Cover Letter - CAREER SERVICES

COVER LETTER | GUIDE & EXAMPLES

CAREER

SERVICES

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» General Cover Letter Example

» Bulleted Format Example

» Part-Time Position Example

» Email Format Example

» Prospecting Letter Example

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INSIDE:

PURPOSE

The cover letter introduces you to potential employers and demonstrates how your

strengths, skills and experience match the position. Effective cover letters should:

• Demonstrate your genuine interest and research of the organization

• Focus on the needs of the employer, not your own

• Be modied and tailored to each position

GUIDELINES

• Use the same header (contact information) as your resume

• 1 page – 8.5” x 11”

• .5” to 1” margins all around

• White paper (avoid colors)

• Don’t start every sentence with “I”

• Address the person directly when possible (Ms. Jones, Dr. Smith)

• Follow a standard business letter format

CONTENT

First Paragraph: “Why Them?”

• Describe what you are applying for and how you found the position

• Highlight why you are applying to this company and why you are specically

interested in them (demonstrate your research of the company)

• Include a thesis sentence: The top two or three reasons you’re qualied for the

position

Middle Paragraph(s): “Why You?”

• Prove your thesis sentence with concrete examples demonstrating your skills and

experience

• Address specic experience(s) or academic highlights that directly relate to the

qualications the employer is seeking

• May close with a summary sentence of your qualications and a condent

statement that you can make a contribution to the organization

Closing Paragraph(s): “Next Steps”

• Reiterate your interest in the position and thank the employer for taking the time

to read your cover letter

• Indicate how and when the employer can reach you

OVERVIEW

October 15, 20xx

Mr. Scott Lui

Director of Sales

ABC Corporation

1 Industry Plaza

San Luis Obispo, CA 93407

Dear Mr. Lui:

In response to the Marketing and Business Development Coordinator position advertised

on MustangJOBS, I would like to submit my application. I have been interested in your

company since meeting with Dan Shultz at the Start Up Career Fair in March. Especially

appealing are your focus on personalizing data and your unique approaches to engaging

customers. I feel that my experiences with project management and marketing through

hands-on classroom projects, as well as my involvement on campus would allow me to

make unique contributions to your company.

Working with a minimal budget, thinking creatively, and adapting presentations to appeal

to different audiences are second nature to me. Last year I became the Outreach and

Recruitment Student Assistant for the Center for Community Engagement at Cal Poly. At

that time, the marketing team was working on a shoestring budget and our organization

had only 10 members. I took the initiative to implement a social media marketing campaign

which included the integration of multi-media announcements, contests, and updates. By

the end of the year, our membership had tripled. Also, in my role as a Poly Rep (Cal Poly

Representative) I give presentations to large groups several times a week as a campus tour

guide, customizing each tour to meet the needs and interests of the group.

In addition to coursework in topics such as listening to the customer, strategic marketing

measurement and organizational behavior, I’ve also had the opportunity to work with local

management executives through a Marketing Strategy Project. For this project I worked

with a team of four to create a comprehensive marketing strategy identifying target

markets, and designing an advertising plan. We also designed market surveys to assess

customer preferences which reached 110 customers.

Becoming a member of ABC Corporation, an innovative organization that sees the

bigger picture and can create customized customer relationships and solutions is an

exciting prospect. I am eager for the opportunity to further discuss my qualications

with you and how I could effectively contribute as a Marketing and Business

Development Coordinator. Thank you for your time and I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Reuben Gutiérrez

GENERAL COVER LETTER EXAMPLE

Marketing and Business Development Coordinator at ABC Corporation

This full time coordinator will be responsible for developing and

executing marketing campaigns in a fast-paced startup environment.

Key responsibilities include: identifying new target markets, developing

market entry strategies, developing marketing plans for hard-to-reach

demographics, and updating and preparing presentations.

Requirements include:

• Previous marketing experience

• Proven ability to manage projects, multi-task and prioritize

• Attention to detail; self-starter; creative

• Excellent written and verbal skills

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Mention

the name of

your referral

or contact

Illustrate

your

relevant

skills and

experience

with

anecdotes

Rueben Gutierrez

123 Main St. Apt C, San Luis Obispo, CA • 805.555.5111 • rgutierr@calpoly.edu • www.linkedin.com/rgutierr

BULLETED FORMAT EXAMPLE

August 22, 20xx

Ms. Kim Dean

Bleacher Report

123 Sleepy Hollow Rd.

Hartford, CA 06152

Dear Ms Dean:

Please consider my enclosed resume for the position of Quality Editor that I found on your

company website. With several years of editing experience, both with Bleacher Report and

my university’s news organization, I am condent that my skill set and background make

me the right t for this role at one of my favorite sports websites. Some highlights from my

experience include:

• Teamwork and communication: As Editor-in-Chief of Cal Poly’s bi-weekly newspaper, I

have learned that the work does not start and stop in the newsroom. Being responsible

for publishing articles online requires constant communication with writers and section

editors. The successful publication of our paper is truly a team effort so it is vital that as

editor I ensure everyone is meeting deadlines, feeling supported, and doing their part.

• Vigilant research and fact-checking: I have honed these skills over the past four years as

a history major at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, given the school’s heavy focus on students

conducting their own research in constructing and writing original, engaging essays.

During my time at Cal Poly, I have become a published historian and was awarded a

scholarship for that publication. I want to bring my enthusiasm for detail and quality to

another level working for the organization which has fostered my growth and furthered

my interest in the journalistic world.

• Flexibility and time-management: I started as a copy editor for Mustang News, and have

since risen to Editor-in-Chief by appointment. My role as a vital stylistic and quality cog

on this news team has prepared me extensively for round-the-clock news. Also, during

my sophomore year as a copy editing intern, then an on-call copy editor with Bleacher

Report, I had to balance my shifting school schedule with work hours. As a result, I gained

a better understanding of time management and exibility and learned to work with

greater efciency.

I am intimately familiar with Bleacher Report’s style guide, as well as the AP stylebook. This

writing and editing experience, I believe, qualies me for the position of Quality Editor. I

would give my whole self to the organization and want to continue with Bleacher Report

for as long as I can. Thank you for taking the time to read this letter, and I look forward to

hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Sarah Nelson

Use this

format to

highlight

relevant

skills and

qualities

gained

through

specic

internship

and

academic

experience

Quality editors are responsible for reviewing all content bound for publica-

tion, assuring the highest quality in regard to writing mechanics, analytical

arguments, factual/statistical support, multimedia elements and formatting

prior to approval. Quality editors must also communicate efciently and

effectively across teams to x substantive issues.

Successful candidates will possess the right balance of sports expertise,

prior editing experience, familiarity with established editorial standards and

practices, exceptional communication skills and dedication to the team’s

mission to grow and protect the site.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Sarah Nelson

555 Islay Street San Luis Obispo, CA 93407 | (805) 555-5676 | snelson@calpoly.edu

Sarah Nelson

PART-TIME POSITION EXAMPLE

January 15, 20xx

Company Name

123 Lane St

San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

Dear Mr. Smith:

This letter is in response to the Tasting Room Team Member position with XYZ

Winery, which was advertised on MustangJOBS at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.

In reviewing your website, I was impressed with your emphasis on customer

service and the variety of wine tasting experiences you offer to your guests.

My customer service experience, passion for learning, and outgoing personality

would make me a good t for this position.

The job description requires someone with strong customer service experience,

passion for learning and an outgoing personality. In my current position as a

Barista at Starbucks, I learned and exhibited excellent customer service in one

of the most fast-paced coffee shops in the city. In order to ensure accuracy of

orders and connect with guests, I created a system to memorize customer’s

names and their specic beverage requests.

As an Agricultural Business major, I offer critical problem solving skills and

the ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences. Last quarter, I

led four group members in developing a marketing feasibility study project

for the Paso Robles Wine Center. Altogether, I feel what I have learned at Cal

Poly and my customer service experience makes me an ideal candidate for this

position. I would be honored to be given the chance to work for an innovative

and customer-driven winery such as XYZ Winery. Thank you for your time and

consideration.

Sincerely,

Chloe Jensen

Show that you’ve

done the research

to keep the reader’s

interest

The Tasting Room Team Member is be responsible for

engaging and enchanting our guests. Applicants should enjoy

interacting with a wide variety of people and be able to remain

focused and relaxed in an ever-changing and fast-paced

environment. Potential team members will have a passion for

learning, be reliable and professional, and have an outgoing

and engaging personality, with a strong work ethic and

attention to detail. Customer service experience is required.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Four blank

lines for

signature

Highlight the

relevance

of a related

class project

Chloe Jensen

cjensen@calpoly.edu • 805-333-8051 • www.chloejensen.com • www.linkedin.com/in/cjensen

POSITION DESCRIPTION

EMAIL FORMAT EXAMPLE

Include

a thesis

sentence

in the rst

paragraph

Dear Mr. Myers:

Thank you for taking time to speak with me yesterday at the Cal Poly, San Luis

Obispo Career Fair. After hearing more about the Mechanical Engineering

internship at Bosch and researching your core values of enhancing quality of life

with solutions that are both innovative and benecial, I am very interested in

joining your team. I am a fourth year mechanical engineering major with a 3.4

cumulative GPA and a concentration in mechatronics. My engineering experience,

teamwork and leadership skills would make me an excellent t for this position.

I have developed and applied my engineering skills in a variety of contexts. This

past year, I led ve team members on a three-wheeled vehicle design project.

We designed and sized the necessary mechanical and electrical components.

From there, we built and tested the three-wheeled vehicle model. We extensively

utilized SolidWorks and Matlab for the modeling and analysis of our frame and

suspension components.

As a Design Engineer Intern for Special Devices Incorporated, I conducted

multiple CFD analyses using CFDesign. The skills which I gained from using this

program would be useful for setting up and analyzing intake ow rates, exhaust

ow rates, and EGT’s via the heat transfer capabilities. I also created multiple

CAD drawings of mounting brackets for experimental equipment to y on a DC-8

aircraft.

Attached is my resume. Please contact me with any additional questions at

805-555-5555. I look forward to speaking with you more about the great

opportunity to join your team at Bosch. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

John A. Cho

805-555-5555

jcemail@calpoly.edu

www.linkedin/in/jacho

Mechanical Engineering Internship

The Bosch Group operates in most countries in the world. With

over 300,000 associates, a career at Bosch offers a chance

to grow an exceptional career in an environment that values

diversity, initiative, and a drive for results. Requirements:

• Must be currently enrolled in an accredited university and

pursuing a Bachelors or Masters degree with at least one

semester completed

• Minimum overall GPA of at least 3.0

• Must be a minimum of 18 years of age

• Eligible to work in the US without sponsorship

• Knowledge of SolidWorks, AutoCAD and Matlab

Be direct

but

courteous in

the closing

[email protected]

Subject: Mechanical Engineering Internship for Bosch

PROSPECTING LETTER EXAMPLE

Matthew Stuart

www.linkedin.com/matthewstuart | (805) 334-7331 | mstuart2@calpoly.edu

June 26, 20xx

Mr. Joseph Elliot

Community Service Director

The Family Care Network, Inc.

1255 Kendall Rd.

San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

Dear Mr. Elliot:

I learned about The Family Care Network while researching nonprots online.

Your mission matches my desire to help foster youth with compassionate

assistance, care, and guidance and I am interested in Family Care Network’s

range of services and successful track record. I am writing to see whether

you would be interested in hiring an intern for your Community Relations

Department this summer.

Currently, I am a junior at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, pursuing my BA in

Sociology with a concentration in Social Services. I am strongly considering a

career in social work or nonprot management. My interest in working with

foster youth was sparked last quarter when I became a mentor with the Bakari

Project at Cal Poly. As part of this program, I work one-on-one weekly with

two at-risk youth ages 15 and 17, helping them to actualize their potential for

success and take advantage of life opportunities. This experience has been

invigorating and very impactful. Additionally, I am a Resident Advisor (RA) and

have successfully built community by creating programs and planning events

that strengthened community development and cultural awareness.

In researching the Family Care Network, I was impressed that you specialize in

multiple areas including Community-Linked Services, Therapeutic Foster care,

Family Support and Transitional Housing. I would like to contribute to your

Community Resources Development department by assisting with planning and

organizing events as well as conducting outreach and marketing. I am available

to work up to 20 hours a week this summer and welcome the opportunity to

meet with you to discuss the possibility of interning. I will follow up in a week

to see if we can set up a time. Thank you very much for your attention.

Sincerely,

Matthew Stuart

Enclosure: Resume

Highlight

relevant

skills gained

through

specic

volunteer

and

leadership

experience

Since you don’t have a mutual

contact, you have to nd another

way to connect with the reader.

Establish that you are interested

specically in this organization and

explain why you are targeting them

Address

your letter

to a specic

person

FAQ

1. HOW LONG SHOULD A COVER LETTER BE?

It should be brief, three to four paragraphs, no longer than one page, and should

be targeted to the position for which you are applying. Focus on the most relevant

aspects of your background that relate to the job opening. The one page rule

applies to most traditional job applications (additional pages are acceptable if you

are applying for academic or government positions). If you have more than one

page and are printing the letter to deliver/mail it, staple both pages together.

2. DO I NEED A COVER LETTER IF THE JOB POSTING DID NOT ASK FOR ONE?

Normally you should not provide an employer with more than they ask for in their

job posting. However, if it is “optional” or if the job posting is not clear on what

to submit, you should include one. Also, if you are applying for an opportunity you

learned about from a connection, then a cover letter is used as an introduction.

3. CAN I USE MY EMAIL AS THE COVER LETTER?

If the job announcement asks for a cover letter, write a cover letter and attach

it with your resume (attach both as a PDF so the formatting doesn’t change).

If they do not ask for a cover letter, then you can use your email as your letter

of introduction without ofcially sending a cover letter. Make sure you always

reference the job announcement #/title in your email subject line.

4. THE JOB ANNOUNCEMENT ASKED ME TO INCLUDE MY SALARY HISTORY.

WHAT SHOULD I DO?

Do not write “negotiable.” A good answer to this question in your cover letter is:

Based on my research, someone with my education and experience in this location

makes between $______ to $______ range, with appropriate benets.

5. TO WHOM SHOULD I ADDRESS THE COVER LETTER?

Address your cover letter to an individual by name if possible. Call the company

and ask to whom it should be directed. If possible, please do not address the

cover letter as “Dear Sir or Madam” or “To Whom It May Concern.” This makes it

appear to be a mass mailing rather than a targeted cover letter. If you exhaust all

resources, you may use “Dear Selection Committee” or “Dear Hiring Manager.”

FOR ADDITIONAL HELP (visit website for details)

» Make an appointment with a career counselor

» See your College Specialist Career Counselor’s

drop-in hours

» Stop by FasTrak (no appointment needed)

» Attend a workshop

careerservices.calpoly.edu

805-756-2501