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Resume & Cover Letter

Resume and Cover Letter Guide (PDF) A complete guide for Foster students on writing undergraduate resumes. Includes sample resumes and answers to common questions such as:

• Can I include information from High School?
• How should I describe the work I did for an organization?
• Do I have to put my GPA on my resume?
• And many more!

Resume Quick Guide

Resume Template (Word Doc) A document displaying possible formatting and order of a traditional business resume.

Model Cover Letter (PDF) This sample cover letter describes the contents of each paragraph and identifying the type of information to include.

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A resume is a concise, informative summary of your abilities, education, and experience. It should highlight your strongest assets and skills, and differentiate you from other candidates seeking similar positions.

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Cover Letter Creation Guide

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A cover letter can be a valuable tool to provide additional context to your application beyond what you can provide in your resume. For example, you might include why you are interested in working in the industry, organization, or that particular role. A well-written cover letter can help to demonstrate your fit for the role.

FIRST PARAGRAPH OR INTRODUCTION: ACTS AS BASIS OR PURPOSE OF THE LETTER

• Briefly introduce yourself (“I am a graduate student at Purdue University’s Daniels School of Business interested in…”).
• Do not include your name; it is obvious who you are because you will sign the letter.
• State the position for which you are applying, including position number if available and exact title.
• Indicate where you learned of the opportunity or what prompted you to write.
• If you are trying to set up an informational meeting to learn about the organization or trends in the field, state that you would appreciate an opportunity to talk with an organization representative about these issues.
• Transition to the second paragraph with a closing sentence that may reference what qualifies you for the position, what intrigues you about the company and/or how you fit with company goals.

SECOND PARAGRAPH OR BODY: SUPPORTS YOUR CLAIMS FOR BEING THE RIGHT CANDIDATE FOR THIS POSITION/ORGANIZATION

• Make a concise and focused case for how your experience, interests and skills fit the employer’s needs.
• Thoroughly research the company or organization and position description.
• Identify key words within the position description — skills and requirements — that will help you match the position and organization to your background and experiences.
• Avoid merely reciting your resume but provide enough interest for the reader to want to examine your resume for detailed information on your experiences.
• Emphasize contributions you can make to the position and why it is in the employer’s interest to hire you.
• Do not emphasize what you will get from the position or organization.

THIRD PARAGRAPH OR CLOSING: REITERATES YOUR INTEREST IN THE POSITION/ORGANIZATION

• Thank the individual for considering you as an applicant.
• Provide contact information (typically both email and cell phone) even if shown in the header or at the bottom.
• Demonstrate initiative by stating that you will contact the individual within a specific time period (“I will contact you the week of…to discuss the potential opportunity to interview, answer any questions he/she might have, or discuss the position in greater depth”).
• Include closing sentence to express enthusiasm for company/position and that you look forward to speaking with this individual.

TOP 10 BLUNDERS

• Shows no knowledge of company
• Addressed to the wrong person or company
• Spelling, grammar, punctuation errors
• Passive voice and/or awkward language
• Overly aggressive, boastful, presumptuous
• Self-centered rather than employer-centered
• Looks unprofessional and/or informal
• Merely repeats content from resume
• Too short — no value added
• Too long — won’t get read

The  Online Writing Lab  (OWL) at Purdue University houses writing resources and instructional materials, and provides its services at no cost.

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How To Write An MBA Cover Letter

Introduction.

One of the most daunting parts of the MBA application is writing an effective cover letter. An MBA cover letter is an important supporting document in your MBA application. Along with being a required component of your application, the cover letter for MBA programs provides valuable insight to admissions committees.

It is your opportunity to make your case as to why they should admit you to the program. The cover letter and your resume are often the first parts of your application to be read by the admissions committee, and a strong cover letter is key to making a great first impression. This article will tell you everything you need to know about how to write a cover letter for MBA programs and outline the dos and don’ts for creating a top-notch MBA cover letter.

What is an MBA Cover Letter?

An MBA cover letter is a short letter — generally one page in length — that accompanies your MBA applications. This letter should provide a short summary of what you will bring to the MBA program in terms of your academic background, qualifications, and experiences.

The MBA cover letter should elaborate on some of the skills and experiences listed on your resume as opposed to simply repeating them. The MBA cover letter is also your chance to showcase your personality.

Resumes are very straightforward and fact-based, and don’t really show much personality. Your cover letter has much more space for writing and, therefore, can better display your writing style and thought processes, which can help admissions committee members gain some insights into your personality.

Purpose of the MBA Cover Letter

The purpose of the MBA cover letter is to give the admissions committee an idea of who you are. Similar to the cover letter you would write when applying for a job, the MBA cover letter is your opportunity to demonstrate why you would be a good fit based on your skills, goals, and personal traits. MIT Sloan recommends highlighting how you’ve made an impact in your recent professional roles when describing your professional experiences in your cover letter. However, you are limited in how much space you have to convey this information.

The exact word or page length of the cover letter will vary by school, so it’s crucial you check the cover letter requirements for each school before you start writing. Typically, you can expect your cover letter to be one page in length, and this limited space requires your writing to be concise.

The cover letter is also your chance to demonstrate your knowledge about the MBA program and the business school itself, which is also similar to what you would do if you were applying for a job. Showing what you have learned about the program and how it has informed your decision to apply will demonstrate to the admissions committee you have done your research and are serious about attending the school.

It can also be a helpful way to tie in how your skills, experiences, and characteristics suit the program’s mission and values, along with the types of candidates they are seeking.

Step-by-Step Guide on Writing a Cover Letter for MBA Programs

Step 1: format your letter..

Laying out the framework for your letter allows you to see how much space you’ll have to work with once you’ve included basic information. First, start by setting up your header. Your cover letter should have the same header and font as your resume.

You want them to look like a set and not like completely separate documents. If your resume header is aligned with the right-hand side of the page, your cover letter should mirror this. Your header should contain your full first and last name, your phone number, and your email address.

Business schools will have their own criteria for the font size and spacing for MBA cover letters. You can generally expect to write your letter using a 10 to 12 point font size and single spacing, but it is vital to check each business school you are applying to for their specific guidelines and make note of these requirements.

Step 2: Include the date your letter will be sent and the name of the recipient.

The first line following your header should be the date on which you will send your letter. This should be written out in full (April 14, 20XX) and not as a short form (04/14/XX nor Apr. 14, 20XX). Leave a space between this line and the next line, which will contain the name of the person to whom your letter is being sent.

Since your letter is going to an admissions committee and it would take up far too much space to include the name of every committee member, your letter should be addressed to the head of the admissions committee. Both the dateline and the address line should be aligned with the left-hand side of your page.

Classically, prefixes have been used when addressing your letter recipient, such as Mr., Ms., Mrs., or Dr. However, it is no longer easy to assume which of these prefixes — or one of many others — a person uses. It does not make for a good first impression to address the head of the admissions committee incorrectly, so it is best not to put a prefix in front of someone’s name unless you know with absolute certainty the specific prefix they use. Simply use their first and last name.

Step 3: Include a salutation.

The salutation is the greeting that signals the start of your letter. The most commonly used salutation by native English speakers is “dear”, but “greetings” is also a suitable choice. Following your salutation, you will put in the name of the person to whom your letter is addressed. This should be the same person indicated in the previous section. 

Step 4: Demonstrate the research you have done about the program.

The first paragraph of your cover letter should demonstrate the research you’ve done about the school’s MBA program. This will show the admissions committee you are a serious applicant because you have taken the time to learn about the program and its community.

You can refer to materials you’ve read, alumni you may have spoken to about the program, or a campus tour or class visit. While you demonstrate your research, you should also indicate how this research influenced your decision to apply to this particular program. This can include how your goals, current skills and areas for improvement, and career aspirations align with the program.

Step 5: Pitch yourself.

The second and third sections of your cover letter should discuss how your profile of skills, experiences, achievements, and leadership potential make you a good fit for the program. This can be done in either a narrative or bullet format. A narrative format is likely the way you have written cover letters in the past. In this format, you write in full sentences to tell the story of how you’ve gotten to where you are, where you want to go, and how the MBA program will help you get there.

With the bullet format, you'll still include an introduction and conclusion paragraph written in the narrative style. The middle section is where the bullet format differs from the narrative format. Instead of using full sentences to communicate information about your skills, you will use a list of bullet points. Each bullet point will speak to a specific skill you’ve used in the workplace.

Depending on your industry, this could range from developing financial strategies for your organization to crafting creative briefs for clients and anything in between. These bullet points will look similar to the structure of bullet points you may have used in your resume to provide details on your responsibilities and accomplishments at the jobs you listed.

You will have to balance the information needs of the admissions committee and the space constraints, regardless of the format you choose to use in the middle section of your cover letter. Using the STAR method will help you to write in a way that both conveys relevant information to the admissions committee while keeping it short and sweet.

• Situation - This is the who, what, where, and when of it and sets the scene for your reader (a.k.a., the admissions committee). For instance, this might start a sentence and look something like “While working as a financial analyst at XYZ Company.”
• Task - What were you responsible for doing? This should be a very specific aspect of your job responsibilities and should also be something you excelled at in your role. Following the situation outlined above, it may add on like this: “While working as a financial analyst at XYZ Company, I was responsible for compiling data for quarterly reports.”
• Action - How did you complete the task? Adding this to the situation and task already mentioned, it may look like this: “While working as a financial analyst at XYZ Company, I was responsible for compiling data for quarterly reports. I created a new reporting system which increased the efficiency of data collection.”
• Result - What was the outcome of the action(s) you took? This will show the importance of your actions and what you accomplished. Your final statement may look something like this: “While working as a financial analyst at XYZ Company, I was responsible for compiling data for quarterly reports. I created a new reporting system which increased the efficiency of data collection. This drastically increased the visibility of our clients’ revenue and expenses, and its adoption throughout the department resulted in a 14% increase in our own revenue one year after implementation.”

Since the cover letter is only one page long, it is a good idea to only discuss a small portion of your skills and experiences. You could describe two or three key elements from your resume if you follow the narrative format in your letter, but in the bullet format, you would be able to describe three or four elements.

The skills and experiences you choose should be the best examples of your knowledge and abilities, as these will be your best opportunity to set yourself apart from the competition. It’s not necessary to restate everything on your resume in your cover letter. The cover letter should provide some additional insight into a couple of items on your resume with the goal of standing out.

Step 6: Summarize your letter.

In your concluding paragraph, it is important that you summarize the contents of your letter. This is your last chance in your cover letter to establish yourself as a strong applicant, so restating how your educational background and professional experience make you the right fit for the program is crucial.

Thanking the person for reading and considering your application is a common courtesy in both professional and academic cover letters. This is critical for you to do at the end of your letter since its absence will be noticed by the admissions committee and will reflect poorly on you. Your final sentence should include a call-to-action for the next steps you want to take. This is usually a request for an interview or conversation about your fit for the program.

Step 7: Sign off.

The final part of writing your cover letter is to sign off. You should include a complimentary close, which is a polite way to close a letter. This is usually done by using “sincerely” or “yours truly,” and there is a line space separating it from your final paragraph.

Although phrases like “best wishes” or “kind regards” are other commonly used complimentary closes, they are better suited for situations where you are on a first-name basis with the recipient. You likely will not be on a first-name basis with the head of the admissions committee, so it is best that you use a more formal option such as “sincerely” or “yours truly” in your cover letter.

Following your complimentary close, you will include your first and last name. The way you write your name here should be the same as it appears on your resume and in the header of your cover letter. Your name will also be separated from your complimentary close by one line space.

You may also want to insert your signature above your name. This can be done by handwriting it, taking a picture of it, and scanning it onto your computer to insert into your letter, or by including an e-signature. Including your signature adds a professional touch to your letter and will be noticed by admissions committee members.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

As has been covered so far in this article, there are a lot of things you should do when writing your MBA cover letter. There are also a number of pitfalls you will want to avoid in your cover letter, as these can cause admissions committees to not move forward with your application. Some of the common mistakes to avoid include:

1. Writing one general cover letter and only changing the names.

Admissions committee members will be able to tell the letter wasn’t tailor-made for their program, and a generic letter will come across as lazy.

2. Stuffing your cover letter with everything on your resume and not giving yourself enough space to detail the experiences that matter the most.

Your resume already shows all your work experiences and skills. Do not waste valuable cover letter space by putting your whole resume into it.

3. Forgetting to change the name of the school or admissions committee member to whom the letter is addressed.

Reviewers will notice this immediately. They will see it as a lack of attention to detail and this mistake could result in your application being rejected.

4. Not following the basic format requirements set out by the business school.

The admissions committee won’t be keen to admit you if you demonstrate that you cannot follow instructions.

5. Neglecting the principle of “show us, don’t tell us.”

You want to show the admissions committees the impact you had as a result of your combined skills and experiences, not just that you possess certain skills or had particular experiences. 

6. Using the wrong prefix to address the recipients of your letters.

As stated earlier, it is best not to assume your recipient’s prefix and instead omit it altogether. Your recipients will not appreciate being addressed incorrectly, and it could negatively impact your chance of being admitted.

7. Sending in a cover letter with grammar, punctuation, or syntactical errors .

A letter containing errors shows you didn’t take the time to proofread and shows poor attention to detail. Make sure you take the time to make sure your letter is perfected before you send it, or have someone else review it to catch any errors you may have missed.

MBA Cover Letter Example

Here is an example of a cover letter written by a successful applicant to the MIT Sloan MBA program. As you will see, this applicant used the narrative format to describe how they started a blockchain currency transfer in response to seeing first-hand the amount lost due to transfer fees.

The narrative format allowed this applicant to tell a story about a relevant experience that demonstrated to the admissions committee their strengths and accomplishments, and to a lesser extent, what they would bring to the program.

The introduction sets the scene and explains why the applicant chose to apply to MIT Sloan by relating what they’ve learned about the school and the way their skills meet the program’s goals.

They do this in a way that’s not pushy or boastful but rather have found a way to weave these facts into their narrative. The conclusion summarizes what was discussed in the cover letter, including restating the applicant’s interest in Sloan. Finally, the applicant ends the letter with their name and signature.

1. What should I put in my cover letter? Do I write about everything that’s on my resume?

Your cover letter should focus on key items from your resume that are the best representation of what your skills and abilities have enabled you to accomplish at this point in your career. It’s important to keep in mind that your letters of recommendation will provide far greater insight into your performance in specific roles, so you don’t need to describe those same roles at length in your cover letter since your recommenders will already be providing those details.

2. How do I know whether I should use a narrative format or bullet point format?

This decision will ultimately come down to which one will best help you tell your story. If you have two main things you want to discuss in your cover letter, the narrative format will enable you to provide more details about these items. It will also be the best way to use the available space since you don’t want to leave a noticeable amount of blank space in your letter. 

If you have three or four items you want to discuss in your letter, using the bullet format may be the more suitable choice for you. This will allow you to make shorter notes without having to worry about transitioning between sentences, which can eat up valuable space. The choice between formats is based on your preference and which one you believe will help you produce a convincing cover letter.

3. How do I know if my cover letter is tailored to the program enough?

The easiest way to tell whether your cover letter is tailored to a specific program enough is to ask yourself: “Could I send this letter to another school and get into their MBA program?” If the answer is yes, you will need to make some revisions to make the letter relevant to only that program.

Although you may wish to discuss similar aspects of your profile in many of your letters, you will need to make adjustments depending on the school’s mission, values, and the focus of the program.

For instance, if a program values innovation, such as MIT Sloan, your cover letter should emphasize your ability to think critically and creatively solve problems. If a program values ongoing learning, such as Berkeley Haas, you should highlight your curiosity and times when you’ve challenged yourself to learn a new skill.

4. What skills and experiences should I write about in my cover letter?

The aspects of your profile you choose to emphasize in your MBA cover letter will vary depending on the school. Paying close attention to the mission and values of each school you’re interested in will give you insight into who the school is looking to admit, and how to show that your skills and experiences align with their mission and values, demonstrating that you’re a good fit for the program.

The curriculum and learning outcomes established by the business school will show you more specifically what’s important to the school. Knowing details about these aspects will further help you to customize your cover letter.

5. How do I format my MBA cover letter?

Formatting varies by program, but typically you can expect to use a 10 to 12 point font size in a common font (Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri). Page margins should be set to one inch on all sides. Your header should contain your contact information and be consistent with the style of your resume.

6. How can I be sure my MBA cover letter is error-free?

There are a lot of different programs out there that will check for spelling and grammar errors. Most word processors have spelling and grammar check functions built into them, and running these a few times will help to catch basic errors. Reading your cover letter out loud will also allow you to pick up on errors as well as identify any spots where the sentence flow isn’t natural or where the meaning of what you wrote isn’t clear.

It is best to consult an expert to get a more holistic review of your cover letter to ensure it is error-free and that you have pitched yourself in the best way possible.

Writing a cover letter can be an intimidating process, but it doesn’t have to be. Doing research about the programs that interest you will help you understand the types of students who are admitted and which of your personal qualities you should emphasize in your letter. Each school has a unique mission, so it’s essential that every cover letter you send is customized to each specific program.

When writing your letter, be mindful of your format and show the committee the outcome of your experiences and how they prepared you for your future as an MBA student and graduate. Now that you know how to write a cover letter for MBA programs, you’re ready to begin writing your winning cover letter.

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Writing a Cover Letter

A cover letter is an accompanying document to your resume and should serve as an introduction to you and your experience. A cover letter is sent before the first interview, and should motivate the reader to invite you to an interview or phone screening.

Creating/Formatting Your Cover Letter

Download our cover letter sample here . 

Watch our Cover Letter Tutorial . 

• Your cover letter should be written in letter format. Include your name and contact information
• If you do not know the specific name of the rep, you could list: “Dear Hiring Manager” 

Introduction

• 1-3 paragraphs
• Identify the position for which you are applying, and indicate how you heard about the job.
• Share a brief introduction to yourself, your educational background and briefly describe why you are interested in the role. 
• Demonstrate your understanding of the position by explaining how you would be a good fit for the role.
• Include examples of your past experiences, skills, and/or qualifications from your resume that align with the job description and preferred qualifications for the role.
• Use previous letters of recommendation or your current job description for help with describing your experience. 
• 1 paragraph
• Establish invitation for next steps and indicate that you would welcome the opportunity to discuss the position further.
• End with a professional signature. Examples include: “Respectfully”, “Sincerely”, “Regards”, etc. 

FAQ’s: (Don’t see your question here? E-mail us at [email protected]! ) 

What is the purpose of a cover letter?

• Your cover letter will introduce you to the recruiter, and demonstrate your interest in the position. It should also demonstrate your relevant skills and experiences, as well as your knowledge of the company and position.
• Your cover letter should motivate the reader to invite you to an interview.
• You may want to use a cover letter to explain any holes in your resume, such as a switch in area of study or significant time off. You can write about how you overcame challenges as an additional skill.

When should I write a cover letter?

• When a recruiter/application requests it
• When you are submitting your resume via e-mail, you should use the body of the e-mail as a brief cover letter
• When you will not have a chance to speak with the recruiter before they make a decision
• Do NOT worry about bringing cover letters to a career fair – the recruiters will not have time to read them, and you can use your elevator pitch to share the same information.
• If you choose to submit, take your time and write a quality letter. This will be your first impression to your potential employer. 

Do I need to write a new cover letter for each company?

• Yes, we recommend having a tailored cover letter for each company. This will mean changing the company name, position title, and tailoring your skills/experiences to the position description. 

Writing Tips:

• Avoid overusing the word “I”
• Vary your sentence structure and length
• Use attention-getting action verbs and adjectives
• Use the language from the job description to describe your experiences
• Proofread, proofread, PROOFREAD!
• Have multiple sets of eyes review your draft. E-mail your document to [email protected] with the subject line “Cover Letter Review” to have Pamplin Career Services provide feedback. 

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MBA Cover Letter: How to Write One

Including mba cover letter samples.

Featured Expert: Srikanth Raghavan, MBA

An MBA cover letter can serve as the front page of your MBA application to top programs like the Wharton School of Business . An MBA cover letter is not always required, but it can be a good optional addition to your application, especially for programs which value professional experience such as Stanford business school . MBA cover letters have similar format, tone and content to cover letters written for job applications, but they are focused on you and your candidacy for an academic MBA program. A good MBA cover letter is a way to “pitch yourself” to an MBA admissions committee. In this blog, we’ll look at whether or not you need to write an MBA cover letter, how it can help your application and how to write one. We’ve also included some MBA cover letter samples as a guide.

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Article Contents 7 min read

Do you need an mba cover letter.

An MBA cover letter is a part of your MBA application package. An MBA cover letter, much like a cover letter for a job application, is a way to introduce yourself and your qualifications to the MBA admissions committee.

Depending on the school or program you’ve applied to, it may be a requirement, or it may be an optional addition to your application. Some programs will ask you for an MBA cover letter as a sort of introduction to your application, and it is the first document the admissions committee will read about you. For other schools, the MBA cover letter is asked for in lieu of an MBA statement of purpose or MBA personal statement essay.

If your school requires an MBA cover letter for the application, you will need to submit one at the front of your application. The admissions package will include instructions on formatting and word count, so be sure to follow these to the letter. It’s also important to check for any other requirements an write a different cover letter for each school you are applying to. If your chosen program does not stipulate that it requires an MBA cover letter, you can still submit one if you feel it will enhance your application or you can discuss it with an MBA admissions consulting service, which can help you put together a complete MBA application. For example, if you want to know how to get into Harvard Business School , a cover letter is not a requirement, but it can be a nice addition to your app and an example of your professional writing ability.

Simply put, an MBA cover letter is a formal introduction of who you are, what skills and strengths you will contribute to an MBA program, a demonstration of your knowledge of the chosen MBA program, and a way to grab the admissions committee’s interest. It’s a formal way of introducing your overall application and acts as a “cover page” of sorts so the admissions committee will know what to expect. It’s a summary of your experience and qualifications, only it focuses on a particular MBA program rather than a job position.

Some things an MBA cover letter can include are:

MBA cover letters, when used properly, are an excellent tool for MBA applicants to use. A cover letter is your formal introduction to the admission committee, but it also helps you to “pitch yourself” as a candidate, to speak in business terms. A cover letter helps to introduce and cement your position, or help set yourself apart, like an MBA diversity essay .

Lastly, a cover letter can be used to manage the expectations of the MBA admissions committee. This means if your GMAT score is below average, or there are gaps in your education you want to explain, you can get on top of these potential issues at the start of your application. You can offer an explanation in your cover letter, so whoever is first reading your application already has it when they encounter the information later in the application package.  ","label":"Managing expectations","title":"Managing expectations"}]" code="tab1" template="BlogArticle">

An MBA cover letter is typically no longer than one page, or between 200 and 400 words. Any longer and you risk losing the interest of your reader. Any shorter and you run the risk of saying too little about yourself. With an MBA cover letter, your aim is to be concise and precise.

Your cover letter also needs to be formal, professional and contain only relevant information and details. It’s a highly focused document, but you shouldn’t just repeat information from other parts of your application, such as the MBA resume . The MBA cover letter should expand on the cut and dry details of your resume and highlight the most important experiences you have. An MBA cover letter also has a more rigid structure than perhaps some other written sections of your application. It needs to include your information, the date, your contact’s information as well as a few paragraphs for the introduction, body and closing. It should also end with a formal thank you and salutation.

A typical cover letter template looks like this:

[Your Name]

[Your Address]

[Your Contact Information]

[Contact Name]

[Contact Title]

[School Address]

[Formal Greeting]

[Introduction Paragraph]

[Body Paragraph 1]

[Body Paragraph 2]

[Body Paragraph 3]

[Closing Paragraph]

[Sign off and thank you]

Below we’ve included a few samples of MBA cover letters to give you an idea of how to write your own. For the purposes of these samples, we’ve left out the date and contact information, leaving only the main body and closing of the cover letter. For more help with cover letters, you can also read BeMo’s physician cover letter examples.

MBA Cover Letter Sample #1

Dear Director Watson,

I am very interested in enrolling in [Business School] in the current admissions cycle. Your program is my top choice for my MBA, as I believe I have sufficient drive and the right qualifications to make me an ideal candidate for admission. I am a graduate of [University] where I studied Business Administration. My intention has always been to enter the world of business, and I chose to attend this program so I could gain foundational knowledge of how business works.

In my professional life, I followed suit. I began working while still in high school as a cashier for a grocery store. I found working very rewarding, even more so when I requested and was granted a transfer to the backend warehouse. After many years of working for this store, I was eventually promoted to assistant warehouse manager and I continued to work there during my undergraduate years. I gained firsthand experience in employee management and managerial accounting under the tutelage of my manager as well as my professors, and I soon became one of the top students in my class. I feel these experiences have prepared me for the next challenge and have piqued my interest in taking the next step and earning my MBA.

As a top business school, your program has a reputation for educational excellence in business administration, and I want to expand the knowledge I have and learn from the very best. I have taken it upon myself to enthusiastically read the works of Professor Kinsky and Professor Cranston for their understandings of employee management and management styles. I found their insights helped me to deeply reflect on my own managerial goals and management style. It would be a great pleasure to attend their courses.

I sincerely thank you for taking the time to consider me as a candidate for your program. I look to meeting you in person during admission interviews.

Kevin Ackerman

MBA Cover Letter Sample #2

Dear Dr. Smith,

I’m writing today to express my interest in enrolling in the MBA program at [Business School]. Last year, I graduated from [University] with a Bachelor’s in Environmental Sciences, and my intention is to continue my work in the non-profit sector. I believe a master’s in business administration from your program will allow me to increase my professional skills and the value I can create for non-profit organizations.

For the past five years, I have worked for [Non-profit organization], which works to keep natural park areas clean and well cared for. I started as a volunteer, offering my free time to help with event set up, clean up and informing our supporters about opportunities to pitch in. From a volunteer I gained a paid position as the assistant event coordinator and have now become to lead event coordinator and organization’s treasurer.

During my undergraduate degree, I especially enjoyed my courses in project management and financial management, as I learned valuable skills I could apply in my new position to help the organization grow. It is my intention to pursue an MBA so I can deepen my financial and management knowledge so I can continue to develop professionally in my current position and eventually seek employment with a larger non-profit organization. Your program’s emphasis on sculpting community-minded leaders is one of the primary reasons why I chose to apply. Your program’s values of honesty and integrity also resonate deeply with me.

My full CV is included with my application and includes a detailed list of my responsibilities in my current position. I would like to extend my thanks for reading this letter and my application. I look forward to enrolling at [Business School] soon.

Kind regards,

Alma Estevan

An MBA cover letter is a sort of “cover page” for your MBA application and is usually placed at the front of your application package. An academic cover letter serves the same purpose as a cover letter for a job application.

Some business schools will require the MBA cover letter and others won’t. It’s best to check out the admission requirements and application components for your school and make sure you follow the cover letter format and word count requested.

A typical MBA cover letter is between 200 and 400 words. It’s best to keep it concise, no longer than one page long.

An MBA cover letter usually includes an introduction of your candidacy, your professional experience, your strengths and skills, and your knowledge of the MBA program.

An MBA cover letter is a formal letter, and uses the same format as a cover letter you might write for a job application. It needs to include an introduction, body paragraphs and conclusion. It should also have your name and contact details, the date, a formal thank you and salutation. 

Yes; a cover letter is usually shorter and more formal than a statement of purpose. They serve similar functions, but a cover letter is more focused on your professional experience whereas a statement of purpose might look at your personal motivations, career goals and the “bigger picture”.

MBA admissions committees want to see professionalism in your cover letter, as well as convincing arguments. They want to know that you can follow instructions, that you’ve done your research and you know how to make your point.

A good MBA cover letter shows that you can pitch yourself. As a business professional, you’ll need to pitch your ideas, so think of the cover letter as a way of pitching your MBA candidacy and proving to the admissions committee that you have high potential as a business professional.

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The average recruiter spends six to eight seconds scanning a resume. What do you want your target audience’s key takeaway to be in that brief time?

Your resume is a marketing tool designed to communicate relevant experience and accomplishments to your target audience. A resume is not a biography.

Tailor your resume and cover letter to different audiences, and highlight the information most relevant to that audience. You can find many examples of resumes and cover letters in the Career Handbook for Experienced Professionals.

Resume Guidelines

• Header: Includes your name, email, phone number, and LinkedIn URL. You do not need a street address. Repeat your name on the header or footer of page 2.
• Summary: Communicates your core brand and competencies. Define what’s unique and relevant to your target role. It often includes your years of experience and bullet points of your key accomplishments or skills. Limit the summary to 4 lines plus bullet points.
• Experience: Highlights work experience in reverse chronological order. If career changing, consider organizing bullet points under functional categories ( see sample ). If your company is well known, then no company description is required. If it is not well known, add a one-line description after the company name.
• Additional Work Experience: Any experience older than 15-20 years or not relevant for the desired role should be listed in another section titled “Additional Work Experience.” In this section, each job should list only the employer and the job title.
• Education: Follows “Experience” section because we recommend that experienced professionals lead with their professional story. If you are over 50 , consider omitting graduation dates.
• Additional: Highlights languages, relevant skills, volunteer work, and/or interests.
• For each job, include size and scope, revenue or budget managed, and number of people on your team.
• Bullets should focus on results and measurable impacts you’ve had, as well as unique contributions.
• Be as quantitative as possible: revenue growth, money saved, market share growth, etc.
• Use strong action verbs .
• Make the most interesting fact at the beginning of the bullet; it will entice the reader to read the rest. 
• Maximum of two pages. Remember to put your name and email on the second page of the resume, in case the pages get separated.
• Left-hand justified as U.S. recruiters scan from left to right.
• Use bold font to highlight either your company or your title, whichever will be more impactful to your audience.
• For each job, use 3-4 bullet points of no more than 2 lines each .
• Minimum 0.70 margins. White space helps people scan.
• Avoid additional formatting like lines, graphics, and italics — unless they help readability.
• Use an easy-to-read font such as Calibri or Arial in 11 or 12 point size .

How to Write an Attention-Getting Resume

Cover letter guidelines.

Your cover letter communicates your interest, qualifications, fit, and value to a prospective employer. In other words: Why do you want me? And, why do I want you? Keep it brief and simple.

Why You Want Me

• Talk about why you are a match for the job.
• Highlight relevant skills and experiences as well as demonstrated passion for the sector.
• Bullet the highlights (no more than 4) for easier reading.

Why I Want You

• Express clearly why you are drawn to this company and role.
• Communicate your enthusiasm.
• Show your interest by working in your knowledge of the company and industry and its products, services, customers, and recent news.

Career Handbook for Working Professionals

Request a complimentary copy of the Career Handbook for Working Professionals — a digital guide with tips, templates, and best practices for every stage of the job search.

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Resumes & Cover Letters

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Resumes: What You Need to Know

The resume is an opportunity to market yourself to a prospective employer. It should be succinct, target an employer's needs, and distinguish you from your competitors. Before you get started, think about your strengths, weaknesses, personal preferences, and motivations. You should also consider the company's needs, who your competition might be, and your unique skill set. The best way to convince employers that you will add value is to show them that you've done it before.

Alumni Resume Book

Our Alumni Resume Book connects you with organizations looking for talent. Visit 12twenty (our recruiting platform) and upload your resume to get started. You should complete your Profile in 12twenty by updating your Background tab which contains information about your career experience, skills, preferences and more. Ensuring your Background tab is complete and accurate will greatly improve your chance of being contacted by an organization. Looking to connect with fellow HBS alumni? Upload your resume to the Alumni Networking Resume Book to kick start those connections.

Resume Makeover Using VMock and Aspire

Gain instant feedback on your resume and LinkedIn Profile

VMock is a smart career platform that provides instant personalized feedback on your resume and LinkedIn Profile to help improve aspects like presentation, language, and skills.

VMock Smart Editor tool will enable you to:

• Receive an objective score on your resume based on recruiter criteria
• Review line-for-line targeted feedback on your resume
• Re-upload your resume up to 10 times to track improvement

Sign up using your HBS email address. Account requests are granted within 24 business hours. During holidays and winter break (December 24th – January 1st) turnaround time will be delayed until the CPD office reopens. Please note, we recommend you review your resume before considering it final.

Resumes: Sections, Templates & Examples

• Contact details - Let others know who you are and how to get in touch with you. In addition to your name, you should list your mailing address, phone number, and email address. It is expected to be found at the top of the page. No need to include it on additional pages.
• Professional history - Start with your most recent role and list in descending chronology. For each role, provide a sentence or two that describes the scope of your responsibility. Then in bullet format, provide accomplishment statements. To write an accomplishment statement, state the problem you encountered, the action you took and the result or impact of your actions. For example, "Led team in implementing a new general ledger package by providing expertise and encouragement, which contributed to a successful, on-time project completion."
• Education - Spell out your degree so it will stand out better. It is not necessary to include your GPA or GMAT score. Do not list courses. Do list any leadership roles or study abroad experiences.
• Summary/Profile - A great opportunity to tell the reader exactly what you want them to know. It should be 3-4 sentences in paragraph form following your contact information. Be careful not to load up on overused resume jargon and avoid listing previous jobs/education as it is redundant. Instead, focus on your branding statement, unique themes in your career path, and skills.
• Key skills - Listing your skills is a great way for the reader to quickly evaluate your skill set. List skills that are relevant to your next position. For each skill, you will need a proof statement in the form of an accomplishment stated in the professional experience section. A good way to set up this section is in 2 or 3 columns with 3-4 skills in each column. The heading could be "Key Areas of Expertise" or "Core Competencies".
• Personal/Interests - Only include if it helps tell your story.
• Additional roles - If you participate in organizations outside of your professional employment, you may list these in a separate section. Headings are typically "Volunteer Leadership Roles" or "Community Service".
• Licenses and Professional Certifications - If you possess a license or certification, these should be called out in a separate section.
• Objective - No longer in style. Do not include in your resume.
• References available upon request - No longer in style. Do not include in your resume.
• Zip file of all resume templates (login required)

Chronological - This is the most commonly used layout. Recommended for a mostly consistent record of employment showing progression/growth from position to position. Not recommended for gaps in employment dates, those out of job market for some time, or changing careers.

• Template 1 (login required)
• Template 2 (login required)
• Template 3 (login required)
• Template 4 (login required)
• Sample 1: C-Level Resume (login required)
• Sample 2: Consulting to Operating Company Resume (login required)
• Sample 3: VP with Long Tenure Resume (login required)
• Sample 4: C-Level Biotech resume (login required)
• Sample 5: Exec. Ed. with Long Tenure Resume (login required)
• Sample 6: Financial Services Resume (login required)

Streamlined Chronological - This layout also shows progression from one job to the next, but does not include extra sections such as Summary/Profile or Areas of Expertise. Recommended for recent alumni.

• Template: Streamlined Chronological (login required)

Chronological/Functional Hybrid Resume - In this layout, you can highlight your employment history in a straight chronological manner, but also make it immediately clear you have filled a variety of roles that use different but related skill sets. This is useful to provide a few accomplishments in the beginning to show a theme. Each role would also have specific accomplishment statements.

• Template: Chronological/Functional Hybrid (login required)
• Sample: Accomplishment Focus Resume (login required)

Cover Letter Writing

It is essential to send a cover letter with your resume to provide a recruiter with insight into your qualifications, experience, and motivation for seeking a position. The letter also conveys your personal communication style, tone, and professionalism. An effective employment letter should:

• Be targeted and personalized
• State why you are interested in the company
• Explain how you can fill a need
• Convey your enthusiasm about the opportunity
• Suggest next steps for communication and action

Guidelines & Examples

Investigate your target company. What is the company's "breaking news?" What drives their business? What are their greatest challenges and opportunities? How can you contribute? eBaker can help with your research.

Outline your objectives using relevant information that attracts the attention of the reader.

• Salutation Address the letter to a specific person. Capture the reader's attention and briefly introduce yourself. Mention the referral/company contact, if applicable. State the purpose of your letter.
• Body Describe relevant information you discovered about the company. Discuss the position offered or the position you are looking for. Detail how your skills will benefit the company.
• Closing Convey your enthusiasm. Anticipate response.

Pay close attention to sentence structure, spelling, and punctuation. Always print your letter to check for typographical errors. Have a friend, colleague, or family member review your letter whenever possible.

Cover letters are the place to briefly and directly address the gap in your career. For example, "I am returning to the workforce after a period of raising children." Then address your strengths, qualifications and goals. Emphasize your excitement and preparedness to re-enter the workforce now.

Response to Identified Advertisement (pdf)

Branding You

Resume writing tips  , creating visual impact.

A concise, visually appealing resume will make a stronger impression than a dense, text-laden document. Respect page margins and properly space the text. Learn to appreciate the value of "white space." Limit a resume to one or two pages but not one and ¼. Ensure content is balanced on both pages. A CV is typically longer because it includes additional sections such as publications and research.

Use Parallel Construction

Select a consistent order of information, format, and spacing. If one experience starts with a brief overview followed by bullet points, subsequent experiences should follow a similar form. Parallel construction—including the use of action verbs (pdf) (login required) to start all phrases—greatly enhances a resume's readability.

Always Proofread

Pay close attention to margin alignment, spelling, punctuation, and dates. Read your resume backward to check for typographical errors. (You will focus on individual words, rather than the meaning of the text.) Better yet, have a friend, colleague, or family member review your resume.

Use Action Verbs

Action Verbs List (login required)

Improve Your Writing

Common questions, past program resources  .

How to Build a Resume that Stands Above the Competition

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Cover Letter Resources

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A strong cover letter can help you while a poor cover letter can hurt you. Check out these resources to help your cover letter stand out!

General Tips for writing a cover letter:

Check out these samples and formatting examples ..

• Do not repeat your resume –tell the story behind it
• Personalize every cover letter
• Communicate why you want THIS job with THIS company and how you’re a good match
• Connect the opportunity to your goals, interests, and values
• Highlight the relevant attributes you bring to the table
• Match your competencies to those required of the job (line up with job description)
• Convey your enthusiasm
• Provide a snapshot of your professional story

Additional resources for cover letters:

• Cover Letter Tips . This resource is also available in a Microsoft Word document .
• Cover Letter Format Template

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This OCS guide covers the purpose of a cover letter and what elements to include to convey your qualifications and value-add to an organization.

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Enhance Resumes and Cover Letters

It's your first impression. Make it a good one.

A resume is a summary of your professional and educational experiences. As a concise, easy-to-read, compelling document that outlines your qualifications for a position, recruiters use resumes to determine if they would like a candidate to move forward with an interview.

Recruiters spend an average of eight seconds looking at a resume. This means they only glean a small amount of information from a resume before making a decision to hold onto it or not. One spelling, grammar, or formatting error can lead to a recruiter disregarding your resume. Always double-check your resume and have someone else read it before submitting an application.

Resume Templates

• Resume Template: General [Word]
• Resume Template: First Year [Word]
• Resume Template: Including Business Cluster [Word]
• Resume Template: Including Study Abroad [Word]

Resume Resources

• Resume Guidelines [PDF]
• Action Verbs for Resume [PDF]
• Bullet Point Writing Worksheet [PDF]
• Formula for Strong Business Cluster Bullet Points [PDF]
• Elevating Bullet Points [PDF]

Cover Letters

A cover letter is an opportunity to describe your interest in and qualifications for a position. Cover letters also reveal a bit more about your personality and writing skills to recruiters.

The goal of a cover letter is to sell the employer on how your skills and experiences make you the best candidate for the job. Again, spelling, grammar, or formatting error can lead to a recruiter disregarding your cover letter. Always double-check your cover letter and have someone else it read it before submitting an application.

Cover Letter Resources

• Cover Letter Template [Word]
• Cover Letter Worksheet [PDF]
• Cover Letter Guidelines [PDF]

Need Help Perfecting Your Resume or Cover Letter?

When you're ready for a helping hand, we're here for you. Schedule an appointment or stop by our Ohio University College of Business office, located in Copeland 214. We're open Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. with drop-in hours from 1:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m. during fall and spring semesters.

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Career Resources: Resumes & Cover Letters

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Writing Your Resume or CV

• Hegi Family Career Development Center Resume Help Search worksheets, templates, and examples to get you started on building your resume.
• Cox Resume Prep for Business Students Consult with your Career Coach in the Cox Career Management Center (CMC) to get started with building a professional resume.
• Resume Examples & Samples by Industry (Resume Genius) Select your career from the industries menu to view downloadable examples of resumes and related cover letters.
• 10 Steps for Building A Resume Get advice and steps to construct a compelling and visually appealing resume.
• Ask a Manager - Resumes Discover resume writing advice from Alison Greene (Ask A Manager)

Writing Cover Letters

• Hegi Family Career Development Center Cover Letter Help Find templates and examples to create cover letters.
• Cox Cover Letter Guidelines for Business Students Connect with your Career Coach in the Cox Career Management Center (CMC) to create a business cover letter.
• How do I write a cover letter? (Career OneStop) Learn what is key to your cover letter as well as types of cover letters. Review the cover letter templates for ideas on how to construct your own.
• Effective Cover Letter Examples (Resume Genius) Discover cover letter examples and critiques of what does and doesn't work.
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• Last Updated: Apr 15, 2024 5:02 PM
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Cover Letters, Etc.

Throughout your job search you will communicate in writing with employers, recruiters and networking contacts, so your letters and emails are an important part of marketing yourself.

Cover letters

Composing a cover letter can feel daunting. Attack the letter-writing process step-by-step to make the effort more manageable.

Do you have to include a cover letter when applying for jobs? Generally, yes. Even if an employer does not explicitly request a cover letter, include one. There might be situations it isn’t is not needed, such as when handing out resumes at a career fair or when a colleague is personally referring your resume to a contact.

A cover letter offers an additional and different way to present your sales pitch. It reinforces your brand you portray in your resume. And since it’s personal and customized to a specific role and company, it more specifically shows how you think, write and present a business case than a resume can

Your primary purpose is to immediately inspire the reader to thoroughly review your resume. Present key information that compels the reader to contact you for an interview.The letter should ensure they do not miss the key highlights of your background for the specific role and company, and make the connection between their job opening and your resume. In other words, the cover letter creates the case for why your candidacy should be given serious consideration.

Because you are writing to a  employer for a specific opening, customize your letter to the job ad. Carefully review the ad to identify the key criteria that are sought and address them directly.

If there are a few key criteria that you do not meet exactly, consider whether you could substitute something you’ve done that demonstrates the basic underlying skill or which represents a very similar kind of experience.

The #1 secret to better letters

To make the best impression and to present a compelling message, be clear, to the point and well organized. No amount of fancy wording can overcome a poorly constructed message.

Craft a simple outline. Carefully review the list of points you want to include and eliminate redundancies. Reorganize remaining items, listing the most important points first. Revisit the items at the bottom of your list. You might find some weaker items don’t need to be included. Then and, only then, start writing!

By organizing your thoughts in this way, you’ll ensure you are:

• Responding to the employer’s top criteria
• Putting your best ideas first
• Keeping the letter tight and focused by eliminating repetition
• Creating a smoother, well-flowing message

Good letters follow a specific but simple structure that will make it easier for you effectively present your message and for the reader to follow and understand it.

The 3 basic parts of a cover letter

There are three key sections, each with its own purpose.

• Intro/opening: Its main purpose is to introduce you and what job you are applying for. It is brief but important.For maximum impact, start building your case immediately. It can be helpful to share how you learned about their opening. This can be particularly meaningful if someone personally referred you. And don’t be afraid to mention specific people. This is not superficial name-dropping; it helps make the connection between you and the organization and puts your application and interest into context.Use your relevant skills and experience as the backdrop for your interest. So, instead of  “I’m writing to you today to express my interest in the Senior Financial Analyst” role, you might write, “As an MBA with solid experience in using analytical, research, and forecasting skills in the investment industry, I am writing to express my strong interest in the Senior Financial Analyst role.”
• Body: Present your case for being seriously considered for the role. Address the employer’s needs directly. Analyze the job ad to identify key issues and address them.While you can include a few additional points that you feel are beneficial, avoid generalities that bear little or no relation to their needs.Review your resume carefully to determine which aspects of your background you can call out to make your case. Do not recreate your resume in the letter. Instead, call out its highlights so the reader doesn’t miss them and makes connection between your strengths and their needs.
• Closing: Your closing words play a critical role. Thank the reader for their consideration and reinforce the main points of your letter. You could add a few items that round out your value add, such as skills, credentials or personality traits.End with an action item, stating what you will do next to follow up or what you hope the reader will do next. You might write that you will call to see if there is mutual interest in an interview or to offer additional information. If you don’t have the contact information needed to follow up by phone, mention your strong interest in an interview.

Letter formatting

Word/PDF formatted letter or Email?

Most communications today are electronic, but you still might want to create cover letters and other correspondence in Word or PDF formats and use them as attachments to an email or to upload into a website. The advantage of these formats is the letter will look more attractive, traditional and professional, particularly if the recipient prints the letter at some point.

• Copy the stylized name and contact information from your resume to create a matching letterhead for your correpsondecne
• Include the date of the letter a few lines under your letterhead.
• Use triple space between the date and the recipient’s address. Include the person’s name, title, company and mailing address.
• Address your letter to the appropriate person if possible. If not, alternative greetings might be: Dear HR Manager, Dear Hiring Manager, Dear Sir/Madam. Since all of these generic greetings are a bit impersonal, however, some people eliminate the greeting and start with the first paragraph.
• Address the recipient by their last name: Dear Mr. Chang, Dear Ms. Walker, Dear Dr. Gomez. If you are already well-acquainted with them, you can use their first name. If the person’s gender is not obvious, do research online or by calling the company to inquire. If you can’t locate that, you can use Dear Pat Miller or Dear Mr./Ms. Miller.
• Traditional business-letter format uses a colon at the end of the greeting. Only personal letters use a comma.
• Side margins should be equal and the letter should be roughly centered from top to bottom.
• Single space paragraphs; double space between them.
• Double space between the last paragraph and your closing, such as Sincerely or Best regards.
• Leave space for your signature if sending a hard copy or using an electronic signature. Use triple space between the closing and your name. For electronic versions of your letter that cannot be signed, use double space.

Job-search emails are acceptable in many situations. To determine which format to use, consider the recipient’s industry, function and style. For example, a professional at a tech company might expect virtually all written communications to be conveyed by email.

• It’s fine to use traditional email formatting. You don’t need to insert a letterhead into the email itself.
• You don’t need the inside or recipient’s address since the most relevant contact information will be in the email’s header.
• Keep the subject line concise but descriptive: “Applicant for Marketing Manager Opening” or “Referred by Sanjay Gupta for Director of Supply Chain.”
• Use simple formatting to ensure the message is easily readable regardless of the device the recipient is using. In other words, avoid two-columned or other complex formats for the letter.
• Though compelling information will likely keep the recipient reading, keep email correspondence concise to avoid the need for lots of scrolling.
• Since there is no letterhead, include additional contact information under your name at the end of the letter. This might include your full address and a link to your LinkedIn profile; be sure to include your phone number.

Better letter writing

As with your resume, the quality of your job-search correspondence can make or break your search. All correspondence, whether networking emails or cover, thank you, and accept/decline letters should:

• Be personalized and unique to each individual or company. Never send form or generic letters or emails. If you don’t show enough interest to take the time to write a customized letter, why should the reader be interested in you?
• Clearly and quickly state your message. Take time to organize, conceptualize and organize your message.
• Be concise and to the point. Use descriptive words that enrich your message, but eliminate those that don’t add value Keep the letter to one page.
• Convey your professionalism and strong communication skills. Avoid informal styles and slang. Even a fairly informal email to a well-known contact could forwarded to someone in a position to hire you.
• Present your message in your voice to convey your unique message regarding this unique opportunity. Don’t rely  on sample letters; use them only to stimulate your thinking.
• Include ext steps you will take or that you are requesting or suggesting the reader take
• Be addressed to a specific person, ideally, not a title or department. If the name is not readily available, do research via the Internet, LinkedIn, personal networking or by calling the company.
• Be error free in terms of grammar, spelling and punctuation. Don’t let a typo undermine all of your other good efforts!
• Separate “what” you want to say from “how” you will say it. Thinking that your writing needs to be flawless from the start is a sure way to get writer’s block. First, get the message right. Later, polish it through careful editing.
• Write like you speak – be yourself! Often, the clearest, quickest way to get your message across is to use everyday language. That doesn’t mean that you can’t use sophisticated concept, but avoid trying to sound so impressive that your writing becomes convoluted and stiff.
• Stick to one main idea per paragraph. When you switch ideas, start a new paragraph.
• Introduce the central thought of the paragraph in the opening sentence. This grabs the reader’s attention, engaging them in that central message.
• Use transitions to connect your thoughts: in addition, also, however, for example.
• Use jargon judiciously. Use enough jargon to sound like an insider but not enough that other readers, like HR staff, will be left in the dark.
• Don’t expect to be able to write strong letters right out of the gate. Editing your letter is a critical step in ensuring your message is market-ready.
• Simplify your message to amplify it! Remember, the cover letter is not trying to get you a job. It just needs to whet the reader’s interest in thoroughly reading your resume.
• Read it aloud or ask someone to read it to you. Your ear will catch awkward phrasing, repetitive wording and grammar errors that your eye might not catch. If you run out of breath, the sentence is too long. Long sentences can confuse the reader at worst, and lose their interest.
• Proofread carefully – errors are simply not an option. Reading is not proofreading. Proofreading is slow and meticulous. And realize that you can’t delegate perfection – you need to proofread it yourself, too.

Thank-you letters

Sending a thank-you letter, note or email to follow up after an interview is a best practice. Many people neglect to provide this professional courtesy, so you will often stand out in a positive way and might tip the scales in your favor.

The purpose of the thank-you note is, of course, to thank the people who interviewed you for their time and consideration of your candidacy. But it also provides a great vehicle to reiterate key points: how interested you are in the job and how well-qualified you are for it.

It doesn’t take a lot of time or space to get those two points across. You could write them in one or two sentences. Of course, your thank-you note will not be quite that brief, but typically it will be concise and much shorter than your cover letter.

• Personalize your message by thanking them for something specific: perhaps a discussion of the company’s future goals, a review of departmental priorities, a tour of the facility or a copy of the company’s annual reports. This will add an element of authenticity to your note.
• If you had particularly positive impressions of the company, team and responsibilities, mention them to convey your sincere enthusiasm.
• Reiterate your key selling points and their fit to the position and company.
• If you neglected to mention something important in the interview or feel you could presented information more strongly, you you could briefly mention it it in the letter.
• Include follow-up information requested by the interviewer.

Responding to offers

After receiving a job offer and verbally accepting,  request the offer in writing. This might include a form for you to sign and return to indicate your acceptance. Writing a letter of acceptance is a best practice, too.

Use the same care that went into your cover letter – a professional, polished and positive acceptance letter reinforce in the employer’s mind that they made the right choice!  You will want to:

• Clearly indicate acceptance.
• Restate terms of employment: title, salary and start date.
• Convey eagerness and excitement in your own voice.
• Mention next interaction, if appropriate.
• Avoid overly detailed logistical questions, which are better handled in follow-up conversations and emails.

The vast majority of people don’t think to send a letter when they  turn down an offer. While it is not required,  not sending one could leave a very unflattering impression with the company, which could be important in the future. When writing letters to decline an offer:

• Express appreciation for the offer.
• Offer any sincere positive feedback about the opportunity.
• Provide a very brief, to-the-point rationale. Don’t get into too much detail. You won’t want to risk disparaging their offer, job or company, nor open the door to a debate. Keep the tone positive and professional; avoid sounding overly apologetic. This is a business deal you have decided not to pursue, not a personal rejection.

Even rarer than a letter declining a job offer is a letter thanking the employer after you are turned down for the job. But writing a brief note thanking the employer for their time and for letting you know the outcome will often appear so professional and gracious that it will stand out in a powerful way.

Thank them for the time and effort they invested in interviewing you. You can, of course, mention your disappointment. You can even mention that your disappointment is based on your sense that there truly was a great fit between your credentials and their job. But do not question or debate their decision.

A nice touch is to wish them the best with their selection while simultaneously mentioning your continued interest in their organization and your hope that they keep you in mind should suitable future openings arise. And they probably will!

Related Resources

• Cover Letters 2.0 (Video)
• Cover Letter Samples (PDF)

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Tell your story.

Your cover letter gives life to your résumé by introducing you, your achievements and your potential to a prospective employer. Review our cover letter guide and cover letter example to help guide you in crafting your own story.

View and download the cover letter guide and example.

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Professional School Secretary Cover Letter Examples for 2024

Your school secretary cover letter must demonstrate your organizational skills. Highlight your ability to manage multiple tasks with ease and efficiency. Showcase in your cover letter the communication skills that make you the ideal candidate for a school environment. Include specific examples of how you have successfully interfaced with staff, students, and parents.

Cover Letter Guide

School Secretary Cover Letter Sample

Cover Letter Format

Cover Letter Salutation

Cover Letter Introduction

Cover Letter Body

Cover Letter Closing

No Experience School Secretary Cover Letter

Key Takeaways

Writing a school secretary cover letter can be a stumbling block, even after you've started your job hunt. While it's tempting to echo your resume, your cover letter should spotlight that one crowning professional achievement—sharing the success story that you're most proud of. It must strike a balance between formal tone and fresh originality, steering clear of worn-out phrases. And remember, brevity is key. Keep it to one page to make a strong, concise impression.

• Step your best foot forward in the school secretary cover letter introduction;
• Be inspired by other professionals' certified cover letters;
• Structure your school secretary cover letter to feature what matters most;
• Close off your school secretary cover letter to make a memorable impression on recruiters.

But where to start writing? Upload your resume into Enhancv's AI, which will prepare your school secretary cover letter (all you need to do is personalize it, and you'll be good to go).

If the school secretary isn't exactly the one you're looking for we have a plethora of cover letter examples for jobs like this one:

• School Secretary resume guide and example
• Front Desk Coordinator cover letter example
• Translator cover letter example
• Administrative Manager cover letter example
• Medical Interpreter cover letter example
• Hotel Assistant Manager cover letter example
• Household Personal Assistant cover letter example
• Senior Administrative Assistant cover letter example
• Dental Administrative Assistant cover letter example
• Administrative Coordinator cover letter example
• Construction Office Manager cover letter example

School Secretary cover letter example

JASMINE BELL

Dallas, Texas

+1-(234)-555-1234

[email protected]

• Emphasizing relevant experience, such as the digitization of student records, indicates proficiency in adapting to technological advancements and improving operational efficiency, which is beneficial for a School Secretary role that often handles administrative tasks.
• Highlighting a strong track record in compliance showcases a commitment to legal and ethical standards, important for a School Secretary who must ensure that the institution's operations align with educational regulations and policies.
• Demonstrating a personal alignment with the institution's values and goals helps to convey a strong cultural fit, suggesting that the candidate will integrate smoothly into the team and contribute positively to the school's environment.

Five tips on formatting your school secretary cover letter

Do you want to make a good impression on recruiters and, at the same time, follow the best industry advice on writing your school secretary cover letter?

Make sure to include the following:

• Header and Salutation;
• Introductory paragraph;
• Body paragraph;
• Closing paragraph;
• Signature (this one is up to you).

Remember to use the same modern, simple font for your school secretary cover letter as you did for your resume (e.g. Lato, Rubik, etc.)

Ensure your school secretary cover letter is single-spaced and is wrapped around a one-inch margin, like in our cover letter templates .

Once completed, use our cover letter builder to export your school secretary cover letter in the best format to keep your information intact - PDF.

At the end of the day, your school secretary cover letter won't be assessed by the Applicant Tracker System (ATS) software, but by the recruiters. Your information should thus be legible, organized, and follow a structured logic.

The top sections on a school secretary cover letter

Header: This includes your contact information and the date, and it's essential for providing the recruiter with a clear and straightforward way to know who you are and how to reach you.

Address/Greeting: This should be specifically addressed to the hiring manager or school principal if possible, showing that you have taken the time to personalize your cover letter and are serious about the position.

Introduction: In this section, you must grab the reader's attention by briefly introducing yourself and expressing your enthusiasm for the school secretary role and the institution, highlighting the alignment of your values with the school's ethos.

Body: Here you will detail your past administrative experience, your strong organizational skills, your ability to handle confidential information, and any relevant experience working in an educational environment to demonstrate that you understand the unique responsibilities of a school secretary.

Closing: This section should reiterate your interest in the position and include a call to action, such as expressing your eagerness to discuss how you can contribute to the school in an interview, and thanking the reader for considering your application.

Key qualities recruiters search for in a candidate’s cover letter

• Proficiency in office software (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace): Essential for handling correspondence, document creation, scheduling, and record keeping.
• Excellent organizational skills: Necessary to manage school administrative tasks, such as maintaining student records, organizing files, and coordinating schedules efficiently.
• Strong communication skills: Critical for effectively interacting with students, parents, teachers, and staff both verbally and in writing.
• Experience with student information systems: Valuable for managing student databases, attendance records, grades, and other essential educational data.
• Ability to handle confidential information: Important as school secretaries often deal with sensitive student and staff information that must be kept private.
• Multitasking and prioritization: Required to juggle various tasks and responsibilities in a fast-paced school environment, ensuring that the most crucial duties are completed on time.

How to address hiring managers in your school secretary cover letter greeting

Goodbye, "Dear Sir/Madam" or "To whom it may concern!"

The salutation of your school secretary cover letter is how you kick off your professional communication with the hiring managers.

And you want it to start off a bit more personalized and tailored, to catch the recruiters' attention.

Take the time to find out who's recruiting for the role (via LinkedIn or the company page).

If you have previously chatted or emailed the hiring managers, address them on a first or last name basis.

The alternative is a "Dear HR team" or "Dear Hiring Manger", but remember that a "Dear Ms. Simmons" or "Dear Simon," could get you farther ahead than an impersonal greeting.

List of salutations you can use

• Dear Hiring Manager,
• Dear [School Name] Hiring Committee,
• Dear [Principal's Name],
• Dear [Superintendent's Name],
• Dear [Director of Administration],
• Dear [Human Resources Manager],

Your school secretary cover letter introduction and the value you bring

Moving on from the "Dear Recruiter" to your professional introduction .

Use those first two sentences of your school secretary cover letter to present the biggest asset you'd bring to the organization.

Don't go into too much detail about your achievement or the skill set, but instead - go straight for the win.

That is - what is your value as a professional?

Would you be able to build stronger, professional relationships in any type of communication? Or, potentially, integrate seamlessly into the team?

Structuring your school secretary cover letter body to add more value

You've hinted at your value as a professional (this may be your passion for the job or interest in the company) in your introduction.

Next, it's time to pan out the body or middle of your school secretary cover letter .

When creating your resume, you've probably gone over the advert a million times to select the most relevant skills.

Well, it's time to repeat this activity. Or just copy and paste your previous list of job-crucial requirements.

Then, select one of your past accomplishments, which is relevant and would impress hiring managers.

Write between three and six paragraphs to focus on the value your professional achievement would bring to your potential, new organization.

Tell a story around your success that ultimately shows off your real value as a professional.

Two ideas on how to end the final paragraph of your school secretary cover letter

Closing your school secretary cover letter , you want to leave a memorable impression on recruiters, that you're a responsible professional.

End your cover letter with how you envision your growth, as part of the company. Make realistic promises on what you plan to achieve, potentially, in the next six months to a year.

Before your signature, you could also signal hiring managers that you're available for the next steps. Or, a follow-up call, during which you could further clarify your experience or professional value.

Is it beneficial to mention that you have no experience in your school secretary cover letter?

Lacking professional experience isn't the end of the world for your school secretary cover letter .

Just be honest that you may not have had roles in the industry, but bring about so much more.

Like, your transferable skills, attained thanks to your whole work and life experience (e.g. the skills your summer spent working abroad taught you).

Or, focus on what makes you, you, and that one past success that can help you stand out and impress recruiters (think of awards you've attained and how they've helped you become a better professional).

Alternatively, write about your passion and drive to land the job and the unique skill set you would bring to enhance the workplace culture.

Key takeaways

Winning at your job application game starts with a clear and concise school secretary cover letter that:

• Has single-spaced paragraphs, is wrapped in a one-inch margin, and uses the same font as the school secretary resume;
• Is personalized to the recruiter (using their name in the greeting) and the role (focusing on your one key achievement that answers job requirements);
• Includes an introduction that helps you stand out and show what value you'd bring to the company;
• Substitutes your lack of experience with an outside-of-work success, that has taught you valuable skills;
• Ends with a call for follow-up or hints at how you'd improve the organization, team, or role.

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The Novice Guide to Creating A Plain Text Resume (Including Templates)

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