A good cover letter can be the difference between being invited to an interview and ending up at the bottom of the pile. When you apply for a placement, the letter is your chance to show who you are, not just what you can do. This guide gives you a clear structure, a template and concrete examples.
A cover letter for a placement should answer three things in half a page: who you are, why you are applying to that particular workplace and what you can contribute. Keep it short, concrete and aimed at the workplace — avoid generic templates that could fit any company.
Why the cover letter matters#
When you apply for a placement you often have limited work experience. That makes the cover letter especially important, because it shows your motivation, your attitude and your ability to express yourself. Supervisors would rather read a short, honest letter than a long, impersonal one.
The letter complements your CV. If you want help with the CV itself, we have a separate guide on how to write a placement CV that stands out.
Structure for the cover letter#
A clear cover letter usually follows this structure:
- Introduction – who you are and what you are applying for.
- Motivation – why this particular workplace and industry.
- What you contribute – qualities and knowledge linked to the task.
- Closing – a friendly prompt to the next step.
A template you can start from#
Use this template and replace the parts in brackets:
Hi [name or title],
My name is [name] and I study [programme] at [school]. During [period] I will do [LIA/APL/placement] and am applying to you because [a concrete reason linked to the company].
During my studies I have learned [relevant skills], and I am particularly interested in [area]. I am [two or three qualities] and would be glad to contribute [something concrete] during my placement.
I would appreciate the chance to tell you more in a short conversation. Thank you for your time.
Best regards, [name and contact details]
Three tips that lift the letter#
- Aim the letter. Mention something specific about the company so it is clear you did not send the same text to twenty workplaces.
- Show, don't just tell. Instead of "I am responsible", give a short example that shows it.
- Proofread. Typos signal carelessness. Read it through, or ask someone else to.
Common things to avoid#
- Long letters of more than one page.
- Repeating your entire CV in prose.
- Clichés like "I am a team player" with no example.
- Forgetting your contact details.
How Prakto can help#
In Prakto, students can find and apply for placements in one place, and schools and companies see the applications together. That makes it easier to spend your time on a thoughtful cover letter rather than on keeping track of scattered emails and documents.
Frequently asked questions#
How long should a cover letter for a placement be?#
About half to one A4 page. Supervisors are short on time, so a short, clear letter is always better than a long one.
What should you write if you lack experience?#
Focus on your education, your motivation and your qualities. A placement is for learning — the workplace does not expect you to know everything already.
Should you write different letters for different workplaces?#
Yes. Adapt at least the introduction and motivation to each workplace. A targeted letter gets a reply far more often.
Conclusion#
A cover letter for a placement does not need to be long or complicated. Keep it short, aim it at the workplace and show your motivation with concrete examples. Together with a clear CV, it gives you a strong start in the search for a placement.
Sources#
- Arbetsförmedlingen — support and tips for applications for students and jobseekers.
