11 Sep Draft a cover letter that you would send to the employer

Draft a cover letter that you would send to the employer. You can address it to Hugh S. Chain, Hiring Manager, [name of company] [don’t worry about the address unless it’s given].
Use one of the job descriptions. Review the job description, including the skills and experience requirements. Make sure to stress your VIPS (Values, Interests, Personality and Strengths) as well as the three important questions – Why are you interested and What can you demonstrate that shows you are a good candidate (using, for example the STAR approach (Situation, Task, Action, Result))

Cover Letter Template
NAME

Phone Number | Email Address | LinkedIn URL

March 29, 2024 (date you are submitting application)

Name of Person and/or Department

Name of Company

Company Address, State, and Zip

Dear Hiring Manager,

WHY (4-6 lines) – Why are you interested in the company, or the position?

Include these 5 items: Excitement, job title, company name, where or how you found the job, and why.

I am excited to apply to the Business Analytics Internship with Wayne Enterprises. I found this position through a conversation with a recruiter at a virtual information session. During the session, the recruiter shared the diverse range of languages and tools used by Wayne Tech, which appeals to me because I will gain hands-on experience with multiple tools. Additionally, former interns at Wayne Tech have raved about the collaborative environment and I believe I would thrive in that atmosphere.

HOW (8-16 lines) – Answer: Tell me about an experience that shows how you are an ideal candidate. (Use STAR)

The goal of this paragraph is to EXPAND on your resume, not repeat it. I compare this to answering interview questions using STAR Method.

This is your marketing opportunity and a chance to illustrate your value to a company. We do NOT want to restate everything from our resume. Your story and example in this middle paragraph should always connect to the skills and competencies that a company is asking for in their job description.

Situation: Provide the background of when and where this story is taking place. This is context to better understand as reader.

Task: “This experience illustrates the skills required to be successful in this role.” Or something similar!

Action: This section will be the bulk of your middle paragraph. Most people follow a linear, story-telling approach. Similar to the work on your resume, you want to be detailed and action focused. Provide technologies, numbers, and specifics!

Result: Wrap up your story with the outcome, or possibly reconnecting the experience to the job description/skills.

**While writing these for cover letters, you are also practicing and preparing answers for interviews!!**

CLOSE (2-3 lines) – Short, sweet, and to-the-point wrap up to your letter.

Below is an example to use. You do not need to include company/job info or your contact info (your info is at the top)! You should always include a thank you, restate your interest or excitement, and include next step.

Thank you for reviewing my application, resume, and cover letter. I believe that I have the skills and experiences to excel in this position. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions. I look forward to scheduling an interview with you in the near future.

Sincerely,

Chris Washko [sign your cover letter]