cover letter samples for co op placement

Co-op Cover Letter

Check out these co-op cover letter templates and examples previously used by job seekers to land on job interviews at co-op. use our ai cover letter generator to create a personalized cover letter for co-op..

4.5 Star Rated / 523 Users

Automatically apply on 1000's jobs in a single click.

[email protected]

Job Application Automation

Interview Answer

Resignation Letter

Job application bot

Cover Letter Examples

© 2024 Copyright LazyApply.com

STRATFORD DISTRICT SECONDARY SCHOOL COOPERATIVE EDUCATION

Cover Letters

Every resume should be accompanied by an individualized letter.  The objective of the letter is to define how your skills and experience relate to the particular needs of the employer to whom you're writing.  This letter should be addressed specifically to the person who will most likely be interviewing you.

Your cover letter should have no more than 3 paragraphs:

1. Why you are interested in the Co-op placement?

Something you like about the company

Career goals

Type of jobs you like 

2. What's so great about you?

Skills you have which relate to this particular placement   

How you think you can help the business

State that your resume is enclosed with further information

3. Contact information

When you're available for Co-op (morning/afternoon/full-day), including any time restrictions

Provide your Co-op teacher's name, phone number, and email

 State what happens next (for example, will you look forward to hearing from them, or will you  contact them?) ​

The cover letter should have the "business format" shown in class.  It should include:

Your contact information (same format as your resume)

The date you are sending it or dropping it off

The company contact information 

Attention line; followed by the name of the contact person, and a 2nd line for that  person's title

Salutation (for example, "Dear Mr. So-and-so,")

Three paragraphs as listed above

Your signature

Your name typed out

Below is a template you could use when writing your cover letter. Highlight the following text, paste it to your Google Docs, and fill out your information using the prompts given:

Student Name​ Phone Number​ Street Address​ City, Province​ Postal Code​

Supervisor’s Name​ Position​ Company Name​ Email

Date Street Address​ City, Province​ Postal Code

​Attention: Name of Supervisor

Dear Mrs. Supervisor

"I am a co-op student at Stratford District Secondary School......"​ This first paragraph describes why you are interested in doing your co-op at this company.

Name the position you are applying for a Co-op in.

How you heard about the company.

Something you like about the company​ (do some research on the company!). Your career goals​ and the type of job you like.  

The second paragraph is a place to brag...what is so great about you?​ Skills you have that relate to this particular placement​. Tailor each cover letter for the specific job. How you think you can help the business​. “I have enclosed a resume with further information about myself and my accomplishments.”

“I am currently enrolled in a 2-credit morning/ or 4 credit co-op from September 24 until January 18th. I will be available from 8:30 am until 11:30 am. My co-op teacher’s name is Teacher Name and she/he can be contacted at 519 555 5555 or email address. I look forward to hearing from you in the near future.”

​ Signature

Student Name

Enclosed/Attached: Resume

Cover Letter Template

Placement cover letter examples

Placements are a great way to gain valuable experience, but this is also the reason these roles are so competitive.

Your cover letter gives you a chance to expand on your CV and persuade the employer to invite you for an interview over the other 50 applicants. So it needs to be good!

Find out how to write an attention-grabbing application with our detailed guide and placement cover letter examples below.

CV templates 

Placement cover letter example 1

Placement cover letter example 2

Placement cover letter example 3

The example cover letters here should give you a good general idea on how your Placement cover letter should be formatted and written.

The rest of this guide gives more specific guidance on how to create your own cover letter in this format, and even includes some templates you can copy and paste.

How to write a Placement cover letter

A simple step-by-step guide to writing your very own winning cover letter.

Write your cover letter in the body of an email/message

You should write your cover letter in the body of the email (or messaging system if sending via a job board) and never attach it as a document.

The reason for this?

You want your cover letter to start connecting with the recruiter from the moment they open your application.

If they have to open a document to read it, it will slow things down and they may not even bother to open it.

Start with a friendly greeting

To kick your cover letter off, start with a friendly greeting to build rapport with the recruiter instantly.

Your greeting should be personable but professional. Not too casual, but not too formal either

Go with something like…

• Hi [insert recruiter name]
• Hi [insert department/team name]

Avoid old-fashioned greetings like “Dear sir/madam ” unless applying to very formal companies.

How to find the contact’s name?

Addressing the recruitment contact by name is an excellent way to start building a strong relationship. If it is not listed in the job advert, try these methods to find it.

• Check out the company website and look at their  About page. If you see a hiring manager, HR person or internal recruiter, use their name. You could also try to figure out who would be your manager in the role and use their name.
• Head to LinkedIn , search for the company and scan through the list of employees. Most professionals are on LinkedIn these days, so this is a good bet.

Identify the role you are applying for

Once you’ve opened up the cover letter with a warm greeting to start building a relationship, it is time to identify which role you want to apply for.

Recruiters are often managing multiple vacancies, so you need to ensure you apply to the correct one.

Be very specific and use a reference number if you can find one.

• I am interested in applying for the position of *Placement position* with your company.
• I would like to apply for the role of Sales assistant (Ref: 406f57393)
• I would like to express my interest in the customer service vacancy within your retail department
• I saw your advert for a junior project manager on Reed and would like to apply for the role.

See also: CV examples – how to write a CV – CV profiles

Highlight your suitability

The sole objective of your cover letter is to motivate recruiters into to opening your CV. And you achieve this by quickly explaining your suitability to the roles you are applying for.

Take a look at the job descriptions you are applying to, and make note of the most important skills and qualifications being asked for.

Then, when crafting your cover letter, make your suitability the central focus.

Explain why you are the best qualified candidate, and why you are so well suited to carry out the job.

This will give recruiters all the encouragement they need to open your CV and consider you for the job.

Keep it short and sharp

It is best to keep your cover letter brief if you want to ensure you hold the attention of busy recruiters and hiring managers. A lengthy cover letter will probably not get read in full, so keep yours to around 3-6 sentences and save the real detail for your CV.

Remember the purpose of your cover letter is to quickly get recruiters to notice you and encourage them to open your CV, so it only needs to include the highlights of your experience.

Sign off professionally

To round of your cover letter, add a professional signature to the bottom, giving recruiters your vital contact information.

This not only gives various means of contacting you, it also looks really professional and shows that you know how to communicate in the workplace.

Include the following points;

• A friendly sign off – e.g. “Warm regards”
• Your full name
• Phone number (one you can answer quickly)
• Email address
• Profession title
• Professional social network – e.g. LinkedIn

Here is an example signature;

Warm regards,

Gerald Baker Senior Accountant 07887500404 [email protected] LinkedIn

Quick tip : To save yourself from having to write your signature every time you send a job application email, you can save it within your email drafts, or on a separate document that you could copy in.

What to include in your Placement cover letter

Your Placement cover letter will be unique to your situation, but there are certain content guidelines you should stick to for best results.

To attract and entice recruiters, stick with the following key subjects in your cover letter – adapting them to fit your profession and target jobs.

• Your professional experience – Employers will be keen to know if your experience is suitable for the job you are applying to, so provide a good summary of it in your cover letter.
• Your qualifications and education – Highlight your most relevant and high-level of qualification, especially if they are essential to the job.
• The positive impact you have made – Employers love to hear about the benefits you can bring to them, so shout about anything impressive you have done, such as saving money or improving processes.
• Your reasons for leaving – Use a few words of your cover letter to explain why you are leaving your current job and ensure you avoid any negative reasons.
• Your availability – Let recruiters know when you can start a new job . Are you immediately available, or do you have a month notice period?

Placement cover letter templates

Copy and paste these Placement cover letter templates to get a head start on your own.

I hope you are well. I would like to apply for the Health and Social Care academic placement at Lifetime UK. With a heartfelt commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of individuals who require support, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute towards delivering success to organisation.

I am in my final year of my BSc in Social Psychology at the University of London, where have gained fundamental knowledge of how psychological principles apply to behavioural problems. In my current role as a volunteer at Ellesmere House Care Home, I treat each individual with dignity, respect, and kindness, as well as believe in tailoring care to people’s unique needs, preferences, and routines to promote comfort and well-being.

I maintain a safe environment and have played a role in helped conduct exercise sessions that increased residents’ physical health and mobility by 20% as measured by physicians. Additionally, I was pivotal in preparing nutritious meals which lowered obese lowered obese residents’ weight by 10%.

Enclosed is my CV, which provides further details about my skills and additional achievements. Please feel free to contact me at your earliest convenience to schedule an interview.

Kind regards

James Goldstein

Good day Mark

I am writing to express my strong interest in the Accounting Placement opportunity at Jameson Stone LLP, as advertised on the company’s website. As a current BSc Finance student, I am excited about the opportunity to expand my knowledge by learning from my experienced team members.

During my academic tenure I have developed a solid understanding of accounting principles, financial reporting, and taxation. Alongside my studies I work part-time as a Retail Assistant at McColl’s Retail Group, where I have exceeded snack sales targets by 10% and helped boost CSAT score by 25% through offering outstanding customer service. Moreover, I played a key role in revamping the store’s visual merchandising layout, resulting in a 30% increase in the visibility of featured food products.

My bookkeeping and ledger management knowledge, commitment to professional growth, career aspirations, as well as attention to detail makes me the perfect candidate for the placement opportunity.

I welcome the opportunity of discussing my other achievements and competencies in an interview, at your earliest convenience. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Neil Stapleton

Good afternoon, Shannon

I would like to write to express my interest in the culinary placement opportunity at Accor Hotel. As a culinary arts student with a strong desire to learn/grow within a professional kitchen environment, I am excited about the opportunity to develop my competencies under your mentorship.

My culinary journey began as a volunteer at ND Care & Support, where I experimented with different flavours and techniques in the home’s kitchen. I had the privilege of honing my knife skills, and expanding my knowledge of cooking methods and food safety standards to ensure that all residents were served with nutritious meals, which is demonstrated by improving residents’ health outcomes by 15% on average through preparing well-balanced dishes, as well as supporting the implementation of ingredient inventory management processes that resulted in a 30% reduction in food waste.

This passion has only grown stronger over time, leading me to pursue formal culinary education, and I am now seeking a placement opportunity to further hone my skills and experiences.

Thank you for considering my application. I am immediately available for an interview and look forward to discussing the possibility of joining your esteemed hospitality company.

Harry Arnold

Writing an impressive cover letter is a crucial step in landing a Placement, so taking the time to perfect it is well worth while.

By following the tips and examples above you will be able to create an eye-catching cover letter that will wow recruiters and ensure your CV gets read – leading to more job interviews for you.

Good luck with your job search!

6 Resume Tips to Land a Co-op Placement

As the fall term approaches, it’s almost time to finish your co-op term or get ready for a co-op placement interview. To help you get ready, the Writing and Communication Centre (WCC) teamed up with Co-op Connection this week to give you a few resume writing tips. We’ve also included undergraduate writing programming that would not only be helpful for getting started on your resumes, but also for your cover letters and work term reports.

If you’re just beginning to write your resume, we recommend booking an appointment with the Centre for Career Action (CCA) . There, you can speak with a Career Advisor who can help you with career planning and also teach you tips and tricks for writing resumes and cover letters. They also do mock interviews as well.

If you just need quick tips for writing your resumes, the following are our tips we rapidly compiled for you to write the best resume:

For a quick guide, check out the Resume Checklist resource ! 

1. Use reverse-chronological order

List your work experiences in reverse chronological format by putting your most recent experiences first. This will provide recruiters with a timeline of your work history starting with the most current position. Be sure to include accurate dates and job titles for all of your work experience.

If you need help quickly, try out our Virtual Drop-In Appointments ! Drop-ins are perfect for when job applications are closing soon, and you need quick tips and tricks to perfect the writing in your resume or cover letter. Virtual Drop-Ins are also great for when work term reports are due soon, especially because they are open evenings from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm, including Sundays!

2. Use action verbs

Use persuasive verbs to maximize your impact. Action words help to make writing more concise, efficient and clear. Examples of action verbs are managed, accomplished, handled, led, etc.

For example, “ Managed a team of 5 executives by conducting training, facilitating weekly meetings and provided resources to execute events.”

Got a few quick questions to ask? Head over to the WCC Subreddit or join our peer tutor Olivia on Instagram for our Live Q&A. The WCC Subreddit is checked daily by our team, while the Insta Live Q&A s are held every Wednesday at 7:00 pm. On Wednesday, July 22nd, the Insta Live Q&A will be held specifically for co-op students.

3. Quantify your achievements

Use firm numbers to explain what you did and the results. For instance, including the number of people you supervised, the percentage of sales you increased, or the number of products you sold will help recruiters understand your achievements.

For example, “ Increased customer traffic by 30% by planning and executing marketing strategies.”

4. Tailor your resume for each job you apply for 

Tailoring your resume for each job requisition will show the recruiter that you’re a good match for the specific position. Always include information relevant to the position by incorporating keywords used in the job description. For instance, if the position requires knowledge of Adobe Pro, it’s best to include the number of years you have experience in Adobe Pro.

Have trouble finding the time and space to sit down and write your resume or work term reports? Join our peer tutor Chris at our YouTube Live PJ-Friendly Write-Ins on Thursday, July 23rd at 7:00 pm. You don’t have to write alone at home; write with us instead!

5. Include extracurricular activities or campus involvement

Extracurriculars and campus involvement showcase leadership capabilities and your ability to work with diverse groups of people. Highlighting your extracurriculars will provide the recruiter more insight into your interests outside of the classroom or workplace.

6. Proofread, proofread, and proofread!

A simple mistake can give the wrong impression. Proofreading your resume will allow you to catch any grammatical or spelling errors.

Do you need someone to give your resume, cover letter, or work term report a second look? Book an Appointment with the Writing and Communication Centre on our scheduling system, WCOnline! Our Writing and Communication Specialists are happy to help you edit your application materials to show off your amazing skills.

Remember that you don’t need to go through the process of writing your resume, cover letters, or work term reports alone. Co-op Connection, the Writing and Communication Centre, and the Centre for Career Action are all here to help you every step of the process. You’ll get that co-op placement in no time.

8 September 2023

Writing a Placement & Work Experience Cover Letter

When you apply for a placement, you’ll need to send a cover letter along with your CV. A placement cover letter supports your application by explaining who you are and why you’re interested in the role.

The aim of your cover letter is to persuade an employer to read your CV, (over the fifty others they received), and eventually invite you for an interview.

Want to write the perfect one? Read on for the how…

• What goes into a work experience cover letter?

How to write a cover letter for a placement

Placement cover letter example.

• Things to remember

What goes into a work experience cover letter

Although you should always tailor your cover letter for each job you apply for, there are a couple of things that all cover letters must include.

On top of the usual letter niceties, these are…

• Your name and contact details
• The role you’re applying for
• Why you’re interested in the role
• Your skills and previous experience
• What you’ll bring to the company
• Your career goals

Step 1: Dear Sir / Madam?

The first three words of your cover letter are crucial. Make no mistake!

Recruiters and employers get itchy eyes when they read a work placement cover letter addressed to [Dear Sir/Madam]. And they really lose their minds when they see [To whom it may concern]. It’s best to address your letter to the reader directly. So…

Dear Full Name , e.g. Dear David Attenborough – this is ideal as it’s gender-inclusive and doesn’t rely on the use of ‘Mr’ or ‘Ms’

Dear Mr Surname , e.g. Dear Mr Attenborough

Dear Ms Surname , e.g. Dear Ms Attenborough – never presume marital status. Write Ms instead of Miss / Mrs.

Don’t know who to address your cover letter to? There’s a few things you can do.

1. Browse LinkedIn – Lots of companies have a profile that lists their employees

2. Contact the employer – Ask for the name of the person who is tasked with reading placement cover letters. You can do this by phone or email

3. Address your cover letter to the department manager

4. If you can’t locate the person who handles recruitment, address your placement cover letter to someone who works in HR .

Step 2:  Swift intro

Next, you need to disclose what placement you’re applying for. 

A company might be hiring placement students in a number of different departments. Be specific to make sure you’re being considered for the right role.

Write something like this –

“ I am writing regarding the vacancy for the marketing placement with IBM, as advertised on RateMyPlacement. Please find my attached CV. “

Let the recruiter know where you found the vacancy for the placement. Employers are always keen to know what channels students use to find jobs. It makes a good impression.

Step 3:  Why are you interested?

Now you’ve introduced yourself, it’s time to explain why you’re interested in the chosen placement or work experience scheme.

It’s important to do some research about the company you’re applying to and the content of the programme. Use it to give convincing reasons for your interest in the placement.

Step 4: What can YOU bring?

In this section, you want to explain what you’ll bring to the company as a placement student. There’s no need to mention everything.

Be specific and keep it relevant to the role. What unique skills will you bring to the organisation?

It’s also a chance to talk a little bit about your hobbies and interests – keeping them relevant to the role you’ve applied to.

“ I am halfway through a Marketing degree, and on course to achieve a 2:1. So far, I have focussed on digital marketing modules, which have imparted strong analytical and problem-solving skills. I am also now proficient in basic coding. My three years at Mecca Bingo have provided experience with customer service practices and other useful soft skills. “

Step 5: Final flourish

Aptly named the final flourish, you will end your placement cover letter in this section. Thank the recruiter for considering your application, and register your interest in attending an interview.

“Thank you for considering my application, I’m looking forward to the prospect of discussing the placement in greater detail in an interview. “

Step 6: Farewell

If you found the name of the recruiter/employer, end your placement cover letter with ‘Yours Sincerely’. If you rebelled and wrote “to whom it may concern”, put ‘ Yours Faithfully’.

Want to set yourself up for success with your work experience application? Sign up to our FREE Career Coaching Course, a four-day virtual programme in October, to upskill yourself on CVs, applications and interviews.

Here is an example of a placement cover letter. This is the structure and general length you should be aiming for (approx 250 words) …

Dear Mr Attenborough,

I am writing regarding the vacancy for the marketing placement with IBM, as advertised on RateMyPlacement. Please find my attached CV.

I am particularly interested in this placement at IBM because of the focus on different areas of digital marketing. IBM is at the forefront of the digital marketing industry, and I am fascinated by the cloud-based software IBM provides for companies on email, web and social media. 

I have been reading about IBM’s most recent project, which aimed to improve customer experience across the buyer journey. It links closely to a project I completed in the first year of my Marketing degree, which centred around optimising the user experience for online retail.

I am halfway through a Marketing degree, and on course to achieve a 2:1. So far, I have focussed on digital marketing modules, which have imparted strong analytical and problem-solving skills. I am also now proficient in basic coding. My three years at Mecca Bingo have provided experience with customer service practices and other useful soft skills.

Thank you for considering my application, I’m looking forward to the prospect of discussing the placement in greater detail in an interview.

Yours Sincerely,

Kevin McCloud.

Things to remember…

Now you have the tools needed to craft a superb piece of career prose, there are a few things to keep in mind…

Online Placement Applications

1 . If you’re applying for a placement online, you’ll need to write your cover letter in a text box. Write it in Microsoft Word or Pages first, then copy and paste it into the text box. That way you can check your grammar and spelling beforehand.

2. If you’re sending your cover letter via email or attaching it to an online application, save it as a .pdf rather than a Word/Pages file. All computers can read PDFs, so there’ll be no problem when an employer opens the file.

3 . Always save your cover letter as ‘[Your Name] Cover Letter ‘. It looks clean, and employers will be able to find you easier.

Share this post:

Written by Conor

More posts by Conor

• Meet Our Team
• Career Planning

Cover Letter Tips

Why write a cover letter.

The cover letter is the normal practice in business and is a basic courtesy.  Do not underestimate the importance of writing an effective cover letter.  This is your chance to personalize the application package and showcase your writing skills, attention to detail, enthusiasm about the firm and the position and your ability to perform in the job.

What should a Cover Letter Look Like?

Keep the letter brief. It should not exceed one page in length. Three to four paragraphs are standard. A lengthy letter is only frustrating to the employer and will likely not be read, whereas a concise and interesting letter will be read and appreciated by an employer who has several hundred applications to review. Your letter should contain three basic elements:

Paragraph One: Opening This is an introductory paragraph in which you - identify yourself (e.g., "I am a fourth year engineering student at Western University") and state the specific position for which you are applying (e.g., "I am applying for the position of Manufacturing Engineer in your Sarnia location"). If applicable explain how you learned of the position (e.g., through Engineering Career Services).

Paragraph Two/Three: Body This section usually contains two types of information. The first and most common is a description of the attributes and experience of the applicant that would be of interest to the employer. Begin by addressing your academic experience followed by any relevant employment experience. Avoid simply repeating the information in your résumé. Choose a few specific skills and demonstrate them using examples from your background. As much as possible focus your application on the requirements of the company. If you have no engineering experience, state how the skills you have acquired are transferable to the position for which you are applying. It is important to be specific yet modest in your description. Generally, this is the most important section of your cover letter and the longest. Therefore, take the time to research each employer. You may also want to explain gaps in your résumé or poor grades (optional).

Paragraph Three: Closing In this paragraph, the applicant usually confirms the items that are included in the application package (generally, this should be your résumé, copies of official transcripts if required, and optionally letter of reference or a list of references).  It will also include an invitation for the company to contact the applicant and sincere thanks for the employer taking the time to consider the application. Use a professional ending such as "Sincerely".

Other Helpful Hints:

• Tell them what you can offer the company, promote your skills.
• Maintain a business tone, avoid slang, short forms or jokes.
• Use the same type of heading, paper, font, and print quality as on your résumé.
• Type your full name under your closing salutation.
• If you are submitting this in person or by fax,  include your signature above your typed name.
• Have someone proof read your cover letter - double check your spelling, grammar, addresses and contact name. (Engineering Career Services is available for this).
• Ensure the correct date is on the cover letter.
• Include the company address between the date and the greeting.
• If you wish you can include a "Re:" line after the greeting (RE: Position Title, Posting Number).

Cover Letter Handout

Career Services at Western Engineering Spencer Engineering Building, Room 2092 London, Ontario, Canada, N6A 5B9 Tel: 519.661.2111 ext. 88359 [email protected] Privacy | Web Standards | Terms of Use | Accessibility

Western Mail

Student Services

Western Events

• New Construction + Condos
• Affordable Housing
• Negotiating + Financing
• How to Buy in NYC Guide

• Roommates + Landlords
• How to Rent in NYC Guide

• Staging + Open Houses
• Negotiations + Closings
• Getting Ready
• How to Sell in NYC Guide

• Kids + Pets
• Neighborhood Intel
• Products + Test-drives
• Troubleshooting

• Small Spaces
• Small Projects + DIY
• Renovations
• Design + Architecture
• Products + Services
• How to Renovate in NYC Guide

• Boards & Buildings
• Advertise with us
• Sponsored Content

Find Your Next Place

How to write a co-op board package cover letter for a luxury building

For the titans of American capitalism, it’s a bracing experience to be told you must conform to the requirements of a co-op board application. Yet this is what New York co-op protocol demands of all, from new money to Rockefeller.   

The co-op board application process isn’t elegant or normal. It’s dehumanizing. It reduces people to numbers on a tax return. It can make a dear friend call into question your financial stability. But resistance is futile.

“You get rogue clients all the time,” says Brian Lewis, a Compass broker who lives in a co-op building. “Just the other day I had someone who literally didn't want to show his tax returns. I had reminded him at the beginning of the process that it was something he would be asked for, and I think he thought that he was higher and mightier than that. He thought, ‘If the president doesn't have to show it, I don’t.' But co-op applicants do.”

“With a co-op package, you are basically opening your kimono to the board. It’s your entire financial life laid bare on a piece paper,” says Toby Cohen, real estate attorney with the firm Holm & O’Hara.

That’s why a cover letter, also known as a personal letter, can sometimes work magic on a board.

Remember that in addition to financial information and reference letters, your co-op or condo application must include a written insurance quote or active insurance policy—on an apartment you are not even approved to buy yet.  Fortunately, the co-op and condo insurance insurance experts at Gotham Brokerage can provide exactly what you and your board need in a fraction of a business day.  They’ll also swiftly accommodate any changes (for example, if your closing is delayed), and fully refund any policy costs if you don’t complete your purchase for any reason. Click here to get started.

Why you need a cover letter

“The purpose of a cover letter is to humanize the board package,” Lewis says. “The board, by the very nature of the process, wants you to be a number. They want this to be all about your financials, because they are governed by law not to question you on specific things.”

It’s always worth recalling that the board members who review packages are volunteers and they don’t necessarily have the time or training to interpret complex financial statements. It’s often the building’s attorneys who review those documents, then give the board an opinion.

“What the board is really going to be reading is your cover letter,” Cohen says. “The cover letter allows you to give the board the bullet points. You are giving them you highlight reel. You are trying to make yourself look as good as possible and kiss up a little.”

But, like all concerns co-op related, there is etiquette to the cover letter that tops your board package.

Consult an expert

Cohen says that many of his clients hire consulting firms to help them put their best foot forward. Those firms will help you prepare the perfect letter for a fee. However, that’s really something that your broker ought to be doing for you, according to Lewis.

“It's important that you run it by your broker, if you have representation,” Lewis says. “Even if you don't have representation, the seller's agent will help, because everybody has the same goal, which is to get you a set of keys. Listen to the agents, because we do this every day, and without good, successful board packages, we don't get paychecks.”

Presentation: Keep it simple

Letters of recommendation should be sent on personal letterhead and perhaps even scrawled out in longhand.

Cover letters, on the other hand, must be more to the point. Print yours out on normal copy paper and use Times New Roman for your typeface instead of something flashier.

“It's not the time to show identity through style,” Lewis says. “It’s about getting your message across. You don't want to stand out or be remembered for the wrong reason. Like, ‘Oh yeah, that lady had the perfumed paper.’”

'Quiet, boring, and rich': How to strike the right tone

All co-ops are looking for a shareholder who is three things, according to Lewis: “quiet, boring, and rich.” Your cover letter should reflect those beguiling attributes.

The cover letter is ultimately your place to shine. It should not be negative. However, it is also an appropriate place to gently broach sensitive subject matter that might be misunderstood if pulled out of context.

“If there is a nuance and a filter that you would like the board to visualize the package through, this is a nice way to introduce the concept,” Lewis says.

For instance, what if your parents gave you a large financial gift, or paid your security deposit? To the board, this could appear to be evidence that you cannot fully support yourself, and that you may someday be unable to afford maintenance. But in the cover letter you can explain: “Although I am receiving a large gift from my father, it was given as a vote of confidence in my future. As you can see, my liquidity supports this purchase, even without such a gift.”

“It’s the moment to put your spin on it,” Lewis says. “It's a gentle way to guide the board into a perception.”

Other common situations that be treated with a golden veneer in the cover letter include earning income as an independent contractor, and changing jobs. For example: “As you will see, I started my job at Mt. Sinai Hospital only a few months ago. However, I have been in this industry for the past 15 years and I have had consistent employment. My reference letters will reflect that as well.”

If you are a 1099 employee, whose incomes bobs with the economy, your approach should focus on your strengths, like this: “I am an independent contractor. I provided the past few years of my income, but I can also go deeper. I have been it the industry for many years and have consistently made money. The worst year I had was this. The best year I had was this. However, I average this.”

“Sometimes you have almost lead with your flaw and almost throw a spotlight on it,” Lewis says. “But only if it can be explained away or you can control the perception of it.”

Be brief and give praise

Brevity is a must. Do not exceed one page. 

Within that page, it's reasonable to think that flattery will get your everywhere in life, including into some the city’s most exclusive buildings. But no one likes a toady.

“Everyone knows that this is an opportunity to kiss up a little, so just make sure that it’s a true compliment,” Cohen says. “If there is a specific architectural detail you love about the building, absolutely put that in. But don’t say something like, ‘This is the best-looking board I can remember.’”

Triplemint's Off-Market Advantage

Discover off-market properties in your dream neighborhood that perfectly suit your needs and budget.  Meet and deal with sellers before their apartment hits the market.

Let Triplemint's off-market team   give you exclusive access to apartments in your price range and desired neighborhood that no one else has seen. More options, less competition, no bidding wars. 

Other forms of endearment

Because your board package reduces you to a digit, you’ll want to spend a good portion of your letter on human color and sympathetic information.

“The board is legally restricted from asking you certain questions, so this is your opportunity to fill in the blanks,” Lewis says. “It’s as simple as saying, ‘My name is Brian Lewis. I am a proud graduate of the College of William and Mary in Virginia, where I serve on two alumni boards. I have two wonderful daughters. My husband and I work hard to live our New York dreams and have been co-op owners in the past. We look forward to meeting you and hopefully becoming part of your community. Thank you so much for your time and consideration. If there is any additional information that your require, we are happy to cooperate.’”

Lewis emphasizes that it is especially important to thank the board, as they review these applications in their spare time, after long days at work.

Know your frenemy

Co-ops are creature of habit. They are clubby. They typically accept their own kind. So it can really help to know the building and its board members. You can play to those eccentricities in your letter.

For instance, if the building is especially charitable, a mention of your own philanthropy is very meaningful. If it’s a building full of Harvard grads, your time at the Kennedy School should not to be withheld.

"Everything is about identity," Lewis says.

However, there’s no need to stalk the board. A good broker should have working knowledge of the building and its board.

Whatever you do, don’t be weird

“Everybody has peccadillos,” Cohen says. Just make sure you know what yours are and avoid talking about them as part of the application.

So talk about how you run the New York Marathon, and forget your Festivus pole.

“Lots of families have weird habits that they think are endearing, but they can come off as weird,” Cohen says. “This is a case where discretion is the better part of valor.”

You Might Also Like

Privacy preference center

We care about your privacy

When you visit our website, we will use cookies to make sure you enjoy your stay. We respect your privacy and we’ll never share your resumes and cover letters with recruiters or job sites. On the other hand, we’re using several third party tools to help us run our website with all its functionality.

But what exactly are cookies? Cookies are small bits of information which get stored on your computer. This information usually isn’t enough to directly identify you, but it allows us to deliver a page tailored to your particular needs and preferences.

Because we really care about your right to privacy, we give you a lot of control over which cookies we use in your sessions. Click on the different category headings on the left to find out more, and change our default settings.

However, remember that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience of our website. Finally, note that we’ll need to use a cookie to remember your cookie preferences.

Without these cookies our website wouldn’t function and they cannot be switched off. We need them to provide services that you’ve asked for.

Want an example? We use these cookies when you sign in to Kickresume. We also use them to remember things you’ve already done, like text you’ve entered into a registration form so it’ll be there when you go back to the page in the same session.

Thanks to these cookies, we can count visits and traffic sources to our pages. This allows us to measure and improve the performance of our website and provide you with content you’ll find interesting.

Performance cookies let us see which pages are the most and least popular, and how you and other visitors move around the site.

All information these cookies collect is aggregated (it’s a statistic) and therefore completely anonymous. If you don’t let us use these cookies, you’ll leave us in the dark a bit, as we won’t be able to give you the content you may like.

We use these cookies to uniquely identify your browser and internet device. Thanks to them, we and our partners can build a profile of your interests, and target you with discounts to our service and specialized content.

On the other hand, these cookies allow some companies target you with advertising on other sites. This is to provide you with advertising that you might find interesting, rather than with a series of irrelevant ads you don’t care about.

COOP Resume and Cover Letter Samples

Let your resume do the work.

Join 5,000,000 job seekers worldwide and get hired faster with your best resume yet.

Resume & Cover Letter Guides

by Caitlin | May 19, 2021 | General , General Resource , Gov/PI Resource , Judicial Resource , LLM Resources , Private Sector Resource

For everything from formatting tips to suggested language to how to introduce yourself to an employer who is not familiar with the co-op program to sample letters and resumes, please check out the Resume and Cover Letter Guides.

Cover Letter Guide 2022 FINAL

Resume Guide Jan. 2022 FINAL

Recent Posts

• Equal Justice Works Fellowship Info Session 2024
• Skadden Fellowship Info Session 2024
• Intro to 2L Summer Associate Recruiting Spring 2024
• Video: Post-grad Judicial Clerkships 01-22-2024
• Video: Law in Technology Diversity Collaborative Info Session 2024

My Timetable

LOG IN to show content

My Quick Links

Sample Resumes for Applicants to Co-op

Follow the format used in the sample resumes below for your program: 

• Arts and Science
• Business and Economics
• User Experience Design

Please note: We recommend you follow these formats only when applying to co-op. We provide different guidelines for co-op students to use when applying to co-op job postings.

Sample Resume: Arts Co-op and Science Co-op

Hanna Volga

Local: 401-22 Bricker Street Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3T4 (519) 887-1234 [email protected]

Permanent: 72 Borden Road Aberfoyle, Ontario N1H 2L0 (519) 624-5678

Employment Skills

• Fluent in French and know basic Spanish
• Demonstrated leadership ability while teaching canoeing at a camp
• Proficient in Word, PowerPoint and Photoshop

Wilfrid Laurier University, Honours Bachelor of Arts Program , Waterloo, Ontario 2022 - present  Major: Communication Studies

Centennial Collegiate, Ontario Secondary School Diploma, Guelph, Ontario 2018 - 2022 French Immersion Certificate

Camp Tawingo, Camp Counsellor , Huntsville, Ontario July - August 2023; on duty 24 hours/day Contact: Mr. Jeff Swift, Recreation Director, 705.222.0101, [email protected]

• Provided instruction in tennis to children aged 7 to 15
• Planned and coordinated weekly games nights for entire camp
• Supervised a group of eight girls on site and during canoe trips

The Bay, Sales Associate , Waterloo, Ontario September 2022 - present; 10 to 15 hours/week during the school year  Contact: Ms. Parvati Sharma, Manager, 519.555.9870, [email protected]

• Assist customers with purchases of women's clothing
• Operate computerized cash register
• Arrange attractive merchandising displays

Tim Horton's, Server , Guelph, Ontario, September 2021 - June 2022, 15 to 20 hours/week Contact: Mr. Robert Starkey, Franchise Owner, 519.123.4567, [email protected]

• Provided courteous service to customers
• Prepared sandwiches, wraps and beverages
• Operated a cash register 

Volunteer Experience

Guelph Food Bank , Guelph, Ontario September 2022- present, 4 hours/week

• Sort, display and package donated food.

Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Guelph and Wellington, Fundraiser , Guelph, Ontario 2021 - 2022; 3 to 6 hours/week

• Participated in sales, auctions and bingo games to raise funds for the agency

Scholarships and Awards

• Dean's Honour Roll, 2023
• Ontario Scholarship for achieving an average of 86% in six Ontario Academic Courses, 2022
• Rotary Award for athletics, leadership and academic achievement, 2022
• Principal's Honour Roll for achieving an average of at least 80% throughout high school
• Member, Communications Students' Association, Sept. 2022 to present
• Group Leader, Laurier French Club; organize weekly sessions for members to converse online in French; January 2023 to present

High School

• Vice-President of Students' Council, grade 12
• Advertising representative, school yearbook, grades 11 and 12
• Member of drama club, grades 11 and 12
• Class Representative, grades 11 and 12
• Trumpet player in jazz and marching bands, four years
• Captain and member, basketball team, four years

By submitting this resume, I verify that the information in this resume is accurate and factual.

Sample Resume: Business and Economics Co-op

• Fluent in French and Spanish
• Displayed attention to detail while preparing invoices at Smith Co.
• Proficient in Word, Excel and PowerPoint

Cole's Gardens , Landscaper , Stoney Creek, Ontario May - August 2022; 20 hours/week in May and June; 35 hours/week in July and August. May - August, 2021; 8 hours/week in May and June; 30 hours/week July and August . Contact: Mr. Craig Cole, Owner, 905.111.8899, [email protected]

• Planted and pruned trees and shrubs
• Operated a tractor mower 

Smith Company, Purchasing Clerk , Guelph, Ontario September - December 2021, high school co-op, 15 hours/week Contact: Ms. Jana Cremasco, Accounting Manager, 519.444.7890, [email protected]

• Ordered and received parts and supplies
• Prepared invoices and recorded payments using computerized system
• Completed bank reconciliations and made deposits
• Wrote correspondence, answered telephones and filed documents

Food Bank , Packer , Guelph, Ontario

September 2022- present, 4 hours/week

• Inspect, sort and pack food

Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Guelph and Wellington , Fundraiser ,   Guelph, Ontario 2021 - 2022; 3 to 6 hours/week

Wilfrid Laurier University, Honours Bachelor of Business Administration Program, Waterloo, Ontario, 2022 - present

• Member, Accounting Association; coordinate and promote virtual tours of accounting firms, January 2023 to present
• Finance Representative, House Council, October 2022 to present
• Play intramural soccer and basketball

Sample Resume: User Experience Design

                               emily rodriguez.

                                                                 Skills 

• Demonstrated aptitude for creative design as a freelance graphic artist and website designer
• Developed customer service skills as a Sales Associate with H&M
• Displayed teamwork ability by placing first at the NXNE Hackathon

                                                     Applications and Tools

                     Sketch • Figma • Photoshop • Illustrator • Axure • WordPress

                             Wireframes • Prototypes • Research• Rapid Iteration

                                                       Education

Wilfrid Laurier University, Bachelor of User Experience Design Program, Brantford, ON, 2021 - Present

• Dean’s Honour Roll, 2022

Galt Collegiate Institute, Ontario Secondary School Diploma, Cambridge, ON, 2017 – 2021

• Principal’s Honour Roll for achieving an average of 80% or higher throughout high school

                                             Projects and Achievements

UX Researcher, IT Services, City of Hamilton, Hamilton, ON, Winter 2023 (Course Project)

• Collaborated with a team of UX researchers to assess the services provided through the City of Hamilton website
• Reviewed stakeholder requirements with staff members
• Conducted research on-site and conducted an industry review
• Developed and presented recommendations for improvements to website and service 

First Place Winner, NXNE Hackathon , Toronto, ON, Fall 2022

• Achieved first place with a team of three students in the UX category at a full-day hackathon

Camp Counsellor, Camp Tawingo, Huntsville, Ontario , June – August 2023; on duty 24 hours/day Contact: Mr. Jeff Swift, Recreation Director, 705-222-0101, [email protected]

• Supervised a group of ten girls in the cabin and during canoe trips
• Provided instruction in swimming and boat safety for children aged 7 to 15

Freelance Graphic Artist and Website Designer, Cambridge, Ontario, January  – April 2023, 15 hours/week Contact: Mr. Craig Cole, Owner of Start-Up Inc., 905-111-8899, [email protected]

• Designed websites and created content for businesses and community groups
• Created graphics for a social media campaign

Sales Associate, H&M, Cambridge, Ontario, June 2021– August 2022, 30 hours/week in summer, 10 hours/week in school year Contact: Ms. Parvati Sharma, Manager, 519-555-9870, parvati.sharma@h&m.ca

• Assisted customers with purchases of clothing
• Operated computerized cash register
• Arranged attractive merchandising displays 

Food Bank, Packer , Brantford, Ontario, September 2022 – April 2023, 3 hours/week

• Inspected, sorted and packaged food.

Event Coordinator, Canadian Cancer Society, Cambridge, Ontario, September 2021 – June 2022, 6 hours/week

• Planned and led a fundraising run at Galt Collegiate
• Executive Member, User Experience Students Association; organize virtual events and guest speakers, September 2022 to present
• Program Representative, Laurier Open House; provided information to prospective students at during a virtual information fair, November 2022 and March 2023
• Played intramural soccer and basketball, 2021 - 2022
• MVP, Senior Girls Soccer team, grade 12
• Vice President of Students’ Council, grade 12
• Advertising representative, school yearbook, grade 12

Search for academic programs , residence , tours and events and more.

Main navigation

• Undergraduate
• Job Opportunities
• Info for Prospective Students
• Info for Current Students
• Hiring Students

Preparing a Co-op Job Offer Letter

• Student Evaluation
• Hiring co-op Graduates

The employer must provide an official job offer letter to the student that includes the following details:

• The job position title
• Address of work
• Start and end dates of work (13-16 weeks for 4-month co-op internships, or 28-32 weeks for 8-month internships, or 41-48 weeks for 12-month internships). Internships must start either in January, May, or September to align with McGill calendar restrictions for co-op work terms.
• Hours per week (standard is 35-40.  Minimum requirement: 35 hours per week)
• Name of supervisor
• Rate of pay

The student and the employer must sign and return the co-op job offer letter prior to the start of the planned co-op work term.

Department and University Information

Materials engineering.

Cover letters

What to include.

You can include information like:

• competencies
• credentials
• types of experiences 
• demonstrated accomplishments

If you're responding to a job posting:

• identify the organization
• refer to the position you’re applying for
• address an individual who is hiring (if possible)
• describe how your experiences and skills match the requirements of the position and how this will be benefit the employer
• avoid just repeating information from your resume – this is your chance to provide some context

If you're sending a letter to an employer who isn't currently hiring:

• identify the type of position you’re interested in
• explain why you're contacting the organization or person
• outline how your experience and competencies will bring value
• indicate when and how you’re going to follow up

How to structure it

Every cover letter is different, so this is just a suggestion of what you may want to include.

Introductory paragraph

• state your purpose and why you are applying
• list the job title and organization name
• show that you’ve researched the organization, such as referencing its mission or vision statement
• indicate your enthusiasm and state what you’ll bring to the organization

Middle paragraph or paragraphs

• use an active voice
• group information around the job requirements (e.g., your organizational skills)
• avoid starting every sentence with “I”
• use transition phrases (e.g., additionally, also)
• give solid examples of your past experience and the skills you bring as a result

Closing paragraph

• thank the organization
• criminal record check, age limit, citizenship/residency, driver’s license
• provide your contact information, if applicable
• restate your interest in the position and express interest in an interview

Keep your cover letter to 1 page unless otherwise specified. Match the font and style of your résumé.

Here are a few examples of cover letters:

Standard cover letter

Student name 250-555-5555   [email protected]

November 1, 20XX

Employer name Employer job title Employer organization

Re: Position and competition number (if provided on the job posting)

Dear employer,

I am writing to apply for the Recreation Assistant Position with School Name as posted on the UVic job site. Throughout high school and university I have been involved in peer support and special needs assistance. I have a strong belief that recreation should be available to all members of our society.

While working as a counsellor at Camp Thunderbird, I gained experience leading groups of teenagers in outdoor activities. This experience also allowed me to work with teens with special needs, helping to accommodate them so that they could get the most out of the Camp Thunderbird environment. Additionally, I have been volunteering as a peer helper at UVic, where I counsel students who are having a difficult time. These experiences have opened my eyes to how important it is to be inclusive and supportive in all environments.

My volunteer background also includes coaching athletics at the high school level, where I worked mainly with girls’ basketball and volleyball teams. During my coaching experience, I developed the interpersonal communication and leadership skills that will help me excel as a recreation assistant. My enthusiasm and dedication are key attributes that I bring to everything I do. I also have a Class 4 driver’s license.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to meeting with you to discuss this position in greater detail.

Sincerely, UVic Student

• your contact information should match the information on your résumé
• include the address of the organization that is hiring
• address the cover letter to a person if possible
• use real and detailed examples to highlight your qualifications
• focus on why you’ll be an asset to the employer, not how you’ll benefit from the job
• tell the employer what other competencies you have to offer
• thank the employer for considering your application and request an interview

Job posting

This standard cover letter refers to the following job posting:

Job title: Recreation Assistant Job location: Victoria Region: Victoria (Capital Region) Salary/wage: 18.50 Hours per week: 37.5 Number of positions: 2

Job description:

The person in this position will facilitate the recreation inclusion of people with disabilities into community-based leisure and recreation opportunities. This occurs under the overall supervision of the employer name. Evaluates leisure and recreation needs of clients and the assistance they require in order to participate in community leisure and recreation opportunities. Provides assistance to individuals with disabilities while they pursue their leisure and recreation interests. Encourages relationship building by facilitating the inclusion of clients with their non-disabled peers.

Other related duties as assigned.

Skills required:

• commitment to the recreation inclusion process
• ability to work independently
• knowledge and/or experience working with people with disabilities
• good communication skills
• good organizational skills
• valid standard first aid and CPR certification
• no transcript required with your application

Special job requirements:

• Class 4 Driver’s license

Bulleted cover letter

Student name Phone: 250-555-5555    Email: [email protected]

May 1, 20XX

I recently attended a Co-op and Career Fair open to students in the Bachelor of Commerce program, and was impressed by the breadth of public services offered by your company name

After reviewing the key objectives of the bureau and learning of the GoProject initiative, I understand the need for innovation in marketing this project. I am excited to be considered for the marketing analyst position. I am a strong academic performer with comprehensive training in research and marketing and the high degree of professionalism and technical skills required to support your team in its goals.

As a student leader with more than three years’ experience in marketing, I can offer:

• familiarity with marketing principles and personal management, demonstrated by my success in several university-level marketing courses while working part-time
• ability to produce marketing materials, both online and in print
• creative and innovative thinking with experience running a small community-based arts collective
• strong research and analytical skills, developed through case competitions and volunteer experience with Researchers Ltd.
• significant experience with standard marketing tools (Adobe Creative Suite, HubSpot, Hootsuite) and statistical/database software (SPSS, Excel, Access)

As a self-motivated business student with a genuine interest in the GoProject, I look forward to sharing my strengths in an organization devoted to providing quality services to all the constituents in BC. I meet all of the funding criteria outlined in the position description and am available to begin immediately.

Thank you for considering my application, and I look forward to hearing from you.

Kind regards, Student name

• state why the company interests you and how your skills and experience would be an asset

The bulleted cover letter refers to the following job posting:

Position: Marketing Analyst Employer: Employer name Address applications to: Employer name

This position reports to the senior marketing analyst with the employer name responsible for the GoProject Initiative and will provide general support to that role including such activities as:

• working with the team to develop a comprehensive marketing plan for the GoProject Initiative
• researching past marketing practices and best practices in other jurisdictions
• analysis of survey and test marketing results using database software (Excel/Access)
• development of marketing materials using a variety of media

Candidate qualifications:

• demonstrated interest in marketing field
• basic research skills
• strong Excel skills, familiarity with other statistical/database management software an asset
• familiarity with any marketing software would be an asset

Prospecting letter

A prospecting letter is also known as a letter of interest. It is sent to potential employers who may be hiring but who haven’t listed a specific job opening.

Employer name Employer title Employer organization

Dear Mr. Scott,

I could not pass up the opportunity to inquire about a potential employment opportunity at the National Judicial Institute. I am presently enrolled in the Master of Arts in Public Administration program at the University of Victoria. In my attached résumé, you will see I have a proven ability to design, plan and lead high-impact programs. I possess the organizational and administrative acumen needed to translate a strategic vision into a results-producing action plan. In addition, I am motivated and enthusiastic and would appreciate the opportunity to contribute to your organization’s success.

With strong communication skills and a dynamic presentation and public speaking style, let me note that one of my greatest strengths is my ability to build relationships within and outside an organization. My experience working with community groups is as extensive as it is diverse. As a consultant and program manager, I was often tasked with the administration, development and implementation of strategies to assist or improve various programs, using my natural ability to establish consensus among cross-functional lines.

Key competencies:

• proven ability to design, plan and lead high-impact training programs and curriculum and possess the necessary organizational and administrative acumen to translate a strategic vision into a results-producing action plan
• strong interpersonal skills including listening, communication and mediation skills
• manage the creation and development of training programs and materials and evaluation systems to meet the needs of internal and external stakeholders
• continuously capitalize on best practices and lessons learned in order to optimize use of available resources and ensure the key program objectives are met
• demonstrated ability to communicate at all levels of an organization
• advanced ability to think conceptually and strategically, through understanding and analyzing complex situations or problems, identifying patterns or connections and developing innovative solutions in an environment of change

I am goal oriented, driven and not afraid of hard work. I will follow up to see if we can arrange a meeting in the future.

Writing your cover letter

A general cover letter that doesn’t address the particular job posting won’t cut it. You need a cover letter that addresses the employer’s needs.

Steps to writing a cover letter

• Assess the needs of the organization and how you can bring value. For help with this, see how to deconstruct a job posting .
• Choose your format and write your first draft.
• Get feedback and make revisions.
• Proofread and submit your cover letter.

Cover letter tips

• Gather background research on the organization and address your letter to a specific person if possible (or use “Dear Hiring Committee” if you don’t have a contact name). You can do a web search for the employer to see if they've been in the news recently.
• Explain why you’re writing by mentioning the job and organization by name.
• Identify what interests you about the job and describe how you can add value.
• Use detailed examples to describe your accomplishments and qualifications. It’s not enough to say that you have the skills; employers want to know how and when you’ve used them.
• Tailor your cover letter to the job posting by addressing the specific responsibilities of the position and the skills you can bring.
• Use fewer words and make each statement count. 
• Use professional language, correct spelling, punctuation and grammar.
• Use the action verbs list  to find strong action words.
• Use a writing style that’s clear, straightforward and genuine.
• Thank the organization for considering your application and state that you're interested in learning about next steps.

This website stores cookies on your computer. These cookies are used to collect information about how you interact with our website and allow us to remember your browser. We use this information to improve and customize your browsing experience, for analytics and metrics about our visitors both on this website and other media, and for marketing purposes. By using this website, you accept and agree to be bound by UVic’s Terms of Use and Protection of Privacy Policy . If you do not agree to the above, you must not use this website.

Career Center

Faculty/Staff

• Career Center Home
• Career Center Staff

SAS Building - Room 258 3536 Butte Campus Drive, Oroville, CA 95965

Phone: (530) 895-2280

Email: [email protected]

Follow on social media

Content Editor: Brian Donnelly 530-895-2280

Your Career Journey Starts Here...

Not sure what to major in or what career path to pursue?  Are you interested in finding work experience or learning about career opportunities within your major? Our staff are here to support you in exploring your options and help create a plan to set you on your path to success!

Book an Appointment: [email protected]   (530) 895-2280

On-Campus Partner Agencies

• Funding for tools, equipment, and uniforms for many career programs.
• Funding for interview clothing and work clothing 
• Funding for tuition, books, supplies, transportation expenses, etc.
• Paid internships with accommodations 
• Funding for childcare, books, transportation expenses, etc.
• County-related case management services, and MediCal and CalFresh assistance 

Cover Letter Examples for Students and Recent Graduates

The Balance / Luyi Wang

• Cover Letters
• Skills & Keywords
• Salary & Benefits
• Letters & Emails
• Job Listings
• Job Interviews
• Career Advice
• Work-From-Home Jobs
• Internships

What to Include in Your Cover Letter

College graduate cover letter example, student / recent graduate cover letter templates, student and recent graduate cover letter samples, how to write a cover letter, cover letter format and presentation tips.

If you're a student or a new grad, you may not have much experience in the workforce. This can make building a resume and writing a cover letter challenging. After all, if you haven't worked previously, what information can you include in these two documents?

Fortunately, on-the-job experience is not the only thing that shows your abilities. Here's guidance on what to include in your resume and cover letter, along with cover letter examples and cover letter templates are designed especially for high school students, as well as for college students and recent graduates seeking employment.

Academic Achievements and Extracurricular Activities

You can mention volunteer work, academic achievements, participation in clubs or activities (particularly those in which you held leadership roles), and internships. Your academic background is also an asset. Include details that are relevant to the position you want (use the job description as your guide to the qualities and training the employer seeks).

GPA and Honors

If you are an honors student with a GPA higher than 3.5, it is a good idea to mention this on a cover letter as well, along with any honors societies you have been inducted into.

Skills and Abilities

Other things you can mention are soft skills—interpersonal “people” skills like creative thinking, communication, teamwork, or time management that will help you to adapt easily to the people and clients or customers you will be working with.

Your goal in this cover letter is to show how you would be an asset to the company, describing the skills you bring that would allow you to perform well in the position.

Below, you'll find a list of student cover letters, listed by position and level of experience, to help you develop your own cover letter. 

Watch Now: 7 Tips for Finding Your First Job

You can use this sample as a model to write a college graduate cover letter. Download the template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online), or read the text version below.

College Graduate Cover Letter Example (Text Version)

Lucy Applicant 123 Main Street Anytown, CA 12345

555-555-5555 lucy.applicant@email.com

October 18, 2021

Eric Lee Media Director Kansai Collaborative Arts 123 Business Rd. Business City, NY 54321

Dear Mr. Lee:

I am writing to you to express interest in the graphic design position as advertised on Indeed.com. As a recent graduate with experience in 3-D animation software and the Adobe suite of software, I believe I am a strong candidate for a position at Kansai Collaborative Arts.

 During my time at the University of Northern State, I was awarded the top prize in the student design competition for my version of an app that would allow students to learn Japanese characters on their own time.

In addition to graduating with a 3.75 GPA, I spent a semester at a university in Japan, and I have strong conversational skills in the Japanese language. I believe this would be an asset, as I know your studio does a lot of collaborations with major design studios in Japan.

 Although I am a recent college graduate, my maturity, artistic skills, ability to work with others, and knowledge of the Japanese language and culture will make me an asset to your studio.

 I have enclosed my resume and will email you within the next week to see if we can arrange a time to speak further. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Signature  (hard copy letter)

Before you can begin writing your cover letter, it's important to know the guidelines governing these letters. Unlike a casual email to a friend, there are set standards for how to greet recipients, organize the letter's content, and much more. That's where templates can help: they allow you to know what information to put where, and they help you format your letter correctly. Review the templates below: 

• Cover Letter Format
• Cover Letter Template
• Email Cover Letter Template
• Email Cover Letter Sample
• Cover Letter Sample: General
• Cover Letter Sample: Block Format
• Microsoft Word Cover Letter Templates

These lists of cover letters include both general examples that will help you format your letter, as well as sample cover letters used to apply for specific positions, such as roles as a nanny or a marketing assistant.

Do not copy these sample letters—instead, use them as a guide to help you know what kind of information to include, and how to format your letter. 

Entry-Level Cover Letters

Have a look at these samples to see how best to present your experience when applying for an entry-level job.

• Entry Level Inquiry Letter
• Cover Letter Sample: Entry-Level

Student Cover Letters

As a student, the information you should emphasize in your cover letter will vary depending upon your level of education. Here are examples of effective cover letters created for students at the high school, college, and graduate levels.

• Recent College Graduate Sample #1
• Recent College Graduate Sample #2
• Response to Job Posting
• College Senior
• Graduate Student
• Networking Letter

Job-Specific Cover Letters

These cover letter samples target specific career fields. They demonstrate how to incorporate industry-specific keywords into your narrative.

• Email Cover Letter - Psychology Job
• Internship Cover Letter
• Finance Internship Program
• Entry Level Marketing

Cover Letters for Summer and Part-Time Jobs

Being able to write an enthusiastic and informative cover letter will set you apart from your competition when you apply for summer or part-time jobs while you’re still in school.

Make sure you send your cover letter and resume as soon as possible after a job is announced—these opportunities are snatched up quickly.

These samples can be modified to both summer and part-time work.

• Part-Time Job
• Summer Assistant Job
• Email Summer Job
• Summer Job #1
• Summer Job #2
• Summer Job Email Message
• Camp Counselor
• Email Editorial Assistant
• Sales Associate
• Summer Camp

This guide to writing a cover letter will walk you through everything you need to know to write a cover letter, including what to include in the letter, how to write it, and the proper cover letter format. Plus, find out about how to write a targeted cover letter and browse through additional cover letter samples and examples.

Here are cover letter tips and techniques for writing top-notch cover letters to send with your resume, including information about cover letter format and presentation, choosing a type of cover letter, writing custom cover letters, and cover letter examples and templates.