Traditionally, cover letters and resumes focus on your education and experience. However, if you are just finishing high school, you may feel like you don't have enough information to compose a good cover letter. Regardless of whether you are applying for an internship, an after-school job or college, you can write a strong cover letter without lies or exaggeration. The trick is to focus on what you are applying for, and what you have done that qualifies you for the position.
Difficulty:Moderately Easy
Instructions
1
Write a list of requirements that come with the position you are applying for. A newspaper internship might require computer and editorial skills, a job at a restaurant callsl for an understanding of customer service, and colleges are interested in students who have held leadership roles in clubs and organization.
2
Open a new Word document. Center the text and type a header that includes your name, address, phone number and email address. Use a professional or school email address that doesn't have a funny name, as that doesn't give the impression of a responsible person.
3
Double-space and left-justify the text, then type the name of the recipient, his company or organization and its phone number and address.
4
Double-space and type a salutation, addressing the recipient by name. Type your introduction paragraph of two or three sentences. Explain who you are and why you are writing this cover letter. The recipient should know from your first paragraph what you are applying for.
5
Double-space and type the middle paragraph. Use your list from Step 1 as a reference as you attempt to make a connection with the recipient and prove to her that you qualify for the position. Point out specific qualities the recipient is looking for, and explain how you have proven yourself to possess those qualities, which could be anything from your grades, awards, volunteer work or extracurricular activities.
6
Double-space and type the closing paragraph. Restate what makes you believe that you're the best person for the position, and explain how you will be contacting the recipient to move on to the next step in the process. Thank him for his time, and end with a formal salutation ("Sincerely") and your name. Sign your name on the printed cover letter between the salutation and your typed name.