Cover letter without work experience: how to write it, with an example
No work experience isn't a problem if you know what you can show. Six steps to a cover letter that convinces, plus an example you can adapt.
Almost everyone starts without work experience. An employer hiring a starter knows that, and looks at something else: your motivation, what you've learned and what you've already done outside a permanent job. Below are six steps and an example letter you can adapt.
1. Start with why this vacancy
In your first paragraph, show which role it is, where you saw the vacancy and why this particular role or company appeals to you. Not 'I am applying for the position of', but what you really find attractive about it. One concrete reason is enough.
2. Tell what you've learned, not what you lack
Don't write 'I have little experience'. The reader already knows that and it sounds like an excuse. Write about your education, what you learned in it and which assignments or projects you've done. That way you turn it around: from what you lack to what you bring.
3. Use experience outside a job
A part-time job, volunteering, a board role, a sports team, an internship: it all counts. From what you've done, pick what matches what the vacancy asks for, and make that link explicit. The reader then doesn't have to guess why it's relevant.
4. Make it concrete with one example
Pick one situation and briefly tell what the task was, what you did and what came out of it. One good example convinces more than five lists. Don't invent results: an honest small result works better than a big made-up one that doesn't hold up in the interview.
5. Show what you want to learn and contribute
Employers hire starters because they want them to grow. So say where you want to grow, and what you can already contribute. Avoid words like 'driven' and 'enthusiastic' without backing, show it through what you've done.
6. End with an invitation to talk
Don't end with 'hoping for a positive reply', end with a sentence that asks for a conversation, such as 'I'd be glad to tell you more in an interview about how I approach this.' You'll find more examples in our article 'How to end a cover letter: 8 strong closing lines'.
7. An example to adapt
Dear [name], I read the vacancy for [role] at [company] with great interest. Your work on [something specific] appeals to me, because [reason]. I am a third-year student of [programme] and have learned to [skill] there, among other things during a group project in which I [what you did] and which resulted in [result]. Alongside my studies I work as [part-time job], where I independently [task] and have learned to [skill] even at busy times. I don't have work experience in this field yet, but I learn quickly and am keen to show what I can do. I'd be glad to tell you more in an interview about how I approach this. Kind regards, [First name Last name]
Honest, concrete and focused on what you can do
A letter without work experience works if you stay honest and get concrete. Want help writing? With every €2 download of your CV you get our cover letter generator for free, no account or subscription. Use the result as a starting point and make it your own story.
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