HTML Preview College Student Job Application Letter page number 1.
Cover Letters: For On-Campus Employment
Hamilton College Career Center
What is a cover letter?
A cover letter, or letter of application, is a document in which you communicate to an employer what skills and experiences you have that are needed
for a job. Not every job posting requires a cover letter, but it’s a good idea to include one regardless because what you write in a cover letter can set
you apart from other candidates. Cover letters written for on-campus job will be slightly more casual than cover letters written for formal internships
or jobs. While you may send the same resume for each position you apply for, you should write a separate cover letter for each different position.
Musts: A cover letter must…
Include a salutation and a closing:
e.g. Dear Mr. Smith, Sincerely,
State the position for which you’re applying
e.g. I am writing to express my interest in working (at
the climbing wall).
Describe the skills that you have in relation to the job and
describe how you acquired those skills (past
job/internship/extracurricular)
e.g. Having interned at (The New York Times) last
summer, I am confident in my ability to (effectively
express my ideas in writing).
Be free of spelling and grammatical errors.
Avoid the use of “love language”
e.g. I would love appreciate the opportunity to intern
for (your Human Resources department) this summer.
Be 1-3 paragraphs in length.
Best Practices: A good cover letter should…
Be addressed to a specific person if a contact is provided.
e.g. Mr. John Smith
Show enthusiasm for the position
e.g. I am excited at the prospect of (working with the
Writing Center as a Writing Tutor).
Have an introduction that provides relevant descriptors other
than your name.
e.g. I am an (English and psychology double) major.
Explain why the job fits both your interests and skills.
e.g. This position would allow me to gain some valuable
experience in (marketing).
List qualities that most employers would value.
e.g. A commitment to excellence, strong interpersonal
skills, etc.
Be supplemented with a follow-up contact and/or a visit to the
department for positions you’re particularly excited about