Utah State University Career Guide - Flipbook - Page 12
Creating Tailored Cover Letters
Cover letters are an important document that introduces you to the employer and explains
your interest in the company and position. Just as it is important to tailor your resume to
each application, it is just as important to tailor your cover letter to each application. This
is sometimes the first impression an employer has of you, so you want to be sure that it is
professional, engaging, and written clearly. Utilize our drop-in hours to have a career peer
review your document to give you feedback.
Use the same heading on
your cover letter and resume
documents.
AMBER CRANE
435.555.xxxx
Amber.crane@gmail.com
Format:
-Use consistent formatting
-Clear, concise writing
-Correct grammar and spelling
-Omit address if sending as an email
February 27, 20XX
INTERPRETIVE PARK RANGER INTERN
Dear Hiring Commi?ee,
My love for wildlife and our naEonal parks coupled with experience in Grand Teton NaEonal
Park, has me very excited about sharing knowledge about this park to visitors with the NaEonal
Park Service. Last summer I worked as an interpreter and first mate on Colter Bay Scenic
Cruises. I enjoyed sharing informaEon about landscapes, wildlife, and history in a fun and
educaEonal way with up to 40 guests on Jackson Lake. As a junior in Wildlife Science, I am
prepared and excited to again work with guests in my favorite naEonal park.
I am prepared to present short, guided talks at visitor centers or on the trails I have hiked so
oWen. The exposure to other divisions will allow me to apply my field and communicaEon skills
while learning to help manage this “NaEonal Treasure.” AddiEonally, my love for the outdoors
and commitment to preserving parks and wildlife is enhanced when I have the opportunity to
share my passions with people of all ages from across the world.
AWer compleEng my degree in Wildlife Science, I hope to launch my career with the NaEonal
Park Service; this chance to work with your team is an unmatched opportunity for me. I am
confident that I will be able to provide the park with an informed, enthusiasEc, and hardworking, interpreEve atude. I look forward to hearing back from you by next week!
Sincerely,
Amber Crane
First Paragraph: Why Them?
-Consider including their
mission or values statement
-Any aspects of the work
culture you admire
-Identify the position you are
applying for
-Build on applicable work,
education, or service
accomplishments
-If possible, name any referral
or contact
-Include results, using
specific examples
-Link your education and work
experience to the job
-This section can be formatted
as a paragraph or bullet
point format
-State why you are interested
and a good fit for this
organization
12
Second Paragraph: Why You?
-Identify your 2-3 strongest
qualifications as they relate
to the job
Third Paragraph: Thank You!
-Thank the employer
-Request an interview
-Discuss how and when you
will follow-up
