FIRST EXAMPLE:
Dear Mr. Sherman:
I am applying for the **** position at Sherman Communications and Marketing, Inc. As a fourth year political science major at the University of ****, I am interested in media studies and public relations. Through coursework at the **** School of Economics, I increased my understanding of global markets and their effect on mass media and communications. My strong writing background, experience, and character make me a strong candidate for this exciting position.
(SPELLS OUT HER BACKGROUND, STRENGTHS AND DESIRE FOR THE GIG.)
I have familiarized myself with basic public relations techniques and resources through my internship with **** Communications. At Sherman Communications, I would like to expand upon that basic knowledge and move my communications focus toward business and marketing.
(SPEAKS TO HER INTERNSHIP AND DESIRE TO EXPAND / GROW HER SKILLS.)
I believe that Sherman’s size and excellence will allow me to develop skills through hands-on experience. My **** Fellowship at the **** provided me with a similarly intimate opportunity. Additionally, my investigative journalism experience will provide a creative edge to my working style. At the ****, I worked with Centre journalists and operatives to keep the media, law enforcement, and general public informed about the activities of the ****. Through undercover research and intelligence gathering, I was able to amass significant information on some of the most popular and dangerous members of the **** movement, and write analysis on their role in race relations, government, and media.
(PROVIDES STRONG EXAMPLES OF HER EXPERIENCE AND IMPACT SHE MADE.)
If chosen for a position with Sherman, I will be determined to test and further develop the personality traits that will help me grow in the public relations industry. My experience with the University of **** team has required leadership, compromise, and teamwork. As a delegate, I researched an international problem, formulated a resolution that would best serve the country I was representing, compromised with other delegates, and finally sold the solution to an entire committee. It was my problem solving, networking, and debate skills that earned me the award of best delegate on the **** at the ****. Additionally, my leadership abilities have earned the respect and trust of my team mates: even while abroad at the **** School of **** for the **** academic year, I was appointed **** for the team’s annual college-level conference in ****, and selected as chair of Disarmament and International Security, the high school level conference’s largest committee.
(OFFERS ADDITIONAL EXAMPLES WHY SHE’S SMART, DRIVEN, REGARDED AND CAPABLE.)
My diverse background, work ethic, and interpersonal skills will add positively to the climate and productivity of your firm. I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to discuss this position further. Thank you in advance for your consideration.
(SUMMARIZES HER STRENGTHS, CONFIDENTLY ASKS FOR INTERVIEW.)
SECOND EXAMPLE:
Hello Jason,
I am writing to you to inquire about the Public Relations and Marketing Associate position. After learning about your background and the clientele at Sherman Communications, I believe this would not only be a great fit, but a fantastic opportunity. As a recent graduate of **** University, my involvement and internship experience in the past show that I am not afraid to be challenged. I think my drive and experience would make me a valuable player at your agency.
(SPEAKS TO HER OVERALL STRENGTHS, EXPERIENCE AND DESIRE FOR THE JOB.)
During my first week as an intern at the **** **** Zoo in ****, a snowy owl was hit by a bus and brought to the Zoo for emergency care. Out of place amongst the city buildings, this owl had become a mini celebrity amongst **** natives. So, the media was a franticly contacting our facilities to check on her status. I dove in head first, being put in charge of interviewing Zoo staff and writing a press release with a short deadline of less than an hour. My drive and ability to produce strong content within minutes proved my value.
(USES A GREAT EXAMPLE TO ILLUSTRATE HER BEING TRUSTED BY MGMT. AND QUICKLY ADD VALUE.)
From there I was trusted with supervising media interviews around the park, creating science heavy website content, and implementing numerous social media series, including a Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram collaboration with the **** about the **** trip to Chengdu Panda Base. At Sherman Communications, you expressed a need for someone who is driven. My time at the **** Zoo showcases that I am ready to tackle whatever task is given to me, and perform it to the best of my ability.
However, to be effective in this industry I have learned that it is not only skill, but also passion, that make you a valuable player. From communicating healthy living and improving patients lives at ****, to being a cheerleader for local businesses at **** and creating massive media coverage for these businesses, my love and dedication to each mission is what helps craft my messaging.
(WISELY TIES PASSION, A KEY ELEMENT OF MY AGENCY’S PHILOSPHY, INTO HER NARRATIVE.)
I know at Sherman Communications you have a large hand in the health care industry, and my past dedication with **** can benefit your clientele and to your agency. At **** I was able to gain a vast knowledge of the health care industry by analyzing other corporations’ press releases, and providing recommendations to senior vice presidents amongst the communication department on how **** could improve its communications. In addition, I also managed one of the PR firms that worked for our department, and served as the lead point person for social media strategy.
(DID HER HOMEWORK TO KNOW AND SPEAK TO HER EXPERIENCE IN ONE OF OUR BIGGEST INDUSTRIES – HEALTHCARE.)
For me, public relations is not just a major that I picked up in college. Through my deep and early involvement in the field, it has become my passion and dream career.
(STRONG REINFORCEMENT THAT SHE’S FOR REAL / CARES ABOUT THIS FIELD.)
I would be honored to learn from your agency, and in return I can guarantee a dedicated, driven and passionate employee who will always give beyond 100 percent.
(NICE CLOSER. WHO DOESN’T WANT A EMPLOYEE WHO “GUARANTEES” DEDICATION, DRIVE AND TO GIVE 100 PERCENT?)
Attached I have provided my resume, a list of references, a recommendation letter from the **** director at the **** Zoo, and three writing samples. If you have any questions, please call me at 708-601-3593 or ****.
(PROVIDES ALL THE PIECES REQUESTED IN THE JOB LISTING.)
Thank you for your consideration and have a happy Wednesday!
