How To…

Sample thank you notes:

Sample 2 (after informational interview/job shadow)

Sample 1 (after internship/job interview)

Following are some samples of the various kinds of correspondence (letter/email) that may be used in the internship/job search.  Take a look and create your own draft; then have it critiqued by XPD staff.  (Correspondence samples are posted using Adobe Acrobat.  If you are unable to view the cover letters, please use this link to download Adobe Acrobat Reader to your computer.)

Letters of Application –  A letter of application (or email) is often submitted with a resume or application.
Sample 1 – Letter of Application
Sample 2 – Email of Application
Sample 3 – Letter of Application (Healthcare-related)
Sample 4 – Letter of Application (Business-related)
Sample 5 – Letter of Application for Summer internship (Nursing)
Sample 6 – Letter of Application for Summer internship (Nutrition)
Sample 7 – Letter of Application for Summer internship (Actuarial)
Sample 8 – Letter of Application (Education-related)
Sample 9 – Letter of Application (Non-profit internship)
Sample 10 – Letter of Application (Graduate school)
Sample 11 – Letter of request for interview- Job & Internship Fair  

Whether you are applying for a job, graduate school, or a volunteer position you may be expected to provide 3 or 4 professional references. 

• It is a good idea to plan ahead about which professional references would serve you best. Find references from different areas in your life so organizations can hear a variety of your assets. For example, an applicant may want a reference from a professor in their major, a professor outside of their major, and one from their work experience.
  • Professors can usually write about your work and can often comment on your interpersonal skills. 
  • Supervisors or coaches have seen your practical skills and can comment on how you might fit into an organization or program.  
• Secure your references ahead of your application deadlines – ideally a month in advance.
• Make sure your references know what the organization or program expects from them. Consider including a link to the job description or program you are applying to, as well as your resume. 
• Once you secure your references, ask them to provide their preferred contact information:

Name
Job title
Work address
Work phone number
Work e-mail address

Send a thank-you note to the letter writer when the process is complete. 

Sample List of References

Letters of Recommendation:

Provide the person with a resume to review the activities you have been and are involved in and the skills/experience you would like highlighted. The more information you can provide them the better.

Make sure to provide your reference with a deadline and at least one month’s notice. Consider setting a deadline of a couple of weeks before the actual due date and then check back to make sure the letter was sent.