Cover Letter For An Internship
[INSERT HIRING MANAGER’S NAME]
[INSERT TITLE]
[INSERT COMPANY NAME]
[INSERT MAILING ADDRESS]
Dear [INSERT HIRING MANAGER’S NAME],
Regarding the [INSERT JOB TITLE] position currently advertised on Monster.ca , please find attached a copy of my resume for your consideration. I’m looking to gain practical experience within [INSERT INDUSTRY SECTOR] and feel that a part-time position within your company would help me to demonstrate the abilities I have.
INCLUDE IF YOU HAVE UNDERTAKEN WORK EXPERIENCE
I have been studying [INSERT RELEVANT DEGREE] and have already gained some experience as a [INSERT JOB TITLE] at [INSERT COMPANY NAME] where I [INSERT KEY RESPONSIBILITY OR ACHIEVEMENT].
I believe my skills in [INSERT KEY SKILLS] would make me a positive addition to your team. If you would like to get in touch to discuss my application and to arrange an interview, you can contact me via [INSERT PHONE NUMBER OR EMAIL ADDRESS].
I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Yours sincerely,
[INSERT NAME]
Cover Letter: Everything you need to know
Personalize Each Letter:
If you are not responding to a job posting that specifies a contact name, try to determine the appropriate person to whom you should address your cover letter. Try to contact the head of the department in which you’re interested. This will be easiest in mid-sized and small companies, where the head of the department in likely to have an active role in the initial screening.
If you’re applying to a larger corporation, your application will probable by screened by the human resource department. If you’re instructed to direct your inquiry to this division, try to find out the name of the senior human resource manager. This may cut down on the number of hands through which your resume passes on its way to the final decision-maker. At any rate, be sure to include your contact’s name and title on both your letter and the envelope. This way, even, if a new person occupies the position, your letter should get through.
Mapping It Out:
A cover letter need not be longer than three or four paragraphs. Two of them the first and last can be as short as one sentence. The idea of the cover letter is not to repeat what’s to the resume. The idea is to give an overview of your capabilities and show why you’re a good candidate for the job. The best way to distinguish yourself is to highlight on one or two of your accomplishment or abilities. Stressing only one or two increases your chances of being remembered.
Be sure it’s clear from your letter why you have an interest in the company many candidates apply for jobs with no apparent knowledge of what the company does. This conveys the message that they just want any job. Indicating an interest doesn’t mean telling every employer you have a burning desire to work at that company, because these statements are easy to make and invariable sound insincere. Indicate how your qualifications or experience meet their requirements may be sufficient to show why you’re applying.
First Paragraph (Introductory)
- State the position for which you are applying If you are responding to an ad or listing, mention the source.
Second Paragraph
- Indicate what you could contribute to this company and show how your qualifications will benefit them. If you are responding to an ad or listing, discuss how your skills relate to the job’s requirements. Don’t talk about what you can’t do. Remember to be brief.
Third Paragraph
- If possible show how you not only meet but exceed their requirements-why you’re not just an average candidate but a superior one. Mention any note-worthy accomplishment, projects, instances where you went above and beyond the call of duty, or awards you’ve received for your work.
Fourth Paragraph
- Close by saying you look forward to hearing from them. Thank them for their time and consideration. Emphasize your desire for a personal meeting and your intention to follow up your letter with a phone call.
COVER LETTERS
Samples – Alumni Lead:
1
Sample – Social Work
1 – placement letter of inquiry
2 – job inquiry
3 – job inquiry
WEBSITES TO HELP
Harvard Bus. Review:
hbr.org
types of cover letters:
careeronestop.org
pcmag.com
careerealism
monster
dayjob
GREAT VERY SHORT COVER LETTER
Dear David:
I am writing in response to the opening for xxxx, which I believe may report to you.
I can offer you seven years of experience managing communications for top-tier xxxx firms, excellent project-management skills, and a great eye for detail, all of which should make me an ideal candidate for this opening.
I have attached my résumé for your review and would welcome the chance to speak with you sometime.
Best regards,
Xxxx Xxxx
TEN COVER LETTER DON'TS
Don’t Overuse “I”
Your cover letter is not your autobiography. The focus should be on how you meet an employer’s needs, not on your life story. Avoid the perception of being self-centered by minimizing your use of the word “I” especially at the beginning of your sentences.
Don’t Use a Weak Opening
Job seekers frequently struggle with the question of how to begin a cover letter. What results is often a feeble introduction lacking punch and failing to grab the reader’s interest. Consider the following:
- Weak: Please consider me for your sales representative opening.
- Better: Your need for a top-performing sales representative is an excellent match to my three-year history as a #1 ranked, multimillion-dollar producer.
Don’t Be Vague
If you’re replying to an advertised opening, reference the specific job title in your cover letter. The person reading your letter may be reviewing hundreds of letters or dozens of different jobs. Make sure all the content in your letter supports how you will meet the specific needs of the employer.
Read Ten Cover Letter Don’ts by Monster.com