You can write a cover letter for every application process as you prepare for your first job. Your cover letter for high school students must persuade the prospective employer to arrange an interview by demonstrating what makes you an excellent candidate for the position. In this blog entry, we define a cover letter for high school students, discuss what should be included if you lack professional experience, and offer a few examples.
What is a cover letter for high school students?
A cover letter for high school students is an official, one-page file that you can submit with your resume to describe why you want the job. The cover letter for high school students is typically between three and four paragraphs in length and emphasizes the experience and skills you can contribute to the organization.
Your cover letter for high school students supplements your resume by providing additional information to the prospective employer. You also explain your reasons for being drawn to the position and the company. Some employers demand a cover letter for high school students, while others mention the document as an optional file, and still others do not necessitate it at all. A cover letter for high school students, on the other hand, can demonstrate to prospective employees that you’re smart and coordinated.
What should a cover letter for high school students contain?
A cover letter for high school students should contain key elements that introduce you, highlight your relevant skills and experiences, explain your motivations, and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the internship or job opportunity. Despite limited work experience, you can leverage your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and personal qualities to create a compelling cover letter for high school students. Here’s what a cover letter for high school students should include:
- Header:
- Your Name
- Your Address
- City, State ZIP Code
- Your Email Address
- Your Phone Number
- Date
- Salutation:
- Address the letter to the specific person if possible (e.g., “Dear Mr. Smith”).
- If you don’t have a name, use a general salutation like “Dear Hiring Manager” or “To Whom It May Concern.”
- Introduction:
- Express your interest in the specific internship or job position.
- Mention where you learned about the opportunity (e.g., job posting, referral).
- Personalization:
- If applicable, briefly mention something specific about the company that caught your interest during your research.
- Skills and Qualifications:
- Highlight relevant skills gained from coursework, extracurricular activities, and volunteer work.
- Discuss transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, leadership, problem-solving, and time management.
- Experiences:
- Discuss any experiences that are relevant to the internship or job. This could include projects, volunteer work, part-time jobs, or school activities.
- Provide specific examples of how you’ve demonstrated skills in these experiences.
- Academic Achievements:
- Mention any academic awards, honors, or achievements that showcase your dedication and excellence.
- Motivations:
- Explain why you’re interested in the internship or job opportunity.
- Discuss how the role aligns with your future goals and interests.
- Company Fit:
- Explain how your values and aspirations align with the company’s mission and culture.
- Closing:
- Express your enthusiasm for the opportunity.
- Invite the employer to contact you for further discussion.
- Signature:
- Use a professional closing like “Sincerely” or “Best regards.”
- Sign your name (if submitting a printed version).
- Enclosure:
- If you’re sending a physical letter, indicate that your resume is enclosed.
Segments of a cover letter for high school students
A cover letter for high school students is written in the same format as professional business letters. Below are the various segments of your cover letter to be included.
Contact and date details
On the left edge, write the date you created the letter and your contact details. Depending on whether you are sending an electronic or paper version of your cover letter, you will supply varying amounts of information.
If you are sending your cover letter electronically, include your state and city as well as your email address and telephone number.
Date
Name
Town, State
Mobile Number
E-mail address
If you must send a paper cover letter, use the conventional business letter format, along with your full address and the organization’s information. Structure it as follows:
Date
Your Name
Your House Address
Town, State, and Postal Codes
Your Mobile Information
Your E-Mail Address
Name of Recruitment Manager
Organization Name
Organization Street Address
Organization Town, State, and Postal Codes
Salutation
Begin by addressing your letter to the prospective employer. Some organizations include the recruitment manager’s contact information in the job posting or on their web pages. You could also contact the organization and request the name of the recruitment manager. When writing the greeting, utilize their initials and surname rather than Ms. or Mr. This prevents you from speculating about their sexual identity. “Dear Martin Diaz,” for example, could be your greeting.
If you didn’t locate the recruitment manager’s name, use the salutation “Dear Recruitment Manager.” Resist employing obsolete greetings like “Dear Sir or Ms.” or “To Whom It May Concern.”
The first paragraph
Start by introducing yourself and explaining your reasons for being drawn to the job and the organization in the opening paragraph. Name the job you’re applying for and include search terms in the job description that fit your experience and qualifications (or that are qualities you wish to develop). Inform the prospective employer how the job will assist you in achieving your professional goals and how the organization’s principles or aspirations correspond with yours.
Your opening sentence should demonstrate your enthusiasm for the opportunity. Include how you discovered the job, along with whether you had been referred by staff.
Paragraphs in the body
Concentrate on what qualifications and abilities make you the most suitable person for the position in the following section. Explain how your experience and education have equipped you for the job in one or two sentences. Instead of reiterating your resume’s key points, elaborate on a few precise, extremely appropriate skills or initiatives to demonstrate why you’re the right candidate for this position.
The final paragraph
In the final paragraph, thank the potential employer for their consideration and attention. You could sum up your qualifications and express your eagerness to hear from them.
Signature and closing
Follow your first and surname with an official but pleasant closure. Forgo closures that are extremely affectionate or unofficial, such as Warm Regard, Cheers, or Yours Sincerely. Here are some examples of effective closures:
- Best
- Sincerely
- Thank you
- Best Regards
- Respectfully
If submitting a hard copy, allow enough room between the closure and your typewritten name to be able to sign your cover letter for high school students.
Ideas for Formatting
Cover letters for high school students are official files with precise formatting requirements. These format regulations will assist you in ensuring that your cover letter for high school students is easily readable, professional, and application-compatible:
- Use a straightforward, basic font such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.
- Use a typeface size of 10 or 12 points.
- Single-spaced, with a space among each segment
- One page with a maximum of four paragraphs
- Margins of one inch
- Positioned to the left
- For compatibility, save as a.doc or a.pdf.
Save the document with the format First Name-Surname-cover-letter.doc (for instance, Jack-Kelvin-cover-letter.doc)
What to include if you don’t have any professional experience
When you lack an employment history, you can leverage other types of experience to demonstrate that you’re a good fit for a position. You’ve developed a wide range of skills through school, volunteer work, assisting others, hobbies, and extracurriculars.
You can employ the following examples:
- Classes you’ve taken to learn appropriate skills, such as machine learning course
- Advanced courses can demonstrate your dedication.
- Volunteering, such as teaching or fundraising
- Athletics and the parading band are examples of extracurriculars.
- Educational projects and accomplishments
- Interests and hobbies
Template of a Cover Letter for high school students
Certainly, here’s a template for a cover letter tailored for high school students seeking internship or job opportunities:
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP Code]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
[Employer’s Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
[City, State ZIP Code]
Dear [Employer’s Name],
I am writing to express my strong interest in the [Internship/Job Title] opportunity at [Company Name] as advertised on [Source of Advertisement]. As a highly motivated high school student with a passion for [Relevant industry or field], I am excited about the possibility of contributing to your team and gaining valuable experience.
[Optional: Brief Personalization: Mention something specific about the company that caught your interest.]
Throughout my academic journey, I have developed a strong foundation in [Relevant Skills or Interests], which I believe aligns well with the company’s or internship’s goals and values. I am particularly drawn to [a specific aspect of the company or role] and the innovative work your team is involved in.
In my [Extracurricular activities or volunteer work], I have demonstrated my ability to [Highlight Relevant Skills or Accomplishments]. Additionally, my coursework in relevant courses has equipped me with a solid understanding of relevant knowledge and skills. I am confident that my dedication, attention to detail, and eagerness to learn will make me a valuable asset to your team.
I am excited about the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals and contribute to [Company Name]’s mission. Enclosed is my resume, which provides further details about my academic achievements, skills, and experiences.
Thank you for considering my application. I would welcome the chance to discuss how my enthusiasm and skills align with [Company Name]’s needs. Please feel free to contact me at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address] to arrange an interview.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
Remember to customize the template by replacing the placeholders with your information and tailoring the content to match the specific internship or job opportunity you’re applying for. Keep the tone professional, concise, and enthusiastic, and ensure that the letter is free of errors before submitting it.
Samples of a Cover Letter for high school students
Example 1
August 2, 20227
George Brown
Seattle, Washington, DC
000-0000-00000
georgebrown@anymail.com
Thank you for offering me the opportunity to apply for the position at your organization. Going through the position description, it’s evident that you require an applicant who is very accustomed to the duties of the position and can boldly do them. Considering these prerequisites, I am confident that I have the abilities required to complete the task competently and beyond expectations.
I am an industrious recent high school graduate (4.2 GPA) who is continuously lauded by my educators and supervisors for my focus. Throughout my educational life, I was also able to accumulate almost 5 years of professional experience. In my spare time, I had the opportunity to work as a server for Olien’s, where I gained invaluable skills like conflict resolution, teamwork, task management, client needs evaluation, and customer support. I have demonstrated strong communication, innovative thinking, and critical thinking abilities in educational, extracurricular, and official projects, which I anticipate bringing into the associate position within your organization.
I believe that after reviewing my resume, you will believe that I’m the kind of skilled and competitive applicant you seek. I am eager to discuss how my specialized abilities and competencies will assist your company.
Thank you for your attention and consideration. I hope to hear from you soon.
Sincerely,
George Brown
Example 2
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP Code]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
[Employer’s Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
[City, State ZIP Code]
Dear [Employer’s Name],
I am writing to express my strong interest in the [Internship/Job Title] opportunity at [Company Name]. As a motivated high school student with a passion for [Relevant Industry/Field], I am excited about the possibility of contributing to your team and gaining valuable experience.
Throughout my academic journey, I have developed strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills through my involvement in [Extracurricular Activities/Volunteer Work]. In my [Relevant Coursework], I’ve gained a solid understanding of [Relevant Knowledge/Skills]. I am drawn to [Company Name]’s innovative work in [Specific Aspect of the Company/Role], and I am eager to learn and contribute.
I am excited about the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals and contribute to [Company Name]’s mission. Enclosed is my resume, which provides further details about my academic achievements, skills, and experiences.
Thank you for considering my application. I would welcome the chance to discuss how my enthusiasm and skills align with [Company Name]’s needs. Please feel free to contact me at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address] to arrange an interview.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
The importance of a Cover Letter for high school students
A cover letter holds significant importance for high school students seeking internships or job opportunities. Despite having limited professional experience, a well-crafted cover letter can provide valuable insights into your skills, motivations, and potential as a candidate. Here are several reasons highlighting the importance of a cover letter for high school students:
- Introduction and Personalization: A cover letter introduces you to potential employers, allowing you to convey your enthusiasm and interest in the specific internship or job role. It also provides an opportunity to personalize your application by mentioning the company and role you’re applying for.
- Showcasing Soft Skills: High school students may not have extensive work experience, but a cover letter enables you to showcase essential soft skills gained through extracurricular activities, coursework, and volunteer work. These skills, such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership, are highly valuable to employers.
- Highlighting Transferable Skills: A cover letter lets you highlight transferable skills that are relevant to the internship or job. For instance, if you’ve been involved in student organizations, you can discuss your organizational and event-planning skills.
- Explaining Motivations: Use the cover letter to explain why you’re interested in the internship or job opportunity. This helps employers understand your motivations and how the position aligns with your goals.
- Demonstrating Initiative: Writing a cover letter shows your proactive approach to the application process. It displays your willingness to go beyond the basic requirements and make a strong impression.
- Connecting to the Company’s Values: A cover letter allows you to mention how your values align with the company’s mission and culture. This demonstrates your research and genuine interest in the organization.
- Standing Out from the Crowd: Many high school students may submit resumes, but not all will include a cover letter. Having one sets you apart and provides additional context to your application.
- Supporting Resume Details: If you have relevant experiences on your resume, you can expand on them in your cover letter, providing more context and explaining their relevance to the internship or job.
- Addressing Gaps or Unconventional Backgrounds: If you have gaps in your resume or an unconventional educational background, a cover letter offers a chance to explain these aspects and provide context.
- Professional Communication: Writing a cover letter showcases your ability to communicate professionally, a skill that’s valuable in any job or internship.
- Requesting Consideration: At the end of your cover letter, you can express your eagerness for the opportunity and your hope for further consideration.
- Preparing for the Future: Crafting cover letters as a high school student prepares you for the job application process in the future. It helps you develop your writing and communication skills early on.
In essence, a well-written cover letter complements your resume and gives you an edge by providing a more complete picture of your qualifications and motivations. While you might not have extensive experience, a thoughtful cover letter allows you to shine a light on your potential and make a strong case for why you’re the right candidate for the internship or job.
Conclusion
In conclusion, crafting a cover letter as a high school student is an invaluable opportunity to showcase your potential, passion, and dedication. By highlighting your relevant skills, academic achievements, and extracurricular experiences, you can demonstrate your readiness to contribute effectively in a professional setting.
Remember that while your work experience might be limited, your enthusiasm, transferable skills, and eagerness to learn make you a compelling candidate for the internship or job. By tailoring your cover letter to the specific opportunity, you can leave a lasting impression that sets you on a path toward achieving your goals and making a positive impact in your chosen field.
Frequently Asked Questions About A Cover Letter for High School Students
Here are five frequently asked questions about a cover letter for high school students, along with concise answers:
- Do I need a cover letter as a high school student applying for internships or jobs?
While not always required, a well-crafted cover letter can greatly enhance your application. It allows you to showcase your relevant skills, extracurricular activities, and enthusiasm for the opportunity, helping you stand out from other applicants.
- How do I address my lack of work experience in my cover letter?
Emphasize transferable skills gained from school projects, clubs, and volunteer work. Highlight your willingness to learn and contribute, and explain how your skills make you a valuable candidate.
- Can I use the same cover letter for multiple applications?
It’s best to tailor your cover letter for each application. Mention specific aspects of the company or role that interest you, and align your skills and experiences with the requirements of each opportunity.
- How long should my cover letter be?
Keep your cover letter concise, typically around three to four paragraphs. Focus on the most relevant information, including your skills, experiences, motivations, and enthusiasm for the position.
- Should I include my GPA in my cover letter?
Unless the application specifically asks for it, there’s no need to include your GPA in the cover letter. However, if your GPA is impressive and relevant to the opportunity, you can mention it briefly to highlight your academic excellence.