new grads
Download this professional cover letter template to boost your job applications.
A well-written cover letter will make your job application stand out to employers. But how do you organize a cover letter and what should you include? We’ve created a professional template that you can download to create a letter that will impress recruiters. And be sure to download our corresponding resume template so your application looks seamless.
Want personalized guidance on your cover letter? Don't forget to consult your school's career services center !
The sections of the cover letter are:
Contact information: Include your first and last name, city and state, phone number and email address. You can include an additional link, like an online portfolio, if relevant to the role you’re applying for.
Greeting: A personalized cover letter goes a long way, so try to find the name of the hiring manager and address the letter to them. If you can’t find their name, “Dear Hiring Manager” will suffice.
The introduction: The opening paragraph should get the attention of the reader and make them want to learn more about you. You can briefly explain why you’re excited to apply for the job, or tell a short story that is relevant to the position. Make this as personal as possible, and explain how the role connects to your passions and interests! This is also a great place to mention if you're met the recruiter (or someone else from the company) at a career fair or another networking opportunity.
Your skills and experience: The main section of the cover letter summarizes your relevant skills and experiences . Be sure to include industry-specific or technical skills needed in the role. You can talk about your soft skills like leadership or communication, with examples of times that you’ve demonstrated them. Use the STAR method to tell an effective story about how you've applied your skills. Don't just repeat your resume—use this as a chance to show off your personality as well.
Closing: End your cover letter by thanking the employer for considering your application. Let them know you look forward to discussing your experience, or similar statement of interest in next steps. Sign your letter politely: ”Sincerely” or “Best regards” are common send-offs.
To create your cover letter using the template:
- View the template document here .
- Click File in the upper left-hand corner.
- Select Make a Copy in Google docs or Download as a Word document.
4. If you made a copy, create a name for it and click OK .
- Write your cover letter, and tailor it for each application. (That includes changing the greeting, job title/company, as well as any examples and stories to make sure they are the most relevant ones for the role). Be sure to use clear file names so you never get your cover letters mixed up.
- Save as a PDF and upload to your Handshake profile to include it in your application!
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