Application Letter for Graduate Trainee

Graduate trainees, also called college hires, are students who have just completed a degree and are heading towards a career path in the workplace, looking for entry-level positions in an organization.

After graduation from the university or any tertiary institution, there is always this feeling of writing a compelling application letter that will land you that position. Sometimes, you might get stuck on what to write, and many times, the feeling of not being good enough, not having the right skills, confusion about the particular skills needed, or not having a good narrative will make you not submit the application letter.

However, this article will give you a comprehensive guide on how you, as a graduate trainee, can write a compelling application letter.

Let’s Meet Vivian

Vivian, who just completed her BSc in Agricultural Science, has been wondering if she can get an entry-level position as a personal assistant. Vivian searched different job sites and often times got discouraged from applying.

One day, while researching, Vivian came across a website called Fasthire.  She wrote down the tips and guidelines.

Tips for Writing an Application Letter as a Graduate Trainee

1. Write down the entry-level position you seek to apply for.
2. Write down your strengths and weaknesses; if you are unsure, ask a close friend or tutor in school.
3. From your strengths and weaknesses, you can figure out your skills (soft skills and hard skills).
4. Research job listings
5. Find the one that matches your stated preference and read the requirements, including the skills stated by the organisation they want the applicant to have.
6. Match your skills, and you will be glad to have clarity.

Once Vivian was done with these, she had to go through the outlined guidelines.

Guidelines for Writing an Application Letter as a Graduate Trainee

1. Address your letter properly and start with a professional salutation. If you don’t know the name or gender of the hiring manager, you can use “Dear Sir/Madam”, “Dear Hiring Manager”, or “To Whom It May Concern”.
2. Start with an engaging opening and mention the position you are applying for.
3. Showcase your passion for the position, stating where the drive for it emerged.
4. Highlight your qualifications by stating your educational background, relevant course work that matches the job role, projects, and achievements. More so, you can mention any internship, part-time job, or voluntary experience that demonstrates your skills and dedication.
5. Read the job description and requirements carefully, and align your skills and qualifications with what the organisation is looking for.
6. Emphasise your soft skills like teamwork, communication, etc., and discuss your career goals and how the graduate trainee position fits your long-term plan. Ensure to state how the role will develop you professionally.
7. You can research the organisation’s values, mission, and culture and state how they align with yours.
8. Conclude your application letter professionally by highlighting your eagerness for an interview to discuss your qualifications further. Also, attach your resume or CV and make reference to it.
9. Use a formal closing such as “sincerely,” “yours sincerely” or yours faithfully”. Sign below the formal closing remark and write your name under the signature.

In addition, it is important to note that your application letter should be tailored to each job application, as each organisation has different requirements, they want the applicant to have.

More so, carefully proofread your application letter for correction, ensuring that your contact information (email address and phone number) is stated so that the employer can easily reach you.

Also, your application letter should be concise and focused (straight to the point). You should aim for one-page length, using paragraphs and bullet points for readability.

After going through all those carefully, Vivian was more convinced to write a compelling application letter.

Application Letter for Graduate Trainee Sample

Avenue Road,

4 October, 2023

Mr. Richard Okiasi,

Harris Limited,

xxxxxx

Dear Mr. Richard,

Application for a Graduate Trainee Position

As a young individual aiming to develop professionally, I am excited to apply for the position of personal assistant to the managing director as advertised. Before completing my undergraduate studies, I worked as a part-time office assistant with Harris Limited, and this role revealed my passion for management, honing my skills in organisation, data entry, and customer relationships.

In addition, during my undergraduate studies in agricultural extension, I took up course works that were predominantly on management, as it was important to have an all-rounded skill as the middleman between technology and farmers, however called the changed agents. During my Small Plot Adoption Techniques project, with 20 farmers disseminating information on the new agricultural practices, I was better able to develop my adaptation skills and people management skills while supervising each farmer and ensuring they understood the information being passed on.

Upon my studies completion in 2015, I took up a voluntary position as supervisor in my uncle’s company, Morris Empire. This experience honed my leadership skills and other transferable skills. More so, your company’s provision for continuous on-the-job training assures me that I will be equipped to meet the demands of market evolution, and it shows Harris Limited’s zeal towards empowering their staff to grow professionally and personally. The quarterly staff party held by your organisation ensures team unity and fosters connections with staff to help the organisation move forward. Additionally, in the long run, I see myself leading project teams, and I know that this position and Harris Limited will provide me with the tools I need.

Similarly, I understood that the company will be having a research project on clean water for their host communities, and I will be grateful to contribute if granted the opportunity, as I have carried out a project on sustainable clean water in three states in Nigeria as a volunteer with Green World. 

I have attached my resume for your perusal. I can be reached through Vivian.com or 099999998 to further discuss my qualifications.

Sincerely,

Xxxx

Clan Vivian

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