COVER LETTERS: GETTING STARTED
A cover letter is sent with a resume to potential employers and internship supervisors to express interest in a vacancy that has been announced, or to discover opportunities in organizations that have not yet been advertised. Below is an exercise to help you get started:
The QUICK 5-Step Start
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Write several (4–5) opening sentences that will catch the reader's eye and then select your favorite. Utilize the cover letter books at the CEL for some great examples!
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List three skills required by the job/internship position for which you are applying. Then list examples of accomplishments that demonstrate your ability to utilize each skill. Turn this list of examples into a sentence format.
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Outline why this organization would want to hire you. What do you have to offer the organization that would make you a top candidate?
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Describe what you know about the organization; background, size, products & services, community involvement, growth and so on. Use bits and pieces of this information to personalize your cover letter. It shows interest in each organization to which you apply.
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Describe your greatest accomplishment — the one that relates most directly to the position for which you are applying. Make this into an impressive eye-catching statement, something that will make you stand out in the potential employer/supervisor's mind.
