Resumes and Cover Letters

December 1, 20XX

Ms. Alison Parse
Tipton Communications
220 Continental Drive
Suite 20
Newark, DE 19700

Dear Ms. Parse:

I am formally applying for the Spring Public Relations Intern position with Tipton Communications. I discovered the position posted on the University of Delaware’s Handshake recruiting system. Tipton Communications is a company in which I can produce results because I identify with the company’s passionate strategy of doing whatever it takes to succeed. Whether it is to perfect employee communication, or master publications and graphic design, I am more than capable of helping the company stay true to its mission.

As a senior, English major, my educational background and experiences combine for a good fit for Tipton. I took on many leadership positions in group projects throughout my upper level English courses. This past November, I attended the 53rd Annual Advertising Career Conference in New York City hosted by the AWNY and was exposed to insight from top industry figureheads on the industry and its direction. During the summer of 2016, I interned at MTV Networks/Viacom in the Digital Ad Sales department, in which I researched sellable opportunities, maintained information on corporate accounts, and networked with countless professionals. These experiences have combined to validate my true interest in the industry and in an organization like Tipton Communications.

I have been active in many extracurricular activities at the University of Delaware, as indicated by my resume. Leading an online magazine at the university and taking control of its promotional operations has been a very rewarding experience for me. I have also taken part in an endeavor called B.L.U.E. Advertising in which we act as our own advertising and consulting firm for on-campus organizations. My high involvement at school and my incredible experiences in the industry have made me a determined and focused worker who will work hard for success.

I look forward to meeting with you to discuss my candidacy for this position in greater detail. Please contact me if you need any additional information. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Student Name

March 2, 20XX

The American Beverage Association
1210 I Street NW, Suite 300W
Washington, D.C., 20005

Dear Internship Coordinator:

I am applying for the Government Relations American Beverage Association Summer Internship advertised on the Handshake posting system at the University of Delaware. With my interests in government, law, and politics, I am enthusiastic about this opportunity to lend my administrative, organizational and leadership skills to support a national trade association.

I am attracted to the ABA because the association represents such a large number of workers who can be positively impacted and protected by legislation. Through my work in Senator Hagan’s and Senator Gillibrand’s offices, I gained insight into the legislative process and observed the important role trade associations play in guiding government. I am excited about and capable of researching political issues impacting the beverage industry, attending Congressional hearings, drafting letters, and providing other assistance to the government relations team. This summer opportunity would offer additional exposure to the legislative process and allow me to contribute to your team as well as to our nation’s politics.

In addition to the administrative experience gained through my internships, I would bring strong organizational and leadership skills honed through my University of Delaware activities to this position. As President of the Multicultural Greek Congress, I have worked to hone my decision- making and interpersonal communication. Through this position, I have assumed more responsibility, learned time management, enhanced my communication skills, and grown as a team player. As a participant in the Blue Hen Leadership Program, I have learned successful leadership traits from University of Delaware staff, other student leaders, and community members. I have also polished my research and analytical capabilities through my experiences conducting undergraduate research through the Department of Political Science, and through my intensive liberal arts coursework at the University of Delaware. I am a hardworking, motivated student, and would love the opportunity to lend my skills to the ABA this summer.

Attached is my résumé, which illustrates my qualifications for this position. I am eager to hear from you and discuss how I could contribute to the ABA team. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Student Name

August 29, 20XX

Strategic Diagnostics
11 Pencader Drive
Newark, DE 19702

Dear Operations Analyst Hiring Manager:

I am excited at the opportunity to work as an operations analyst for a company with a focus on innovation such as Strategic Diagnostics. Your goal of providing new products and services to effectively solve customers’ current and future analytical problems is something I admire. Additionally, your ability to use the technical expertise of your staff in a variety of markets shows the versatility of your methods.

Classes taken during my undergraduate studies such as Analysis of Operations Problems and Quality Control, have given me a better understanding of the analysis necessary in improving business processes and products. Through the study of Six Sigma, lean productions, simulations, and dynamic programming, I have developed a basic knowledge of the techniques used in analyzing problems faced by businesses. I was able to apply those skills and gained a global perspective during my time studying abroad in Australia, New Zealand, and Hong Kong. It was enlightening to notice how a slight change in environment altered the business procedures of the various companies I analyzed.

My leadership roles in various clubs while at the University of Delaware have helped to provide me with the communication and management skills required to successfully work with others in a team environment. As President of Silver Wings, a volunteer organization, I was responsible for organizing and running meetings as well as working with the other officers to develop and execute charity events throughout the year.

I am eager to apply the skills and experience that I have acquired both in and out of the classroom, and to grow as a professional with Strategic Diagnostics. I have included my resume and look forward to exploring career opportunities with you. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Student Name

Quality

Above all else, select a piece that you, and others who you trust, think is well-written. Have multiple audiences proofread your writing sample so that it is completely free of spelling and grammatical errors.

Relevance

If no specific instructions are given, make the sample as relevant to the position or program—and the writing you will do in that position or program—as possible. If you are applying for a job writing brief news stories for an online newspaper, send in clips from your time for The Review, not your 10-page analysis of a Russian novel. Similarly, if you are applying for a summer research position, you will want to submit a research-focused writing sample. If you are applying for a business analyst position, you could submit a case study that you wrote in an economics course.

There may be times when you will not be able to use a sample that you have already written. If you are applying for a position in PR, for example, but have never written press releases, you may have to create one from scratch.

If you have to submit a writing sample for a discipline-specific graduate program, then use a strong paper that you wrote in a course related to that discipline. Faculty often can assist you in selecting a sample for these applications.