How to create a great cover letter as a student for free (without overthinking it)
Writing your first cover letter might feel a bit awkward, especially when you don’t have much work experience to talk about. But here’s the thing: a cover letter is less about what you’ve done and more about why you want to do it. Even as a student, if you can show that clearly and confidently, you're already ahead of many other applicants.
Here’s a simple step-by-step breakdown of what you should focus on when writing a cover letter.
Step 1: Start with the basics.
Your cover letter should begin with:
If you don’t know who to address it to, “Dear Hiring Manager” or “Dear Sir/Madam” are both safe choices.
Step 2: Write a short intro.
In the first paragraph, briefly say why you’re writing and what role you’re applying for. If the job ad caught your eye for a specific reason (like an internship in your dream industry), mention it! This part of a cover letter is oftentimes the first thing recruiters see when reading it, so make sure to express your interest strongly to make it count.
Example:
I’m writing to express my interest in the marketing internship at [Company Name]. As a communications student with a passion for creative strategy, I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute to your team.
Step 3: Talk about your studies, skills, or projects.
Even if you haven’t had a job yet, you’ve surely gained some valuable experience through school projects, volunteering, or extracurricular activities. Choose the things that relate to the role and show what you’re good at. By doing this, you’ll demonstrate why you’re the right person for the job and how you can practically apply your skills. Moreover, it will show the employer you have aspirations and enthusiasm for your future career.
Example:
During my studies, I led a social media campaign for a university club that grew our online following by 40%. This experience helped me develop both strategic thinking and hands-on content skills.
Step 4: Show you’ve done your research.
Now, this is an important one that can be a dealbreaker—In one short paragraph, explain why you want to work at this company and why you are interested in this specific position. It shows the employer you’re not just spamming out the same letter to everyone and that you truly care about the job.
Step 5: End it with confidence.
Wrap things up politely and clearly. Say you’re looking forward to hearing from them and thank them for their time.
Example:
Thank you for considering my application. I would be excited to bring my enthusiasm and curiosity to your team. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute.
Why writing a cover letter matters—even as a student.
Many students skip the cover letter altogether. But here's what most don’t realize:
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It’s your only chance to explain why you're a good fit if your resume is a bit thin.
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Recruiters notice when someone takes the time to write a thoughtful cover letter.
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It helps you stand out from other applicants who only submitted a resume.
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It shows you know how to communicate professionally.
Writing a cover letter can do you no harm—In fact, it can only boost your chances of getting the job you want, so definitely go for it and show the employer you are really interested by taking this extra step.
Things to keep in mind when writing a cover letter.
Even though formatting a cover letter is fairly straightforward, there are some things to follow. Such as:
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Keep the correct length—Your cover letter should not be too long nor too short. It should not exceed one A4 page, but at the same time, it should not be shorter than half a page. 250-300 words is the ideal length of a cover letter.
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Always pair it with a matching resume. There are differences between a letter of interest, a motivational letter, and a cover letter. Your cover letter should be a follow-up to your resume, so make sure to write a cover letter that complements your CV for maximum effectiveness.
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Mind the formatting—There are some general rules of thumb when formatting a cover letter. Use letter size between 10.5 to 12, the margins 1 or 1.5, and Arial/Calibri/Times New Roman fonts will do the trick as they are simple and professional. You can use other fonts as well, of course, but your cover letter should be easy to read and navigate.
In short, yes, a cover letter is optional. But writing a short, honest, and well-structured cover letter greatly improves your chances of landing an interview, especially when you’re just starting out.
Additionally, you can use our free cover letter tools for students (Cover Letter Builder, AI Cover Letter Writer) that will help you format everything correctly, give you examples, and even suggest what to write, so you can focus on your ideas, not formatting. And remember—You can get all of this, along with many other tools and features, for free just by verifying your student status.
How to write a free student cover letter for different purposes
Whether you're a high school student applying for your first part-time job, a university student seeking an internship, or a recent graduate entering the workforce, crafting a compelling cover letter is a crucial step in your job application process. A well-written cover letter complements your resume by providing context for your experiences, showcasing your motivation, and demonstrating your communication skills.
Building your own cover letter is no quantum physics, but it should follow some structure. Let’s have a look at what’s important.
How to write a cover letter for an internship
Internships are valuable opportunities to gain practical experience in your field of study. When writing a cover letter for an internship, focus on your academic background, relevant coursework, and any projects or volunteer work that demonstrate your skills and enthusiasm.
Here’s how to write a cover letter for an internship the right way (with real-life internship cover letter samples).
Key elements:
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Introduction: State the specific internship you're applying for and express your interest.
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Academic background: Highlight relevant coursework or projects.
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Skills and motivation: Discuss skills that make you a good fit and your motivation for applying.
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Focus on your strengths: Don’t be afraid to sell yourself. Your cover letter is about your aspirations and your future career, so show why you’re the right person for the company.
How to write a high school student's cover letter
As a high school student, it is understandable that your work experience may be limited, but you can still craft a strong cover letter by focusing on your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and volunteer work. Here’s how to write such a cover letter to get the job done.
Key elements:
Example:
Dear Mr. John Doe,
I am a junior at Rowe County High School seeking my first job in the outdoor recreation industry. As a student, I helped to start an Outdoor Program club that now has 30+ members and takes students on chaperoned adventures, such as hiking and camping. Your company is a staple in the local outdoor community, and gaining this job would provide me with the opportunity to both practice my passion and learn more about the industry.
Example:
As a student at Monroe High School, I won the election for Class President two years in a row during my sophomore and junior years. This year, I am serving as the Senior Class President, which comes with greater responsibilities, including management of the school spirit budget.
Example:
I greatly appreciate you taking the time to read my letter and look forward to hearing from you shortly. As I am still in school, the best hours to reach me are in the early morning between 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. or the late afternoon from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. It would be my honor to work at your company, and I hope to hear from you within the next week about my application.
Many Thanks,
[Your Name]
👉 Here’s a real-life example of a high school student's cover letter, a part-time job cover letter sample, and an example of a cover letter with no prior work experience.
How to write a university student's cover letter
If you’re a university student, you should tailor your cover letters to showcase how your academic experiences align with the job or internship requirements. Emphasize any research, group projects, or part-time work that has equipped you with relevant skills. Here’s a detailed guide to creating an ultimate university student cover letter.
Key elements:
Example:
Dear Hiring Manager John Applewood,
I am a junior at the University of South Carolina, with two semesters left to complete my degree in Business and Hospitality Management. As I approach my final year of school, I am seeking an internship opportunity with a major hotel chain to hone my hospitality skills and build industry connections. Having earned a spot on my university’s Dean’s List for three consecutive years, I will bring an exceptional work ethic and commitment to excellent service to this position.
Here are some examples of skills to describe in your cover letter:
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Communication (always describe your style of communication)
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Collaboration and teamwork
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Leadership
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Critical thinking
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Time management
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Responsibility
Example:
As a student at the University of South Carolina, I have served as an Orientation Leader for two years, helping to bring new undergraduate students into the fold and get them comfortable in their new surroundings. I recently earned the position of Head Orientation Leader thanks to my overwhelmingly positive reviews from new students I have mentored. Of the 300+ students I have worked with, 95% gave me a five out of five-star rating at the end of their Orientations.
Example:
I am honored to be considered for this position and hope to hear from you within the next week regarding this opportunity. You may best reach me at (123) 456-7890 on Mondays through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. As I am excited to learn more about this opportunity, I do plan to follow up next Monday morning if I have not heard back about this position.
Many Thanks,
[Your Name]
👉 For real-life cover letter examples and cover letter templates, visit here.
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