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Elements of a Cover Letter

First Paragraph

The first sentence should clearly state the reason you're writing. If you are applying for a job, state what job you're applying for and how you learned about it. If you're applying for a winter term internship, it may be appropriate to briefly explain what a winter term internship is. Your first paragraph should end with a persuasive statement about why you're qualified for the internship or position. This statement will serve as the transition to the second paragraph, which substantiates your qualifications and interests. Try to avoid overwriting this sentence or becoming overly anxious about it. Let the statement organize what you will say in the rest of the letter: "I believe my education and work experience have prepared me well for this internship, which will, in turn, help me set goals for my remaining college years."

Second Paragraph  

Now you need to support the claims you've made about being right for the job. This section works closely with your resume. You shouldn't recite your resume; rather, you should argue that your experience, interests and skills fit the employer's or sponsor's needs. The more you know about the job or internship, and the employer, the easier this paragraph will be to write. For instance, if you're applying for an internship with a physical therapist, you might draw upon your experience teaching swimming to young children: "I am particularly interested in working with children. I enjoyed teaching swimming to children, and would like to see how physical therapists deal with the special problems child patients present." In some cases, the second section will expand to a third paragraph, but if you're finding it hard to end this section, you should double check to make sure you are not repeating your whole resume. In this paragraph, do not emphasize what you will get out of the internship. That is a given; everyone knows the benefits to the intern. Emphasize why it is in the employer's interest to have you work there.

Third Paragraph


This one may be difficult to write because it's mostly filled with pleasantries. Avoid being too flowery or effusive. You need to provide important information. You may say that you are looking forward to discussing the possibility of an interview and give dates you're available. Don't expect the employer to phone or contact you. You need to do the follow-up. Let the reader know you will be calling and do so in a way that doesn't demand a decision: "I will call your office next week to further discuss my qualifications/
background and the potential opening." In turn, if you make this statement, make sure you follow-up with the employer!

Four Tips

1.) Don't Overwrite

A cover letter is regularly regarded as a writing sample. In general, employers and sponsors look for the same qualities they look for in their everyday writing. That means your letter should be clear, concise, persuasive and perfect in terms of grammar, spelling and punctuation. This does not mean you need to write like a lawyer if applying to a law firm. Since most lawyers spend a great deal of time wrestling with ambiguous, overly qualified prose, they appreciate direct, clear writing that makes and supports definite assertions. Engineers work a great deal with technical specifications. They, like most people, like to see a well laid out resume and a cover letter that uses language efficiently and precisely. No one is particularly appreciative of verbal flourishes and excess. Keep it simple and direct to all your readers.

2.) Not Too Much Hype

Applicants are often trying to make more of their experience than they actually think is there. They may invent fancy job titles for everyday occupations ("cuisine selection specialist" for waiter) and overuse intensifiers - very, really, especially, truly. This will make their prose sound weak or silly. Present yourself in the best light, but don't overdo it.

3.) Proofread

Like any piece of writing you revise frequently, the cover letter and resume may contain errors. Because you become so familiar with it, you actually don't read what is on the page. On the actual page you accidentally may delete a word or make a subject plural without changing the verb it governs. In your mind, however, you may make the necessary adjustments. Our best advice is to have a number of other people carefully read your resume and cover letter.

4.) Focus on Education, Skills and Interests

Most of you won't have "experience" that qualifies you for a job. Rather, your qualifications will lie in your education, skills and interests. Employers will be willing to invest in on-the-job training, but they want to be sure that you read, write and think well; that you communicate with others effectively; that you learn new things easily; that you show leadership, responsibility and initiative. Your resume and cover letter should suggest or demonstrate these qualities.

Cover Letter Sample 1
Cover Letter Sample 2

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