Cover Letters

person writing

Cover letters are your opportunity to expand on the information in your resume. It should detail exactly how and why you would add value to their organization and illustrate your communication and persuasion skills all at once. It is important to think of your cover letter as a bridge that connects what you bring to what the employer wants. The cover letter below shows how the following tips apply to a real-world example.

Header

Use the same header from your resume on your cover letter with your name and contact information. Address the cover letter with the company’s contact information at the top left-hand corner, and include the position title and number for the employer to clearly see what you are applying for.

Start your cover letter by addressing someone specifically. Try and find the appropriate contact name for the position. If you are unable to find that information, address the department name or simply write “Dear hiring manager” or “Dear hiring committee.”

Opening paragraph

The opening paragraph should address the question, “Why this company?” Describe how you found the position and what you are applying for. If someone referred you, this is the place to mention their name. Highlightwhy you are applying for a job with this company and what interests you about the company. End the paragraph with your thesis sentence – the top two or three reasons you’re qualified for the position.

Middle paragraph(s)

Here is your chance to expand on your thesis sentence with concrete examples demonstrating your skills and experience. Highlight your knowledge of the company indicating how your experiences will fit their needs. Address specific qualifications you may have that match the job description. The middle paragraph should answer the question, why you? Be sure to review the job posting to incorporate industry language, action verbs used in the description, and the specific skills and experience the employer is seeking.Make sure your cover letter isn't simply restating what is on your resume. This is your chance to help employers see why/how your experience is valuable to them.

Closing paragraph

This can be a simple paragraph, reiterating your interest in the position and thanking the employer for taking the time to read your cover letter. You should also indicate how or when the employer can contact you.

Cover Letter Example

The cover letter below was written in response to a specific job posting. Use the tooltips throughout the text to see how the cover letter addresses key points and requirements from the job posting.

Job posting

Exciting and successful outdoor/action sports company looking for a talented, organized and motivated sponsorship and marketing intern for Warren Miller Entertainment in Boulder, CO. This internship is open to students who seek college credit. This is a great opportunity for networking and experience in the outdoor and sports industry.

Candidates must be detail-oriented and organized, and looking to work hard while learning about events, sponsorship sales and marketing. Intern will gain event execution, sales support and account services experience. Interest in events, media and advertising encouraged. This internship is a great opportunity for a highly motivated student who is looking for real-world experience.

Responsibilities

  • Assist with the support of sponsorship proposals for marquee events.
  • Develop event presentations on market-by-market basis for national-scale events.
  • Work with account managers, marketing and creative departments to develop, organize and design event presentation for up to 80 markets.
  • Provide event support and assistance in planning, execution and sponsorship activation for event partners and national sponsors.
  • Communicate and work with event crew sponsor liaisons to receive detailed sponsor reports, photos and recap information.
  • Traffic sponsor ad creative, ticket fulfillment and trafficking and up-keep of general sponsor materials.
  • Organize, assist in management and shipping of event door prizes.
  • Generate detailed and timely sponsorship reports.
  • Organize and update sales materials.
  • Assist the sponsorship department with a variety of tasks when necessary and in day-to-day activities.

Required skills

  • Advanced experience with Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
  • Ability to multi-task.
  • Ability to anticipate needs and be proactive.
  • Proficient internet research skills.
  • Honest and trustworthy; on time and ready to work.
  • Must work well as part of a team.
  • Interest in graphic design or an eye for creative design/layout encouraged but not required.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and handle changes at a moment’s notice.
  • Organized, goal-oriented, excellent communication skills both written and verbal, with a willingness to learn is a must.

Students must seek formal approval for academic credit through their department(s) or advisor(s).

Duration

Temporary/Seasonal

Job functions

Advertising, Media & PR, Design/Art, Marketing - General

Job roles

Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists

Active InterestMmedia

One of the world’s largest enthusiast media companies, Active Interest Media (aimmedia.com) produces leading consumer and trade events, websites, magazines and films and TV shows that reach 40 million readers, fans and attendees in 85 countries. AIM powers the second-richest equestrian competition in the world, the World Series of Team Roping and North America’s most important events and education for fitness professionals through our IDEA Fit division. Our brands include Yoga Journal, Warren Miller Entertainment, Backpacker, SKI, Anglers Journal, Yachts International, Sail, Power & Motoryacht, Team Roping Journal, Practical Horseman, EQUUS, Muscle & Performance, Horse & Rider, Oxygen, Clean Eating, Log Home Living, Old House Journal, Woodsmith, Garden Gate and more. The company’s five divisions—the Equine Network, Home Group, Healthy Living Group, Marine Group and Outdoor Group—also operate thriving B2B platforms, online universities and retail events.

Cover letter

Try to engage your readers from the beginning by demonstrating interest in the role and company, or by demonstrating that you’re a good fit.
I grew up watching Warren Miller films on the big screen each fall. Taking in the impressive video footage and rad soundtrack with a live audience of skiers and riders always got me pumped for ski season. It would be an honor to intern with Warren Miller and help ensure others can enjoy the same live experience.
Introduce yourself by stating where you go to school, what year you are in and what you are studying (if it is relevant).
with the goal of working in sports marketing and events when I graduate. I am a hardworking team player with strong communication and organization skills, so the sponsorship and marketing internship at Warren Miller Entertainment seems like a natural fit.
Make sure you mention the title of the position you are applying for, the name of the organization and where you found the posting. This is also a good place to mention the name of referrals or connections you have at the organization. For example, if you spoke at length with a recruiter at the career fair, you could include their name here.
and believe that my interests, skills and experience make me the perfect candidate to help promote your events.

In a fast-paced, dynamic organization such as Active Interest Media,

These are all required skills listed in the job description. It’s good to select the three skills/qualifications/requirements that you have the most experience in to focus on in your cover letter.
My work as an outreach development coach (ODC) with Career Services allows me to collaborate with a team of seven ODCs and one professional staff supervisor to develop and present engaging workshops on various career topics to students. My team also staffs daily drop-in hours, offers weekly career workshops and supports large-scale campus events including career fairs. Staffing the Boulder career fairs has allowed me to
It’s important to provide specific examples of how you’ve demonstrated the skills they are looking for through your previous experiences. Help make the connection between what you’ve done in the past and this role. Clearly articulate that this experience will allow you to contribute in positive ways in this role.
as I contribute wherever needed to keep the event running smoothly for the 14,000 students and 300 employers that attend each fall. My abilities to anticipate needs, collaborate, multi-task and adapt to changing circumstances will allow me to make significant contributions as a part of the team at Warren Miller.

In addition to my on-campus experience, I interned last summer for Hops Brewery where I

If offered the sponsorship and marketing internship, I would support your team with this same attention to detail and my communication and organizational skills.

As a life-long fan of your films, I am excited for the opportunity to apply for an internship with Warren Miller Entertainment.

In the closing paragraph, make sure to remind them of your interest in the role and/or company and why you are a good fit.
It’s important to demonstrate your confidence here and include your contact information (even though it’s at the top of the cover letter) to demonstrate your strong interest in the position and moving forward with next steps.