Career Management in the Office of Student Services
180 Statler Hall • (607) 255-6376 • Fax (607) 255-9540 • www.hotelschool.cornell.edu/students/careers/
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Sample: Freshman Cover Letter – Operations
Before writing your cover
letter read through the
organization’s web site
and job posting.
Highlight the qualities,
skills, and abilities that
the employer wants.
Quotes from the job posting
are included below. Note how
the author demonstrates she
understands the needs of her
audience.
“An internship allows you to
experience our culture, learn our
standards and gain exposure to
various areas of a hotel or resort.”
“The deeply instilled Four Seasons
culture is personified by its
employees – people who share a
single focus and are inspired to offer
great service.”
“Handles all guest interactions with
the highest level of hospitality and
professionalism, accommodating
special requests whenever possible;
resolves customer complaints.”
“Exceptional interpersonal, verbal,
and written communication skills.
Ability to work in teams, with
people from diverse backgrounds.”
“Works harmoniously and
professionally with co-workers and
supervisors.”
Tailor each cover letter you
write to the job you want.
Note how this letter includes
the title of the position, name
of the organization, and
specific examples of how the
author will contribute to Four
Seasons.
1234 Balch Hall
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY 14850
March 6, 20XX
Mr. Michael Martin
Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia
One Logan Square
Philadelphia, PA 19103-6933
Dear Mr. Martin:
I am writing to express my interest in a Rooms Division Internship at Four Seasons Hotel
Philadelphia. As a student at the Cornell University School of Hotel Administration, I am
pursuing a career in hotel operations. The opportunity to learn your standards and gain
exposure to various areas of a hotel fits well with my education, experience, and passion for
the hospitality industry.
My restaurant experience has provided me the opportunity to develop an appreciation for
quality service that will be useful as an intern at your property. As a hostess at the Bocaccinis
Italian Bistro & Bar, I greeted guests with a welcoming smile and always aimed to exceed
their expectations. As a server, I enjoyed building relationships with customers, learning their
names, and making repeat customers feel special. You will find that I am able to adapt to
changing priorities and schedules, anticipate customer needs, and resolve customer
complaints quickly. As an intern at Four Seasons, I will offer personalized service and strive to
create unforgettable memories for guests.
With my strong communication skills and experience working in teams, I am confident that I
can step into a customer facing position and be immediately productive. While volunteering
for Habitat for Humanity, I developed the ability to explain concepts in an appropriate
manner based on my audience, a skill that could come in handy if provided the opportunity
to work at the Front Desk, in Guest Services, or with the Kids For All Seasons program. In
addition, my experience as a varsity athlete has shown that I am comfortable taking the lead
when needed, but that I am also good at taking directions.
The attached resume includes more details about my education, experience, and skills;
however, I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss my qualifications with you in more
detail. I will contact you next to week confirm receipt of my application materials and request
a personal interview. If you would like to contact me sooner, you can reach me at (607) xxx-
xxxx or flxx@cornell.edu. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
First M. Last
School of Hotel Administration, Cornell University 20xx