SAMPLE COVER LETTERS 1- EXAMPLE 1 COVER LETTER #1 (Not good) To whom it may concern: I have a great interest in your

field, and I have been informed that your company is an industry leader. I am thus writing to you to apply for a job. COVER LETTER #2 (Good) Dear Ms. xyz: After receiving a degree in nuclear waste management and working in a nuclear waste plant for 20 years, I am well aware that your company, the Acme Nuclear Plant, is the most respected in the industry. Your colleague, Mr. Friend, has informed me that Acme is searching for an experienced manager to restructure the Waste division, and I would be grateful for the opportunity to join your team. 2- EXAMPLE 2

Peter Printout 1298 Lead Street Readership, PA 151501 P: (222)333 - 4444 e: peteprinout@yahoo.com Mr. Charles Reader New York Times 1111 5th Avenue New York City, New York 2222

Dear Mr. Reader, For the past 10+ years I have followed your career through news events, interviews and web research. Your dedication to the Fourth Estate and your understanding of the important role journalists play in today's fast-paced information highway, coupled with your belief in the power of the press is exemplary. In addition, I know you were a student at Columbia with John Smith, my journalism professor at Missouri State. I have had the privilege of honing my journalistic abilities on three widely different publications. When I left college, I immediately went to work for the typical small town newspaper and learned all aspects of getting the paper to

the people in a timely manner. I then moved to regional manager for a media corporation composed of small to mid-size newspapers in the Midwest. In my current position, I am Chief Correspondent for one of the largest newspapers in the southwest.

I would like an opportunity to visit with you to get your insight and suggestions on where my skills and abilities would be of the greatest value to the journalist field, not only newspapers but other mediums as well.

The week of March 15 - 19, I will be in New York City. I'd like to visit with you and get your feedback on my writing ability, along with suggestions on where my skills would be of the greatest value from your point of view. I do have a portfolio of my work that I will have with me.

I will call your office to set a convenient time. I do look forward to meeting you.

Sincerely, Peter Printout 3- EXAMPLE 3

FirstName LastName Name University Street City, State Zip cell: 555-555-5555 Date Name Job Title Company Street City, State Zip

Dear Mr. Name:

My proven track record of successfully performing complex analyses on various corporations makes me an ideal candidate for the Analyst opportunity that you listed through the Name University Career Services Office. You specify that you are looking for someone with leadership, quantitative, analytical and communication skills. Last summer, I was given the opportunity to intern at First Real Estate Corporation.

I worked within the Real Estate Finance Group, and assisted staff with problems arising from the misinterpretation of leases to miscalculation of rent schedules. As a result, I played an active role within the group and helped them to solve these issues. This process involved using the quantitative and analytical skills that I acquired through actively participating in coursework for my Business-Economics major.

My ability to work well as part of team also related to my success within this group. These attributes, combined with my enthusiasm to learn, were essential to my contributions and success during this internship. I believe that I can apply the same skills within my internship last summer to a position within your company. I look forward to discussing the position with you in more detail. I will call next week to see if you agree that my qualifications seem to be a match for the position. If so, I hope to schedule an interview at a mutually convenient time. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely, Signature FirstName LastName