Cover Letters
Cover letters are your opportunity to expand on the information in your resume. It should detail exactly how and why you would add value to their organization and illustrate your communication and persuasion skills all at once. It is important to think of your cover letter as a bridge that connects what you bring to what the employer wants. The cover letter below shows how the following tips apply to a real-world example.
Header
Use the same header from your resume on your cover letter with your name and contact information. Address the cover letter with the company鈥檚 contact information at the top left-hand corner, and include the position title and number for the employer to clearly see what you are applying for.听
Start your cover letter by addressing someone specifically. Try and find the appropriate contact name for the position. If you are unable to find that information, address the department name or simply write 鈥淒ear hiring manager鈥 or 鈥淒ear hiring committee.鈥
Opening paragraph
The opening paragraph should address the question, 鈥淲hy this company?鈥 Describe how you found the position and what you are applying for. If someone referred you, this is the place to mention their name. Highlight听why you are applying for a job with this company and what interests you about the company. End the paragraph with your thesis sentence 鈥 the top two or three reasons you鈥檙e qualified for the position.
Middle paragraph(s)
Here is your chance to expand on your thesis sentence with concrete examples demonstrating your skills and experience. Highlight your knowledge of the company indicating how your experiences will fit their needs. Address specific qualifications you may have that match the job description. The middle paragraph should answer the question, why you? Be sure to review the job posting to incorporate industry language, action verbs used in the description, and the specific skills and experience the employer is seeking.听Make sure your cover letter isn't simply restating what is on your resume. This is your chance to help employers see why/how your experience is valuable to them.
Closing paragraph
This can be a simple paragraph, reiterating your interest in the position and thanking the employer for taking the time to read your cover letter. You should also indicate how or when the employer can contact you.
Cover Letter Example
The cover letter below was written in response to a specific job posting. Use the tooltips throughout the text to see how the cover letter addresses key points and requirements from the job posting.
Job posting
Exciting and successful outdoor/action sports company looking for a talented, organized and motivated sponsorship and marketing intern for Warren Miller Entertainment in 小蓝视频, CO. This internship is open to students who seek college credit. This is a great opportunity for networking and experience in the outdoor and sports industry.
Candidates must be detail-oriented and organized, and looking to work hard while learning about events, sponsorship sales and marketing. Intern will gain event execution, sales support and account services experience. Interest in events, media and advertising encouraged. This internship is a great opportunity for a highly motivated student who is looking for real-world experience.
Responsibilities
- Assist with the support of sponsorship proposals for marquee events.
- Develop event presentations on market-by-market basis for national-scale events.
- Work with account managers, marketing and creative departments to develop, organize and design event presentation for up to 80 markets.
- Provide event support and assistance in planning, execution and sponsorship activation for event partners and national sponsors.
- Communicate and work with event crew sponsor liaisons to receive detailed sponsor reports, photos and recap information.
- Traffic sponsor ad creative, ticket fulfillment and trafficking and up-keep of general sponsor materials.
- Organize, assist in management and shipping of event door prizes.
- Generate detailed and timely sponsorship reports.
- Organize and update sales materials.
- Assist the sponsorship department with a variety of tasks when necessary and in day-to-day activities.
Required skills
- Advanced experience with Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.