Sample Cover Letters

March 20, 2007

Ms. Nancy Edoff
Human Resources
1461 E. Twelve Mile Rd.
Madison Heights, MI 48071

Dear Ms. Nancy Edoff:

I am writing to apply for the Development Assistant position at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital advertised on the Albion College eRecruiting website. I am highly interested in working in the nonprofit sector, and believe my event planning, fundraising, and communication skills match what you are looking for in a candidate.

In addition to my Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech Communication, I have been an events planning intern at the XYZ Women’s Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan. My experience at XYZ taught me how to work with vendors, design promotional materials, and organize all aspects of events. I played a major role in organizing the yearly Walk for Women event, from contributing creative ideas to calling contacts and organizing events. This experience makes me well suited to execute development events for St. Jude.

My fundraising experiences also make me well qualified for this position. In addition to learning about the field of development while volunteering at three local nonprofit organizations, I have been the philanthropy chair for my sorority. This year my sorority raised money for a local women’s shelter. My creativity and knowledge helped me to create a fundraising campaign that has brought the most money to the shelter in years. Since fundraising is a significant part of the Development Assistant job, I would be well equipped to continue St. Jude’s fundraising success.

Finally, my communication skills will help me make a contribution to the St. Jude team. As a student assistant in the Albion College Communications Office, I wrote press releases everyday. These skills will allow me to clearly convey to potential donors the importance of supporting St. Jude.

I have enjoyed the nonprofit work I have done and find that it energizes me. I would like to bring my event planning, fundraising, and communication skills to the St. Jude Children’s Research team as the Development Assistant. Enclosed is my resume for your review and I am available at your convenience for an interview.

Thank you for your time in reviewing my materials. I look forward to speaking with you.

Sincerely,

Mary A. Albion

Brit Briton
900 Kellogg Center
Albion College
Albion, MI 49224
(517) 629-0000
email

April 8, 2011

Ms. Katherine Sorrel
Relations Specialist
ABC Corporation
1 Industry Drive
Hartford, CT 06152

Dear Ms. Sorrel:

Please consider my enclosed resume for the XYZ Leadership Development Program. Currently, I am a senior majoring in English at Albion College with a minor in Economics. The qualities I have to offer XYZ in this program include:

• Leadership skills: While a student at Albion, I co-founded a student organization aimed at increasing community service involvement campus-wide. Over the past three years, we have been able to generate a 32% increase in student participation and have made valuable contributions to the Albion community. I also served as a Resident Assistant to more than 100 first-year students while achieving a 3.5 GPA in my classes.

• Interpersonal skills: While working as an intern at XYZ Company, I was selected for the marketing strategy team that partnered to increase revenue by 41% and customer base by 20%. During the summer months, I volunteered for a local non-profit organization where I worked with clients from different cultures. Based on my contributions and commitment to the organization, I earned recognition as “Volunteer of the Month.”

•Analytical and quantitative skills: In a team-based business simulation, I continuously analyzed the market and our competition for a financial services firm throughout the semester. The professor acknowledged our final project as being “an outstanding example for future classes.” Last year, as an intern, I participated in a cross-functional team to assess a proposed business venture expanding customer product offerings.

XYZ is a long-time leader in providing full-service solutions. Through this approach, the company has continued to expand its client base and market position for more than 125 years. Specifically, your mission to help people lead healthier, more secure lives matches my own personal values and interests, as demonstrated through my community service efforts.

I am committed to adding value and contributing to XYZ’s global expansion. I am available at your convenience for an interview. Thank you in advance for your consideration. I look forward to speaking with you.

Sincerely,

Brit Briton