Applying for a job when you don’t have much experience can be a challenge. Discover how to get a job with no experience by reading our cover letter example
While you may lack relevant experience it’s rare for a person to not have any experience at all. All experience is transferrable in some way; you just need to figure out how the experience you possess can be used in the job you’re applying for. Use your cover letter to highlight the knowledge and skills you do have, rather than focusing on the experience you don’t.
First, talk about your degree, listing any relevant modules. Studying at university provides a wealth of transferrable skills so mention things you learned that will help you in the job.
Next, mention any part-time jobs you’ve had and the skills you’ve gained. While it may not always seem relevant to the job you’re applying for it will show employers that you have some knowledge of the working world.
You can also use your cover letter to mention any clubs and societies you’re part of or any hobbies you have. Explain what’s involved and the skills you’ve learned and how you’d be able to use these in the role. This will show employers that there’s more to you than just your qualifications.
Please be aware that this is an example. Use this cover letter template to help generate ideas and structure your own document but avoid copying and pasting. Your cover letter needs to be original and tailored to the job you’re applying for.
Laura Markmann 114 Grove Way Anywhere LK2 4WP lrmarkmann99@gmail.com 07575432432
Sharon Grenfell Regional HR manager Big Stores Ltd Big Stores House Hawthorn Way Greentown PX19 4KJ
15th April 2021
Dear Ms Grenfell
Re: Graduate management programme
I am writing to apply for your graduate scheme advertised on the Prospects.ac.uk website. I am enclosing my CV. As you will see, I spent time on placement at Big Stores Ltd.
I have just finished my degree in English and communication studies which included modules on business communication, marketing communication, communication theory and social media. This gave me an insight into the way language can be used effectively to different audiences to convey a particular message. I analysed this further in my final-year project on Persuasive Writing in Advertising.
As you can see from my CV, I had a weekend/holiday job in a local nursery and garden centre for more than two years. From this I gained skills and knowledge including:
- customer service (including dealing with complaints)
- business awareness
- ability to work indoors or outside in all weathers
- willingness to take on any task needed for the business.
Throughout school I played for various sports teams as well as local cricket and rugby clubs. I remain committed to these sports and now play for university teams. I feel this involvement has developed my:
- commitment and reliability in turning up for training and matches
- time management so I can play sport at a high level alongside my studies
- resilience in working through the defeats and striving to improve
- ability to work with others to achieve a common aim.
I’m also very interested in motor sport. As well as spectating, I contribute to a national motor sports blog. This demonstrates my written communication skills by contributing to a national forum to be read by all ages. I also liaise with blog moderators to agree content which helps to improve my verbal communication skills.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely
(Sign your name here)
Laura Markmann
