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© Copyright 2015. Christine Shine, M.A. All rights reserved. [email protected] 619-379-6967 A cover letter serves as an introduction to your resume and states the purpose of your inquiry. Employ- ers highly regard cover letters and may choose to review your resume based on the quality of your cover letter. Your cover letter should be one page (3 5 paragraphs) broken down into three main components: Opening (first paragraph) Explain why you are writing to them, what position you’re interested in, how you learned about the position (a name drop is perfect here), why you are interested in the job, and why you want to work for their company. Body (middle 2-4 paragraphs) Explain why you are the best person for the position. Highlight your education, skills, experi- ence, and achievements that make you qualified for the job. Only include information relevant to the position you are applying for. Describe how your values, personality, and work style fit in with the company’s mission and culture. Closing (last paragraph) Reemphasize your interest in the job and the company. Thank the person for their time and consideration. Always Remember to: Send a cover letter with your resume Provide examples of how your strengths, skills, and accomplishments relate to the position Write a tailored cover letter for each job you are applying for Check for grammatical and spelling errors Make absolutely sure you have the correct spelling and title of the person you are writing to and the correct name of the company Show your interest in the company as well as the job Be concise and try to limit your letter to one page Sign your cover letter unless sent online Careerfoundations.org Writing Cover Letters

Cover Letter Writing Guide

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Page 1: Cover Letter Writing Guide

© Copyright 2015. Christine Shine, M.A. All rights reserved.

[email protected] 619-379-6967

A cover letter serves as an introduction to your resume and states the purpose of your inquiry. Employ-

ers highly regard cover letters and may choose to review your resume based on the quality of your cover

letter.

Your cover letter should be one page (3 – 5 paragraphs) broken down into three main components:

Opening (first paragraph)

Explain why you are writing to them, what position you’re interested in, how you learned about

the position (a name drop is perfect here), why you are interested in the job, and why you want

to work for their company.

Body (middle 2-4 paragraphs)

Explain why you are the best person for the position. Highlight your education, skills, experi-

ence, and achievements that make you qualified for the job. Only include information relevant to

the position you are applying for. Describe how your values, personality, and work style fit in

with the company’s mission and culture.

Closing (last paragraph)

Reemphasize your interest in the job and the company. Thank the person for their time and

consideration.

Always Remember to:

Send a cover letter with your resume

Provide examples of how your strengths, skills, and accomplishments relate to the position

Write a tailored cover letter for each job you are applying for

Check for grammatical and spelling errors

Make absolutely sure you have the correct spelling and title of the person you are writing to and the

correct name of the company

Show your interest in the company as well as the job

Be concise and try to limit your letter to one page

Sign your cover letter unless sent online

Careerfoundations.org

Writing Cover Letters

Page 2: Cover Letter Writing Guide

© Copyright 2015. Christine Shine, M.A. All rights reserved.

[email protected] 619-379-6967

Cover Letter Example

Michael Cannon 4321 Falcon Drive, San Diego, CA

619-555-5555 [email protected]

May 28, 2011

Christen Mazan

Recruiter

Los Angeles Galaxy

333 Galaxy Lane

Los Angeles, CA 92220

Dear Ms. Mazan,

As an experienced soccer player and fan, I have been waiting for the opportunity to work for a professional soccer team in the

MLS. The Los Angeles Galaxy is known for its accomplishments and is one of the best teams in the nation. I strongly be-

lieve that I would make a significant contribution to the Los Angeles Galaxy and would like to formally apply for a summer

internship with your organization.

I am currently studying International Business and Management at California University. Attending and working at this uni-

versity has helped me to strengthened my interpersonal communication skills, especially with foreign students and non-

English speakers. My fluency in French and English and intermediate skills in Spanish have helped greatly in forming rela-

tionships with other students and during my travels to other countries. I believe my multicultural knowledge and background

makes me unique and will serve your organization well as you have a diverse group of players and fan base.

One of my goals as an intern will be to inspire others to become passionate about soccer. Through hard work and assisting

with marketing and recruitment activities in I believe this goal can be accomplished. Currently I am assisting with marketing

and event planning at the Sports Complex at California University. I contact people by phone and create and distribute flyers

on a regular basis. I help with organizing and setting up events for various sports teams at the complex. In addition, in 1999 I

recruited soccer players for the Australian Academy of Sports at various tournaments including the Kanga Cup.

I think it is important for someone representing the Los Angeles Galaxy to know about soccer. From 1997-1999, I played for

the Academy of Sport soccer team and from 1999-2001 on the Australian Institute of Sport. I was granted a full soccer schol-

arship to attend the California University from 2004 - present.

When I finish my degree I plan on moving to Europe and attending the FIFA Master. My career goal is to either work for a

professional soccer club in Europe and one day become a club president or work for FIFA. Working for the LA Galaxy will

strengthen my experience in this field and help me achieve the goals I have set for myself.

I thank you for your time and consideration and hope you will consider my application favorably.

Respectfully,

Michael Cannon

Careerfoundations.org