how to write bachelor's degree on cover letter

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Properly Write Your Degree

The correct way to communicate your degree to employers and others is by using the following formats:

Degree - This is the academic degree you are receiving. Your major is in addition to the degree; it can be added to the phrase or written separately.  Include the full name of your degree, major(s), minor(s), emphases, and certificates on your resume.

Double Majors - You will not be receiving two bachelor's degrees if you double major. Your primary major determines the degree (Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science). If you're not fully sure which of your majors is primary, check CheckMarq or call the registrar's office.

Example: Primary Major: Psychology ; Secondary Major: Marketing

• Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology & Marketing

Primary Major: Marketing ; Secondary Major: Psychology

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Marketing & Psychology

In a letter, you may shorten your degree by writing it this way:

• In May 20XX, I will graduate with my Bachelor's degree in International Affairs.
• In December 20XX, I will graduate with my Master's degree in Counseling Education.

Not sure which degree you are graduating with? Here is a list of Undergraduate Majors and corresponding degrees:

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Writing the Cover Letter

What are the objectives of a cover letter.

A good cover letter puts your résumé in context and persuades the prospective employer that you are a good match for the position in question. If your cover letter does its job, the prospective employer will begin to consider your candidacy and go on to review your résumé in detail.

Your cover letter also serves as a sample of your organizational and communication skills. For this reason, it's essential to spend time writing and organizing the content, and to proofread it carefully. The time and care that you devote to constructing and writing your cover letter and résumé will demonstrate to the prospective employer that you're capable of producing high quality work.

Finally, your cover letter expresses your interest in the particular position or particular organization. Cover letters should be individually tailored for each job prospect. Your letter should convey to each prospective employer that you have an understanding of the job, and that you've done some thinking about how you could fit in to the organization and contribute to its goals.

How should I approach the writing task?

Your cover letter is your opportunity to market those aspects of your skills, abilities, education, training, background, and experience which are most relevant to the position you're seeking. This means that you will need to begin by doing some thinking about your skills and background and how these relate to the position for which you're applying. (For more information about skills, visit the Humanities Academic Services Center website .) Your cover letter should reflect your individuality, but remember that you are "introducing yourself" for the first time to a stranger: it's best to err on the side of professionalism.

Read the job announcement carefully. What are the most important qualifications being sought? How can you best demonstrate that you have them? Try to put yourself in the prospective employer's position: What would you want to know about a candidate for this particular job? What information would be most important to you? Include only the most relevant attributes and experiences you possess which specifically match the job for which you're applying.

Research the company or organization: What does the employing organization do? What are its goals? What is its history? How does it fit in to its industry? What characterizes the organization's culture (e.g., is it casual, conservative, highly structured, diverse, traditional, modern, fast-paced, etc.)? Some information, such as the organization's mission, purpose, clients, partners, and a sense of its "style" can be found on its website (if it has one). There are also industry and employer directories available on the web, in the libraries, and at UW Career Center in 134 Mary Gates Hall. Local and national newspapers, industry-related publications and journals, and the Washington Occupational Information System are also good resources.

Address the letter to a specific individual. As with all writing, it's important to identify your audience. Taking the time to find out the hiring party's name and correct title is another way to demonstrate your interest in the position.

How should I format my cover letter?

Your cover letter should be three to four paragraphs in length and limited to one page. Like an essay, its content can usually be divided up into three parts:

The introduction states the position you're seeking, explains how you learned about the position, and indicates your interest. It often also contains a brief statement of your qualifications (education, experience, and skills).

The body highlights the most important qualities you can offer to this particular employer , related to the position that you're seeking. Because you will be attaching your résumé, this is not the place to go into great detail. What you are attempting to do is to get the employer's attention and interest him/her in your candidacy. This is also the place to present other relevant information about your characteristics or background that may not be evident from your résumé. You might provide the employer with some specific examples of how you've demonstrated particular key skills or how you fulfill the most important qualifications listed in the job announcement.

The conclusion should summarize your qualifications and your interest in the position. Be sure to close your letter with a request for action or an indication that you'll be following up. This might include a request for an interview, a statement of your intent to call the employer on a specific date, or the dates you'll be in town for an interview. Finally, always thank the employer for considering your application.

Sample Cover Letters

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Crafting The Perfect Academic Cover Letter: A Step-By-Step Guide

Land your dream academic position! Craft a compelling academic cover letter that highlights your skills and experience.

This guide will help you create a winning academic cover letter! Here you’ll find everything you need, whether you’re an experienced academic or a fresh graduate seeking your dream job in academia. We’ll discuss how to write an academic cover letter that grabs attention while highlighting your skills and experiences.

Making a positive impression on hiring committees and search panels begins with a well-crafted academic cover letter. This document serves as your introduction, demonstrating your passion for your field, your qualifications, and your fit for the institution and position you are applying for.

A great cover letter can make all the difference in the competitive world of academia, where job openings are often limited and highly sought after. A cover letter provides context to your CV or resume, allowing you to highlight specific experiences, projects, or accomplishments that demonstrate your suitability for the position. Throughout this guide, we’ll provide you with tips, strategies, and examples to help you craft a compelling academic cover letter that sets you apart from the competition. So let’s dive in and start crafting your path to academic success!

The Purpose (Why Do You Need A Cover Letter?)

It is imperative to include a cover letter in your job application package when applying to academic jobs. A cover letter serves as a personal introduction, adding depth and context to your CV or resume. In order to better understand its specific purpose, let’s look at:

1. Explaining How you fit the position and Interest: In your cover letter, you can explain why you are interested in the position and institution. It gives you the chance to explain why you are applying, whether it is the institution’s reputation, specific research opportunities, or alignment with your career objectives. You can also express your interest in the program and describe how it fits into your future goals. Additionally, you should demonstrate your enthusiasm and commitment to the program.

2. Highlighting Your Qualifications: In contrast to CVs and resumes, cover letters provide you with an opportunity to highlight and contextualize specialized experiences or qualifications relevant to the role. In order to demonstrate your suitability for the job, you can highlight specific projects, publications, teaching experiences, or other accomplishments.

3. Personalizing Your Application: Unlike a CV or resume, which tends to be more standardized, a cover letter offers you the chance to personalize your application for a specific job and institution. By addressing the hiring committee directly and tailoring your content to the institution’s values, mission, and goals, you can demonstrate your genuine interest and commitment.

4. Adding Context: At times, you may need to explain or contextualize certain aspects of your application. It can be helpful to include a cover letter if you are transitioning from one field within academia to another, or if there are gaps in your employment history.

5. Showcase Your Communication Skills: In academia, effective communication is paramount. An important skill that hiring committees look for is the ability to communicate clearly and persuasively in writing. You can demonstrate your writing style, professionalism, and attention to detail with a well-crafted cover letter.

6. Stand Out From Other Candidates : Being able to stand out from other applicants is essential in a competitive job market. With a thoughtfully written cover letter, you can convey aspects of your personality, work ethic, and passion for your field not readily apparent from your CV.

Research About The Institution

The first step in writing an academic cover letter is to thoroughly research the institution as well as the role for which you’re applying. By taking this step, you not only demonstrate your genuine interest in the position, but you also tailor your cover letter to make it more compelling to hiring managers.

Importance Of Research Before The Interview

You demonstrate your genuine interest in joining the academic community by demonstrating your knowledge about the institution and the position. You can align your qualifications and experience with what they are seeking in a candidate if you understand the institution’s values, mission, and goals. By researching the department, faculty members, and ongoing projects, you can use your insights to enhance the relevance and impact of your cover letter.

Tips for researching about the Institution:

• Explore the Institution’s Website: Start by thoroughly exploring the institution’s official website. Learn about the faculty members, research areas, academic programs, and recent achievements of the department you’re applying to.
• Read Faculty Profiles and Publications: Take the time to read faculty profiles and publications related to your field of expertise. Furthermore, this will help you identify potential collaborators or mentors within the department.
• Review Recent News and Press Releases: Check for any recent news articles or press releases about the institution. It can provide valuable insights into the Lab’s accomplishments, partnerships, or current initiatives.
• Utilize Professional Networks: Reach out to your professional network, including colleagues, mentors, or alumni who may have insights or connections related to the institution or position. You might find valuable information or advice from them that you couldn’t find through traditional research methods.
• Attend Departmental Events or Webinars: If possible, attend departmental events, seminars, or webinars hosted by the institution. In addition to learning more about their academic community, you will also have an opportunity to network with faculty and students.

Tailoring Your Cover Letter

As soon as you have gathered enough information about the institution and the position, you can tailor your cover letter accordingly. Here are some tips for writing a targeted and impactful cover letter:

• Start your cover letter with the name of the institution and the position you are applying for. It shows that you have done your homework and immediately grabs the reader’s attention.
• Provide examples from your background that are directly related to the institution’s research areas, teaching philosophy, or academic initiatives. By doing so, you demonstrate how your skills and experience are in line with their requirements.
• Refer to specific projects, programs, or initiatives in your cover letter if the institution has them. Explain how your expertise or interests make you a good candidate for participation or contribution.
• Describe how you align with the institution’s values, mission, and academic culture. In this way, you demonstrate your commitment to excellence and innovation in education and research.

Academic Cover Letter Structure

Your introduction serves three purposes: grabbing the reader’s attention, expressing your interest in the position, and briefly describing your qualifications. The following is a list of what to include:

• A strong opening sentence or paragraph that captures the reader’s interest.
• The position you are applying for and where you learned about it.
• A brief introduction of yourself and your interest in the position and institution .

Here is a simple Example:

“Dear Hiring Committee/Department Chair, I am writing to express my interest in the Specific Position at the Institution , as advertised on XYZ . With a passion for mentioning your field or research interest , coupled with relevant experience or qualification , I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the Institution’s name or department .”

Body Paragraphs

Describe your qualifications, relevant experiences, and how they are aligned with the job requirements in the body paragraphs. The following is a list of what to include:

• Detailed discussion of your academic background, research experience, teaching experience if any, and any other relevant skills or accomplishments.
• Specific examples and achievements that demonstrate your suitability for the position.
• Alignment of your qualifications with the institution’s mission, values, and goals.

“As a research assistant at [University/Institute], I conducted groundbreaking research in [specific area], resulting in [mention of any publications, grants, or awards]. In addition to my expertise in [relevant technique or methodology], I am particularly drawn to [Institution’s name or department] due to the institution’s commitment to [mention any specific initiatives or focus areas].”

In the conclusion, you express gratitude for the opportunity to apply, summarize your interest, and offer a call to action. The following is a list of what to include:

• A summary of your interest in the position and how you can contribute to the institution.
• Expression of gratitude for the opportunity to apply and the reader’s consideration.
• A call to action, such as expressing readiness for an interview or providing additional materials if needed.

“Thank you for considering my application. I am looking forward to contributing to [Institution’s name or department]’s mission of [mention the institution’s mission or goals] with my expertise in [your field]. It would be my pleasure to provide any additional information you may need. I look forward to discussing how my skills and experience align with the needs of [Institution].”

Academic Cover Letter Template

Dear Hiring Committee, Dear Hiring Committee/Department Chair, I am writing to express my interest in the Specific Position at Institution , as advertised on XYZ . With a passion for mentioning your field or research interest , coupled with relevant experience or qualification , I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the Institution’s name or department . As a research assistant at [University/Institute ], I conducted groundbreaking research in [ specific area ], resulting in [ mention any publications, grants, or award s]. In addition to my expertise in [ relevant technique or methodology ], I am particularly drawn to [ Institution’s name or department ] due to the institution’s commitment to [ mention any specific initiatives or focus areas ]. Thank you for considering my application. I am looking forward to contributing to [ Institution’s name or department] ‘s mission of [ mention the institution’s mission or goals ] with my expertise in [ your field ]. It would be my pleasure to provide any additional information you may need. I look forward to discussing how my skills and experience align with the needs of [I nstitutio n]. Sincerely, Name

Using this structure, you can craft an effective cover letter for an academic position. Personalize each section based on your experiences and the specific requirements of the position and institution you are applying for.

Polishing And Final Touch

You should polish your academic cover letter after you draft it to ensure that it effectively conveys your qualifications and professionalism. During this final step, you will check your letter for errors, edit it, and ask for feedback to ensure that it is as good as possible.

Proofreading and Editing

You should proofread your cover letter to ensure it contains no grammatical, spelling, punctuation, or clarity errors. The following tips will help you proofread effectively:

• Take your time when reviewing your cover letter. Make sure you don’t rush through proofreading.
• The best way to catch awkward phrasing, repetitions, and grammatical errors in your cover letter is to read it aloud to yourself.
• Take advantage of spelling and grammar checkers available in word processing software like Microsoft Word or Grammarly. It is important to remember that these tools may not detect all errors, so don’t rely on them solely.
• Be clear and concise in your sentences. Use simple language rather than overly complex jargon that might confuse the reader.
• Your cover letter should be consistent in terms of formatting, punctuation, and writing style.

Professional Tone and Formatting

Making a positive impression on potential employers requires a professional tone and formatting. You can ensure professionalism in your cover letter by following these steps:

• Write in a formal tone appropriate for academic and professional settings. Don’t use slang, contractions, or language that is too casual.
• Follow a standard business letter format, including your contact information, the recipient’s information, a salutation, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. You should use a professional font and a standard font size (e.g., Times New Roman, 12-point).
• When possible, address the recipient by name and title. Use a generic salutation such as “Dear Hiring Committee” or “Dear Search Committee” if you’re unsure of the recipient’s name.
• Double-check your contact information, including your email address and phone number.

Seeking Feedback

Your cover letter can be improved by getting feedback from others. Feedback can be obtained from the following sources:

• Review your cover letter with trusted classmates or colleagues and ask for constructive criticism. It is possible for them to offer fresh perspectives and catch errors that might have slipped your mind.
• Find mentors with experience in your field of study or academia who can provide feedback. It is possible to get guidance from them on how to tailor your cover letter for a particular academic position.
• If your university has a career center or academic advising office, make use of those resources. Academic cover letters can be tailored to different positions by career advisors.

To ensure your academic cover letter presents you to potential employers in the best light, be sure to proofread, maintain a professional tone and format, and seek feedback from peers, mentors, and career advisors.

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How to Write a Cover Letter That Stands Out

When writing cover letters, it’s natural to draw inspiration from your resumé. The two should sound similar in that they highlight your accomplishments and position you as the right candidate for the job—but they shouldn’t sound identical.

If your cover letter sounds like a copy-and-pasted version of your resumé, you need to revise your approach. Here are tips on how to write a cover letter that stands out in the applicant pool.

Expand on Key Professional Points

Your resumé shouldn’t extend beyond a single page, if you’ve formatted the content properly . That said, you’re not left with a lot of room to dive into deep detail on your past experience and accomplishments—which is where your cover letter comes in.

While you don’t want to simply reiterate the bullet points on your resumé, you do want to highlight what matters most. What makes you uniquely qualified for the role, and how does your skill set align with the job’s key requirements? Address those questions in your cover letter—and get specific. Better yet, tell a story.

Tell a Story

Corporate job openings receive an average 250 resumés . Meaning, if you want to stand out, you need to get creative. Your cover letter is a great place to experiment with storytelling. Ask yourself, “Why do I want this role?”

Is the industry one you’ve fantasized about since you were a starry-eyed teenager? Perhaps you grew up pouring over the magazine you’re now applying to. Or is there something about the organization’s brand that resonates with you? Maybe, over the years, you’ve drawn inspiration from the company’s slogan, such as Nike’s “Just Do It” or Apple’s “Think Different” campaigns.

By starting with an anecdote, you avoid sending what sounds like a canned cover letter, while also spotlighting your personality. Whatever your connection to the company or role, express your passion in a way that’s strategic and shows your familiarity with the company—not eager to the point of sounding disingenuous. Just beware of rambling; stick to the specifics.

Get Specific

Speaking of specifics, cover letters enable you to create a narrative the bullet points of your resumé don’t allow.

Detail your past experience in strong action verbs, such as “negotiated,” “launched,” “managed,” or “trained,” and avoid phrases you also don’t want on your resumé , including “hard worker” or “team player.” Both terms are meaningless unless backed by results. What business goals have you achieved? What role do you play on a team? Get specific.

Also, quantify your achievements when you can. Whether it’s the number of dollars you’ve saved an organization, size of team you’ve managed, or scale of a major project you’ve completed, dive into details to prove you’re results-oriented without needing to explicitly state it.

Cover Core Requirements

Again, you want to pull the key requirements out of the job description and match your experience to the qualifications. What can you bring to the company? How does your experience align? Make it readily apparent why you’re the right fit for the job. Perform additional research to better understand the company’s challenges, culture, and needs, and incorporate any ideas or solutions into your cover letter.

If your experience doesn’t perfectly align, don’t undersell yourself. Focus on your transferable skills instead, such as problem-solving, active listening, conflict resolution, time management, or leadership. It’s likely the projects you worked on or responsibilities you tackled in your last role can be translated to the position you’re applying for.

Other Tips to Consider

When writing your cover letter, there are other final touches you want to consider.

• Your cover letter and resumé should complement each other, so use similar visual elements on each document, including identical fonts and matching layouts. Check out Venngage’s cover letter maker that allows you to customize your design based on your industry.
• Address your cover letter to the specific hiring manager, rather than “To Whom It May Concern.” This will help personalize the letter, but also prove you can do your research. If the hiring manager’s name is not clear, consider contacting the company’s human resources department to find the appropriate employee.
• Recruiters spend only six seconds reviewing an individual resumé , so keep your resumé and cover letter to one page each. Every word counts.
• Triple check for any spelling or grammatical errors.

Are you looking for more careers-related content? Read more from our  career advice archives ,  including how to properly reach out to a hiring manager and how to ace your next phone interview .  

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Master's Degree and Bachelor's Degree (Correct Format)

How do you write "master's degree" and "bachelor's degree".

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• John has a master's degree.
• Peter has completed his master's degree in Law.
• My bachelor's degree is in English Literature.

Why Is the Apostrophe before the s in "Master's Degree" and "Bachelor's Degree"?

Why Are "Master's Degree" and "Bachelor's Degree" Written in Lowercase?

Degrees as titles, don't capitalize a term because it's "important".

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Tips on Writing a Stellar Cover Letter

Whether you’re just beginning your first job search or deep in the trenches of your career, one of the most daunting parts of an application process can be crafting a cover letter. According to a 2020 survey by Resume Lab , 83% of human resources professionals said a cover letter is an important part of a hiring decision. In a separate question, 83% of respondents claimed that a great cover letter can secure you an interview even if your resume isn’t good enough. This leaves many job applicants wondering how to write a good cover letter.

Why Include a Cover Letter?

Cover letters serve as an introduction to employers in a way that resumes are not, according to Guilene Williams, Director of Career Services at Purdue Global.

“A cover letter is important because it gives the employer additional information about why you are applying for that specific position,” Williams said. “It enables you to further discuss your skills and qualifications and gives you the opportunity to address items that do not fit within the confines of your resume.”

The cover letter serves as a strong writing sample that also provides additional information and context a resume couldn’t supply, such as:

• If you’re willing to relocate or don’t currently live in the same city as the job you’re applying to.
• If you need to explain employment gaps in a resume due to going back to school, military service, or relocating, as a few examples.
• How your skills transfer over from one industry to another if you’re making a career change.

What makes a good cover letter? This next section explains.

How to Write a Good Cover Letter

“The most important thing in writing a successful cover letter is to make sure you address the specific skills and experience that the employer puts in the job description,” said Jennifer Katz, director of career services at Purdue Global. “Don’t use the same blanket cover letter for every position you apply for. Take the time to customize your cover letter so it demonstrates that you have the skills and experience they want for that specific position.”

There are some formatting and technical requirements for cover letters, such as using the same headings and fonts as your resume and keeping it short, but Katz said the most important thing is to make sure it’s specific to the job you are applying to. In fact, most examples of good cover letters aren’t worthwhile, because what works for one person would ring insincere for another applicant.

Williams said another key part of a cover letter is addressing it to a human. It can be tempting to write “To Whom It May Concern,” but Williams said that can be a detriment to your application.

“If you do not have the hiring manager’s name, do some online research or call to ask for their name,” Williams said. “As a last resort, if you do not know who the person is, then you can resort to writing, ‘Dear Hiring Manager’ or ‘Dear Human Resources Manager.’”

Common Cover Letter Mistakes

Just like a resume, a cover letter should be error-free, which means proofread, proofread, proofread. Watch out for mistakes including not changing the name of the company or the person to whom it is addressed from the last letter you wrote.

“Those kinds of things are very stark,” Katz said, “and it just shows the employer that the candidate hasn't taken the time to customize it and maybe isn't particularly interested in this exact position.”

Should You Include Salary Requirements in Your Cover Letter?

Both Katz and Williams say no. It’s best to wait for the employer to bring up salary later in the process.

“Adding a salary to your cover letter is a fast way to eliminate yourself from the selection process,” Williams said.

Putting a salary in a cover letter can be off-putting to some employers and also isn’t a good format for negotiations. A conversation with a hiring manager allows both the employer and applicant to be flexible with the numbers they put forward. 

How to Send a Cover Letter

Now that you’ve crafted a perfectly tailored cover letter, how should you get it to the hiring manager? First, follow instructions. If an employer has requested a specific file format, be sure to send it that way.

If you’re applying through an online portal, Katz suggests following the employer’s directions regarding file format, usually either a Microsoft Word document or PDF, to ensure the document can be easily read by an applicant tracking system. If you’re sending it directly to a hiring manager, just put your cover letter in the body of the email and attach your resume and any other application materials.

Use Resources at Your Disposal for the Best Cover Letter

Schools like Purdue Global have career services departments designed to help students craft and proofread their cover letters. If you’re unsure whether you’ve caught all the errors or showcased your skills as best you can, consider reaching out to career services .

“Everybody at Purdue Global has a Career Specialist for their program of study. This is our job,” Katz said. “We are happy to review a student’s cover letter to make sure they're putting their very best foot forward when they're applying for these positions.”

Purdue Global trains students for the careers they want and supports them through education.* If you’re interested in learning whether education at Purdue Global is a good fit for you, request more information today.

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How to Write an Entry-Level Cover Letter [Example]

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How to Write an Entry-Level Cover Letter [Example] was originally published on Forage .

Writing an entry-level cover letter — when you have little to no work experience — can be confusing and stressful. What do you write when you feel like you don’t have work to talk about? How do you show a company you want to work for them when you haven’t worked much before? In this guide, we’ll cover:

Entry-level Cover Letter Example

Breaking it down: what goes into a good cover letter.

• Other Entry-level Cover Letter Writing Tips

>>MORE: How to Write a Resume With No Work Experience

Harriet Spacemen Brooklyn, NY 123-456-7890 [email protected]

January 3, 2023

Kate Norman Engineering Lead Example Company New York, NY

I’m writing to express my interest in the junior software engineer position at Company X. I’ve recently graduated with a computer science degree, and my technical skills and demonstrated passion for equity in health care make me an ideal candidate for this role.

During my time at Sample University, I deepened my understanding of software development through coursework in front-end engineering, programming, and quality assurance. In my senior year, I combined my advocacy for health care access and engineering skills by creating a web application — using Python and SQL — that helps patients find available doctor’s appointments near them that accept their insurance. Outside of my coursework, I volunteered at the local hospital and shadowed a nurse, giving me insight into hospital administration and patient pain points.

My experience working directly with health care patients and my passion for improving this sector give me an empathetic, patient-first focus in my engineering work. This focus aligns with your company’s mission, and I believe my engineering approach would be an asset to your team. I look forward to meeting with you and further discussing my qualifications. Thank you for your consideration.

Best, Harriet Spacemen

The header of your cover letter contains all your crucial contact information: your name, number, and email. It should also include the date you’re sending in your application.

In addition, the header should contain information about the company. You want to include the company name and the hiring manager’s name (if you have it — more on how to find that in the next section). 

Many cover letter examples also include addresses for both the applicant and employer. However, including a full address is optional, especially if you’re applying for a remote role. You can include it in the header if you’re applying for a position that requires you to be in a particular city or state. (There’s no need to include your full street address — just your city and state should do.)

For the greeting, you’ll want to use a professional salutation like “Dear,” and address the hiring manager by name.

“If the job description states the title of the person you’d be reporting to, you can try to find their name from the company’s LinkedIn page,” Daniel Catalan, professional resume and cover letter builder, says. “You can click on a list of all of the employees and put the manager’s title into the filters.” 

>>MORE: What Is a Hiring Manager (and How to Talk to One)?

If you’ve done your due diligence and still can’t find the hiring manager’s name, Catalan recommends not using the traditional “to whom it may concern.” Instead, he suggests addressing the letter to “Team X at Company Y.” 

You want to show the hiring team you’ve done your research right from the start.

First Paragraph: Share Your Enthusiasm

Use the opening paragraph of a cover letter to express your excitement about this role. However, this is not just about flattering the employer. You also want to show them why you’re specifically excited about the opportunity and how it aligns with your experience and interests.

“Candidates need to explain why they want the job and what experience, volunteer work, or education they have that is relevant,” says Wendy Reimann, owner and writer at Lighthouse Writing, a writing and editing services company. “It confuses managers and recruiters when someone with a major in biology applies for a job in marketing . Tell them why.”

Second (and Third) Paragraph: Show Your Skills

In this next section, expand on the experience and interests you mentioned in the first section. Don’t worry if you don’t have years of experience behind you.

“Recruiters don’t expect entry-level applicants to have a wealth of professional experience,” Tim Toterhi, CHRO and ICF certified career coach , says. “We do, however, expect you to be adaptable, teachable, and able to solve problems. Volunteer work, school projects, even hobbies can help you demonstrate your skill set.”

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Consider how all your experiences, whether professional or not, have prepared you for this role and what hard and soft skills you’ve learned. Remember, this cover letter complements your resume, so you don’t need to worry about stuffing every experience and skill into a paragraph or two. Instead, focus on what’s most relevant to the company and its goals.

“Read up on what the company is actively working on and show you can bring unconventional solutions,” Catalan says.

Closing Paragraph: Call to Action

The last paragraph of an entry-level cover letter is meant to restate your qualifications for this role, discuss the next steps, and thank them for their time. In the first sentence or two, summarize why you’re excited about the role and what makes you specifically right for the position. 

Then, mention next steps with a call to action. For example, you might say that you look forward to meeting with them in an interview or remind them how they can best reach you to discuss your application.

Finally, thank the reader for their time reviewing your application. It’s essential to end on a high note, so make sure you share some gratitude.

You’ve made it to the last (and perhaps easiest!) part of the cover letter! Your signature should include a professional sign-off and your full name. 

>>MORE: Learn eight professional email sign-offs to use and six to avoid with How to End an Email Professionally (With Examples) .

Other Entry-Level Cover Letter Writing Tips

• Write to the specific employer. It’s better to customize a cover letter for each application rather than use a general one. “Taking the time to write a targeted letter to a specific employer about a specific job demonstrates sincere interest,” Toterhi says. “Just be sure to keep it short and focused on how you can meet their needs. Remember, recruiters commonly receive hundreds of applicants for each open role. There’s no time to sift through fluff.”
• Don’t copy your resume . “Let the resume do its job and use the space in the cover letter to introduce yourself,” Reimann says. Your cover letter should expand on the achievements you’ve listed in your resume and demonstrate your relevant skills.
• Keep it short. While a cover letter is about sharing more in-depth details about your skills and experience, keep it concise. A single page (without fonts that are too small to read!) is standard. “If the text is too long or monotonous, it’ll lose the reader’s attention,” Catalan says. 
• Stay positive. Your cover letter isn’t for over-explaining a gap in your resume. “Don’t bring up anything negative or over-explain work gaps or educational mistakes such as making a D in a single class or taking a semester off for illness,” Reimann says. “Focus on the positive only and let your qualities speak for themselves.”

Learn more job search and workplace skills with Forage’s personal development virtual experience programs .

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The post How to Write an Entry-Level Cover Letter [Example] appeared first on Forage .

Intern- and Traineeships

Fugro Internship Programme 2024

Kwai Chung, Hong Kong

Entry Level

Job Description

Creating a safe and liveable world

Whatever you’re planning, building, or maintaining, we believe understanding the earth is key. At Fugro, we unlock its secrets in the form of Geo-data, which we apply to develop safer, more sustainable, and more efficient operations. It’s how we help create a safe and liveable world – together.

Working at Fugro means working in an open, diverse and international team. We are passionately looking for ways to contribute to our purpose of creating a safe and liveable world and have fun while doing so.

Join Fugro this summer and dive into a world of exploration!

We're seeking enthusiastic and driven individuals to join our team as summer interns. As a global leader in geo-intelligence and asset integrity solutions, Fugro offers unparalleled opportunities to gain hands-on experience, work alongside industry experts, and contribute to cutting-edge projects that shape the future of our planet. If you're ready to make a meaningful impact while advancing your career, apply now to be part of the Fugro team!"

You will be as a trainee on one of internship disciplines:

Certification

Chemical Testing

Civil Engineering

Environmental Services

Equipment Calibration

Human Resources

Material Testing

Product Testing

Requirements:

Pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in one of the above disciplines;

Preferably a penultimate year university student in relevant field of study Positive work attitude and willingness to learn;

A good team player with good communication;

Good command of written and spoken English and Chinese;

Ability to perform in a team environment.

Are you interested?

Interested parties please click “Apply Now” above button to upload your resume and cover letter.

Disclaimer for recruitment agencies:

Fugro does not accept any unsolicited applications from recruitment agencies. Acquisition to Fugro Recruitment or any Fugro employee is not appreciated **.**

For more information

Senior Human Resources Officer

Related jobs

Management trainee (u.gro next level).

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How to use ChatGPT to build your resume

Graduation season is here, which means students will be in a frenzy of applying for jobs to secure their first role out of college. Whether you're seeking to launch your career or have been in the labor market for decades, there's one thing we can all agree on -- creating a resume that attracts the eye of recruiters is a challenge.

How to use ChatGPT to write:  Cover letters  |  Code | Excel formulas | Essays  

As if landing a job that aligns with your qualifications and expectations wasn't difficult enough, you also have to sum up all of your professional experiences and strengths in one application -- the heart of which is the CV or resume. 

A resume is meant to be a concise one-page document highlighting your academic, professional, and leadership achievements, which is just as difficult as it sounds. Finding the right words to summarize what you have done in a role for an extended period in three bullets is difficult, but Open AI's  ChatGPT can make the resume-building process a breeze.

How ChatGPT can help build your resume

You can use ChatGPT to generate ideas and bullet points for your role from scratch, or to refine and optimize your current points that are not hitting the mark. Beyond bullet points, the AI tool can help you answer questions about putting together your resume. Here is how to get started.

Side note:  We are using ChatGPT, but you can use any AI chatbot -- there are plenty of capable AI chatbots to choose from .

1. Choose a resume template

ChatGPT will help you with the text in your resume, but you'll need to pick a template before you get started. The program you're using to write the resume -- such as Google Docs, Microsoft Word, or Canva -- will likely have a resume template already.

Also: What is ChatGPT and why does it matter? Here's what you need to know

A quick Google search for resume templates will also bring up hundreds of editable templates you can import into your program of choice.

2. Sign in to ChatGPT (optional)

On April 1, 2024, OpenAI stopped requiring you to log in to ChatGPT. You can now access ChatGPT simply by visiting ChatGPT's website . However, if you want to take advantage of certain perks, such as being able to revisit the chat later, I recommend signing up. If you want to tweak your bullets at a later date, you won't have to start from scratch and can pick up where you left off.

Also:  How to save a ChatGPT conversation to revisit later

Signing up is easy. All you have to do is go to OpenAI's ChatGPT homepage and create an account by creating an OpenAI login or using your existing Google or Microsoft account. ChatGPT is free, so the sign-up process is simple, requiring no credit cards or obscure information. 

3. Add text

If you want ChatGPT to generate text for your resume from scratch, all you have to do is ask. 

Whether you want it to generate your professional summary or an individual bullet, ask it directly. For example, I asked ChatGPT, "Can you write a short, professional resume summary about my role as a tech reporter?" Within seconds, it generated what you see in the screenshot above.

Also: 6 helpful ways to use ChatGPT's Custom Instructions

Although ChatGPT can create content ready to be copied and pasted into a resume, you should tweak the text so it is personalized to your experiences and doesn't look like a chatbot wrote it.

Employers want to learn about what makes you unique. Without your assistance, the chatbot will only have access to generic content about your role. You can also use the Custom Instructions feature to share some details about your role and interests that ChatGPT can reference to output the text. 

4. Use ChatGPT to revamp your text

Whether you fill out the template yourself before using ChatGPT's assistance or have an existing resume you want to enhance, ChatGPT is a great resource for polishing up text. 

All you have to do is copy and paste your text and ask ChatGPT to make it better. 

Also: The best AI chatbots: ChatGPT and other interesting alternatives to try

For example, I asked ChatGPT, "Can you make this resume bullet sound better: I write stories about technology." Within seconds, it pushed out an elaborate bullet point that incorporated a professional tone and made that simple sentence more complex, as seen in the screenshot above.

Once you get your result, you can always tell ChatGPT to tweak it further with prompts like, "Make it shorter" or "Can you include [additional details]?" 

How much does it cost for ChatGPT to write my resume?

ChatGPT is currently free to use regardless of what you use it for, which includes resume-building assistance. 

How can ChatGPT help me with my resume?

ChatGPT can generate text for different parts of your resume, including your professional summary and individual bullet points for each experience.

Also:  How to nail the 'Do you have any questions for me?' part of the interview

The chatbot can also help enhance your current resume by optimizing your text. If you have any questions about how to format your resume and what to include, ChatGPT can give you some answers.

What should I put in my resume?

Ideally, you want a resume to highlight all your career accomplishments. This can include any educational, professional, and leadership experiences that are meaningful to you. You should also include as much detail about your unique experiences to make you stand out from other applicants.

How to use ChatGPT to write a cover letter (and why you should)

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