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Surefire Cover-Letter Technique:
New Graduate Success Stories

 

This article details one of the types of stories job-seekers can tell in a cover letter and provides examples of how to tell that type of story for job-search success.

 

Stories -- for New Graduates -- of How Your College Education has Prepared you for the Targeted Job.

 

New-grad stories don't have to be about just your classroom education, but your extracurricular activities, leadership experience, sports-team membership, internships, work-study jobs, and the full spectrum of your college experience, as in these examples:

Having dedicated a substantial section of my undergraduate thesis to examining tradable permits as a way to regulate carbon emissions, I share the Sierra Club's concern about global warming. As a recent graduate, I am looking to apply my knowledge in the real world.

 

As a student majoring in accounting at the University of Miami, I have gained significant knowledge in the accounting field. I understand that Baldwin wishes to hire someone who can develop an information system to track sales and inventory. I have developed several information systems related to customer orders using Microsoft Access, Microsoft Excel, and Visual Basic.

 

My recent experience and my classroom knowledge as an accounting major will benefit your company. As director of finance for an organization of 60 individuals, I functioned independently to reconcile bank statements and accounts receivable, billing accounts receivable, prepare accrual journal entries, generate financial statements, create an incentive program, and establish a computerized accounting system. Just as I achieved these goals effectively, I will be productive, proficient, and accurate for your company as well.

 

Through my internship with Blue Cross-Blue Shield I've fully deployed my marketing skills. I conducted a research study on the motivational behavior of the charitable donors by using communication skills and several business software programs. I have also successfully filled a local grocery store with campus faculty to participate in Celebrity Baggers during my first month as an intern.

 

As a computer lab assistant I gained invaluable hands-on experience in computer software problem-solving and was promoted to assist professors in coordinating and implementing technical software seminars. My effective interaction with the faculty led to my selection for a highly prestigious position as co-teacher of a university class designed to orient first-year students with college life. I took full responsibility for the theme, syllabus, class discussions, and lectures.

 

My resume shows that I'm a college student, but I am not a typical undergraduate. I am a highly motivated self-starter. I established a house-painting business to contribute to my college costs. As rush chairman of my fraternity, I was motivated to make my organization the best. While only eight new members were initiated the year before I took office, 22 new members pledged when I held the position. Nationals recognized this accomplishment when we received a special award for recruitment.

 

Return to main page of Surefire Cover-Letter Technique: Incorporating Stories

 

Purchase your copy today! Tell Me About Yourself: Storytelling to Get a Job and Propel Your Career

 

 

 

Quintessential Cover Letter Resources: Go to Cover Letter Resources for Job-Seekers, where you will find a collection of the best cover letter tools and resources for job-seekers, including articles, tutorials, samples, and more.

 

Maximize your career and job-search knowledge and skills! Take advantage of The Quintessential Careers Content Index, which enables site visitors to locate articles, tutorials, quizzes, and worksheets in 35 career, college, job-search topic areas.

 

 

 

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