How to Write the Perfect Cover Letter as a Student

When searching for a part time job at university, trying to make yourself stand out from the dozens of other applicants can be a challenge. This is why writing the perfect cover letter can be a huge help in your job hunt. Even without years of experience, a well crafted cover letter gives you the platform to show personality, motivation, and relevant skills you might possess. These are all important things that employers take into account during the hiring process, particularly when speaking to students or recent graduates.

For most student focussed roles, a CV just won’t cut it. Your cover letter can bridge the gap between your education and the role you’re targeting. It’s the place to help employers connect the dots and determine your suitability for a job.

Why Cover Letters Still Matter

We live in a job market ruled by online applications and quick filtration systems, meaning your application can sometimes not even be read by a real person. This is disheartening, so when you see a job opening with the request of a cover letter, you should be pleased rather than annoyed at the extra work it requires.

Studies suggest that hiring managers still read around 70% of cover letters sent to them, especially for entry level positions that could be filled by a number of applicants. This is because in these roles, people matter more than experience in many cases.

The perfect cover letter can: 

• Showcase why you’re applying for a specific role.
• Highlight any non-workplace related skills you could bring.
• Demonstrate initiative and strong communication skills.

For students that have little to no work experience to their name, this can be the difference between being passed on or landing an interview.

What Makes a Strong Cover Letter?

Producing the ideal cover letter isn’t about having sound really formal, or repeating exactly what’s on your CV. The best cover letters are personal, focussed, and specific. They make a clear case as to why you should get the job on offer in terms of both skills and your attitude.

Begin by addressing the letter properly, if you have the hiring managers name then use it. If you don’t, something like “Dear Hiring Manager” is fine. It’s best to avoid phrases such as “To whom it may concern” as they can sound outdated.

It’s vital to start strongly. Your opening paragraph should immediately state what you’re applying for and why. Mention how you came across the role and what drew you towards applying. It’s not a question of flattery but of whether you’ve done your research.

From here, you should move into the substance of your cover letter. Connect any experience you have to the job, regardless of how much or how little you have. For those with no previous experience, mention any educational projects that have developed certain valuable skills.

Try your best not to sound too generic, as these applications will fall by the waste side. If you know anything about the company you want to work for, or any good things they’ve done, then mention it in your third paragraph.

Finally, conclude your cover letter by expressing your enthusiasm at hearing back from them. Keep things polite and quietly confident.

Avoid These Mistakes

Most of the time, a cover letter won’t be perfect (which it completely normal). Sometimes they can be too vague, too conversational, or lack value to the employer. Rejections are a learning curve, and by avoiding these common mistakes, hopefully you won’t face too many.

• Repeating your CV exactly.
• Using the same cover letter for every application.
• Overusing clichés like ‘hardworking’, ‘team player’, or ‘fast learner’ without tangible examples.
• Writing in a formal tone.
• Forgetting to proofread before you send it.

Take a natural approach, that respects the job opening and putting across your personality.

Tailoring Your Cover Letter

It can be easy to fall into the habit of sending the same letter to a wide range of employers without ever adapting its content to the jobs in question. Whether this is out of laziness or a lack of experience, it really helps to show you’re thought process when applying for jobs.

It you’re applying for a customer facing role, then highlight your communication skills and friendliness. For jobs away from the public, try to make sure you promote organisational, independent learning, and efficiency related skills.

If you can, link every example you provide back to the role you’re applying for. You can’t assume the employer will make the connections for you.

Should You Include a Cover Letter on Online Applications?

Many online application systems don’t require a cover letter, but should you write one anyway? In short, yes.

Unless an application process specifically asks you not to send a cover letter, then it is always a good idea to have one ready to go. Even if it isn’t a priority for those hiring, it can show you’re determined to get the job.

Keep It Short and Impactful

A student cover letter for a part time role should only ever be around a page long. The ideal word count is about 400 words. This limited length means that everything you write needs to serve a purpose. Start strong, explain why you are the best fit, and end with a clear statement of intent.

Final Tip: Templates Aren’t Your Friend

Using pre-built templates can be tempting, but we’d advise only using them for formatting purposes. Hiring managers can easily spot content that’s been copy and pasted, as they’ll have seen the same trick hundreds of times. Tailoring each letter to the specific company shows you care about the job, and that can make a big difference.

There’s more to student life than job hunting. Explore more tips on how to love living in your city.

Finishing Strong

Writing the perfect cover letter will take time to master, but once you’ve got the basics down, the rest comes naturally. Remember to showcase who you are and what you can offer the company. Be honest about your experience, and specify why you’d be a great fit.

The most difficult part is finding the motivation to start, and then send.

Good luck!