Parts of a Cover Letter

Your contact information

Date

Employer Name, position title

Company Name

Company address line 1

Company address line 2

Salutation: Dear (First Name Last Name)

Opening Paragraph: Identify the specific position you are applying for and how you heard about it. If this is for an internship, indicate what time period you are applying for. Convey enthusiasm for the employer and the position (this is where your research comes in, so show you know something about the company/organization). You are answering the question: “Why them?” Then, describe something about yourself that connects you to the position. Answer the question: Why you?” Enthusiasm goes a long way. You might also want to tell them to please find a copy of your resume attached.  

Body paragraphs (1 or 2): This is where you connect the dots between the opportunity and yourself, by sharing one or two examples of why you are an ideal candidate. Choose examples of work you have done in the past that are directly related to what the employer needs you to do in this role. Then be specific, using the STAR technique if helpful (describe a Situation you faced, a Task you were responsible for, the Action you took, and the Result of your action).

For example: As an Arts Administration Intern with the Community Project, I was assigned to review our membership outreach processes and make recommendations on how to increase our donor base. To accomplish this, I analyzed our past outreach methods and member lists and noticed that we were contacting the same donors repeatedly while adding very few new prospects annually. I recommended that the organization increase outreach by utilizing shared member databases from other, similar organizations, and by researching on LinkedIn, to add 20% more potential members each cycle. This resulted in 45 new members in the first quarter, a 5% increase.

Closing paragraph: Close on a positive note and be brief. Thank the employer for their time and consideration, reiterate your enthusiasm for the position, and tell them you look forward to speaking with them soon to discuss how your skills and experience can help them attain their goals. Remember, the goal of the cover letter (and resume) is to earn an interview, not to express everything.

Sincerely,

Your name here