You’ve found the job. You’re excited to apply. Then you see the words: “Submit resume and cover letter.” And suddenly, you’re stuck.
If you don’t have much (or any) work experience, writing a cover letter can feel intimidating. But here’s the truth: you still have a story to tell—and it matters.
A great cover letter doesn’t require years of experience. It requires clarity, confidence, and a connection between what you bring and what the job needs.
And if you’ve already written a SMART Goal and built a backplan, then you’re more prepared than you think.
If your SMART Goal is:
“I will apply for three kitchen prep jobs by the end of the month,”
…then writing a cover letter is a step in your backplan. It’s not something extra—it’s part of your path. And your cover letter is where you show an employer how you've been preparing for this opportunity.
Paragraph 1: Say who you are and what role you’re applying for
Paragraph 2: Highlight strengths, transferable skills, and any CDP training
Paragraph 3: Share why you’re interested in this company or role
Paragraph 4: Thank them and include your contact info
Don’t overthink it. Keep it focused on what you bring and where you're headed.
Even if you haven’t had a formal job yet, your backplan likely includes training, skill-building, or practice tasks.
Here’s how that shows up in a cover letter:
Instead of just saying:
“I’m interested in this job.”
You can say:
“Over the past three weeks, I’ve completed my food handler certification and practiced meal prep techniques to get ready for a role like this.”
That signals effort, preparation, and accountability—all things employers look for.
Think about what you’ve done in school, your family, volunteer roles, or the CDP:
Worked as part of a team
Managed responsibilities under pressure
Showed up on time and followed through
Learned something new and stuck with it
Example:
“Through the Union Kitchen CDP program, I’ve built skills in food safety, time management, and customer service. I’ve practiced these in a training environment and am ready to bring them to a real kitchen.”
If you don’t have direct experience, you’re not alone. Everyone starts somewhere. What matters is your mindset—and your plan.
Don’t write:
“I know I don’t have experience, but…”
Instead, write:
“I’m eager to contribute and continue learning. I’ve put in the work to prepare, and I’m ready to take the next step.”
If you’ve followed your backplan, you're not just telling a story—you’re showing progress. You’re saying: Here’s the goal I set, here’s what I’ve done to prepare, and here’s why I’m ready.
That’s a powerful message for any employer to hear.
Writing your cover letter isn’t just another task—it’s proof that you’re following through on your SMART Goal and staying committed to your backplan. Keep it short. Be specific. Show them who you are and how far you’ve come.