6 answers
shilpa
Student
Kochi, Kerala, India
1
Question
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how to create a good cover letter and some sample cover letters too
#college-applications #university-applications
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6 answers
Danuta Detyna
Career Expert, Certified Professional Resume Writer
12
Answers
Rzeszow, Podkarpackie Voivodeship, Poland
Updated
Danuta’s Answer
Hi Shilpa,
Creating a good cover letter for college or university applications involves highlighting your academic achievements, personal strengths, and explaining why you are a good fit for the institution. Here’s how you can craft a compelling cover letter, along with an example to guide you:
Steps to Create a Good Cover Letter for College Applications
1. Personalize Your Introduction
Start with a personalized greeting. If possible, address the admissions officer by name. If you cannot find a name, use a general greeting such as "Dear Admissions Committee".
2. State Your Purpose
Clearly state the purpose of your letter. Mention the specific program you are applying to and why it interests you.
Example: "I am writing to express my interest in the Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science program at [University Name], as I am eager to pursue comprehensive studies in environmental conservation."
3. Highlight Academic and Personal Achievements
Discuss your academic successes, special projects, and relevant coursework. Also, include extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership, commitment, or skills related to the program you are applying for.
Example: "As the president of my high school's Environmental Club, I spearheaded a community recycling project that successfully engaged over 200 students."
4. Connect Your Goals with the University
Link your academic and career goals with what the university can offer. Mention specific faculty members, research opportunities, or unique aspects of the program that attract you.
Example: "I am particularly drawn to the opportunity to work under Professor Smith, whose work on climate change mitigation has inspired my choice of career path."
5. Conclude with Enthusiasm
Reiterate your enthusiasm for the opportunity to be part of the university community. Mention your readiness to contribute positively and your eagerness to learn from distinguished faculty and peers.
Example: "I am excited about the prospect of contributing to and growing within the vibrant academic community at [University Name]."
6. Professional Closing
End with a formal closing such as "Sincerely" or "Best regards," followed by your full name. Include any additional contact information if not already provided.
Remember, the key to a successful cover letter for college applications is to make it personal, specific, and reflective of your genuine interest in the program and institution. Tailor each letter to the specific school and program, reflecting on how your goals align with what they offer.
For a cover letter sample and detailed guidance on crafting your cover letter, consider exploring this article: How to Write a Cover Letter for Graduate School.
Creating a good cover letter for college or university applications involves highlighting your academic achievements, personal strengths, and explaining why you are a good fit for the institution. Here’s how you can craft a compelling cover letter, along with an example to guide you:
Steps to Create a Good Cover Letter for College Applications
1. Personalize Your Introduction
Start with a personalized greeting. If possible, address the admissions officer by name. If you cannot find a name, use a general greeting such as "Dear Admissions Committee".
2. State Your Purpose
Clearly state the purpose of your letter. Mention the specific program you are applying to and why it interests you.
Example: "I am writing to express my interest in the Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science program at [University Name], as I am eager to pursue comprehensive studies in environmental conservation."
3. Highlight Academic and Personal Achievements
Discuss your academic successes, special projects, and relevant coursework. Also, include extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership, commitment, or skills related to the program you are applying for.
Example: "As the president of my high school's Environmental Club, I spearheaded a community recycling project that successfully engaged over 200 students."
4. Connect Your Goals with the University
Link your academic and career goals with what the university can offer. Mention specific faculty members, research opportunities, or unique aspects of the program that attract you.
Example: "I am particularly drawn to the opportunity to work under Professor Smith, whose work on climate change mitigation has inspired my choice of career path."
5. Conclude with Enthusiasm
Reiterate your enthusiasm for the opportunity to be part of the university community. Mention your readiness to contribute positively and your eagerness to learn from distinguished faculty and peers.
Example: "I am excited about the prospect of contributing to and growing within the vibrant academic community at [University Name]."
6. Professional Closing
End with a formal closing such as "Sincerely" or "Best regards," followed by your full name. Include any additional contact information if not already provided.
Remember, the key to a successful cover letter for college applications is to make it personal, specific, and reflective of your genuine interest in the program and institution. Tailor each letter to the specific school and program, reflecting on how your goals align with what they offer.
For a cover letter sample and detailed guidance on crafting your cover letter, consider exploring this article: How to Write a Cover Letter for Graduate School.
Viswa Kumar
Senior Architect
7
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Viswa’s Answer
Great question.
A cover letter or covering letter is a normally a preface to your resume / CV. Consider this as a virtual representation of yourself. Just because you cannot present yourself everywhere your resume/CV travels, you are sending a covering letter.
A covering letter should always be created a for a purpose. For eg, if you are applying for an internship at a company and you are applying for a position for research under a university, you shouldn't be creating one template for the covering letter. Instead you should write a covering letter for each scenario and then link / include / attach your resume / CV
What a covering letter should contain :
1) First & foremost, a covering letter is also a letter. Hence the format follows a normal letter i.e Date, Location, From, To, Subject & lastly your signature.
2) The covering letter should start with brief introduction of yourself, followed by a quick statement of why are you writing this letter. This include reasons like applying for a job, a position in research team etc
3) Very briefly touch upon the relevant skills / experience that directly apply to the position of interest and a justification on why do you think you would be right person the role. You can also highlight / refer back some sections in actual resume to complement your statement. However beware that a covering letter shouldn't be a duplicate of a resume/CV. Instead it should capture nuances that aren't captured in the resume.
4) Next, you could include references / recommendations / testimonies that you want to include in the covering letter if applicable.
5) Finally you should thank for the opportunity to apply and present your candidature.
Wrapping tips:
One of the important tip that I always give to my mentees is, make the covering letter personal. Address the recipient by name if possible and touch upon the human side as much as possible. This include wishing them luck, happy new year etc as & when applicable.
Well that's my answer to how to write covering letter. Hope this help you a bit on your aspirational jorney.
A cover letter or covering letter is a normally a preface to your resume / CV. Consider this as a virtual representation of yourself. Just because you cannot present yourself everywhere your resume/CV travels, you are sending a covering letter.
A covering letter should always be created a for a purpose. For eg, if you are applying for an internship at a company and you are applying for a position for research under a university, you shouldn't be creating one template for the covering letter. Instead you should write a covering letter for each scenario and then link / include / attach your resume / CV
What a covering letter should contain :
1) First & foremost, a covering letter is also a letter. Hence the format follows a normal letter i.e Date, Location, From, To, Subject & lastly your signature.
2) The covering letter should start with brief introduction of yourself, followed by a quick statement of why are you writing this letter. This include reasons like applying for a job, a position in research team etc
3) Very briefly touch upon the relevant skills / experience that directly apply to the position of interest and a justification on why do you think you would be right person the role. You can also highlight / refer back some sections in actual resume to complement your statement. However beware that a covering letter shouldn't be a duplicate of a resume/CV. Instead it should capture nuances that aren't captured in the resume.
4) Next, you could include references / recommendations / testimonies that you want to include in the covering letter if applicable.
5) Finally you should thank for the opportunity to apply and present your candidature.
Wrapping tips:
One of the important tip that I always give to my mentees is, make the covering letter personal. Address the recipient by name if possible and touch upon the human side as much as possible. This include wishing them luck, happy new year etc as & when applicable.
Well that's my answer to how to write covering letter. Hope this help you a bit on your aspirational jorney.
Praful B📊
Business Analyst
12
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Praful’s Answer
I would say
- Always tailor your Cover letter to a specific job description
- Keep it short, it should be easily readable at a glance
- Share an accomplishment which can address the challenges
- Always tailor your Cover letter to a specific job description
- Keep it short, it should be easily readable at a glance
- Share an accomplishment which can address the challenges
Alyssa L.
Independent Musician
20
Answers
Nashville, Tennessee
Updated
Alyssa’s Answer
Hey there, Shilpa!
Great question. Cover letters should give a better look in to your heart, and in to who you are and what the job/ company/ school personally means to you. Resumes, on the other hand, are an impersonal yet accurate depiction of your work experience. A cover letter is your opportunity to show what makes you unique as an individual. Personality could play a HUGE role in what ultimately gets somebody hired. Your first paragraph could be an introduction to how you found this opportunity and why you are interested in it. The second paragraph will be why YOU are the best candidate. The third and final paragraph could/ should honor the company in a way. Say why they are special to you! Hit them with the emotional connection. :)
Hope this is helpful! Good luck!
-Alyssa Lazar
Great question. Cover letters should give a better look in to your heart, and in to who you are and what the job/ company/ school personally means to you. Resumes, on the other hand, are an impersonal yet accurate depiction of your work experience. A cover letter is your opportunity to show what makes you unique as an individual. Personality could play a HUGE role in what ultimately gets somebody hired. Your first paragraph could be an introduction to how you found this opportunity and why you are interested in it. The second paragraph will be why YOU are the best candidate. The third and final paragraph could/ should honor the company in a way. Say why they are special to you! Hit them with the emotional connection. :)
Hope this is helpful! Good luck!
-Alyssa Lazar
Dexter Arver
Senior Manager, Web Applications
232
Answers
San Jose, California
Updated
Dexter’s Answer
Hi Shilpa,
I don't (as a hiring manger) look at cover letters, but if you really did want to spend time on them, here's what I would recommend. I would tell a story about a previous accomplishment of yours that would make you perfect for the job you're applying for.
In this story, it'd be great to show your quirks and personality that make you singularly interesting and one that makes you the hero of the story. To put it another way, use the hero's journey (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hero%27s_journey) to get the manager to care about you and your growth as a person.
I wish you the best!
--
Dexter
I don't (as a hiring manger) look at cover letters, but if you really did want to spend time on them, here's what I would recommend. I would tell a story about a previous accomplishment of yours that would make you perfect for the job you're applying for.
In this story, it'd be great to show your quirks and personality that make you singularly interesting and one that makes you the hero of the story. To put it another way, use the hero's journey (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hero%27s_journey) to get the manager to care about you and your growth as a person.
I wish you the best!
--
Dexter
Simeon Snow
Risk Assurance
1790
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Simeon’s Answer
Usually, your cover letter is supposed to be brief and mostly explain your interest in the college/company. Try to keep your cover letter to five sentences or less. Also, try not to be super dramatic about how much you'd love to be accepted and how it'll fulfill your wildest ambitions. Instead, keep it pretty contained and professional. The cover letter is more of a warm-up/opener to the resume and isn't supposed to be the focal point of your application.