Maxwell School Center for
CAREER DEVELOPMENT
Cover Letters
Cover letters introduce you and your resume to a prospective employer, demonstrate your writing ability,
and summarize why you believe you are right for a position. e letter should be one page maximum.
First Paragraph
• Convey your objective for the letter (full-time position or internship).
• Indicate how you found out about the opening.
• Describe why you are interested in that position at
that organization, along with your background and
qualications.
Second Paragraph
• Describe why you are a strong candidate by
expanding upon your experiences, jobs, academics,
skills, or personal traits.
• Provide examples of how you have demonstrated
the skills necessary for the job.
Third Paragraph
• Tie together your overall skills and experiences with
the particular position and organization.
• Demonstrate your knowledge of the skills necessary
for the job.
Closing Paragraph
• Re-emphasize your interest in the position and
organization.
• ank them for their time and consideration.
Providing salary information
Some employers will ask you to include your salary history or your salary requirements when applying for a
position. They do so for a variety of reasons. Regardless, it is in your best interest to give the employer the
information they seek. Provide at least a $10,000 range that meets your requirements based on research,
your experience, and the location. You may also simply state that your requirements are negotiable.
Tips
• Research the organization and position
carefully before you start writing, so you can
describe exactly why you are a good t.
• Emphasize aspects of your background that
best suit the organization and the position.
• Proofread carefully for grammar and
spelling.
• Keep sentences short and clear with strong
action verbs.
• Avoid starting sentences continuously with
“I” statements.
• Do not use the same cover letter for each
position. Customize each letter.
Electronic etiquette
• If applying by email, send a brief message
(about a paragraph) that explains your
background and states your interest in the
position. Then, attach your cover letter and
resume documents.
• Always save your cover letter and resume
as PDFs.
Sample Cover Letter
Use the professional
heading from your
resume on your cover
letter as well.
In your opening
paragraph, reference
the position you are
applying to, how you
became aware of
it, and why you are
interested in it.
Handwrite your signature and
type your name at the bottom of
your cover letter.
George Maxwell
202 Maxwell Hall | Syracuse, NY 13244 | gmax@syr.edu | 315.443.5453
Ms. Yolanda Martinez
Recruiting Specialist
Federal Reserve Board
Monday, January 1, 2019
To Ms. Martinez:
I am writing to express my interest in the Research Assistant position at the Federal Reserve
Board. I am struck by the leadership of the Federal Reserve Board in promoting research and
policies that create a healthy and stable nancial system for our nation and I would value the
privilege of partaking in that work.
My signicant experience in economic analyses and policy analysis have contributed to my
abilities as a researcher. As a research assistant in Political Science, I have gained valuable
skills in studying data and interpreting results to form relevant policy recommendations. My
work on several academic projects ranged from federal education tax credits to state alcohol
regulations afforded me the opportunity to experience a broad scope of policy research
involving numerous political, social and economic actors. Through that time, I learned the
necessity of understanding the complexity of economic and social issues as a foundation for
effective policy. Additionally, assisting in the Laboratory for Rational Decision Making
reinforced the importance of teamwork in accomplishing long-term research goals.
My academic career at the Maxwell School and at Cornell University have given me a strong
foundation for understanding complex economic systems and conducting research in related
elds. My coursework in public sector economics, microeconomics, quantitative analysis,
and forecasting provide me with the practical and analytical tools necessary to inform
innovative research and policy.
I am eager to apply the skills I have gained in my education and research experience as a
Research Assistant at the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. I would
welcome the opportunity to discuss my qualications with you further. Thank you for your
consideration.
Sincerely,
George Maxwell
Address your letter to
the proper recruiter
or hiring manager.
Otherwise you may
write “To Hiring
Committee.”
Provide concrete
examples of how you
have demostrated
relevant skills and
knowledge. Use
previous professional
experience, as
well as academic
experience.
Conclude by further emphasizing why you
are interested and qualied in the position.
Thank the employer for their time and
consideration.
