Cover Letters

Some opportunities may require a cover letter or give the option of submitting one. A cover letter is a one-page business letter where you convey why you are interested in the position and why you would be an excellent candidate for it.

Prepare to write your cover letter by reviewing the job or internship description and researching the employer. What skills and knowledge will you need for this position? Then think about your own experiences and education. What have you done that will help you succeed in this role? How does this position make sense for you, given your interests, experiences, and goals?

Check out CCE’s guide for your cover letter structure:

• The letter should have the same heading as your resume, with your name and contact information.
• Include the date you plan to send the cover letter.
• The salutation should be addressed to the recipient; if you do not know who the recipient will be, then you can use “Dear Hiring Manager” or “Dear Recruiting Team.”
• Start with a brief paragraph introducing yourself, stating your interest in the role, and outlining your key qualifications.
• The body paragraphs should discuss your relevant skills and connect them to the role you’re applying for. Rather than repeating your resume, create a unique narrative of why you are well-suited for this opportunity, highlighting a few specific experiences with substantive details.
• Conclude your cover letter by briefly reiterating your interest in the role and thanking the employer for their consideration.

Use this checklist to revise and polish your cover letter. Check out sample cover letters for ideas.

Personal Statements

Some job or internship applications may require a personal statement or short answers about your interest in the role. You will also need a personal statement if you are applying for fellowships or graduate school. How you frame your experience and tell your story will differ based on the context and audience. 

• Clarify what the personal statement request is asking for. Some may be open-ended, while others may be focused on specific aspects of your candidacy.
• Determine what are the key points that you want to convey.
• Check out our self-exploration activities to reflect on your values, identities, interests, and experiences. Identify themes or common elements. Think of how your experiences have built upon each other.
• Plan and outline how you want to structure your personal statement.
• Present a narrative that conveys your authentic experience.

For graduate school applications, a personal statement should address why you are interested in a particular degree and graduate program. It should show how you have the key qualities sought by the program or necessary skills for the career it will prepare you for.

Applications for research-intensive graduate programs often require a statement of purpose as well. A statement of purpose should discuss your research interests and preparation and what you hope to accomplish in graduate school. Take a look at CCE guidance on preparing your graduate school personal statement and statement of purpose.

Writing Samples 

You may be asked to submit a writing sample for applications to jobs or internships that require significant writing skills. Learn how to select a writing sample that will show off your preparedness for the job. If possible, use writing samples matching the type of writing that the position would involve. Select an example of your best writing, since the employer is assessing your writing skills.