NEXTROLES · APPLICATION RESOURCES
Write a cover letter for work experience
A work experience letter explains what you would like to learn, why the organisation interests you and what you can bring. You can use school activities and responsibilities as evidence without claiming professional experience.
Before you write
Check whether the organisation advertises placements and how it wants you to apply. Read any dates, eligibility requirements and instructions. For a school placement, discuss the process with your teacher before contacting an employer.
Use four short parts
- Your request: say that you are looking for work experience and give the dates if they are confirmed.
- Your interest: explain what you want to learn about this organisation or kind of work.
- Your evidence: describe a relevant activity and what you contributed.
- Your closing: thank the reader and ask about the appropriate next step.
An example to adapt
Dear Placement Team,
I am a student looking for work experience during [confirmed dates]. I am interested in learning how your team supports customers and manages day-to-day enquiries.
Through helping at a school open evening, I practised welcoming visitors, listening to questions and checking information with staff. I would like to develop these skills and learn more about working in a customer-facing team.
Please let me know whether you offer placements and which application process I should follow. Thank you for considering my enquiry.
Kind regards,
[Your name]
This is an illustrative enquiry, not a letter to send unchanged. Replace the placeholders, use a real example and explain your interest in the particular organisation. If you are applying to an advertised placement, answer its requirements directly.
Check your final version
- Confirm the organisation’s name, contact and application route.
- Use accurate dates and follow your school’s placement process.
- Remove claims that do not describe your experience.
- Attach a CV only if requested, and check the file opens.
- Read the letter aloud to catch awkward or unclear wording.
Use our first-job CV checklist to prepare your CV. If you have a placement advert, the NextRoles cover letter builder can help you connect your evidence to it.