Cover Letter: Do's & Don'ts

It is about time that I begin writing and sending email to studios. So I decided to do a blog on how to write a successful cover letter. 

A Cover Letter, provides a host company with further details about an intern’s motivation and expectations of an internship. It should be well written as it is one of the few things that a host company will base their decision on whether to consider you further for a placement or not.

What to include 

 

Introduction

Explain why you are writing, making sure it entices the employer to read on.
 
Experience and personal skills showcase

Briefly explain your current job and, if applicable, qualifications (professional/academic). Don't give too much away or they may not want to go on and read your CV. If you are replying to an advert, make sure the skills you specified are reflected in your CV.

Draw attention to the relevant aspects of your experience; say what you learned and how it would be useful for the job or to the employing organization. Sell yourself on the basis of your personal qualities, making sure that these match the requirements of the job/role. Take the opportunity, if necessary, to explain any anomalies in your background, such as any time gaps. Perhaps explain how any hurdles you’ve encountered have helped you develop in a positive way.
 
The perfect team

Explain why you wish to work for this company and what you know about them. Demonstrate enthusiasm and evidence of research into such aspects as their successes, involvements, values or clients. Remember to research the firm fully by visiting its website or premises, using every bit of information you find to help improve your chances.
A positive sign-off

Lay down an action plan; say you would like the opportunity to meet them for an interview and that you will await their response, or that you'll call in a few days (you don’t have to leave the ball in their court but be careful that you don’t pester). Indicate your availability for interview.
 
DO:
 

• Address it correctly: Use the company name / supervisors name if you know it, if not keep it neutral.
• Write a structured letter: use paragraphs for new points and make it fluent and clear.
• Explain why you want to do an internship, which field you chose and why.
• Explain why you chose the company and what attracted you to them.
• Highlight what you can offer the company and point out your strengths and interests.
• Use professional and friendly language.
• Finish your letter with a brief mention that you would be happy to hear from the company (“I look forward to hearing from you”).
  Check your spelling.
• Mention your internship goals and your career goals.
• Show the link between your studies and the internship.
• Detail your availability and the duration of your internship.

DON’T:

• Write too much. One A4 page of 3 or 4 paragraphs should be enough.
• Use complicated sentence structures.
• Use too many “I’s” and “me”s.
• Talk about irrelevant topics (e.g. family, hometown, etc).
• State unrealistic expectations (e.g. “I want to be the manager”).