Crossing over from the academe to the workplace can be very exciting. Are you among those individuals who are all set to compete with hordes of applicants, and nurturing high hopes of landing that dream job? If so, prepare to be befuddled. Most employers these days look for so much more than a degree earned from a good school. They check out the emotional quotient, the ability to work with a team or contribute solutions to problems, and who will be sticking around to support/sustain organizational projects and goals. Many meet the mark, but do not convey it properly during the application process. Notwithstanding many fresh graduates’ stunning accomplishments and some extra skills, most of these young and overeager jobseekers end up not being shortlisted at all. Their common oversight:  a cover letter and resume done in haste and in a disorganized manner.

The importance of an entry level sample cover letter must not be underestimated. To get the attention of the human resources officer and top-level executives willing  to absorb new hires, a job applicant’s cover letter must not only look and sound professional but must also clearly convey his/her interest as well as how he/she can prove valuable to the organization. Fresh graduates or interns may use the typical entry level sample cover letter found in many online sites, but only as jump-off point.  

A discerning human resources officers will readily see just how sloppy or unimaginative a person can be from the cover letter that had been submitted. What most applicants overlook is that by simply copying a generic entry level sample cover letter and changing the basic facts alone, starting and ending it in lackluster manner, they end up not retaining attention.  Another no-no is taking a spot form or entry level sample cover letter from sources like the internet, and adding superlatives that make a person’s qualifications seem contrived.  Pitted against countless others that are phrased in a more professional manner, and clearly state how each applicant’s experiences can be put to great use in the organization, the `contrived’ cover letters definitely do not stand a chance.

A good cover letter for an entry-level job is one that reflects how the applicant may have researched something about the company offering a position, and focuses on what he/she can do for that company. It sums up important portions of the resumé which are pertinent to the job applied for. What may be of interest company’s executives is not only how the applicant can fit in and uphold the corporate culture, but also how the applicant can handle challenges and/or problems that may arise.  The trick is not to exaggerate one’s capabilities, as doing so may backfire. What you should concentrate on, instead, is to highlight your interests or school extracurricular activities (and internship) that may have helped shape your character or are in some way related to the requirements of the available position. It pays to express that you are keenly interested and enthusiastic about the job and will be looking forward to touching base with the hiring manager for an interview.

Do a reality check and bear in mind that even if you are technically equipped to handle an entry level post, you can be socially competent (or relate with other members of the organization) as well. As such, it may be a good idea to express this succinctly in your very own enhanced version of the entry level sample cover letter.