When applying to your first internship or full-time position right out of school, the cover letter is extremely important. Since you’re at an entry-level position and have little to no experience to prove your work ability, the way you present yourself in the cover letter has to really stand out. If you can highlight how your education makes you a good fit for the job, then an employer will know two things: you’re worth a shot and you at least have writing skills (which is very important in most job settings).
For starters, format your cover letter like a business letter, with your address and the hiring director’s address in the top left corner. The opening address should end with a colon (as in Dear Mr. Smith:).
Your opening paragraph should detail how you found the job (what online job advertisement or newspaper? Or did you hear about it from one of their employees?) and explain why you are interested in the job.
Your second paragraph should outline your qualifications for the job. Since most of your eligibility comes from your studies, make sure to talk about what practical skills you’ve learned and how you would apply them to the job. Mention things that are relevant. For instance, if you’ve conducted laboratory experiments on diabetes and you’re applying to a job at a medical supplier, talk about what equipment you are familiar with. Talk about the procedures you know how to perform and how you can easily learn how to use the rest of their products. Don’t talk about how you were fundraising chair for your fraternity or sorority, since that doesn’t show the employer what you can really bring to the table.
In your closing paragraph, it would be wise to mention that you will follow up with the human resources department in a few days after sending in your resume. Then, make sure you actually do this. Call to see if they’ve received your information and if they need something else from you. By taking the time to do this, and following through with your promise to call them, you will show that you are dedicated and reliable – two qualities that will put you ahead of the pack.
