University of Colorado Denver

Cover Letters

Most employers require a cover letter in addition to a resume. For many, this letter is a way for hiring managers to gauge your writing skills and level of interest in the position. Be sure to describe your passion, fit, and personality. If emailing, you should attach your resume and use the body of the email as your cover letter.

All cover letters should:

• Explain why you are sending a resume.
  Don't make the reader guess what you are asking for; be specific: Do you want a summer internship, part-time, paid, etc.?
• Tell specifically how you learned about the position or the organization
  InternLink, a specific job website, a family friend who works at the organization. It is appropriate to mention the name of someone who suggested that you write.
• Call attention to your strengths related to the position
  Education, leadership, experience. Be specific. Use examples.
• Refer to information specifically requested in a posting that might not be covered in your resume, such as availability date, or reference to an attached writing sample.
• Reflect your personality, motivation, enthusiasm, and communication skills.

Cover Letter Template (pdf)
Sample Cover Letter (pdf)

Follow Up Letters

The thank you letter (or email) is one of the most commonly overlooked aspects of the job search, and can make a difference in the outcome. A post-interview thank you letter gives you the opportunity to reiterate your interest in the position, your enthusiasm for the company, and your skills related to the table.

It is also courteous to notify an employer in writing of your decision not to accept an offer.

Sample Follow-up Letters (pdf)