Cover Letter Samples
A cover letter is a document that introduces you to a prospective employer. Your cover letter (along
with your resume) is an important part of your application. Your cover letter should not be a
restatement of the entire resume. Instead, it should be an introduction of your resume, highlighting
those skills and experiences most suited to the position. Unless explicitly told not to send a cover letter,
a cover letter should always be submitted to strengthen your application.
The following cover letters were developed to help UCF students to better compete for internships and
co-ops. Please use these examples to create your own unique style and clearly represents your
academic and professional background.
A few reminders:
Do not use these examples as templates
Check for spelling, grammar, punctuation, and correct verb tense
Minimize lines, graphics, or other distracting visuals
Table of Contents – Cover Letters
Cover Letter Template…..………..………………………………………………………………...Page 1
Sample 1…………………………..………………………………………………………………...Page 2
Sample 2………………………………………………………………………............................….Page 3
Sample 3…………………………………………………….…………………………………...….Page 4
Sample 4.….…………………………….………………………………...………………………...Page 5
NAME
Address City, State Zip Code | Phone Number | Email
Date
Employer or Recruiter Name
Company Name
Street Address
City, State Zip Code
Dear Mr./Ms./Dr. Last Name:
Opening Paragraph
State the position you are applying for, how you found out about it, and ask for consideration based on
your skills and experiences you have to offer. If you were referred by someone (i.e.: someone you know
at the company, a recruiter you met at a career fair, etc.) state that here. Make a general statement
summarizing what qualifies you most for the job.
2nd Paragraph
In this section, you want to build a direct connection between the company’s needs and your background
and skills. Stress what you have to offer, avoid talking about what you want from them. Identify those
parts of your experience that will interest THIS employer (refer to the job description if possible). You
can draw attention to relevant course work, special projects and campus activities if they show direct
relationship to this position. Do not restate what’s in your resume, rather expand upon a specific project or
accomplishment.
3rd Paragraph – Optional
Convince the employer that you have the personal qualities, passion, and motivation to succeed at this
specific company. Relate your interests/passion to what you know about the company. (Convince the
employer that you not only have the skills to do well at the job, but a vested interest in the company, the
industry, and the work itself.)
Closing Paragraph
Restate your interest in this position and how your unique qualifications fit the position. Request an
interview or tell the reader that you will contact him/her soon to schedule a mutually convenient time to
meet. Thank the reader for his/her time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Your Signature
Type Your Name
NAME City, State Zip Code
Phone Number | Email
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Date
Employer or Recruiter Name
Company Name
Street Address
City, State Zip Code
Dear First Name Last Name or Hiring Manager:
I was thrilled to learn of your Newsroom Internship Program on the Washington Post website. As an
aspiring reporter with a focus on social justice, I appreciate not only the high quality of your reporting, but
also your organization’s focus on giving back to the D.C. community at large. I am confident that my
research experience, strong writing ability, and creativity will allow me to thrive in the internship program
at the Post this summer.
As a legal intern for the Orange County State’s Attorney, I used a variety of databases to conduct and
organize legal research for our staff. My ability to sift through and condense large amounts of data in a
fast-paced environment will be an asset to your office. I also developed particularly strong writing skills
during my time at the University of Central Florida, having written several policy analyses papers for my
government courses. Outside the classroom, my position as writer and editor for KnightsNews.com has
allowed me to contribute weekly articles and help other staff members with their pieces. I am eager to
employ my research and writing skills in a professional newsroom and believe that my experience
producing informative pieces and meeting deadlines will serve your office well.
My experience working as a server at the Applebee’s allowed me to enhance my creative problem-solving
skills. In my role as a server, I developed a system to manage reservations, which was adopted to reduce
customer wait time during peak hours. I also honed creative communication skills by balancing customer
requests with availability of resources. I am confident I can apply my creativity to identify local stories of
interest and assist your staff with information requests.
Please find my resume attached, which details my qualifications for the position. If you have any
questions, please do not hesitate to contact me and I look forward to discussing my qualifications with
you personally. Thank you for your time and consideration.
With best regards,
Your Signature
Type Your Name
NAME
Address City, State Zip Code | Phone Number | Email
Date
Employer or Recruiter Name
Company Name
Street Address
City, State Zip Code
Dear First Name Last Name or Hiring Manager:
Having reviewed the Miami Shakespeare Theatre’s marketing internship listing, which is posted on
Handshake with the University of Central Florida, I respectfully submit my resume for consideration.
Beyond providing me with an opportunity to incorporate my love of performing arts into an internship
experience, I believe that this position would allow me to grain practical experience, while also enabling
me to contribute my writing, organization, and strategic planning skills. The Miami Shakespeare
Theatre’s mission to inspire audiences and artists to dream and discover aligns with my personal interests
to promote and market performing arts.
I am currently a senior at the University of Central Florida involved in Performing Arts. I believe that my
proficient communication skills and ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment will fit well with the
Miami Shakespeare Theatre’s marketing internship. With a major in Communication, 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 work as a Media Intern
with XYZ, Inc. Through this experience, I have learned to effectively facilitate meetings, develop
promotional materials, and engage in program planning featuring local artists and performers. I have also
had two years of event planning and marketing experience through my previous work with the UCF
Marketing Department. In that role, I updated website content and developed concepts for events. These
experiences have taught me how to effectively manage my time while working under tight deadlines.
I am very enthusiastic about the possibility of interning for the Miami Shakespeare Theatre and have
enclosed my resume for review. I would greatly appreciate the opportunity for an interview. If I can
provide further details, please contact me at (407) 456-7890, or email me at [email protected]. Thank
you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Your Signature
Type Your Name
NAME
Address City, State Zip Code | Phone Number | Email
Date
Employer or Recruiter Name
Company Name
Street Address
City, State Zip Code
Dear First Name Last Name or Hiring Manager:
I am writing to apply for your position in wine wholesale as advertised on Handshake. This exciting
opportunity appears to be a wonderful fit with my professional experience, personal interests, and career
goals.
I am returning to Orlando to complete my final year at the University of Central Florida, where I am
majoring in French and economics. Having spent the year working and traveling, I am eager to
incorporate myself once again into the local wine community, to which I can bring experience in several
sectors of the industry.
Through eight years in the restaurant field, I have acquired a deep love of and appreciation for wine and
cuisine. I have been known to wax rhapsodic over specials; nothing made me happier than discussing a
bottle with a table. This enthusiasm allowed me to introduce a list of reserve selections to Shay’s Pub and
Wine Bar. The result was an appreciable increase in sales for the restaurant and repeat attendance by
customers. My position at Aspen's award-winning Montagna allowed me to expand upon my knowledge
of wine, locally inspired cuisine, and the highest standards of service. Our weekly blind-tastings fueled
my desire to further myself in this field, and I am in the process of acquiring certification through both the
Court of Master Sommeliers and the Wine Spirit and Education Trust.
Most recently, I have returned from France where I was lucky enough to work on an organic vineyard in
Beaujolais. I adored working with the young, dynamic, vigneron who ran the estate, the largest of its kind
in the region. A position at your wholesale wine company would allow me to draw upon this experience
and to facilitate the success of such producers. Additionally, it would enable me to replicate the most
enjoyable components of my experience overall: working with my colleagues in the local restaurant
industry, as well as with distinctive, iconoclastic winemakers.
I am readily available via email or phone to arrange an interview and have attached my resume below per
your request. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions. I appreciate your
consideration and look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Your Signature
Type Your Name
Name
City, State Zip Code | Phone Number | Email
February 16, 20XX
Company Name
Street Address
City, State Zip Code
Dear Hiring Manager:
I would like to express my interest in the MBA Marketing & Communications Internship with
XYZ, Inc. I am very excited about the possible opportunity to work for such a powerful and
successful company as XYZ, Inc. As part of the semester project for my corporate finance
course at the University of Central Florida, I selected to research XYZ and am conducting
several financial analyses to assess its strength versus that of competitors. Through my research,
I have learned that XYZ is a global leader in power generation, and I welcome the opportunity to
further my education by providing support to some of the best professionals in the field.
Evidence of my leadership and initiative is documented in the attached resume. As office
manager in the Student Development and Enrollment Services Division, I served as the human
resources representative for over 550 employees within over 35 departments. I developed and
designed a successful human resource training program for departmental liaisons. This training
consisted of creating a policies and procedures manual that in conjunction with a PowerPoint
presentation I presented to multiple stakeholders within the division.
As administrative assistant in the Office of Student Involvement, I worked with the director to
design and create materials for presentations and meetings using a variety of Microsoft programs
including publisher. In my current role, I use spreadsheets and databases to reconcile budgets
monthly. This year, I integrated Microsoft SharePoint into daily operations including budget
reconciliation to streamline processes. I continue to design and create a wide range of reports for
the vice president and assistant vice presidents.
My educational background in business and entrepreneurship, combined with my work
experiences, should make me an excellent candidate for this internship.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Your Signature
Type Your Name