such as O*Net, to find descriptions for similar positions. It is important to have a list of requirements and qualifications as
you begin the middle of the cover letter. Here are some examples for the middle paragraph:
• Show you have both a broad business background and depth in a particular major.
“I have the finance and accounting knowledge needed for this position. In my coursework, I have taken five courses in Finance
and four courses in Accounting.”
• Highlight how your education has prepared you for the job you seek.
“As part of my Operations specialization, I had the unique opportunity to take a two-quarter Six Sigma course and earn a Green
Belt. This is a certification that few undergraduates attain.”
• Explain how electives like writing, communication or computer courses reinforce and diversify your qualifications.
“Knowing the importance of excellent writing skills, I minored in English with an emphasis on composition. I put those skills to
work by writing numerous articles for Fisher INK, a student-run business publication.”
• Give examples of how you’ve supplemented academic experience with internship or part-time work experience.
“As you can see on my resume, I have worked for Applebee’s for three years. In addition to developing my customer service skills
through my role as a server, I have also worked in an office setting as an administrative assistant for the company. This allowed
me to interact with upper level management and be a daily part of what goes on internally in a business to keep it running
smoothly.”
• Give examples demonstrating you can handle responsibility and manage your time well.
“In addition to my coursework and working part-time, I have been actively involved in a professional business fraternity, Delta
Sigma Pi, with leadership roles the past two years. I am able to plan ahead, prioritize, and manage my time effectively.”
• Show that you have the ability to work well with other people.
“I recently completed an internship at the Target Distribution Center where I worked with a diverse group of individuals. I was
named Most Valuable Employee in July for my teamwork in getting the job done.”
• Demonstrate that you understand the importance of the role to which you are applying.
“I know that you rely on your Account Managers to help you increase your market share and I have the interpersonal and
organizational skills to help you achieve those results.”
Closing Paragraph:
The last paragraph of the letter identifies the next steps in the process. It calls for action without begging or commanding
and is where you should express your interest in an interview. Make action easy by indicating that you will follow up and
say when you plan to do so. Give employers the chance to follow up by giving your phone number and, if necessary, the
best hours to call. It is best to give a personal number that goes directly to you. A voicemail makes you even more
accessible to potential employers. Make sure your voicemail has a professional message for callers that includes your
name so employers know they reached the correct person. Some examples:
• Indicate when you will follow up:
I will be getting in touch with you in the next two weeks to confirm that you have received my resume.
• Indicate how they can contact you:
Should you wish to contact me, I can be reached by phone at 614-295-1234 or by email at
mary.jones@gmail.com.
• Conclude with politeness:
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Formatting Your Letter
Your cover letter should observe the following format:
• Use a professional business format including your address, the date, and the employers address at the top (see
attached samples).
• When possible, try to find a contact name that you can address the letter to. If you do not know the name, use
something generic such as “Internship Coordinator” or “Human Resources Director”.
• Should be only ONE PAGE in length, but there should also be enough text so that the page is nicely filled with text.
• Match margins to resume – 0.5” minimum.
• Written in a font and point size that is easy to read – you may want to use the same font as your resume.