Student Text-Only Cover Letters
Years of Experience
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Liam Greene
(555) 789-1234 | [email protected] | 678 Your Street, Boston, MA 20138
Friday, August 12, 2022
Mx. Pat Martin
Hiring Manager
Biotech Engineering Inc.
(123) 456-7890
[email protected]
Dear Mx. Martin:
Recently as a member of Boston University’s robotics club, I co-designed a robot that won our intercollegiate competition. I’d love to uphold that same standard of quality and innovation at your engineering firm.
Your job posting jumped out at me, particularly the call for someone who “wants to build human-technology interfaces to help those stricken with disabling diseases.” During the course of my education and work activities, I’ve gained a strong knowledge base and interest in robotics, biotechnology, nanotechnology, and artificial intelligence. Below are four more highlights from my experience to date:
- As a research intern for Wallops NASA Flight Facility, created a program to detect conductivity that may impact satellite launch times
- In the same role, designed prototype of Mars Mission with other research interns
- Recently completed Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering with honors from Boston University
- Extensive formal and independent education on data modeling and structural analysis
I’d appreciate the chance to discuss how I can contribute to your firm. Please call or email me to schedule an interview. I appreciate your time and look forward to speaking with you.
Sincerely,
Liam Greene
Walter Thomas
(555) 123-4567 | [email protected] | 678 Your Street, Boulder, CO 98765
Friday, August 12, 2022
Mr. Matthew Johnson
Hiring Manager
SSB Client Services, Inc.
(123) 456-7890
[email protected]
Dear Mr. Johnson:
As a retail sales assistant, I recently won “Employee of the Month” for excellent customer relations and new hire training. I’d love to bring that same level of service to your company.
Your job posting caught my attention, particularly the call for someone “experienced in customer relations that require tact, enthusiasm, and a strong work ethic.” Those are three core qualities I’ve demonstrated most during my school and work experience, which include these three highlights:
- Provided top-quality customer service as a Banana Republic retail sales assistant, helping the store earn a 97% satisfaction rating
- In the same role, trained and coached new staff on effective sales and product promotion strategies
- Recently finished BA degree from the University of Colorado-Boulder with a 3.95 GPA
I’d welcome the chance to speak with you further about how I can help your business grow positive client relationships. I appreciate your time and look forward to possibly hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
Walter Thomas
Ellen Bibo
(555) 765-4321 | [email protected] | 234 Your Street, Atlanta, GA 12345
Friday, August 12, 2022
Mr. Hector Santos
Hiring Manager
The Atlanta Journal
(123) 456-7890
[email protected]
Dear Mr. Santos:
Recently as assistant editor of Columbia Journalism School’s student newspaper, The Bronx Beat, I redesigned our Facebook page for more timely reporting of top stories. I’d be thrilled to uphold that same standard of efficiency and innovation at your paper.
I’m a deadline-driven professional who takes pride in delivering high-quality written content. Above all, I’m passionate about informing and engaging readers. Below are four highlights from my experience to date:
- Recently completed Master’s Degree with honors from Columbia University Journalism School
- As an editorial intern for Wilkins & Wilkins (New York), polished final drafts of speeches given by the firm’s partners
- In the same role, met 100% of deadlines for press releases and other PR materials
- As assistant editor of The Bronx Beat, devised a faster process for choosing and assigning student newspaper articles based on writer availability
Please see the attached resume for a complete overview of my background and the skills I offer. I look forward to hearing from you and possibly learning more about this opportunity soon.
Sincerely,
Ellen Bibo
Student Cover Letter Tips
Below are three key tips to follow in working on your cover letter for entry-level positions:
1. Center on your top experience
Give the hiring manager at least an outline of your recent experience on your resume. But on the cover letter, you can train their attention on whatever you like. So, step back for a minute and think of your very top credential for the job. Is it your college education? Or an internship or volunteer experience? Or something else? Whatever your top credential is, make it your letter’s primary focus. You may view this as a form of “cherry-picking,” but it fulfills the primary purpose of a cover letter: to intrigue hiring managers and have them take in the broader career overview of your resume.
2. Strike a confident tone
Cover letters work best when they project confidence. But many entry-level applicants start their cover letter with a timid line like “Please accept my enclosed application to your advertised [Job Title] opening.” Phrases like this are the written equivalent of a clammy handshake. You’ll need a more confident tone if you want to really catch the hiring manager’s attention. Luckily, there’s a simple way to do this. Start your letter by citing a specific, impressive achievement from your previous experience.
Example
Dear Mr. Johnson:
As a retail sales assistant, I recently won “Employee of the Month” for excellent customer relations and new hire training. I’d love to bring that same level of service to your company.
3. Show your interest in the company
You can boost your cover letter by directly expressing your interest in the job at hand. A great way to do this: Quote text right from the job posting, then explain how it aligns with your background. By tailoring your letter this way, you can show the hiring manager you’re specifically interested in their organization.
Example
Your job posting jumped out at me, particularly the call for someone who “wants to build human-technology interfaces to help those stricken with disabling diseases.” During the course of my education and work activities, I’ve gained a strong knowledge base and interest in robotics, biotechnology, nanotechnology, and artificial intelligence.
