YI Summer: Cover Letter Workshop
Jul 21, 2014
YI participants decide on the best of three mock cover letters, July 2014. Photograph by Correna Cohen
Throughout the Youth Insights Summer Intensive program, we have been honing the skills we will need in the future as job applicants: the resume, interview, and cover letter. After focusing on the components of a strong resume and positive interview etiquette, we concentrated on our cover letters. We began by dividing into groups to assess three mock cover letters and determine which one was the best, the intermediate, and the worst.
YI participants unanimously vote on the worst of three mock cover letters, July 2014. Photograph by Correna Cohen
We all gathered back together to share our thoughts on which letters worked and why. Ultimately, we concluded that the most appealing cover letter possessed proper formatting, professionalism and seriousness, strong diction, and relevant information that connected back to the job description. Additionally, Youth Insights staff Hannie and Correna stressed an important point: that your cover letter should not simply be a reiteration of the experiences listed in your resume, but instead a way to further express and specify how your most relevant skills and experiences qualify you for the particular position you are applying for.
YI participants debate the middle mock cover letter, July 2014. Photograph by Correna Cohen
Next, Hannie and Correna led us in an activity in which we tried to apply what we had just learned in writing our own cover letters. We each had to select a job or internship description and write a cover letter for that position, based on our actual experience and aptitude. While some of the jobs and internships for college students and adults were difficult to write cover letters for, the activity was still extremely helpful, allowing us to practice “pitching” ourselves to potential employers. Hannie and Correna also gave us critiques that helped us strengthen our cover letters. Lastly, the activity was motivational, as almost all of the job and internship descriptions were related to the career interests we have explored throughout the YI Summer Intensive. It was a chance to see what jobs in those fields require in terms of experience and skill sets—something we will keep in mind as we move toward jobs of our own.
By Ian, YI Summer participant