Example cover letter by an international student

Flat 17, 101 Factory Farm

Ladywell Park Road
Nottingham
N1 6TN
26 April 2013

Mr Sheldon Roberts
Graduate Talent Coordinator
Smith and Jones

Remember to
include where you
saw the job
advertised

Dear Mr Roberts,
I am writing to apply for your store manager graduate scheme, as advertised on Smithandjones.org.
I first became interested in a career in retail after working part time in a large department store in China
(my home country) before moving to the UK to study.
I believe that retail work would be an ideal way to combine my experience and interests in customer
service, problem solving and ecommerce. I confirmed my interest in joining a successful graduate
scheme like the one you offer at Smith and Jones while attending a graduate recruitment fair at my
university last summer. Speaking to graduates who had already completed such schemes and who were
enthusiastic about the opportunities it had brought them inspired me to apply to your organisation.
Smith and Jones stood out as offering the most opportunities through its training
scheme, as shown through the information on your website and your Investors in
People award. I was also impressed by your focus on continuing professional
development within your organisation for staff at all levels.

Explaining why you

are interested in that
company is a real asset
in a cover letter

My long-term goal is to become a store manager for a successful department store in the UK and I
believe that my BA (Hons) Hospitality and Service Management (predicted 2.1) will be a good base
to start my career in retail.
I am a highly organised and personable student who recognises the importance of teamwork. While
working at the department store in China I developed my leadership and customer service skills. I believe
that I am able to speak to people at all levels whether a customer in store or a member of senior
management at Smith and Jones.
As my pre-university education was in China, I am unable to translate my qualifications into equivalent
UCAS points. However, as previously stated, I am predicted to achieve a 2.1 in my degree.
I hope that your organisation will consider sponsoring me as at present I do not have permission to
work in the UK after I graduate. My institution advises me that employers can apply for a UK Visa
Sponsorship licence from UK Visas and Immigration. Information can be found at
https://www.gov.uk/uk-visa-sponsorship-employers or questions can be posed to the international
student adviser at my university.
I hope that, on consideration of my attached CV, you will feel that I have the skills and experience to
succeed on your graduate scheme and to become a valued member of Smith and Jones.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely,

Eve Ying