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Career Center

Career Center careercenter@uidaho.edu
phone: 208-885-6121
fax: 208-885-2816
Idaho Commons Room 334
P.O. Box 442534
Moscow, ID 83844-2534

Hours

Career Center Hours
Monday-Friday (Academic Year)
8:00 am-5:00 pm
Monday-Friday (Summer)
7:30 am-12pm and 1-4:30 pm

Appointment Suggested.
Drop-Ins Welcomed.

Cover Letter Tutorial

THE PURPOSE OF A COVER LETTER 

The cover letter is your first opportunity to introduce yourself to your potential employer. Think of it as a replacement for a verbal greeting and handshake. As such, it is essential to make a strong and positive first impression. Your cover letter must also be accompanied by your resume. Together your resume and cover letter present a complete package to the employer.

HINT: The ultimate purpose of the cover letter is to convince the employer to interview you!
It is your opportunity to tell the employer why you are interested in and qualified for the position. The cover letter takes the general qualifications on your resume and connects them directly to the specific requirements of the position to which you are applying. This requires that you know something about the company and the position before you apply.


RESEARCHING THE COMPANY &/OR EMPLOYER

There are a variety of ways to find out about the company and its needs. Some suggestions are:

  • Research the company to learn about its mission, products, and hiring practices. This can be done through the company’s web site, directories, the local Chamber of Commerce, or by calling the company and requesting information on products and services.
  • Call the company and request a description for the internship for which you are applying.
  • Talk with an existing contact in the firm.
Take the information you gain from you research and incorporate it into your cover letter. Determine in advance which of your skills best fit the job opening and how to effectively keep the attention of your reader.

HINT: Consider the cover letter as a sales piece about yourself!


THE FORMAT OF THE COVER LETTER
Your cover letter should be professional and straightforward. Use a standard business format letter, addressing it to the individual identified by the company as the contact person for the position. Never direct your letter to a department, sir, madam, or “to whom it may concern”. Use the correct spelling of the contact’s name and the exact title. If you do not have a name, you may use RE: Name of Internship (RE: Public Relations Intern). A phone call to the company or reference to a business directory can provide you with this information if necessary.

Presentation of your cover letter is crucial. Use the same font type, format, and paper as your resume. Check and double-check your spelling and grammar. Limit your letter to one page.

HINT: Remember to sign the letter!


CONTENTS OF THE COVER LETTER
The cover letter should contain three paragraphs:

  1. The introduction, stating why you are writing.
  2. Highlights of experience and accomplishments, telling why you are a good candidate.
  3. The closing, explaining how you will follow-up on your letter.

Paragraph One: The Introduction
The introduction should include why you are writing and how you found out about the position. Make sure it is clear and grabs the employer’s attention. Some examples:

Indicate your reason for writing and the specific position and type of work you are seeking. “I am writing to express my interest in the Accounting Internship.”

Mention the name of the person who referred you to the company if appropriate. “Professor Jean Smith of the University of Idaho School of Communications suggested that I contact you regarding a summer internship.” Or, “I recently learned of your summer graphic design internship through the Cooperative Education Program at the University of Idaho.”

Demonstrate your knowledge of what the company does. “I understand that your firm is the leading exporter of computer chips in the United States. I am very interested in developing my skills in this field and would like to work for your company through a summer internship.”


Paragraph Two: Highlights of Experience and Accomplishments
This paragraph should concentrate on your accomplishments. Discuss your academic background, work experience, and achievements which make you a qualified candidate. Expand upon the contents of your resume, but do not repeat them. After researching the company or position you are applying for, choose one or two highlights from your resume that best fulfill the company’s needs.

HINT: This paragraph must be customized toward the position you are seeking and convince the employer to select you for an interview!

Also, don’t be afraid to make this into two paragraphs if it is too long. If you do use two paragraphs, describe your “hard skills” that fit the employer’s needs in the second paragraph. Then, in the third, additional paragraph, discuss the personal qualities which make you a desirable candidate.

Ask yourself these questions when considering which highlights to use:

Does this example show how much I will contribute to the company?
Choose something that illustrates what you have accomplished for previous employers or at school, thus implying that you will do the same for them.

Are there concrete facts or numbers I can use to back up my claims?
It is best if you can justify everything you say about yourself with hard numbers, percentages, or facts.

Is this a subjective claim?
It shouldn't be. Writing "I bring out the best in my co-workers" tells the reader nothing about what you can actually do.

Is this skill or quality central to the internship or job I am trying to get?
The answer to this question should always be yes.


Paragraph Three: The Closing
The closing paragraph should be businesslike and assertive, not aggressive. Indicate your desire for a personal interview, suggest alternative dates/times or advise of your flexibility for scheduling, and/or express your willingness to provide references or further information.

Be specific about the next action to be taken. Always close with something like “I will call you by…” NOT “I hope to hear….”. Also express appreciation for their time and consideration. Suggested closing salutations are “Sincerely yours” or “Sincerely”. And again, don’t forget to sign your name (in ink).

THINGS TO REMEMBER:

Do not use jargon or be overly informal.
Do not beg for a job.
Do not exaggerate your skills or be overly boastful.
Do not stray onto unrelated subjects such as personal information and viewpoints.
Do not bore the reader with canned lines.
Do not forget to add the follow-up line for action to be taken (ie: a phone call on a specific date).
Do not forget to proofread!!
Four paragraphs are OK, if you have a lot of material.


The following are examples of various types of cover letters.

LETTER with INSTRUCTIONS

Your Address
City, State, Zip Code
Your Phone Number
Your Email Address
Date

HINT: You may also use the "letterhead" format you have created for your name and address for your resume. Just put the date below the "letterhead."

Name of Individual to Whom You are Writing
Title of Individual
Organization Name
Organization Address
City, State, Zip Code

Dear Mr./Ms. Smith:

Begin by stating why you are writing; the type of position for which you are applying; how the organization was referred to you; and how you learned of the employer, if appropriate. If you are not applying for a specific opening, mention departments or types of positions for which you wish to be considered.

Your middle paragraph should create interest in your skills and abilities. Give details of your background that will show the reader why he/she should consider you as a candidate. Based on your research, mention one or two qualifications that you think would be of interest to the employer. Indicate why you have interest in this organization. Refer the reader to your general qualifications on your enclosed resume. Use as much space as you need to tell your story, but keep it brief and to the point. If necessary, this may be divided into two paragraphs.

In the closing paragraph, request an action or indicate your next steps. Mention that you will contact them shortly, giving a specific date or time reference. Reiterate contact numbers. Close politely and with a thank you.

Sincerely,

Your Signature

Your typed name in full

Enclosure(s)







CO-OP/INTERN COVER LETTER

Written in response to a current internship announcement. There are no on-campus interviews and employer follow-up will be done through the Co-op Program or directly to you.

YOUR NAME
College Address: 123 North Jefferson Street, Moscow, ID 83843 (208) 885-5822 sign1234@uidaho.edu
Permanent Address: 1230 Thorton Road, Town, ID 89346 (208) 685-3232


February 1, 2000


Anne Wheeler
Human Resource Coordinator
Idaho Power Company
110 E. State Street
Boise, ID 83702

Dear Ms. Wheeler:

I am excited to apply for the position of summer intern with the Idaho Power Company. This position was recently advertised through the Cooperative Education Program at the University of Idaho where I am a junior studying Electrical Engineering.

My current GPA is a 3.4 and includes courses such as circuits design, control systems, digital communications, and electromagnetic theory. I have a particularly strong background in computers and have received A’s in all of my computer-related courses. I have also worked part-time as a carpenter’s apprentice at a small contractor’s office. This experience would be applicable to your firm, particularly in the areas of estimating and project management.

Enclosed with this cover letter are a resume, my college and high school transcripts, and two written references. I will respond promptly with any additional materials you may need and would welcome the opportunity to further discuss my qualifications. Please feel free to contact me at (208) 885-5822 or through email at sign1234@uidaho.edu

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Your Signature

Your Typed Name


Enclosures: resume, transcripts, references






TARGETED MAILING
There is no current position announcement, but the company does have a Co-op/Intern Program.

YOUR NAME
College Address: 423 North Jefferson Street, Moscow, ID 83843 (208) 885-5822 sign1234@uidaho.edu
Permanent Address: 1230 Thorton Road, Town, ID 89346 (208) 685-3232


February 1, 2000


Michael Bell
Manager
Q105 FM
PO Box 4007
Portland, OR 95211

Dear Mr. Bell:

Please accept this letter and attached resume as my expressed interest in joining Q105 as an intern in the promotions department.

As my resume indicates, I am a candidate for a Bachelor of Science Degree in Communications-Public Relations from the University of Idaho. My experience includes radio dispatching, writing press releases and promotional copy, and assisting in coordinating press coverage of the UI Jazz Festival which attracts over 15,000 participants. I also have a working knowledge of audio/visual equipment and computer operation and have demonstrated excellent verbal and interpersonal skills in my key leadership roles in the Public Relations Student Society of America and my living group.

My leadership and technical writing skills make me an excellent candidate for this position. I would welcome the opportunity to meet you and further discuss my qualifications. I will call you the week of August 25th to arrange a meeting or telephone interview at your convenience. If you need additional information, please feel free to contact me at (208) 885-5822 or through email at sign1234@uidaho.edu.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Your Signature

Your Typed Name

Enclosure






RESPONSE TO A SPECIFIC POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT
This position has an on-going deadline.

YOUR NAME
College Address: 423 North Jefferson Street, Moscow, ID 83843 (208) 885-5822 sign1234@uidaho.edu
Permanent Address: 1230 Thorton Road, Los Angeles, CA 23456 (524) 685-3232

February 1, 2000


Angela Barrett
Internship Coordinator
Pacific Architecture, Inc.
188 Oceanside Avenue, Suite 10
Los Angelos, CA 12856

Dear Ms. Barrett:

I am applying for the architecture internship which I learned of through the University of Idaho Cooperative Education Program. Your web site illustrates Pacific Architecture’s focus on the design of environmentally appropriate buildings which I find exciting! The position requests experience in model making, international practices, and museum design as well as a willingness to relocate to Los Angeles. From the highlights below and my enclosed resume, you can see that my expertise matches your needs:

Model Making

  • Built a 1” = 20” scale site model including landscape and a two story house 
  • Designed and built an abstract 16” cube model constructed entirely of glass and mirrors with interior illumination


International Practices 

  • Studied one year at the London School of Architecture where I maintained a 3.65 GPA 
  • Completed all the specifications and detailing of a three story office building located in Kuwait

Museum Design

  • Course project included the design and presentation of a two-story art museum. Critiqued by three professional architects. Received a grade of A-.

As a native of Los Angeles, I am excited about the possibility of returning to that area. I will be home for Spring Break the week of March 16th and would enjoy the opportunity for an interview. I will call you the week of February 28th to make arrangements. Please feel free to contact me at the above phone number or email address if I can provide additional information.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Your Signature

Your Typed Name

Enclosure






THANK YOU LETTERS


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Always send a thank you letter or note after an interview, when someone has assisted you in your internship search, and/or has provided you with helpful information. This allows you to make contact again with the prospective employer and also demonstrates good manners, consideration, interest, and persistence, and opens the door for future contact. Be sure to obtain the person’s correctly spelled name, title, complete address, phone number, and email address during the contact for use on your thank you letter. The following are examples of different kinds of thank you letters.



EXAMPLES:
When thanking someone after an interview, the letter should be typed but still brief. Write the letter the same day of the interview so that it arrives at the employer’s office quickly. Express your appreciation and re-emphasize your interest in working for the firm and how you feel your skills would benefit the employer. Close by asking for a second interview or with a follow-up phone call for a decision.

Your Street Address
City, State, Zip Code
Your Phone Number
Your Email Address

HINT: You may also use the "letterhead" format you have created for your name and address for your resume. Just put the date below the "letterhead."

Date

Troy Jones
Personnel Director
ABC Events and Advertising
125 North 183 East
Salt Lake City, UT 54113

Dear Mr. Jones:

It was a pleasure meeting with you and learning about ABC Events and Advertising and the summer internship position that is available.

After our discussion, I am confident my skills meet the qualifications you seek, particularly in the area of writing promotional information cards and events coordination. I hope that you will come to a favorable decision, as I certainly would like to join your staff during summer 1998.

I would be pleased to provide reference names and phone numbers for you review. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,
Your Signature
Your Typed Name





When thanking someone for an informational interview, for talking with you on the phone, or for information provided to you, you may type a letter or hand write an informal note on a professional note card (plain). Keep it simple by expressing your appreciation and relaying the action you took if any was recommended.







Date

Dear Ms. James:

Thank you for meeting with me on January 20, 1998. The information you provided was very helpful.

At your suggestion, I contacted Mr. Smith at ABC Corporation, and we will be meeting next week. I will also be attending the Career Fair you recommended. I hope I will see you there.

Sincerely,

Your Signature
Your Address
Your Phone Number
Your Email Address








Date



Dear Mr. Taylor:



Thank you for sending me information on the Professional Engineering Society of Spokane. I will be attending your June meeting and will become a member at that time. I hope to see you at the meeting.



Sincerely,



Your Signature
Your Address
Your Phone Number
Your Email Address







Date

Dear Mr. Sanford:

I enjoyed speaking with you on the phone today. I am sorry there are no positions available with your firm.

However, I would appreciate it if you would keep my resume on file for future possibilities as I will be available again in the fall for a second internship. Thank you for your consideration.


Sincerely,

Your Signature
Your Address
Your Phone Number
Your Email Address