Congressional Intern Handbook
125
Cover Letter
Excerpted from Capitol Jobs: An Insider’s Guide to Finding a Job in Congress, by Kerry Dumbaugh and Gary Serota (Washington, D.C.: Tilden Press,
1982).
Note that the following section is written for all job seekers, including those with more experience
than you. The numbers cited in the text correspond to examples in the sample letter.
You’ve now reached the point where you must attempt to capture yourself on paper in a manner
that accomplishes your purpose. That purpose—at this point, at least—it is to get your foot in the door
to obtain an interview. Your cover letter, even more so than your resume, must do that job for you.
The cover letter has to be a
grabber. It must speak directly
and concisely to the Chief of
Staff or other individual in
that office who you have
determined makes the hiring
decision. It should be hard-hit-
ting, assertive, confident and
clever. It should lead with the
primary quality you have iden-
tified that makes you desirable
to that office. Unlike the
resume, it should specify that
you are applying for a particu-
lar position (which, presum-
ably, your research has told
you is vacant). For example,
do not write that you are
applying for a “job that will
utilize my skills in a meaning-
ful way.” Apply instead for “a
job as a Legislative Assistant
specializing in armed services
and defense matters”—or
whatever.
Two items belong in your
first paragraph: the specific job
you are seeking (1) and the
fact that you want a personal
interview to discuss the oppor-
tunity (2). That’s right—don’t
string them along. Tell the
reader up front that you know
there’s an opening and that
the reader has got to meet you
in person to fully appreciate what you can do for the office. Chiefs of Staff and Members don’t have
the time or patience to wade through your autobiography before you get to the point.
Next, use no more than two sentences to sum up your relevant experience (3).
Dear (name of Member or Chief of Staff):
Mr. John Smith suggested that I come to see you while I am in Washing-
ton during the week of July 11-18 (2) in order to apply for the legislative cor-
respondent position open on your staff. (1)
Having graduated from college only last month, I cannot claim experi-
ence at a permanent, full-time job. However, I do have the kind of talent, back-
ground, and educational experience—as editor-in-chief of the college
newspaper, winner of the State Honors Award for best literary essay, and stu-
dent government liaison with the Dean’s office to be an effective and valuable
asset to your Washington staff.
I have solid experience as a news writer on deadline and as a researcher.
(3) This, along with the talent and expertise I developed as the chief communi-
cator and problem solver between the college student body and the college
administration, will enable me to: (4)
• Respond to constituent mail within rapid turn-around time.
• Draft extensions of remarks for mail enclosures.
• Research legislative issues and write position papers.
• Solve minor constituent casework problems.
• Maintain effective liaison relationships with government agencies.
I am willing to contribute my writing and problem-solving skills in what-
ever capacity your office may need them (5) as a member of your Washington
staff, your district staff, or in your re-election campaign. (6)
I will be calling you in several days to arrange a convenient time for an
interview. (8) At that time, I will show you some samples of my writing and
liaison work. (7) Should you need to reach me before then, my number it is
312/555-1224. (9) I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
(Signature)
Name