Graduate Cover Letter Expert Tips and Template

Congratulations! You’ve finished your degree and now you’re looking to kick start the first adventure in your chosen profession. An exciting move that you’ve been waiting 3+ years to make!  In this post, we’ll show you how to craft the perfect cover letter to attract employers’ attention and make the most of your newly qualified status.

What are employers looking for?

Graduates are widely considered to be the future of industry and commerce – the next generation of bright, agile minds that will shape the direction of commerce and innovate new strategies for business excellence.  Start your letter by setting out your qualifications and make a strong statement about what you can bring to the table. The chances are that you don’t have a great deal of practical experience at this stage – but the employer understands that and will be looking for things you have learned, examples of putting that into practice, and evidence of teamwork, participation and effort.  Every employer is looking for the brightest and the best, so you need to use this opportunity to showcase everything you’ve got, from personal attributes to academic achievements, and from previous work experiences to extra-curricular activities at University. Be confident! Phrases like ‘I believe I can…’ or ‘I think I would be…’ have no place in this cover letter - you need to strike the perfect balance of absolute confidence, without arrogance. 

How to organise your cover letter

Graduate letters should be short and to the point. Aim for four paragraphs and think carefully about the content of each. Paragraph one is your introduction and should clearly set out the role you are applying for, your qualification, the university you attended and if you want to showcase it, the degree classification that you achieved.  The second paragraph should go into detail about the things you have learned that relate directly to the job description. Avoid long and unnecessary descriptions of individual modules, sticking instead to overarching principles and making sure everything you mention is relevant. A degree will cover many more subjects than you can fit into one paragraph, so only reflect back the knowledge that is specifically required by the individual role. Include an example of putting these skills into practice if you can, through a University work placement or through paid or voluntary work experience. In paragraph three, you can write freely about personal values and attributes and how these will drive professional success – but be sure to relate your values and interests to the business at every opportunity. For example, debate/drama/music/sports activities at University can be used to demonstrate great teamwork and communication, and modules (or dissertations) with exceptionally strong academic outcomes can be used to showcase your areas of expertise. Just don’t fall into the trap of talking about interests with little or no relevance (swimming, reading and walking the dog are the most common examples!).  Wrap it all up with a concise fourth paragraph about your long-term ambitions and plans for further study. Include plenty of positivity about joining the business and contributing to their future success/growth, and finish with a mild call to action that encourages the employer to contact you. 

Tone & style

Graduate positions are often introduced with positive and persuasive language. For example, it’s common to see these roles described as an ‘exciting opportunity with scope for innovation and growth’, or the business described as a ‘dynamic company on the lookout for ambitious, vibrant graduate talent’. This sets the tone for you and you can feel free to follow suit.  Don’t be shy about using emotive words like passionate, exceptional and exciting. Be open about your ambition to kick start your career with the absolute best opportunity on offer (implying that this is it, of course!) and talk about your ambition to make a difference and be at the forefront of your chosen field. You are the brightest and the best, so make sure you write with passion and conviction!

Graduate cover letter example showcasing best practice

Below is a sample cover letter for graduates that puts the tips we've talked through into practice. Go ahead and download the template as a Word Document here and use it as a starting point for writing your own cover letter.

To: [Name of Employer/Recruiting Officer, Name of Business, City & Postcode] Re: [Advertised job title] Dear [Joe] [Mr. Bloggs] [Recruiting Officer] I am delighted to submit my application for the role of Trainee/Graduate Accountant at [insert business name]. As a recent Graduate with a BA Hons in Accounting & Finance from the [University of…], I am confident I can add immediate value to this exciting development role through my aptitude for continuous learning and meticulous attention to detail.  During my 3-year degree, I accrued a great deal of knowledge in business law, finance and management, financial accounting, and corporate governance. I also completed a [3-month] work experience at [insert business name] where I was able to put skills in bookkeeping, VAT returns and financial reports into practice. This experience greatly boosted my confidence in team and client relations, and I received excellent feedback from the Head of Finance for the way I pitched in and supported the team.  In terms of the personal qualities which will drive success in this role, I am committed and thorough, with a passion for seeing things through to the end and delivering quality results. I have excelled throughout my studies in analysis and data management, and I have advanced IT capabilities including a working knowledge of Sage & Xero. During my course I built great relationships with my peers and tutors and contributed fully to University life by taking part in extra-curricular activities including the Debate Society and the Volleyball Team. I thrive on challenge, I’m competitive and driven, and I make the most of every opportunity to learn something new. My ambition is to continue my personal and professional development by studying to become a member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and to eventually become a fully qualified Business and Finance Professional (BFP) at the cutting edge of my profession. [Insert business name] is renowned for great client relations and high-quality financial services and I am keen to join the team, develop my expertise under your professional tutelage and contribute to your ongoing success.   Thank you for your time and I look forward to hearing from you soon.  Yours sincerely, Name Goes Here 0123 456 7890