Cover letters follow a familiar simplistic format:
- First paragraph – Why you are writing.
- Middle paragraph(s) – What skills and/or character values qualify you as a candidate.
- Ending paragraph – How you’ll follow up.
Tips:
- Be clear and focused on the message you’re trying to convey.
- Address a specific person’s name in charge of the interviewing/hiring process.
- Provide compelling reasons that shows you’re qualified for the position.
- Explain in detail your interests and enthusiasm to grow and be part of the industry you are seeking.
- Identify and emphasize the skills sets that are relevant to the area you are applying for.
- The closing paragraph should invite for personal interview thanking the reader for his/her time.
[Full Name]
[Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
[Phone Number]
[Email]
[Date]
[Contact Name]
[Title]
[Company’s Name]
[Company’s Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Dear Mr. /Ms. Last Name:
When writing a cover letter, the first paragraph tells the employer why you are writing. You may include the name of a shared personal contact, if someone has referred you or recommend that you contact the person or company.
You can also include your college and status and a short sentence on why you feel you are the ideal candidate for the internship/job.
The center body paragraphs of a cover letter are an opportunity to tell the organization what you have to offer. Read the internship/job description carefully if you have one and be sure to do some research on the company.
Once you know about the position for which you are applying, you can target your cover letter to compliment your resume by describing your relevant work or internship experiences, coursework, volunteer and co-curricular activities, etc. Be specific and describe to the company how your skills will fill their needs.
The paragraph which is last should describe how and when you will follow up.
The responsibility is certainly yours as for the follow up unless the internship/job description particularly states no phone calls or email follow up. If you are emailing your cover letter and documents, follow-up is generally 24 – 48 hours; if you are sending documents via mail follow up is usually in one week.
Sincerely,
[Signature]
[Print Full Name]
