How To Write A Cover letter With No Experience (With Sample)

Updated 5 September 2023

Writing a compelling cover letter can be challenging, especially when you have no experience in the field you are pursuing. A key component of a job application is an engaging cover letter that highlights your potential to employers. Familiarising yourself with techniques for writing a cover letter without work experience can significantly improve your chances of securing an interview. In this article, we guide you through the process of writing an effective cover letter with no experience, offer tips to make your application competitive and share a template, and example cover letter to help you write your own.

Please note that none of the companies, institutions or organisations mentioned in this article are associated with Indeed.

How To Write A Cover Letter With No Experience?

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to write a cover letter with no experience:

1. Research the company and role

Before you begin to write your cover letter, research the company and the position you are applying for. This allows you to customise your cover letter to the organisation's values, mission and goals. It also helps you to understand the key requirements of the role, so you can highlight your relevant skills or experience. For example, if you are applying for a marketing position at a technology company, ensure you are familiar with its products, target audience and marketing strategies.

2. Draft a compelling opening

Write an engaging opening paragraph that attracts the reader's attention. Include your contact information, the date and the recipient's information at the top of the letter. Next, introduce yourself and briefly mention the position you are applying for. Also, mention how you learnt about the job opportunity, whether through a job posting, referral or company website. Here is an example:

Dear [Recipient's name],

My name is [Your name], and I am writing to express my interest in the [Job title] position at [Company name]. I learnt about this exciting opportunity through the company's website and believe my enthusiasm, and transferable skills make me an ideal candidate.

3. Focus on transferable skills

In the absence of direct experience, emphasise your transferable skills in the body of your cover letter. These skills apply to various industries and job roles, such as communication, problem-solving, teamwork and leadership. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you developed these skills in your academic, volunteer or extracurricular activities.

For instance, During my time as a volunteer coordinator for a local non-profit organisation, I developed strong communication and leadership skills by organising, and leading a team of 20 volunteers. My ability to delegate tasks and motivate team members enabled the team to successfully complete several community outreach projects on schedule and within budget.

4. Highlight your educational background

Emphasise your educational achievements if they are relevant to the position. Mention your degree and any relevant coursework or projects that have given you a strong foundation in the field. If you have certifications or have participated in professional development opportunities, be sure to include those also.

For example, I recently graduated from CBCZ University with a bachelor's degree in marketing, where I gained valuable knowledge through coursework in market research, advertising and consumer behaviour. As part of my final project, I worked with a team to create a comprehensive marketing plan for a local business that ultimately increased its social media engagement by 25%.

5. Demonstrate enthusiasm and initiative

Show your enthusiasm for the role and the company by discussing your interest in the position, and what you can bring to the organisation. Highlight any research or projects you have undertaken independently, as this demonstrates initiative and a willingness to learn.

For example, I was particularly drawn to [Company name] because of its commitment to innovation and customer-centric approach. In my free time, I have been learning about the latest digital marketing trends and have created my own blog to experiment with content creation, and search engine optimisation. I am eager to apply these skills and my passion for the industry to help [Company name] achieve its goals, and increase its market presence.

6. Close with a call to action

Conclude your cover letter with a call to action. Express your interest in discussing your qualifications further and provide your contact information. Thank the reader for their time and consideration, and let them know that you look forward to their response.

7. Sign the letter and submit

Once you have completed your cover letter, add a formal closing, such as Sincerely or Best regards followed by your name. If you are submitting a hard copy, leave space for your handwritten signature above your typed name. For electronic submissions, consider adding a scanned signature or simply typing your name. After signing your cover letter, follow the submission guidelines.

Tips For Writing A Cover Letter With No Experience

Here are some tips for writing your cover letter:

Be honest about your experience. Clearly state that you are a recent graduate or have limited experience in the field. Emphasise your willingness to learn and enthusiasm for the position, which can help offset your lack of direct experience.
Showcase your soft skills. Highlight skills like adaptability, creativity and time management. These skills are valuable in any role and demonstrate your potential, even if you have no industry-specific experience.
Network with experts. Contact individuals in your chosen industry or field and ask for advice or guidance. Networking can help you gain insights into the industry and may lead to job listings or referrals, which you can mention in your cover letter.
Incorporate keywords from the job description. Carefully read the job description and include relevant keywords, and phrases. This can help your application pass through applicant tracking systems and demonstrates your understanding of the role's requirements.
Explain any gaps in your resume. If you have gaps in your employment history, address them briefly. Explain the reasons for these gaps, such as pursuing education, volunteering or caring for family, and emphasise any skills you gained during that time.
Customise your cover letter for each application. Modify your cover letter for each job and company, demonstrating that you have researched the organisation and understand its unique needs and goals.

Template For A Cover Letter With No Experience

Here is a cover letter template to guide you:

[First name] [Last name], [Degree or certification if applicable]
[Phone number] | [Email address] | [City], [State or Union territory]
[Date]
[Company Name]

Dear Hiring Manager,

[Express excitement for the position, including the role title and the company name.] [Introduce yourself by explaining why you are applying for the job, how the job aligns with your career goals and what specifically draws you to the company.]

[Explain your relevant experience and qualifications without repeating what is in your resume.] [Highlight one to two relevant achievements with facts and data when possible.] [Explain why you would be a good fit for the company.] [Optional: address employment gap or career transition.]

[Express gratitude]. [Summarise qualification]. [Restate interest in role]. [Call to action + availability and preferred contact method].

[Complimentary close],

[Signature]

Example Cover Letter Without Any Experience

Here is an example cover letter for a candidate with no experience:

Rohit Singh, Bachelor's degree in journalism and mass communication
+91 55555 55555 | rohit.singh@email.com | Patna, Bihar

23 March 2023

Dear Hiring Manager

I am excited to apply for the Junior Content Writer position at CBCZ Marketing. As a recent graduate with a bachelor's in journalism and mass communication, I am eager to start my career in content marketing. The opportunity to work for CBCZ, an organisation renowned for its commitment to innovation and high-quality content, aligns perfectly with my career goals.

During my time at LCPU University, I honed my writing and research skills through various coursework assignments, and projects. One notable accomplishment was my senior thesis, in which I analysed the effects of social media on consumer behaviour. The project required extensive research and data analysis, and I was able to present my findings to a panel of industry experts. Additionally, I have maintained a personal blog on technology trends, allowing me to experiment with different writing styles and formats.

Although I am a recent graduate with no direct experience in content marketing, my strong writing skills, ability to adapt to new situations and passion for technology make me a great fit for CBCZ Marketing. I am confident that with my dedication and enthusiasm, I can contribute effectively to your team.

I am very excited to learn more about the company and to develop my skills further. Thank you for considering my application. I am available for an interview at your convenience, and you may contact me at rohit.singh@email.com. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,
Rohit Singh