cover letter for college freshman

College Cover Letter Examples and Templates for 2024

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How To Write a College Cover Letter

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When writing your college cover letter, focus on how your higher education or other experiences have prepared you for your target job. Express your interest in the employer, and cite relevant skills and qualities you’ve developed as a college student, such as research, creativity, or time management.

This guide will help you write a cover letter that gets you interviews for a job during or right after college.

College Cover Letter Templates and Examples

• Entry-Level
• Senior-Level

Good college cover letters set and maintain a clear focus. Even more than a resume , your cover letter should center on your top qualifications for the job opening at hand – whether or not those qualifications come from your degree program. In the following sections, we introduce the five main parts of a cover letter and explain how you can focus on each one effectively.

At the top of the page, include:

• Your resume contact header, which should give your full name, address , email, phone number, and LinkedIn or other social accounts if applicable
• The recipient’s name, title, organization, and contact information (when available)

Note: Feel free to add a professional title to your contact header, as in the example below. In many cases, you can copy over the title from your resume profile summary . By including a title, you’ll set a clear focus and show hiring managers you fall in the category of applicants they’re looking for.

Lia Pearce Teaching Graduate | [email protected] | (765) 432-1098 | 456 My Avenue, Wilmington, DE 54321

April 23, 2024

Nathan Rose Principal Lombardy Elementary School (876) 543-2109 [email protected]

2. Salutation

Address your recipient by name as in the first example below – this is the quickest way to show you’re sending a job-specific letter and not a boilerplate. If you can’t find the person’s name, use a variation of “Dear Hiring Manager” so your greeting is still tailored somewhat to each job opening.

For traditional job applications, end your salutation line with a colon. But consider a comma instead if you know your recipient or the employer has a casual work culture (sometimes revealed by the job posting). In rare cases, you may also trade out the standard “Dear” for a more casual “Greetings,” “Hello,” “Hi,” or even “Good morning.” Use your discretion and take cues from the job posting or company website when possible.

Dear Ms. Hendrix,

Dear Moffatt & Nichol Hiring Manager:

3. “Hook” or introduction

Catch the reader’s attention by citing an achievement from your work history or a key credential the employer seeks in applicants. It’s fine to adapt a bullet highlight from your resume – in fact, a little repetition across documents can make your application more cohesive. But choose carefully. The highlight that opens your letter is often your very first impression on employers. Select one that’s impressive and relevant to the job so hiring managers can quickly envision you adding value to their company.

As an alternative to the work highlight approach, you can set yourself apart by networking. Begin your letter by citing any personal or professional connections you have with the hiring manager. If someone at the organization alerted you to the job, use a line like “I was excited to hear from your colleague [Name] about [Company’s]’s new [title] position.” Or, if you’ve already met your recipient, mention that with a line like “It was great speaking with you at the job fair last week.”

During my music therapy clinicals at Tallahassee Memorial, my internship director commended me for demonstrating exceptional passion and empathy. I can meet your need for a dedicated music therapist at the House of Music Therapy.

4. Body paragraph(s)

Here’s where you can bring your cover letter into sharpest focus. Show the hiring manager you’re not just after this type of role, but this specific role at this particular organization. Read the job posting again closely, then write two or three sentences in response to it. What details about the job opening or employer caught your attention? Do you identify with the company’s stated mission or values? If so, how? Consider quoting text from the job posting that resonates with you.

Following this explanation, cite a few more of your skills or achievements , possibly as bullet points.

As a diligent new graduate with a passion for tailoring teaching to reflect students’ cultures and interests, Lombardy Elementary School’s reputation for celebrating diversity excites me. I have the creativity and sound pedagogical knowledge to help your students meet their educational potential. My most significant achievements include:

• Receiving praise three times from my placement supervisor for my creative use of visuals to support students with special educational needs
• Consistently scoring in the top 10% of my class for written coursework
• Collaborating with five colleagues during my practicum to design a curriculum for struggling readers that boosted attainment by 20%

5. Conclusion

Finally, request an interview for the position. Consider briefly restating your core skills to carry the letter’s focus through the last paragraph. If you’re still in college, you can also use this section to provide any requested details on your course schedule and availability. To end your cover letter, use a simple closing like “Sincerely” or “Best regards” and then your name.

I look forward to discussing how my abilities and qualities can help me provide outstanding administrative support to your organization. Please get in touch to schedule an interview.

Candice Suarez

College Cover Letter Tips

1. show you can excel in the position.

Start your letter strong with an example of how you gained or applied skills relevant to the job. This example could come from your degree program – maybe you completed a successful academic project or earned a high grade point average (GPA) in your major. But it could also come from your work, internship, or volunteer experience.

During my practicum placement in my final year at Wilmington University, I received the highest possible grade for teaching and learning in my last observation. My assessor praised my careful task differentiation and engaging delivery. I hope to provide similarly effective lessons as a third-grade teacher at Lombardy Elementary School.

2. Tell why you’re drawn to the opportunity

Show your interest in the hiring organization by describing your similar college, work, or other experiences. For instance, if you’re applying to a teaching job, maybe you share the school’s focus on adapting to students’ unique talents, as reflected by your dissertation topic. Or, if you’re applying for a job in hospitality, you could point to a recent internship that gave you related industry experience and service skills.

As an ambitious new graduate, the chance to start my career at a fast-growing company like Moffatt and Nicholl is compelling. My strong academic background in business administration and two years of experience as a part-time hotel receptionist have furnished me with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel.

3. Highlight your related strengths

Add a short list of bullet points to demonstrate your skill and success in key work areas for your target job. As with the highlight that opens your cover letter, feel free to cite experiences in or outside your degree program. But also consider using this section to call out any relevant soft skills you’ve developed as a college student, such as diligence or collaboration.

My recent achievements include:

• Answering guest queries warmly and professionally, achieving a 100% positive rating in 2023
• Receiving praise five times during my practicum placement assessments for accuracy and efficiency
• Achieving full marks for my business computer applications coursework

College Text-Only Cover Letter Templates and Examples

Dear Mr. Rose,

I look forward to meeting with you to discuss how I can become a valuable and enthusiastic member of your school’s community. Please feel free to contact me to set up an interview.

Candice Suarez Business Administration Graduate | [email protected] | (887) 766-5544 | 432 My Road, Anchorage, AK 10203

Megan Hendrix Senior Hiring Manager Moffatt & Nichol (432) 109-8765 [email protected]

During my undergraduate study at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, I was named the top-performing student for my resource management project. My professors mentioned my outstanding strategic thinking and strong organizational skills as justification for this achievement. I am excited to demonstrate my abilities as an office administrator at Moffatt and Nichol.

As an ambitious new graduate, the chance to start my career at a fast-growing company like Moffatt and Nicholl is compelling. My strong academic background in business administration and two years of experience as a part-time hotel receptionist have furnished me with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel. My recent achievements include:

Fredrick Dowling Music Therapist | [email protected] | (239) 111-0000 | 432 Somewhere Ave., Naples, FL 34110

January 1, 2024

Ms. Ana-Alicia Lopez Clinical Director The House of Music Therapy (123) 456-7890 [email protected]

Dear Ms. Lopez,

I’ve enjoyed playing the piano and acoustic guitar since childhood. Florida State University’s Master of Medical Music Therapy program and my recent work in Tallahassee helped me fine-tune my musicianship, communication skills, and ability to apply music theory and behavioral management principles in a variety of settings. All this has empowered me to:

• Collaborate: I’ve worked with fellow students and hospital staff to develop patient-centered music therapy programming for 30 children and 20 senior citizens.
• Comply: I became highly familiar with HIPAA regulations, clinical practice standards, and other pertinent state and federal laws regarding music therapy.
• Measure: I acquired the skills to collect, synthesize, assess, and share outcomes in non-technical reports.

My enclosed resume can give you further insight into my education and experience. Please contact me at your earliest convenience to discuss how I can contribute to your team. I look forward to communicating with you soon.

Fredrick Dowling

College Cover Letter Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if i don’t write a cover letter -.

You’ll hinder your ability to send applications or get interviews. Job postings today usually require or allow you to submit a cover letter along with your resume. While not every hiring manager reads or prioritizes them, a well-crafted letter can only help you stand out from other applicants. It will also help you clarify what points to emphasize during the interview.

What’s the most essential part of a cover letter? -

Any explanation you give for why the specific job opening or employer interests you. These details distinguish the cover letter from your resume and other application materials and can help you get past applicant tracking systems (ATS) . They also set up a good interview discussion about how you fit the role and the organization’s work culture.

How should I format my cover letter? -

Like your resume. Carry over that document’s basic format settings , such as font style, line spacing, and page margins.

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Jacob Meade

Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW, ACRW)

Jacob Meade is a resume writer and editor with nearly a decade of experience. His writing method centers on understanding and then expressing each person’s unique work history and strengths toward their career goal. Jacob has enjoyed working with jobseekers of all ages and career levels, finding that a clear and focused resume can help people from any walk of life. He is an Academy Certified Resume Writer (ACRW) with the Resume Writing Academy, and a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with the Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches.

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College cover letter example

Introduction of a college student cover letter

College student cover letter body.

As the reality of a looming long (and hopefully prosperous) career starts to bite, you realize that every job during college is a stepping-stone to what comes next. 

The college cover letter should go much further than the functional resume. When your resume will likely only be one page, the cover letter offers a more free-flowing format. 

Our guide can help you write the most convincing cover letter for a college student. 

College student full text-only cover letter example

Dear Ms. Barwell,

As a student of organizational behavior and occupational psychology, I relish any opportunity to explore the human condition. Working as a research associate in your HR consultancy would offer a fascinating real-life perspective to my studies.

During my work at college, I have led several successful industry research projects. I am used to working within a corporate setting and know that occupational psychology only achieves a breakthrough when participants understand what the outcomes mean to them. Your practical approach is exactly how I have run my previous studies – one of which won me a Young Achiever Impact award from the local chamber of commerce.

My research has spanned seven different industries, with projects ranging from 2,500 to 45,000 employees. I am enclosing a link in my resume to my portfolio and academic papers.

While there are several relevant aspects of my experience for a role with LaneTech, it is my work with change management that is most impactful. I spent a year looking at the challenges of performance management after a $41m business merger. This is the sort of work that I hope to replicate with your clients.

I am also enclosing several references from both academic and corporate sources. While my healthcare experience remains rather limited, I am keen to broaden my experience in the medical devices and pharmaceutical industries. I believe that I have the transferable skills to bring a new dimension to your undergraduate research team.

I would welcome the opportunity of meeting for an interview and finding out more about your research priorities for the coming year.

Amy Sanders

Sections of a college student cover letter

Every college student understands the value of a tightly structured argument. Hiring managers will be reading a large volume of cover letters, so you need to get to the point and convey your message with maximum clarity. The format of an effective college student cover letter looks like this:

• Cover letter header . The college cover letter header should contain your basic contact details – full name, email, and phone number. Don’t include any social media details unless you are going into marketing or sales. 
• Greeting . The greeting for a college cover letter should be no different from any formal letter that you might write. Avoid an impersonal style. 
• Introduction . For a college cover letter, a blend of your previous part-time work experience and your career objectives will work well. Employers of college students want to feel that they will be motivated by something greater. 
• Body . Where you are studying, and your expected level of qualification is enough for hiring managers. 
• Conclusion . Share one last compelling message and mention that you would love to meet them to find out more during an interview.
• Signature . End the cover letter with a professional sign off.

Every section of your cover letter works together to tell the tale of your career. 

A one-page cover letter is more than enough for you to convey your personality and motivations. What is the objective of your career? How would this first job fit into your grand plan?

Need more inspiration? View our other related cover letter examples from this sector:

• Graduate cover letter
• Teaching assistant cover letter
• Education cover letter
• Postdoc cover letter
• Graduate assistant cover letter
• Masters cover letter

For more advice, read our guide on how to write a cover letter .

After designing the header and addressing the hiring manager , it is time to think about why exactly you deserve the chance to begin your career with this employer.

It is worth spending a little time to think about how to start a cover letter . That first paragraph needs to grab the attention and get to the heart of what you want to achieve in your career.

Remember, the cover letter for a college student should be relevant for the role in question. You may well have your ideal “job search story,” but if parts of it are irrelevant to the hiring manager, they will likely not invite you to an interview. Pick out the parts of your experience and personality that will interest them.

Dear Mr. Watts,

I am writing to express my interest in the Marketing Assistant position. As a recent graduate from State University with a degree in Marketing, I am eager to apply my academic knowledge and skills in a practical, professional setting. I am particularly drawn to this role because of its focus on innovative digital marketing strategies.

Hi, I have enjoyed my university years, but now it is time to enter the real world. I think that this job would be enjoyable and would like to give it a try for a while. I know how to work hard and would look forward to earning a regular wage. That is motivation enough.

Offer examples of instances when you’ve carried out duties like those listed in the job description. Lay out your strengths and potential contributions to the hiring manager.

In the body of your cover letter, consider including the following:

• Focus on your transferable skills. How will you make the best start in your job?
• Mention your motivations. What will keep you going when things get tough?
• Tell some stories about your volunteering or internships.
• Mention your appetite for training and professional development.

First body paragraph: Your suitability for the role (skills & experience)

There are certain traits that every college student should seek to display within their cover letter. These transferable skills can come from a wide range of work experiences. Here’s how you can demonstrate it: 

• Enthusiasm . A cover letter should radiate enthusiasm, showing a genuine interest and passion for the position and field. 
• Relevant Skills . Mention specific skills that align with the job requirements.  Provide examples of how these skills have been effectively utilized in past experiences, demonstrating your capability and readiness for the job.
• Adaptability . Employers value candidates who can quickly adapt to new environments and challenges. Illustrate your ability to adapt by discussing instances where you successfully adjusted to new situations or demands.
• Professionalism . Displaying professionalism through your cover letter’s tone, language, and structure reflects your ability to communicate respectfully. 

Second body paragraph(s): Alignment with the organization

The most important concern for an employer of a college student is whether the student understands what they are getting themselves into.

Do they truly understand the nature of the role? Are they the sort of person who would fit with the employer culture?

In this example of NYC Public Schools , some key points can be taken from the vision and mission statement, including:

• building trust
• support all students, families, and school staff
• resolve conflict, build relationships, and keep our school communities safe

Call to action & conclusion: Finish off strong

Sum up your cover letter in the final few lines. One of the most effective ways to conclude is through a call to action. This sentence directly states your enthusiasm or interest in the position and encourages a hiring manager to contact you. 

Finish your letter with a signature that is both polite and formal. “Sincerely” or “Best regards” are great choices for a closing salutation.

Conclude by signing off with your name . First name and surname to keep things formal – even college students need to get serious at some point.

How to write a college student cover letter with no experience

You may not have much work experience, but you will certainly have enough life experience to excel in a college-level role. The key to a college cover letter with no experience is to frame what you have in such a way that it proves your potential. If you do not try to do this, the hiring manager will question your motivation.

It may seem like a fudge, but do your best to achieve the following:

• Share what you have learned in your part-time jobs and internships.
• Show an understanding of the role and what it takes to succeed.
• Demonstrate that your personality fits the company culture.
• Show you are results-focused by talking about your academic success.

So many college cover letters will focus on individual personality traits and ignore the realities of what the role requires. Paint a picture of the person that you will be when you are doing the job. Leave little to the imagination.

Key takeaways

A college student cover letter highlights your relevant skills , experiences and role fit. Every college cover letter should step beyond your academic activity into the world of work. How will you make a difference for your future employer? Try to include as much previous work experience as possible, but only do so if you can prove relevance for the role in question.

Try our cover letter builder to play with your career sales pitch. Read the cover letter back to yourself and imagine that you are the hiring manager – would they want to take a chance on you?

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Click here to directly go to the complete college student cover letter sample

How to write a cover letter for college student?

A college is probably your first exposure to the job market.

If you are a college grad student, you probably do not have much experience in the workforce. And, this makes the task of writing a cover letter for college student with no experience more challenging.

In the USA, the job market is fiercely competitive. According to Educationdata.org , around 4 million college students graduate every year.

That means you have to compete with 4 million other candidates to get a job.

In this fierce competition, how will you get noticed?

With your cover letter for college students.

In this Cover letter for college students blog, we will tell you everything about

• Why do you need a cover letter for a college student?
• Cover letter sample for college student
• How to write a cover letter for college students with step by step guide
• How to format your cover letter college student
• College student cover letter for internship checklist
• Tips for writing a cover letter for college student with no experience

Why Do You Need a Cover Letter for a College Student?

You will probably start searching for a job in college, and a cover letter is a professional letter that will accompany your resume and talk about your academic achievements and how you think you will benefit the company.

When you are a grad student, you probably will not have a ton of experience to show in your cover letter when applying for a job. But you can show a variety of other skills and achievements in your college student cover letter.

For starters, if you are a grad student and have a GPA over 3.5, you can proudly highlight that in your cover letter. In addition to that, you can include internships, volunteer work, academic achievements, participation in extracurricular activities, leadership roles you have taken in your college.

One of the best things you can highlight in your cover letter for college students is soft skills. It will help the recruiters gauge your competency and how well you will fit in the organization. Here are some soft skills that you can include in your cover letter for college student with no experience:

• Communication skills
• Attention to details
• Creative thinking
• Team Player
• Adaptability
• Problem Solving

Sample cover letter for college student

[ Back to Table of Content ]

Here is a sample cover letter for college students:

How to Write a Cover Letter for College Students: Step by Step Guide

If you see any professional cover letter, you will notice that all the professional cover letters follow similar formatting.

Cover Letter for College Students - Header

Like any other professional cover letters, you need to include all the necessary information in your cover letter header. Here is a list of things you need to include in your cover letter header:

• Phone number
• Location (No need to include whole address)
• Linkedin Profile Link (If you have)
• The Position you are applying for
• Name of the person you are sending the cover letter
• Their title
• Organization name
• Organization address

Here is an cover letter example college student - header section:

Cover Letter College Student - Address

Most of the college students make the mistake of sending the cover letter with a generic salutation like " To whom it may concern " or simply "Dear Hiring Manager" . Some college students go one step further and address the cover informally like this: " Hi Hiring Manager ,"

The first thing you need to do when addressing your cover letter is trying to find the hiring manager's name. You can easily do it by a quick Linkedin search. If you don't find the hiring manager's name online, try calling the company office and ask for the hiring manager's name.

Even then, if you don't get the hiring manager's name, use a generic salutation. But do not use "To whom it may concern". It's an old salutation and doesn't attract the hiring manager's attention anymore.

You can further personalize the generic salutation by addressing the cover letter to the department you are applying for. For example, if you are applying for a job in the marketing department, address like this: "Dear Marketing Hiring Manager,"

If the hiring manager has an academic or professional title, do not forget to include that in the salutation,

Cover letter examples for college students - Salutation:

• “Dear Mr. Moore,"
• “Dear Dr, Watson,”
• “Dear Ms. Chole,”

Cover Letter College Student - Introduction

We always say that start your cover letter with a powerful opening paragraph highlighting your experience or skills, But when you are in college, you do not have any experience to show.

But, that should not restrain you from highlighting your skills in the cover letter first paragraph.

Note: Don't just mention skills randomly; instead, read the job description carefully and mention the relevant skills for the job you are applying for.

Two ways to create a perfect cover letter for college students first paragraph:

Highlighting Your Achievements

Sure, you don't have any tangible professional experience, but you must have done other activities in your college days such as internships, volunteer work, independent research, etc. You can mention those in the first paragraph of your cover letter as achievements.

Cover letter example college student - Introduction

Tell the Hiring Manager You are Excited About the Opportunity

This will probably be your first job, and you are genuinely enthusiastic about this opportunity. Don't shy away from showing your enthusiasm in the cover letter.

Note : These are only examples. There are multiple other ways to write your cover letter introduction. A rule of thumb is to try and make your college cover letter introduction as personalized as possible. For instance:

• If someone referred you for the job, mention them in the introduction section.
• Research on the company and mention a recent accomplishment of the company.
• If you have seen the hiring manager's content on Linkedin, Start by appreciating their content.

No matter what you do, make sure that your college cover letter introduction is highly personalized and specific.

Cover Letter College Student - Main Body

Well done! You have successfully hooked the hiring manager.

Now you have come to one of the essential parts of your resume- the main body.

In this section, you have to describe your experience and achievements relevant to the job you are applying for, followed by another section where you say why you want to join the organization.

Let us see some examples of College Student Cover Letter - Main Body.

Owing to the values and the passion for excellence that ABC Technologies have showcased to date has been nothing short of extraordinary. Therefore, I consider ABC Technologies to be my most preferred employer.

Note : See, this is a perfect example of a college student cover letter main body. It accurately describes all your skills and achievements in the first paragraph and shows why you want to work with the organization.

I want to work with ABC Technologies because I am always interested in data analysis and I believe my experience will benefit the organization and help me grow as a person.

Note : This example does not show any tangible achievements and does not impress the hiring manager.

The passion for excellence that Lemon Media House has showcased to date has been nothing short of extraordinary. I am awed by its relentless commitment to helping small and medium businesses grow with the help of online media. Owing to such values, I consider Lemon Media House to be my most preferred employer.

Note : Notice that the candidate is showing his/her achievements with the first paragraph.

I believe my interest and work experience as a digital marketing associate makes me an ideal candidate for the Digital Marketing Assistant position in Lemon Media House.

Note :The candidate is not quantifying their achievements. And it sounds cheesy.

Cover Letter for College Students - Closure

You now have one last job to create a near-perfect college student cover letter.

You need to write a powerful closing statement for your cover letter and include a call to action to get invited for an interview.

Do not write CTAs like this:

• "Please interview me for the position"
• "Please give me a chance to explain my candidacy"

Instead, be professional in the call to action and give the hiring manager a little something to look forward to.

I have enclosed my resume for your consideration. I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss my suitability and qualifications with you on call or in person.

Sincerely, John Doe

Enclosure: Resume

Thank you for considering my application. I have attached my resume below. I look forward to meeting with you to discuss my qualifications and experience for the position.

Cheers, John Doe

Note : "Cheers" is not at all formal. The hiring manager is not your friend. It might work if you know the hiring manager personally, but if not, avoid using any informal closing in your college cover letter.

College Student Cover Letter- Formal Closing Salutation

There is not one, but many formal closing salutations you can use on your cover letter

• With best regards,
• Thanking you,
• Kind regards,

Avoid informal closing salutation such as,

Cover letter for college students - Correct Formatting

Writing a perfect college student cover letter is not the end of the story.

If your cover letter content is top-notch and it is presented poorly, you will not get any interview in the end.

So, make sure that your cover letter is professionally formatted, readable, and error-free before sending it to the recruiter.

Tips to format a college student cover letter for internship or job:

Your college student cover letter should not be more than one page and should only consist of 3 to 4 paragraphs. There is no ideal word count for cover letters, but it should wrap up within 500 words.

Cover Letter Font

The college student's cover letter's presentation is as important as the content of the cover letter. So, make sure to use a clear and simple font to write your cover letter. These fonts are easy to read and look clean.

Apart from that, many cover letters go through application tracking systems before reaching the hiring managers. And these application tracking systems work best with clean and simple fonts.

Fonts you can use:

• Times New Roman

Note : Make sure to set the font size to 12-14 points.

Cover Letter Margin

Speaking of business letter format, ideally, your cover letter margins should be 1". But if the cover letter is exceeding the 1-page mark, then you can try to reduce the margins to ¾" or ½."

But avoid reducing even further. Then your cover letter won't look good.

Cover Letter Whitespace

Make sure to leave plenty of whitespace at the start of the cover letter, between the paragraphs, and after closure. The more whitespace, the easier it is to read the cover letter.

You do not want to send a cover letter full of grammatical errors. So take your time to proofread your cover letter a couple of times before sending it to the hiring manager.

File Format

Do not send your cover letter in .DOCX format. Instead, send your cover letter in PDF format. It will keep the cover letter layout intact.

Cover Letter for College Students - Checklist

This checklist will guide you to write a cover letter for yourself Cover letter header including your name, contact information, location

• Cover letter title- The role you are applying for
• Hiring manager's name
• Company name
• Company address
• First paragraph - Start with an achievement or total work experience
• Second paragraph - Talk about key skills, achievements, and what you will bring to the table
• Third paragraph - If you have any additional achievements related to the job you are applying
• Fourth paragraph - Why you think the organization is the right fit for you
• Fifth paragraph - Call to action for an interview
• Closing salutation
• Enclosure - resume

Tips for Writing a Cover Letter for College Student

Go beyond your resume.

Your college student cover letter should not be an exact copy of your resume. Instead, it should elaborate what skills you can bring to the organization.

For your cover letter, pick two or three relevant skills that you want to highlight and demonstrate how you have successfully helped others with your skills.

As a college student, highlight transferable skills in your cover letter, such as team management, leadership skills, communication skills, etc. And give examples of your skills with your volunteer work, internships, project works etc.

Customize Your College Student Cover Letter for Every Job

Hiring managers are experienced enough to tell if you have provided them with a generic cover letter or not.

It is one of the most common mistakes college students make to apply for multiple jobs quickly. It is also the most common reason why candidates do not get a reply from the hiring manager.

Instead of sending a generic cover letter to everyone, put some effort into researching the company and write the cover letter targeted to the specific job you are applying for.

Do Not Come off as Over-excited or Apologetic

Nobody likes a passive person. The biggest mistake you can make in your college student cover letter is coming off as apologetic for your lack of experience or over-enthusiast for getting into the workforce.

Your approach should be bold and strong. Instead of apologizing, describe your skills you have gathered in your college experience.

Avoid Generic Soft Skills

• Hard Working
• Self-motivated
• Problem-solver These are some of the common generic skills that almost every one includes in their resume, draining them to life and meaning. Instead of using these generic skills, mention job-related skills, and provide examples of your skills and achievements.

Show Some Personality

Cover letters are not just a place to describe your qualifications; it's also a place to show your personality.

So, keep your cover letter professional but avoid using unnatural language like "I would like to express my sincere gratitude for considering my application." Instead, write the way you talk.

Additionally, you can add some comments on how much you love the company culture or the job you are applying for.

Key Takeaways

With that, we have come to the end of this blog. Now, let us check out some of the key takeaways from the college student cover letter blog:

• Presentation is the key. So make sure your college student cover letter is clean, readable, and only a single page.
• Start your cover letter with a powerful opening paragraph. For instance, you can start your cover letter with your years of experience or achievement.
• Provide credibility to your achievements by quantifying them with numbers.
• Finish your college student cover letter with a CTA asking for an interview.
• Do not forget to enclose your resume at the end of your cover letter.

If you want to create a college student cover letter, go to Hiration Cover Letter Builder and choose from 20+ templates to create a professional cover letter for yourself.

Go to Hiration career platform which has 24/7 chat support and get professional assistance with all your job & career-related queries. You can also write to us at [email protected] and we will make sure to reach out to you as soon as possible.

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How to Write a Cover Letter: 10 Tips for College Students

Applying for a job or internship? Follow our tips for college students to get your application noticed.

A well-written cover letter is a key component in the search process of how to get an internship or job. It’s a great way to capture the attention of the hiring manager and tell your story with added color and information. Think of your resume as a detailed overview of your work history, education, skills, and other relevant work experience. Your cover letter is your “storytelling” opportunity to say why you are a great fit for the role.

Our 10 tips for writing cover letters will help you craft your best “why me” pitch and get your application noticed. 

1. Research the Job Before You Write Anything 

Before you write a word, your job search should start with learning as much as you can about the company and the position. Does a parent company own it? What do you know about the specific internship role? What are the daily responsibilities, and how can you demonstrate experience that meets the required qualifications? It is essential to know as much as you can before you submit your application materials; this will make the interview process more manageable, too. 

2. Use Correct Formatting

The standard format is much like a professional letter. Most computer word processing programs — from Microsoft Word to Google Docs — have templates to make this easy. An incorrectly formatted document in a pile of hundreds just like it may compel a recruiter to pass over your application. 

3. Look for a Name to Reference 

When you can, try to p ersonally address the hiring manager. Search on LinkedIn or even call the company to get the right name for the right manager. Hiring managers often cite this as an indicator of the effort an applicant is willing to put into the role, if hired. 

4. Start Strong 

Your first paragraph is the most important. Recruiters will often read an introduction and determine a job candidate’s eligibility, so it is essential to include your most pertinent information up front. Start with your name, the role you are applying for, and why you want the job. Follow up with your most relevant experience, why you are the best person for the job, and be sure to include any reference’s names, too.  

5. Cite the Same Terms as the Job Listing

Analyze the job listing carefully. Many job search portals use keyword algorithms to rate and rank your application. Not only are you building your “perfect candidate” pitch, you are matching their desired traits with your experience. Review the listing for specific words and use them: If your prospective employer asks for “strong research skills,” make sure you emphasize your “strong research skills” in your letter. 

6. Stay Relevant 

Please do not try to encapsulate your life story in one page. Keep your pitch relevant to the job listing. You may have to pick experience or achievements to showcase if your letter is too long. 

7. Keep it Brief 

Be sure to express your achievements and qualifications as succinctly as you can. Use bullet points, stay within one page, and limit the length of your sentences and paragraphs. The ideal is four to five short paragraphs: your introduction, two or three paragraphs on your experience, and a closing line. Recruiters have piles of applications and resumes to get through and succinct, clear letters fare best.  

8. Use Action Verbs and Numbers 

Action verbs communicate responsibility. Stay away from passive sentences — they are less direct and less lively. You want to show “I did this,” “I helped change xyz,” “That project might not have succeeded without me.” Do not be afraid to boast a little bit, and include specific ways — backed with data, numbers, and figures — that you made a difference. Recruiters want to see how you make an impact.

9. Close Correctly

Make sure to thank the recruiter for their time and reconfirm your interest in the closing line. Let the recruiter know that you will be reaching back out to follow up. Overall, you want to politely convey that you are very interested in this job and that you will go the extra mile to get it. 

10. Don’t Forget to Proofread

After you finish writing your letter, step away from it for a little while. When you come back, re-read it with fresh eyes and look for any errors. Ask a friend or family member to proof it for you. For international students, if English is not your first language, ask your Career Services advisor or your university’s Career Center to review it for you. 

Putting together a great letter takes practice. Follow our cover letter tips and you will have a better chance of standing out in a crowd of applicants. 

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A resume is a concise, informative summary of your abilities, education, and experience. It should highlight your strongest assets and skills, and differentiate you from other candidates seeking similar positions.

College Freshman Resume [W/ Example & Writing Tips for 2024]

Whether you’re a college freshman looking for a part-time job, internship, or exchange program, you’re faced with tough competition.

On one hand, student debt can be crippling, so many college students are searching for opportunities to make it at least less painful.

On the other hand, most college freshmen wouldn’t want to miss the opportunity to study abroad or partake in exciting options their university may offer. 

Whichever the case might be, with so much competition, landing a job or a paid internship as a college freshman can be hard, especially if you’re just entering the workforce and have little to no job experience.

This is exactly why you need a rock-solid college freshman resume that will give you an edge over your competitors.

And we’re here to help!

With our step-by-step guide and a top-notch college freshman resume example, you’ll learn how to write an impressive college freshman resume that will help you land an interview for the job, internship, or any other opportunity you’re after even if you have no previous work experience.

So, let’s dive in!

College Freshman Resume 

Here’s what this college freshman resume example does right:

• Reverse-chronological format. The college freshman resume example above uses the reverse-chronological resume format , which is the most popular resume format among recruiters throughout the world.
• Relevant contact information. The college freshman resume example above mentions key contact details, including the candidate’s full name, phone number, email address, and location.
• Eye-catching resume objective. This college freshman resume example includes an effective resume objective that puts the candidate’s language skills in the spotlight and attracts recruiters’ attention from the get-go.
• Focus on achievements. Whenever possible, the candidate in the college freshman resume example above lists their achievements and makes them quantifiable to drive the point home.
• Organized skills section. In the college freshman example above, the candidate doesn’t include just the skills that are relevant for the position but also lists his soft and hard skills separately.
• Bullet points. Reading large chunks of text is difficult, so this candidate uses bullet points to organize the information on his college freshman resume.
• Additional sections. This college freshman resume example makes use of relevant additional sections by including the candidate’s language proficiency and hobbies.

Write Your College Freshman Resume With This Step-By-Step Guide 

So, you want to learn how to write a college freshman resume no less impressive than the example above?

Read along and we’ll show you exactly how to do it with our step-by-step guide:

#1. Format Your College Freshman Resume the Right Way 

You don’t want your college freshman resume to look like a mess, and that’s why you first need to pick the right resume format to structure it and make it easy to follow.

Basically, these are the three most common resume formats:

• Reverse-chronological resume format
• Functional resume format
• Combination (hybrid) resume format

But, as we mentioned above, the reverse-chronological resume format is hands down your best option.

Whether you have work experience or not, the reverse-chronological format will bring your skills and achievements to the foreground (not to mention, hiring managers love it!).

Here’s what that looks like:

Now that you got the formatting part for your college freshman resume out of the way, let’s talk about your resume layout , which includes:

• Font. Sure, you might’ve just left high school, but your college freshman resume has to look professional, and that means saying goodbye to fonts like Comic Sans. Instead, pick a simple font that is easy to read. 
• Font size. You don’t want your college freshman resume to spill over to page #2 or be hard to read, so keep your headings at 14-16 pts and the body of your resume at 11-12 pts. 
• Length. Hiring managers are busy people, which means they don’t have the time to read multiple-page resumes (unless the candidate’s professional background is really impressive). So, just keep your college freshman resume one page long. 
• Bullet points. Whenever possible, use bullet points to organize the information in your college freshman resume. This way, your resume will look clean and well-structured.
• Format. Unless specifically asked otherwise, make sure to save your college freshman resume as a PDF file . Otherwise, your resume might look messed up once opened on a different device or OS.

Times New Roman is the most common resume font.

Find it too dated or bland for your taste?

Make your college freshman resume stand out with a modern font that is also easy to read, such as Ubuntu or Overpass.

Or Pick a College Freshman Resume Template 

Let’s face it - making a resume from scratch can take ages.

After all, you have tons of college assignments, so tweaking the margins of your college freshman resume, or making sure it doesn’t spill over to the next page is the last thing you want to do in your free time.

So, chances are you’re procrastinating and we can’t blame you!

Well, what if we told you there’s a way to kiss this problem goodbye?

Yeap! With our resume templates , you can make your college freshman resume in a matter of minutes. All you have to do is pick a plug-and-play template and fill in all the contents - the formatting and layout are already taken care of. 

That means you don’t have to choose between starting your job search and going to a college party this weekend - you can do both!

Not just that - our resume templates are free, look professional, AND they’re much more visually appealing than basic resumes.

Check it out yourself:

#2. Add Your Contact Details 

Once you’re done with the formatting of your college freshman resume, you can start filling in the contents, which start with your contact details .

Here’s what you need to include:

• Your first and last name
• Your phone number
• Your email address
• Your city and state

Optionally, you can also include any relevant social media handles (e.g. if you’re applying for a job at a bakery and have an Instagram profile dedicated to desserts, write it down).

Sounds simple, right?

And it is! Just make sure you don’t make any typos and you’re good to go.

Here’s an example of the contact information section:

Paula Brown

012-345-6789 [email protected]  Albuquerque, New Mexico

#3. Write a College Freshman Resume Objective 

To catch the hiring manager’s attention and get them to read your college freshman resume, you need an effective resume objective. 

Simply put, a resume objective is a 2-3 sentence introduction that highlights your skills and professional goals.

As such, a well-written resume objective lets recruiters quickly see whether you’re a relevant candidate and what you can offer to the company.

Here’s how to write a resume objective that will get the hiring manager to read the rest of your resume:

• Mention what you’re currently studying (or planning to study during the upcoming years of university)
• Include any relevant background (skills, work experience, etc.) that makes you a good fit for the position
• Mention your motivation for working in that particular field/company

And here’s an example of a powerful college freshman resume objective:

Energetic and cooperative undergraduate student majoring in Psychology looking for a part-time sales associate job in Company X. Eager to learn more about organic skincare products and looking to apply my excellent active listening and persuasion skills to assist your customers and drive more sales to your store.

#4. Prioritize Your Education 

As a college freshman, it’s only natural that you don’t have much (or any) work experience.

That’s why you should first list your ongoing education on your college freshman resume, along with any relevant education details (your major, your minor, research projects, relevant courses, etc.).

For starters, format your education the right way:

• Start by writing down your major.
• List your college/university name and, optionally, location.
• Include the expected year of graduation.
• Add relevant additional information, such as your minor or relevant courses.

Since you’re still in the progress of getting your degree, you can also write down your high school education (and, particularly, don’t forget to mention your high school achievements, if any).

And here’s a great example of the education section if let’s say, you’re applying for an internship or a part-time job at a news media company:

Majoring in Journalism (Bachelor of Arts) Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY Expected graduation date: 2024

Minor: Public Relations

Relevant Courses:

• Introduction to News Writing
• Press Law and Ethics
• Intermediate Reporting
• Feature Writing
• Fundamentals of Public Relations
• Public Relations Writing and Production

#5. Describe Your Work Experience (The Smart Way)

Once you’re done polishing your education section, it’s time to describe any work experience you may have.

Let’s start with the basics - here’s how to format your work experience section on your college freshman resume the right way:

• List your most recent job first. From there, move back in time and add your older positions. This way, you will have a well-organized work experience section.
• Add your job title. Make sure that the job title accurately describes your role, so avoid any eccentric job titles (e.g. use ‘Lifeguard’ instead of ‘Ocean Attendant’, ‘Barista’ instead of ‘Coffee Wizard’, etc.).
• Include the company name and location. Feel free to add a brief company description if the company you worked for isn’t well-known.
• Add the employment date. Use the mm/yyyy format so that the hiring manager can see how long you’ve worked in the company.
• Add your responsibilities and achievements. If you have had several jobs in the past, add 5-6 bullet points to your more recent jobs (if possible) and just a couple for your older roles.

And here’s an example of an effective work experience section on a college freshman resume:

Company X  

05/2020 - 09/2020

• Welcomed and served 80+ customers daily.
• Prepared and served hot drinks and light snacks.
• Operated Point of Sale systems.
• Kept the work area, coffee machines, and other equipment clean and organized.
• Awarded Employee of the Month in July and August 2020 for efficiency and providing excellent customer service.

What If I Don’t Have Work Experience? 

Now, as a college freshman, you probably don’t have much work experience, and that’s okay - hiring managers don’t expect you to have lots of relevant work experience anyway.

In fact, according to Jobvite, the importance of previous job experience for choosing a candidate has dropped by 30% in the last 4 years.

Truth is, even with no work experience , you can still write a job-landing college freshman resume.

Here are some tips to help you make the most out of your work experience section as a college freshman:

• List any work experience you have. Any work experience is better than nothing, so add any jobs you’ve had (even if they aren’t relevant for the position you’re applying for) to help you stand out among other candidates, many of whom might have no work experience at all.
• Make use of any other experience you have. If your work experience section is lacking, present your internships, volunteer jobs , etc. as work experience on your college freshman resume (especially if they’re related to the job you’re applying for or your major).
• Highlight your achievements. Your achievements make you stand out from the rest of the candidates who had similar responsibilities, so make sure to focus on them. And, if possible, make your achievements quantifiable to show the impact you had in your previous workplace.
• Take advantage of action verbs . They sound more impressive and make your responsibilities and achievements stand out (e.g. aided, supported, achieved, etc.).

Here’s an example of how you could present your volunteering experience on your college freshman resume:

Special Needs Support Volunteer

06/2018 - 08/2018

• Provided care for people with disabilities.
• Initiated the ‘Conversational English’ teaching program.
• Assisted in organizing educational games, board game evenings, and other socialization activities.

#6. Include Both Soft and Hard Skills

The skills section is one of the most important parts of your college freshman resume - even though you may not have much work experience, it doesn’t necessarily mean you lack relevant skills for the job.

So, no matter the job, you should make sure to perfect your skills section - and here’s how you can do it:

• Tailor your skills section to the position. Sure, you may be an AutoCAD master, but it means nothing if you’re applying to be a bartender in a local craft beer bar. So, instead of wasting your time listing all of your skills, simply write down the skills that are relevant for the job. 
• Write down your soft and hard skills separately. Whether you want to land a customer service representative or a lab assistant job, you’re expected to have an assortment of different skills. So, to have a well-structured college freshman resume, list your soft skills separately from your hard skills. 
• List any skills from the job ad that you match. Are you unsure which skills to mention in your college freshman resume? Take a close look at the job listing and simply write down any skills you have that the company is looking for.

Need more inspiration? Check out our list of 101+ essential skills you can add to your college freshman resume!

#7. List These Additional Sections 

If you don’t have much work experience, you likely have some space left even after filling in all of the main parts of your college freshman resume.

So, to make the most out of your application, consider adding any of these additional sections to show off your unique abilities:

• Languages. Foreign languages are valued in all job sectors, so knowing one or two languages can increase your chances of both finding a job and getting a higher salary . So, make sure to list any foreign languages you know on your college freshman resume (just remember to stay realistic and don’t overestimate your abilities!).
• Personal projects. Whether you’ve done any projects in college or in your free time, make sure to include them on your college freshman resume to show the hiring managers you’re a passionate and enthusiastic candidate (and especially so if any of your projects are related to the position you’re applying for).
• Certifications. Don’t let your certificates collect dust in your drawers - take advantage of them by listing any certifications you have on your college freshman resume.
• Hobbies and interests. Your hobbies and interests can help you build rapport with the hiring manager and, in case they’re relevant for the job, strengthen your position (e.g. if you’re applying to be a receptionist at a yoga studio, an interest in mindfulness, meditation, Eastern philosophies, etc. can work in your favor). 

And here’s an example of how additional sections look on a college freshman resume:

• English - Native or Bilingual Proficiency
• Russian - Limited Working Proficiency

Personal Projects

Nomadic Maddie

04/2018 - Present

• A travel blog with 5,000+ monthly readers.
• Public speaking

#8. Attach a Cover Letter to Your Resume 

Now that you know how to write an impressive college freshman resume, there’s one final step left-  and it’s writing a compelling cover letter.

The same Jobvite study that found that work experience is much less important than 4 years ago also found that hiring managers value cover letters much more than before - in fact, their importance has increased from 8% to 26% since 2017 . 

So, to land the job, you have to attach an effective cover letter to your college freshman resume that explains to the recruiter that you’re the perfect candidate for the position as well as a great match for the company.

Not sure how to write a cover letter ?

Here’s exactly what you need to do:

• Include your contact details (full name, phone number, e-mail address, location, and, optionally, links to any relevant social media profiles you may have) in the header to start your cover letter the right way . 
• Greet the hiring manager directly by their name to show that you’ve researched the company and have an eye for detail.
• Mention your 1-2 top achievements in the first paragraph to make a great first impression.
• Use the body of your cover letter to describe any experience and the skills you have as well as explain why you want to work in this company specifically and how you would benefit their team. This is also where you can explain anything you couldn’t in your college freshman resume, such as the reason why you choose a specific major or add anything that didn’t make it on your resume.
• To effectively end your cover letter , include a call to action (e.g. “Please let me know if you need anything else,” “I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss this internship in greater detail at your earliest convenience,” etc.).

Here’s an example of a top-notch college student cover letter :

Use our professional cover letter templates to match your cover letter to your college freshman resume!

Key Takeaways 

And now you know how to write a job-winning college freshman resume!

Before you start working on it though, let’s go over the key points we’ve covered in this guide:

• For your college freshman resume, pick the foolproof reverse-chronological resume format.
• As a college freshman, you should mention your ongoing education first.
• If you have little to no work experience, take advantage of any internships, volunteering, and other experiences you may have.
• List your relevant soft and hard skills separately to keep your college freshman resume well-organized.
• To help you secure the job, attach a convincing cover letter to your college freshman resume.

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3 Freshman College Student Resume Examples for 2024

Freshman College Student Resume

Elegant freshman college student resume, clean freshman college student resume.

• Freshman College Student Resume Writing 101

You’ve achieved many great things academically by managing your time effectively and staying organized to maintain excellent grades. 

Now as you’re entering your freshman year of college, you may be looking to get one of your first jobs or apply for some academic opportunities. 

Whatever the reason for needing a resume, you know that decision-makers will carefully review it to ensure you’re qualified. We can help you present your academic abilities effectively with one of our freshman college student resume examples and handy resume tips that are proven to be successful in 2024.

Microsoft Word

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• College student resume for internship
• College student resume no experience
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• College student

What Matters Most: Your Freshman College Student Skills & Work Experience

Freshman college students often find picking top skills for their resume to be a tricky task, especially when they haven’t worked much before. That said, you still have plenty of options to include here. 

A great place to start is reviewing the job description or requirements for academic opportunities to see what skills organizations seek. For instance, one company may want you to be familiar with Excel spreadsheets, whereas another emphasizes customer service.  

Tailor what you list to each position while looking for where transferable skills like time management or presentations that you’ve gained through school can be applied. 

Here are some of the best freshman college student skills for resumes.

9 best freshman college student skills

• Active Listening
• Project Management
• Google Workspace
• Conflict Resolution
• Microsoft Office
• Multi-Tasking
• Presentations

Sample freshman college student work experience bullet points

You’ve probably learned that you need data to support your points when writing research papers. The same is true for your freshman college student resume. 

In this section, you want to create numerical examples showcasing what you achieved while using top skills like project management. Consider metrics like grades you earned or accuracy for this section. 

You can use examples from achievements outside of traditional workplaces. Education, volunteer work, or extracurricular activities can provide excellent work-related skills that will transfer over. 

Here are a few samples:

• Greeted customers and provided guidance in a friendly way while volunteering at a children’s museum to achieve 97% positive satisfaction scores. 
• Organized and planned routes for a student council food drive that collected over 500 canned food items for local homeless shelters. 
• Planned 3 hours of nightly study time, scheduling around 2 extracurricular activities, to maintain a 3.97 GPA for 4 years. 
• Used proper product rotation methods while stocking grocery store shelves to reduce the number of expired foods by 55%. 

Top 5 Tips for Your Freshman College Student Resume

• A resume objective can work well for applicants without much work experience to present some essential skills immediately. For instance, you could write about how you served as the student council treasurer at your high school for three years, and you’re eager to apply your financial planning abilities on the job. 
• If you want to present academic success that will translate into a professional field, a great way to start is with a resume free of grammatical errors. Ensure you proofread thoroughly before submitting. 
• Numbers will help show how you can make an impact in a professional environment. For instance, instead of just saying you completed PowerPoint presentations for classes. You could say you completed a PowerPoint presentation on molecular biology that earned a 97% overall grade. 
• Think of your resume template like you would when presenting research for a class in an easily understandable way. It should have clear headers, bullet points with your numerical examples from experience, and easy-to-read 12-14 point font. 
• Your academic and professional abilities have grown over time. Therefore, listing your most recent experiences first in aspects like academic research and scheduling will work best. 

A full, one-page resume with relevant information will work best for freshman college students. Aim to provide concise, numerical examples of abilities each job is looking for, like accuracy or teamwork. 

A hobbies & interests section can work great for freshman college students without much work experience to fill in additional relevant skills. For example, your time on the school’s football team can still show abilities like teamwork and multi-tasking that will be relevant to many positions. 

Create a cover letter to emphasize your passion for the organization’s mission or explain how your top skills fit in. For example, if you’re applying to work as a bank teller, you could describe your passion for accurate financial management and how you’ll use your time as the treasurer on the student council to help you succeed. 

Career Services

The Office of Career Services at Ferrum College helps students establish career objectives and initiate a job search that meets the individual needs of the student. Career Services offers resources and guidance for students to take key steps in self-assessment, career exploration, and the employment search process.

Career Services is not just for seniors! Career counselors help students find summer jobs, internships, and volunteer opportunities to help students make informed decisions leading to positive employment and/or graduate school choices.

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Student Employment Opportunities

Handshake tool.

Ferrum College utilizes the Handshake application to post jobs to our students. This year, we are posting all of our work-study positions in the Handshake system. All current students have been uploaded into the Handshake system.

ACTIVATING YOUR HANDSHAKE ACCOUNT

• Click on the Sign-In link in the upper right-hand corner.
• Click on the Handshake icon
• You will need to use your Ferrum College credentials to sign in.
• You will be prompted to answer some demographic questions and to complete your profile. You will also be asked to upload your resume, but that is not required to complete your profile.
• Here is an article that can help you through this process:  Getting Started with Handshake .

SEARCHING FOR WORK-STUDY POSITIONS

• Click on the “Jobs” link at the top left-hand corner of the page
• In the search box, enter “Ferrum”
• You will receive a list of all the open work-study positions that have been posted. Keep checking back for new postings.

APPLYING FOR A POSITION

• Once you find a position you are interested in, click the “Apply Externally” button (red).
• You will be taken to Ferrum College’s Work Study Application form.
• Please make sure that you note the following information from the role description, because you will need it to complete your application: Position Title and Department.
• If you are applying for more than one position, you will need to fill out an application for each.

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Find a Job You Really Want In

Working during college can be a great time to add valuable, real-world job experience to your resume. Though many of your days and nights in college will be crammed with studying and socializing, many college students today manage to find slivers of time each week to commit to a gig or part-time job.

Besides providing you with practical skills that can translate into a permanent job later on in your career, these jobs can also help you acquire the extra cash that you’ll need to pay for books, tuition, food, transportation, rent, or future student loan payments. Below are 30 of the best jobs for college students in addition to some things to look for when looking for a job.

22 Best jobs for college students

7 on-campus college jobs, 3 things to look for in a job while you’re in college, questions to ask yourself before searching for a job in college, best jobs for college students faq.

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Now that we’ve outlined the specific benefits that you should seek out in a job, as well as some self-reflective exercises to get you started on your search, we’re now ready to look at some real-world examples of ideal jobs for college students.

Here are 25 examples of flexible, online, and part-time jobs for modern undergraduate students:

Barista Average Annual Salary: $24,000

Working as a barista is an excellent opportunity to develop your social skills. And when business is slow, it can also allow you the and space to cram in a little extra studying. Free coffee is another major perk that attracts many college students to barista jobs.

You may be the perfect candidate for a barista position at your favorite local or campus coffee shop if you love coffee and enjoy socializing with people.

Find Barista jobs near me

Restaurant server Average Annualy Salary: $23,000

Restaurant server jobs tend to be fairly flexible and fun, a great job opportunity if you are an undergraduate student who is light on your feet, enjoys working in a busy environment, and doesn’t mind occasionally working late nights.

Find Restaurant server jobs near me

Restaurant Host/Hostess Average Annual Salary: $21,000

As the host of a restaurant, your primary job will be to welcome customers, engage in pleasant conversation, and help them find their seats.

It’s a relatively undemanding position – often with flexible working hours – that can help you meet new people and hone your conversation and negotiation skills .

Find Restaurant host/hostess jobs near me

Receptionist Average Annual Salary: $28,000

Like a restaurant host, the receptionist ’s role is primarily to greet customers and make them feel welcome as soon as they enter a business.

Strong interpersonal and communication skills are an absolute prerequisite for most receptionist job opportunities, as is proficiency with most Microsoft Office programs, such as Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word.

Find Receptionist jobs near me

Freelance writer Average Annual Salary: $52,025

Freelance writing is the perfect opportunity for any college student looking to work from the comfort of their home or dorm and who is interested in developing their skills as a communicator and as a writer .

If you have a talent and a passion for writing, you may want to consider pursuing a freelance writer position. Companies and organizations frequently seek out writers who will help them develop marketing content on a freelance basis.

Find Freelance writer jobs near me

Transcriptionist Average Annual Salary: $28,930

Working as a transcriptionist is a great job for college students because it is often a remote position. The transcriptionist’s role is to convert recorded speech or in-person conversations into text that can subsequently be shared and used as a permanent record.

For example, transcriptionists are essential in the legal industry (they sit in on courtroom hearings and record – to the letter – all of the verbal exchanges that take place).

To be hired as a transcriptionist, you’ll need to have a keen attention to detail, strong concentration skills, a knack for verbal fluency, and (above all else) exceptional typing skills.

Find Transcriptionist jobs near me

Cashier Average Annual Salary: $24,000

Working as a cashier is a flexible and low-stress job opportunity that will require strong social skills, a willingness to stand for long periods, and a demonstrable ability to organize and manage large quantities of cash responsibly.

The typical cashier’s most notable job responsibilities include overseeing financial transactions, operating a cash register, and interacting with customers.

Find Cashier jobs near me

Nanny or babysitter Average Annual Salary: $25,000

Being a nanny or babysitter is an ideal job opportunity for any college student who is only looking to commit a few hours each week to work outside of school and enjoys being around kids.

If you love interacting with children, we strongly encourage you to seek a job as a nanny or babysitter. It is important to remember most parents and nanny agencies will require you to obtain your child and baby’s first-aid and CPR certification before you begin working.

Find Nanny jobs near me

Summer camp counselor Average Annual Salary: $22,000

Working as a camp counselor is a fantastic and lucrative way to spend your summers as a college student. You’ll be guaranteed to make a ton of friends and get plenty of exercise, too.

As a camp counselor your responsibilities would include reiterating the rules and regulations, emergency drills and procedures, and related standard protocols to ensure the campers safety. It’s important to have strong leadership skills.

Find Summer camp counselor jobs near me

Research assistant Average Annual Salary: $43,000

This is a great position to get if your major is related to the research position. As a research assistant , you’ll be responsible for scouring multiple sources of data – including academic texts, the internet, and public records – to provide the person that you’re assisting with the information they need.

It will require a knack for investigation and data analysis, as well as a strong ability to identify patterns across multiple sources of information. One of the additional benefits of working as a research assistant is that there are often opportunities to collect and analyze information directly relevant to the major you’ve chosen to pursue.

Find Research assistant jobs near me

Line cook Average Annual Salary: $27,000

Line cook jobs tend to be flexible and provide an excellent opportunity to work in a dynamic, engaging, and social working environment. Like many restaurant jobs, however, they may sometimes require you to work late into the evenings.

Your main responsibilities as a line cook are to prepare ingredients, ensure the pantry is well-stocked, and do any assigned activity in the line. This is a great position for anyone who likes a fast-paced environment.

Find Line cook jobs near me

Bike Mechanic Average Annual Salary: $32,696

Becoming a bike mechanic allows you the opportunity that will enable you to work alongside others who share your passion, and that can give you the flexibility that you’ll need as you continue to attend classes on a full-time basis.

If you’re a bike aficionado and a passionate rider , then you may be a great fit for a job as a mechanic at your favorite bike shop.

Find Bike shop mechanic jobs near me

Freelance Film editor Average Annual Salary: $57,000

Like many freelance positions, this is a role that will likely give you the freedom to work from home and build your own work schedule.

This is a great job for any college students who have a love for film, a personal computer, and proficiency with essential video editing platforms (such as Adobe Premiere Pro).

Find Film editor jobs near me

Yoga instructor Average Annual Salary: $46,000

Working as a part-time yoga instructor is a great way to stay in shape, explore your passion for wellness and fitness with others, and earn some extra cash.

Bear in mind that most yoga studios will require you to complete a yoga teacher training course before they consider hiring you.

Find Yoga instructor jobs near me

Life guard Average Annual Salary: $24,692

Similar to working as a summer camp counselor , working as a lifeguard is a relaxed, rewarding, and lucrative way to spend a summer during your undergraduate years.

Like working as a babysitter or nanny, it’s also a job that will require you to undergo some sort of legitimate first-aid and CPR training before you’ll be allowed to begin working.

Find Lifeguard jobs near me

Ice cream server Average Annual Salary: $22,087

Scooping and serving ice cream is a fun (and delicious) way to make money as a college student. If you’re looking for a flexible and undemanding job this summer, then look no further than your favorite local ice cream shop.

Find Ice cream server jobs near me

Bartender Average Annual Salary: $22,000

Are you licensed and old enough to work at a bar? If so, then a job as a bartender can be a super fun and flexible way to earn some money on the side. It’s also a great way to build new friendships and expand your social circle.

The responsibilities of a bartender include verifying a customer’s age, have the ability to make an array of drinks, and manage inventory levels.

Find Bartender jobs near me

Social media manager Average Annual Salary: $58,000

In recent years, social media has become a primary marketing and hiring tool for businesses across almost every industry. Consequently, many employers today place a high value on young people who are intimately familiar with the finer points of social media platforms such as Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

So if you’re an expert on all things related to social media, then this might very well be a perfect (and highly flexible) job opportunity that’s well worth pursuing.

Find Social media manager jobs near me

Freelance Graphic designer Average Annual Salary: $45,000

If you have a penchant for graphic design and access to essential design platforms (such as Adobe Photoshop), then we strongly encourage you to seek out employment opportunities as a freelance graphic designer .

In this capacity, you’ll be able to deepen your passion for graphic design, expand your professional network , and hone the creative skills that can land you a more stable job after you graduate.

Find Freelance graphic designer jobs near me

Dog walker or pet sitter Average Annual Salary: $20,000

If you love animals, you should strongly consider seeking a role as a dog walker or a pet sitter . In addition to being very flexible and fun, these jobs will provide you with an opportunity to get outside, exercise, and interact with other pet owners.

Find Dog walker or pet sitter jobs near me

Research Volunteer Average Annual Salary: $51,505

There are typically several opportunities throughout the year for students to be paid for their participation in research studies at most college campuses across the country.

Just remember that most of these will be a one-and-done sort of a deal and not a long-term employment opportunity that will provide a regular paycheck.

Find Volunteer for a scientific research study jobs near me

Rideshare Driver Average Annual Salary: $29,000

Driving for a company such as Uber or Lyft is a fun and highly flexible way to earn some extra cash as an undergraduate student.

It will require, among other things, a strong sense of direction and a willingness to remain seated for long stretches of time. Strong conversation skills are not necessarily required for this type of position, but they certainly help.

Find Rideshare driver jobs near me

If you’re looking for a job that won’t require a commute, an on-campus job can be just the answer. It’s easy to weave into your class schedule and if you get in your FAFSA early enough, you might even be able to offset your tuition costs with an on-campus job.

Here are five common on-campus jobs:

Tutor Average Annual Salary: $33,000

Tutoring is one of the most engaging and rewarding job opportunities available for college students. Working as a tutor is an ideal job for many college students because it provides you an opportunity to teach others, become even more familiar with their field of study, and earn some extra money in a fun and flexible manner.

Find Tutor jobs near me

Campus library assistant Average Annual Salary: $25,000

Working behind a desk at your campus’ library may sound a bit boring, but try thinking about it this way: Yes, you’ll probably have to spend long hours in quiet solitude as an employee of your campus’ library – but that’s the perfect setting if you’re trying to fit in a few extra hours of studying or reading each week.

It won’t all be downtime, of course, but the fact remains: This is an excellent opportunity for anyone who’s seeking to work a flexible job in a quiet, relaxed setting.

Find Campus library assistant jobs near me

Campus tour guide Average Annual Salary: $27,800

College tours are an important part of selling the experience to prospective students, and schools typically prefer to have current students lead tours. They’re able to provide on-the-ground insight that administrators just don’t have.

Pursuing a job as a campus tour guide – in which you’ll meet prospective students and show them around the area – could be the perfect job opportunity for you.

This job is somewhat seasonal , as certain times of year are more popular for college tours, but you can make a decent amount of money for very little commitment as a campus tour guide .

Find Campus tour guide jobs near me

Proofread your classmates’ written assignments

If you always get A’s on your written assignments, you’re a good candidate for a peer-editing job. Some schools have writing centers that help connect writing advisors with students who need help. The pay might be low (or non-existent), but it can still provide good experience if you’re interested in a writing-heavy field after you graduate.

Department assistant

Working as an administrative assistant on campus is the best of both worlds. You don’t have to commute to a foreign environment, but you still pick up all the essentials of American office life.

Resident assistant

Library attendant

For those who love the peace and quiet a library affords, a job as an attendant might be the dream occupation. You’ll have to make sure that the space remains quiet and clean, check out books, assist students with hardware, or perform any other tasks the librarian needs from you.

Your schedule will depend on how rigorous the program of your selected major turns out to be. Some college students enjoy financial security and relatively easy classes throughout their entire four-year undergraduate careers. Others struggle to make money, all the while putting themselves through incredibly intensive classes.

Success (or lack thereof) after graduation will be determined not only by your money or your grades – it will also be determined by the amount of professional experience that you’re able to gain before your college graduation.

It’s important to be selective in your process of finding a job as an undergraduate student. If you’re not careful, you may end up signing onto a role that demands more than you’re able to give under the constraints of your busy school calendar.

With all of those ideas in mind, here are three qualities that you should look for in any job while you’re in college:

Flexibility. Most four-year university programs are like full-time jobs in and of themselves. Therefore, it’s going to be crucial to find a job that will be flexible enough to allow you to maintain it on top of – and in addition to – your already busy schedule.

In an ideal world, that flexibility will include both of the following:

Flexible scheduling options. Inevitably, there are going to be times in college when academic or personal appointments need to be prioritized over your side hustle . For that reason, it’s always preferable to acquire a job that’s able to offer flexible scheduling options while you’re attending college.

Flexible location options. As an undergraduate student, you’re probably currently living close to campus (unless, of course, you’re attending an online-only program, in which case you might be living further away or at home with your parents).

As such, your travel-to-work options are fairly limited. You might have a car or a bike and thereby be able to travel across large distances relatively quickly. Still, your aforementioned busy academic schedule is likely to make long-distance work-related travel an impractical option.

Relevance to your chosen field or major. For most college students, the main point of finding a job while attending school is to learn a little extra cash on the side. But if that job is directly relevant and applicable to your chosen field of study, that’s even better.

Not excessively demanding. Finally, it will be essential to look for jobs that aren’t going to demand too much of your time, energy, and bandwidth. As we’ve already discussed, your academic responsibilities are going to very nearly require your full and undivided attention.

If you’re careful in your job search , it’s possible to find employment opportunities that you’ll be able to manage and succeed in while you’re also attending classes full-time.

The three criteria above are not absolutely mandatory.

It’s entirely feasible for a college student to work a job that doesn’t offer much flexibility, that isn’t directly relevant to their major, or demands a considerable amount of their energy.

Again, it ultimately depends on your specific circumstances. In light of that, you should always be sure to carefully define your ideal employment opportunity before you begin looking for a job as an undergraduate student.

To that end, here are a few self-reflective questions that you can ask yourself:

“How many hours each week – after factoring in time for classes, socializing, and studying – will I realistically be able to commit to a job?”

“How important is it to me that I find a job that will allow me to build skills and a network that’s relevant to my major?”

“How much energy do I typically have at the end of the average weekday? Would it be possible for me to work a job in the evenings (and still be able to get enough sleep so that my academic performance won’t be compromised)?”

How do college students get high-paying jobs?

College students get high-paying jobs by creating a stand-out resume, aiming for the right role, and being diligent in their job search. You’ll better your chances of landing a high-paying job even further if you can find a role that coincides with your major at college.

While a student’s job search is the same as anyone else’s, students are at a disadvantage of not having a degree to show potential employers, and lots of people think that’s a deal-breaker to find a high-paying job.

Students who apply for jobs that clearly state the position requires a degree or several years of experience in the field will get a lot of rejection.

It’s discouraging to get turned down from many different jobs, so it’s best not to waste time on jobs you’re not qualified for. Alternatively, you shouldn’t go exclusively for the low-hanging fruit of employment just because you’re a student.

Find a happy medium . A role as a virtual tutor , nanny , or bartender can all be great, attainable options that will make a student lots of money. On the flip side, there’s always the option of freelancing or starting your own side business to supplement a high-paying job.

Some smart freelancing options for students that pay well include:

Graphic Design

Social Media Management

Photography

Website Development

What jobs pay the most out of college?

The jobs that pay the most out of college are nurses, financial analysts, software developers, or any type of engineer. While many jobs will eventually lead to earning a high salary, these positions pay the biggest check to recent graduates.

The graduate must have studied the focus topic extensively to land one of these jobs. If you want a high-paying nursing job right out of college, you need a nursing degree.

Is Starbucks a good job for college students?

Yes, Starbucks is a good job for college students. There are a few reasons why Starbucks is a smart choice for students in need of employment. The company is a leader in its industry when it comes to benefits.

Starbucks offers strong health insurance coverage, even to part-time employees, as long as they work an average of 20 hours a week. Plus, they offer 401K options and stock in Starbucks after an employee’s first year.

All of these offerings are very tempting for a college student who likely hasn’t had many job offers with so many benefits. Not to mention that if you work at Starbucks, you’ll be supplied with all the coffee you could possibly need to get you through finals week.

Literally – Starbucks employees get to choose one free item per week like whole coffee beans, tea, or K-cups, and they receive a 30% discount on anything else they want.

Is an internship better than a part-time job?

Whether an internship is better than a part-time job depends on the student, as well as what benefits the internship or part-time job will provide the student. Some students are looking to make enough money to support themselves through school, and others hope to strengthen their resumes before they graduate.

Internships usually offer college credit or grant you opportunities to build up a career in your desired field. However, internships often pay very little money, if anything at all.

On the other hand, a part-time job usually doesn’t have much to do with your studies in college (unless you’re very fortunate) and doesn’t offer college credit. However, you’re guaranteed to earn money with a part-time job, and it may give you the chance to broaden your horizons beyond your focus at college.

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Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.

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10 Resume Mistakes College Students MUST Avoid in 2024

A college student's guide to resume mistakes.

This web story equips college students with the knowledge to craft a winning resume! Learn the 10 worst mistakes to avoid in 2024, from typos to irrelevant info. Get ready to impress employers and land your dream job!

Image Source: Canva

Typos and Grammatical Errors

Proofread meticulously! Typos and grammatical errors scream carelessness and can instantly disqualify you. Use spell check, have someone else review your resume, and proofread again before submitting.

Generic Objective Statement

Skip the generic 'seeking a challenging opportunity' statement. Craft a targeted objective tailored to the specific job you're applying for. Highlight relevant skills and career goals that align with the position.

Focusing on Duties Instead of Achievements

Don't just list your responsibilities at previous jobs. Showcase your accomplishments! Use strong action verbs to quantify your achievements and the impact you made.

Unnecessary Information

Your resume is not your autobiography. Stick to relevant details – education, work experience, skills, and awards related to the job you're targeting. Avoid including personal information like date of birth or marital status.

Outdated Format

Use a clean and professional resume format that's easy for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to read. Opt for clear headings, concise bullet points, and a consistent font throughout.

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Excessive length.

Keep it brief! One page is ideal for college students. Prioritize your most relevant experiences and skills.

Unprofessional Email Address

Ditch the cutesy nicknames or party-themed email addresses. Create a professional email address with your full name or initials and a reliable email provider.

Missing Keywords

Research the job description and strategically incorporate relevant keywords and skills throughout your resume. This will help your resume get noticed by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) used by many companies.

Fabrication or Embellishment

Be honest about your skills and experience. While it's okay to highlight your strengths, avoid exaggerating or fabricating information. You may get caught during the interview process.

Social Media Links (Unless Requested)

Generally, it's best to avoid including social media links on your resume unless specifically requested by the employer. Your resume should focus on your professional qualifications.

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What is it Like to Attend Ithaca College?

The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teach – they’re sharing their college experiences, as well. Ene graduated from Ithaca College in 2014 with a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry. She tutors Biology tutoring , Chemistry tutoring , Physics tutoring , and many other subjects. Check out her review of Ithaca College:

VT: Describe the campus setting and transportation options. How urban or safe is the campus? Are there buses or do you need a car/bike?

Ene: The Ithaca College campus is safe, a bit secluded, and of medium size. On-campus housing is very close to campus classes, and in the summertime, I would advise students to walk, instead of drive, to their classes. The winters are very cold, however. The college is about 20-25 minutes from the Ithaca Commons by foot. Buses arrive every thirty minutes on the weekdays, and they run until a little after 1:00 a.m. The campus is secluded from the town, and it is kept safe by public safety officers who drive around, especially at night. Only residents of a building have access to the main entrance with their IDs. In the event that a student is afraid to walk alone, there are escort services available free of charge. A car or bike is not necessary, especially if you live on campus, but a car can be useful after the buses stop running (if you live off campus and during the winter).

VT: How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants?

Ene: The professors and advisers are very easy to reach, especially during office hours. But most times, I could just stop by a professor’s office and have a chat with him or her. Most teaching assistants (TAs) are students, and they provide their email information to students. They are available through TA sessions and by appointment.

VT: How would you describe the dorm life – rooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students?

Ene: There are numerous socialization opportunities, especially for freshmen. The First Year Experience introduces students to various student organizations and provides a list of fun things to do in Ithaca. The resident assistants are also very supportive, and they always come up with activities that students can do together. Collaborations between student organizations provide another way for students who are not freshmen to socialize.

VT: Which majors/programs are best represented and supported? What did you study and why? Did the university do a good job supporting your particular area of study?

Ene: Ithaca College is known for its Music, Theatre, and Television Radio majors. I studied Biochemistry because I love both biology and chemistry, and I wanted a chance to study both. The department is small when compared to other departments, and this made it easier to get to know my fellow students and teachers in the department. Professors had time to answer my individual questions, and I was able to do research with a professor who supervised and advised me.

VT: How easy or difficult was it for you to meet people and make friends as a freshman? Does Greek life play a significant role in the campus social life?

Ene: I was an international student who enrolled in the spring semester, and the friends I made were mostly exchange students who left in following semesters. It was a bit rough for me to go out and meet people, but once I started to join clubs and take classes outside my major, I had more chances to socialize. Ithaca College has no Greek life of its own, but students can join fraternities and sororities at Cornell University.

VT: How helpful is the Career Center and other student support services? Do many reputable companies recruit on campus?

Ene: Career Services offers walk-in sessions for tasks like resume and cover letter writing. They also provide opportunities for students to complete mock interviews. Every semester, there is at least one job fair with between 80-100 recruiters. In addition, there is an alumni mentorship program that allows students to contact and seek advice from alumni of the college .

VT: How are the various study areas such as libraries, the student union, and dorm lounges? Are they over-crowded, easily available, spacious?

Ene: Dorm lounges are hardly ever used unless there is a floor event or when students want to watch shows together. There is only one library, which can get crowded during exam periods. But there are multiple computer labs and study lounges where students can study. The library is open 24 hours a day on weekdays. The computer labs are open until late at night.

VT: Describe the surrounding town. What kinds of outside establishments / things to do are there that make it fun, boring, or somewhere in between? To what extent do students go to the downtown area of the city versus staying near campus?

Ene:  Ithaca also houses Cornell University, and students from Ithaca College have the chance to join clubs at Cornell University and to take classes there. It is a great way to meet other students. Ithaca has many gorges and parks that are fun to explore in the summer, and there are many restaurants downtown to explore, as well.

VT: How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes?

Ene: The largest classes are typically introductory classes of up to 100 students (in the sciences). But once you move from 100-level classes, class sizes usually fall to between 10 (for small classes) to about 40 (for the larger classes). I was pleased with the class size because there was more room for individual questions and discussions .

VT: Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one you regret the most.

Ene: I went into college as a Biology major. At that point, I hated chemistry. I remember my first chemistry class with a certain professor and immediately falling in love with chemistry because he taught it so well and enthusiastically. So after that class, I changed my major to Biochemistry. 

Check out Ene’s tutoring profile . 

The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

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Money Report

The salaries Ivy League students earn 10 years after college—it's over $110,000 for 2 schools

By kamaron mcnair,cnbc • published june 7, 2024 • updated on june 7, 2024 at 9:27 am.

The eight colleges that make up the Ivy League continue to draw a glut of media attention and inspire students from all over to compete for spots at the prestigious institutions. 

There's a good reason, too. The schools offer world-class educations, often featuring courses taught by well-respected leaders and field experts . And the outcomes for Ivy League grads speak to that. 

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Ivy League alumni frequently go on to land high-paying jobs at top employers or found their own successful startups . For example, Matt Salzberg co-founded Blue Apron and Jennifer Hyman co-founded Rent the Runway , both after earning Harvard degrees.

While the Ivy League has a reputation for enrolling students from wealthy families — who may go on to land well-paying jobs regardless of the college they attend — the schools tend to dole out generous financial aid packages to low-income students too. 

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Here are the median earnings, average annual cost and median debt for former Ivy League students who received federal financial aid, according to the Department of Education's College Scorecard .

The University of Pennsylvania

• Median earnings 10 years after attendance: $112,761
• Average annual cost: $26,138
• Median debt at graduation: $15,715

Princeton University

• Median earnings 10 years after attendance: $110,433
• Average annual cost: $8,143
• Median debt at graduation: $10,320

Cornell University

• Median earnings 10 years after attendance: $98,321
• Average annual cost: $29,651
• Median debt at graduation: $14,000

Columbia University

• Median earnings 10 years after attendance: $97,540
• Average annual cost: $23,497
• Median debt at graduation: $21,500

Yale University

• Median earnings 10 years after attendance: $95,961
• Average annual cost: $18,535
• Median debt at graduation: $12,975

Dartmouth College

• Median earnings 10 years after attendance: $95,540
• Average annual cost: $31,120
• Median debt at graduation: $17,500

Harvard University

• Median earnings 10 years after attendance: $95,114
• Average annual cost: $19,500

Brown University

• Median earnings 10 years after attendance: $87,811
• Average annual cost: $27,157
• Median debt at graduation: $11,428

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