CoverLetterPages

COVER LETTERS

Cover letters serve as a bridge between your resume and the specific job to which you are applying. Therefore, there isn’t a

“one size fits all” cover letter. A cover letter is also a reflection of your writing skills, so take time and care to proofread and

review your document. It needs to be specific to the organization and position— a generic cover letter will not help you.

• Formal, polished, and grammatically correct

• Precise, concise, cordial, and confident

• Written in the active voice

• Varied in sentence structure—don’t begin all sentences with “I”

• Printed on the same type of paper as your resume

• Targeted to the needs of the company and requirements of the

position

• A way of connecting the job description with your resume and

skills

A COVER LETTER SHOULD BE:

If you do not have a contact name:

• Investigate the company website and other online resources

for contacts and addresses

• Call the company and request the name of the person

responsible for hiring college graduates in your career area

• If all efforts fail, use a proper salutation such as “Dear Sir or

Madam” or “Dear Hiring Manager”

ADDRESS COVER LETTERS TO A SPECIFIC PERSON

GUIDELINES

• States WHY you are writing

- Responding to an advertised opening

- Inquiring about a possible opening

• States WHY you are applying to, or are interested in, this

employer

- Company’s training program

- Company’s product or service

- Demonstrate your company research

• Mention your contact/referral if you have one

FIRST PARAGRAPH - “WHY THEM?”

• States WHAT qualifications you bring to the position

• Highlights two or three experiences or academic

achievements that directly relate to the qualifications the

employer is seeking

• Proves through examples of experiences and activities

that you have key skills for the position—i.e., leadership,

communication, problem-solving ability, and analytical skills

• May close with a summary sentence of your qualifications

and a confident statement that you can make a contribution

to the organization

SECOND PARAGRAPH - “WHY YOU?”

• States WHAT you WANT—an interview or an opportunity to

further discuss your qualifications and employment

opportunities

• May reference your enclosed or attached resume

• Thanks the person and indicates that you look forward to

speaking to or meeting with him/her, but indicates flexibility

as to time and place

• Optional: Can state that you will call the contact person at a

certain time/day to discuss scheduling a meeting or an

interview

See Sample Cover Letters on the following pages.

Schedule an appointment for a resume or cover letter review online

at undergradcareers.nd.edu.

THIRD PARAGRAPH - “NEXT STEPS”

CONTENT

SEND A COVER LETTER WHEN:

• Applying through Go IRISH or another online database and the

employer has requested it

• Responding to a job posting via direct mail or email

• Sending a response to a referral from a friend or acquaintance

• A cover letter is not a repetition of the wording on your resume

• When sending a resume via email, follow the cover letter format to

introduce your attached resume and write the cover letter in the

body of the email (do not include the addresses and the date)

• Include the position/job title and your full name in the subject line

for cover letters sent via email

• Use the term “Enclosure” or “Enclosures” only if sending hard

copies of documents

• The font and formatting of your cover letter should match the

font and formatting of your resume

ADDITIONAL TIPS

Chart your course for success in a fast-paced learning environment

and get set to become a top-performing account manager in the

group insurance segment of the employee benefits industry.

Highly motivated and results driven recent grads and early-career

professionals will experience on-the-job and classroom training,

coaching and mentoring as part of CIGNA Group Insurance’s

Leadership Development Program.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

SAMPLE COVER LETTERS

1807 Construction Road

Apartment #18

Notre Dame, IN 46556

October 15, XXXX

Mr. Phillip Sorrel

Director of Sales

ABC Corporation

1 Industry Plaza

Framington, NJ 20589

Dear Mr. Sorrel:

I recently spoke with Mr. Connors at the Fall Career Expo at the University of Notre Dame regarding career

opportunities within the pharmaceutical industry, and he suggested I contact you. ABC Corporation’s recent

market expansion and use of the most current biotechnology in its products is particularly impressive. I am

very interested in a Pharmaceutical Sales Representative position with your company

and have enclosed my resume for your review.

My Science Business education has exposed me to principles of business—marketing, accounting, finance,

and management—while also establishing the strong science foundation necessary in the pharmaceutical

industry. As a marketing intern last summer, I applied and developed these skills in a corporate environment.

Through interaction with clients ranging from computer hardware businesses to local grocers, I fostered

strong communication skills and the ability to work with diverse customers. Additionally, I am committed to

achieving results. For example, my new approach to marketing an on-campus community service program

increased student participation by 25%. Given my goal-driven nature and desire to succeed, I am confident

that I can make a positive contribution to your Sales Department.

I would like the opportunity to further discuss my qualifications and any sales opportunities

within ABC Corporation. I will call you during the week of November 1 to see if we might schedule a convenient

time to meet. I look forward to our conversation.

Sincerely,

Mary Flint

Enclosure

4 blank lines here

2 blank lines here

4 blank lines for signature

Include if sending a hard copy of the letter and resume.

Start out with the

name of your referral

if applicable

Show that you’ve done your research

to keep the reader’s interest

Draw attention to relevant

skills, as defined by the job

description, and

demonstrate when and

how you have used them

Keep the letter short and

to the point. Be direct

but courteous in the

closing

August 22, XXXX

Ms. Kim Dean

University Relations Specialist

CIGNA Corporation

900 Cottage Grove Road, A-122

Hartford, CT 06152

Dear Ms. Dean:

Please consider my enclosed resume for the CIGNA Leadership Development Program.

Currently, I am a senior majoring in marketing at the University of Notre Dame. The qualities

I have to offer CIGNA in this program include:

• An achiever with outstanding interpersonal skills:

While working as an intern at XYZ Company, I was

selected for the marketing strategy team that partnered to increase revenue by 41% and customer

base by 20%. Prior to attending Notre Dame, I volunteered for a local non-profit organization where I

worked with clients from different cultures. Based on my contributions and commitment to the

organization, I earned recognition as “Volunteer of the Month.”

• Demonstrated leader and team player:

I co-founded a student organization aimed at increasing

community service involvement campus-wide. Over the past three years, we have been able to

generate a 32% increase in student participation, and have made valuable contributions to the

community. I also served as a Resident Assistant in one of the University’s largest residence halls while

achieving a 3.59 GPA in my classes.

• Excellent analytical and quantitative abilities:

In a team-based business simulation, I continuously

analyzed the market and our competition for a financial services firm throughout the semester. The

professor acknowledged our final project as being “an outstanding example for future classes.” Last

summer as an intern, I participated in a cross-functional team to assess a proposed business venture

expanding customer product offerings.

CIGNA is a long-time leader in providing full-service solutions. Through this approach, the company has

continued to expand its client base and market position for more than 125 years. Specifically, your mission

to help people lead healthier, more secure lives matches my own personal values and interests, as

demonstrated through my community service efforts.

I am committed to adding value and contributing to CIGNA’s global expansion. Please consider

placing me on your interview schedule during your campus visit. Thank you in advance for

your consideration. If you have questions prior to your visit, please feel free to contact

me at (574) 258-5555.

Sincerely,

Peter Smith

Address your letter

to a specific person

Immediately state the

purpose of your letter

Use this format to draw

attention to specific skills

and show when and how

you have used them

Demonstrate your research

and knowledge of the

company and express your

enthusiasm and interest

The Pharmaceutical Sales Representative is responsible for achieving

sales goals and implementing company-approved programs within a

(company assigned) geographically defined territory. This is

accomplished by providing company-approved information and

services to all classes of accounts such as physicians, retail

pharmacies, hospitals, wholesalers, and managed care organizations.

The Sales Representative is also responsible for coordinating sales

strategies with appropriate teammates to maximize sales in territory.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

As an Associate Financial Analyst, you will experience an exciting

career offering a wide range of opportunities for professional

development, including the two-year Lilly Initial Financial Experience

(“LIFE”) training program. By strengthening your skills through a

variety of financial assignments, you will deepen your financial

expertise, learn and contribute to the business, and impact patients

through your work in finance.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Product Development Engineering careers at Vandelay Industries offer

you the chance to drive innovation and embrace bold new challenges

as a member of the team responsible for revolutionizing the

automotive industry. Today, we’re on a new road, with defined goals

and renewed energy. You’ll see it in our attention to quality and

performance, and in the groundbreaking designs and technologies

that create an unparalleled driving experience for our customers.

We’re looking for an Engineer with 0-3 years of experience and a

BSME to do the following:

• Design and develop robust manufacturing processes for wiring

manufacturing facilities

• Follow Vandelay’s Advanced Process Development process

throughout the project and assure deliverables are met on time

• Seek out, understand, and interpret product requirements that can

be implemented in innovative new manufacturing processes and in

a socially and environmentally conscious manner.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

123 Notre Dame Ave

Notre Dame, IN 46556

February 12, XXXX

Mr. Joe Irish

Lilly Corporate Center

Indianapolis, IN 46285

Dear Mr. Irish:

As a senior Accounting and Economics double major at the University of Notre Dame, I am seeking a

full-time position that will utilize my strong communication and analytical skills. From the research I have

conducted on Go IRISH and through contact with Ms. Eileen Froehlke, I am interested in pursuing Lilly’s

associate tax analyst opportunity. What has especially drawn my attention to Lilly is its drive and

dedication towards research and development and meeting needs that have been previously unmet in

the medical field. As well, Lilly’s expectations of high integrity and respect for all the people the

corporation serves impressed me.

As a tax consultant intern for True Partners Consulting, I worked extensively in researching Section 199

and other complex tax deductions for our clients. I created templates for future use in evaluating the

availability of specific deductions and also generated a methodology for the analysis of fixed assets for

tax purposes. As an international tax intern for Zimmer, Inc., I was able to learn the foundations of the U.S.

and foreign tax structures and experience first hand the importance of tax solutions in a Fortune 500

company.

In my Principles of Marketing class, I led a team of eight through a semester-long project which followed

a product through the entire marketing process and resulted in a 200-page report and 20 minute

presentation. I led discussions, critiqued my team members’ work, and motivated them to produce the

best work possible. Outside of my academic and work experiences, I served as the Community Service

Coordinator for the Black Cultural Arts Council and fostered a relationship with the Robinson Community

Learning Center establishing community service activities for our club.

Accompanying this cover letter is my resume, which I also submitted through Go IRISH for your

review. I would like the opportunity to further discuss with you the associate tax analyst position

and my qualifications. I noted that Lilly will be conducting on-campus interviews and hope to

talk with you sometime before then. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Anthony Hermann

1234 Engineering Dr.

Notre Dame, IN 46556

October 15, XXXX

Mr. George Costanza

Director of University Recruiting

Vandelay Industries

555 Pennypacker Way

New York, NY 10021

Dear Mr. Costanza:

I recently spoke with Art Vandelay at the Fall Career Expo at the University of Notre Dame regarding the

Product Development Engineer position with Vandelay Industries, and he suggested I contact you.

Vandelay Industries’ innovative approach to providing eco-friendly options for those in the automotive

industry are of great importance and particular interest to me. Furthermore, Vandelay Industries’ recent

market expansion and use of the most current materials technology in its products is extremely

impressive.

My Mechanical Engineering education and my experience in and out of the classroom makes me a

valuable candidate. As an engineering intern last year at Delphi I learned a great deal of how engineering

and technology companies work closely with the automotive industry, and I believe this experience will

allow me to contribute immediately to your team. Additionally, I am committed to advancing social and

environmental standards in our industry, as shown through my involvement in the American Society of

Mechanical Engineers and Student Energy Board. Our efforts are to reduce materials waste across Notre

Dame’s campus, and specifically in regards to materials waste in engineering projects. Our efforts

reduced physical waste by nearly 22% in the first year, as well as cut costs for the ME department by

3.5% by researching affordable, alternative materials from which to source project prototypes.

Furthermore, my active involvement in student government has helped strengthen my leadership and

communication skills, both of which are vital for successful engineers. I am confident that I can help

move Vandelay Industries’ initiatives forward and make a lasting and immediate impact on your team.

Please refer to my attached resume for a more detailed explanation of my experiences and qualifica-

tions. I want to thank you for taking the time to read my letter and for considering me for the Product

Development Engineer position. If I can answer any questions please feel free to contact me at

[email protected] or (555) 555-1234.

Sincerely,

Julie Smith

Immediately state why

you are interested in the

company and position

Highlight relevant

skills gained through

specific internship

and academic

experience

When applicable, state that you have

applied on Go IRISH, and indicate interest

in obtaining an on-campus interview

Knowledge and skills gained

through classes and projects

count as experience

Quantify accomplishments

when possible

SAMPLE COVER LETTER -

EMAIL FORMAT

Full-time Marketing Position Inquiry

mary.domer@underarmour.com

Full-time Marketing Position Inquiry - Mary O’Connor

Dear Ms. Domer:

I recently learned of Under Armour’s full-time positions through Ms. Bridget Kibbe, a Director at Notre Dame’s Center for Career

Development, and I am very interested in this opportunity. My previous corporate internship experience, extra-curricular activities,

competitive drive, and passion for athletics make me a strong candidate for this position.

While working as a business analyst intern for Target Inc. this previous summer, I developed several important skills required by this

competitive corporate setting: fast-paced learning, dedication, creativity, and the ability to work as part of a team. Through partnering

and individual critical thinking skills, my intern team presented an actionable inventory strategy to the division upon completion of the

internship.

As an intern in Liz Claiborne’s International Marketing Division during the summer of 20XX, I worked with several cross-functional

teams. These interactions were the most rewarding experiences of this internship, giving me the opportunity to effectively

communicate with, and learn from, a diverse group of professionals.

Serving as the Director of Marketing for the Student International Business Council has given me the opportunity to explore my

interests while applying classroom skills to real world business modules. In this challenging leadership position, I successfully led

marketing projects with major companies, developing strategies and providing market research for future implementation. Through

these experiences, my interpersonal skills, specifically my presentation and communication abilities, have been strengthened. With

focus, time management, and determination, I have also maintained an accomplished academic record at Notre Dame.

Becoming a part of Under Armour and representing the brand preferred by today’s athletes is an exciting opportunity.

I look forward to discussing Under Armour’s full-time positions with you at a later date. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Mary O’Connor

(555) 555-5555

http://www.linkedin.com/in/moconnor

Send

Use short paragraphs to

highlight specific skills

and experience

After mentioning your referral,

make a strong statement about

why the person should continue

reading your letter

It is acceptable to leave closing open-ended,

but generally better to retian control by asking

for a specific appointment