How to Write a Cover Letter
Cover Letters: What do they do?
x
x
Provide an introduction for yourself and your resumeÆ They are the first thing the hiring authority sees.
Explain why you would be an excellent candidate and what to look for in your resume
o Why are you interested in the job? What are the most relevant items in your resume? Peak their interestThis may be what the employer uses to narrow down resumes.
Cover Letter Dos & Don’ts
x
x
x
x
x
x
Dos
Use the same paper, color, & font as your resume
Address cover letters to a specific individual/
hiring authority
Research the position & organization (Make sure
to take on their perspective when describing your
interest & skills)
Keep it to 1 page (Limit your cover letter to 3-4
paragraphs)
Check for typos & grammar. Have someone check it
before you send it off.
Make sure you send as a PDF
Don’ts
x Don’t write a generic cover letter. Instead, write a
new one for each position.
x Don’t write a long cover letter. Instead, highlight
important experiences & expand on skills beyond
info in your resume.
x Don’t go over one page.
x Don’t exaggerate your skills, responsibilities, or
previous experience.
Structure of a Cover Letter
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Your Address: Upper left hand side
Date: Below your address on left hand side
Employer Address: Below date on left hand side
Greeting Address: Make sure it is formal
o Dear Ms./Mr./Dr. Last name: (Use a colon, not a comma, If you don’t know: Dear Internship
Coordinator:)
Æ It should include:
Introductory Paragraph should be an introductionÆ
o The job you are applying for (give official job title)
o How you heard about the job if you heard about it through a personal contact
o Introduce yourself and give your year, school, major, and career goals or direction if relevant
o Give a brief explanation for why you are interested in THIS organization specifically
1-2 Body Paragraphs should explain why you would be a good candidateÆ It should include:
o Analyze background/skills related to the internship to which you are applying
o Give 1-2 examples of related experience, but NO MORE THAN 2Æ That’s what your resume is
for!
o This should not be a laundry list of skills, it should be more of a narrative of when you used skills
they consider important in a professional environment.
Concluding Paragraph should include:
o State that you are UCD Washington Program participant and the dates you are available to intern
o Tell them you are looking forward to hearing from them
Closing Greeting/Signature
o Used a scanned image of your signature or place or type it in normal font
For more information about cover letters visit the ICC Career Manual
7
General Cover Letter
Gunrock Davis
One Shield Avenue
Davis, CA 95616
x
x
x
x
Date
Bixby Law Firm
2343 Bixby Lane
Washington, D.C. 21232
32
Dear Ms. Givemeajob:
Give 1-2
specific
experience(
s) you have
that
relate(s) to
the job.
Explain
what you
hope to get
out of the
job and
what skills
you can
bring to it.
Introduce yourself
as a UCD student,
state your interest
in applying for the
job, briefly explain
why you’re
interested
No smaller than ¾ in. margins
11-12 point font
3-4 paragraphs
Use same font color & style as resume
If you cannot find name or specific
instructions for how it should be addressed
use: Dear Internship Coordinator:
I am currently a junior at the University of California, Davis pursuing a Bachelor’s of Science in Political
Science and would like to apply for the Constitutional Law Internship Position at Bixby Law Firm. The
S
cconstitutional law department of your firm is of great interest to me as I plan to attend law school after I
ggraduate. Experience with your organization would serve to increase my firsthand knowledge of constitutional
llaw and how it influences federal government and legislative practices. I believe this internship will expand my
kknowledge of the federal legal system and further my understanding of the justice process in the United States.
For a year and a half, I worked as a Legislative Affairs Intern within Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s
F
aadministration and gained an appreciation of the important role legal organizations play in the drafting and
eenforcement of state legislature. While there, I learned how to research and track bills, analyze changes, and
ddraft reports. I also worked alongside staff members and other interns to compile and present effective weekly
ssummaries of key points and concerns regarding upcoming legislation. Through the completion of these tasks, I
ddemonstrated strong time management, organization, research and writing skills. I am very interested in applying
my knowledge of state level legislative proceedings to constitutional law and hope to have the opportunity to use
m
m
my skills to contribute to the work done at Bixby Law Firm.
As a Washington Program participant, I will be available for work beginning <Day/Date/Time>. My internship
A
completion date will be <Day/Date/Time>. To discuss my qualifications further, please contact me at (XXX)
XXX- XXXX. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Gunrock Davis
Enclosure
You can type your full
name (first & last) or
insert a scanned image
of your signature above
your typed name.
List all of this
logistical info at
the end
8
Research Cover Letter
Gunrock Davis
One Shield Avenue
Davis, CA 95816
February 12, 2014
Dr. Smith
Cancer Research Organization
Washington, DC 20057
Dear Dr. Smith:
Currently, I am a third year student at UC Davis pursuing a Bachelor’s of Science in
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and I have a strong desire to obtain more
laboratory research experience. Through interning in your laboratory, I would learn
valuable techniques that would prepare me for graduate studies while advancing my
knowledge of molecular genetics.
She
describes
her research
experience
by focusing
on skills she
has that can
be applied
to any lab
(attention to
detail,
patience &
problem
solving).
She does an
excellent job
demonstrating
that she
understand this
researcher’s
work &
describing her
personal interest.
i
The research your lab has done in order to help people suffering from cancer is inspiring
and I would be honored to have the opportunity to be a part of it. I already find genetic
research fascinating and learning how to pinpoint particular SNP’s that could possibly
king
result in cancer would be both interesting and valuable for my graduate career. Working
d
in your laboratory would give me the chance to diversify my research experience and
gain a valuable insight into the scientific world outside of academia.
Last year, I began doing research in a molecular genetics lab on campus and gained a
unique perspective on the importance of attention to detail and patience when
ts
conducting research. During my time in the lab, I completed a series of small projects
and learned many molecular techniques relating to studying the role of a gene called
“doublesex” (dsx) in sex determination in various hemimetabolous insects. One of my
assignments has been to determine effective PCR conditions in order to successfully
amplify the dsx gene in several insect species. Some of these species have proven
harder to sequence than others, but by adjusting annealing temperatures and primer
combinations I have found ways to amplify doublesex in most of my samples. Working
in the lab taught me that science isn’t usually getting immediate results; it’s a process
of trial and error that requires patience and perseverance. The problem solving
challenge of research is an aspect I’ve learned to enjoy and the reason I plan on
pursuing a research career in the future. While I may not perform the same reactions,
the patience and attention to detail I have learned through my previous lab work will
certainly be valuable in your laboratory. I hope to have the opportunity to apply these
skills to cancer research.
There is a
clear
connection
for how
these skills
can be
applied to
the
researcher’s
lab.
As a Washington Program participant, I will be available for work beginning Tuesday,
March 25th and my internship completion date will be Friday, June 6th. If you would like
to discuss my qualifications further, please contact me at [phone number] or by email at
[email]. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
Gunrock Davis
9
How to Write a Resume
Resume: What is required?
Content
Essentials
Tips
Objective
Contact Info
Education
One line describing the position
Name, address, phone number, email
Name of school, degree, major/ minor, expected
grad date, GPA (if required or exceptional)
Job title, company name, location of position
(city, state), dates of experience, skills
demonstrated in position, accomplishments
Be specific!
Your voicemail & email need to be professional!
List highest degree first, List study abroad
Relevant Experience
(Professional, Volunteer,
Leadership)
Include paid & unpaid positions, military duty,
awards/results, list most recent first
What if I still have more space?
Content
Essentials
Tips
Skills/Abilities
What is important for the employer? Examples:
language, computer skills, lab experience
Relevant classes and/or projects
Only list things that you are can do
independently
List course title not number
List relevant ones with a description
List countries and travel experiences if they are
relevant to the position
Project title, where published & when
List if applicable
Can be listed separately or w/ education
Only if RELEVANT
Projects/ Relevant
Coursework
Honors & Awards
Travel
Research Publications
Certification/Licenses
What should I NOT add?
x
x
x
x
High school info (Exceptions: MAYBE if you are a sophomore or MAYBE if it is ultra-relevant)
Irrelevant information of any kind
That you know how to use Excel, Word, or Power Point (unless it is a requirement of the job)
A skills section that lists the same things you put in your job descriptions
Resume Hints
x
Focus on how your resume looks:
o Use readable (>10 pt) & professional font
o Try as hard as you can to keep it to one page
o Be brief but strong
o Make sure it’s not overcrowded (1 in. margins, bullet pts)
x Tailor your resume to the position: Resumes are not one size fits all documents!
x Prioritize your skills and experiences that fit the internship position
x Proofread! Give yourself time to read your resume with fresh eyes
10
How to Make Your Experiences Count *
What to consider when writing your bullet points
Content
ȈWHO – Who did your job help? (The company? Clients? Customers?) Who did you work with (Colleagues,
Executives?)
ȈWHAT – What happened with the results of the job? If you did research, was that information published?
If you had to do a report what was done with that information?
ȈWHEN – When did this happen? Daily? Weekly, Monthly? Talking about how often you did something is
an easy way to show productivity in your job.
ȈWHERE – Where did your duties occur? Did you have to travel for a job? Were you responsible for
interacting with people outside of your organization?
ȈWHY & HOW– Why did you do this? Why was this skill/task important? How did your job duties help or
add to the organizations ability to function.
Style
ȈIT ALL STARTS WITHTHE PERFECT VERB: Choose an action verb that describes your accomplishments
well and concisely. Make sure to review the "verb list" (opposite side) as a reference.
ȈMAKE YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS COUNT: Make sure future employers can judge the significance of
your accomplishments by quantifying them if possible (increased sales by 10% in 3 months) also
describe any awards you received . Even if you cannot list quantities or awards, you should always
describe your accomplishments and how you achieved them (Exceeded sales quota every week by
providing excellent customer service and anticipating customer needs).
Format
ȈJob Title, Organization, City, ST
(Dates of Employment)
ȈAction Verb
ȈAction Verb
ȈAction Verb
Before & After Example
BEFORE
Sales Associate, Sal’s T-shirt Depot, Any Town, CA
x Assisted with inventory
x Provided quality customer service
x Built displays for featured products
(June 2009-present)
AFTER
Sales Associate, Sal’s T-shirt Depot, Any Town, CA
(June 2009-present)
x Assisted with daily and monthly inventory of over 1200 domestic and foreign products
x Provided quality customer service by handling customer questions, complaints, and problem solving
x Handled over 200 cash and credit transactions and balanced drawer accurately as part of each shift
*
Adapted from “Creating Detailed and Focused Bullet Points for Your Resume” Career Guide The University of Iowa, Pomerantz
Career , 2010
11
Verb List
Management Skills
administered
analyzed
assigned
attained
chaired
consolidated
contracted
coordinated
delegated
developed
directed
evaluated
executed
improved
increased
organized
oversaw
planned
prioritized
produced
recommended
reviewed
scheduled
strengthened
supervised
Communication Skills
addressed
arbitrated
authored
collaborated
convinced
corresponded
drafted
edited
formulated
influenced
interpreted
lectured
mediated
moderated
negotiated
persuaded
promoted
publicized
spoke
translated
wrote
Research/Analytical
Skills
analyzed
clarified
collected
critiqued
diagnosed
evaluated
examined
extracted
identified
inspected
interpreted
interviewed
investigated
organized
reviewed
summarized
surveyed
systematized
Technical Skills
assembled
built
calculated
computed
designed
devised
engineered
fabricated
maintained
operated
overhauled
programmed
remodeled
repaired
solved
upgraded
Teaching Skills
adapted
advised
clarified
coached
communicated
developed
enabled
encouraged
evaluated
explained
facilitated
guided
informed
instructed
set goals
stimulated
trained
Financial Skills
administered
allocated
analyzed
appraised
audited
balanced
budgeted
calculated
computed
developed
forecasted
managed
marketed
planned
projected
researched
Creative Skills
acted
conceptualized
created
customized
designed
developed
directed
established
fashioned
illustrated
initiated
instituted
integrated
introduced
invented
originated
performed
planned
revitalized
shaped
Helping Skills
assessed
assisted
clarified
coached
counseled
demonstrated
diagnosed
educated
facilitated
familiarized
guided
motivated
referred
rehabilitated
represented
validated
Administrative or
Organizational Skills
approved
arranged
catalogued
classified
collected
compiled
dispatched
executed
generated
implemented
inspected
monitored
operated
organized
prepared
processed
purchased
recorded
retrieved
screened
specified
systematized
tabulated
Leadership
achieved
coordinated
delegated
developed
directed
enlisted
executed
expanded
expedited
founded
improved
initiated
pioneered
recruited
reduced (losses)
resolved (problems)
restored
spearheaded
transformed
Adapted from The UC Davis ICC
Career Resource Manual and
The Damn Good Resume Guide
by Yana Parker, Berkeley: Ten
Speed Press.
12
General Resume
x
x
x
x
1 inch margins
11-12 point font
1 page maximum
match color & style of
font with cover letter
Gunrock Davis
Name & contact info is
centered at top of page
One Shield Avenue, Davis, CA 95616
(858) 555-1234, [email protected]
Be as specific: give job
title & organization
OBJECTIVE
To obtain the Constitutional Law Internship Position at Bixby Law Firm
List home university,
study abroad, &
community college
(in that order)
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in Law and Society
une, 2012 Only if you have 2 or more relevant classes.
University of California, Davis, June,
You may also list relevant projects
RELEVANT COURSEWORK
Contemporary Legal Issues
The Supreme Court and the Constitution
Leave
space!
NO HIGH
SCHOOL
INFO!
Philosophy
Phil
h off Law
L
Constitutional Law
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
Office Assistant, Political Science Department, UC Davis
(9/10–present)
x
Provide clerical assistance to office staff, including typing, faxing, phones
ones
Use bullet points!
x
Perform data entry on Access database for student petitions and formss
What is the employer
looking for?
x
Communicate department information to prospective students and parents
C
rents
Legislative Affairs Intern, Office of the Governor, Sacramento,
(5/09-1/11)
Legislati
to, CA
Use
active
x
Researched state and federal legislation developments
language!
x
Drafted and edited weekly legislation tracking reports
x
Compiled and presented monthly reports with other legislative interns and staff members
x
Attended legislative sessions and planning meetings with staff members
Senior Editor/Writer, Aggie Newspaper, UC Davis
x
Coordinated production schedules and layout designs to meet deadlines
x
Assigned, evaluated, and edited staff articles for publication
x
Wrote editorials on controversial topics and student issues
x
Conducted research to find additional information to enhance articles
x
Received journalism award from the Sacramento Bee
Give a brief explanation for why this
(6/09-8/10)
Who did you work
with? What skills
did you need? What
were your goals?
What did you
accomplish?
membership is meaningful for this job?
MEMBERSHIPS/ASSOCIATIONS
i
is
Member, Triton Toastmasters, UC Davis
(6/09-present)
x
Developed strong speaking skills as a district-level award winning toastmaster
13