Sample Cover Letter

456 College Hall
Normal, IL 67890

Ms. Jane Doe
Partner-In-Charge
Big Public Accounting, Inc.
123 N. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 12345

Ms. Doe:

I was referred to you by Mr. Dave Zbecki, a Partner with your New York office, who informed me that the Chicago office of Big Public Accounting is actively seeking to hire quality individuals for your Auditor Development Program.

I have more than two years of accounting experience, including interning as an Auditor last year with the New York City office of Ernst & Young. I will be receiving my BBA this May from Illinois State University, graduating Magna Cum Laude. I am confident that my combination of practical work experience and solid educational experience has prepared me for making an immediate contribution to Big Public Accounting. Having interned with a leading Big Six firm in the public accounting field, I understand the level of professionalism and communication required for long-term success in the field. My background and professional approach to business will provide your office with a highly productive Auditor upon completion of your Development Program.

I will be in the Chicago area the week of March 16. Please call me at 217-222-3456 to arrange a convenient time when we may meet to further discuss my background in relation to your needs. If I have not heard from you by March 9, I will contact your office to inquire as to a potential meeting date and time. I look forward to meeting you then.

Sincerely,
Tracy Q. Graduate

This type of cover letter will pay back far greater returns than the simple "introduction to me" letter that most people use. Remember that a successful cover letter is a marketing tool used to move your customer one step closer to buying your product. Customers do not buy features, they buy benefits. So make sure you drive home your benefit to the customer!

And keep in mind that many employers look to the cover letter as an example of your written communication skills. Resumes are often written and proofed by others, but cover letters are often yours alone. Make certain that your cover letter is spell-checked, grammar-checked, and proofed by someone other than yourself.

I realize that no matter how many times or ways I say it, people will lift the example letter on the previous page almost verbatim. If you do, you will be spotted as having used a canned letter. Take the time to do it right.