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This example is provided by the human resources department at Microsoft. The letter won its author a highly coveted technical internship.
Kathleen Campbell, a recruiter at Microsoft, reads hundreds of resumes. There's no shortage of candidates who want to work at one of the world's leading technology companies. Microsoft offers a number of 12-month internships each year in offices around Australia. The internships are designed for people who have just graduated and they are in business as well as technical roles. Competition is fierce, with hundreds of CVs received by the Microsoft recruitment team each week.
Here's what Kathleen Campbell says grabs her attention in cover letters from graduates.
- Not too short, not too long.
- Use bullet points, but not excessively.
- State why you chose this opportunity AND this employer.
- Spell check and align your letter.
- Provide all contact details including email.
- State your interests and achievements that set you apart from all other
applicants eg university awards, sporting interests etc.
- Presentation: it should look interesting.
- Don't exaggerate your experience.
- State your availability.
- Check your letter and attachment for viruses.
Here's the letter by Isabelle Coverdale which won her an interview — and the job! "This is a great letter. It's well written, highlights current projects and degree background and best of all, includes her technical skills. Isabelle also showed her motivation when she mentions what an invaluable experience she believes this would be," comments Kathleen.
Dear Sir/Madam
I wish to apply for the position of Technology Specialist Intern as advertised [publication] on [date]. I believe I would enjoy the challenge and the opportunity to learn provided by this position. I also recognise the invaluable experience that would be gained working with the largest name in the industry.
I am currently completing my Bachelor of Engineering (Electronics)/Bachelor of Information Technology (Computer Science) degrees at [university]. Over the past two years in particular, I have achieved an average Grade Point of 4.96 (on a 7 point ascending scale) in subjects completed. I have attained academic excellence in subjects involving large professional-style projects, communications, management and business skills.
My involvement in the operation of EESEC, the largest single-campus student society in Queensland, has strengthened my leadership, teamwork, problem-solving and decision-making abilities and has enabled me to acquire expertise in all facets of successful business administration. I believe that these factors, along with my broad information technology and engineering knowledge base, my extensive experience with the Microsoft suite of products and my personal skills such as initiative, creativity, adaptability and a willingness to learn will enable me to excel in the role of a Microsoft Intern.
Please find attached my resume and academic transcript. I would appreciate the opportunity of an interview and I can be contacted at the above addresses, on my home phone [telephone number] or via a message left on my paging service [number].
Yours faithfully
Isabelle Coverdale
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