Get to the Interview: Cover Letter Samples

Please accept my attached resume in consideration for the announced graphic designer position. I am currently freelancing in Vietnam, but am confident that I would produce more and build new proficiencies as a member of a creative team.

In my current situation, I work closely with an international organization of medical aid workers to design their entire online structure and first printed report to the donor community. I provide continuity from start to finish for this young NGO that is spread around the world. Something I know is the challenge and satisfaction of designing for a client at the outset, when there is the largest creative freedom. Next month, when the twin projects have been completed, I would be happy to show you the result, as a sample of my latest print and web work.

Through my resume, I hope that you will see that my skills and background are complementary to the whole [design company] team. Thank you for reviewing my application with regard to this opening.

Usagi Johnson

2. Ms. Nguyen P***** D***:

Thank you for accepting my call and your email address. I wish to learn more about the international specialist that you are looking for.

I have been told that the position involves providing English editorial support to [organization's name]'s mission. As a media designer, language specialist and teacher I would hope to expand the volunteer role. Please see my attached resume in consideration for a face-to-face interview.

I am happy to provide references and past work samples to clarify my qualifications and interest in this opportunity.

Regards,
Usagi Johnson

3. Dear Director of Development O'D*****l:

Please accept my application for the position of Communications Manager, announced on Idealist.org. I am currently overseas, but am able to relocate as early as June. As a former educator, I would be eager and capable of working with students, while spearheading marketing media strategies.

I am the web, print, and communications specialist that fits the school's needs perfectly. I have relevant experience managing content in a variety of multimedia and written styles. In addition to being a design and content consultant, I have taught in high school and intensive college preparatory courses. Desktop publishing, journalism, and online interaction has been an interest since 1998, prompting me to design courses on internet communications and global reporting, as well as seminars on web design. Recently, I created products for an international women's health NGO, using a variety of professional design software. These include a 16-page bi-annual report; website for outreach and fundraising; and systems for internal communications, media, and project management. Given my familiarity with academia and desktop publishing, I am confident in my ability to collaborate with alumni, administrators and other stakeholders, bringing to light an effective and polished message.

For examples of my recent professional design, see [url]. Due to security issues, the contents of my most recent work cannot be released, although I am happy to discuss it broadly at your convenience. Thank you for reviewing my attached resume in regards to the opening of Communications Manager.

Regards,
Usagi Johnson

4. Dear Hiring Committee,

Please accept my application for the position of I***** C****** Specialist. [Company] employee and fellow teaching program alumnus, Ryan D******, brought the vacancy to my attention last night. After reading the job description online, I am confident that I would make a flexible and reliable resource for the department.

As an experienced freelancer and teacher, I have proven skills of self-direction, time management, and leadership in an academic setting. I am also familiar with providing client services, especially in the realm of communications and technology. As a member of the office support team, I would seek to apply these skills to expanding the role of this position.

I appreciate your consideration of my application and welcome the opportunity to discuss my candidacy in person.

Sincerely,
Usagi Johnson

5. Dear Mme M***,

Please accept my application in your search for an Associate Director of Communication, as posted on Idealist.org ([url]). I am actually an old student of the lycée. In the early 90s, my parents enrolled me in 5eme and 4eme. I moved away from New York after that, but I return this summer to follow my wife as she begins her graduate studies.

Even if I did not have a connection to the school, I would still apply for this position. As an experienced content developer, I have a wide range of communications skills. For the last two years, I have been selling my own creative services in Vietnam. Every project was different, but my clients relied on me most to edit, write and design. I enjoyed working on web and print publications and am proud of my skills as a graphic artist and designer. That is the first reason that this position interests me.

I am also enthusiastic about interacting with the constituents of the lycée. My first job following college took me overseas as a teacher. My main responsibility was at a high school, but I did have many opportunities to work with students, teachers, and parents at various middle and grade schools, too. Although I have been transitioning away from teaching, I have maintained a professional link to education institutions, including - most recently - Hanoi's United Nations International School.

I appreciate your consideration of my application and welcome the opportunity to discuss my candidacy. Please see my attached CV for more, including a link to my website and portfolio.

Sincerely,
Usagi Johnson