How to Write a Cover Letter in High School

Writing a cover letter in high school means drawing on non-job experiences to prove you will be a good hire. Cover letters fill out your résumé by overlaying dry information like dates with a story about your work ability. Recruiters have a limited amount of time to review each application. Restrict your cover letter to one page or less in length while still including these core sections: contact information, a salutation, three body paragraphs and a conclusion.

Begin your letter by listing your contact information: name, address, phone number and a professional-sounding email address (preferably one incorporating your full name). Address your reader by writing “Dear Mr./Ms.” and the reader’s last name; if you do not know who will read your cover letter, write to the title of the position’s supervisor (e.g., “Dear Lifeguard Recruiter”). Finish with a colon.

State the position for which you're applying (e.g., "I am writing to apply for the library assistant position."). Briefly introduce yourself and explain why you think you would be a good hire (e.g., "I am a multisport high-school athlete whose knowledge of games and skill at balancing academics and extra-curricular activities make me a perfect fit for the gym supervisor position.").

Create one or two paragraphs outlining your qualifications for the job. Explain why you are interested in the position and what characteristics make you a good worker. If you do not have experience doing the activities required by the job, cite examples of volunteer or school experiences where you exhibited similar abilities.

List any of your skills applicable to the job. Even if your first job requires little skill, you can give specific examples of abilities like managing time and money, serving others and using technology. Make your letter special; do not use cliches such as “I work well with others” and “I am a team player” without giving specific examples of how you have exhibited these traits.

Conclude your letter by restating why you feel you fit the position well. Thank your reader for his time and encourage him to contact you to discuss your application. If you have an enthusiastic advocate such as a teacher or youth group leader, suggest that your leader contact this adult with any questions. Finally, sign off using “Sincerely” and your full name.

Proofread your letter carefully, removing contractions and slang. Clean layout and correct spelling give your reader a preview of your work ethic, showing you care enough about employment to invest time in a professional cover letter. Ask a teacher or high school career counselor to read your letter before sending it.