This paragraph is your strategic “sales pitch.” What makes you the best candidate for the position? Employers are looking for evidence that proves you possess the desired qualifications. This evidence comes in the form of your education, experience, skills, and personality. Your cover letter should contain specific examples that you have what they are looking for.
- Step 1: Refer to the job posting and list the desired qualifications.
- Step 2: Think back to your experiences in school, work, internships, volunteer service, or campus involvement. Record specific examples of times you demonstrated these desired qualifications.
- Step 3: Take the examples you have developed and integrate them into the prose of your cover letter. Do not just list them.Â
Examples:
Job Description Qualifications or Requirements
What I’ll Bring to the Table: Evidence of Experience, Knowledge, Skills, and Traits
Ability to relate and communicate with people at various levels of an organization
- As a student assistant with University Recreation & Wellness, I presented a proposal to the Director and VP of Student Affairs for the 3v3 Tournament for Tots fundraising event that went on to raise $12,000 for the StandUp for Kids nonprofit organization
- Served as Student Representative on the President’s Council; interacted with the board of trustees and advocated for student body needs and concerns
Demonstrated ability to simultaneously handle a large and diverse number of projects with tact and persistence
- Maintained a full-time class schedule while working part-time as an accounting intern and fulfilling my duties as Treasurer for Kappa Alpha
Strong customer service and interpersonal skills
- In my position at Target, I greeted over 200 in-store guests per day and responded to inquiries about sale items
Bachelor’s degree
- Earning a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from FGCU
- Minor in Advertising; relevant coursework in Promotional Writing & Design