RESUME AND COVER LETTER (Business Communication Assignment)
SAMPLE COVER LETTER FORMAT
Your street address
City, State Zip Code
Date (in written out form)
Mr./Ms./Dr. Name
Title
Name of Organization
Street Address
City, State Zip Code
Dear Mr. Name:
Introduce yourself by describing your current status and major or background. State where you learned of the organization or opportunity. If you were referred by a particular person, mention them by name. Write a compelling lead-in statement expressing your confidence in being a highly qualified candidate.
Your body paragraphs are essentially your opportunity to provide a sales pitch as to why you are the best fit for this position. Highlight the portions of your resume that relate to the organization or position, without restating your resume word for word. Expand upon one or two points that are most applicable. If possible, use the language that is used in the advertisement or job description to describe your own experience. Mention any personal qualities or characteristics that make you an outstanding candidate for the job. Also make sure you support the skills, experiences, and personal qualities you highlight with examples. You may include a statement referring the reader to the enclosed résumé.
The final paragraph details what you want to happen next (an interview!). Let them know that you look forward to the opportunity to meet them in person. If appropriate, state that you will follow up by phone with the employer during a certain time period. Mention a telephone number and email where you can be reached in the meantime. Thank the reader for taking the time to consider your application.
Closing,
(Your handwritten signature)
Type your full name
SAMPLE COVER LETTER
Alexandra D. Smith
275 Student Lane • Indiana, PA 15701 • 724-555-8888 (cell) • Alexandra_Smith@gmail.com www.linkedin.com/in/Alexandra.D.Smith
September 15, 2013
Mr. Daniel Perry
Executive Producer, ‘Blues Clues’
NICK JR.
1633 Broadway, 4th Floor
New York, NY 10019
Dear Mr. Perry:
As an ardent fan of the 'Blue's Clues' television show, I was pleased to learn of your Executive Production Assistant position through CareerBuilder. I write to express my interest in the position and to submit my resume for your consideration. I will be graduating in December from Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Media.
I offer you experience in production as well as knowledge of early childhood development theory. Through my position as a Production Intern at Children's Television Workshop last summer, I was able to develop a working knowledge of studio techniques and procedures. In addition, my experience working as a temporary receptionist at Fox News enabled me to obtain the administrative experience necessary to work in a busy production environment. Furthermore,
I feel that I offer you the "professional demeanor, good judgment, and poise under pressure" that you request in the position description. As a Community Assistant, I learned how to handle delicate situations in a professional, confidential and competent manner. This was exhibited as I encountered situations around mental health, domestic violence, and alcohol violations.
Although I am significantly older than your target audience, I have always loved children's television programming. In fact, I recently downloaded your "recipe" for a recyclable guitar from the Blue's Clues homepage, and utilized a modified version of the recipe as a lesson plan for a course in Elementary Education. As my long-term career goal is to create children's television programs, this position would be a wonderful opportunity for me to gain experience in a supportive setting.
I would welcome the opportunity to learn more about this position and to meet with you in person. Please feel free to contact me via email (Alexandra_Smith@gmail.com) or phone (724-555-5555) if you require further information or would like to schedule an interview. I appreciate your consideration, and I look forward to speaking with you soon.
Sincerely,
Alexandra D. Smith