How to Write a Resume

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Sample Cover Letter

Brie Hart
123 E. 456 Street • New York, NY 54321
Tel. (212) 555-4321 •Fax (800) 555-1234
Email: brie.hart@email.com

Sept. 30, 2005

As a journalism student at AnyNewYork College, I have exposed myself to a broad range of what the industry has to offer, in the hopes of learning as much as possible about my chosen craft. While in school, I have contributed to the The Hart Times student newspaper as a news and feature reporter; I also worked as a freelance intern reporter for the Washington Heights Times and an editorial-assistant intern for New York Media & Communications, publishers of several New York newspapers.

 

I’ve learned that diligence, dedication and hard work are demands that are expected of you in this field. I’m a team player and I’m not afraid to roll up my sleeves and go beyond the job description when called upon. I’m also not afraid to ask questions.

 

I hope that any opportunities you can offer me in the form of an internship would only help to broaden my capabilities and experience as a writer. Thank you so much for your time and consideration. I would greatly appreciate the chance to meet with you and discuss this opportunity at further length. My resume and writing samples are attached.

 

Sincerely,
Brie Hart

 
This might look fine and dandy on the surface, but this cover letter stinks! Why? Because no one talks like that. Well, okay, maybe that lady on the Home Shopping Network, but not you. And you shouldn’t. I got no takers with this travesty of a resume during my job search. It took me three months to realize that that cover letter was stiffer than an oxford shirt. I didn’t know any better at the time. I thought, ‘Heh, if a professional writes it, it must be golden.’ Right? Wrong!

Then I toned the cover letter down with a more relaxed piece of text:

Cover Letter Sample

Brie Hart
123 E. 456 Street • New York, NY 54321
Tel. (212) 555-4321 •Fax (800) 555-1234
Email: brie.hart@email.com

Jan. 18, 2006

 

About Me

 

I’m a journalism student at AnyNewYork College and have interned at a handful of media companies. As an editorial-assistant intern for New York Media & Communications, for example, part of my job was to re-write press releases to fit into the newspaper’s restricted space. During that period, I re-wrote nearly 100 press releases, which provided me with invaluable experience. I also took note of what my superior did or did not like about each press release.

 

I’m a savvy researcher and familiar with AP style. My journalistic writing styles include hard news (inverted pyramid) as well as feature stories (events, profiles, human-interest, etc.). The goal is to convey information in an easy-to-read, yet entertaining news-release article.

 

Together with journalism, business marketing is my college minor, although it will play a major role within my career goals as a public relations professional. Marketing is not only about marketing products, but marketing ideas, services and persons.

 

I’m highly organized and take full use of an e-calendar and Post-it Notes while administering office duties. I’m a team player and not afraid to roll up my sleeves and go beyond the job description when called upon. I’m also not afraid to ask questions.

 

I hope that any opportunities you can offer me in the form of a paid internship would only help to hone my capabilities and experience. Thank you so much for your time and consideration. My resume and writing samples are attached.

 

Sincerely,
Brie Hart

This cover letter worked and landed me a few other internships. It sounds less stiff, but still slightly fluffy in tone. After four or five internships, I didn’t care whether someone gave me another one or not. I was on the verge of being overqualified. I browsed the job boards anyway and found a listing that peaked my interest. Here’s the email I sent to a potential employer, making sure to use the right buzzwords that were listed in the job description:

Brie Hart
123 E. 456 Street • New York, NY 54321
Tel. (212) 555-4321 •Fax (800) 555-1234
Email: brie.hart@email.com

 

Lazy, absent-minded? Not me. Smart, driven and might I add efficient? Then you’re talking my language!

 

I’m a hungry journalism student at AnyNewYork College who’s wrapped myself into media since my freshman year. Hard work is good for the soul and creativity? Well, a non-creative mind is a mind that hasn’t reached its fullest potential–I won’t bore you further with my accolades. My resume and writing samples are below.

 

Best regards,
Brie Hart

I got a call from the company within one hour and seventeen minutes after shooting off this email. How’s that for loose-lipped! I wouldn’t recommend this level of pompousness if you actually need the job or internship. But sometimes breaking the rules is necessary.

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