Jan 16, 2018 - A COVER LETTER SHOULD HAVE TWO GOALS ... (name, address, email, phone number). ⢠Check your work carefu
HOW TO WRITE A
COVER LETTER A COVER LETTER SHOULD HAVE TWO GOALS
1.
2.
Stating your interest in a position
Explaining why you’re the best fit
The content of each cover letter you write should be customized to the needs of each employer. Before you write your cover letter, assess the employer’s requirements and needs. Look at the job description, research the company’s website, and try to gain as much information as possible to help focus your letter to an employer’s interests and make sure the position is a good fit for you.
USE A FORMAL SALUTATION
• Personalize your letter to the hiring manager you’re writing to. Use their name whenever possible.
• If you cannot find a name, use “Dear Internship Coordinator” or “Dear Hiring Manager” to be as specific as possible.
ORGANIZE YOUR INFORMATION
• Highlight your most relevant experience to lend strength to your letter.
• Check your work carefully for grammar and spelling. Have someone else proofread it before sending.
• Include your personal information (name, address, email, phone number).
• Single space within your paragraphs but double space between them.
• Give concrete examples of your skills and abilities. Write about them in context of how they will help you excel in the position
• Remember to keep your sentences and paragraphs short and brief!
SHOW YOUR INTEREST • Tailor your cover letter to the reader to show that you are interested in the organization and have done your research.
• Highlight two or three of your most significant accomplishments and explain their relevance to the position you are applying for.
Cover Letter Template (as an Attachment/PDF)*
[email protected]
Mary Roberts
| 617-824-9113
| 120 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02116
(This should match your resume heading)
January 16, 2018 Ms. Jane Smith, President Estee Lauder 125 Park Avenue New York, NY, 10021 Dear Ms. Smith,
(Date) (Recipient’s Address)
(Greeting Line)
First Paragraph (Why are you writing?; ~2-4 sentences): Hook: How do you connect with the organization/what they do? Why do you want to work for them in particular? Why do you want to work in this industry? Try to tell to reader a bit of your story, in 1-2 sentences. Be sure to mention the position and company name; include why you are drawn to this company (if not included in your hook). Give the name of the person who referred you to the company, if appropriate. Middle Paragraph(s) (Why are you interested? What do you have to offer?; ~5-9 sentences): This is your Sales Pitch. It is the longest of your paragraphs. (If more than six lines, consider breaking into two paragraphs.) Use “key words” from your industry and from the job description. Connect the dots between your experience and the position requirements. Choose 2-3 experiences that demonstrate your qualifications, and elaborate on them (the highlights!). This space is also great to elaborate on why you are interested in this specific internship/job. For an internship, it is ok to mention what you hope to learn if they ask. Final Paragraph (What is the next step?; 2-4 sentences): This is your Request for Action. Ask for the next step (conversation/interview). If any logistical information is asked for (i.e.: your availability, where to find samples of your work, etc) include it here.
Thank you for your consideration.
(Closing Line)
Sincerely, Mary Roberts
*If applying via email, you do not need the date and headings, but make sure you include your contact information below your name.
