Cover Letters

Cover Letters and Other Job Search Correspondence

Guidelines for a Cover Letter
Date
Company contact
Title
Firm name
Street address
City, State, Zip code
Dear Mr./Ms.:
First paragraph
In your initial paragraph, state the reason for the letter, the specific position or type of work for which
you are applying and indicate from which resource (GSD Career Services, professor, alumnus/a) you
learned of the opening. Refer the reader to the enclosed resume or application that summarizes your
qualifications, training, experiences or whatever media you may be utilizing to present yourself.
Second paragraph
Indicate why you are interested in the position, the firm, the services they provide and, above all, what
you can do for the employer. If you are a recent graduate, explain how your academic background
makes you a qualified candidate for the position. If you had some practical work experience, point out the
specific achievements or unique qualifications. Try not to repeat the same information the reader will find
in the resume. Instead, highlight specific points related to that employer’s needs.
Final paragraph
In the closing paragraph, indicate your desire for a personal interview and your flexibility as to the time
and place. Repeat your phone number in the letter and offer to aid in a speedy response. Finally, close
your letter with a statement or question that will encourage a response. For example, state that you
will be in the city where the firm is located on a certain date to set up an interview. You can also ask if
they desire additional information or references.
Sincerely yours,
Anna P. Student
[Don’t forget to sign the letter and enclose your resume.]

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Sample Cover Letter (1)
These documents are to be used as examples only. It is recommended that you write a resume and cover
letter in your own words as fit your specific circumstances.
August 2, 2006
Mr. Recruiter
Director of Design
ABC Architectural Firm
One Boston Street
Boston, MA 02110
Dear Mr. Recruiter:
I will be graduating in June from the Harvard University Graduate School of Design with a
Post-Professional Master's Degree in Landscape Architecture. Your firm came to my attention through
Architecture Magazine’s profile of your most recent award for best low-income housing design. Enclosed
please find a copy of my resume for your review.
Professionally, I have been involved as a project assistant for the planning and implementation of largescale
community developments throughout the Denver region. As a project manager I was responsible for
several community projects including Green Valley Ranch and Blue Rock Ranch. While in Dubai, UAE, I
worked on the design development for EI Basra Hotel and Resort Community, as well as for several other
resort projects.
Academically, I have focused on large-scale community projects as they relate to the issue of
sustainability. Currently, my work is focused on the Stapleton Redevelopment Project with Mark Johnson
of Civitas. In the studio, I have focused on how physical design can alter social behavior in differing
neighborhood block patterns. I have also explored alternative mixed-use patterns that further advance
sustainability on a social and economic level. In my previous semester, I was involved with a project
concerning regional issues of the Upper, Galilee, with Professor Carl Steinitz. The environmental,
economic, and cultural implications that a range of population and industrial growth trends could cause to
the region were the object of study in his studio class.
During the week of May 26th I will be visiting San Diego for a number of interviews. If possible, it would
be wonderful to meet with you to discuss job opportunities at your firm. I will call you during the week of
May 1st to inquire about your interest and to set up a convenient meeting time. Please let me know if you
would like to receive additional work samples prior to my stay in San Diego. I can be reached at (617)
555-yyyy or at me@gsd.harvard.edu.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to speaking with you soon.
Sincerely,
Hannah P. Student

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Sample Cover Letter (2)
March 1, 2006
William H. Roberts
Wallace, Roberts & Todd
260 South Broad Street, 8th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Dear Mr. Roberts:
Michael Van Valkenburgh is a critic for one of my landscape studios at the Harvard Graduate School of
Design. Through him, I learned that you are seeking a landscape designer with experience and interest in
urban design. I would very much like to be considered for this position. While at the GSD, I have taken
the opportunity to study some of your projects in greater detail. WRT's high standards in the design of
environmentally-sensitive projects that define and create our world are very impressive and inspire my
deep respect.
Enclosed you will find my resume and design sheets for your review. As you will see, after graduating
from Carnegie-Mellon in May of 2000, I spent one year as an intern at the Olmsted Center for Landscape
Preservation in Boston where I drew plans and perspective illustrations. My career at the GSD has
provided outstanding training in the large-scale planning of urban settings and has provided an integrative
approach to design as well. My capabilities with CAD design include 3D Studio Max, AutoCAD and
FormZ. Studio work has included a corporate-sponsored regional plan in the Upper Galilee in Israel with
Carl Steinitz and the Jersey City waterfront development proposal with Art Wrubell.
I look forward to the opportunity of meeting with you in person to review my portfolio and discuss how my
skills and experiences would be of interest your firm. During the week of March 20-25, I will be in
Philadelphia. I will telephone you to see if we might arrange for a meeting during that time. Please do not
hesitate to contact me if you require any additional information.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Harvey J. Student

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Sample Thank You Letter
March 1, 2006
William H. Roberts
Wallace, Roberts & Todd
260 South Broad Street, 8th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Dear Mr. Roberts:
Thank you so much for taking the time to meet with me yesterday to discuss your opening for the position
of landscape designer. Our meeting confirmed both my interest in your firm and my impression of WRT's
commitment to high standards and quality design.
Your explanation about the office culture and management was particularly helpful. I am excited about the
firm’s commitment to an interdisciplinary approach. My diverse experience working in teams at the GSD
while interning at the Olmstead Center have provided me with ample experience for this type of work
environment. I am confident that I could easily meet your expectations regarding new employees and look
forward to becoming a productive member of your team.
It was a pleasure interviewing with you. I look forward to hearing from you soon. Please contact me if
there is any additional information you may need. I can be reached at 617-495-xxxx.
Sincerely,
Jacob J. Student

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Sample Acceptance Letter
May 12, 2006
Ms. Jane Smith
SOM
14 Wall Street, 25th Floor
New York, NY 10005
Dear Ms. Smith:
I am very pleased to accept your offer of a position as an Intern Architect at the annual salary of $xx,000.
I am very impressed with everyone I met during the interview process and I look forward to joining your
staff.
As we discussed, I will report for work on August 1st. During the next month, I will complete my move to
New York City and I hope to have some time to join my family for a vacation on the Cape. If you need to
contact me prior to August 1st, please contact me at (508) 222-xxxx.
Thank you for all of your effort to make the interviewing process such a pleasant experience. I am very
excited to have the opportunity to become a part of SOM.
Sincerely yours,
Jane M. Student

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Sample Declining Letter
June 27, 2006
Mr. John Fulton
Gensler
1 Rockefeller Plaza, Suite 500
New York, NY 10020
Dear Mr. Fulton:
I was pleased that I was able to reach you by telephone this morning. Although I have declined your job
offer, I am grateful that you understand my decision and honored by the thought that I will always be
welcome at Gensler.
Everyone that I met at your firm was wonderful, which made this decision a very difficult one. As I stated
on the phone, I have accepted a position as an Intern Architect with SOM in New York.
I want to thank you again for all your help and support during my job search.
Best regards,
Jared T. Student