HOW TO USE YOUR COVER LETTER TEMPLATES ======================================== OVERVIEW -------- You now have 6 customizable cover letter templates: INTERNSHIP TEMPLATES: 1. Marketing/Communications - For marketing, PR, social media, content internships 2. Tech/Engineering - For software development, IT, engineering internships 3. Business/Finance - For business analysis, finance, accounting internships ENTRY-LEVEL TEMPLATES: 1. Marketing/Communications - For entry-level marketing, PR, content roles 2. Tech/Engineering - For junior developer, IT support, engineering positions 3. Business/Finance - For analyst, finance associate, business roles QUICK START GUIDE ----------------- STEP 1: Choose the Right Template - Pick the template that best matches the industry/role you're applying for - Internship templates emphasize learning and potential - Entry-level templates emphasize readiness to contribute STEP 2: Research the Company (15-20 minutes) Before filling out the template, gather: - Recent news, press releases, or product launches - Specific campaigns, projects, or initiatives they've done - Company values and mission statement - Name of the hiring manager (check LinkedIn, call to ask) - Their social media presence and recent posts STEP 3: Replace All Bracketed Information Look for text in [brackets] like: - [Your Name] - Replace with your actual name - [Company Name] - Replace with the specific company - [Hiring Manager Name] - Use the actual person's name - [Specific achievement] - Fill in YOUR specific examples STEP 4: Customize with Specifics DO NOT just fill in the brackets. Also: - Add company-specific details from your research - Include real numbers and metrics from your experience - Reference actual projects or campaigns they've done - Adjust examples to match the job description keywords STEP 5: Keep It Concise - Final length should be 250-400 words (internships can be shorter) - 3-4 paragraphs total - About 3/4 of a page when formatted STEP 6: Proofread Thoroughly - Read it out loud to catch awkward phrasing - Check that you changed ALL company names correctly - Verify all your facts and numbers are accurate - Ask someone else to review it - Check for typos (they kill applications instantly) CUSTOMIZATION TIPS BY SECTION ------------------------------ OPENING PARAGRAPH: ✓ Start with specific knowledge about the company ✓ Name the exact position you want ✓ Show you've researched their work ✗ Don't use generic "I am writing to apply for..." MIDDLE PARAGRAPHS: ✓ Use the CAR method: Challenge, Action, Result ✓ Include specific numbers and outcomes ✓ Connect YOUR experience to THEIR needs ✓ Show relevant skills from the job description ✗ Don't just list what you did - explain the impact CLOSING PARAGRAPH: ✓ Express genuine enthusiasm ✓ Thank them for their time ✓ Include a call to action (discuss further, interview) ✓ Provide contact information ✗ Don't be overly humble or apologetic COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID ------------------------- 1. Sending without customization - Templates are starting points, not final drafts 2. Wrong company name - Double-check every mention of the company 3. Generic examples - Make every example specific to you 4. Too long - Keep it under 400 words 5. Repeating your resume - Add context, don't duplicate 6. Apologizing for lack of experience - Frame everything positively 7. Focusing on what you want - Focus on what you offer them 8. Forgetting to proofread - Typos = instant rejection FINAL CHECKLIST BEFORE SENDING ------------------------------- □ All [bracketed text] has been replaced □ Company name is correct everywhere □ Hiring manager's name is spelled correctly □ Specific examples from YOUR background included □ Company-specific research incorporated □ Numbers and metrics included where possible □ Length is 250-400 words □ Proofread for typos and grammar □ Someone else has reviewed it □ Saved with professional file name: YourName_CoverLetter_CompanyName.pdf FORMATTING TIPS --------------- Font: Use Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman Size: 11 or 12 point Margins: 1 inch on all sides Spacing: Single-spaced with space between paragraphs File Format: Save as PDF to preserve formatting File Name: YourName_CoverLetter_CompanyName.pdf REMEMBER -------- Every cover letter should feel like it was written specifically for that company and role. The more you customize beyond just filling in brackets, the better your results will be. Good luck with your applications!