A cover letter is a skill and future-focused letter to an employer, or sometimes to a college or university admissions office or program.

Your cover letter connects your current skills to the job you want, or the college program you want to get into.

It depends! If you have 20 years of experience, a Ph.D., and are applying to be a university professor, your cover letter can be two to three pages long! However, if you are a high school student just starting your career, you can simply write a few short paragraphs.

The items on this list must appear on your cover letter:

• Date you are submitting the cover letter

• The person’s name, if you know it. If not, write “Dear Hiring Committee”

• An introduction paragraph (2-3 sentences)

• A discussion paragraph (5-7 sentences)

• A conclusion paragraph (1-2 sentences)

• A thank you paragraph (1 sentence)

• Your signature

October 16, 2024

Dear Hiring Committee,

In one to two sentences, briefly introduce your professional self and your interest in the position. Be sure to identify the position, the company and that you feel your skills are a match for the opportunity (use your own wording).

This is your discussion paragraph. Be sure not to restate your resumé. Use this paragraph to discuss your skills, talents, goals, ambitions, and how you will support the industry (industry, not the company). Your cover letter, especially this paragraph, focuses on the future of your career and how you will support the industry. Your cover letter is future-focused (what you want to accomplish); your resumé is the past and present (what you have already accomplished or are currently doing). This second paragraph can be one of the most challenging, but it is the most important part of your cover letter. See the next page to get an idea of how to build this paragraph.

This is where you conclude the letter and let the reader know that you look forward to meeting the team. Inform the reader that your included resumé will provide further details of your skills, talents, and experiences (use your own wording).

Thank the reader for their time and let them know that they can contact you (use your own wording).

Sincerely,

Name

Phone

Email

October 16, 2024

Hello Ms. Beach,

In search of an exceptional opportunity, I am writing with interest in the marketing internship position available at LaserFiche. As an arts and design student at Cabrillo High School, I developed my skills in creating compelling designs that connect with diverse populations and have experience with industry-standard design software.  

Currently, I am furthering my professional skill set by supporting my fellow students in our school attendance office. In this role, I regularly support community members, provide support to school leaders, and collect student attendance data, all of which are valuable administrative skills that I will bring to the internship at LaserFiche. In addition, I regularly use office equipment to provide our teachers with the content they need to support our campus. However, most vital to the opportunity, I have an exceptional level of experience in using Adobe Illustrator to design marketing materials that capture attention and make an impact. It would be a privilege to support LaserFiche in the internship role and learn more from your team of professionals.

Included with this letter, you will find my resume, which shares details on my experiences and education. I hope to have the opportunity to share with your team how my past experience and skills align with the mission of your company.

Thank you in advance for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Juan Cabrillo

562-000-0000

emailaddress@email.com

Date:

October 16, 2024 

Proper Opening: If you do not know their name, start with "Dear Hiring Committee:"  

Hello Ms. Beach,

Introduction:

In search of an exceptional opportunity, I am writing with interest in the marketing internship position available at LaserFiche. As an arts and design student at Cabrillo High School, I developed my skills in creating compelling designs that connect with diverse populations and have experience with industry-standard design software.  

Discussion Paragraph: Important Skills, Less Important Skills

Currently, I am furthering my professional skill set by supporting my fellow students in our school attendance office. In this role, I regularly support community members, provide support to school leaders, and collect student attendance data, all of which are valuable administrative skills that I will bring to the internship at LaserFiche. In addition, I regularly use office equipment to provide our teachers with the content they need to support our campus. However, most vital to the opportunity, I have an exceptional level of experience in using Adobe Illustrator to design marketing materials that capture attention and make an impact. It would be a privilege to support LaserFiche in the internship role and learn more from your team of professionals.

Concluding Paragraph:

Included with this letter, you will find my resume, which shares details on my experiences and education. I hope to have the opportunity to share with your team how my past experience and skills align with the mission of your company.

Thank You:

Thank you in advance for your consideration.

Signature:

Sincerely,

Juan Cabrillo

562-000-0000

emailaddress@email.com