The document provides guidance on how to write an effective cover letter. It recommends that a cover letter should introduce one's qualifications for a position, arouse the employer's interest, and highlight important information from the resume. The cover letter should be tailored specifically for each job and not duplicate what is in the resume. It then provides tips on gathering information about the employer and position, maintaining an appropriate tone, being concise while varying sentence structure, and including typical cover letter sections like an opening paragraph to get attention, paragraphs on interest in and fit for the position, and a closing to thank the employer.

1. Writing a Cover
Letter

2. Outline

3. What Is a Cover Letter?
 An introduction that:
- Explains your qualifications and fit
- Arouses the employer’s interest and gets
their attention
- Highlights important information on your
resume
 Should not duplicate resume
 It is NOT a personal statement
 Must be tailored to individual position!

4. Before You Write…
 Gather key info:
- name
- address
- title
- company facts, etc.
 Read and highlight the
job description
- What is important to them?

5. Tone
 Strike a balance:
- stress enthusiasm for the position
- don’t be overconfident
- don’t be desperate
 Stay positive
 Maintain consistent tone
throughout

6. Example
I hope you will consider me for this software development
internship. I will not let you down, as I am sure that I am the
right candidate for the position.
I look forward to the opportunity to interview for this position.
I believe that my academic background, as well as my prior
experience as Net Programmer and graphics design intern
make me well-suited for this position.

7. Style
 Be concise
- Keep it to one page
 Be consistent
- Font, size
 Vary sentence
structure
- Avoid beginning every
sentence or paragraph
with the word “I”
 Proofread!

8. Before & After
I gained invaluable insight into the world of politics through my previous
internship for Senator John Smith. I was able to sit in on brain-storming
sessions and strategic planning meetings. I am looking for a position in a
Senate or House office where I can continue to strengthen the
communication, research, and leadership skills I have developed in and
out of the classroom.
Last summer, I served as an intern for Senator John Smith, where I
gained invaluable insight into the world of national politics. In addition
to drafting correspondence to constituents, I also had the opportunity
to sit in on brain-storming sessions and strategic planning meetings.
Currently, I am looking for a position in a Senate or House office where I
can continue to strengthen the communication, research, and
leadership skills I have developed in and out of the classroom.

9. Letter Sections
 Header
 Paragraph 1- Attention
 Paragraph 2 - Interest
 Paragraph 3 - Fit
 Paragraph 4 - Closing

10. Header
224 Hanes Hall
Chapel Hill, NC 27599
August 28, 2013
Michelle White
Turner Broadcasting Systems
1 CNN Center
Atlanta, GA 30303
YOUR Address ->
Date ->
RECIPIENT Name
and Address ->

11. ATTENTION:
1st Paragraph
 Indicate your reason for
writing
 Specify the position for
which you are applying
 State how you found the
position
 Include any prior
contact with the
employer or employees

12. Dear Mr. Jones:
Recently, I had the opportunity to speak with Ms. Tricia Gibbs
from your Software Development Department at a Careers
Networking Night at the University of North Carolina at
Chapel Hill. Ms. Gibbs suggested I contact you regarding
my interest in the summer internship program at Garmin Inc.
As a current student at UNC studying Computer Science and
Geography, I believe I could be an asset to the summer
internship program.
Example

13. INTEREST:
2nd Paragraph
 Mention why you are
interested in:
- The organization, position,
their products or services
 Do your research and
show it off
- This showcases your
motivation and enthusiasm
 Number one detail left
out

14. Garmin Inc. is the leader in the GPS industry with a
reputation that is unmatched. I have had the
opportunity to own two Garmin devices and have
always enjoyed reliable success with each.
Additionally, as someone very interested in the field of
Geoinformation Systems, I instinctively pay attention to
various competitors products. In my research I have
found Garmin’s team to be most impressive,
specifically their work around the Garmin Forerunner
watch line. The opportunity to learn from the best is
something that I will take very seriously if given the
chance.
Example

15. FIT:
3rd Paragraph
 Why are you the right
person for the position?
 What skills do you bring
to the employer?
- Discuss your education,
experience, skills
- Focus on what is most
important to the
employer (Go back to
the job description!)

16. Example
During my time at UNC, I have had a growing interest in software
development. Completing several computer science and geography
classes piqued this interest and led me to the desire to gain some real world
experience. Last summer I had the opportunity to intern at the ESRI in
Redlands, California. My position entailed developing web pages, utilizing
social media and creating slideshows publicizing the success of ESRI’s
engineers and developers. I was able to utilize my web authoring skills,
creativity and communication abilities to assist the organization in meeting
their goal to promote ESRI. Additionally, I have been involved with and taken
leadership roles. Last semester I led the web development team for the
Computer Science Club at UNC. By using my communication skills I was able
to successfully coordinate the overhaul of our web-page, coordinate a 5k
race to raise money to host a 24 hour Hackathon so classmates could
showcase their talents.

17. CLOSING:
4th Paragraph
 Reiterate fit
 Invite them to
contact you
 Thank them for
their time and
consideration
 Use Sincerely
 Always sign your
letter
Wrap it up!

18. I am confident that I have the talents and background
to make a difference at Garmin Inc. I would welcome
the opportunity to further discuss my qualifications at
your convenience. Please feel free to contact me by
email at student@email.unc.edu, or by phone (123)
456-7890. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Joe A. Student
Joe A. Student
Example

19. Questions?