Rachel requested that we post some tips on writing cover letters, so here they are! I got these helpful tips from my college career service center, so if you have access to such resources, I highly suggest you use them. Thanks, UCSD!
Content
1. ALWAYS address the letter to a specific person. If a name is not included in the listing, address it to "To Whom it May Concern," or "Hiring Manager."
2. Write each cover letter SPECIFICALLY for the company and/or position you are seeking. The last thing you want is Quiksilver's design team getting a cover letter that you wrote for Yves Saint Laurent's design team! They are drastically different companies that cater to different kinds of lifestyles, and would appreciate different experiences.
3. Begin with the purpose of your letter, stating the specific internship position you seek. In many cases, human resources handles the hiring of interns, so they receive a multitude of resumes for different internship positions. If you don't specify which internship you are seeking, they may toss your resume to the side.
4. If you were referred by a previous/current intern, or by someone you know in the company, address that in your first paragraph as well.
4. In your second paragraph, tie your qualifications to what you know about the position or organization. Refer the reader to the resume for more details.
5. Also in your second paragraph, tell them why you are interested in this field or company. Make the reader aware that you have done your homework and know something about the organization and how it fits with your skills, strengths, objectives, and interests.
6. In your closing paragraph, request the next step in the employment process: an interview.
Formatting
1. At the top, write your full name and contact information (phone number, e-mail, home address).
2. Use a business letter format, block style, with everything beginning at the left margin. Employers will not be impressed by a pink font or icons on your resume.
3. If mailing, use the same good quality paper as your resume.
4. Rather than attaching your cover letter, use it as the body of your e-mail, unless otherwise indicated.
Fashion Intern xx
