How to Write a Cover Letter (No Experience)

Like a good CV, a cover letter serves as your personal marketing document. The key difference is that a cover letter is more personal than a CV and should elaborate on what you mentioned in your CV. For example, it's an opportunity to elaborate on your key skills, experience, and professional career goals.

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In this article, we cover:

• 5 steps on how to write a cover letter if you have no experience.

• 8+ examples of cover letters with no experience.

5 steps on how to write a cover letter with no experience

Writing a cover letter with no experience can be challenging, but it's an opportunity to showcase your enthusiasm, transferable skills, and willingness to learn. This step-by-step guide will help you write a cover letter, highlighting your strengths and making a lasting impression on potential employers. 

1. Select a matching cover letter

Ensure your cover letter complements your CV layout and design for a consistent and professional impression. Match the cover letter format with your CV style—use a traditional layout for a chronological CV and a modern template.

Check out the student CV and matching student cover letter example for inspiration. Alternatively, refer to our extensive list of:

• CV examples

• Cover letter examples.

2. Research the company

Before drafting your letter, thoroughly research the company's background, culture, and values. This will ensure that your message is well-tailored and demonstrates genuine interest. Additional tips on how to research the company: 

3. Customise the cover letter according to the job description

Tailoring your cover letter to the specific requirements and preferences outlined in the job listing is crucial for making a strong impression. This customisation demonstrates that you have read the job description and understand what the employer is looking for. 

Example:

Refer to how to start a cover letter for more examples.

4. Showcase transferable skills

Emphasising transferable skills derived from a spectrum of experiences—be it education, volunteer work, internships, or other ventures—can significantly enhance your candidacy, even if these skills aren't directly aligned with the position at hand.

Example:

Your academic journey likely equipped you with a range of transferable skills beyond the subject matter expertise. Whether it's critical thinking, problem-solving, effective communication, or project management, these foundational skills are invaluable in any professional setting.

5. Thorough proofreading

Before sending your cover letter, make sure to thoroughly check it for mistakes like typos or grammar errors. Ensure that all information matches what's in your CV. Avoid including any incorrect details about yourself or the company.

For more tips, refer to our article that breaks down the cover letter structure.

8+ cover letters no experience examples 

A cover letter is always a good idea but that being said, there are a few cases in which you should really submit a cover letter—and put in extra effort to make it significant:

• You have important information to add.

• There's a personal connection/referral.

• You have a link to the company.

• It's your dream job.

A cover letter for entry-level jobs is a great idea, whether you're a school leaver or a recent graduate. It helps you stand out in a crowded job market. Internships, paid or unpaid, are also valuable to gain experience before diving into full-time work.

1. Graduate cover letter example no experience

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to express my interest in the Junior Digital Marketing position at Saatchi as advertised on LinkedIn. As a recent graduate with a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Business & Marketing from Regents University, I am eager to apply my theoretical knowledge in a practical setting and grow within your esteemed organisation.

Though I may lack direct professional experience, I am highly motivated, quick to learn, and possess strong problem-solving abilities. My academic coursework has equipped me with social media marketing skills, marketing in the world of AI, writing, strategic thinking, and project management, and I am confident in my ability to contribute effectively to your team.

I am particularly drawn to your innovation in marketing and believe that my marketing or strong communication skills make me a suitable candidate for this position. I am excited about the opportunity to learn and develop new skills while making meaningful contributions to the team and company. 

Thank you for considering my application. I am looking forward to the possibility of discussing how my background, skills, and enthusiasm can benefit Saatchie. Please find my CV attached for your review.

Sincerely,

Emma Bennet

Check out the marketing cover letter example for more inspiration.

2. Apprenticeship cover letter example no experience

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to express my interest in the accounting apprenticeship at JC Consultants, as advertised on your website. I strongly desire to learn and develop practical skills in the accounting and finance fields, and I am eager to embark on this apprenticeship journey with your esteemed company.

While I may not have direct experience in the field, I am enthusiastic about becoming an accountant and am committed to gaining hands-on experience to kick-start my career. My academic background in finance and accounting has provided me with a solid foundation, and I am eager to apply my knowledge in a real-world setting.

I am particularly impressed by the program that will help me decide what to specialise in, be it tax or auditing and am excited about the prospect of contributing to your team while honing my skills. 

Thank you for considering my application. I am looking forward to the opportunity to discuss how my passion for accounting, coupled with my determination to learn, can benefit JC Consultants. Please find my CV attached for your review.

Sincerely,

Christopher Wilson

Check out the accounting cover letter and apprenticeship CV example for more tips.

3. Internship cover letter example no experience

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to express my interest in the graphic designer internship at The Verv Group, as advertised on LinkedIn. As a motivated and eager graphic design student at Falmouth University, I am excited about the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in graphic design and contribute to your team.

Although I may not have direct work experience, I am passionate about turning ideas into visual masterpieces and am eager to learn and grow in this dynamic field. My coursework in user experience design, brand management, design principles, interactive media, and various design software has provided me with a strong foundation, and I am confident in my ability to apply my theoretical knowledge in a practical setting.

I am particularly drawn to the opportunity to work within a large-scale organisation, collaborate across teams, and design visual elements that align with the brand's identity and vision. Furthermore, I am eager to leverage my skills and enthusiasm to make meaningful contributions, as I am a quick learner, adaptable, and thrive in fast-paced environments.

Thank you for considering my application. I am looking forward to the opportunity to discuss how my passion for [industry or field], coupled with my academic background, can contribute to the success of The Verve Group. Please find my CV attached for your review.

Sincerely,

Victoria Jones

Refer to the graphic designer cover letter guide or internship CV example for additional inspiration.

4. Student cover letter example no experience

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to express my interest in the recruiter position at TechTalent, as advertised on LinkedIn. As a hardworking and enthusiastic student with a passion for helping others, specifically recent graduates find work, I am eager to gain practical experience and learn from professionals in the field.

Though I may not have direct professional experience in recruitment, I am a quick learner, adaptable, and possess strong communication skills. My academic pursuits in human resources have equipped me with valuable skills such as organisational and communication skills which I am eager to apply in a real-world setting.

I am particularly impressed by your inspiration to be the number one developer job marketplace in the UK and am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your team. I am confident that my dedication, coupled with my willingness to learn, make me a suitable candidate for this position.

Thank you for considering my application. I am looking forward to the opportunity to discuss how my academic background and enthusiasm can benefit TechTalent. Please find my CV attached for your review.

Sincerely,

Catherine Roberts

If you're working in tech, check out the below guides for more tips:

• Developer CV and matching developer cover letter example.

5. Career change cover letter example no experience

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to express my interest in the Junior Data Analyst intern position at DataDive, as advertised on LinkedIn. With a background in marketing and recently completing an intensive BootCamp in web development, I am excited about the opportunity to leverage my transferable skills and embark on this new career path with your esteemed organisation.

While my previous experience in marketing may seem unrelated to data analysis, my transition to web development has equipped me with a diverse skill set that I believe will be valuable in this role. Through my BootCamp experience, I gained proficiency in coding languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, as well as a strong understanding of database management and data visualization techniques.

I am highly adaptable, a quick learner, and thrive in environments that require problem-solving and collaboration. My background in marketing has honed my ability to analyse data trends, identify consumer behaviours, and communicate insights effectively, skills that are directly applicable to the responsibilities of a data analyst.

I am drawn to DataDive as a leading expert in the field. I am eager to contribute to your team while further developing my skills and expertise in data analysis. I am committed to making a successful transition into the tech industry and am excited about the opportunity to grow within your organisation.

Thank you for considering my application. I am looking forward to discussing how my background, coupled with my enthusiasm for data analysis and web development, can contribute to DataDive's success. 

Sincerely,

Henry Thompson

Perhaps you're in the process of a career change or considering it, check out our guide on how to write a CV for career change.

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6. Healthcare cover letter example no experience

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to express my interest in the healthcare assistant at St. Annes Hospital, as advertised on your site. Although I am new to the healthcare field, I am passionate about providing quality care and am eager to learn and grow within your esteemed organisation.

As a first-year adult nursing student looking to gain experience, I am eager to eager to apply my theoretical knowledge in a clinical setting. I am a compassionate individual with a strong desire to make a positive impact on the lives of others.

I am drawn to this position because I am passionate about helping others, especially the elderly. I hope to improve my communication and interpersonal skills for future healthcare positions. I am a dedicated and hardworking individual committed to providing excellent patient care and supporting the healthcare team.

Thank you for considering my application. I am looking forward to the opportunity to discuss how my passion for healthcare, coupled with my willingness to learn, can benefit St. Annes Hospital. My CV is attached for your review.

Sincerely,

Sarah Anderson

Working in healthcare? Check out the below guides for more tips:

• Medical CV and matching medical cover letter example.

7. Hospitality cover letter example no experience

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to express my interest in the Front Desk Associate position at Betty’s Boutique Hotel, as advertised on your site. While I may not have direct experience in the hospitality industry, I am enthusiastic about delivering exceptional guest experiences and am eager to learn and grow within your esteemed establishment.

My background in customer service, communication, and teamwork has prepared me to thrive in fast-paced environments and deliver outstanding service. I am a quick learner and possess a strong work ethic, which I believe are essential qualities in the hospitality industry.

I am particularly impressed by this hotel's positive reviews and am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your team. I am committed to providing excellent service and creating memorable experiences for guests, and I am eager to take on new challenges and opportunities for growth.

Thank you for considering my application. I am looking forward to discussing how my skills and enthusiasm can benefit Betty’s Boutique Hotel. My CV is attached for your review.

Sincerely,

Aoife Conner

For more tips, refer to our hospitality CV and hospitality cover letter example.

8. IT support cover letter example no experience

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to express my interest in the entry-level IT support at Adco, as advertised on LinkedIn. While I may not have direct experience in IT support roles, I am passionate about technology and am eager to kick-start my career as an IT professional.

I am a problem-solver by nature and possess excellent troubleshooting skills, which I believe are essential in IT support roles. Furthermore, as someone who is personally passionate about technology and has experience in building personal computers, solving technical problems for family and friends, and staying abreast of the latest technology trends, I am eager about the opportunity to apply my theoretical knowledge in a practical setting.

Thank you for considering my application. I am looking forward to the opportunity to discuss how my passion for technology, coupled with my willingness to learn, can benefit Adco]. Please find my CV attached for your review.

Sincerely,

Matthew Peters

For more tech career tips, check out the below guides:

• IT CV.

• Computer science CV.

• Prompt engineer CV.

Elevate your job application with CVMaker, the ultimate tool for crafting professional cover letters. Choose from our customisable cover letter templates to tailor your application to your target job.

Key takeaways

A cover letter is a valuable asset that can boost your application. While not always required, it can significantly enhance your chances of standing out to potential employers.

• Even without direct professional experience, highlight any projects, coursework, or extracurricular activities that demonstrate your skills and aptitude for the position.

• Use your cover letter to showcase soft skills and personality traits that align with the job requirements. 

• Aim for a concise and well-structured cover letter that effectively communicates your enthusiasm and qualifications. 

Next steps?

Ready to begin your journey but need guidance? Our team offers professional CV Writing Services to craft job-specific CVs and cover letters. Explore our cover letter templates or career blog for inspiration. Follow our tips on how to send your CV via email for the last step of your application.

FAQ

How do I write a cover letter if I don't have experience?

When writing a cover letter without experience, focus on transferable skills gained from volunteer work, internships, or academic projects. Emphasise your enthusiasm to learn and contribute to the company. Mention any relevant coursework or extracurricular activities that showcase your abilities and eagerness to excel in the role.

How do you say you have no experience but willing to learn?

When expressing your willingness to learn, convey your eagerness to acquire new skills and knowledge relevant to the role. Highlight your adaptability and enthusiasm for personal and professional development, ensuring the employer sees your potential to grow within the company. Similarly, check out how to write a CV if you have no experience.

How to write a cover letter when there is no job opening?

In a cover letter for a non-existent job opening, express your admiration for the company and your desire to contribute to its success. Highlight your skills and experiences that align with the company's values and needs. Request an opportunity to discuss how you can add value to the team, demonstrating your proactive approach to seeking employment opportunities.

How long should a cover letter be if you have no experience?

The ideal cover letter length is consistently one page. This ensures that the content remains focused and succinct, effectively capturing the recruiter or hiring manager's attention right from the start. By keeping the letter concise, you highlight your key qualifications and experiences without overwhelming the reader with too much information. For more tips, refer to how to write a short cover letter.