Writing a Cover Letter

Review the posting carefully and think about how your experience matches up. You can write a traditional letter with a few short paragraphs. Or you may want to try a “point-by-point match” cover letter that allows you to respond specifically to the requirements listed in the ad. Whichever format you choose, you’ll need to clearly convey to the hiring manager that you are a good fit for the position.

Here is a sample point-by-point cover letter in response to an ad:

I’m excited to apply for the position of [name of position]. I think I’d be an excellent fit for this role, as I have outlined for you below. 

You’re looking for [list a requirement mentioned in the job posting. For this example, let’s say this is an HR manager job, and a requirement is having a bachelor’s degree and 5 to 7 years of experience. You will then explain that you have these requirements. Repeat for 3 to 5 more requirements.]

• I hold a bachelor’s degree with 6 years of experience managing benefits programs.

You need someone with technical skills to analyze data and administer surveys:

• I have analyzed market data to recommend competitive salaries and bonuses.

You need a proactive and self-directed problem solver:

• I’m known for being a proactive collaborator and partnering with leaders across the company to solve complex problems.

You’re looking for someone with extensive knowledge of MS Office, including Excel and Access:

• I’ve been an advanced user of MS Office Suite since 20xx.

Please refer to my resume for additional accomplishments. Thank you so much for your consideration. I look forward to talking with you.

If you’re looking to make a career change, there are ways to help you get noticed through your cover letter. Let’s say you’ve been an office assistant with some accounting responsibilities, and now you want to make a move into an accounting position. You’ve completed some accounting training, but you’ve never held an accounting position. You see a job posting for an accountant. You will show a point-by-point comparison of how you match what they need, sometimes through equivalent skills or experience.

Here is a sample point-by-point cover letter in response to an ad:

I’m excited to apply for the position of [name of position]. Although at first glance I may not seem like the typical applicant, many of your needs match my skills. I’ve admired your company since you started X program and would love the opportunity to bring my expertise to your team. I think I’d be an excellent fit for this role, as I have outlined for you below.

You’re looking for [list a required qualification mentioned in the job posting. For example, bachelor’s degree in finance or accounting, CPA preferred. You will then explain that you have these requirements. Repeat for 3 to 5 more requirements.]

• I hold a bachelor’s degree with accounting certification in AP. [This isn't the same as what is listed in the job description, but it is similar.]

You need someone with 4-6 years of accounting experience:

• I have 5 years of accounting experience in AP and AR. [Even though this experience was gained through being an office manager, not an accountant, don’t mention that.]

You’re looking for a detail-oriented go-getter who meets deadlines:

• I’m known for being proactive, organized, and finishing projects ahead of schedule. Created new AP processes that improved productivity by 15%. Partnered with leaders across the company to solve complex problems.

You need someone with extensive knowledge of MS Office, including Excel and Access:

• I’ve been an advanced user of MS Office Suite since 20xx.

Please refer to my resume for additional accomplishments. You’ll find that my experience in administrative roles involved learning accounting, and that’s how I decided to pursue additional development and training. I want to make accounting my career. [This paragraph explains why you want to make a career change and restates your interest.]

Thank you so much for your consideration. I look forward to talking with you.

In your internship cover letter, you’ll express how the position fits with your career goals and how you’ll add value. Because an internship is a role in which a student can gain work experience, your cover letter can emphasize what you want to learn and why, which is a bit different than the typical entry-level cover letter. You can express how the specific opportunity complements your studies, why you’re interested in working with the company, and how the internship will help prepare you for professional success. It also tells the organization exactly what you can offer.

Here is an example that uses bullet points, which can convey multiple qualifications concisely:

This May, I’ll graduate from Aurora University with a bachelor’s degree in marketing. As a motivated and driven self-starter, with solid communication and interpersonal skills, I’m well qualified for your marketing internship. Here’s why:

• • Academic coursework. I have completed courses in consumer behavior, internet marketing and integrated marketing communication, making the Dean’s List with a 3.9 GPA.
  • Networking skills. As the events director of Aurora University’s chapter of the American Marketing Association, I secure sought-after speakers for campus events, driving visibility and growing membership by 13% last semester.
  • Leadership experience. This year, my classmates elected me as the president of the Student Government Association.

You’re looking for a self-motivated intern who prizes continuous growth and development. I am excited to be that person, adding value to ABC Marketing while advancing my skills as a marketing professional. 

Here is an example of a more common format, which contains several short, easy-to-read paragraphs:

As a motivated and driven self-starter, with solid communication and interpersonal skills, I’m well qualified for your marketing internship. Over the past two years, I have completed courses in consumer behavior, internet marketing, and integrated marketing communication, making the Dean’s List with a 3.9 GPA. I look forward to using my experience to advance ABC Marketing’s mission.

In addition, as the events director of Aurora University’s chapter of the American Marketing Association, I secure sought-after speakers for campus events, driving visibility and growing membership by 13% last semester. I also serve as the president of the Student Government Association. In these roles, I’ve employed both written and oral communication skills to accomplish goals. I’m excited to put those skills to use for ABC Marketing while growing my skills as a marketing professional. [this part shows how you match the requirements outlined in the job description]

You’re looking for a self-motivated intern who prizes continuous growth and development. I am excited to be that person, adding value to ABC Marketing while advancing my skills as a marketing professional. 

Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you soon. [summarize your interest and thank the reader for their consideration.]

Write a prospecting letter, or letter of inquiry, when you want to ask a specific company or organization about potential internships or job opportunities. Even though you’re not writing about a specific job, you are writing with the hope of ultimately obtaining an interview. 

Here is an example:

I admire ABC Marketing for its mission of supporting women-owned marketing businesses in Chicago and how you’ve helped the XYZ Marketing Company refine its brand and increase profits.

In May, I will complete my sophomore year at Aurora University, and I plan to major in marketing. I’m looking to gain hands-on experience in business and marketing environments so I can further develop my professional skills in preparation for a career in marketing after graduation.

Enclosed is my resume, which details my educational background and internship experience in marketing. I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss the possibility of an internship with ABC.

Please feel free to contact me at [email address] or [phone number], or I will follow up with you next week.

Thank you for your consideration.