This guide shows you how to write a cover letter when you have no formal content writing experience and includes a practical example you can adapt. You will learn how to highlight transferable skills, show motivation, and give hiring managers a clear reason to interview you.
View and download this professional resume template
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💡 Pro tip: Use this template as a starting point. Customize it with your own experience, skills, and achievements.
Key Elements of a Strong Cover Letter
Put your name, phone, email, and LinkedIn or portfolio link at the top so the recruiter can reach you easily. Make sure links work and your email looks professional.
Start with a short sentence that states the role you want and why you are excited about it to grab attention. Mention one clear reason you fit the company or role, such as a shared value or a relevant project.
Focus on transferable skills like research, editing, SEO basics, and storytelling, and back them with brief examples from school, volunteering, or personal projects. Quantify impact when you can, for example by noting audience growth, regular posting cadence, or engagement metrics.
End with a concise statement asking for a meeting or interview and restate your enthusiasm for the role. Offer to provide writing samples or a short assignment to demonstrate your skills.
Cover Letter Structure
1. Header
Include your full name, phone number, email address, and a link to your LinkedIn profile or portfolio at the top of the page. Keep formatting clean and use a readable font so the recruiter can find your details quickly.
2. Greeting
Address the hiring manager by name when possible, for example, 'Dear Ms. Patel' or 'Hello Jordan', to show you did a little research. If you cannot find a name, use 'Hello Hiring Team' or 'Hello [Company Name] Team' to keep it professional.
3. Opening Paragraph
Begin with two sentences that state the position you are applying for and one specific reason you are excited about the opportunity. Make the tone positive and show that you understand the company or role.
4. Body Paragraph(s)
Use two short paragraphs to highlight your most relevant skills and examples from classes, internships, volunteer work, or personal projects. Connect these examples to the job requirements and explain how your background would help you contribute quickly.
5. Closing Paragraph
Finish with two sentences that restate your enthusiasm and request a next step, such as a brief interview or sample assignment. Thank the reader for their time and mention that you can send writing samples on request.
6. Signature
Sign off with a professional closing like 'Sincerely' or 'Best regards' followed by your full name. Below your name include your phone number and a link to your portfolio or LinkedIn profile.
Dos and Don'ts
Do keep the letter to one page and focus on the most relevant points so the recruiter can read it quickly. Use short paragraphs and clear language to make your case.
Do customize the opening and one or two examples for each job you apply to so the letter feels tailored and specific. Mention a detail about the company to show you did research.
Do showcase transferable skills like research, editing, and clear writing, and connect them to the role’s needs. Provide concrete examples from class projects, blogs, or volunteer work.
Do offer writing samples or propose a short trial task to demonstrate your abilities and willingness to learn. This reduces risk for the employer and shows confidence.
Do proofread carefully and ask a friend to review your letter for clarity and typos before you submit it. Clean spelling and grammar signal professionalism.
Don’t invent professional experience you do not have, and avoid vague statements that cannot be backed up. Honesty builds trust and keeps expectations aligned.
Don’t repeat your entire resume word for word, and avoid long paragraphs that bury your key points. Use the cover letter to highlight context and motivation.
Don’t overuse buzzwords or jargon that add little meaning, and avoid grand claims without evidence. Be specific about what you can actually do.
Don’t apologize for lack of experience or sound unsure about your abilities, and avoid negative phrasing. Frame your eagerness to learn as a strength.
Don’t forget to tailor the letter, and avoid sending a generic version to every employer. Even small customizations show you care about the role.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Submitting a generic cover letter that does not mention the company or role is a frequent mistake and it reduces your chance of standing out. Take a few minutes to customize each letter.
Using long paragraphs or dense text makes your letter hard to skim and may hide your best points. Break content into short, two-sentence paragraphs.
Listing skills without examples leaves the reader wondering how you developed them, so always add brief context or an outcome. Specifics build credibility.
Sending samples that are unrelated or low quality can hurt your application, so choose two or three of your best pieces and explain why they are relevant. If you need fresh samples, create a short piece tailored to the role.
Practical Writing Tips & Customization Guide
If you lack professional samples, create a short, role-relevant piece such as a 300-word blog post or a social post series to show your writing approach. Add these to your portfolio and reference them in the letter.
Mention software or platforms you know, like WordPress, Google Docs, or basic SEO tools, and tie them to tasks you can perform. This gives concrete signals about your readiness to contribute.
Keep an optional portfolio link in the header and mention one or two standout pieces in the body to direct attention quickly. Use clear filenames and short descriptions for each sample.
Practice a 30-second pitch about your writing experience so you can follow up confidently after applying, and be ready to discuss your samples in an interview. Preparation makes follow-up conversations smoother.