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How to write a cover letter as a fresh graduate

For students and fresh graduates who need a cover letter, even without work experience. In short: one short letter for one specific job, on one page, linking what the ad asks for to real examples from your studies and training.

Sources checked on 4 November 2026. العربية

1. What a cover letter is, and when you need one

A cover letter is a short letter that goes with your CV. MIT's career office says an effective one targets a specific position or company and uses examples from your experience to show the skills the role needs (MIT CAPD). Harvard's career center calls it a writing sample and part of the screening process (Harvard).

You need one when the job ad asks for it. Even when it is optional, the University of Cincinnati says one can help you stand out by showing genuine interest (University of Cincinnati).

Looking at government jobs in Saudi Arabia? Jadarat, the national employment platform run by the Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF), lists public and private sector jobs, and you must verify your qualification on it before applying for public sector ads (HRDF: Jadarat). Follow what each ad asks for.

2. Before you write: read the ad like an employer

MIT suggests studying the job description and the employer's website or LinkedIn page (MIT CAPD); Harvard advises linking the job description to your own credentials (Harvard). In practice:

• Mark 2 or 3 requirements you can prove with a real example: a course, project, training or volunteering.
• Note the exact job title and any reference number, which helps HR track your application (MIT CAPD).
• Find the hiring manager's name if you can (Harvard).

3. The structure: four parts

1. Heading and greeting

   Your name and contact details, the date and the employer's details (University of Cincinnati). Greet the hiring manager by name, or write "Dear Hiring Manager" (MIT CAPD).

2. Opening: one paragraph

   Say who you are (major, university, graduation year) and which role you want, then why this role and this employer, and your main strengths (MIT CAPD).

3. Evidence: one or two paragraphs

   Give a couple of examples that show you can succeed in the role, linking each skill to the ad. Add detail your CV has no room for instead of repeating it (MIT CAPD).

4. Closing: a short paragraph

   Restate your interest briefly and thank the reader (MIT CAPD), then sign off with your name.

A cover letter for a fresh graduate without experience

Focus on transferable skills such as leadership, communication and problem-solving (MIT CAPD), and on what you built in classes, projects, activities and volunteering (University of Cincinnati). For what counts as experience, read Your first CV.

4. Keep it short: one page is enough

All three university guides we read say one page at most (Harvard; MIT CAPD; University of Cincinnati), in a 10 to 12 point font (MIT CAPD). The University of Cincinnati suggests about 250 to 400 words in three or four paragraphs (University of Cincinnati). Harvard adds: be concise and factual, avoid flowery language, don't overuse "I", and match your CV's font and size (Harvard).

5. Arabic or English?

Use the language of the job ad, or the one the employer asks for. If you need both, write each version in its own natural style rather than translating word for word, with a formal closing such as "Sincerely" in English (University of Cincinnati) and «وتفضلوا بقبول فائق الاحترام» in Arabic. To choose your CV's language, read Arabic or English CV.

6. Before you send it: check, then ask for feedback

• Revise carefully: the letter is a chance to show the communication skills most jobs need (MIT CAPD).
• Check the employer's name, the job title, your phone number and your email in every version.
• If you convert it to PDF, check the formatting (Harvard).
• If you use an AI tool, treat it as an outline and write in your own words (University of Cincinnati). Never claim anything you cannot explain in an interview.
• Ask an adviser for feedback, as Harvard tells its students to do (Harvard). In Saudi Arabia, to talk about your career path, HRDF offers a free individual career guidance session for Saudi nationals aged 15 to 60 (HRDF).

Sources

1. MIT Career Advising & Professional Development (CAPD), "How to write an effective cover letter (with samples)", published 15 July 2022, updated 29 October 2026: capd.mit.edu
2. Harvard FAS Mignone Center for Career Success, "Harvard College Guide to Creating a Strong Resume", Cover Letter Tips section, published 11 July 2024, updated 13 July 2026: careerservices.fas.harvard.edu
3. University of Cincinnati, "How to write a standout cover letter (step-by-step guide for students)", UC Blog, published 5 December 2025, updated 25 March 2026: uc.edu
4. Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF), "Jadarat - Individuals", updated 13 August 2026: hrdf.org.sa
5. Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF), "Register for an Individual Career Guidance Session", updated 15 September 2026: hrdf.org.sa