UCDC Application Guide
Cover Letter/Letter of Intent
Literature Building, Room 210 858-534-4355
When applying to UCDC, you have the option of submitting either a Cover Letter or a Letter of Intent.
Why Choose a Cover Letter:
Your cover letter will serve two purposes. You will use it to apply to internships in Washington D.C., and to
apply to the UCDC program.
If you have already applied to internships, you can use the same cover letter to apply to UCDC.
This option is ideal because you do not have to write a separate letter to apply to UCDC.
A cover letter should be specific to the role you are applying for; recommendations and samples are on
page 2.
Why Choose a Letter of Intent:
This option is good for students who have not yet written a cover letter
A letter of intent will generally state your internship and/or research interests in Washington, D.C.
A letter of intent can easily be adapted into a cover letter for applications.
Many students find writing a letter of intent easier if they do not have a specific internship they wish to
apply to.
Most students will submit a cover letter with their application, but either option is fine. We recommend submitting
whichever is most convenient for you.
You can also get feedback on your application materials by contacting the UCDC Coordinator at [email protected]
UCDC also hosts application reviews every quarter; contact us for more information.
Cover Letter Resources are from the Triton Career Guide: career.ucsd.edu
Page 2: Cover Letter Outline
Page 3: Cover Letter Sample
Page 4: Letter of Intent Outline
02
COVER LETTER OUTLINE
GETTING STARTED
First, do you have the right skills, abilities,
and experience for the job? Second, are you
interested in doing the tasks entailed in the
job, and do you have the right attitude to
work for the organization? Use the answers
to write an original letter.
A cover letter:
• accompanies your resume and tells the reader why you are the best candidate
for the job and why they should invite you for an interview
• focuses attention on specic experiences and skills from your resume that
qualify you for a specic job or industry
• is a writing sample, so grammar, sentence and paragraph structure, spelling
and punctuation are critical
Your Street Address
City, State Zip Code
Your Email Address
Your Phone Number
Date of Letter
Addressee’s Name
Addressee’s Position or Title
Company Name
Street Address
City, State Zip Code
Dear Mr./Ms./Dr. Last Name of Addressee:
(Note: If no name is available…use a generic title such as Human Resources (HR) Manager, Selection
Committee, and Internship Coordinator or search their website for an HR contact)
Opening Paragraph
State the position for which you are applying; how you found out about it; and ask for consideration
based on the skills and experiences you have to offer. If referred by someone, indicate by whom.
Summarize the skills and experiences that make you qualified for the position.
Middle Paragraph(s)
In this section you want to build a connection between your background and the company’s needs.
Focus on your skills, education, and experiences as listed on your resume. Emphasize your strongest
attributes that relate to the position for which you are applying. If you have any experience or education
directly related to the position then highlight it here so the reader can look for it in your resume.
Closing Paragraph
Restate your interest in the position and demonstrate how your unique qualifications fit the position.
Indicate that you would like to meet with them to discuss your qualifications further. Thank the reader
for his/her time and consideration.
Sincerely,
{Your Signature}
Type your name
Enclosure
Resume Booklet 2014 Edited.indd 22 7/21/2014 8:45:07 AM
03
COVER LETTER SAMPLE
TO: HRJ@ GEN-PROBE.COM
SUBJECT: APPLICATION FOR R&D, MOLECULAR BIOLOGY (ID: 6387BR) INTERNSHIP
Dear Mr. Jones:
I recently learned about the R&D, Molecular Biology (ID: 6387BR) in-
ternship at Gen-Probe through UC San Diego’s Career Services Center
and would like to be considered for this position. After talking
with Ms. Carson in the Research & Development Department about the
internship and researching your company’s goals for the future, I am
certain that my lab experience and communication skills make me a
strong candidate for the position.
Gen-Probe strives to improve the lives of individuals by creatively
implementing new designs in molecular diagnostic products while
maintaining an energetic and collaborative team environment. I be-
lieve that my problem-solving skills and innovative nature, coupled
with my demonstrated lab experience, will enable me to help achieve
your goals. As you can see from my resume, I have taken several rel-
evant courses in Molecular Design & Synthesis, Cell Biology and DNA
labs that have allowed me to practice techniques including sample
preparation, analysis of reaction kinetics and plasmid preparation.
Additionally, I have experience working with the American Heart As-
sociation, which allowed me to me work in a team environment. Through
this experience, I was able to develop excellent communication and
leadership skills while presenting our research results at a na-
tional conference.
I’d welcome an opportunity to talk further with you about how my
skills and experience could benet Gen-Probe. Please see my attached
resume for further details on my qualications. Thank you for your
time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Maria Research
(858) 534-3750
ATTACHMENT: MARIA RESEARCH RESUME
NOTES
If the employer asks for an attached cover
letter, then write it in letter format as
shown in the outline. Otherwise, include
the cover letter in the text of the email
and attach your resume.
Unless an employer has specically asked you
not to include a cover letter, then feel free to
provide one. It will show your enthusiasm to
work at the organization, set you apart from
the rest of the applicants, and allow you to
showcase your skills.
Resume Booklet 2014 Edited.indd 23 7/21/2014 8:45:08 AM
UCDC Application Guide
Cover Letter/Letter of Intent
Literature Building, Room 210 858-534-4355
Your letter of intent will be used to apply to the UCDC program and as an outline for conversion into a cover letter.
You should address your letter of intent generally to the "Internship Coordinator."
You can focus your letter on a general career field or you can list specific organizations you wish to apply to.
Your letter of intent should not be more than one page.
Letter of Intent Outline
Name
Address
Email
Phone
Date
Dear Internship Coordinator:
Recommended topics to write about in opening paragraph:
Type of internship you plan to seek
Name the career field or organization with whom you are interested in applying and for which quarter
Discuss how you think your career and academic goals will be supported by the experience
Suggested key points to discuss in body paragraph(s):
Specific examples of technical or general skills, knowledge, languages, and experience relevant to the field
Indicate how you can contribute your abilities and educational background to the organization or career field
State what you hope to learn from the internship experience
Discuss how you think your career and academic goals will be supported by the experience of the internship
Closing paragraph:
Restate your interest in the position
Inform reader of supporting documents enclosed
Thank the reader for his/her time and consideration
Sincerely,
{Signature}
Name
