Learn how to write a cover letter to land your first internship or job.

1. the cover letter
Tell your
STORY

2. You will learn how to:
• Write a clear and persuasive case to be
considered for a particular opportunity
• Summarize key strengths, skills and
qualifications relevant to the specific position
• Organize ideas fluently to convey a compelling
message
• Format and edit your cover letter according to
business writing standards

3. remember the
RULE OF

4. 3
PARTS
• Short
• Simple
• Straightforward

5. 3
THINGS
Pick the 3 most
important things that
you want the
employer to know.

6. st
1
•
•
•
•
part
Why should you read this letter?
Who am I?
How did I learn about the job?
Why should you hire me?
… because
of the
3 things!

7. Please accept this application to the
tutoring position at the University Tutoring
Center. I learned about this opportunity from my
friend Jonas Smith. I am a sophomore majoring
in Biology at the University of Nevada, Reno. I
am a good fit for this position based on my
tutoring experience, my ability to adapt to
diverse personalities and cultural differences,
and my love of Biology.

8. nd
2
part
• Explain thing 1
• Explain thing 2
• Explain thing 3

9. I know that I can succeed as a tutor because I
have informal experience tutoring friends and
classmates in a variety of science classes. These
experiences taught me the value of both patience
and creativity in effective instruction. My
experience studying abroad taught me that I can
work well with anyone by adapting to diverse
personalities and cultures. I know I will enjoy
getting to know a diverse group of clients in the
Tutoring Center. Additionally, I am a hard-working
student with excellent grades in Biology. I am
confident in my ability to break down difficult
concepts for clients who struggle with the subject.

10. rd
3
•
•
•
•
part
Thank you!
I really want the job
I hope to meet in person
Here’s a plan for follow-up

11. Thank you very much for your time and
consideration of my application. I would love to
have the opportunity to join the Tutoring Center
as a Biology tutor. I look forward to meeting face
to face to discuss how my qualifications can
meet your needs. Please do not hesitate to
contact me if you have any questions about my
application.

12. Brag a little.
You think you can do this job, right?
Convince me. Don’t hold back.

13. Be
Yourself.
Your 3 things need to be authentic.
Believe what you write.

14. Speak to your
audience.
I already told you what I want through
the job description. Show me that you
know it, you get it and you’re ready to
deliver.

15. Be
brief &
straightforward.
That’s right. Be confident, authentic,
specific and convincing… in as few
words as possible.

16. Wolfie Williams
123 Argenta Hall
Reno, NV 89505
October 29, 2013
Dr. Marsha Urban
Director, Tutoring Center
1664 N. Virginia St.
Reno, NV 89557
Dear Dr. Urban:
Please accept this application to the tutoring position at the University Tutoring Center. I learned about this opportunity from my
friend Jonas Smith, who speaks highly of his experience working for the Center. I am a sophomore majoring in Biology at the
University of Nevada, Reno. I am a good fit for this position based on my tutoring experience, my ability to work well with others,
and my love of Biology.
I know that I can succeed as a tutor because I have informal experience tutoring friends and classmates in a variety of science
classes. These experiences taught me the value of both patience and creativity in effective instruction. My experience studying
abroad taught me that I can work well with anyone by adapting to diverse personalities and cultures. I know I will enjoy getting to
know a diverse group of clients in the Tutoring Center. Additionally, I am a hard-working student with excellent grades in Biology. I
am confident in my ability to break down difficult concepts for clients who struggle with the subject.
Thank you very much for your time and consideration of my application. I would love to have the opportunity to join the Tutoring
Center as a Biology tutor. I look forward to meeting face to face to discuss how my qualifications can meet your needs. Please do
not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions about my application.
Very respectfully,
Wolfie Williams
Wolfie Williams