Student Cover Letter Examples & Templates

Natalia Merced
By Natalia Merced, Career Advice Expert Last Updated: November 20, 2024
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Whether preparing to enter the workforce or applying for an internship, a well-written student cover letter is essential to boost your chances of landing an interview. 

Use this guide to write an impressive cover letter that displays your top qualifications and convinces the hiring manager you’re the right candidate for the position. 

College Student Cover Letter

Student Cover Letter Sample (Text Version)

Jordan Christian

example@example.com
555-555-5555
Raleigh, NC 27603

Dec. 12, 2024

Anahi Stanton, Hiring Manager
BrightWave Marketing Solutions
456 Innovation Drive
Raleigh, NC 27603

Dear Ms. Stanton,

I am excited to apply for the marketing intern position at BrightWave Marketing Solutions. As a junior at North Carolina State University (NCSU) pursuing a bachelor of science in marketing with a minor in data analytics, I have developed a solid foundation in digital marketing strategies, consumer behavior and data-driven insights. My experiences in the classroom and through hands-on projects have equipped me with the skills necessary to make a meaningful contribution to your marketing team.

In my role as a marketing assistant for the NCSU Student Activities Board, I implemented a social media campaign to boost student engagement during our annual SpringFest event. By analyzing and targeting specific demographics, we saw a 35% increase in engagement compared to the previous year. Additionally, I collaborated with a team to manage event logistics and execute a digital campaign, leading to a record attendance of over 4,000 students — a 20% increase from the previous year. These experiences taught me how to leverage data to create effective, scalable campaigns and optimize content for higher engagement.

Outside of school, I took the initiative to work as a freelance digital marketer for a local Raleigh start-up, GoFresh Juicery. I developed and executed an email marketing campaign to re-engage lapsed customers and encourage repeat purchases. The campaign led to a 15% boost in monthly recurring sales and a 25% increase in open rates across targeted email segments. Working in a start-up environment has made me adaptable and taught me how to operate effectively within a fast-paced setting where creativity and analytics intersect.

With my blend of hands-on experience, marketing knowledge and a keen analytical mindset, I am confident in my ability to contribute positively to BrightWave Marketing Solutions. I am excited to bring my knowledge to your team and further develop my skills in an innovative and dynamic environment. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to BrightWave’s success.

Warm regards,
Jordan Christian

How to Format Your Cover Letter

Writing your cover letter is an opportunity to elaborate on the qualifications listed in your resume and demonstrate how your skills match the company’s needs. You increase your chances of landing an interview by highlighting your strengths as a candidate and offering insights into the value you can bring to the organization.

Following the correct cover letter format will help you structure the information effectively and capture the employer’s attention. Start with a professional header and follow it with a formal greeting addressed to the specific hiring manager, if known.

In the body, seamlessly integrate your relevant experience and enthusiasm for the role and close with an invitation for further discussion.

  1. Use this business letter format

    A cover letter is a formal business document. So, it should adhere to the standard business letter format. Here are the formatting details to ensure your student cover letter looks professional:

    • Margins: Set margins to 1 and ¼ inches on all sides.
    • Spacing: Use single spacing throughout your document.
    • Alignment: Opt for left alignment for the entire text on your one-page document.

    Include the following elements: 

    • Header: List your name, city, state, ZIP code, and telephone number.
    • Greeting: Address the cover letter directly to the person handling the hiring process, such as “Dear Monica Strong,” “Dear Hiring Manager,” or “Dear HR Department.”
    • Body: Detail your credentials, work history, and reasons for interest in the position. Use succinct and impactful language to describe how your skills align with the job requirements.
    • Closing: Conclude with a professional closing, such as “Kind regards” or “Sincerely.”

    Consider using a student cover letter template to optimize formatting and ensure your letter meets industry standards.

    With our step-by-step instructions and industry advice, our Cover Letter Generator can help you create a top-notch cover letter that enhances your resume and completes your job application. 

How to Write A Cover Letter as a College Student

  1. Begin with a powerful introduction

    Engaging the hiring manager with a strong introduction is essential. 

    Begin with a compelling elevator pitch highlighting who you are and your eagerness for the role. Continue by spotlighting the skills that make you the right candidate for the role. If you have any related work experience or relevant coursework, include it to strengthen your hook. 

    Read our student cover letter example for inspiration on writing your introduction. 

  2. Showcase what makes you unique

    If you have relevant work experience, detail how your professional background prepared you for the role. When possible, incorporate quantifiable accomplishments to bolster your claims. 

    Employers know most student candidates won’t have a traditional work history, though. If that’s the case, discuss any extracurricular activities, volunteer experiences, internships, research projects, or academic coursework that allowed you to acquire the necessary skills to perform the job and use action verbs to make impactful statements. 

    Include keywords from the job description to highlight how you intend to support the company’s goals. Weave in hard skills and soft skills that align with the job requirements to emphasize how your credentials fit the position. 

    Here’s an example: 

    During my internship at BrightSpark Advertising, I collaborated with the marketing team to design, develop, and execute multi-platform digital campaigns for key clients, including a seasonal campaign for GreenSpace Outdoor Apparel. I helped create engaging social media ads and email content for this campaign, resulting in a 30% increase in engagement across Facebook and Instagram. […]

    In addition to campaign management, I developed proficiency in tools like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator for visual content creation and Google Analytics for monitoring and optimizing campaign performance. 

  3. Finish with a call to action

    Your final paragraph should thank the hiring manager for considering your application and restate your enthusiasm for the position. End with a call to action for further discussion on how you can contribute to the team’s needs. 

Pair your student cover letter with a matching resume

Best Practices

  • Address the hiring manager by name whenever possible. 
  • Tailor your cover letter for each job application. 
  • Mention keywords from the job description. 
  • End with a clear call to action. 
  • Proofread your cover letter more than once. 
  • Use impersonal or outdated greetings like “To Whom It May Concern” or “Dear Sir/Madam.”
  • Write a generic student cover letter. 
  • Exceed one page in length. 
  • Repeat the information from your resume. 
  • Rely on automatic grammar or spell-checkers.

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