First Job Cover Letter Example With No Experience

Below is a full first job cover letter example, three opening paragraph examples, a fill-in template, and a short list of what to include. It is written for teens, high school students, and anyone applying for a first job without paid experience.

When you are ready, paste the job post into Resume Studio and get a cover letter tailored to it in minutes.

Start with 1 free credit. No card needed.

First job cover letter example

This example was written by Resume Studio for this page. The name, school, employers, and details are made up. Use it for structure and tone, then write about your own experience.

First job cover letter opening examples

Your first paragraph should name the job and give one specific reason you fit. Here are three ways to open.

Opening for a teenager with no experience

I am a 16-year-old sophomore at Lincoln High School applying for the Crew Member position at your restaurant. I play on the varsity soccer team, so I know how to work hard and work with a team.

Opening for a first job out of college

I recently graduated from State University with a degree in English, and I am applying for the Editorial Assistant role at your press. This would be my first full-time job, and I bring four years of writing and editing for the student newspaper.

Opening for a first retail job

I am applying for the Sales Associate opening at your downtown store. I have helped run the bake sale table for my school band for two years, so I am comfortable greeting people and handling cash.

[Your name]
[Phone] | [Email]
[Date]

Dear [Hiring manager name, or Hiring Manager],

I am applying for the [job title] position at [business name]. I am a [grade or age, such as a high school junior] at [school], and I would like to work at [business name] because [a real reason, such as you shop there, you like how the staff treat customers or it is close to home].

This would be my first job, but I have practiced the skills it needs. At [school, team, club or volunteer place], I [what you did, such as handled the cash box at our band bake sale]. I [a detail with a number, such as counted and recorded about $300 each weekend] and [a responsibility, such as closed out the table at the end of the day].

I am also dependable. I [an example of being on time or responsible, such as babysit for three families every weekend or have not missed a practice this season]. [Name and role of a coach, teacher or neighbor] can speak to my work, and I am happy to share their contact details.

I am available [days and times, such as weekdays after 3:30 p.m. and all day Saturday] and can start on [start date]. I can get to work by [how you will travel, such as a family ride or the bus], and I am glad to learn [a task from the posting, such as the register or restocking shelves].

Thank you for considering my application. I would be glad to come in to talk or to fill out an application in person.

Sincerely,
[Your name]

What to include in a first job cover letter

• The job title and the business name
• Who you are, such as your school and grade
• One or two examples from school, sports, clubs, volunteering, or helping family
• Your availability
• A short, polite close

Skills and keywords to mirror from the job post

• Customer service, teamwork, and reliability
• Cash handling, if the job involves a register
• Words like punctual, positive attitude, and willing to learn
• The shifts or hours the posting mentions

How to tailor this first job cover letter example

• Keep it short: 3 or 4 short paragraphs is plenty.
• Mention the business by name and one reason you want to work there.
• Send it with a one-page resume you have checked in the free ATS checker on this site. The check uses no credit.