As a teen or a recent graduate, you already have a lot on your plate. Between school, extracurriculars, and maybe even college applications, job hunting might feel like just one more thing to worry about. But whether you’re looking for a summer job, part-time work, an internship, or even taking a gap year, you’ll likely need to submit a cover letter at some point.
If you’ve never written one before, you might be wondering: What exactly is a cover letter, and do I really need one? The short answer? Yes. Even if you don’t have formal work experience, a cover letter can help you stand out by showing employers that you’re professional, motivated, and ready to work.
The good news is that writing a cover letter isn’t as complicated as it sounds. In this guide, we’ll break it down step by step—from what a cover letter is to how to write one that gets employers’ attention. By the end, you’ll have everything you need to craft a strong, confident letter that helps you land the job.
Key takeaways
- Even without formal work experience, a strong cover letter can help teens stand out by showcasing transferable skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.
- Formatting matters—a clear, professional structure ensures your cover letter is easy to read and makes a great first impression.
- Instead of wasting space on a generic introduction, start with an engaging hook that connects your skills or interests to the job.
- The body of your cover letter can follow a narrative approach (telling a compelling story) or a bulleted highlights approach (listing key achievements).
- A strong closing paragraph should reaffirm enthusiasm, request an interview, and thank the employer professionally.
Teens cover letter example
If you wonder what your cover letter should look like, you could use this cover letter example tailored to a high school resume.
How to format a cover letter for a high school student
You might want to get creative with your cover letter—and that’s awesome. It’s a great place to show some personality and make your case beyond a list of bullet points. But even with creativity, you still need to follow proper structure and formatting rules to keep it professional and easy to read.
Think of it this way: If your cover letter is too messy or hard to read, hiring managers might not even bother looking at it. Good formatting helps make a great first impression. Let’s start with the basics.
Cover letter designs
Your cover letter doesn’t need fancy designs or elaborate layouts. If you’re applying for a more creative profession, include a portfolio link in your resume. Ultimately, keep your cover letter simple, clean, and easy to read.
Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Use a professional template without unnecessary graphics. You can add a bit of color—sticking to the colors you used on your resume.
- Use single spacing and one-inch margins, same as your resume, to ensure your letter fits neatly on one page. The margins should align with those on your resume.
- Keep your cover letter within 250–350 words, broken into three to four short paragraphs.
- Choose a modern, easy-to-read font like Rubik, Calibri, or Lato—and make sure it matches the font on your resume.
Contact information
Accuracy matters when applying for a job, and small mistakes in your contact details can cost you an opportunity. Make sure everything is correct so employers can easily reach you.
Use spellcheck tools, ask someone to review your cover letter, or print it out and read it aloud to avoid typos or other mistakes.
Your cover letter header should be the same as your resume header, so you can just copy and paste it. This is important so your documents look aligned and signal to the recruiter they’re part of one application.
Here’s what to include at the top of your cover letter:
- Your full name: State your first and last name. You can also include your middle name or its initial if you prefer.
- Phone number: Ensure it’s correct and that your voicemail is professional.
- Email address: This one is super important. Avoid using casual usernames like “coolkid123@email.com.“ Instead, create a new email that you'd use for future job applications, such as “firstname.lastname@email.com.“ This will help you with things like college applications, loans, and other important matters where you need to make a good impression.
- City and state: You don’t need to write your full home address, but mentioning your city and state can be useful (your postal code is optional). If the job is remote, you can simply state “Remote.“
- LinkedIn profile (if applicable): This is optional, but if you have a LinkedIn page, it can add credibility.
The general rule is NOT to indent your paragraphs. Modern business writing prefers block paragraphs with spaces between them, giving your letter a cleaner, more professional appearance.
Directly below your contact details, include the date and then the hiring manager’s name, company name, and address.
The top sections on a student cover letter:
- Header: The header should display the student’s name, contact information, and the date to ensure the recruiter can easily reach out for an interview.
- Greeting: Addressing the hiring manager by name shows attention to detail and professionalism, making the high school cover letter more personalized.
- Introduction: The introduction should state the job title being applied for and briefly express enthusiasm for the opportunity, making a strong first impression.
- Body: This section should highlight relevant skills, school experiences, extracurricular activities, or volunteer work that demonstrate the student’s qualifications for the role.
- Closing: The closing should reiterate interest in the position, include a polite call to action for an interview, and thank the recruiter for their time.
Key qualities recruiters search for in a high school student cover letter:
- Strong work ethic: Recruiters value students who show dedication, responsibility, and a willingness to learn, even with limited formal job experience.
- Communication skills: The ability to clearly express thoughts, follow instructions, and engage with customers or team members is crucial for success in any student job.
- Time management: Balancing school, extracurricular activities, and a part-time job demonstrates the ability to prioritize tasks and stay organized.
- Teamwork and collaboration: Employers look for students who can work well with others, contribute to group efforts, and maintain a positive attitude in team settings.
- Initiative and problem-solving: Showing the ability to take responsibility, ask questions, and find solutions when challenges arise proves adaptability and resourcefulness.
- Customer service or people skills: Many student jobs involve interacting with customers or clients, making a friendly and mature attitude essential.
PRO TIP
Save your file with a professional name like “FirstName_LastName_Cover_Letter.pdf“ instead of something generic like “JobApp.doc.“ Use a PDF for both your cover letter and your resume to ensure your layout stays in place.
Do I really need to submit a cover letter?
Depending on the employer’s requirements, and especially when applying in a more informal setting, an e-note might be more appropriate than a cover letter. Check out the table below to learn the differences.
| COVER LETTERS | E-NOTES |
|---|---|
| The classic way to go | Easier to read on mobile |
| Follow standard business letter format | Follow a standard email format |
| More formal and longer | Less formal than a cover letter and shorter than one page |
| Enclosed as a separate printed document/attachment | Written directly in the email body |
Either way, if you already have your student resume ready, you can upload it to our cover letter generator and create a unique document in minutes!
How to write your student cover letter salutation
Besides formatting, your cover letter salutation is the first impression you make on a hiring manager. Think of it as the opening to a conversation: a well-crafted greeting shows professionalism and genuine interest in the job.
Despite their undoubted popularity, salutations like “To Whom It May Concern“ or “Dear Sir/Madam“ are actually outdated, and we recommend you avoid using them. They feel impersonal and make your application seem less tailored. Instead, take the time to find the hiring manager’s name and truly stand out.
How to find the hiring manager’s name
You don’t have to be Sherlock to find out who’s hiring—try these strategies:
- Check the job listing to see if the hiring manager’s name is included.
- Look at the company website under the “About Us“ or “Our Team“ sections.
- Search LinkedIn for department managers or recruiters at the company.
- Call or email the company to ask for the hiring manager’s name if it’s not listed.
If, after searching, you still can’t find the hiring manager’s name, don’t stress too much—some companies don’t publicly list this information. In that case, using a general but professional greeting is completely acceptable.
Professional greetings for a teen or student cover letter
- Dear Hiring Manager,
- Dear [Department] Team (e.g., Dear Customer Service Team,)
- Dear [Company Name] Hiring Team,
- Dear [Company Name] Recruiting Team,
- Greetings, [Company Name] Team,
Now, let’s move on to introducing yourself effectively in your student cover letter.
How to write your teens cover letter intro
When writing a cover letter introduction, your first instinct might be to start from the very beginning—explaining who you are, your background, and what you’re “fighting for“ (like a school essay introduction). While that might feel like the right approach, it’s a waste of valuable space.
Employers don’t need your life story in the first few sentences. They already know you’re a student or recent graduate—that’s why you’re applying for an entry-level job. Instead of using your introduction to explain the obvious, start your cover letter by grabbing attention.
You can do this by sharing a unique fact, a personal experience, or a skill that makes you a great fit for the role.
Here are some tips when you write your intro:
- Do your research: Learn about the company’s values and work environment. If their mission aligns with your interests, mention it to show you’re a good fit.
- Show enthusiasm: Employers love to see candidates genuinely excited about the job, not just looking for work.
- Make it personal: If you have a relevant experience, skill, or passion that connects with the job, explain it in a way that grabs attention.
- Keep it brief: Your introduction should be two to three sentences max—save detailed experiences for the body of your cover letter.
Let’s review a good and a bad example.
Bad example
My name is Jordan, and I am a recent high school graduate. I have always been a hard worker and am looking for my first job to gain experience and develop my skills. I believe that working at The Corner Bookstore would be a good opportunity for me.
This introduction doesn’t tell the employer anything compelling—they already assume you’re looking for work experience. Instead, make a stronger opening by getting straight to the point.
Good Example
As an avid reader and aspiring writer, I was thrilled to see the Bookseller position at The Corner Bookstore. Through my time as a library volunteer and school newspaper editor, I’ve developed strong communication skills and a passion for helping others find great books. I’d love to bring that enthusiasm to your team.
This introduction, on the other hand, immediately connects with the job and showcases relevant skills—without wasting time on unnecessary background details.
Now that you’ve captured the employer’s attention with a strong introduction, it’s time to back it up with substance. The body of your cover letter is where you prove why you’re the right fit for the job.
How to write your high school student cover letter body
Just like a great first impression is more than just a smile, your cover letter body should do more than simply list facts—it should demonstrate your skills, eagerness to learn, and potential in a way that leaves a lasting impact.
PRO TIP
How do I write a student cover letter with no experience?
Employers hiring teens and students aren’t expecting years of experience—they’re looking for someone reliable, motivated, and eager to contribute. Your high school cover letter should show you understand the responsibilities of the role and that you have the right attitude to succeed.
Since most students and teens don’t show a lot of experience on their resumes, the key is to focus on transferable skills—things you’ve learned from school, extracurricular activities, volunteer work, or personal projects. Employers aren’t necessarily looking for years of experience—they want to know that you’re responsible, hardworking, and willing to learn.
There are two great ways to structure your cover letter body:
The narrative approach
If you’ve ever led a project, taken initiative, or helped solve a problem, the narrative approach is an excellent way to highlight your strengths in a way that stands out to employers.
Instead of simply listing skills, you tell a short, compelling story that demonstrates leadership, problem-solving, teamwork, or another key quality employers look for.
This approach gives real-world context to your skills and shows how you’ve applied them in meaningful ways.
Cover letter body example #1
As a yearbook editor, I noticed a lack of student engagement in submitting photos and stories. To change this, I launched a social media campaign and collaborated with the photography club to capture more candid moments. As a result, submissions increased by 60%, and we produced the most student-driven yearbook yet. This experience strengthened my leadership, communication, and teamwork skills—qualities I’m eager to bring to Brightside Café.
This example works because it:
- Demonstrates problem-solving, leadership, and teamwork.
- Directly connects to the job by showing transferable skills.
- Makes the candidate memorable without unnecessary details.
The bulleted highlights approach
If you have multiple experiences that spotlight different skills, the bulleted highlights approach is a great way to structure your student cover letter body. Instead of telling a single story, this method presents several key achievements in a format that’s easy for hiring managers to scan quickly.
This method works best when you want to emphasize various skills without focusing on just one experience.
Cover letter body example #2
Below are key highlights from my experience:
- Increased student engagement by 60% as a yearbook editor by launching a social media campaign.
- Organized a fundraiser for the school band, raising over $2,000 for new equipment.
- Volunteered at the local library, assisting visitors and improving customer service skills.
- Earned a leadership award for mentoring younger students in the peer tutoring program.
This works because it:
- Quickly communicates multiple achievements without unnecessary details.
- Makes your skills easy to scan, which is helpful for busy hiring managers.
- Shows quantifiable impact (e.g., 60% increase, $2,000 raised), making your contributions more tangible.
If you have several small but valuable experiences, the bulleted highlights approach helps showcase your skills clearly and effectively.
Ultimately, either method works—you just need to choose the one that best fits your experiences and the job you’re applying for.
How to write the closing paragraph
The closing paragraph of your cover letter is your final opportunity to leave a strong impression. It should briefly summarize your enthusiasm for the role, express gratitude, and include a polite call to action—such as requesting an interview or expressing excitement to discuss the opportunity further.
As a teen or student with little to no formal work experience, your closing should emphasize your eagerness to learn, contribute, and grow in the role.
Here are a few key points to remember:
- Reaffirm your enthusiasm for the job and company.
- Express your excitement to contribute and learn.
- Keep it confident yet humble and don’t overpromise.
- Politely request an interview or mention your availability.
- Thank the employer for their time and consideration.
- Use a professional and friendly closing statement.
Cover letter closing
I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to Target and gain valuable customer service experience. I admire Target’s commitment to creating a welcoming shopping experience, and I would love the chance to bring my enthusiasm and teamwork skills to your team. Thank you for your time and consideration—I look forward to the possibility of an interview to further discuss how I can contribute to Target’s friendly and efficient work environment.
Use a professional sign-off based on the recipient
Maintaining a polite and professional tone, thank the hiring manager for considering your application, and always end with a professional closing phrase that fits your recipient. This guarantees your cover letter leaves a lasting positive impression.
If the recipient is known, use a warm yet professional closing such as:
- Sincerely,
- Best regards,
- Kind regards,
- Warm regards,
If the recipient is unknown, choose a more formal closing, such as:
- Yours faithfully,
- Respectfully,
- With appreciation,
Finally, sign off with your full name. Below your signature, you may also note that you’ve attached your resume to ensure the recruiter doesn’t overlook it.
Conclusion
Writing a cover letter as a teen might seem challenging, but focusing on your skills, enthusiasm, and readiness to learn, can create a compelling application that stands out. Whether you’re applying for a summer job, an internship, or your first part-time position, a well-structured cover letter can open doors to exciting opportunities.
Teens cover letter examples
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Experienced High School Student
High School Student Internship
High School Student No Experience
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