Fresh Graduates: How to Make Effective Cover Letters that Stand Out

Starting out on your career journey is an achievement on its own, but how do you stand out in a sea of candidates? Start with an impressive cover letter that gives employers a glimpse of your work experience (or internships), extracurriculars, and other notable achievements.

We know it's not easy to write a cover letter, especially for a fresh graduate. You have spent almost two decades of your life in education, for some actively involved in sports, school activities, clubs, associations, and others. And then there are also your experiences in internship, part-time jobs, industrial training, and others. You may not have a lot of job experience, but you may have quite a few transferable skills. So how do you cram that much in a one-page cover letter?

Almost every article out there offering tips on writing cover letters and/or CVs stresses the same thing: it needs to stand out from the crowd. But that’s much easier said than done. How exactly does one come up with a cover letter that knocks the HR Manager’s socks off?  Keep reading and we’ll tell you how. 

What Is a Cover Letter?

A cover letter is a document commonly sent with your resume to provide additional information on your skills and experience when applying for a job. It acts as a sales pitch to present yourself positively to the hirer; it also compliments your resume and further explains why you’re the ideal person for the job. 

Unlike your CV, which typically employs formal and professional language, your cover letter should adopt a more intimate and personalised tone, allowing you to convey your unique personality and style. By using language that reflects your character and values, you can provide a more comprehensive and detailed account of your qualifications and suitability for the role, giving your prospective employer a better understanding of who you are as an individual.

How to Write a Cover Letter (Plus Tips)

When writing your cover letter, it's important to avoid duplicating phrases directly from your CV. This approach is unproductive and takes up valuable space. Instead, focus on providing the hiring manager with persuasive and distinct reasons to consider you for the job. Your cover letter should highlight your unique qualifications, achievements, and experiences that make you a standout candidate for the position.

To make your application stand out, it's crucial to emphasise experiences, achievements, and skills that will bring value to the team and company. Review the job description and highlight how your qualifications align with the key requirements. Your statements should demonstrate that you possess the skills and experience necessary to succeed in the role. This approach will capture the Hiring Manager's attention and keep them engaged with your application. 

This advice also holds true for recent graduates. Even if you lack actual work experience, you can still highlight leadership positions you held in sports teams, social clubs, or organisations, as well as any competition awards and outstanding academic or social achievements. These experiences can demonstrate your skills and abilities, and show how you have developed valuable qualities that are relevant to the job.

Before you start your first cover letter, take a look at these tips and tricks that can help your cover letter stand out among the rest.

Tip 1: Provide specific details and statistics regarding your previous job or internship experiences.

Numbers are an objective and precise way to measure achievement, and employers appreciate them. Using statistics to illustrate your accomplishments is an effective strategy to impress the hiring manager. This approach conveys your dedication to producing results and attaining goals, which is highly valued by employers.  

Including relevant statistics in your cover letter and resume can make a strong impression on potential employers. Here are some examples of good statistics to add:

1. Revenue generated: If you have a background in sales or business development, include the amount of revenue you helped generate. For example, "Increased revenue by 25% in the first quarter."
2. Sales figures: If you have experience in sales, showcase your performance with specific figures such as the number of deals closed or the amount of revenue generated.
3. Growth percentages: Part of a team that helped grow a company or project? Include the percentage growth achieved. For instance, "Led a team that achieved a 50% increase in website traffic."
4. Project completion rates: If you have experience managing projects, highlight your success rates such as completion rates or deadlines met. E.g., "Completed 100% of projects on time and within budget."
5. Social media engagement: If you have experience managing social media accounts, include engagement rates, such as the number of followers, likes, comments, or shares you helped generate.
6. Cost savings: If you have experience in cost savings, quantify your impact by including the amount saved. Such as, "Implemented a cost-saving strategy that resulted in RM200,000 in savings annually."

For recent graduates, internships or volunteering experience can be valuable assets. Alternatively, part-time work experience with relevant responsibilities can also provide strong examples of your skills and abilities.

Tip 2: Confirm the name of the intended recipient of your application. 

It's surprising how few people take this step, but it can make a significant difference. Invest the extra time to determine the name of the person to whom you should address your cover letter. If you can't find the name online, be resourceful. Contact the company and enquire about the name of the hiring manager responsible for the position you're applying for. Avoid using generic greetings like "To whom it may concern" or "Dear Mr/Miss." Doing so conveys a lack of effort in finding out who will be deciding your employment fate. Keep in mind that personalisation is key.

Tip 3: Don’t use worn-out catchphrases and keywords.  

Steer clear of words like "team player," "people-person," "good communication skills," "dynamic," and "resourceful." Although it's typical to use broad and generic descriptions (employers are also guilty of this), your objective should be to convey your message quickly and effectively. This entails providing specific examples that demonstrate your strengths and abilities. 

Utilise descriptive statements such as "I have experience working in multicultural teams and interacting with individuals from diverse social and cultural backgrounds." Similarly, for recent graduates, emphasise pertinent skills and experiences from university, internships, or part-time jobs.

Tip 4: Always print a copy of your CV and cover letter before you send it (even if you’re sending it via email).

Don’t get sloppy on the final lap! Printers simply don’t always portray writing as nicely as the screen does. Typically, the reader will print out your document. Therefore, it's recommended to print it out yourself to verify alignment, margins, and page appearance. This is also an effective method for reviewing your spelling and grammar to ensure accuracy and correctness.

Sample Cover Letters

For fresh graduates, remember that a personal tone does not mean being too casual. It is important to maintain a professional and approachable tone in your writing. Remember that "personal" should not equate to "casual." If you struggle with writing, don't hesitate to ask friends or family members for assistance.

Crafting a tailored cover letter demands additional planning and consideration, but the rewards will be significant when you receive an interview invitation.

Here are 3 sample cover letters for fresh graduates that will stand out to potential employers and HR managers: 

Cover Letter Sample 1

(with Internship Experience, Print version)

(Your Address)

(Date) 

(Recipient’s Name) 

(Job Title) 

(Address)

Dear (Salutation & Name)

I am writing to express my interest in the position of Recruitment Assistant in your esteemed company.

Having recently obtained my Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, majoring in Human Resource Development Management from XYZ University, I wish to bring my knowledge, skills and commitment to excellence to your company’s innovative environment.

As a Business Administration student, majoring in HR management, I’ve become equipped with the necessary knowledge that come with the position including manpower recruitment, workforce organisation, personnel training and compensation as well as legal provisions and other labour concerns.

My internship at ABC Company also afforded me with the crucial skills to work with some of the best professionals in the recruitment and human resources industry. During the course of my four months internship, I developed enthusiasm and passion for human resources and the internship has subsequently convinced me that human resource management is my true calling.

Some of my achievements during internship include being the project lead for the company’s sports engagement activity. I worked alongside with other interns and we successfully organised an outing for 100 employees. We received a 95% ‘good to excellent’ rating from the survey feedback that we conducted amongst the employees after the event.

For additional details regarding my qualification and expertise, please review my resume as attached with this letter.

Thank you for taking the time to consider this application and I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely,

(Signature) 

(Your Name)  

(Your email address & contact number)

Cover Letter Sample 2

(with Internship Experience, Email version)

Email Subject: (Your name) for (Position)

(Note: Keep the email title short and simple, yet highlight the key information for the recruiter’s attention: e.g., your name and the position you’re applying for.) 

Dear (Salutation & Name)

I would like to express my interest in applying for the position of Marketing Associate that was recently made available in your company.

I believe that my degree in Business Administration (BSBA) majoring in Marketing from XYZ University has prepared me for this position. As a student, I was equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to help develop and drive effective marketing strategies.

During my six months internship at ABC Company’s Marketing Department, I learned how companies determine what product or services to sell, how to reach target demographics with the aid of analytic tools, and how to respond to some of the threats from competitors. More importantly, I had the opportunity to work with seasoned professionals who taught me how to easily grasp complex marketing concepts and at certain times, how to roll with the punches in order to achieve various objectives.

I have also acquainted myself with a wide range of skills that allow me to blend with the group or team’s culture and to continuously strive to reach common goals amidst failures and setbacks.

My proudest achievement during the internship would be organising guerilla marketing for a newly launched product. I secured a venue at GHI Shopping Mall and we conducted a social experiment to introduce the new product. We received a tremendous positive response from the shoppers and 50% of the shoppers eventually purchased our product that day.

In addition, my active involvement in many academic and extracurricular activities has helped me tremendously in developing my communication and leadership skills, which are vital in finding success in the corporate world.

With this application letter, I attach herewith my resume for your full consideration. Thank you for taking time to review my application and I am looking forward to your reply so that we can further discuss my application.

Yours sincerely,

(Your Name)  

(Your email address & contact number)

Cover Letter Sample 3

(without Internship Experience, Print version)

(Your Address) 

(Date)

(Recipient’s Name)

(Job Title)

(Address)

Dear (Salutation & Name)

Please accept my resume as an application for the open position of Sales Associate in your company. As a fresh graduate of Business Administration, the position appears to fit wonderfully with my education, experience, and career interests.

Being a student of XYZ University, not only did I maintain excellent grades, but I was also a member of our school’s highly competitive and successful football team.

My background as a student and an athlete has taught me to be disciplined and focused, which, I am confident, are two of the important qualities needed by any professional in the sales industry. My experience with working in a team environment has also instilled in me the value of teamwork and cooperation.

As a member of the team, I have also contributed tremendously in improving the team’s morale, spirit and engagement through the various team activities that I organised. From the scale of 1-10 (10 being the highest score), the team rated 8 for ‘successfulness of activities when it comes to engagement’. Through my achievements as a student and an athlete, I have proven that I am passionate and dedicated about the things I do.

While this would be my first time working in the field of sales, I am quite confident that with my skills and abilities, I can learn quickly and make an immediate impact to your team and to the company.

Thank you for taking the time to consider my application and I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely,

(Signature)

(Your Name)

(Your email address & contact number)

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