Cover Letters Good & Bad Examples from previous semesters Bad Example Lacks confidence Vague – lacks any real detail Drifts from topic to topic No real structure Dear Hiring Manager: I am writing to apply for the Purchasing Assistant that was advertised on your company website. I feel that my education, experience, and career interests would be an excellent match for your organization. As a student in the Fox School of Business at Temple University, my studies in Management Information Systems have given me the opportunity to develop valuable analytical skills and throughout my coursework I was able to demonstrate my writing and communication skills during various presentations in the classroom. My work experience with Henry Yeska & Son has given me the proven ability to work independently and as an effective team member. While working on individual tasks, I proved my ability to confidently perform duties on my own while managing my time to complete other daily tasks. I have developed strong interpersonal skills by being a valuable team member while working on projects and on a daily basis interacting with clients. In addition to my academic and work experience, the enclosed resume also demonstrates my willingness to work hard and assume leadership responsibilities. I am confident that I have the training, enthusiasm, and personal qualities to make a positive contribution to Lakeview Hospital. I appreciate your consideration and I look forward to the opportunity to further discuss my qualifications in person. Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon. Good Example Focused thesis statement Topic sentences that echo thesis claims Detail, data, specifics “So what?” statements at the end of each paragraph A closing that reiterates the thesis and humbly indicates that the student wants future contact. Dear Ms. Smith: I learned through Temple University’s Foxnet that XYZ Summer Camps has a full-time Finance and Accounting Intern position available at the Bryn Mawr, PA location. I am a junior at Temple University, majoring in Accounting. My previous work experiences as a Senior Counselor and as a Server Room Clerk have given me strong skills in detail-orientation, communication, and problem solving, which make me a great candidate for this position. My work experience as a Senior Counselor at John Doe Day Camps strengthened my detail-orientation and communication skills. Part of my responsibilities as a Senior Counselor was to learn important information about 90 teen travel campers. I had to memorize details about each camper which included: hobbies, interests, friendships, and confidential medical needs. Knowing crucial details about each camper’s needs was important in handling any social, disciplinary, and medical problems that arose throughout the summer. In addition, as a member of a four person staff of counselors, I had to communicate daily with the other counselors and my supervisor .