Sample Three:
Capitalizing on my past accomplishments conducting policy analysis and program evaluations, I am
writing to express interest in serving the National Women’s Law Center as your next Policy Fellow. As
a recent MPP graduate from the Trachtenberg School at George Washington University, my rigorous
education and internship experiences have provided me with needed abilities to lead quantitative and
qualitative research projects. Bringing these qualities with me to the Policy Fellow role, I am confident in
my ability to contribute to your mission of creating innovative policy solutions that address the
challenges faced by women in this country.
Sample Four:
I will never forget being told to evacuate immediately as Hurricane Katrina was going to hit our campus at
Tulane University. I will also never forget the grateful faces of working class families when I volunteered
the following summer with Habitat for Humanity to rebuild their homes, and lives. This deeply felt
personal connection to disaster relief, along with progressive leadership roles in the field and main offices
managing emergency situations, would enable me to immediately hit the ground running as the
American Red Cross’ next Director of Strategic Initiatives.
MIDDLE PARAGRAPHS
Emphasize in each paragraph/bullet point a few targeted qualifications that demonstrate how
you are a good match for the position and the organization.
Highlight specific examples from previous positions that showcase how you acquired these
attributes and explain how you have utilized your skill sets to achieve results.
Elaborate on your story/experience. Do not just list your skills.
Use your resume for inspiration and to make sure it matches the story you tell in your cover
letter; however, do not just repeat your resume!
Sample One (Narrative Style):
Over the past six years, I have studied, trained, and worked on the same international globalization issues
that are being sought for this consultant position. My understanding of the rapid globalization of political
institutions and economies has been sharpened through professional experiences in Asia and Latin
America. I have built my quantitative and policy analysis skills to impact positive change within all global
sectors through graduate level courses. Most recently, one of my policy papers on the regional human
rights impact of China’s economic growth was selected for publication in the Trachtenberg School Policy
Perspectives Journal.
My current position as President of the Public Policy Student Association has given me the experience to
fulfill your company’s needs for a consultant that is both a leader and community builder. Setting and
exceeding a fundraising goal of $10,000 to help build a playground at a nearby school, I led a team to
recruit student donors at George Washington University. To reach this objective, I capitalized on good-
natured rivalry between two residence halls to create a competition-based fundraiser with prizes from
local vendors. I then supervised the construction, resulting in a playground that a local resident said made
her “proud to live in the neighborhood.”
In addition, I thoroughly enjoy devising creative paths and strategic thinking to reach and exceed a
challenging goal, and I believe working as a consultant at ABC Incorporated would allow me to apply my
rigorous analytical training to generate solutions for international globalization challenges. For example,
during my time at Pact, I designed evaluation methodologies for development projects that improved
health outcomes for rural women in Colombia. My contribution was recognized by the CEO and board
members, leading to a feature on the organization’s website and in the annual report.