Cover Letters

Tips on Writing a Cover Letter

  • Use standard business letter format. Your name, address, phone and e-mail should be in upper right-hand corner. Recipient information should be on the left.
  • Never use "To Whom it May Concern" or "Dear Sir/Madam." Call the company to get the name of the addressee.
  • Immediately state who you are and why you are writing the letter.
  • If you aren't applying for a specific job, identify the area you are interested in.
  • Use the letter to link your resume to a specific job.
  • Provide a strong close: "I look forward to hearing from you."
  • Sign the letter by hand.

Sample Cover Letter

 

One CAD Lane
Kingston, NY 12402
Phone: (845)123-4567
parti@nyit.edu
March 1, 2008

Ms. Paula Planner
Director, Hempstead Planning Board
222 Fulton Street
Hempstead, NY 11550

Dear Ms Planner:
I am applying for the urban planning intern position posted in the NYIT job bank. I expect to receive a Bachelor of Architecture in May 2008 and would be available to begin working part time immediately.

While at AAA Design Build, I had numerous contacts with the New York City Building Department. I have photographed properties and taken measurements of existing buildings. This semester my thesis class will work on a project to redesign the Jamaica, Queens (NY) transportation hub.

I look forward to meeting you to discuss my qualifications. Thank you.

 

        Sincerely,
        (your handwritten signature)

                Peter Parti