Top Tips for Your First Job Cover Letter in English

For entry level job seekers about to write their first no-experience cover letter in English, language mastery is one of the most important things. It’s critical for making a positive impact on hiring managers during the job search process. While familiarity with general cover letter examples and templates is helpful, having a strong command of English grammar, vocabulary, punctuation, and syntax can truly set you apart when applying for entry level positions.

This article provides key takeaways and delves into language essentials to consider so that you can write an effective one-page cover letter with no direct experience.

From Grammar to Getting Hired

Impeccable grammar is a cornerstone of effective written communication in English. Mistakes can undermine your credibility, especially if you’re writing a cover letter with no experience for the job. To prevent grammar mishaps that can tank your application, be on the lookout for these common mistakes:

• Subject-verb disagreement — The subject of each sentence needs to agree with the corresponding verb. For example, “the applicant has the required skills” is correct, while “the applicant have the required skills” is not. Likewise, when using plural subjects, make sure to use plural verb forms: “The applicants have the required skills.”

• Inconsistent tenses — Describe your current qualifications and skills in the present tense: “I possess strong communication skills.” For past academic successes and professional experience, use the appropriate past tense: “I led a team project last year.” Mixing tenses within a paragraph or sentence can create confusion.

• Passive voice — Active voice conveys ownership and responsibility, and it’s usually more direct and engaging too.

• Pronoun disagreement — Pronouns should agree in number with the nouns they replace. For instance, “The company seeks a candidate who has excellent analytical skills” correctly uses the singular pronoun “who” to match the singular noun “candidate.”

• Wonky sentence structure — Follow the standard subject-verb-object order in simple declarative sentences: “I completed a successful project” rather than “A successful project, I completed.” Avoid sentence fragments without a clear subject or verb: “Strong leadership abilities. Able to motivate teams.”

• Little details that make a big impact — Parallel structure, modifiers, and articles might seem trivial, but they’re not. When listing items, ensure they follow a consistent pattern: “I have experience in data analysis, customer service, and team leadership.” Modifiers should be placed closest to the words they describe: “The applicant with five years of experience” rather than “The applicant with five years of relevant experience in sales.”

Vocabulary That Makes the Hiring Manager Say Yes

The vocabulary you use when crafting entry level cover letters in English can make or break your application. Word choice can significantly impact the clarity and persuasiveness of your writing. As you work on your cover letter, consider the following key points:

Precision is key. Use precise, concise words that convey your ideas clearly, rather than overly complex jargon or flowery language. Aim for simplicity and avoid ambiguity. For instance, “I have a lot of experience” is general, but “I have five years of hands-on experience,” is specific and demonstrates your command of straightforward, effective language. At Promova, we understand the importance of mastering English for career success, which is why our comprehensive Business English course focuses on equipping learners with the language skills needed to excel. From grammar and vocabulary to cultural nuances and soft skills, our expert instructors guide students in honing their proficiency.

Research is essential. Thoroughly research the job posting, job description, and company culture to identify relevant keywords and industry-specific terminology. Strategically incorporating these terms will demonstrate your understanding of the role and the company’s needs. For a marketing role, mention terms like “brand awareness,” “target audience,” “demand generation,” and “market segmentation.”

Use strong verbs to convey your actions and achievements.. You’ll notice this in cover letter examples, where words like “perform” and “accomplish” are used instead of words like “do” and “complete.”

Be mindful of connotations. Some words have subtle negative connotations that can affect the way hiring managers perceive you as a candidate. Instead of saying “I was tasked with,” use a more positive phrase like “I had the opportunity to lead.”

Utilize collocations, which are common word combinations, instead of using simple words. Rather than saying “strong skills,” you could use “proficient in” or “adept at.”

Avoid spelling out numbers when you write a cover letter. Using numerical figures maintains consistency and readability within your document:

Weak: “During my time as a project manager, I managed a team of five individuals and oversaw a budget of one hundred thousand dollars.”

Strong: “During my time as a project manager, I managed a team of 5 individuals and oversaw a budget of $100,000.”

Consider whether to use American English or British English conventions in your cover letter. For example, if you’re applying to a UK-based enterprise, favour British English spellings and terminology.

Exercise caution when using idioms and phrasal verbs. While they can add flair to your writing, ensure they are appropriate for the context.

Commas and Periods Seal the Deal

Proper punctuation is essential for clear and effective communication in English. While punctuation marks may seem simple, mastering their nuances can significantly improve the flow and clarity of your writing. When you write a cover letter, impeccable punctuation can help you make a polished, professional impression on hiring managers.

• Commas are among the most commonly used punctuation marks. They serve various purposes, including separating items in a list, setting off nonessential phrases, and indicating pauses in sentences. For example, when listing your skills, use commas to separate each item: “I have experience in data analysis, customer service, and team leadership.”

• Semicolons are useful for joining two independent clauses that are closely related. They create a smoother transition between ideas than using a period and starting a new sentence. For instance: “I thrive in fast-paced environments; my ability to multitask makes me well-suited for this role.”

• Colons can introduce lists, explanations, or additional information. They create a sense of anticipation and draw attention to what follows. An example in a cover letter might be: “I have many qualifications: a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, proficiency in data analysis software, and demonstrated soft skills.”

• Periods mark the ends of complete sentences. They help create a clear structure and logical flow in your writing. Use periods to break up long, complex sentences into more digestible chunks: “I graduated with honors. I gained experience through internships. I am eager to apply my skills in a professional setting.”

• Hyphens and em dashes can be used to join words or separate parenthetical phrases. A hyphen joins compound words: “My recent data-analysis internship prepared me well.” An em dash can set off additional information: “I am highly motivated — a quality that drives me to exceed expectations.”

• In American English, double quotation marks enclose direct quotes, titles of short works, and words used ironically, and single quotes are used inside of double quotation marks: “As my manager said, ‘Your attention to detail is impressive.'” or “I am seeking a ‘challenging’ role that will allow me to grow.”

• Exclamation marks add emphasis but should be used sparingly in professional writing.: “I am thrilled at the prospect of joining your team!” might be acceptable, depending on the company. Question marks indicate, well, questions: “Can you tell me more about the company’s culture?”

• Ellipses (…) indicate omitted words or show a pause in speech or thought: “I am excited to put my skills to work in a fast-paced … dynamic environment.”

• Parentheses enclose supplemental information or asides: “My leadership experience (gained through club roles in college) will serve me well.”

While quotation and exclamation marks, ellipses, and parentheses are important in certain contexts, they are less relevant in the context of a cover letter..

Since cover letters aim for a formal and concise tone, using these punctuation marks could distract from the main message of the cover letter. Instead, focus on mastering the usage of commas, semicolons, colons, periods, hyphens, and dashes for effective communication in a cover letter.

Structuring a Great Cover Letter

Structure and syntax can help you create a clear, coherent cover letter.

Syntax is the order and relationship of words in a sentence, while structure encompasses the overall organization and flow of your cover letter. Following the grammar rules listed above will help you with syntax. That just leaves structure to work on.

Structure can help you create a cohesive, well-organized cover letter that helps you stand out as a candidate. You may find it useful to use a cover letter template to get started. Begin with a clear header that includes your name, the date, the company name, and the hiring manager’s contact details, including their name (if known) and job title. This formal cover letter header sets a professional tone. Then use a standard three-paragraph format:

• An engaging first paragraph should introduce you, express your interest in the position, and capture the reader’s attention.

• The body paragraph should highlight your most relevant skills and experiences, using specific examples to illustrate your fit for the entry level role. If you’re writing this cover letter with no experience, think about how your other jobs or experiences relate to the one you’re applying for.

• The closing paragraph should reiterate your enthusiasm for the job opening, summarize your key qualifications, and include a polite call to action, such as “I welcome the opportunity to further discuss my qualifications.”

Try to make a strong first impression in the opening paragraph of your cover letter to engage the reader immediately. Include details from the job vacancy itself so they know this isn’t the stock cover letter you send to everyone. Show enthusiasm for the position and business from the start.

Additionally, use topic sentences to guide the hiring manager through each paragraph, and make sure the transitions between ideas are seamless.

Opening statement:

Topic sentence: With a keen interest in the field of marketing and a passion for creating engaging content, I am excited to submit my application for the Digital Marketing Coordinator role at ABC, as mentioned in the job posting.

Transition: As a recent graduate with transferable skills in content creation and social media management, I believe I possess the necessary skills and personal qualities to be a good fit and contribute to your dynamic marketing team.

Body paragraph:

Topic sentence: Throughout my academic achievements and limited professional experiences, I have honed a variety of skills that make me an ideal candidate for this entry level position.

Transition: For instance, during my internship at XYZ, a local marketing agency in San Diego, I collaborated with a team to develop and implement successful social media campaigns that increased engagement by 25% across all platforms.

Transition: Additionally, my coursework in digital marketing and analytics has equipped me with a strong foundation in understanding key metrics, optimizing content for search engines, and leveraging data-driven insights to drive results for a specific company.

Closing paragraph:

Topic sentence: With my enthusiasm for marketing, my commitment to continuous learning, and my ability to thrive in fast-paced environments, I am confident in my potential to make meaningful contributions to ABC.

Transition: Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing my qualifications further in an interview and learning more about this exciting opportunity.

Using clear topic sentences like these to introduce the main idea of each paragraph helps guide the reader and provides structure. Smooth transitions like “For instance,” “Additionally,” and “Thank you for considering” create a logical flow between ideas and paragraphs, making the cover letter more cohesive and enjoyable to read.

Additional Guidelines

Beyond the fundamentals of grammar, vocabulary, punctuation, and syntax, there are several other guidelines to keep in mind when you write a cover letter as a job seeker for entry level roles:

1. Match the tone of your cover letter to the tone of the company. Take the time to visit their website and notice their language style. Determine if they use formal and traditional language:
   

   “I am writing to express my interest in the [Position Title] at [Name]. With a strong background in [relevant field], I am eager to contribute to your esteemed team.”

   or if they have a more relaxed, startup vibe:

   “Hey there! I’m excited about the [Position Title] at [Name] and how you’re changing the game in [industry]. My experience in [relevant field] aligns well with your innovative approach.”

2. Separate your cover letter into distinct paragraphs for easy readability. However, avoid using bold formatting as it can be distracting.
3. Brevity and clarity are key. For example, instead of saying “I believe that I possess the necessary skills that will enable me to perform the duties required for this job,” simply write, “I possess the necessary skills to excel in this role.”
4. Vary your sentence structure. While adhering to standard syntax, mix up your sentence types and lengths to create an engaging, varied flow: “I collaborated with cross-functional teams to launch successful marketing campaigns. These initiatives boosted website traffic by 30%. With strong teamwork and attention to detail, we exceeded our goals.”
5. Personalize your cover letter by addressing the recipient by name, if known. Demonstrate knowledge of the company’s values and mission. This personal connection showcases strong interpersonal skills, customer service skills, and attention to detail. Knowing who’s reading it can also help you determine how formal to make your writing.
6. If you have applicable experience, emphasize it in your cover letter and resume. For those with no experience, cover letters can be used to explain how your volunteer work, community activities, or involvement in student organizations demonstrate your leadership skills. But you don’t need to include every detail — stick to what’s most relevant to the position you’re applying for.
7. Ensure that the information in your cover letter complements the details provided in your resume. Highlight relevant achievements or experiences mentioned in your resume, but don’t be redundant.
8. Proofread meticulously. Spellcheck alone is not enough. Carefully review your cover letter for any errors in grammar, word choice, punctuation, tone, or structure. Consider having a trusted family member, friend, colleague, or seasoned professional provide a second set of eyes. To improve your proficiency, Promova’s experienced tutors offer personalized, one-on-one English lessons tailored to your specific needs and goals. Take a quick placement test, and they will create a customized learning plan based on your interests and objectives, whether you’re preparing to write an impressive cover letter or craft a compelling resume for a hiring manager.

Conclusion

By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can write a good cover letter that showcases your English proficiency and opens doors to your dream career. Mastering proper grammar, vocabulary, punctuation, and syntax is crucial to making a lasting impression on potential employers and positioning yourself for success in a competitive job market. With dedication, continuous learning, and the right resources, you can craft an exceptional cover letter that effectively communicates your qualifications, highlights your language skills, and sets you apart from other applicants.

Author: Kate Protsenko

Company: Promova, a one-stop solution for all language learning needs
Bio: Kate is a language learning expert who has worked in English instruction for over 15 years. Currently, she works as Head of Tutors at Promova, a one-stop platform for all language learning needs. Also, Kate is an international Cambridge CELTA/DELTA trainer who has worked in different countries across Europe and Central and East Asia (Hungary, Turkey, Lebanon, Thailand, Italy, United Kingdom, Greece, Azerbaijan, and Ukraine, to name a few).