A cover letter is a one-page document, typically in business letter format, that you send to a potential employer when you are applying for a job or internship. It should grab the employer’s attention and point out why they should contact you for an interview. Cover letters should be professional, well-written, and tailored to the position.
Cover Letter Format & Samples
Use these samples to tailor yours to your specific needs. More examples coming soon!
Professional Correspondence & Samples
- Professional Correspondence Format
- Sample: Thank You - Informal Interview
Dear Mr. Reyes,
Thank you for taking the time to speak with me this morning about your experience working as a Transportation Planner with the City of Irvine. I was excited to hear of the variety of responsibilities you have from planning and budgeting, to collaborating with so many colleagues across departments. I will definitely look into the resources you shared with me and will also reach out to Mr. Gomez with the County of Orange Transportation Department soon. I appreciate the great advice and for introducing me to someone within your network.
Thank you again for your time and I look forward to staying in touch.
Sincerely,
- Sample: Thank You - Interview Opportunity
Dear Mrs. Cho,
Thank you for the opportunity to interview for the Laboratory Assistant position at Allergan. After learning more about the specific projects and responsibilities, I am very eager to bring my laboratory experience and analytical skills to help you with ongoing and future projects. As mentioned, having worked at the Beckman Laser Institute & Medical Clinic last summer, I have been successful in working collaboratively with other colleagues under tight deadlines while maintaining a high attention to detail.
Please let me know if you need any additional information as you are making decisions. Thank you again for your consideration and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
- Sample: Send Resume Via Email
Subject: UCI Junior Seeking Internship
Attachment:firstnamelastnameresume.doc
Body (Use this section for your cover letter):Dear Ms. Jackson:
I am currently a junior working towards a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology at the University of California, Irvine. I am applying for an internship position to work with the Children's Wish Foundation.
I currently volunteer in an after school program at a local elementary school in Santa Ana and have worked with middle school students in the past. As a volunteer camp counselor for the middle school retreat that my church holds every summer, I have had experience in planning and facilitating activities as well as working with children in both individual and group settings. I believe that as an intern for your organization, I will have the opportunity to utilize these relevant skills and knowledge as I pursue a career working with children.
Attached is my resume which provides additional information about my undergraduate work and job experience. I look forward to meeting with you to further discuss my background and qualifications. Feel free to contact me at 555-555-5555 or [email address].
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
- Sample: Interview Confirmation
Dear Ms. Jones:
I want to thank you for the opportunity to interview with you next Wednesday. I am excited to talk with you about your company and how my skills match your position.
I am looking forward to meeting you at your office on Wednesday, May 21st at 3:00 p.m.
Sincerely,
Frequently Asked Questions
- When should I send a thank you?
Send a thank you:
- After meeting with an employer such as at an information session, career fair, panel event, etc.
- After a job or internship interview
- After someone helps you with your job search process (e.g. refers your resume to someone else, offers to introduce you to someone in their network, etc.)
- What format should I use?
It is acceptable and sometimes even preferred to use email, since it is the quickest way to correspond. This is especially the case following an interview if they are making decisions quickly. You may also send handwritten thank you cards or letters, when appropriate, in addition to the email. If you interviewed with multiple interviewers, send a unique email/letter to each person. Keep your correspondence clear, concise, and free of typo or grammatical errors. - What should I include?
Thank the employer or networking contact for their time and anything specific they shared in terms of advice, resources, referrals, etc. Express gratitude for the opportunity to interview or for job search assistance. Reaffirm your interest in their company, employer, or industry. Job the person's memory to remind them of your conversation and mention aspects of the interview, conversation, or meeting that were of particular interest to show you were listening. Clarify an answer or add something that you may not have mentioned during the interview or conversation that is relevant to your job search or to your application. - How should I use ChatGPT in my job search?
Recommended Resources:
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