If you're a recent graduate looking for new employment opportunities, first thing's first: Congratulations! Graduates entering the workforce often feel a fresh sense of excitement as they embark on a new chapter in their lives.
It's also common to feel intimidated by such a big life change, and stressing over graduate jobs is common—but don’t worry, we’ve got everything you need to kickstart your career. We’ll help you create a compelling graduate cover letter that gets you hired in no time.
Graduate full text-only cover letter example
Dear Mr. Niha,
My name is Madison Thomas, and I am excited to apply for the Graduate position of HR Specialist at Activate Recruitment Specialists. I recently graduated from Victoria University of Wellington with a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Human Resource Management and Employment Relations, an achievement I believe makes me a great candidate for the role. Additionally, Wellington has also been my home throughout my academic career, and a thorough understanding of the local business ecosystem positions me to effectively engage with clients in the Greater Wellington region.
Throughout my tertiary studies, I dedicated myself not only to academic excellence but also to practical experience. As elaborated upon in my CV, I also completed a summer internship at Te Puni Kōkiri, working with their policy partnership team. Working collaboratively with diverse teams, I have developed a keen insight into employment relations, talent management, and organisational development. These experiences have allowed me to cultivate strong interpersonal skills and an empathetic approach, which I believe are essential in the HR industry.
My curriculum at Victoria University included a comprehensive suite of subjects such as Employment Law, Performance Management, and Strategic HRM, providing me with a solid theoretical grounding and practical frameworks to effectively address New Zealand's HR challenges. I am particularly proud of my capstone project, which involved developing a strategic recruitment process for a simulated high-growth tech firm, blending modern recruitment strategies with a focus on diversity and inclusion.
Activate Recruitment Specialists’ commitment to innovation within the HR space and its authentic approach to meeting client needs resonates deeply with my own professional values. I'd love to contribute fresh ideas and youthful energy to your team and I am confident that my background has equipped me with a unique perspective that will add immense value to the Activate team.
Please do not hesitate to contact me at your earliest convenience.
Yours sincerely,
Madison Thomas
Sections of a graduate cover letter
It’s important that your graduate cover letter is well-structured and has an organised flow. For this reason, we recommend the following format:
- Header: Begin with the date and your essential contact details at the top of your cover letter, including your full name, phone number, and email address.
- Greeting: Choose a warm, formal greeting, using the name of the recipient when known.
- Introduction: Start your cover letter with a friendly and engaging introduction that highlights your professional background. Mention any skills that are relevant to the graduate position you're applying for.
- Body Paragraphs: In this section, expand upon your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and any internships or volunteer work that best demonstrates your qualifications for the position.
- Conclusion: Close your cover letter by reiterating your professional strengths and include a compelling call-to-action statement.
- Signature: Conclude with a friendly farewell, followed by your full name.
When it comes to cover letter length, it's best to keep your cover letter to one page. A compelling yet concise cover letter shows respect for the hiring manager's time and keeps their attention focused on your most significant qualifications.
For more inspiration, be sure to take a look at our cover letter builder, or browse similar cover letter examples below:
For more helpful tips on crafting a compelling cover letter, check out our comprehensive guide on how to write a cover letter.
Introduction of a graduate cover letter
When crafting the introduction of your graduate cover letter, it's essential to grab the reader's attention right from the start. Begin by stating your interest in the specific role or company you are applying to, showcasing your excitement and enthusiasm for the opportunity.
Mention any connections you have to the organisation, and briefly summarise your academic background, highlighting your major, relevant coursework, and any standout achievements or extracurricular activities that demonstrate your qualifications for the position.
Dear Mr. Niha,
My name is Madison Thomas, and I am excited to apply for the Graduate position of HR Specialist at Activate Recruitment Specialists. I recently graduated from Victoria University of Wellington with a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Human Resource Management and Employment Relations, an achievement I believe makes me a great candidate for the role.
Hi Mr. Niha,
I have recently graduated and I think I’d be a great fit at your company. I have a degree in recruitment so I have good skills and I am also good with people. I know my degree makes me a good fit, hire me so I can show you what a recruitment wiz I am.
We recommend expressing your desire to contribute your skills and knowledge to the company. This can help create a strong connection with potential employers. A captivating introduction sets the tone for the rest of your cover letter and compels the reader to continue learning more about you as a potential candidate for the role.
Avoid using informal language or slang in your graduate cover letter. Employers expect a level of professionalism and maturity in your writing, so using appropriate language is key to making a positive first impression. By showcasing your ability to communicate effectively and professionally, you effectively convey your readiness for the workplace.
Dear Mr. Niha,
My name is Madison Thomas, and I am excited to apply for the Graduate position of HR Specialist at Activate Recruitment Specialists. I recently graduated from Victoria University of Wellington with a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Human Resource Management and Employment Relations, an achievement I believe makes me a great candidate for the role. Additionally, Wellington has also been my home throughout my academic career, and a thorough understanding of the local business ecosystem positions me to effectively engage with clients in the Greater Wellington region.
Graduate cover letter body
The body paragraphs of your graduate cover letter are where you can elaborate on specific skills and experiences that showcase your qualifications and skills. Using this section to highlight key achievements, skills, and relevant accomplishments will further reinforce your candidacy and grab the employer's attention.
To do this, we recommend the following:
- Focus on any relevant experience that you've gained during your academic journey, such as internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer work.
- Outline any transferable skills that reflect your commitment to excellence, adaptability, and problem-solving, skills that are cultivated through academic challenges, group projects, and leadership opportunities.
- Provide examples of moments where you've excelled in reaching objectives, handled tasks efficiently, and managed expectations.
First body paragraph: Your suitability for the role (skills & experience)
When it comes to the first body paragraph, here are our top tips:
- Highlight your education and specialisations: Use the body paragraphs of your graduate cover letter to talk about your educational background, relevant coursework, or any special recognitions you have received. If you’ve completed internships, describe these experiences and what they've taught you about your field of study. Highlight any additional certifications or workshops that have developed relevant skills and abilities.
- Demonstrate relevant technical skills: Where possible, discuss your technical skills and proficiency with the latest industry-relevant software or technologies. Expand upon how your expertise with these tools and theoretical knowledge equips you with a unique skill set.
- Showcase your foundational skills: As a graduate, emphasise other skills you've developed that are essential in any workplace, including interpersonal skills such as communication skills, strategic planning, and leadership. Explain how any university projects, studies, and extra-curricular activities have prepared you for the graduate role you are applying for.
Connect your academic experiences and any extracurricular activities to the job role, outlining any key skills or projects that mirror the responsibilities of the role. For example, if you led a significant group project in university, relate this to the teamwork and project management skills required for the position.
Second body paragraph(s): Alignment with the organisation
The second body paragraph provides the perfect opportunity to discuss how your unique academic background and experiences correspond with the company’s mission and values. It’s important to do your research to help acquaint yourself with the company’s operational values, objectives, and culture.
For example, if you were applying for a graduate role at Deloitte, it would be important to know Deloitte’s key values. These include:
- Fostering inclusion
- Collaborating for measurable impact
- Serving with integrity
- Leading the way
Have you demonstrated leadership in previous roles? Are you passionate about diversity and inclusion? No matter where you are applying, it’s important to draw parallels between these values and your own professional values.
We also recommend expanding upon how your particular set of skills and knowledge, and ability to communicate effectively within a team setting, would help improve the goals of the company.
Ultimately, your graduate cover letter should articulate a deep understanding of the job role and demonstrate how your educational journey prepared you to support the ambitions of the company.
Throughout my tertiary studies, I dedicated myself not only to academic excellence but also to practical experience. As elaborated upon in my CV, I also completed a summer internship at Te Puni Kōkiri, working with their policy partnership team. Working collaboratively with diverse teams, I have developed a keen insight into employment relations, talent management, and organisational development. These experiences have allowed me to cultivate strong interpersonal skills and an empathetic approach, which I believe are essential in the HR industry.
My curriculum at Victoria University included a comprehensive suite of subjects such as Employment Law, Performance Management, and Strategic HRM, providing me with a solid theoretical grounding and practical frameworks to effectively address New Zealand's HR challenges. I am particularly proud of my capstone project, which involved developing a strategic recruitment process for a simulated high-growth tech firm, blending modern recruitment strategies with a focus on diversity and inclusion.
Activate Recruitment Specialists’ commitment to innovation within the HR space and its authentic approach to meeting client needs resonates deeply with my own professional values. I'd love to contribute fresh ideas and youthful energy to your team and I am confident that my background has equipped me with a unique perspective that will add immense value to the Activate team.
Call to action & conclusion: The closing chapter
When ending your graduate cover letter, your main goal is to convince potential employers that you’re the best candidate for the graduate role you are applying for.
Close your graduate cover letter with a compelling call-to-action statement that underscores your passion for the industry and your commitment to contributing to the company’s vision.
Sign off your letter with professional farewell phrases, such as "Yours sincerely," “Kind regards," or “Ngā mihi nui,” followed by your full name. A strong conclusion can leave an enduring impression of your enthusiasm and professionalism for the role.
Please do not hesitate to contact me at your earliest convenience.
Yours sincerely,
Madison Thomas
Key takeaways
Remember to highlight the skills you've developed through your education, and be sure to customise your cover letter for each application. The key is to illustrate how your academic background equips you to meet the specific needs and objectives of the graduate role you’re applying for.
If you’ve got your sights set on a specific graduate role, check out our cover letter builder or browse our cover letter examples to help land your dream graduate job today.
