School leaver cover letter template

by Michael Cheary

You’ve spent hours perfecting your first professional CV. Now it's time to tackle the cover letter…

Even if a recruiter doesn't explicitly ask for one, a well-written cover letter could be the difference between standing out and getting lost in the pile. You only get one chance to make a first impression, so it’s vital to make the most of every opportunity to impress.

We’ve already covered how to write a cover letter, but if you’re worried that a lack of experience will hold you back, this guide is for you. We’ll walk you through how to structure your school leaver cover letter, what to include, and provide a free downloadable template to get you started.

Download your free cover letter template

Ready to get started? Click below to download our professionally designed cover letter template for school leavers.

What is a school leaver cover letter?

A school leaver cover letter is a document sent with your CV when applying for your first job after finishing school or college. 

Since you likely have limited professional experience, its purpose is to highlight your academic achievements, relevant skills, and enthusiasm for the role. 

It’s your chance to show a potential employer your personality and your eagerness to learn.

What is a cover letter?

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How to structure a school leaver cover letter

When it comes to writing your first cover letter, a clear structure is your best friend. Follow these steps to make sure your letter is professional, easy to read, and effectively communicates your potential.

Your contact information

This one’s simple. Start with your name, address, phone number, and email address at the top of the page. Then, add the date, followed by the hiring manager’s name, their job title, and the company’s address.

If you don't know the hiring manager's name, try to find it. Check the company website or LinkedIn. If you still can’t find it, you can use a general greeting like ‘Dear Hiring Manager’ or ‘Dear Sir/Madam’.

Opening paragraph

With the opening, keep it short and to the point. State the role you’re applying for and where you saw the vacancy. Feel free to mention the website by name (e.g. as advertised on Reed.co.uk). If someone referred you, this is the perfect place to mention their name.

Example:

‘I am writing to apply for the role of Apprentice Engineer, which I saw advertised on Reed.co.uk. Please find my CV attached for your consideration.’

Second paragraph: Why you’re suitable for the role

This is your chance to shine a spotlight on your qualifications. Briefly describe any that are relevant to the job, such as GCSEs, A-levels, or other certifications you've earned. If your exam results aren't confirmed yet, it’s fine to state your projected grades. Connect your academic achievements directly to the requirements listed in the job description.

Example:

‘As you can see from my CV, I have recently completed my A-levels, achieving an A in Mathematics and a B in Physics. I am confident that my strong analytical and problem-solving skills from these subjects make me a great fit for this role.’

Third paragraph: What can you do for the company?

Here, you need to show what you can bring to the company. Use practical examples from your academic career to demonstrate your abilities. Be as specific as possible, mentioning any modules, projects, or coursework that are particularly relevant.

This is also the place to bring up any extracurricular activities that reinforce your skills. Think about volunteer positions, work experience, books you’ve read on the subject, or seminars you’ve attended. These details show your passion and initiative.

Example:

‘This position particularly interests me because of my passion for mechanics. During my studies, my coursework focused on engine design, which helped build my knowledge of the subject. I also completed two weeks of work experience at a local garage, where I learned to apply my theoretical knowledge in a practical setting.’

Fourth paragraph: Reiterate your interest

In this section, you’ll restate your interest in the role and reinforce why you’re the ideal candidate. If you’re struggling to find the right words, look at the job description. It will list the desired skills and characteristics, giving you a clear idea of what the employer is looking for. Mirror that language.

Example:

‘I see the role of Apprentice Engineer as the perfect opportunity to use my passion and enthusiasm to build a successful career in the mechanical engineering industry. Although I have limited work experience, I am a fast learner and my dedication and hard work will help [Company Name] build upon its reputation as a leading innovator.’

Closing the letter

End your letter by thanking the employer for their time and consideration. A simple ‘I look forward to hearing from you’ shows you’re keen. Sign off with ‘Yours sincerely’ if you know the hiring manager's name, or ‘Yours faithfully’ if you don't, followed by your name.

Example:

‘Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to meeting with you to discuss my application further.

Yours sincerely,

[Your Name]’

How to: Overcome common cover letter problems

Tips for writing a school leaver cover letter with no experience

If you’re applying for your first job straight out of school, you might not have years of work history yet - but you’ve got more to offer than you think. Here’s how to make your cover letter relevant and convincing, even if you haven’t held a formal job before:

• Talk about your transferable skills: Think about the skills you picked up during school—like teamwork from group assignments, communication in presentations, or time management from juggling studies and other activities. These all show what you can bring to the table.
• Include your academic involvement and achievements: Mention any subjects where you did well, school clubs, volunteering, or even responsibilities like being a prefect. These experiences show initiative and commitment.
• Show why you’re interested: Briefly explain what interests you about the job or company. For example, you might want to develop certain skills, or you could be drawn to something the business does that matches your interests.
• Back up your points with examples: Don’t just say you’re organised - actually back it up. For example, maybe you managed revision groups before exams or helped run a school event. A clear example goes further than a buzzword.
• Keep things positive and focused on what you offer: Instead of dwelling on your lack of experience, point out your enthusiasm for learning, your motivation, and your fresh perspective.

Everyone starts somewhere, and a clear, honest cover letter can help you make your case. Focus on what you can do, and let your willingness to learn speak for itself.

Work experience letter template

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Final thoughts

Writing a cover letter for your first job can feel daunting, but it’s a crucial step in showing employers what you’re made of. Remember, this template is a guide, not a one-size-fits-all solution. You should write a new, tailored cover letter for every job you apply for. It might seem like a lot of work, but trust us, it’s worth it.

In fact, four out of ten recruiters we surveyed said they wouldn’t even consider an application without a cover letter. So don't let a little extra effort stand between you and your dream job.

Ready to put this advice into practice? Download our free school leaver cover letter template to help you craft the perfect application.

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