CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTER
UNIVERSITY OF ST. THOMAS DIVISION OF STUDENT AFFAIRS
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Cover Letters
What is a Cover Letter?
123 Murray-Herrick Campus Center Saint Paul, Minnesota (651) 962-6761 career@stthomas.edu www.stthomas.edu/careerdevelopment
A cover letter is the companion piece that accompanies the rsum to express interest to an employer in working for his or her organization. Its purpose is to communicate to the employer a personalized message about your potential value to that organization. Cover letters may be in response to advertised positions as well as to inquire about prospective opportunities that have not been advertised. A cover letter is your chance to answer the primary question asked by every employer: Why should I consider this applicant, and what value will they add to our efforts?
Cover Letter Rules!
Cover letters allow you to express enthusiasm for a position or organization in a more natural voice than the rsum. Nevertheless, there are certain guidelines that are best followed. These include: 1. It is strongly encouraged that you address your letter to an individual in a hiring capacity (not Dear Sir or Madam or To Whom It May Concern). This may take a little bit of time, and phone (or internet) research. 2. Tailor each cover letter to the specific position that you are applying for. Employers can easily identify if a cover letter has been copied and pasted from another application. Do your research on the employer and the position and include your skills and experiences that directly relate. 3. End with a statement that you will be following up (i.e., not, I look forward to hearing from you.). 4. Keep your cover letter to ONE PAGE. 1 to 1.25 margins are standard 5. Highlight your rsum, but dont merely duplicate the information already included on the rsum. 6. Avoid excessive use of I. 7. Use simple fonts such as Times New Roman and Arial
Technology Considerations
Emailing Cover Letters
Include the cover letter in the body of the email. Attach the rsum as a PDF.
Submitting Cover Letters Electronically
Save as a PDF and label with your name. Receiving dozens of attachments marked simply Cover Letter can be confusing to a prospective employer. EXAMPLE: Hanson Cover Letter, Accountant Position
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A Word on Rsums
Sample rsum are included here to illustrate how the rsum and cover letter complement each other. For more on rsum construction you might look at the St. Thomas Career Development Centers website www.stthomas.edu/careerdevelopment.
Cover Letter Example
Date of Writing Recruiters Full Name Recruiters Job Title Company Name Company Address City, State & Zip Dear Mr./Ms. (Recruiters Last Name Only): First Paragraph: Start with an interesting sentence to help you stand out from other applicants. Continue to explain what position you are applying for, how you heard of the position opening, and why you are interested in working for the company (this is where you show that you have done your research on the company). Second/Third Paragraph: The body of your letter should make clear connections between the experiences and skills that you have, and the qualifications for a successful candidate. You do not want to restate your rsum here, but give details of experiences that support your qualifications for the position. Tell them how and why you will be a productive member of their organization. Sometimes two paragraphs are used so you can list work and internship related experiences in one paragraph, and related academic and co-curricular experiences in a second paragraph. Closing Paragraph: In the final paragraph you should refer the employer to your enclosed rsum that further outlines your qualifications for the position, state your desire to meet with the individual to further discuss the position and tell them how you plan to follow up with them. Thank them for their time and consideration of your application. Sincerely, * YOUR SIGNATURE * Your Name (Typed) Mailing Address City, State, Zip Phone Number Email Address
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Letter (with rsum) sample #1:
An inquiry for a position that may or may not be currently open. (Approximately 2/3 of jobs and internship are never advertised, and are filled through networking, cold-calling and other direct contact.) January 15, 2015 Ms. Loretta Jones Marketing Manager Big City Bank 2000 Big City Drive Minneapolis, MN 55401 Dear Ms. Jones: As a Junior Marketing Management major at the University of St. Thomas, I am very interested in an internship in Marketing, and am particularly focused on financial institutions, such as Big City Bank. I am aware that Big City is a growing regional bank and of its reputation for focusing on the individual customer. My experiences in customer service would bring a strong combination of skills and enthusiasm to your company. As the enclosed rsum indicates, I have worked part-time jobs, averaging twenty hours per week, while maintaining a full course-load and a 3.25 GPA. I am confident that my ability to multi-task, coupled with my work ethic and enthusiasm for the field will make me a strong candidate for an internship. My experiences at Macys and the Information Desk have enhanced communication and interpersonal skills that would assist in my success in working with the customers and colleagues of Big City Bank. My leadership experience as Vice President of the UST Collegiate Management Association, in particular, has helped me develop important communication and organizational skills. I am especially interested in the challenge afforded by being an intern in a team environment and excited to learn more about the field of marketing through real-world experience. I look forward to speaking with you about potential internship opportunities in marketing at Big City Bank. I will call you early next week to see when we can schedule a time for us to discuss this in person. Thank you for your time. Sincerely,
Daniel Smith
Daniel R. Smith 1314 Berkeley Ave. Saint Paul, MN 55116 651-555-2020 smi0555@stthomas.edu
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Daniel R. Smith
1314 Berkeley Ave. Saint Paul, MN 55116 651-555-2020, smi0555@stthomas.edu OBJECTIVE To contribute creativity and customer service, as well as, strong interpersonal and organizational skills in a marketing internship position with Big City Bank EDUCATION University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, MN Bachelor of Arts, Opus College of Business Major: Business Administration Graduation: May 2016 GPA: 3.25
Related Coursework: Principles of Marketing, Statistics I, Management of Organizations and Processes CAMPUS LEADERSHIP ACTIVITIES Collegiate Management Association Vice President University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, MN September 2014-Present
Develop marketing strategy to promote the organization on campus and recruit members Assist in leadership of weekly meetings and delegating tasks to group members Communicate with local employers and alumni to obtain speakers for management events University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, MN August-December 2014
Residence Life Office Orientation Leader -
Enhanced interpersonal skills by assisting first year students in the transition to college Led fun and education events for groups of up to 20 students to build group cohesiveness and get students acquainted to the campus community Worked on a team with 15 other orientation leaders to plan and organize activities and events
EMPLOYMENT Macys Department Store Sales Associate Edina, MN September 2013-present
Offer excellent customer service to ensure a positive shopping experience for all patrons Act as part of mens casual clothing sales team to reach monthly sales quotas Recognized as Associate of the Month in December 2010 Organize and maintain in-store displays and presentation of merchandise St. Paul, MN September 2013-May 2014
University of St. Thomas Information Desk Attendant -
Assisted students and visitors by providing accurate and helpful information Booked classroom space for faculty and staff members
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Letter (with rsum) sample #2:
Response to an advertised position. (About 1/3 of jobs and internships are filled through advertisements.)
November 14, 2015 Ms. Maria Fogel Director Fine Music Agency 2000 Excelsior Boulevard Minneapolis, MN 55401 Dear Ms. Fogel: As a Music major with a Business Administration minor, graduating from the University of St. Thomas this spring, I am very interested in the Talent Representative position that is currently posted on the St. Thomas Career Development Centers web page. I have a passion for the music management industry, and am especially interested in working for a growing local agency, such as Fine Music. My education background and experiences make me great candidate for this position. Your ad states that you are seeking someone with both exposure to the music business and that the candidate must be growth and challenge oriented. I am confident that I meet both of these qualifications. I have followed my passion for music and the music business both in school and through my parttime work experiences. My work as a disc jockey, as well as my background as a performing musician, has given me valuable exposure to the business side of music. These experiences have also confirmed my desire to pursue a career in the music industry. I am especially interested in the challenge afforded by being in your competitive, creative environment. My leadership experience as Vice President of STAR (St. Thomas Activities and Recreation) in particular, has helped me develop important communication and organizational skills. In addition, as an Orientation Leader I enhanced leadership skills, the ability to work with a team of other leaders, and interpersonal skills through assisting first year students in the transition to college life. I am looking forward to discussing the Talent Representative position with you. I will call you early next week to see when we can schedule a time for us to discuss this opportunity in person. Thank you for your time. Sincerely,
Sarah Z. Jones
Sarah Z. Jones 2525 Zager Ave. Saint Paul, MN 55116 651-555-2020 jon5055@stthomas.edu
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Sarah Z. Jones
2525 Zager Ave. Saint Paul, MN 55116 651-555-2020
jon5055@stthomas.edu
OBJECTIVE EDUCATION
To obtain the position of Talent Representative with Fine Music Agency building on knowledge of and enthusiasm for both music and business. University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, MN Bachelor of Arts Degree, Graduation: May 2012 Major: Music, Major GPA: 3.67/4.00 Minor: Business Administration Disc Jockey/Owner Zs Traveling Turntables September 2013-present St. Paul, MN
MUSIC EXPERIENCE
Developed DJ business; work weddings, reunions and anniversary parties Negotiated with record companies to obtain promotional materials, including posters and CDs Hired and trained two part-time assistants as business grew Created marketing and promotional materials to build customer base Communicated with clients offering superior customer service Managed all cost charges and budgets for events January 2012-August 2014 Minneapolis, MN
Band Member Big Shoes CAMPUS WORK & ACTIVITES
Played keyboard and sang harmonies in regional blues quartet Performed before audience of 5000 at Duluth Bay Front Blues Festival Developed band website, including weekly automatic e-mails to 900 person audience base Motivated band members with enthusiasm and a positive attitude September 2014-Present St. Paul, MN
Vice President St. Thomas Activities and Recreation -
Communicate with agents to negotiate costs and schedule performances and concerts for the campus community Monitor the $50,000 budget for campus events Lead weekly meetings to discuss, plan and organize events September 2013-April 2014 St. Paul, MN
Information Desk Attendant University of St. Thomas -
Assisted students and visitors by providing accurate and helpful information. Booked classroom space for faculty and staff members. August 2013-January 2014 St. Paul, MN
Orientation Leader Office of Residence Life
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