Between juggling classes, studying for NCEA exams, homework, extracurriculars, and maintaing your social life, who actually has time to write a cover letter? Don't worry, we’ve got you covered!
In our high school cover letter guide, we'll help you highlight your skills, achievements, and potential. Let's turn that blank canvas into a cover letter that gets you noticed (and hired) faster!
High school student full text-only cover letter example
15 December 2024
Dear Ms. Moran,
My name is Tamara Wilkes, and I am thrilled to express my interest in the Junior Marketing Assistant position at Wellington City Books, as advertised on your company website. As a Year 13 student at Wellington Girls High School with a passion for literature and a burgeoning interest in marketing, I am eager to contribute my skills and enthusiasm to your dynamic team. I have been a loyal customer of Wellington City Books for many years, and I deeply admire your commitment to fostering a love of reading within our community.
While my formal work experience is limited, I have actively sought opportunities to develop my skills and gain practical experience in marketing and communications. In my role as Publicity Officer for the school's Debating Society, I spearheaded a successful social media campaign that increased membership by 20% in just one term.
This involved creating engaging content, managing social media platforms, and collaborating with other team members to implement a cohesive marketing strategy. I am proficient in using various social media platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, and I am confident in my ability to create compelling content that resonates with target audiences.
My academic record reflects my strong work ethic and commitment to excellence. I consistently achieve high marks in English, Media Studies, and Business Studies, and I am particularly proud of my recent project on the impact of digital marketing on consumer behaviour. This project involved conducting extensive research, analysing data, and presenting my findings in a clear and engaging manner. I am a fast learner with a keen eye for detail and a passion for exploring new ideas and approaches.
In addition to my academic pursuits, I am actively involved in various extracurricular activities that have further developed my skills and broadened my experiences. As a member of the school's Student Council, I have gained valuable experience in teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.
I am also a volunteer at the Wellington City Library, where I assist with organising events and promoting literacy initiatives. These experiences have instilled in me a strong sense of community engagement and a passion for making a positive impact.
I am confident that my skills and experience align well with the requirements of the Junior Marketing Assistant position. I am a highly motivated and results-oriented individual with a strong work ethic and a genuine desire to contribute to the success of Wellington City Books. I'd love to learn from experienced professionals, contribute my creative ideas, and support your team in achieving your marketing objectives.
Some of my key strengths and experiences that I believe would be valuable to your team include:
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills: Developed through my roles as Publicity Officer for the Debating Society and as a member of the Student Council, as well as my volunteer work at the Wellington City Library.
- Creative content creation: Demonstrated through my successful social media campaign for the Debating Society, where I created engaging content that increased membership and boosted online engagement.
- Digital marketing knowledge: Gained through my academic coursework in Business Studies and Media Studies, as well as my independent research project on the impact of digital marketing.
- Teamwork and collaboration: Developed through my involvement in various extracurricular activities and volunteer work, where I have consistently demonstrated my ability to work effectively with others to achieve shared goals.
- Enthusiasm and a willingness to learn: I would love to contribute my skills and knowledge to Wellington City Books and am committed to continuous learning and professional development.
I am confident that my passion for literature, combined with my marketing skills and enthusiasm, would make me a valuable asset to your team. I'm excited to learn from experienced professionals, contribute my creative ideas, and support your team in achieving your marketing objectives.
Thank you for considering my application. I have attached my CV for your review and welcome the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further in an interview. I hope to connect soon!
Yours sincerely,
Tamara Wilkes
Sections of a high school student cover letter
Your cover letter is your chance to make a strong first impression. To show you're the perfect fit, make sure you format your cover letter with these key sections:
- Cover letter header: Include your full name, contact details (phone number, email address), and links to online profiles if you have any.
- Greeting: Start with a professional greeting, addressing the hiring manager by name if possible. If you don't know the name, use a general greeting like "Dear Hiring Manager."
- Introduction: Grab their attention! Express your enthusiasm for the specific role and the company. Briefly mention your key skills and experiences that make you a good fit.
- Body Paragraphs: Expand on your skills, such as computer skills or soft skills, and any experiences relevant to the role. Highlight your strengths, relevant coursework, extracurricular activities, or volunteer work. Show how your skills and interests align with the job requirements and the company's values.
- Conclusion: Reiterate your interest in the position and summarise your key qualifications. End with a call to action, like expressing your eagerness for an interview.
Your cover letter should be a quick, snappy intro to who you are and what you can offer. Think of it like a highlight reel, not a full-length movie. Be sure to keep it to one page!
For more help creating your high school cover letter, check out our related cover letter examples, including entry-level jobs and other related roles:
Want to become a cover letter pro? Check out our articles on how to write a cover letter and writing a ChatGPT cover letter for expert tips and tricks that will make you stand out from the crowd.
Introduction of a high school student cover letter
Feeling lost, stressed over writing a cover letter with limited experience, or facing the dreaded blank page? We’ve all been there! To get started, start by discussing your enthusiasm for the role, company or scholarship.
Briefly mention what sparked your interest – was it a specific project, the company's values, or their reputation in the industry?
Dear Mrs. Bradley,
I would like to apply for the Marketing Intern position at New World. As an avid user of social media and a creative individual with a strong academic record in business studies, I am eager to contribute my skills to your dynamic team. I am drawn to New World’s community and I believe my enthusiasm and quick learning abilities would make me a valuable asset.
Hi Mrs. Bradley,
I need a job. I currently go to Chevalier Road High School, and I am good at creating posts for social media. I’m also good at talking to people, and I can help New World get more followers. I can work after school and on weekends.
From there, highlight one or two key skills or experiences that make you a great fit. Did you excel in a relevant subject at school? Speak two or more languages? Did you take initiative in a school club? Include these details in your cover letter introduction!
This approach demonstrates your interest in the role and the company and allows you to highlight your key strengths and potential.
By connecting your skills and experiences to their needs, you demonstrate your value and make a strong case for why they should consider you for the role or opportunity.
15 December 2024
Dear Ms. Moran,
My name is Tamara Wilkes, and I am thrilled to express my interest in the Junior Marketing Assistant position at Wellington City Books, as advertised on your company website. As a Year 13 student at Wellington Girls High School with a passion for literature and a burgeoning interest in marketing, I am eager to contribute my skills and enthusiasm to your dynamic team. I have been a loyal customer of Wellington City Books for many years, and I deeply admire your commitment to fostering a love of reading within our community.
High school student cover letter body
The body paragraphs of your cover letter are your chance to shine! Here's how to make them count:
- Showcase your strengths and highlight your key skills and accomplishments, even if they're not from traditional work experience
- Connect to the role and explain how your skills and interests align with the job requirements
- Express your enthusiasm and let your passion for the opportunity shine through! Employers love to see enthusiasm and a willingness to learn
- Highlight your adaptability and mention your ability to learn quickly and adapt to new environments
First body paragraph: your suitability for the role (skills & experience)
Start your cover letter strong by highlighting these key points in your first paragraph:
- Academic achievements: Discuss your academic accomplishments, including any outstanding NZQA qualifications. Mention specific subjects, endorsements, or relevant projects that demonstrate your skills and knowledge.
- Extracurricular involvement: Expand upon your participation in extracurricular activities, such as sports teams, clubs, or volunteer organisations. This could include leading your school's kapa haka group, organising a fundraising event for a local charity, or participating in a regional sports tournament.
- Skills and interests: Elaborate on your skills and interests that align with the position. This could include computer literacy, communication skills, problem-solving abilities, or any specific hard skills you've developed.
- Enthusiasm and motivation: Express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Explain why you're excited about this role and how your skills and experiences can benefit their team.
- Work ethic and adaptability: Highlight your strong work ethic, willingness to learn, and ability to adapt to new environments and challenges.
By showcasing these strengths and tailoring them to the specific role, you'll create a compelling high school cover letter that captures the reader's attention and demonstrates your potential.
Since you may have limited work experience, it’s best to focus on transferable skills you’ve developed from other areas of your life. Did you captain the school rugby team? That shows leadership! Ace a challenging school project? That demonstrates problem-solving! Don't be afraid to get creative and connect the dots between your experiences and the job requirements.
Second body paragraph(s): alignment with the organisation
In your second body paragraph, go beyond your skills and experience and show employers or scholarship committees why you're a good fit.
Research the company thoroughly and explore their website, check out their social media presence, and read any articles or news stories about them.
For example, Kathmandu New Zealand priorities the following values:
- Improving the well-being of the world
- Getting people outdoor
- Focusing on sustainability
If you were applying for a part-time job at a company like Kathmandu, you could highlight your commitment to sustainability and interest in environmental responsibility. You might also mention your involvement in environmental initiatives at your school or your passion for outdoor activities.
By demonstrating your understanding of the company's values and showing how your interests and personality align with their culture, you can make a strong impression and increase your chances of landing the role.
While my formal work experience is limited, I have actively sought opportunities to develop my skills and gain practical experience in marketing and communications. In my role as Publicity Officer for the school's Debating Society, I spearheaded a successful social media campaign that increased membership by 20% in just one term.
This involved creating engaging content, managing social media platforms, and collaborating with other team members to implement a cohesive marketing strategy. I am proficient in using various social media platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, and I am confident in my ability to create compelling content that resonates with target audiences.
My academic record reflects my strong work ethic and commitment to excellence. I consistently achieve high marks in English, Media Studies, and Business Studies, and I am particularly proud of my recent project on the impact of digital marketing on consumer behaviour. This project involved conducting extensive research, analysing data, and presenting my findings in a clear and engaging manner. I am a fast learner with a keen eye for detail and a passion for exploring new ideas and approaches.
In addition to my academic pursuits, I am actively involved in various extracurricular activities that have further developed my skills and broadened my experiences. As a member of the school's Student Council, I have gained valuable experience in teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.
I am also a volunteer at the Wellington City Library, where I assist with organising events and promoting literacy initiatives. These experiences have instilled in me a strong sense of community engagement and a passion for making a positive impact.
I am confident that my skills and experience align well with the requirements of the Junior Marketing Assistant position. I am a highly motivated and results-oriented individual with a strong work ethic and a genuine desire to contribute to the success of Wellington City Books. I'd love to learn from experienced professionals, contribute my creative ideas, and support your team in achieving your marketing objectives.
Some of my key strengths and experiences that I believe would be valuable to your team include:
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills: Developed through my roles as Publicity Officer for the Debating Society and as a member of the Student Council, as well as my volunteer work at the Wellington City Library.
- Creative content creation: Demonstrated through my successful social media campaign for the Debating Society, where I created engaging content that increased membership and boosted online engagement.
- Digital marketing knowledge: Gained through my academic coursework in Business Studies and Media Studies, as well as my independent research project on the impact of digital marketing.
- Teamwork and collaboration: Developed through my involvement in various extracurricular activities and volunteer work, where I have consistently demonstrated my ability to work effectively with others to achieve shared goals.
- Enthusiasm and a willingness to learn: I would love to contribute my skills and knowledge to Wellington City Books and am committed to continuous learning and professional development.
I am confident that my passion for literature, combined with my marketing skills and enthusiasm, would make me a valuable asset to your team. I'm excited to learn from experienced professionals, contribute my creative ideas, and support your team in achieving your marketing objectives.
Call to action & conclusion: a fantastic finale
End your cover letter with a burst of enthusiasm and express your gratitude for their time and consideration.
Finish strong with a professional closing like "Ngā mihi nui" or "Best regards" followed by your full name. This can help leave a great first impression on potential employers or scholarship committees, and increase your chances of getting a call back!
Thank you for considering my application. I have attached my CV for your review and welcome the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further in an interview. I hope to connect soon!
Yours sincerely,
Tamara Wilkes
Key Takeaways
Kickstart your career journey with a professional cover letter! A compelling high school student cover letter should highlight your skills and potential for growth.
Our cover letter builder, packed with expert examples and tips, can help you stand out from the crowd and land that interview.
Even with limited experience, we'll help you get your foot in the door! What are you waiting for? Get started today!