First Job Cover Letter Examples & Writing Guide

Written ByBen Broch

August 7, 2025

We analyzed 1,000+ first job cover letter examples cover letters and job listings to reveal what employers really want. Use these insights to craft a compelling letter and resume that align with today's trends.

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First Job Cover Letter Template

FIRST AND LAST NAME Email: your.email@email.com Phone: (123) 456-7891 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/yourprofile [Today's Date] [Hiring Manager's Name] [Company Name] [Company Address] Dear [Hiring Manager's Name], I am writing to express my strong interest in the First Job position at [Company Name]. With [X years] of experience in [relevant field], I am confident that my skills and passion make me an ideal candidate for this role. In my current position as [Current Role] at [Current Company], I have: • [Achievement 1 - Quantify with numbers when possible] • [Achievement 2 - Focus on relevant skills] • [Achievement 3 - Highlight impact] I am particularly drawn to [Company Name] because [specific reason related to company mission/values/projects]. I believe my experience in [relevant skill area] would contribute significantly to your team's continued success. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing how my background and enthusiasm can contribute to [Company Name]'s goals. Sincerely, [Your Name]

Customize this template with your specific details and achievements

Real First Job Cover Letter Examples

First Job - Crew Member

McDonald's

Example #1

Dear Hiring Manager, I am writing to apply for the Crew Member position at McDonald's. As a high school junior looking for my first job, I am excited to join your team and learn valuable work skills. Although this is my first job application, I bring important qualities: • Responsible and reliable - maintained perfect attendance at school for 2 years • Friendly personality that enjoys interacting with people • Fast learner who picks up new tasks quickly as shown in extracurricular activities • Available to work after school, weekends, and during summer break I am eager to learn food service, customer interaction, and teamwork. I understand the job requires hard work, following directions, and maintaining a positive attitude even during busy times. I am ready for this challenge. Thank you for considering me for my first job. I would be honored to start my work experience with McDonald's. Sincerely, Alex Johnson (High School Junior)

First Job - Bagger / Cart Attendant

Local Grocery Store

Example #2

Dear Hiring Manager, I am excited to apply for the Bagger position at your grocery store. As a 16-year-old seeking my first job, I am ready to work hard and learn from your experienced team. I offer qualities that make me a good first employee: • Strong work ethic developed through helping with family business • Polite and courteous with customers and coworkers • Physically fit and comfortable with manual work • Flexible schedule - can work evenings, weekends, and holidays I understand the position involves bagging groceries, collecting carts, and helping customers to their cars. I am eager to provide friendly service and make shopping easier for your customers. I am committed to being dependable and doing my best work. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to earn my first paycheck. I look forward to proving myself. Best regards, Miguel Rodriguez (Age 16)

First Job - Concessions / Usher

Movie Theater

Example #3

Dear Hiring Manager, I am writing to apply for the Concessions position at your movie theater. As a high school sophomore looking for my first job, I am enthusiastic about joining your team and serving moviegoers. Though I haven't worked before, I have relevant qualities: • Love movies and excited about working in theater environment • Friendly and outgoing personality that enjoys helping people • Good with math and comfortable handling money • Available most evenings and all weekend I am eager to learn concessions operations, clean theaters, and assist guests. I understand the role requires multitasking during busy showtimes and staying positive even during long shifts. I am prepared to work hard and be a reliable team member. Thank you for considering me for my first job. I would be thrilled to be part of your theater team. Sincerely, Sarah Kim (Sophomore - Age 15)

First Job - Camp Counselor in Training

Summer Camp

Example #4

Dear Hiring Manager, I am excited to apply for the Counselor in Training position at your summer camp. As a high school student seeking my first paid position, I am passionate about working with children and learning camp leadership skills. I bring enthusiasm and relevant experience: • Volunteered as junior counselor at day camp last summer • Responsible for younger siblings showing patience and creativity • Energetic and love outdoor activities including hiking, swimming, and sports • Available entire summer session I am eager to help lead activities, supervise campers, and support senior counselors. I understand working with children requires patience, safety awareness, and maintaining positive energy all day. I am ready for this meaningful first job experience. Thank you for helping me start my career working with kids. I look forward to making this an amazing summer for campers. Best regards, Emma Martinez (Age 16)

First Job - Ice Cream Server

Ice Cream Shop

Example #5

Dear Hiring Manager, I am writing to apply for the Ice Cream Server position at your shop. As a high school freshman looking for my first job, I am excited to work in a fun environment serving customers. I offer qualities important for this role: • Cheerful, friendly personality that enjoys making people smile • Good memory for remembering orders and flavor combinations • Clean and presentable appearance • Available after school on weekdays and all day weekends I am eager to learn scooping techniques, take orders accurately, maintain cleanliness, and provide great customer service. I understand ice cream shops get very busy, especially during summer, and I am ready to work efficiently while staying friendly. Thank you for considering me for my first job. Working at your popular ice cream shop would be a dream come true. Sincerely, Tyler Chen (Freshman - Age 14)

First Job - Landscaping Helper

Landscaping Company

Example #6

Dear Hiring Manager, I am excited to apply for the Landscaping Helper position with your company. As a 17-year-old seeking my first job, I am ready for physical outdoor work and learning landscaping skills. I bring qualities suited for landscaping work: • Physically strong and comfortable with manual labor • Experience helping with yard work at home and for neighbors • Reliable transportation (bicycle) to get to work on time • Available all summer and some weekends during school year I am eager to learn mowing, trimming, planting, mulching, and other landscaping tasks. I understand the work is physically demanding and weather-dependent, but I enjoy being outdoors and working with my hands. I am committed to showing up on time and working hard. Thank you for giving me the chance to start my career with your landscaping team. Best regards, Marcus Johnson (Age 17)

First Job - Pet Store Associate

Pet Store

Example #7

Dear Hiring Manager, I am writing to apply for the Pet Store Associate position. As a high school student and lifelong animal lover seeking my first job, I am thrilled about the possibility of working with pets daily. Though I haven't worked professionally, I have animal experience: • Raised 2 dogs, 3 cats, hamsters, and fish teaching responsibility • Volunteered at animal shelter learning animal care basics • Love helping people and educating them about pet care • Available evenings, weekends, and school breaks I am eager to learn about pet products, help customers choose supplies, care for store animals, and maintain clean habitats. I understand the responsibility of ensuring animal welfare and providing knowledgeable customer service. I am ready to work hard at my dream first job. Thank you for considering me. I would be honored to combine my animal passion with work. Sincerely, Olivia Anderson (Junior - Age 16)

First Job - Lifeguard

Community Pool

Example #8

Dear Hiring Manager, I am excited to apply for the Lifeguard position at the community pool. As a high school student seeking my first job, I am committed to keeping swimmers safe while gaining valuable work experience. I bring important qualifications: • Completed Lifeguard certification course earning Red Cross certification • Strong swimmer on high school swim team for 3 years • Responsible and alert with good judgment in emergency situations • Available all summer and seeking year-round employment I am eager to enforce pool rules, supervise swimmers, perform water rescues if needed, and maintain pool area cleanliness. I understand lifeguarding requires constant vigilance and taking safety seriously. I am honored to have this important responsibility as my first job. Thank you for trusting me to help keep our community safe. I look forward to serving as a lifeguard. Best regards, Jordan Williams (Age 15, Red Cross Certified Lifeguard)

New Grad First Job Cover Letter

Starting your career? Focus on your education, clinical rotations, internships, and relevant coursework. Emphasize your enthusiasm and willingness to learn.

Pro tip: Highlight any volunteer work, part-time positions, or academic projects that demonstrate relevant skills for the role.

Experienced First Job Cover Letter

With years of experience, focus on your achievements, leadership roles, and measurable impact. Use specific examples and metrics to demonstrate your value.

Key focus areas: Leadership experience, process improvements, mentoring, specialized certifications, and quantifiable achievements.

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