Entry-Level Job Cover Letter Example

Landing a new job can feel daunting, but a professional entry-level cover letter gives you the chance to make a positive first impression. Employers don’t expect a long list of past roles. Instead, they look for signs of reliability, enthusiasm, and potential.

Whether you’re applying for a role in hospitality, retail, administration, logistics, or beyond, this guide will help you convey your strengths, express genuine interest, and demonstrate that you’re ready to contribute from day one.

Entry-Level Job full text-only cover letter example

Sections of an entry-level job cover letter

A great entry-level cover letter is simple, sincere, and structured. It should include:

• Header: Your name, phone number, email, and location. You can also include the date and the employer’s or hiring manager’s details.
• Greeting: Use a professional greeting such as “Dear Ms. Byrne” or “Dear Mr. O’Shea.” If you’re unsure of the hiring manager’s name, “Dear Hiring Manager” is a reliable option.
• Introduction: Open with confidence. Mention the role you’re applying for, where you saw it, and briefly explain what excites you about the opportunity.
• Body paragraphs: Highlight your transferable skills, positive attitude, and relevant experiences, whether from school, part-time work, volunteering, or other activities.
• Conclusion: Wrap up warmly. Reaffirm your interest and readiness to contribute, and thank the employer for their time.
• Signature: End with a professional closing such as “Kind regards” or “Yours sincerely,” followed by your full name.

When it comes to crafting your cover letter, one page is plenty. You don’t need a long history to make an impression, simply focus on your energy, work ethic, and readiness to contribute.

Don’t forget to check out our article on how to write a cover letter for more expert tips and professional advice!

Introduction of an entry-level job cover letter

A strong introduction sets the tone for your application and helps you stand out from the start. Begin your cover letter by stating the job title and where you found the listing, then highlight a key transferable skill or experience that makes you a great fit.

This might be a school project, volunteer role, part-time job, or personal passion that reflects your work ethic, communication skills, or eagerness to learn. 

Tailoring your introduction to the job description shows you’ve done your homework and are genuinely invested in the opportunity.

Entry-level job cover letter body

Once you've made a strong first impression in your introduction, use the body of your cover letter to build a clear and compelling case for yourself. 

Here's a simple structure to follow:

• Start with a paragraph that highlights your strengths and relevant skills
• Follow with a paragraph that shows how your values align with the company’s mission and culture
• End with a conclusion that reaffirms your interest and includes a confident call to action

First body paragraph: your suitability for the role (skills & experience)

Even if you’re new to the workforce, you likely have more relevant experience than you think. Use this section to emphasise transferable skills and personal strengths.

We recommend covering the following key points:

1. Teamwork and reliability
   Mention any group activities, clubs, or previous jobs (even part-time jobs) where you had to collaborate with others and follow through on tasks. Employers value people who can work well with a team and show up on time.
2. Communication and customer service
   If you’ve dealt with people, whether through sports, volunteering, retail, or hospitality, you’ve developed communication skills. Give an example of helping others, handling a question, or solving a small issue.
3. Organisation and initiative
   Are you someone who gets things done without being asked? Did you organise a fundraiser, help manage stock at a part-time job, or support a busy classroom as part of work experience? These are all worth sharing.
4. Willingness to learn
   When you don’t have direct experience, showing eagerness and a good attitude counts for a lot. Briefly outline your openness to training, feedback, and trying new tasks.

Second body paragraph(s): alignment with the organisation

In the second body paragraph, show that you’ve taken the time to understand the company and are applying with intention, not just sending out the same letter everywhere. Keep it concise, authentic, and aligned with the values of the employer.

If you’re applying to a company like Musgrave, known for championing sustainability, supporting local communities, and driving innovation in retail, this is your moment to connect these values to your own values. 

You might reference a project where you analysed customer behaviour to reduce food waste, or improved supply chain transparency through data insights. If their commitment to local suppliers resonates with you, say why – it adds a human element to your technical background.

Tying your experience and motivation to their mission makes it clear you’re not only capable of doing the job, but genuinely excited to contribute to the bigger picture.

Call to action & conclusion: a strong close 

End your letter by thanking the employer for the opportunity and expressing your enthusiasm for joining their team

Finish strong. Thank the employer for their time, reiterate your excitement about the opportunity, and reiterate your interest in speaking further about how you can contribute

Key Takeaways

A strong entry-level cover letter illustrates your motivation, transferable skills, and eagerness to contribute. Even without extensive experience, you can make a great impression by tailoring your letter and showing genuine interest. 

Ready to get started? Try our cover letter builder to create a polished, professional application in minutes.