2. A
Cover
letter
is:
• An introduction to who you are
• …and what you stand for
• A statement of interest
• Why do you want this job?
• An elaboration on your skills and experiences
• A pitch
• Why should they choose you?
3. Part
1:
The
Opening
Name
Address
Contact info.
• Dear [Ms./Mr./Dr. ______]
• Dear [Hiring Committee]
• Avoid: “To Whom it May Concern” or “Dear Sir/Madam”
4. Part
2:
The
Lead
• Some options:
• I am a current [year] studying ________ at Santa Clara
University, and I am excited to apply for the role of
_______.
• I am eager to apply for _______ position, which was
• brought to my attention by your associate __________.
• posted on __________.
• referred to me by _____________.
5. Part
3:
The
Body
• Relevant work experience
• Not just “what you did,” but what you learned
• What skills did you develop?
• What challenges did you overcome?
• Consider: How are you different now than you
were before that experience?
• What you’ll bring
• Identify the skills they’re looking for
• Research the job description
• Research the company in general
• Really just do lots of research
8. Think
about…
• One thing you did
• One thing it taught you
• One thing you can use that skill for in the
future
9. For
example…
Position: Economic Empowerment Intern- International Rescue
Committee
As a ______ major and ________ minor at Santa Clara, my
academic background has enhanced my interest in global
issues and has challenged me to consider some of the more
troubling inequalities that persist in our world today. My
community service experience as a tutor at _______, a
volunteer at __________, and an intern at ___________ have
enabled me to engage in a practical application of those values
and concerns which I have explored in my classes, and I am
hopeful that an internship with __________ will empower me to
continue to act on my passion for service.
10. The
Writing
Process
“The first draft is the child’s draft, where you let it
all pour out and then let it romp all over the
place, knowing that no one is going to see it and
that you can shape it later. You just let this
childlike part of you channel whatever voices and
visions come through and onto the page.”
Anne
Lammo1,
Shi$y
First
Dra-s
12. Is
it
longer
than
a
page?
That’s
great!
Make
sure
you’ve
covered
all
the
important
stuff
Yes
How
can
you
communicate
what
you
want
to
say
in
a
more
concise
manner?
Is
there
anything
you
can
cut
out?
No
13. Is
it
repetitive?
Look
for
opportuniGes
to
vary
your
sentence
structure
and
word
choice
Yes
Awesome!
Double
check
to
make
sure
you
have
clear
details
No
14. Does
it
sound
like
YOU?
Amazing.
That’s
all
anyone
can
ask
for!
Yes
Take
a
second
to
reflect-‐-‐
what
is
it
that
you’re
really
trying
to
achieve?
No
