Fresh Graduate / Intern cover letter example
A good cover letter is short and specific: why this role, why you, and why this employer. Here is a complete example for a fresh graduate / intern applying for “Graduate Programme, Supply Chain”, written to go with our fresh graduate / intern resume example.
Hannah Lim
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia hannah.lim@example.com
Brightpath Consumer Goods
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Re: Graduate Programme, Supply Chain
Dear Graduate Recruitment Team,
I am applying for the Supply Chain Graduate Programme at Brightpath. I recently graduated with first class honours in Business Analytics and completed an operations internship at a logistics company.
During the internship I built a shipment tracker for more than 200 daily orders and found data errors that explained around 5% of delays. I presented my findings to the operations manager, and the team still uses the tracker today.
While studying I also worked as a barista and shift lead, which taught me to stay calm under pressure and to look after a team. I would bring this practical attitude and my analytics skills to your programme.
Thank you for considering my application. I would be grateful for the chance to interview.
Kind regards,
Hannah Lim
This example is fictional: the person, employers and figures are invented to show good structure. Use it as a guide and write your own, true details.
What makes this cover letter work
- 1The first paragraph names the exact role (Graduate Programme, Supply Chain) and gives the strongest reason to read on, in two sentences.
- 2The second paragraph proves it with one or two numbers taken from the resume, so the two documents tell the same story.
- 3The third paragraph is about Brightpath Consumer Goods, not the writer. It shows why this employer, which a copied letter cannot do.
- 4The close is short and practical: availability, an offer to show more, and thanks. No pleading or pressure.
- 5It stays under about 250 words. Hiring managers often read cover letters on a phone between other tasks.
Cover letter or not? Local norms
Expectations vary. In the UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand a short letter or a few lines in the application email is common. In North America many online applications make the letter optional. In parts of Europe and Asia a formal letter is still expected for office and professional roles. If in doubt, send a short one.
Questions people ask
How long should a fresh graduate / intern cover letter be?
About 200 to 300 words, in three or four short paragraphs. That is long enough to show why you fit and short enough to read on a phone. Never repeat your whole resume.
Do I still need a cover letter?
Not every employer reads them, but many do, especially for smaller companies, career changes and roles with lots of applicants. A short, specific letter rarely hurts and can help.
Who should I address the letter to?
Use the hiring manager's name if the advert or company website gives it. If not, "Dear Hiring Manager" or "Dear Recruitment Team" is fine in most countries.