SOU CG 2024-24 DM Accessible - Flipbook - Page 17
Your street address
City, state and zip code
Phone number
Email address
Date
Mr./Ms./Dr./Prof. first and last name of person
Position or title
Name of organization
Street address of organization
City, state and zip code
Dear Mr./Ms./Dr./Prof. last name of addressee:
First Paragraph:
• Give the person a reason to read on. Give an overview establishing your qualifications and cite the position.
• Do not start with “My name is…”
• What’s important to mention? In general, experience in the field if you have it. Being a student at Southern
Oregon University is critical if you are applying for an internship, summer job or position in which the
organization is specifically targeting students. This will include most positions, but there are times when you may
want to de-emphasize your student status.
• If someone recommended that you write to a specific person, start with his or her name; for example, “Mark Smith
recommended…”
• Mention the reason for writing to that firm if the reason is compelling.
• Do not say that you are the ideal candidate if you cannot prove it.
Second (and Occasionally Third) Paragraph:
• Elaborate on your qualifications in the context of the position—you can mention relevant jobs, courses, etc.
Keep in mind the job description.
• Stress what skills and attributes you have to offer. Identify those parts of your experience (paid and unpaid) that
will be of interest to the employer. This can be done in either one or two paragraphs.
Final Paragraph:
• What’s the next step? Here’s where you thank the person. “Thank you, in advance, for your consideration” and
similar alternatives are fine.
• You can request an interview. There are many different ways (of varying levels of assertiveness) to handle this,
but they will not make an appreciable difference as to the outcome.
• If appropriate, you can tell the reader you will follow up. If you will be visiting that city, indicate the dates you
will be there.
Sincerely,
Your Name
CAREER GUIDE 2024–25
17
