how to write a cover letter for student affairs

• Cover Letter

Cover Letters: Explained

A cover letter or letter of application accompanies a resume when you apply for a position. This should be tailored to the position and highlight your skills and experiences as well as your interest in the position.

This is your chance to show your enthusiasm and highlight some qualities that may not be readily present on your resume. Show your individuality and make an impression before a recruiter sees your resume.

Contents of a Cover Letter

There are certain elements that should be included in an effective cover letter.

Make sure to include your complete contact information at the top of the letter. See the Model of a Cover Letter PDF example to see how to format this correctly .

Address the letter to the person who has the power and ability to hire you. Take time to look up a contact via the organization's website or in the posting. Avoid sir, madam, or to whom it may concern.

Keep the letter to one page and avoid using too many 'I' statements.

State the position to which you are applying.

Indicate how you learned about the position.

Target your letter and focus on the organization's needs. Use key information included in the position, research the organization using their website, and use one of the online resources in the Career Resource Center to research organization specifics.

Highlight your qualifications in relation to the position description.

Draw on your experiences and site-specific examples.

Do not repeat what is already on your resume.

Incorporate keywords included in the job description.

Let the reader know how you will contribute to the position.

Restate your interest in the position.

Push for a follow-up and indicate your ability to be available for an interview.

Make follow-up easy and restate your phone number and email address along with the best times to be contacted.

Express appreciation for their time and consideration.

Close with sincerely, respectfully, etc.

Use a handwritten signature or a digital version of one.

Include your typed formal name below your signature.

Formatting a Cover Letter

Make sure to use complete sentences and paragraphs when crafting your cover letter. Bullet points included in the Model of a Cover Letter below are designed to show content outlines and show not be used as a way to format a formal letter.

• Model of a Cover Letter Sample

Sample Cover Letter

Use these samples to get started formatting your own cover letter. Make sure to tailor each and every cover letter to maximize the effect.

• Internship Cover Letter Sample
• Full-Time Position Cover Letter Sample

Review, Review, Review

Take time to draft and review your cover letter several times before using it in an application. Meeting with a career counselor to review your letter helps to make sure your points are concise and easy to understand while helping to avoid grammatical and spelling errors.

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Cover Letters

What is a cover letter?   A cover letter is often your earliest written contact with a potential employer, creating a critical first impression. A cover letter should complement, not duplicate, your resumé. Its purpose is to interpret the data-oriented, factual resumé — and add a personal touch.

Are cover letters necessary?

The increasing popularity of faxed, emailed, and web-based resumés have people wondering if cover letters remain a relevant tool in today's job search. Generally, a cover letter should accompany   each   resumé. The cover letter allows you to demonstrate your ability to write and offers the first statement of why you feel you should be hired. 

What is the best way to email a cover letter?

If an employer requests that you send your cover letter and resumé via email, you have several alternatives. You can:

• Send your cover letter and resumé as attachments (e.g., Microsoft Word documents)
• Copy your cover letter into the body of your email message and attach your resumé
• Cut and paste your cover letter and resumé into the body of your email message (which eliminates your formatting)

Articles of interest

• Cover Letter Samples
• Cover Letter Workshop   (from Purdue University Online Writing Lab)
• How to Write a Knock 'em Dead Cover Letter
• 50 Cover Letter Examples
• Free Cover Letter Tutorial
• Top 21 Cover Letter Tips [to Land the Job!]

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Stand Out Through Your Cover Letter

A cover letter is your opportunity to demonstrate to an employer your fit and enthusiasm for the role. Simply by taking the time to write a tailored cover letter, you are showing the employer that you are an eager applicant. A well-written cover letter will show the employer how your experience and skills connect with the job description.

• Tailor your letter to the position.  Each cover letter should be tailored to the position and organization to which you are sending it. Keep in mind that the cover letter is often a prospective employer’s first impression of you. 
• Be clear. Your cover letters should clearly and succinctly connect 2-3 of your key qualifications to the job description. 
• Show, not just tell.  Use specific examples to show the employer how you gained each qualification.
• Keep it short. Your cover letter should be no longer than one page and should include your contact information at the top, the date, and the organization’s address. 
• Proofread. Proofread your letter multiple times to make sure there are no typos and that details such as the organization name and position title are correct. Have your cover letter reviewed by 1-2 others for both content feedback and another layer of proofreading.
• Artificial intelligence (AI) tools, such as ChatGPT, can be used to enhance your cover letter.  Read our  best practices  for appropriately leveraging AI in your application materials.

How to Write a Strong Cover Letter

Though each cover letter should be tailored to the position and organization to which you are sending it, every letter will contain the same components. The goal is to motivate the reader to invite you for an interview and the best way to do that is to write a unique letter that focuses on that specific position and organization. That said, you will likely be able to reuse examples across letters.

Follow the steps below to write a strong cover letter.  Use this worksheet  to help you plan and develop your resume content. 

1. Review the Job Description

Reviewing and gaining a strong understanding of the job description will help you write a tailored cover letter. Highlight the key skills or qualifications they are seeking that align with your strengths. Ask yourself:

• What skills and qualifications are required for the position?
• Are there key phrases in the job description, organizational mission, or other materials from the company that seem to show up over and over?

Choose 2-3 of those skills or qualifications to highlight in your cover letter.

2. Add Your Header

As this is a professional letter, the header should include your contact information, the date you are sending or submitting your letter, and the recipient’s address block. You may cut and paste the header from your resume to make it look like a personalized letterhead.

Ideally, you would address the letter to the name of the hiring manager, but if you are unable to get a specific name, you may address the letter to “Dear Hiring Manager”. As this is a formal business letter, you will typically address it to the recipient’s title and last name (e.g. “Dear Dr. Brown”)

• If you do have a name but aren't sure of the person's gender or pronouns, we recommend that you include both the first name and the last name in your greeting without a title that reveals gender. (e.g. “Dear Pat Brown”) 
• Even if you know the name and gender of the person to whom you are writing, think carefully about what title you use. If the person has an M.D. or a Ph.D., you should address your letter to “Dr. Lastname.” 
• When you address a cover letter to a female employer, use the title “Ms.”, a general title that does not denote marital status.

3. Write an Introductory Paragraph

The introductory paragraph sets the tone for the letter and should cover the following:

• Explain why you are writing and how you heard about the opening (if applicable). Mention the job title by name. If you have a personal connection to the organization, mention that person’s name.
• In 1-2 sentences, demonstrate your knowledge of the organization and why you want to work there. Based on your research, what is something unique about this organization that appeals to you? 
• Convey your excitement and genuine interest in the organization and the opportunity to work for them.
• Briefly explain why you are a good match—the skills/experiences you bring that you will elaborate on in the next couple paragraphs.

4. Write 2–3 Body Paragraphs

Your body paragraphs will cover the 2-3 skills or qualifications you identified in step 1. This is where you will spend the most time creating content.

Using examples from your resume (without repeating your resume verbatim), tell a brief story about the experiences that best qualify you for the role. Through this content and by using keywords from the job description, the reader will be able to imagine what your working style, skill set, and characteristics might look like in their workplace.

The key here is to directly connect your skills and experience to the role. The more you make these connections for the reader, the less work they will have to do to see that you are a good fit for the role.

5. Write a Closing Paragraph and Sign Off

The closing paragraph is the simplest to write and consists of "call to action" language. To begin the paragraph, restate in one sentence your enthusiasm for the role and how you can add value to their organization. Then write out your calls to action:

• Share how they can contact you (email, phone, etc.)
• Politely request an interview
• Thank the employer for their time
• Let them know to refer to your attached resume 

Following the last paragraph is the closing salutation, often using phrases such as “Sincerely” or “Regards”. Sign the letter with your full name.

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Cover Letter Writing Editable Worksheet

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• Education, Nonprofit, and Social Impact
• Government, Law, and Public Policy
• Healthcare, Nursing, and Counseling
• Science, Technology, and Engineering

Formatting Your Cover Letter

Your Street Address City, State, Zip Code Date Name of Person, Title Company/Organization Street Address City, State, Zip Code Dear _______: Introduction: Explain why you are writing and how you heard about the opening (if applicable). Mention the job title by name. If you have a personal connection to the organization, mention that person’s name. In 1-2 sentences, demonstrate your knowledge of the organization and why you want to work there. Based on your research, what is something unique about this organization that appeals to you? Convey your excitement and genuine interest in the organization and the opportunity to work for them. Briefly explain why you are a good match—the skills/experiences you bring that you will elaborate on in the next couple paragraphs.

2-3 Body Paragraphs: Cover the 2-3 skills or qualifications you identified from the job description. This is where you will spend the most time creating content. Using examples from your resume (without repeating your resume verbatim), tell a brief story about the experiences that best qualify you for the role.

Closing: Restate in one sentence your enthusiasm for the role and how you can add value to their organization. Then write out your calls to action (share how they can contact you, politely request an interview, thank the employer for their time, and refer them to your attached resume.) 

Sincerely, Your Name Enclosure / Attachment

Career Field-Specific Cover Letter Tips

Creative fields.

If you are applying with a creative resume, your cover letter should also have a creative look consistent with your resume. Consider using the same heading as your resume and the same fonts and colors.

When applying to positions in the federal, state, or local government, make sure that you research the government agencies for which you’re applying so that you can highlight your enthusiasm and commitment to the agency’s mission in your cover letter.

Similarly, if you’re applying to work with a representative (congressperson, state senator, etc.), it is important to communicate your interest in and commitment to supporting the representative’s policy initiatives.

School leaders want to know why you are a good match with their school. It may be that the mission statement of the district resonates with your teaching philosophy or style; or you could focus on grade-level learning software or systems that you have experience with. 

While your resume tells an employer what you have taught and what principles guide your practice, the cover letter offers a better opportunity for you to convey how you teach and how you interact with students in the classroom.

A narrative about a positive classroom experience can make for compelling reading! Be sure to focus on the positive outcomes for your students.

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Division of student affairs, creating a winning cover letter.

• Keep It Short. The ideal cover letter is roughly a half-page to a page in length. A concise letter demonstrates that you are focused and have strong communication skills.
• State The Position and Your Source. The recruiter who reads your letter may be hiring for several positions. Clearly state the job title in the first paragraph of the letter, preferably in the first sentence, and how you learned of the position.
• Personalize Each Letter and Explain Why You Want The Job. Always answer, “Why do I want to do this work?” and “Why do I want to work for this organization?” Clearly state how the position fits into your overall career plans and what you find exciting about the particular position or company. Take the time to research each organization and personalize each letter. This approach is much more effective than sending out hundreds of identical form letters.
• Clearly Describe Ways You Will Contribute – Not How You Expect To Benefit. After carefully reading the job description, write a paragraph outlining one or two specific examples of how your skills and experiences fit the company’s needs.
• Match, But Don’t Reiterate, Your Resume. Never claim experience in your cover letter that isn’t reflected on your résumé. At the same time, your cover letter shouldn’t simply restate your résumé. When you explain how you will contribute, refer to an experience or skill on your resume to show how you will add value to the company.
• Focus on Your Strengths, Not Your Weaknesses. Even if you think the position is out of reach, your job is to convince the recruiter you are qualified. Keep the letter positive by focusing on your transferable skills and unique accomplishments.
• Minimize The Use Of “I”s. Don’t overuse “I”s in your document. Vary your sentence structure to keep the reader engaged.
• State How/When You Plan To Follow-up . Too many job seekers never follow up after sending a résumé. Clearly explain in your letter the manner in which you will follow up and when you will do so. If the job listing includes a phone number, indicate that you will call within a specified time to discuss the possibility of an interview. If not, consider calling anyway, unless the ad specifically requests “no calls.” You may also consider a follow-up e-mail if you sent your résumé electronically.
• Proofread. Using a spell check is not enough. Many recruiters will dismiss even the most qualified candidate if there is one typo. Reread your letter two or three times, then give it to someone else to review. Even if your letter is free of typos, poor grammar also makes a bad impression.
• Read Samples and Personalize . Read as many cover letters as possible and find ideas and wording that you like for your own letters.
• Never underestimate the power of correspondence in your job search. Your cover letter, in particular, is an important marketing tool which highlights your most attractive qualifications as a potential employee and, if well written, will often lead the employer to your résumé.
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Director Of Student Activities Cover Letter Examples & Writing Tips

Use these Director Of Student Activities cover letter examples and writing tips to help you write a powerful cover letter that will separate you from the competition.

Table Of Contents

• Director Of Student Activities Example 1
• Director Of Student Activities Example 2
• Director Of Student Activities Example 3
• Cover Letter Writing Tips

Director of student activities are responsible for developing and implementing programs that enrich the campus experience for students. They work with a variety of campus organizations to create and promote activities that engage the student body.

When you’re applying for this position, you’ll need to highlight your experience in student affairs and your ability to manage a team of professionals.

Use these examples and tips to write a cover letter that will help you stand out from the competition.

Director Of Student Activities Cover Letter Example 1

I am excited to be applying for the Director of Student Activities position at ABC University. I have more than 10 years of experience in student affairs and believe that my skills and passion for working with students would be a valuable addition to your team.

I have a proven track record of success in creating and implementing programs that engage students and help them connect with the campus community. I have also been successful in fundraising for student activities programs, which is an important component of the Director of Student Activities role.

Most recently, I was the Assistant Director of Student Activities at XYZ University. In this role, I was responsible for overseeing all aspects of the student activities program, including clubs and organizations, leadership development, and campus traditions. I also managed a budget of more than $200,000 and was successful in securing funding from a variety of sources.

I am confident that I have the skills and experience to be successful in the Director of Student Activities role at ABC University. I am eager to discuss how my qualifications would benefit your students and your campus community. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Director Of Student Activities Cover Letter Example 2

I am writing to apply for the Director of Student Activities position that was recently advertised on your website. I am confident that I have the skills and qualifications that you are looking for, and I am eager to put my experience to work for your organization.

I have over three years of experience in the field of student activities, and during that time I have successfully planned and organized a wide variety of events and programs. I have a proven track record of being able to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and meet deadlines. I am also an effective leader and team player, and I have a strong commitment to providing excellent customer service.

I am confident that I can be a valuable asset to your organization, and I look forward to the opportunity to discuss this position further with you. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Director Of Student Activities Cover Letter Example 3

I am writing to express my interest in the Director of Student Activities position at your college. I have extensive experience working with students and leading student organizations, which makes me a perfect fit for this position.

I have been working in the field of student activities for over 10 years. I started as a student leader myself, and I have since worked my way up to become an executive board member of several different clubs. I have also served as a faculty advisor to many clubs and organizations on campus. My experience has taught me how to work well with students of all ages and backgrounds, as well as how to lead them effectively.

My experience has also given me the opportunity to develop excellent communication skills. I have learned how to communicate effectively with people from all walks of life, including students, faculty members and staff members. I have also learned how to communicate effectively in both written and verbal forms. These skills will be very useful in my new role as director of student activities.

I would love the opportunity to meet with you in person so that we can discuss my qualifications in more detail. I am confident that my experience and skills will make me an asset to your team. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Director Of Student Activities Cover Letter Writing Tips

1. show your passion for the job.

When applying for a job as a Director of Student Activities, it’s important to show your passion for the job. This can be done by using phrases like “I’m excited” and “I’m passionate” in your cover letter.

2. Highlight your experience

One of the best ways to make sure your cover letter is tailored for a specific job is by paying close attention to the details of the position. For example, if you see that an entry-level job opening requires two years of experience in one type of activity and five years’ experience in another type, then highlight any relevant experience you have in those areas.

If there are any additional requirements or skills mentioned for that job, also list them on your application; this will help make it clear how you can meet their needs.

3. Tailor your letter to the job description

The best way to make sure your cover letter is tailored for a specific job is by paying close attention to the details of the position. For example, if you see that an entry-level job opening requires two years of experience in one type of activity and five years’ experience in another type, then highlight any relevant experience you have in those areas.

4. Proofread your cover letter

Proofreading your cover letter is the first step to landing an interview for a job as a Director of Student Activities. As with any position, it’s important to spell-check and double-check that there are no errors in your resume or cover letter. Otherwise, you risk being disqualified before the employer even sees your qualifications.

Mental Health Case Manager Cover Letter Examples & Writing Tips

Ski lift operator cover letter examples & writing tips, you may also be interested in..., vice president cover letter examples, nutrition manager cover letter examples & writing tips, property manager cover letter examples, facilities maintenance technician cover letter examples.

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Resumes and Cover Letters

Resources to help you write your resume, cover letter and other communications.

Telling your story is an essential component in working toward a fulfilling career path. Your story will be conveyed in many ways, both written and verbal, and is a great way to form a positive first impression to potential recruiters, graduate schools and other connections. Once you have utilized VMock, we encourage you to visit your Career Consultant to have your documents reviewed.

Your resume is one of the best marketing tools you can use in finding a career, and often one of the first things asked of you in the job or internship search process. This is your chance to convey your communication abilities, fit, skills, and strengths for the position you’re targeting. See the resources below to create a well-crafted resume.

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Cover Letters

Cover letters are another essential piece to telling your story through professional, written communication. Since your resume will describe your experience in detail, your cover letter will tell the reader exactly why you want the position and provide in-depth examples to back up your experiences.

Cover Letter Quick Tips  [pdf]

General Cover Letter Sample with Bullets [pdf] 

Sample Cover Letters by College (PDF Format)

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• College of Engineering - Graduate 
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• School of Computer Science - Undergraduate
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Online portfolios are a wonderful supplement to a standard resume, often showcasing the visual side of your story. They can be in many forms, including links to your work, visual representations, and videos.

Portfolio Quick Tips  [pdf]

Professional Communications

Aside from your resume and cover letter, there are other forms of communication that can enhance your story. Here are examples of letters and emails that may help you throughout your career.

Reference Letters & Lists Quick Tips  [pdf]

Declining an Offer Letter  [pdf]

Follow-Up Email  [pdf]

Job Acceptance Letter [pdf]

Request for Extension of Time  [pdf]

Response to Rejection Letter  [pdf]

Thank You Email [pdf]

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Cover Letter Writing Guide

A cover letter is a document sent with a resume to apply for a job or an internship. Cover letters are a way of introducing yourself to your potential employers. Typically one page in length, the cover letter will express your interest in the job and in working for that company.

The purpose of a cover letter is to attract the employer’s attention to your specific qualifications and skillset and to secure an interview.

Getting Started

There are three things to do as you write a cover letter for any job: research, personalize, and review.

Research : Once you have identified a position that interests you, conduct research on the company.

• What do you like about this organization?
• What do you dislike?
• Do their goals, ideas or mission statement match your own?

 Review the job description. Make sure you meet the requirements before you even apply.  

Your cover letter should include those requirements highlighted by the employer that match your skills. If they’re asking for a reliable, organized person who’s good with math, mention your math and organizational skills.

Personalize:

We recommend that you tailor your cover letter for each specific position and company. Each opportunity is going to ask for different qualifications, so make sure you customize your cover letter.

To personalize this letter, consider including industry keywords that showcase your knowledge of your career field. Address each cover letter to a specific person or use the terms Internship Coordinator or Employment Manager.

Finally, no two cover letters should be exactly the same. Taking the time to personalize your cover letter will improve your professional image.

We encourage you to carefully check that your cover letter is grammatically correct with no typographical errors. Proofread your own cover letter to ensure its accuracy. Spell check does not catch every error, so asking others to review your letter as well is critically important.

Cover Letter Checklist

___ I followed the standard format of: one page in length, easy-to-read font in size 10-12

___ I addressed the letter to a specific person or in a correct way if I don't know who I am writing to

• Gender neutral language (Dear John Smith instead of Dear Mr. Smith)
• Dear Hiring Manager (Not Dear Sir/Madam or To Whom it may Concern)

___ My cover letter is well written, easy to read, and free of grammatical mistakes

___ I have given specific examples of my qualifications and achievements that are most relevant to the position

___ I have expressed my knowledge of the company and my interest in working there

___ I personalized my letter with industry keywords so it is specific to the position/company

___ I included my contact information and asked for an interview

___ I thanked the reader

___ I signed my letter by hand

Cover Letter Samples

For ideas on how a cover letter should be formatted, see   Cover Letter Example 1   and   Cover Letter Example 2 .

See more examples of cover letters at   FirstHand.

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Cover Letters

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A Cover Letter is often required as part of the application process. If you submit one, it should sum up how your experiences fit the requirements of the position. A brief yet impactful cover letter can highlight your accomplishments and encourage the reader to want to learn more about you and what you can offer the organization!

Steps for Writing a Cover Letter

Key points in writing a Cover Letter (Can be the body of an email):

• Typically, three paragraphs

Paragraph 1

• Introduce yourself, briefly identify your academic and employment background, refer to the position, and explain how you heard about the position
• Can also be a letter of interest for future opportunities or that someone has recommended you for the job – give details about the referral

Paragraph 2

• Pick out qualifications from the job description and state how you have demonstrated them. Give specific examples of how your experience aligns with the requirements.
• Write that you have attached or included your resume

Paragraph 3

• Ask for further action and wrap up. An interview, meeting or discussion. Provide contact information and thank the reader.

Additional Resources

• How to Write a Cover Letter
• Four Types of Cover Letters with Samples

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Student Assistant Cover Letter

First Name Last Name San Francisco, CA | [email protected] | (415) 555-5555

August XX, 20XX

Billie Jean Hiring Manager, Events Management and Guest Services University of San Francisco McLaren 200 2130 Fulton St. San Francisco, CA 94117

Dear Billie Jean:

I am writing to apply for the position of Student Assistant within the department of Events Management and Guest Services. I am a sophomore at the University of San Francisco, majoring in Hospitality Management with a minor in Politics. Based on my passion for the hospitality and events industry and past experience I know I will be a great asset to the Events Management team.

After reading the qualifications for the job, I am confident that my experiences working as a server at Mel’s Diner and a barista at Starbucks have prepared me to contribute to the Events Management team. In both these roles I had to rely on my attention to detail to ensure orders were properly filled, special requests honored, and customers’ satisfaction remained high. Additionally, I used communication with my teammates to make sure that everything was operating smoothly and everyone was getting the support they needed. I am confident that my communication skills will also make me a great member of the EMGS team.

In addition to my hospitality experience, I possess an advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office, the assembly of audio and visual technologies, and administrative duties such as answering client emails and phone calls. Furthermore, my ability to lift up to 150 pounds will be vital in the assistance of breaking down or setting up of furniture.

My industry experience and academic background have prepared me well for this position, and I am excited to use my skills to support the daily events that make USF such a special place. I’ve included my resume for your consideration. Please feel free to contact me at your convenience to discuss my background as well as my qualifications for the role. Thank you for your time and consideration.

First Name Last Name