cover letter template oxford

Sample cover letter for Full Time position at Oxford University

Department of Engineering Science,

University of Oxford, Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PJ15/08/2016

I wish to apply for the Research Studentship in Experimentation and Modelling of Wear, which I saw advertised on Jobs.ac.uk website. I graduate from the Technological Educational Institute of Crete the Department of Civil Engineering. I believe that my experience, my unconditional Love and commitment in the field of research will make me a valuable link in the chain of your evolutionary research.

From a very young age my curiosity about the world and the universe around me led me to find out quickly what I love. Always I was wondering how the world works. All of my answers they came to me observing the nature and following the nature laws. Like Sir Isaac Newton with gravity. This curiosity as a child led me to leave all of my brother toy cars only with wheels. Have developed this strong passion towards engineer thanks to my father who is an engineer and my role model. Furthermore as I had an interest and talent for research and engineering, my father guided me by giving me “food” for my curiosity and motivation to keep looking.

During my university studies I was working voluntarily as an assistant in the university Lab Strength of Material. I was part of an admirful team, leading by a great professor which she was able to take out the best from each one and use it for the progress of the Lab and the university. My role was to simplify experimental procedures, analyzing-comparing data and creating experimental models. The issues that our team had to face push me to think outside of the box. Looking backwards and taking the advantage of the existence knowledge by combining the Special Theory of Relativity (macroscale) and the Quantum Theory (microscale) through the philosophical point of view of Plato. Was that time that I put the milestone in the Theory of Scale. The application of this theory, with the valuable contribution of my tutor, in to our thesis gave us the opportunity to publish our work and change the way that our lectures take place. The positive results in the academic society from this theory gave me the confidence to apply for this research studentship that your admirful university offers.

I believe that a combination, in the early steps, of the Wear Law and the Theory of Scale will be the key to predict the development of damage, will develop science in different levels, will give a different perspective on the way we analyze data, a different idea about how the world works and on this way we will unlock the universe and expand the technological boundaries in order to make peoples every day life better.

As my great ancestors Pythagoras and Plato believed on their theory, Ideas exist in the Ideal World and born, in our world. On my turn I believe that Oxford is the place that Ideal ideas are born, Oxford is the place that encourages curiosity and new innovations are coming in the light of Science. It will be a great honour to be a member of your team, offer and share my knowledge and contribute with my heart and my mind in the creation of a universal Wear Law.

I have enclosed my resume to display my past achievements, as well as to demonstrate how I can be a valuable part of the research.

I would be grateful if my application is considered for my placement in your honourable university. Thank you in anticipation and look forward to hearing from you.

Yours faithfully

Eirini Marinaki

How to Write a Great Cover Letter

Table of Contents

What is a cover letter?

A cover letter (or ‘covering letter’) is a document you often send in with your CV or resume as part of an application. In the days of postal applications, it was traditionally placed as the front cover of your CV, hence the origin of the name. Although CVs are best if tailored to each individual application, they are, by nature, generalised. Given that they must always describe your past achievements and experiences, they don’t tend to change much… A cover letter, on the other hand, should be specifically targeted to the individual application!

A cover letter is your chance to tell the employer why you want the job, and, more importantly, why they should want you . Whilst a CV is a brilliantly concise way of showing your experience, it doesn’t allow for much personality to shine through and so your cover letter is an opportunity to make yourself stand out from the crowd, and sell your skills.

What should a cover letter say?

A cover letter should be polite and formal, yet personal. If you know who the person in charge of the application process is, then write to them individually, e.g. “Dear Mr. Williams/Ms. Smith”, rather than “Dear Sir/Madam.”

Famous YouTuber and entrepreneur Casey Neistat says the most annoying thing about job applicants is that they spend far too long talking about why working for his company would be the best thing for them and what the company could do for them , but virtually no time saying what they could do for the company.

Put yourselves in the employer’s shoes. You’re looking for someone to do a job for you. You want someone who will be motivated, reliable, and good at the job. Do you care whether it’s their dream job that they’ve always hoped for, that will achieve their goal of XYZ? Probably not. What you care about is someone who will get the job done better than anyone else.

So a cover letter should, in effect, say this: “Here’s what I can do for you…”.

Tell the employer about the skills you have which are particularly suited to this job, and give evidence of them – explain to the hiring manager you can make a difference to their company using your skills and experience. Use the letter to highlight parts of your CV that are particularly appropriate for the job in question, and expand on them by giving detail about why this experience makes you suitable for the job.

Top cover letter tips for students

1. Don’t just summarise your CV! The employer is more than capable of reading your CV, you don’t need to waste cover letter space simply repeating it. Use this opportunity to expand on the skills and experience mentioned in your CV and explain why you would be a great person for the job! Use this chance to mention things that might not be in your CV – personality traits, previous feedback etc. Don’t just recite your previous work experience – tell them why you want the job and why you would be good at it!

2. Always customise your letter to fit the job. A surefire way to turn off employers is to send out a generic cover letter. It’s okay to have a starting template (particularly if you’re applying for many similar jobs) but make sure that you always personalise it to mention specific aspects of the company and role. Once you’ve finished writing, read over your letter again – if you can imagine an employer having any doubt over whether you meant to apply to thier company, go back and personalise more!

3. Don’t oversell yourself. Phrases like ‘I am uniquely qualified,’ and ‘You will not find a candidate better suited to this position,’ may be common in cover letters, but that doesn’t mean they’re the best way to go! Not only do you have no idea what the other candidates may be like, this type of sales-y language can be very off-putting. You want to give an honest account of your skills and how they fit the job – if it’s right for you, the hiring manager will see that. It’s fine to sell your skills, and make sure that you get across your relevant achievements, but don’t go too far.

4. Focus on your strengths, not your weaknesses. It is very rare that you will meet every single requirement laid out in a job description, and that’s fine! It’s common for job-seekers, particularly early on in their careers, to use phrases like ‘While I only have limited work experience in Social Media…’ but it’s much better to focus on the strengths you do have, and the other (maybe transferable) skills you can bring to the job.

5.  Show some personality.  While you want your letter to be professional, it’s okay to write in the same way that you would speak – the employer can see your experience from your CV, now it’s time to sell you!  Try writing a first draft of the letter as though you were explaining to a friend, parent, or teacher why you wanted this job, and thought you could succeed at it – you’ll be surprised at how engaging a cover letter you can end up with this way!

Learn more about our online internships and Oxford Summer School to get a head start in your future and make your application stand out.

Land the job with cover letter templates

Show hiring managers why you're the perfect job candidate with professional, customizable cover letter templates. find the perfect cover letter template for any industry or career path..

Download free cover letter templates

Stand out from other job applicants with free, professional cover letter templates. Cover letters are a perfect complement to your resume and provide an effective opportunity to show your personality and enthusiasm for a position. Focus on writing a compelling cover letter and let a professionally designed template do the rest.

These free cover letter templates are perfect for any stage of your career, whether you're looking to land an internship or your dream job. If you're applying for a corporate position, you may want to opt for a simple cover letter template. There are a variety of other cover letter designs available, from basic cover letter templates to creative cover letter templates.

Each of these cover letter templates is customizable in Word , so you can add your own text, change design elements, and more. Print out your cover letter or download it for free to use for online job applications. Once you've customized the perfect cover letter, explore resume templates that will match your cover letter design, or download free business cards for your next networking event.

English Editing Research Services

Writing a Successful Journal Cover Letter (Free Templates)

Even great manuscripts often stand out based on the title or its contents alone. They need great cover letters.

Cover letters for journal submission are an underrated part of the submission process. Don’t overlook them. They’re a valuable step to getting your research noticed, published, and all the good things that come after that.

The truth is, most journal editors just don’t have the time to thoroughly read every submitted article in full to decide if it’s suitable for their journal. They use cover letters to help them filter out the most interesting and appropriate submissions first.

Cover letters also help identify articles completely out of the journal’s scope and that would be better off getting a quick letter of rejection.

If your manuscript doesn’t have a cover letter and the 12 other articles on the editor’s desk do, it’s likely that your paper will be looked at last. Putting in that extra effort, just like on a job application, lets you sell your research, avoid quick rejections, and more likely make it to peer review.

We also have some journal cover letter templates and examples for you, so you don’t have to start from zero. Read on.

What do you put in a journal cover letter?

Your cover letter needs certain basic elements. Generally they are:

• Editor and target journal
• Salutation (Dear Dr. …)
• Indication you’re submitting your manuscript, along with its title, and the category of manuscript you’re submitting (Original Report, Review , Case Study, etc.) based on what the journal accepts
• Background information regarding your work – what is already known about the subject matter?
• What your study was
• Why you performed the study (rationale)
• Briefly, what methods you used and what your key findings were
• Why your manuscript is a great fit for this journal
• (optional, depending on the journal and on if you want to do this) Recommended reviewers
• (optional, depending on the journal) Funding information
• Closing line (Sincerely, etc.) and the name and contact details for the manuscript’s corresponding author

Those are the key elements. It’s how you express them and the quality of your message that mean the different between a dry overview and an attractive promotion of your work.

Many journals don’t have a prescribed format for the cover letter. On the other end of the spectrum are PLOS ONE’s guidelines , which give specifics on what to include, including selecting Academic Editors from its directory.

Always check the guidelines first to be sure you give the journal what it wants. Those are basics. With a grasp of those, there are many ways to polish your cover letter into a valuable sales tool for your work.

What to do and what to avoid in your journal cover letter

Most “problems with journal cover letters relate to simply not spending enough time and care on it. Or even not doing it at all. These are easily fixed if you’re a skilled English writer. If not, they’re still easily fixed with a little help.

All of the following are critical. Make sure you DO:

• Check the name of your target journal.
• Address the cover letter to the relevant person. It is not enough to simply say “Dear Editor” or “To whom it may concern.” Include the name, title and position of the editor you are addressing.
• Avoid superlatives – about the journal, yourself and your own work. It’s pretty unlikely your work is “groundbreaking” or “trailblazing,” though it may by the “first time ever” that a certain approach was taken with a certain population.
• Check the formatting. This varies by journal. It includes US vs. UK vs. Oxford English spelling, correct page numbering, use of templates, and much more.
• Get a colleague to read your cover letter before you send it.

“ A typical cover letter just repeats the abstract. That’s a huge missed opportunity. You need to think of what the journal wants. Try to tailor your manuscript’s novel and interesting points specifically to the your target journal’s aims and scope. It may mean an extra half-hour of work for you, but if it helps get you published, isn’t it worth that small investment of time? “ — Geraldine Echue , PhD, CMPP Edanz Managing Editor

But don’t do this…

The following may not be critical, but they’re common areas that authors mess up. Sometimes they don’t know they’re doing it or they’re just trying their best. So be aware

Make sure you DON’T :

• Take shortcuts. Your cover letter is very important for getting your manuscript to peer review; give it time and attention.
• Cut and paste your abstract, or sections of it, into the cover letter. That’s low-effort and low-readability. Reword it to make it pop.
• Over-praise the editor or target journal – it’s not necessary to use such phrases as “your esteemed journal.” A manuscript will be sent for peer review based on the quality of the cover letter and study, not because you say nice things about the journal.
• Forget to use the Word (or other software’s) spellcheck and, ideally, use a tool like Grammarly and/or Hemingway to help grammar and readability. These are no substitute for a professional edit, though.
• Be overly proud about your English skills. Just like you go to the dentist to get your teeth fixed, you can hire a professional editor and subject matter expert to get your English fixed.

Not that a lot of these also reply to resubmission letters and responses to peer review . The underlying themes are care, courtesy, and excellent English suitable for your audience.

And two more big DOs

• DO get a professional edit or proofread if you’re not a native speaker of English or just not that great at writing.

DO have a professional write your cover letter for you if you want to save some time and make sure you got everything just as the journal wants it. The Edanz Cover Letter Development service can handle this for you.

Set phrases and common expressions

The journal letter maintains a formal tone, so there are certain stock phrases you can use and in some cases must use. As a result, there are a number of phrases which are common to cover letters.

These include:

• To our knowledge, this is the first report showing…
• We believe our findings will appeal to the readership of [target journal name].
• Please address all correspondence to:
• We look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience.

“I’ve found about 60% of authors don’t submit a cover letter at all. It seems they just expect something magical to happen with their manuscript. Journal editors struggle with this: they’re not necessarily subject-area specialists. They wonder, ‘Why is the paper important?'” — Gareth Dyke , PhD Edanz Author Education Manager

Commonly required statements

Many journals and publishers require that all cover letters should contain the following sentences:

• We confirm that this manuscript has not been published elsewhere and is not under consideration by another journal.
• All authors have read and approved the final manuscript and agree with its submission to [target journal name].

Competing interests

If all authors have no competing interests, you should include a statement indicating as such:

The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

If an author does have competing interests, it’s a good idea to include details of these in your cover letter. You might also include funding information:

This study was supported by a grant from the [funding body].

Other required statements

Some other potentially required information:

• Clinical trial registration database and number
• Has this manuscript been published in another language? If so, has that journal editor given permission for this submission?
• What other publications related to the same study have been published? (especially for clinical trial related manuscripts)
• Has the data in your study been presented or been published in any other format? For studies involving human subjects, was informed consent obtained? Was permission obtained from an ethics committee? Was the study carried in accordance with Declaration of Helsinki guidelines?
• Was permission obtained for the reproduction or modification of previously published figures and tables (especially for review articles).

The journal’s guidelines will typically give specific directions on which of these to include, if any. And if you have any questions, get in touch with them directly.

Journal submission tips and hacks from the experts

Most of these are plain common sense, but if you’re in a hurry, you might overlook them. Some are less commonly known.

Be personal, use the editor’s name

Do your homework. Look up the name of the Editor-in-Chief or the specific Section Editor for the journal you’re submitting to and address the letter to them directly.

Use Dear Dr. (or Professor) + their Last name . If you’re not sure of their title, Google them to see if they have a LinkedIn page, ResearchGate page, or works published in the last couple of years. If you still can’t confirm their title, use Dear Full name as shown on the journal’s webpage .

It’s like a cover letter for a job; you need to personalize your cover letter to demonstrate your interest in that particular journal, and not make it look like you’d just be happy to get your paper accepted anywhere.

You should also explain why your study will be of specific interest to the readers of the journal.

Check the Aims & Scope on the journal website to see who their target audience is and tailor your reasoning to them.

Tell them what you want to publish

This may seem obvious, but sometimes authors submit cover letters without including the title of their manuscript and what type of article it is.

This should appear in the very first paragraph of your letter and will help the editor see immediately if the topic is of interest and judge whether they have space for the article type you’re submitting for the current issue.

Even more, it will show that you thoroughly read the guidelines. If you say you’re submitting “Original Research” when the journal calls it “Research Articles”, you’re not making a very good first impression.

Summarize the highlights of your work

It’s not enough to simply include the title of your manuscript in the cover letter and hope that alone will attract the editor.

Try to keep the cover letter to one page, but always include a brief summary of your study outlining the reasons why you conducted the work, your aims, and the major results you observed. If that makes you go a bit longer, it’s not a big deal.

Don’t include statistics or a lot of data; a compelling summary of the study is sufficient. If the editor is interested, they’ll look into your manuscript more deeply for further details.

Sell yourself

Cover letters are your chance to talk directly with the journal editor and convince them that your paper is more interesting than the next one sitting on their desk. Talk about any real-world implications of your findings or the significance of your results for the field. Don’t be too speculative or over-exaggerate your findings, but do take this important opportunity to feature the importance of your work.

Don’t forget your “must have” statements

Editors want to know that your manuscript has not been submitted elsewhere or is under consideration at another journal.

They want to know any relevant conflict of interest information and any roles the funding body played in the study.

The author instructions may or may not have explicit information on what they want you to write, but it’s good practice to state this information upfront. This way, the editor doesn’t have to dig through the manuscript to know if you’ve met the basic ethical requirements for publication.

See it in action: Edanz video on writing cover letters

We laid out the basics of a cover letter in this video.

And if you don’t want to start with a blank document…

Get a cover letter template

It’s all easier said than done, right?

Download a template to plug-and-play your text.

Download the above short-form or long-form cover letter from the Edanz Learning Lab template collection .

“When I became a journal editor, I really learned how important cover letters are. We need them to learn more about submissions and to make more informed decisions on whether to send manuscripts out for peer review. As a journal editor, I greatly appreciate a carefully written cover letter; it saves me time and it shows me the authors really care. It also helps with reviewer selections … something I rarely have time to do.” — Gareth Dyke , PhD Editor-in-Chief of Taylor & Francis journal ‘Historical Biology’

By the way, not all cover letters are the same, though most are. PLOS ONE cover letters are a notable exception and have certain requirements for what you need to tell them, such as which of their Academic Editors you want to review your submission. See their guidelines here .

So, all set to do your cover letter? Now go find a forever home for your manuscript and tell them why they’re the perfect fit for you.

Want to dig deeper into the publication process, soup to nuts, ideas to publication? Take simple, expert-designed courses to walk you through it all, at the Edanz My Learning Lab .

• Search Menu
• Browse content in Arts and Humanities
• Browse content in Archaeology
• Anglo-Saxon and Medieval Archaeology
• Archaeological Methodology and Techniques
• Archaeology by Region
• Archaeology of Religion
• Archaeology of Trade and Exchange
• Biblical Archaeology
• Contemporary and Public Archaeology
• Environmental Archaeology
• Historical Archaeology
• History and Theory of Archaeology
• Industrial Archaeology
• Landscape Archaeology
• Mortuary Archaeology
• Prehistoric Archaeology
• Underwater Archaeology
• Urban Archaeology
• Zooarchaeology
• Browse content in Architecture
• Architectural Structure and Design
• History of Architecture
• Residential and Domestic Buildings
• Theory of Architecture
• Browse content in Art
• Art Subjects and Themes
• History of Art
• Industrial and Commercial Art
• Theory of Art
• Biographical Studies
• Byzantine Studies
• Browse content in Classical Studies
• Classical History
• Classical Philosophy
• Classical Mythology
• Classical Literature
• Classical Reception
• Classical Art and Architecture
• Classical Oratory and Rhetoric
• Greek and Roman Papyrology
• Greek and Roman Epigraphy
• Greek and Roman Law
• Greek and Roman Archaeology
• Late Antiquity
• Religion in the Ancient World
• Digital Humanities
• Browse content in History
• Colonialism and Imperialism
• Diplomatic History
• Environmental History
• Genealogy, Heraldry, Names, and Honours
• Genocide and Ethnic Cleansing
• Historical Geography
• History by Period
• History of Emotions
• History of Agriculture
• History of Education
• History of Gender and Sexuality
• Industrial History
• Intellectual History
• International History
• Labour History
• Legal and Constitutional History
• Local and Family History
• Maritime History
• Military History
• National Liberation and Post-Colonialism
• Oral History
• Political History
• Public History
• Regional and National History
• Revolutions and Rebellions
• Slavery and Abolition of Slavery
• Social and Cultural History
• Theory, Methods, and Historiography
• Urban History
• World History
• Browse content in Language Teaching and Learning
• Language Learning (Specific Skills)
• Language Teaching Theory and Methods
• Browse content in Linguistics
• Applied Linguistics
• Cognitive Linguistics
• Computational Linguistics
• Forensic Linguistics
• Grammar, Syntax and Morphology
• Historical and Diachronic Linguistics
• History of English
• Language Evolution
• Language Reference
• Language Acquisition
• Language Variation
• Language Families
• Lexicography
• Linguistic Anthropology
• Linguistic Theories
• Linguistic Typology
• Phonetics and Phonology
• Psycholinguistics
• Sociolinguistics
• Translation and Interpretation
• Writing Systems
• Browse content in Literature
• Bibliography
• Children's Literature Studies
• Literary Studies (Romanticism)
• Literary Studies (American)
• Literary Studies (Asian)
• Literary Studies (European)
• Literary Studies (Eco-criticism)
• Literary Studies (Modernism)
• Literary Studies - World
• Literary Studies (1500 to 1800)
• Literary Studies (19th Century)
• Literary Studies (20th Century onwards)
• Literary Studies (African American Literature)
• Literary Studies (British and Irish)
• Literary Studies (Early and Medieval)
• Literary Studies (Fiction, Novelists, and Prose Writers)
• Literary Studies (Gender Studies)
• Literary Studies (Graphic Novels)
• Literary Studies (History of the Book)
• Literary Studies (Plays and Playwrights)
• Literary Studies (Poetry and Poets)
• Literary Studies (Postcolonial Literature)
• Literary Studies (Queer Studies)
• Literary Studies (Science Fiction)
• Literary Studies (Travel Literature)
• Literary Studies (War Literature)
• Literary Studies (Women's Writing)
• Literary Theory and Cultural Studies
• Mythology and Folklore
• Shakespeare Studies and Criticism
• Browse content in Media Studies
• Browse content in Music
• Applied Music
• Dance and Music
• Ethics in Music
• Ethnomusicology
• Gender and Sexuality in Music
• Medicine and Music
• Music Cultures
• Music and Media
• Music and Religion
• Music and Culture
• Music Education and Pedagogy
• Music Theory and Analysis
• Musical Scores, Lyrics, and Libretti
• Musical Structures, Styles, and Techniques
• Musicology and Music History
• Performance Practice and Studies
• Race and Ethnicity in Music
• Sound Studies
• Browse content in Performing Arts
• Browse content in Philosophy
• Aesthetics and Philosophy of Art
• Epistemology
• Feminist Philosophy
• History of Western Philosophy
• Metaphysics
• Moral Philosophy
• Non-Western Philosophy
• Philosophy of Language
• Philosophy of Mind
• Philosophy of Perception
• Philosophy of Science
• Philosophy of Action
• Philosophy of Law
• Philosophy of Religion
• Philosophy of Mathematics and Logic
• Practical Ethics
• Social and Political Philosophy
• Browse content in Religion
• Biblical Studies
• Christianity
• East Asian Religions
• History of Religion
• Judaism and Jewish Studies
• Qumran Studies
• Religion and Education
• Religion and Health
• Religion and Politics
• Religion and Science
• Religion and Law
• Religion and Art, Literature, and Music
• Religious Studies
• Browse content in Society and Culture
• Cookery, Food, and Drink
• Cultural Studies
• Customs and Traditions
• Ethical Issues and Debates
• Hobbies, Games, Arts and Crafts
• Lifestyle, Home, and Garden
• Natural world, Country Life, and Pets
• Popular Beliefs and Controversial Knowledge
• Sports and Outdoor Recreation
• Technology and Society
• Travel and Holiday
• Visual Culture
• Browse content in Law
• Arbitration
• Browse content in Company and Commercial Law
• Commercial Law
• Company Law
• Browse content in Comparative Law
• Systems of Law
• Competition Law
• Browse content in Constitutional and Administrative Law
• Government Powers
• Judicial Review
• Local Government Law
• Military and Defence Law
• Parliamentary and Legislative Practice
• Construction Law
• Contract Law
• Browse content in Criminal Law
• Criminal Procedure
• Criminal Evidence Law
• Sentencing and Punishment
• Employment and Labour Law
• Environment and Energy Law
• Browse content in Financial Law
• Banking Law
• Insolvency Law
• History of Law
• Human Rights and Immigration
• Intellectual Property Law
• Browse content in International Law
• Private International Law and Conflict of Laws
• Public International Law
• IT and Communications Law
• Jurisprudence and Philosophy of Law
• Law and Politics
• Law and Society
• Browse content in Legal System and Practice
• Courts and Procedure
• Legal Skills and Practice
• Primary Sources of Law
• Regulation of Legal Profession
• Medical and Healthcare Law
• Browse content in Policing
• Criminal Investigation and Detection
• Police and Security Services
• Police Procedure and Law
• Police Regional Planning
• Browse content in Property Law
• Personal Property Law
• Study and Revision
• Terrorism and National Security Law
• Browse content in Trusts Law
• Wills and Probate or Succession
• Browse content in Medicine and Health
• Browse content in Allied Health Professions
• Arts Therapies
• Clinical Science
• Dietetics and Nutrition
• Occupational Therapy
• Operating Department Practice
• Physiotherapy
• Radiography
• Speech and Language Therapy
• Browse content in Anaesthetics
• General Anaesthesia
• Neuroanaesthesia
• Clinical Neuroscience
• Browse content in Clinical Medicine
• Acute Medicine
• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Clinical Genetics
• Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics
• Dermatology
• Endocrinology and Diabetes
• Gastroenterology
• Genito-urinary Medicine
• Geriatric Medicine
• Infectious Diseases
• Medical Toxicology
• Medical Oncology
• Pain Medicine
• Palliative Medicine
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Respiratory Medicine and Pulmonology
• Rheumatology
• Sleep Medicine
• Sports and Exercise Medicine
• Community Medical Services
• Critical Care
• Emergency Medicine
• Forensic Medicine
• Haematology
• History of Medicine
• Browse content in Medical Skills
• Clinical Skills
• Communication Skills
• Nursing Skills
• Surgical Skills
• Browse content in Medical Dentistry
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Paediatric Dentistry
• Restorative Dentistry and Orthodontics
• Surgical Dentistry
• Medical Ethics
• Medical Statistics and Methodology
• Browse content in Neurology
• Clinical Neurophysiology
• Neuropathology
• Nursing Studies
• Browse content in Obstetrics and Gynaecology
• Gynaecology
• Occupational Medicine
• Ophthalmology
• Otolaryngology (ENT)
• Browse content in Paediatrics
• Neonatology
• Browse content in Pathology
• Chemical Pathology
• Clinical Cytogenetics and Molecular Genetics
• Histopathology
• Medical Microbiology and Virology
• Patient Education and Information
• Browse content in Pharmacology
• Psychopharmacology
• Browse content in Popular Health
• Caring for Others
• Complementary and Alternative Medicine
• Self-help and Personal Development
• Browse content in Preclinical Medicine
• Cell Biology
• Molecular Biology and Genetics
• Reproduction, Growth and Development
• Primary Care
• Professional Development in Medicine
• Browse content in Psychiatry
• Addiction Medicine
• Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
• Forensic Psychiatry
• Learning Disabilities
• Old Age Psychiatry
• Psychotherapy
• Browse content in Public Health and Epidemiology
• Epidemiology
• Public Health
• Browse content in Radiology
• Clinical Radiology
• Interventional Radiology
• Nuclear Medicine
• Radiation Oncology
• Reproductive Medicine
• Browse content in Surgery
• Cardiothoracic Surgery
• Gastro-intestinal and Colorectal Surgery
• General Surgery
• Neurosurgery
• Paediatric Surgery
• Peri-operative Care
• Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
• Surgical Oncology
• Transplant Surgery
• Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery
• Vascular Surgery
• Browse content in Science and Mathematics
• Browse content in Biological Sciences
• Aquatic Biology
• Biochemistry
• Bioinformatics and Computational Biology
• Developmental Biology
• Ecology and Conservation
• Evolutionary Biology
• Genetics and Genomics
• Microbiology
• Molecular and Cell Biology
• Natural History
• Plant Sciences and Forestry
• Research Methods in Life Sciences
• Structural Biology
• Systems Biology
• Zoology and Animal Sciences
• Browse content in Chemistry
• Analytical Chemistry
• Computational Chemistry
• Crystallography
• Environmental Chemistry
• Industrial Chemistry
• Inorganic Chemistry
• Materials Chemistry
• Medicinal Chemistry
• Mineralogy and Gems
• Organic Chemistry
• Physical Chemistry
• Polymer Chemistry
• Study and Communication Skills in Chemistry
• Theoretical Chemistry
• Browse content in Computer Science
• Artificial Intelligence
• Computer Architecture and Logic Design
• Game Studies
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Mathematical Theory of Computation
• Programming Languages
• Software Engineering
• Systems Analysis and Design
• Virtual Reality
• Browse content in Computing
• Business Applications
• Computer Security
• Computer Games
• Computer Networking and Communications
• Digital Lifestyle
• Graphical and Digital Media Applications
• Operating Systems
• Browse content in Earth Sciences and Geography
• Atmospheric Sciences
• Environmental Geography
• Geology and the Lithosphere
• Maps and Map-making
• Meteorology and Climatology
• Oceanography and Hydrology
• Palaeontology
• Physical Geography and Topography
• Regional Geography
• Soil Science
• Urban Geography
• Browse content in Engineering and Technology
• Agriculture and Farming
• Biological Engineering
• Civil Engineering, Surveying, and Building
• Electronics and Communications Engineering
• Energy Technology
• Engineering (General)
• Environmental Science, Engineering, and Technology
• History of Engineering and Technology
• Mechanical Engineering and Materials
• Technology of Industrial Chemistry
• Transport Technology and Trades
• Browse content in Environmental Science
• Applied Ecology (Environmental Science)
• Conservation of the Environment (Environmental Science)
• Environmental Sustainability
• Environmentalist Thought and Ideology (Environmental Science)
• Management of Land and Natural Resources (Environmental Science)
• Natural Disasters (Environmental Science)
• Nuclear Issues (Environmental Science)
• Pollution and Threats to the Environment (Environmental Science)
• Social Impact of Environmental Issues (Environmental Science)
• History of Science and Technology
• Browse content in Materials Science
• Ceramics and Glasses
• Composite Materials
• Metals, Alloying, and Corrosion
• Nanotechnology
• Browse content in Mathematics
• Applied Mathematics
• Biomathematics and Statistics
• History of Mathematics
• Mathematical Education
• Mathematical Finance
• Mathematical Analysis
• Numerical and Computational Mathematics
• Probability and Statistics
• Pure Mathematics
• Browse content in Neuroscience
• Cognition and Behavioural Neuroscience
• Development of the Nervous System
• Disorders of the Nervous System
• History of Neuroscience
• Invertebrate Neurobiology
• Molecular and Cellular Systems
• Neuroendocrinology and Autonomic Nervous System
• Neuroscientific Techniques
• Sensory and Motor Systems
• Browse content in Physics
• Astronomy and Astrophysics
• Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics
• Biological and Medical Physics
• Classical Mechanics
• Computational Physics
• Condensed Matter Physics
• Electromagnetism, Optics, and Acoustics
• History of Physics
• Mathematical and Statistical Physics
• Measurement Science
• Nuclear Physics
• Particles and Fields
• Plasma Physics
• Quantum Physics
• Relativity and Gravitation
• Semiconductor and Mesoscopic Physics
• Browse content in Psychology
• Affective Sciences
• Clinical Psychology
• Cognitive Psychology
• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Criminal and Forensic Psychology
• Developmental Psychology
• Educational Psychology
• Evolutionary Psychology
• Health Psychology
• History and Systems in Psychology
• Music Psychology
• Neuropsychology
• Organizational Psychology
• Psychological Assessment and Testing
• Psychology of Human-Technology Interaction
• Psychology Professional Development and Training
• Research Methods in Psychology
• Social Psychology
• Browse content in Social Sciences
• Browse content in Anthropology
• Anthropology of Religion
• Human Evolution
• Medical Anthropology
• Physical Anthropology
• Regional Anthropology
• Social and Cultural Anthropology
• Theory and Practice of Anthropology
• Browse content in Business and Management
• Business Ethics
• Business Strategy
• Business History
• Business and Technology
• Business and Government
• Business and the Environment
• Comparative Management
• Corporate Governance
• Corporate Social Responsibility
• Entrepreneurship
• Health Management
• Human Resource Management
• Industrial and Employment Relations
• Industry Studies
• Information and Communication Technologies
• International Business
• Knowledge Management
• Management and Management Techniques
• Operations Management
• Organizational Theory and Behaviour
• Pensions and Pension Management
• Public and Nonprofit Management
• Strategic Management
• Supply Chain Management
• Browse content in Criminology and Criminal Justice
• Criminal Justice
• Criminology
• Forms of Crime
• International and Comparative Criminology
• Youth Violence and Juvenile Justice
• Development Studies
• Browse content in Economics
• Agricultural, Environmental, and Natural Resource Economics
• Asian Economics
• Behavioural Finance
• Behavioural Economics and Neuroeconomics
• Econometrics and Mathematical Economics
• Economic History
• Economic Systems
• Economic Methodology
• Economic Development and Growth
• Financial Markets
• Financial Institutions and Services
• General Economics and Teaching
• Health, Education, and Welfare
• History of Economic Thought
• International Economics
• Labour and Demographic Economics
• Law and Economics
• Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics
• Microeconomics
• Public Economics
• Urban, Rural, and Regional Economics
• Welfare Economics
• Browse content in Education
• Adult Education and Continuous Learning
• Care and Counselling of Students
• Early Childhood and Elementary Education
• Educational Equipment and Technology
• Educational Strategies and Policy
• Higher and Further Education
• Organization and Management of Education
• Philosophy and Theory of Education
• Schools Studies
• Secondary Education
• Teaching of a Specific Subject
• Teaching of Specific Groups and Special Educational Needs
• Teaching Skills and Techniques
• Browse content in Environment
• Applied Ecology (Social Science)
• Climate Change
• Conservation of the Environment (Social Science)
• Environmentalist Thought and Ideology (Social Science)
• Natural Disasters (Environment)
• Social Impact of Environmental Issues (Social Science)
• Browse content in Human Geography
• Cultural Geography
• Economic Geography
• Political Geography
• Browse content in Interdisciplinary Studies
• Communication Studies
• Museums, Libraries, and Information Sciences
• Browse content in Politics
• African Politics
• Asian Politics
• Chinese Politics
• Comparative Politics
• Conflict Politics
• Elections and Electoral Studies
• Environmental Politics
• European Union
• Foreign Policy
• Gender and Politics
• Human Rights and Politics
• Indian Politics
• International Relations
• International Organization (Politics)
• International Political Economy
• Irish Politics
• Latin American Politics
• Middle Eastern Politics
• Political Behaviour
• Political Economy
• Political Institutions
• Political Methodology
• Political Communication
• Political Philosophy
• Political Sociology
• Political Theory
• Politics and Law
• Public Policy
• Public Administration
• Quantitative Political Methodology
• Regional Political Studies
• Russian Politics
• Security Studies
• State and Local Government
• UK Politics
• US Politics
• Browse content in Regional and Area Studies
• African Studies
• Asian Studies
• East Asian Studies
• Japanese Studies
• Latin American Studies
• Middle Eastern Studies
• Native American Studies
• Scottish Studies
• Browse content in Research and Information
• Research Methods
• Browse content in Social Work
• Addictions and Substance Misuse
• Adoption and Fostering
• Care of the Elderly
• Child and Adolescent Social Work
• Couple and Family Social Work
• Developmental and Physical Disabilities Social Work
• Direct Practice and Clinical Social Work
• Emergency Services
• Human Behaviour and the Social Environment
• International and Global Issues in Social Work
• Mental and Behavioural Health
• Social Justice and Human Rights
• Social Policy and Advocacy
• Social Work and Crime and Justice
• Social Work Macro Practice
• Social Work Practice Settings
• Social Work Research and Evidence-based Practice
• Welfare and Benefit Systems
• Browse content in Sociology
• Childhood Studies
• Community Development
• Comparative and Historical Sociology
• Economic Sociology
• Gender and Sexuality
• Gerontology and Ageing
• Health, Illness, and Medicine
• Marriage and the Family
• Migration Studies
• Occupations, Professions, and Work
• Organizations
• Population and Demography
• Race and Ethnicity
• Social Theory
• Social Movements and Social Change
• Social Research and Statistics
• Social Stratification, Inequality, and Mobility
• Sociology of Religion
• Sociology of Education
• Sport and Leisure
• Urban and Rural Studies
• Browse content in Warfare and Defence
• Defence Strategy, Planning, and Research
• Land Forces and Warfare
• Military Administration
• Military Life and Institutions
• Naval Forces and Warfare
• Other Warfare and Defence Issues
• Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution
• Weapons and Equipment

• < Previous chapter
• Next chapter >

18 The Cover Letter

• Published: July 2019
• Cite Icon Cite
• Permissions Icon Permissions

Many view the cover letter as a nuisance that must be dealt with when a manuscript is submitted. Some journals make no mention of specific requirements for the letter; others not only require it, but also have specific guidelines. The cover letter is the opportunity to speak directly to the editor with the goal of convincing her to send your paper out for review. This chapter discusses the importance of the cover letter and its essential elements.

Signed in as

Institutional accounts.

• GoogleCrawler [DO NOT DELETE]
• Google Scholar Indexing

Personal account

• Sign in with email/username & password
• Get email alerts
• Save searches
• Purchase content
• Activate your purchase/trial code

Institutional access

• Sign in with a library card Sign in with username/password Recommend to your librarian
• Institutional account management
• Get help with access

Access to content on Oxford Academic is often provided through institutional subscriptions and purchases. If you are a member of an institution with an active account, you may be able to access content in one of the following ways:

IP based access

Typically, access is provided across an institutional network to a range of IP addresses. This authentication occurs automatically, and it is not possible to sign out of an IP authenticated account.

Sign in through your institution

Choose this option to get remote access when outside your institution. Shibboleth/Open Athens technology is used to provide single sign-on between your institution’s website and Oxford Academic.

• Click Sign in through your institution.
• Select your institution from the list provided, which will take you to your institution's website to sign in.
• When on the institution site, please use the credentials provided by your institution. Do not use an Oxford Academic personal account.
• Following successful sign in, you will be returned to Oxford Academic.

If your institution is not listed or you cannot sign in to your institution’s website, please contact your librarian or administrator.

Sign in with a library card

Enter your library card number to sign in. If you cannot sign in, please contact your librarian.

Society Members

Society member access to a journal is achieved in one of the following ways:

Sign in through society site

Many societies offer single sign-on between the society website and Oxford Academic. If you see ‘Sign in through society site’ in the sign in pane within a journal:

• Click Sign in through society site.
• When on the society site, please use the credentials provided by that society. Do not use an Oxford Academic personal account.

If you do not have a society account or have forgotten your username or password, please contact your society.

Sign in using a personal account

Some societies use Oxford Academic personal accounts to provide access to their members. See below.

A personal account can be used to get email alerts, save searches, purchase content, and activate subscriptions.

Some societies use Oxford Academic personal accounts to provide access to their members.

Viewing your signed in accounts

Click the account icon in the top right to:

• View your signed in personal account and access account management features.
• View the institutional accounts that are providing access.

Signed in but can't access content

Oxford Academic is home to a wide variety of products. The institutional subscription may not cover the content that you are trying to access. If you believe you should have access to that content, please contact your librarian.

For librarians and administrators, your personal account also provides access to institutional account management. Here you will find options to view and activate subscriptions, manage institutional settings and access options, access usage statistics, and more.

Our books are available by subscription or purchase to libraries and institutions.

• About Oxford Academic
• Publish journals with us
• University press partners
• What we publish
• New features  
• Open access
• Rights and permissions
• Accessibility
• Advertising
• Media enquiries
• Oxford University Press
• Oxford Languages
• University of Oxford

Oxford University Press is a department of the University of Oxford. It furthers the University's objective of excellence in research, scholarship, and education by publishing worldwide

• Copyright © 2024 Oxford University Press
• Cookie settings
• Cookie policy
• Privacy policy
• Legal notice

This Feature Is Available To Subscribers Only

Sign In or Create an Account

This PDF is available to Subscribers Only

For full access to this pdf, sign in to an existing account, or purchase an annual subscription.

• Facebook Profile

Learning English with Oxford

The latest language learning tips, resources, and content from oxford university press., how to write an outstanding personal statement, job application, or cover letter + examples.

• by Oxford University Press ELT
• Posted on July 5, 2021 May 16, 2023

Writing about yourself can feel uncomfortable, but you NEED to master it. Follow these top tips to bag that place at university, or to secure that dream job.

• List ALL of your achievements, experience, and personal qualities

It sounds easy, but it’s often not. Remove distractions, grab your laptop or notepad, and write down EVERY skill you’ve acquired, experience you’ve gained, and achievement you’ve celebrated. Write it down even if you’re unsure whether it’s worthy of note.

These notes are an immensely valuable resource to refer to when writing your application. Look at the requirements of the role you’re applying for, then transfer the skills and achievements across from your notes that demonstrate those values. This will form the basis of your writing.

• Use positive adjectives but avoid clichés

Obviously, you should try to present yourself in the best possible light. However, there are some adjectives or phrases that have been overused and no longer carry any real meaning amongst recruiters. Try not to overuse words such as motivated , flexible, and independent . You may possess these traits, but it is better to demonstrate how you may be motivated, flexible and independent with examples from previous experience. Instead, use words that show you have a quality.

Here are some of our favourite alternative positive adjectives:

For example.

Instead of : ‘A hard-working and motivated individual with excellent skills and work experience.’

You could write : ‘An innovative and ambitious Graphics Designer with two years experience in a creative marketing agency.’

• Use action verbs

It’s important to back up your claims with real-world examples, by for example stating any previous experience or responsibilities you had in a certain field. When doing this, use powerful action verbs to make an impact. Action verbs represent an action that is taking place, or has taken place in the past, they can transform your simple achievements into huge events that can’t be missed by a recruiter. If you are applying for a job, it’s useful to read the job description carefully and make sure to pick action verbs that highlight specific accomplishments that are relevant to the job.

Some of our favourite action verbs are:

• Implemented

Instead of: ‘Responsible for increasing sales.’

You could write: ‘Developed a new sales strategy which generated $5000 in revenue for our new line of products.’

• Use numbers when describing your achievements

No matter how powerful a verb or adjective may be, it will never be quite as strong as an indisputable fact. By adding numbers to relevant sentences, it can make an achievement more powerful as recruiters can see exactly how impressive it was. Not all achievements are quantifiable but using facts and figures where possible will provide more value to your resume or application.

Instead of : ‘Added value to the company by saving them money.’

You could write : ‘Saved the company £10,000 a year, over a period of three years, by developing an efficient cost-saving marketing programme.’

• Use first-person, but omit personal pronouns

Resumes and job applications should be composed using the first person, meaning that it is written as though you are talking about yourself. However, it is best practice to leave out the personal pronoun (‘I’, ‘my’, and ‘me’) in the sentences you use. This may feel unfamiliar but is usually referred to as ‘first-person implied’.

Instead of: ‘I provided personal assistance and operational support to General Manager.’

You could write : ‘Provided personal assistance and operational support to General Manager.’

So those are our top 5 pieces of advice to help you write the best possible personal profile, cover letter, application, etc. If we were to add one more it would be to check, check, and check again your spelling and grammar before sending.

Want more content like this? Have any more tips that you’d like to share? Please do let us know in the comments below.

Katie Ballard  is Assistant Marketing Manager in the ELT Division at Oxford University Press. Having graduated in English, she holds a TEFL qualification and spent time teaching English at a university in China for the Birmingham Institute of Fashion and Creative Art.

Share this:

Author: Oxford University Press ELT

Every year we help millions of people around the world to learn English. As a department of the University of Oxford, we further the University’s objective of excellence in education by publishing proven and tested language learning books, eBooks, learning materials, and educational technologies. View all posts by Oxford University Press ELT

One thought

Undoubtedly, it’s a very effective witting tips on personal statement, job application, or cover letter and it will greatly have a responsive impact on success. It is remarkably imperative to produce a piece of impressive Personal Statement, Job Application, or Cover Letter for guaranteed success in the very competitive markets.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Discover more from learning english with oxford.

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Type your email…

Continue reading

Cover Letters

What is a cover letter.

Cover letters are similar in purpose to resumes: they are designed to inspire interviews and job offers (by way of resume review and interviewing):

• Create original correspondence for each respective employer. Do not use mass-produce letters/emails. Each cover letter should address the  specific needs  of that particular employer.
• Organize and catalog your correspondence  with prospective employers to better track specific information and notes you may have.
• Discuss your adaptability by  noting virtual environments  (internships, jobs, etc,) you experienced. Your flexibility in working virtually may eliminate geographical restrictions you might encounter.

Anatomy of a Cover Letter

Structure of correspondence.

Job-search correspondence typically includes the following components:

• Writer’s return address
• Employer’s name and address (inside address)
• Body (usually 3–4 paragraphs)
• Complimentary closing
• Writer’s name and signature
• Enclosure notation (when enclosing your resume or other information)
• Use ‘attached’ when sending via email

Similar to preparing your resume, there are several formatting guidelines to consider when preparing job-search correspondence:

• Save your cover letter to a PDF to avoid formatting issues.
• Use standard 8 1/2 x 11-inch paper.
• Use good quality stationery, preferably the same as your resume.
• Be sure to print and proofread to correct all spelling and grammatical mistakes. Letters must be error-free. Do not rely on software spell checks.
• Make it easy to read by using a plain font in 10- to 12-point type.
• Focus on information that is relevant to the employer and the job.
• Quantify your results, if possible, by stating how much and/or how many.
• Include keywords taken directly from the job description.
• If sending your cover letter and resume via mail, always type the return address and mailing address on a legal-sized or flat envelope.

Courtesy of the National Association of Colleges and Employers.

Introduction of the Cover Letter

• Formally introduce yourself by briefly giving an overview of your credentials; it is not necessary to state your name in the introduction
• Explain why you want to work for that organization— highlight something unique
• Mention the specific position and how you heard about it
• Include any personal connections you have

Dear Ms. Grams:

As a senior marketing major from Miami University, the idea of working for an organization that tailors marketing to customers’ needs is incredibly exciting. With a passion for consumer behavior, I write to apply for the Marketing Intern position at Western Marketing, Inc., as posted on Miami University’s Handshake. As a top marketing firm using strategic outreach, Western Marketing has maintained an innovative and fresh approach. As an intern I would bring an energetic and imaginative view to marketing, along with my willingness to learn.

• If a contact person is not listed on the job description, call HR and ask to whom you can address your cover letter. Do not contact HR if there is language in the job description informing you NOT to contact the organization.
• If you do not obtain a specific name, do not say “To whom it may concern…” instead write:
• “Dear Hiring Manager”, “Dear Search Committee Chair”, “Dear Ms. Grams & Search Committee Members”
• Do not write, “Hey Ms. Grams” as this is not appropriate in a formal letter.

Body of the Cover Letter

• Show how your skills, education, and experiences match the requirements of the position; this can be achieved by writing a paragraph that addresses each qualification.
• Sell your qualifications by proving what you can do for the employer through specific examples.
• Identify achievements that are relevant to the qualifications and responsibilities of the position.

Highlight the job description. Take note of the required responsibilities, preferred qualities, and minimum qualifications.

Select 3 highlighted elements of the job description that are most relevant to your qualifications. Examples: teamwork, budgeting, design, etc.

Identify experiences that show you can address the needs of the employer. Use specific accomplishments that tell the reader what you have to offer them.

Experiences that support topic 1:

Experiences that support topic 2:

Experiences that support topic 3:

Match their requirements to your experiences. Tell a story that lets the reader see you in the position. Repeat for each of the 3 elements in step two.

As a junior Psychology student with a Marketing minor at Miami University, my focus has been on consumer behavior and the associated impacts for the organization. In the classroom I learned various marketing techniques and the importance of getting to know clients and their customers, and have applied these concepts as the Recruitment Chair for my sorority. By knowing what membership can offer potential new members and effectively communicating our message during limited interactions, we were able to increase membership by 35%, compared to an annual average of 18%.

• Provide a few in-depth examples versus a short list
• Quantify if possible — percentage increase
• Show results (quantities, impact, significance)

Closing of the Cover Letter

Summary Statement

• Reference your enclosed (if sent via mail) or attached resume (if sent via email).
• Thank them for their time.

My related experiences, skills, and passion for innovative marketing make me an excellent candidate for the Marketing Intern with Western Marketing. My attached resume expands upon my skills and experiences. Please feel free to reach me by phone at (513) 555-5555 or by email at [email protected] to further discuss how I can contribute to the Western Marketing team in an interview. I will contact you during the week of December 14 to follow up regarding next steps in the process. Thank you for your time and consideration.

It is optional to state that you will follow up. Do not give a specific date, but instead write, “… in two weeks” or “...the week of...” — unless they specifically say, “No phone calls” or, “We will follow up with you”.

Choose a professional salutation that matches the tone of the letter: Sincerely, Regards, Warm regards, Best regards. Include space to sign your letter if you are printing a copy of your letter.

Raul Gonzalez

• Include email or phone number if you haven’t stated it within your cover letter.
• Avoid “Cheers” or “Talk with you soon” as these are too conversational and not professional sounding.

Other Types of Letter Correspondence

Prospecting letter.

The purpose of this letter is to inquire about possible vacancies, get your resume read, and/or generate interviews. If possible, target specific individuals in specific organizations. As with all job-search correspondence, it is best to avoid generic “Dear Sir/Madam” or “To whom it may concern” letters. Structure this letter as you would the basic cover letter and focus on how your qualifications match the organization’s needs.

Interview Confirmation

Once an interview appointment has been made between you and a prospective employer, it is best to follow up on that conversation with a confirmation letter or email. Include the following:

• Restatement of the date and time of the interview appointment.
• Other pertinent details discussed on the phone:
• completing appropriate employment forms prior to the interview
• travel arrangements
• who you will meet
• Your appreciation of the employer’s further consideration of your qualifications.

Interview confirmation letters and emails provide evidence to employers of the attention you give to detail and your ability to follow through in a work setting. Even though you have cleared this first hurdle in your job-search, you need to continue to convey to the employer your professionalism and interest in the position throughout the interview process.

Post-Interview Thank You

Thank you letters or emails should be sent promptly after each of your interviews, preferably within 24 hours. A well-written thank you letter will:

• Remind the employer who you are.
• Impress them with your courtesy and follow through.
• Remind the employer of your background and qualifications.
• Show your enthusiasm and continued interest in the field or specific position discussed.
• Convey to the employer your sincere appreciation for their time and consideration.

Thank you letters or emails do not need to be lengthy or elaborate, but should be sent as a business courtesy. There are many different opinions about whether the thank you should be sent via email, handwritten note, or typed and sent as a business letter. Whatever format you choose, send it within 24–48 hours after the interview, if possible. An email sent right after the interview, followed by a handwritten note or typed letter is another alternative, especially if the employer intends to make a decision within the next week or so about who to hire or invite back to another interview.

When sending an email, make sure to use a format similar to what you would use if sending a written or typed correspondence. Do not put all of the text in one paragraph.

Job Offer Clarification

This letter is sent in response to a verbal or written job offer which does not provide all of the pertinent information you need to make an informed decision. Your letter should:

• Indicate your interest in the employer and the offer.
• Ask specifically for the information you need.
• Express appreciation for the cooperation you receive.

This information may be requested via telephone but be certain to confirm all details in writing to avoid any future misunderstandings.

Letter of Acceptance

While this may be the most enthusiastic letter you will write to an employer, your letter of acceptance must also clarify some important information:

• Refer to the offer made by the employer.
• Restate terms of employment.
• Confirm pre-employment details, including starting date, salary and benefits.

Close the letter by expressing your appreciation and pleasure in joining the organization.

Letter of Declination

As a courtesy, a formal letter of declination or an email should be sent to each employer who extended you an offer after you have made a decision to accept an offer from another organization.

Always be tactful and appreciative in declining an offer—in other words, don’t burn any bridges. You may want to work for these employers in the future. In any case, be certain to inform them of your acceptance of another employer’s offer.

Cover Letter Examples

Cover letters should convey that you have an understanding of what the position requires (usually described in the job description), how you meet the “required qualifications,” and possibly the “preferred qualifications.” Address what you can do for the employer and what you bring to the organization.

Example 1: Service Coordinator position at the Seniors Living Center

Below is a job description for a Service Coordinator position at the Seniors Living Center. The cover letter incorporates the key points highlighted in the job description. Notice how they provide specific examples of their work with seniors and people with disabilities.  They also refer to their upcoming graduation from Miami with a focus on Aging in Diverse Contexts, as well as their advocacy experience.

Service Coordinator

Exciting, full time opportunity exists with an industry leader to provide services to seniors and people with disabilities. Responsibilities include linking and monitoring supportive services, advocacy, information and referral.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Gerontology, Aging Services, Social Work, or Related Degree
• Experience working with seniors, chronically ill and disability services
• Working knowledge of social service delivery systems

Application Requirements

• Completed Application
• Cover Letter

Cover Letter Example

241 Hoyt Hall Oxford, OH 45056 [email protected]

June 10, 20XX

Jane Smith Seniors Living Center 123 Main St. Middletown, OH 45067

Dear Ms. Smith:

I am writing to apply for the position of Service Coordinator at Seniors Living Center. I have spent the last four years at Miami University studying the field of Gerontology and will be graduating with honors this May. My studies have focused on Aging in Diverse Contexts, and I have taken a variety of classes that explore aging from international perspectives and analyze the role of environment, culture and gender throughout an individual’s life span.

The Service Coordinator position matches my experience, studies and enthusiasm for gerontological studies. Miami University is home to the Scripps Gerontology Center and as described in the attached resume, I have been fortunate enough to spend the past two years assisting Dr. Robert Jones in his research on Ohio Family’s Satisfaction with Long-Term Care Facilities in the State. Researching long-term care opportunities in surrounding states, assisting in the development of the study’s survey and analyzing the results have given me a good understanding of opportunities and resources available to seniors in the area. This knowledge will allow me to refer individuals and their families to the appropriate resources to best serve their needs.

This past year, I completed an internship at Beechwood Acres working with chronically ill patients and individuals with disabilities. This experience exposed me to insurance and Medicare regulations for long-term care facilities. Wanting to advocate for my facility’s residents, I organized a trip of 10 colleagues to Washington D.C. to lobby our representatives for improved care and legal protection for individuals with disabilities.

My internship coupled with my research experience and academic studies make me a perfect fit for the Service Coordinator. I am particularly passionate about seniors and would welcome the opportunity to assist them in locating resources and advocating on their behalf. I will contact you during the week of June 20th to discuss an interview time. Please contact me at [email protected] or 513-529-3831 if you have any questions. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Whitney Fitzsimmons

Example 2: Internship with Cirque du Soleil

Below is a job description for an Internship with Cirque du Soleil.

Cirque du Soleil Internship Program Overview

Since 2006, Cirque du Soleil’s Resident Shows Division in Las Vegas has been offering structured internship opportunities to theater/arts majors each Summer and Fall and occasionally, Spring is offered.

An internship with Cirque du Soleil provides students who are studying Technical Theater, Stage Management and various disciplines of business (PR, Marketing, Graphics, etc.) the opportunity to learn through hands-on work experience within their field of interest. Each intern selected to enter the internship program will be placed within his/her primary field of interest (Automation, Wardrobe/Wigs, Rigging, Lighting, Audio, Carpentry, Projections, Props, Effects, Stage Management or the Las Vegas division offices). During the course of the internship, students will be able to interact with various levels of management and gain more experience in a large scale theater environment thereby helping to further develop their individual technical skills. Cirque interns are required to work forty (40) hours per week. Actual work schedules are determined by management and interns receive compensation equal to minimum wage.

• The ability to participate in the entire length of the internship program (currently 12 consecutive weeks during either the Summer, Fall and occasionally Spring);
• Hold enough credits within your college or university to be classified as either a Junior or
• Have a 3.0 GPA (cumulative or within your degree program);
• Relevant work experience;
• An understanding of how this internship will help you meet your future goals.
• Cover letter addressing what distinguishes you from other applicants
• Letters of recommendation (2) from faculty members at your school

222 Fox Run Drive Oxford, OH 45056

February 17, 20XX

Lyn Leonard Director of College Recruiting Cirque du Soleil 333 Sands Drive Las Vegas, NV 44444

Dear Ms. Leonard:

I am applying for the Stage Management Intern position at Cirque du Soleil posted on your Facebook site. I am a junior at Miami University studying theatre with a focus on stage and theatrical management. With a 3.91 GPA in my degree program, I have had the opportunity to learn applicable skills in stage management and theatrical production. I am seeking an eight to twelve week internship for the upcoming summer.

As a stage manager at Miami University, I have experience managing the rehearsal and production process. I have worked with diverse groups of people in various theatrical departments to complete main stage, dance and small stage productions. With each stage management experience, I continue to build on my organizational, collaboration, and technical abilities. For the Wilks Leadership Institute, I have also designed and implemented interactive campus-wide workshops with the goal of growing a culture of leadership on campus.

My previous Arts Management summer internship experience with Lakeside Chautauqua provided me with an understanding of a complex organization and the need for a clear, common vision and communication. This internship required that I collaborate with various administrative and technical departments to meet creative and operational challenges. I received excellent feedback from my supervisors and members of the technical department.

I value an environment that provides both teaching and practical hands-on experiences within the craft of stage management. I get excited about exploring the technical possibilities and using creativity to bring artistic visions to life. I am passionate about being a part of a visionary company that values collaboration and social responsibility. The Stage Management Internship with Cirque du Soleil is an ideal match for my desire to obtain an internship that provides a firm foundation on all aspects of the production process.

Attached is a copy of my resume, essay, and 2 letters of recommendation. Please let me know if you need any additional information. I will contact you during the week of February 25th to make sure you received my application materials and to discuss the next steps in your selection process.

Liz Weigand [email protected] 513.222.3434

Attachments

Example 3: Cover Letter via Email

Dear Ms. Anderson:

I am writing to express my interest in completing an internship this summer with Extraneous Advertising in the area of project management. I became familiar with your organization after reading about your nomination for an Effie Advertising Award in the Philadelphia Business Journal. I possess the creativity, leadership experience, and work ethic to help Extraneous continue to excel in serving your health systems customers.

The attached resume highlights my leadership and educational experiences during my time at Miami University. My marketing major has provided me with a solid foundation in the principles of brand management and web-based marketing. Specifically, I was able to compete in a case competition in my Branding and Integrated Marketing Communication class. In a team environment, I conducted consumer focus groups, researched social networking trends, and created and developed an online presence for a local business. Through this project, I put into practice many computer skills, especially Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. After writing and presenting our proposal, the business selected to implement our strategy out of eight other presentations.

My leadership and creativity have also been enhanced by my involvement with the Campus Activities Council (CAC). As the chair of the recruitment committee, I developed a marketing plan and advertised our organization to students in order to increase the number of active members. I led two other members in developing a marketing plan that was implemented at eight Miami Athletic events. The result was an increase in active membership by 12% over a two month period. Through my involvement in CAC and other organizations, I have demonstrated the ingenuity, knowledge and determination to help Extraneous continue to succeed.

I am very interested in serving and learning at Extraneous Advertising this summer. I would appreciate the chance to discuss internship opportunities with you and will call the week of March 10 to see if we can arrange a meeting that is convenient for you. In the meantime, please contact me at [email protected] if you have any further questions.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

James O’Hara 100 North Patterson Avenue Oxford, OH 45056 513-529-3831 [email protected]

Attachment: Resume

Example 4: Internship with XYZ Marketing

David L. Young

555-555-1234 | Chicago, IL | [email protected]

September 22, 20XX

Loretta Cooper XYZ Marketing 718 12th Street Chicago, IL 61234

Dear Ms. Cooper:

Through Miami University’s career management system, Handshake, I learned of XYZ Marketing’s Summer Engagement Marketing internship program. This position caught my attention because of the opportunity to design multi-channel campaigns and focus on optimization.

I am currently in my third year at the Farmer School of Business at Miami University and am studying marketing and entrepreneurship. Last summer, as a Marketing and Special Events Intern at Harris Group, I developed a campaign for client acquisition, coordinated high profile events, and launched the Group’s social media platforms.

In my role as Director of Late Night Programming for Miami Activities and Planning (MAP) organization, I have coordinated internal and external organizations and vendors, deployed a social media marketing strategy for each signature event, and positively handled last minute schedule changes. Additionally, I managed an annual budget of $50,000 and a team of 3 peer event coordinators.

XYZ Marketing’s stellar reputation as “the go to marketing and event agency in the Windy City” drew me to the company. After a review of my resume, I welcome further conversation regarding my qualifications and interests. Thank you for taking the time to consider my application for the Summer Engagement Marketing internship program. I look forward to speaking with you soon.

Cover Letter Resources

Preparing a cover letter, need cover letter help.

Make an appointment on Handshake  with your Career Advisor to professionally polish the language. Or  drop-in and discuss your cover letter  with a trained Peer Career Coach.

LinkedIn, the online professional network, is an important complement to your cover letter and resume. 

Center for Career Exploration and Success

501 E. High Street Oxford, OH 45056

• Online: Miami Online
• Main Operator 513-529-1809
• Office of Admission 513-529-2531
• Vine Hotline 513-529-6400
• Emergency Info https://miamioh.edu/emergency

1601 University Blvd. Hamilton, OH 45011

• Online: E-Campus
• Main Operator 513-785-3000
• Office of Admission 513-785-3111
• Campus Status Line 513-785-3077
• Emergency Info https://miamioh.edu/regionals/emergency

4200 N. University Blvd. Middletown, OH 45042

• Main Operator 513-727-3200
• Office of Admission 513-727-3216
• Campus Status 513-727-3477

7847 VOA Park Dr. (Corner of VOA Park Dr. and Cox Rd.) West Chester, OH 45069

• Main Operator 513-895-8862
• From Middletown 513-217-8862

Chateau de Differdange 1, Impasse du Chateau, L-4524 Differdange Grand Duchy of Luxembourg

• Main Operator 011-352-582222-1
• Email [email protected]
• Website https://miamioh.edu/luxembourg

217-222 MacMillan Hall 501 E. Spring St. Oxford, OH 45056, USA

• Main Operator 513-529-8600

Initiatives

• Miami THRIVE Strategic Plan
• Miami Rise Strategic Plan
• Boldly Creative
• Annual Report
• Moon Shot for Equity
• Miami and Ohio
• Majors, Minors, and Programs
• Inclusive Excellence
• Employment Opportunities
• University Safety and Security
• Parking, Directions, and Maps
• Equal Opportunity
• Consumer Information
• Land Acknowledgement
• Privacy Statement
• Title IX Statement
• Report an Accessibility Issue
• Annual Security and Fire Safety Report
• Report a Problem with this Website
• Policy Library

Cover Letter Templates

Our Cover Letter templates have been created in collaboration with recruiters and HR specialists, ensuring they are up to the industry standard. CVMaker provides 20+ Cover Letter templates that cater to all levels, including junior, senior management, or C-level executives.

Filter by experience:

Professioneel

How much experience do you have?

Cover letter of the month.

Cornell Template

A modern Cover Letter template suitable for both starters and more experienced job seekers.

“I’ve received great feedback for both my CV and Cover Letter, very pleased with CVMakers Builder.

Celio Gomes ,

Customer Service Representative

Looking for inspiration?

Find inspiration from CVMakers Cover Letter examples for different professions and positions.

Easily download and create a Cover Letter.

Learn from our experts.

Use our Cover Letter examples.

Kyra Sombretti ,

Receptionist

If you've spent a lot of time and attention creating the perfect CV, you'll want to create a matching Cover Letter to stand out from the crowd. CVMaker has a wide array of CV and Cover Letter templates. With our CV Builder, you can easily create, edit, customise, and download these. In addition, our career platform allows you to manage all your job applications in one place. Read more on the about us page to see how CVMaker can help you land more interviews!

Start creating your CV

Create a professional CV quick and easy with our advanced CV Builder

Land the interview for your dream job with CVMaker

Effortlessly create your professional CV within 10 minutes and download it whenever and wherever you want!

Increase your chances of landing your dream job with CVMaker.