Crafting Your Powerful Cover Letter

Emma AndruczykAssistant Director Campus & Academic Outreach

Purpose of Cover Letters

• What is the purpose of a cover letter?

• Expand on experiences related to the job description

• Sell yourself on why you are the right-fit – based off

the company’s needs

• Example of your writing abilities

The cover letter indicates your knowledge of, interest in, and passion for the organization.

What to focus on…

• Hiring managers are looking to know more about

you, NOT JUST what is on your resume

• Expand on your experiences

• Clearly state what skills you can bring to the company

• Explain why you want the job

• Each cover letter must be customized for each job

application

Opening Paragraph

Body Paragraph(s)

Closing Paragraph

“Sincerely,” “ Regards”

“Sign” your name

Print your name

Contact Information

Company Address

Salutation

Parts of the cover letter…

Let’s say, you are applying to…

Job Title: Chicago Shakespeare Theatre - Marketing Intern Industry: Arts & Entertainment - Performing Arts Job Function: Event Planning, Marketing, Public Relations

Description:The Marketing Department is charged with the development and execution of strategic plans to promote the institutional image, attract attendance, and sell tickets to the plays and related programs produced by the Theater. Specific marketing, advertising, and publicity programs are directed to secure audiences for the 2017-18 subscription season in our 500-seat courtyard theater and in our Theater Upstairs at Chicago Shakespeare.

Desired Skills and Experience:• Minimum two years undergraduate education with

successful completion of coursework in one or more of the following: arts administration, direct marketing, communications, public relations, journalism

• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal

• Flexibility and ability to work within tight deadlines• Self-starter, multi-task oriented, and computer

literate• Experience in sales, promotions, or media desirable• Demonstrated interest in the performing arts a plus• Website maintenance and e-marketing skills a plus

Opening Paragraph

• Specify position of interest (job title)

• Describe where/how you found the position

• Online, Handshake, internal network, etc.

• Name of person who referred you (if applicable)

• Information about the company

• Connect the position to your skills and experiences (why

you’re interested)

• Persuade the reader to continue to read the next paragraph

Example:

“Having reviewed the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre’s marketing internship listing, which isposted on Handshake, the University of Illinois online employment website, I respectfully submit my resume for consideration. Beyond the opportunity to incorporate my love of performing arts into an internship experience, I believe that my classroom experience as a Communication major coupled with my experience volunteering for my local theater company, allow me to be the ideal candidate. Additionally, the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre’s mission to inspire audiences and artists to dream and discover themselves aligns with my personal interests to promote and market the performing arts.”

“Demonstrates interest in the performing arts a plus”

Shows that the student has done some research on the company

Indicates position of interest and where the position was posted

Body Paragraph

• Elaborate on 2-3 most relevant/important experiences

• Do NOT rephrase the resume

• Illustrate specific skills, responsibility, success, and meeting

challenges

• Reinforce claims and prove skills

• Show enthusiasm and passion for the job!

• Explain how the organization can benefit from your skillset

• Relate all of your skills and experiences to the job description

• Let your transferrable skills shine!

Example:“I am currently a sophomore at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign involved in performing arts as a member of the marketing committee for the Illini Players student organization. This year I took the lead in creating partnerships in order to gain local sponsors for the show. These sponsors would purchase space in our program, and then allow our organization to publicize the show in a display window at their business. This allowed me to utilize my communication skills while cold-calling potential backers, and strengthened my ability to multi-taskas I organized our list of sponsors.

As a Communication major, my educational background has provided me with an understanding of media components and the ability to clearly articulate my thoughts and ideas. Additionally, I have gained practical skills in my volunteer work with Local Theater, Inc. Through this experience, I have learned to effectively facilitate volunteer meetings, develop promotional materials, and engage in program planning featuring local actors and performers. I have also had two years of event planning and marketing experience through my previous work with the Illini Union Board. In that role, I regularly updated our website content, and developed concepts for events. These experiences have taught me how to effectively manage my time while being conscious of deadlines and time constraints.”

“Effective communication skills, both written and verbal”

“Flexibility and ability to work within tight deadlines”

“Self-starter, multi-task oriented”

“Experience in sales, promotions”

“Website maintenance”

“Experience in promotions”

Closing Paragraph

• Restate strong interest in the position

• Requests interview – politely and confidently

• Offer to provide additional information as needed

• Thank the potential employer for their time and

consideration

Closing Paragraph

“I am very enthusiastic about the possibility of interning for the Chicago Shakespeare Theatreand have enclosed my resume for review. I would greatly appreciate the opportunity for aninterview. If I can provide further details,please contact me at (123)456-6789, or email me at marysmith9@illinois.edu. Thank you for your time and consideration.”

Sincerely,

Mary J. Smith

Offer to provide more details

Thank the potential employer for time and consideration

Show enthusiasm and interest

Cover Letter Tips

• Customize

• Be Positive

• Be Concise

• Be Honest

• Proofread

In Summary…

Do:

- Address the letter to the person who will hire you

- Research the company, position, and mission statement

- Highlight experiences that are relevant to the position

- Error free and on one page

Don’t:

- Use cliché phrases like, “I’ve wanted to be a Teacher for as long as I can remember.”

- Re-state your resume

- Forget about your application

- If you don’t hear from the employer within 2 weeks, follow up!

The Career Center Resources & Services• Career & Major Exploration

• Internship & Job Preparation

• Health Professions Advising

• Graduate & Professional School Assistance

• Resume & Cover Letter Reviews

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• Career Workshops & Events

• Resource Center

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