Cover Letter

After reading Graber's article on The Basics of Cover Letters, I am more confident that the cover letters I am writing are effective.  While the tone of the letter may seem over confident, I believe the opposite.  The tone is professional (especially for the industry), confident and polite.  I use powerful, direct language to emphasize my concrete examples.  I also completely avoid catch phrases and express a willingness to relocate, which shows my dedication to the job.  I do not make any outlandish claims and avoid misrepresenting myself.  Every sentence in the letter only enhances my candidacy.  Overall, the article was helpful because it made me realize that I do have the right idea when writing cover letters.  Here is the cover letter I wrote for an internship I applied for last summer. 

 

Ms. Mary Ellen Gordon
Account Executive, Solomon Says, Inc.

Dear Ms. Gordon,

Working with Greenville Drive Baseball last summer was exciting, you never knew what was around the corner. Regardless, I never would have dreamed that a trip to the restroom would end in a 15 minute conversation with the great Roger Clemens. One minute I am calling in the lineups to Major League Baseball and the next I am drinking a Coke with a future Hall of Famer. Like professional sports, I understand the fast-paced lifestyle and unpredictable nature of the advertising business. I understand you are looking to hire an intern/account coordinator for the summer. Following are three reason why I am the perfect candidate for the position.

I have relevant market experience. The past summer I lived at West End Field, home to the Boston Red Sox Single-A Greenville Drive. While days may not begin until early afternoon, work was done well into the night especially if we were lucky enough to play a double header. Most days at least one person could be heard saying "it's a great day for baseball, let's play two." My days were filled with putting together press kits, conducting interviews with coaches and players for the gameday program, and developing promotional materials for our customers. As a media relations intern, my main objective was to get fans into the seats, much like Solomon Say's goal to help deliver a significant Return on Investment to your clients.

I know your clients. Being from the Atlanta area, I am not only aware of many of the clients you currently hold, but I am one of their customers. I have seen plays at the Alliance Theatre, I shop at The Avenue, and we have all had our travels take us through Hartsfield International Airport. Being a customer, I have the insight that could help in delivering a consistent brand strategy.

I am flexible and dedicated. I would love to relocate back to Atlanta for an opportunity to not only gain experience in advertising but to make a positive contribution to Solomon Says, Inc.

I understand the need for a consistent, relevant and attention grabbing brand strategy in today's business environment. Your clients expect it, as do their customers.

I am confident that Solomon Says will immediately benefit with me as part of your team as an account coordinator.

Regards

Brandon Watt
Clemson University '08
Marketing
678-699-7149

Enclosure