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Cover Letter Sample for a Co-op Board Package in NYC

• April 26, 2019
• 3 minute read

Table of Contents Show

• What is a Co-op board application cover letter?
• Keep it clear, short, and straightforward.
• Strike the tone
• Make a connection where you can
• Final thoughts
• Co-op Cover Letter Sample

So after a lot of searching, you’ve finally found the perfect New York City co-op . You’ve successfully negotiated a price, signed the contract, and will soon face the infamous co-op board interview . However, there is still the co-op board package to put together and ensure you get board approval ; it has to be nearly perfect. One critical part of the board package is the co-op cover letter. Here is what you need to know about it and why it is essential.

What is a Co-op board application cover letter? What is a Co-op board application cover letter?

The co-op board application process is a bit invasive. Your entire financial life will be laid bare before people that will be your neighbors for years to come. Few people are comfortable with this, but there’s no way around it. Besides being invasive, the process can also feel dehumanizing as your life is reduced to numbers on a tax return.

But the co-op board isn’t just concerned with your financials. They also want to know if you’ll make a good neighbor. This is where a good cover letter can make a difference. It’s a chance to humanize your application and show that you’re more than just a number. Remember, the board members are volunteers who won’t necessarily have the time or expertise to interpret complex financial statements . That can be left to the building’s attorney, who gives the board their opinion. What the board will be more interested in is your cover letter.

How to write a cover letter How to write a cover letter

Follow these pointers, and you should have the perfect co-op cover letter good to go in no time.

Keep it clear, short, and straightforward. Keep it clear, short, and straightforward.

Save the technical jargon for the attorneys; your cover letter should be all about putting a face on your board package. There’s no need to go over the top with how you present it. It should be printed on regular copy paper in Times New Roman or Calibri and be no more than 3-4 paragraphs long.

Strike the tone Strike the tone

Your buyer’s agent may have worked with them before or know people that have. Use what information you can gather to present yourself as their model neighbor, but don’t take that as an excuse to introduce yourself falsely. It would be best to come across the right way; knowing a bit about the board will help.

It’s alright to give the board praise and kiss up a little, but only so long as it’s genuine. For instance, if you love something about architecture, you should mention it. Make yourself shine by saying why you believe you’d make a great neighbor, that you’re in it for the long haul, and have all the financial requirements .

Make a connection where you can Make a connection where you can

Since the board is legally restricted from asking you specific questions, this is a chance to fill in the blanks. This can be simple as saying, ‘My name is John Smith, and I am a proud graduate of the University of California in Los Angeles, where I majored in Business Law. Recently, my wife gave birth to our first child, who I want to see grow up close to my parents, who reside in Brooklyn. My wife and I are committed to making New York our home and starting the next chapter in our lives.

Thank you for your time in considering our application. If there is any additional information you require, we are happy to cooperate. We look forward to meeting you and becoming part of the collective unity.

Final thoughts Final thoughts

A cover letter does not call for excessive detail. All it needs to do is put a good face on your application. Make sure to run it by your broker before submitting it. They can even help you with writing it up. The co-op cover letter is just one of the many things a co-op board package requires. It may seem like a small part, but it still deserves the proper attention.

Co-op Cover Letter Sample Co-op Cover Letter Sample

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How to write a co-op board package cover letter for a luxury building

For the titans of American capitalism, it’s a bracing experience to be told you must conform to the requirements of a co-op board application. Yet this is what New York co-op protocol demands of all, from new money to Rockefeller.   

The co-op board application process isn’t elegant or normal. It’s dehumanizing. It reduces people to numbers on a tax return. It can make a dear friend call into question your financial stability. But resistance is futile.

“You get rogue clients all the time,” says Brian Lewis, a Compass broker who lives in a co-op building. “Just the other day I had someone who literally didn't want to show his tax returns. I had reminded him at the beginning of the process that it was something he would be asked for, and I think he thought that he was higher and mightier than that. He thought, ‘If the president doesn't have to show it, I don’t.' But co-op applicants do.”

“With a co-op package, you are basically opening your kimono to the board. It’s your entire financial life laid bare on a piece paper,” says Toby Cohen, real estate attorney with the firm Holm & O’Hara.

That’s why a cover letter, also known as a personal letter, can sometimes work magic on a board.

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Why you need a cover letter

“The purpose of a cover letter is to humanize the board package,” Lewis says. “The board, by the very nature of the process, wants you to be a number. They want this to be all about your financials, because they are governed by law not to question you on specific things.”

It’s always worth recalling that the board members who review packages are volunteers and they don’t necessarily have the time or training to interpret complex financial statements. It’s often the building’s attorneys who review those documents, then give the board an opinion.

“What the board is really going to be reading is your cover letter,” Cohen says. “The cover letter allows you to give the board the bullet points. You are giving them you highlight reel. You are trying to make yourself look as good as possible and kiss up a little.”

But, like all concerns co-op related, there is etiquette to the cover letter that tops your board package.

Consult an expert

Cohen says that many of his clients hire consulting firms to help them put their best foot forward. Those firms will help you prepare the perfect letter for a fee. However, that’s really something that your broker ought to be doing for you, according to Lewis.

“It's important that you run it by your broker, if you have representation,” Lewis says. “Even if you don't have representation, the seller's agent will help, because everybody has the same goal, which is to get you a set of keys. Listen to the agents, because we do this every day, and without good, successful board packages, we don't get paychecks.”

Presentation: Keep it simple

Letters of recommendation should be sent on personal letterhead and perhaps even scrawled out in longhand.

Cover letters, on the other hand, must be more to the point. Print yours out on normal copy paper and use Times New Roman for your typeface instead of something flashier.

“It's not the time to show identity through style,” Lewis says. “It’s about getting your message across. You don't want to stand out or be remembered for the wrong reason. Like, ‘Oh yeah, that lady had the perfumed paper.’”

'Quiet, boring, and rich': How to strike the right tone

All co-ops are looking for a shareholder who is three things, according to Lewis: “quiet, boring, and rich.” Your cover letter should reflect those beguiling attributes.

The cover letter is ultimately your place to shine. It should not be negative. However, it is also an appropriate place to gently broach sensitive subject matter that might be misunderstood if pulled out of context.

“If there is a nuance and a filter that you would like the board to visualize the package through, this is a nice way to introduce the concept,” Lewis says.

For instance, what if your parents gave you a large financial gift, or paid your security deposit? To the board, this could appear to be evidence that you cannot fully support yourself, and that you may someday be unable to afford maintenance. But in the cover letter you can explain: “Although I am receiving a large gift from my father, it was given as a vote of confidence in my future. As you can see, my liquidity supports this purchase, even without such a gift.”

“It’s the moment to put your spin on it,” Lewis says. “It's a gentle way to guide the board into a perception.”

Other common situations that be treated with a golden veneer in the cover letter include earning income as an independent contractor, and changing jobs. For example: “As you will see, I started my job at Mt. Sinai Hospital only a few months ago. However, I have been in this industry for the past 15 years and I have had consistent employment. My reference letters will reflect that as well.”

If you are a 1099 employee, whose incomes bobs with the economy, your approach should focus on your strengths, like this: “I am an independent contractor. I provided the past few years of my income, but I can also go deeper. I have been it the industry for many years and have consistently made money. The worst year I had was this. The best year I had was this. However, I average this.”

“Sometimes you have almost lead with your flaw and almost throw a spotlight on it,” Lewis says. “But only if it can be explained away or you can control the perception of it.”

Be brief and give praise

Brevity is a must. Do not exceed one page. 

Within that page, it's reasonable to think that flattery will get your everywhere in life, including into some the city’s most exclusive buildings. But no one likes a toady.

“Everyone knows that this is an opportunity to kiss up a little, so just make sure that it’s a true compliment,” Cohen says. “If there is a specific architectural detail you love about the building, absolutely put that in. But don’t say something like, ‘This is the best-looking board I can remember.’”

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Other forms of endearment

Because your board package reduces you to a digit, you’ll want to spend a good portion of your letter on human color and sympathetic information.

“The board is legally restricted from asking you certain questions, so this is your opportunity to fill in the blanks,” Lewis says. “It’s as simple as saying, ‘My name is Brian Lewis. I am a proud graduate of the College of William and Mary in Virginia, where I serve on two alumni boards. I have two wonderful daughters. My husband and I work hard to live our New York dreams and have been co-op owners in the past. We look forward to meeting you and hopefully becoming part of your community. Thank you so much for your time and consideration. If there is any additional information that your require, we are happy to cooperate.’”

Lewis emphasizes that it is especially important to thank the board, as they review these applications in their spare time, after long days at work.

Know your frenemy

Co-ops are creature of habit. They are clubby. They typically accept their own kind. So it can really help to know the building and its board members. You can play to those eccentricities in your letter.

For instance, if the building is especially charitable, a mention of your own philanthropy is very meaningful. If it’s a building full of Harvard grads, your time at the Kennedy School should not to be withheld.

"Everything is about identity," Lewis says.

However, there’s no need to stalk the board. A good broker should have working knowledge of the building and its board.

Whatever you do, don’t be weird

“Everybody has peccadillos,” Cohen says. Just make sure you know what yours are and avoid talking about them as part of the application.

So talk about how you run the New York Marathon, and forget your Festivus pole.

“Lots of families have weird habits that they think are endearing, but they can come off as weird,” Cohen says. “This is a case where discretion is the better part of valor.”

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Cover Letters and Resumes

Capture the attention of employers through highlighting your experience in cover letters and resumes.

Cover Letters

The cover letter bridges the gap between your skills and experiences with the position you’re applying for. Capture the reader’s attention with your interest in the company, a voice that fits your personality, and steps on how to contact you.

A cover letter usually includes three to four paragraphs and answers the following questions:

First paragraph: Introduction

Who you are and why did this position pique your interest? What is the position and how did you hear about it? Are you looking for full-time or a co-op position? What in your background fits the position you’re pursuing? Did someone with connections to the company refer you to apply?

Second paragraph: Sell

What experiences, skills, and abilities are the most relevant to this employer? How can you prove your skills rather than state them? How can you state your strengths from academic experiences, jobs, and campus activities? Why are you the person for the job? What job post requirements connect to your experiences?

Third paragraph: Closing

How can you summarize your experience to focus on their needs? Are there attachments you need to refer them to? What is the best contact information to provide employers? How interested are you in meeting in person to talk more about the possibility of working with them? Will you be the one to reach out if no one responds by a certain date?

Cover Letter Checklist

The letter is addressed to the proper reader. If unknown, addressed to “Hiring Manager”

The letter is formatted with a business appropriate font, size, and layout

The cover letter is personalized to the specific position

Your writing is professional with hints of personality

You did not overuse the word “I” throughout the cover letter

The letter was read aloud and is grammatically correct and free of typos

Cover Letter Examples

• Applied Statistics and Actuarial Science BS
• Biomedical Sciences BS
• Business MBA
• Civil Engineering Technology BS
• Computer Engineering MS
• Graphic Design MS
• Human-Computer Interaction MS
• Industrial Engineering BS
• Journalism BS
• Public Policy MS
• Telecommunications Engineering Technology MS
• Web and Mobile Computing BS

Hiring managers have numerous resumes and cover letters to sift through. They will spend less than 30 seconds looking at each resume. To stand out from the competition, your resume must be the best possible representation of who you are and what you have to offer an employer.

In order to write a persuasive resume, you need to answer the following questions:

• What is the employer looking for in a potential candidate?
• What skills/qualities can you offer an employer?
• What resume format will best highlight your skills and accomplishments?

Build a Resume

Identifying Information

Your name, phone number, and email address should be at the top of the resume. You can add your home address if it’s to your advantage (i.e. local to an employer you’re applying to). Consider including your personal website if it’s professional (e.g. LinkedIn, digital portfolio).

Objective Statement

A brief statement indicating the type of opportunity by title and/or function you are interested in. If you’re applying for co-op jobs, add when you’re available to work (months, semesters, seasons, etc.).

List of colleges and universities attended with dates, degrees, diplomas, and certificates achieved. Provide your major(s) and any concentration(s). You may include your GPA and/or academic honors received at each school. You do not have to include high school information.

List of specific skills and abilities most useful in your career field. Examples include computer, technical, laboratory, design, and foreign language skills.

Projects/Labs

Elaborate on several team or individual class projects/labs that demonstrate how you have used your classroom knowledge and skills. Emphasize team leader roles. Include what software, tools, and skills were utilized.

Experience/Work History

Indicate the name of employer, dates of employment, location (city and state), and title of each position. Describe your major responsibilities, achievements, and/or skills developed. Use action words to attract attention to your skills and accomplishments.

Extracurricular activities, professional memberships and affiliations, community activities, or hobbies. Be sure to mention any offices held.

Where you see fit, you can include military record, licenses/certifications, publications, major projects (e.g. research), and other experiences (e.g. volunteer, travel).

Resume Format

The two most frequently used resume formats are reverse chronological or functional. Choose the resume format that most effectively markets your skills and experiences.

Reverse Chronological Format

This is the most popular format. It is most appropriate for the typical student, new graduate, or someone with a very logical career path. This format emphasizes education and job history with the most recent events listed first.

Functional Format

This format emphasizes transferable skills rather than experience. It is appropriate for a more seasoned individual or career changer. Depending on the job objective, group your history into broad functional skill categories. This format distracts the employer from dismissing your resume based on a past career path.

Resume Checklist

The resume is formatted with a business appropriate font, size, and layout

Your name is emphasized at the top of the page followed by your contact information

The resume design can be read and printed easily

You saved the resume in multiple formats (PDF, Word)

Your resume file is small to prevent email issues to employers (around 500kb is a good size to aim for)

You used keywords that will stand out to employer applicant tracking systems

Your resume was read aloud, grammatically correct, typo-free, and reviewed by a Career Services coordinator

Resume Examples

• Applied Computational Mathematics MS
• Biochemistry BS
• Biomedical Science and Biotechnology BS
• Communication and Media Technologies MS
• Computational Mathematical BS MS
• Computer Science BS
• Computer Science MS
• Dietetics and Nutrition BS
• Electrical Engineering MS
• Healthcare Systems Administration MS
• Industrial Design BFA
• Interior Design BFA
• Manufacturing and Mechanical Systems Integration MS
• Marketing BS
• Mechanical Engineering BS
• New Media Interactive Development BS
• Packaging Science BS
• Visual Communication Design MFA

Resume Review

After you have written a draft of your resume, have someone give you feedback on it. Your Career Services coordinator is available to look over your resume with you. Make an appointment with your  Career Services coordinator in Career Connect or stop by during drop-in advising .

Employers who list positions are busy with a significant number of students applying. It is recommended you follow up with each employer who receives your resume.

As a rule, if you have not received a response to your application within 10 business days, post-deadline date, you should follow-up with an email or call. Most managers appreciate a follow-up call as it shows a sincere and continued interest in their company. If you really want the job and you think you have a chance, call up to two or three times total. If the manager doesn't seem interested, it is best to move on.

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Intro to Resumes & Cover Letters

Your resume represents your accomplishments and abilities at a glance. Your cover letter complements the resume by demonstrating your business communication skills and highlighting how your experiences are relevant to the position for which you are applying.

• Cover Letter Guide Your cover letter is an opportunity for you to express why you are the right candidate for the co-op or job. Use this Co-ops & Careers handout for guidance on writing and submitting a Cover Letter.
• Cover Letters: Why and How? A cover letter can help you get an interview. Check out this blog for tips on how to write a compelling one.
• Resume Guide A resume is a targeted summation of your education, skills, and experience.Use this handout as a guide for recommended sections of a resume. The resume you use for your co-op search will be different than the one you use for a job search, and formatting can vary by major so connect with your Co-ops & Career Advisor for major specific resume samples and before applying to co-op.
• Resume Grammar Guide Resume writing requires special consideration of both grammar and spelling. Use this handout to help keep your writing concise and specific with a professional tone.
• How to Keep Your Resume to One Page Sometimes keeping a resume to one page seems like an impossible task, but there are ways to do it. These tips and tricks will help you maximize the space on your resume while making sure it’s easy to quickly skim.

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• OWL @ Purdue Resume Workshop These OWL resources will help you compose effective résumés and curricula vitae (or CVs) for your job search.
• Resume Builder ResumeBuilder.com is a resource for job seekers that provides you with the information, machine learning tools, and guides you need to build the best resume possible.
• Resume Examples & Sample Resumes for All Jobs Free resume samples by job from ResumeBuilder.com
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Cover Letter Tips

Why write a cover letter.

The cover letter is the normal practice in business and is a basic courtesy.  Do not underestimate the importance of writing an effective cover letter.  This is your chance to personalize the application package and showcase your writing skills, attention to detail, enthusiasm about the firm and the position and your ability to perform in the job.

What should a Cover Letter Look Like?

Keep the letter brief. It should not exceed one page in length. Three to four paragraphs are standard. A lengthy letter is only frustrating to the employer and will likely not be read, whereas a concise and interesting letter will be read and appreciated by an employer who has several hundred applications to review. Your letter should contain three basic elements:

Paragraph One: Opening This is an introductory paragraph in which you - identify yourself (e.g., "I am a fourth year engineering student at Western University") and state the specific position for which you are applying (e.g., "I am applying for the position of Manufacturing Engineer in your Sarnia location"). If applicable explain how you learned of the position (e.g., through Engineering Career Services).

Paragraph Two/Three: Body This section usually contains two types of information. The first and most common is a description of the attributes and experience of the applicant that would be of interest to the employer. Begin by addressing your academic experience followed by any relevant employment experience. Avoid simply repeating the information in your résumé. Choose a few specific skills and demonstrate them using examples from your background. As much as possible focus your application on the requirements of the company. If you have no engineering experience, state how the skills you have acquired are transferable to the position for which you are applying. It is important to be specific yet modest in your description. Generally, this is the most important section of your cover letter and the longest. Therefore, take the time to research each employer. You may also want to explain gaps in your résumé or poor grades (optional).

Paragraph Three: Closing In this paragraph, the applicant usually confirms the items that are included in the application package (generally, this should be your résumé, copies of official transcripts if required, and optionally letter of reference or a list of references).  It will also include an invitation for the company to contact the applicant and sincere thanks for the employer taking the time to consider the application. Use a professional ending such as "Sincerely".

Other Helpful Hints:

• Tell them what you can offer the company, promote your skills.
• Maintain a business tone, avoid slang, short forms or jokes.
• Use the same type of heading, paper, font, and print quality as on your résumé.
• Type your full name under your closing salutation.
• If you are submitting this in person or by fax,  include your signature above your typed name.
• Have someone proof read your cover letter - double check your spelling, grammar, addresses and contact name. (Engineering Career Services is available for this).
• Ensure the correct date is on the cover letter.
• Include the company address between the date and the greeting.
• If you wish you can include a "Re:" line after the greeting (RE: Position Title, Posting Number).

Cover Letter Handout

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Resume & Cover Letter Writing

Put your best foot forward.

It’s important to make your résumé clean and easily readable, and include results and impact wherever possible. Don’t be afraid to list course projects, volunteer work, and campus or community involvement. Your examples should include action verbs and focus on the skills you have gained, not just what you have done. Give the reader results! For the cover letter, always tailor what you write to the position offered, and keep it relevant to the skills required in the description.

LET’S GET TO WORK

Whether you are preparing for a co-op search or a job search, the Center for Cooperative Education and Career Development has the resources you need to be successful. If you haven’t met with a Co-op + Career Advisor yet, give us a call at 617-989-4101 to schedule an appointment and we’ll get you started on the right track.

Resume Guide

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Action Verbs

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Use this guide to help you evaluate your cover letter and make improvements.

Cover Letter Worksheet

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Use this worksheet to set up the structure of your cover letter and begin brainstorming content.

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Co-op & Career Centre

Write the best cover letter ever.

Posted on Tuesday, March 7th, 2017

What’s the deal with cover letters? Are they necessary? Should you use a template? If the employer doesn’t specify they want one, should you even bother?

The answer, of course, is yes. You should bother. In fact, you need to bother. It’s so easy to shoot off a resume to every single possible job being advertised, and employers know that. By taking the time to craft an excellent cover letter, you prove to employers that you truly care .

Think of your cover letter as your first impression to a potential employer. It is the first chance you have to separate yourself from the crowd and make a positive impression on your future boss. It’s a way of showing yourself to be a well-rounded human, more than a list of work experience and skills (that’s what your resume is for).

Employers are also crazy busy. By having a beautiful, well-written cover letter, you’ll catch their eye. You want to make sure your cover letter is really standout.

[Algonquin co-op students: Module Three in your Co-op 1000 Blackboard course has all this information and more! Be sure to read your modules before applying to co-op jobs.]

Set Up Your Letter

The first thing you always need to do is carefully read the entire job description. Employers sometimes have very specific expectations for your cover letter, resume, and overall application. They may require you to include certain information in your cover letter. If you don’t follow those instructions, your application is going in the trash.

It is tempting to get fancy with cover letters, but remember that you want to make it as easy as possible for employers to read. Date the letter, address it to the hiring manager by name, use a clear 12-point font, and keep your whole letter to four short paragraphs. Remember: presentation matters. Keep it professional.

Now you know what the employer expects from you. It’s time to start writing your cover letter.

Paragraph 1: Introduce Yourself

Your first paragraph should be a quick introduction of yourself. You want to answer the employer’s immediate questions: who you are, where you come from, and how you found their job posting.

It can be as simple as, “My name is __ and I’m in the __ program at Algonquin College. I’m interested in the position of __ that you are currently advertising at __.

[Important note for Algonquin co-op students: do not say that you found the job on HireAC. Employers don’t know what that is. Instead, tell them that you found the position through the Algonquin College Cooperative Education Department.]

Paragraph 2: Sell Yourself

The best way to look at your cover letter is as a marketing tool for yourself. It’s how you show the employer that you are the best person for the job.

How do you do this?

The first step is to read the job description very carefully and make a list of all the skills and requirements the posting indicates. Then, take a look at your work/school/volunteer history. You want to draw a correlation between the work that you’ve already done, and the work that you’re applying to.

This is more than just listing jobs you’ve done. Draw out the specific skills and experiences you’ve had that make you capable of doing the work the potential employer is advertising. For example, don’t just say that you worked retail; instead, explain how you increased sales, how you learned leadership skills, how your time management improved, or how your communication skills developed.

This is why it’s so important to individually tailor each cover letter to the specific job you are applying for. Each job is going to list particular skills, and you need to make sure that your cover letter matches up.

Paragraph 3: Flattery

Google the company you’re applying to and find their ‘about’ page. Head over to news.google.com and search the company name to see what the press is saying. Research, research, research, and find some strong, viable reasons why the prospect of working for that company excites you.

Including a section about the company shows the employer that you really care about this position and that you took the time to do your research. Companies want employees that are enthusiastic about their work, so take a couple of sentences to explain what excites you about the organization.

Paragraph 4: Reiterate

Your final ‘paragraph’ should really just be a sentence. Think of it as a thesis statement. Repeat once again why you, and only you, are perfectly suited for the position. Thank the employer for their time. Sign off with ‘sincerely’ and your name. Easy, right?

Proofread to Infinity and Beyond

Guys, we talk about this a lot, but it’s very important: employers will throw out your application if they find typos or errors .

Do not reply on spellcheck, either. Have someone you trust review your cover letter. Even try reading it aloud: this will help you understand if your sentences are flowing well together. Proofread, and then proofread again.

Follow these steps, and you’ll be well on your way to having a fantastic cover letter.

Algonquin co-op students: want some extra help writing your cover letter? Contact the co-op office today to set up an appointment with your consultant. Visit our website at https://www.algonquincollege.com/coop/ , connect with us at [email protected] or call us at 613-727-4723 Ext.7623.

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Anyone want to share their *accepted* Co-op cover letter? (Bcomm)

Currently in the process of applying to co-ops and internships for summer 2023 with zero point of reference as to what I should include or sound like (Im applying to finance internships and my past 6 years of professional experience is in unskilled, customer service roles).

Hoping to avoid sounding like: "I used to work in restaurants but I really want a big boy job pls"

Anyone who's applied and succeeded at getting into COOP want to link their old cover letter? Would be super helpful for a lot of us lower year students.

STRATFORD DISTRICT SECONDARY SCHOOL COOPERATIVE EDUCATION

Cover Letters

Every resume should be accompanied by an individualized letter.  The objective of the letter is to define how your skills and experience relate to the particular needs of the employer to whom you're writing.  This letter should be addressed specifically to the person who will most likely be interviewing you.

Your cover letter should have no more than 3 paragraphs:

1. Why you are interested in the Co-op placement?

Something you like about the company

Career goals

Type of jobs you like 

2. What's so great about you?

Skills you have which relate to this particular placement   

How you think you can help the business

State that your resume is enclosed with further information

3. Contact information

When you're available for Co-op (morning/afternoon/full-day), including any time restrictions

Provide your Co-op teacher's name, phone number, and email

 State what happens next (for example, will you look forward to hearing from them, or will you  contact them?) ​

The cover letter should have the "business format" shown in class.  It should include:

Your contact information (same format as your resume)

The date you are sending it or dropping it off

The company contact information 

Attention line; followed by the name of the contact person, and a 2nd line for that  person's title

Salutation (for example, "Dear Mr. So-and-so,")

Three paragraphs as listed above

Your signature

Your name typed out

Below is a template you could use when writing your cover letter. Highlight the following text, paste it to your Google Docs, and fill out your information using the prompts given:

Student Name​ Phone Number​ Street Address​ City, Province​ Postal Code​

Supervisor’s Name​ Position​ Company Name​ Email

Date Street Address​ City, Province​ Postal Code

​Attention: Name of Supervisor

Dear Mrs. Supervisor

"I am a co-op student at Stratford District Secondary School......"​ This first paragraph describes why you are interested in doing your co-op at this company.

Name the position you are applying for a Co-op in.

How you heard about the company.

Something you like about the company​ (do some research on the company!). Your career goals​ and the type of job you like.  

The second paragraph is a place to brag...what is so great about you?​ Skills you have that relate to this particular placement​. Tailor each cover letter for the specific job. How you think you can help the business​. “I have enclosed a resume with further information about myself and my accomplishments.”

“I am currently enrolled in a 2-credit morning/ or 4 credit co-op from September 24 until January 18th. I will be available from 8:30 am until 11:30 am. My co-op teacher’s name is Teacher Name and she/he can be contacted at 519 555 5555 or email address. I look forward to hearing from you in the near future.”

​ Signature

Student Name

Enclosed/Attached: Resume

Cover Letter Template

   Co-op Apartment Application Cover Letter

I am submitting the materials requested for consideration of my desire to become a shareholder and occupy Unit 18 in XYZ Co-op, Inc. The apartment is wonderful.

Enclosed please find my Board Package, including purchase application, financial documents (including financial statement, credit release form and tax forms), and personal and business references. I have also enclosed, per board requirements, my dog's certificate from dog obedience school.

The board can be confident that I am financially able and personally equipped to be a cooperative shareholder.

I am excited about the possibility of becoming part of the XYZ community and look forward to your response.

Download this cover letter — free!

Formatted and ready to use with Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or any other word processor that can open the .DOC file format.

Index of Cover Letter Examples

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Cover letter gallery.

Welcome to the cover letter gallery. Browse through the samples for ideas and inspiration to create your own original Cover Letter.

Welcome to the Cover Letter Gallery!

We have a variety of authentic cover letter samples created by students for the SFU community from different faculties and job sectors. You can use these samples to learn how junior and senior students showcase their experiences and skills, get inspired by diverse design styles, and understand how students craft their unique accomplishment statements and communicate their transferable skills. Keep in mind that these samples are not "perfect" nor the "best", but rather samples that have some great elements, as well as elements that can be improved. Pay close attention to the Annotations and Skills noted at the bottom of each cover letter, as this will help guide you in your own cover letter-building.

This gallery is for inspiration , not imitation .

So, please be respectful of the student contributors who want to help students like you. Because employers can easily recognize if the following samples are copied, it's a good idea to make you don't plagarize any samples.

Visiting Our Galleries

Use the filters below to find samples that are related for your needs and skills. If you’re from SFU, log in to view the cover letters! Ensure your User Account is complete so you don't lose access. Not from SFU? You’ll see an error message below. You can continue to improve your cover letter writing skills by reading related content on writing cover letters. 

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• Operating systems

When enterprise employees worked almost exclusively in company offices, they sat at desks and did their work on company-owned desktop computers. Now an employee's work moves with them from place to place. On laptops and tablets and phones. And very often, the work resides on devices the employees own. All this has shifted the work of the enterprise IT staff dramatically. This cavalcade of mobile devices and remote employees is one reason unified endpoint management came to be. In this guide, we look at what UEM can do, its main features, how to choose the right UEM product for your organization – and much more.

Operating system (os).

• Stephen J. Bigelow, Senior Technology Editor

What is an operating system?

An operating system (OS) is the program that, after being initially loaded into the computer by a boot program, manages all of the other application programs in a computer. The application programs make use of the operating system by making requests for services through a defined application program interface ( API ). In addition, users can interact directly with the operating system through a user interface, such as a command-line interface (CLI) or a graphical UI (GUI).

Why use an operating system?

An operating system brings powerful benefits to computer software and software development. Without an operating system, every application would need to include its own UI, as well as the comprehensive code needed to handle all low-level functionality of the underlying computer, such as disk storage, network interfaces and so on. Considering the vast array of underlying hardware available, this would vastly bloat the size of every application and make software development impractical.

Instead, many common tasks, such as sending a network packet or displaying text on a standard output device, such as a display, can be offloaded to system software that serves as an intermediary between the applications and the hardware. The system software provides a consistent and repeatable way for applications to interact with the hardware without the applications needing to know any details about the hardware.

As long as each application accesses the same resources and services in the same way, that system software -- the operating system -- can service almost any number of applications. This vastly reduces the amount of time and coding required to develop and debug an application, while ensuring that users can control, configure and manage the system hardware through a common and well-understood interface.

This article is part of

What is unified endpoint management (UEM)? A complete guide

• Which also includes:
• 7 key benefits of mobile device management for businesses
• Compare capabilities of Office 365 MDM vs. Intune
• How to successfully implement MDM for BYOD

Once installed, the operating system relies on a vast library of device drivers to tailor OS services to the specific hardware environment. Thus, every application may make a common call to a storage device, but the OS receives that call and uses the corresponding driver to translate the call into actions (commands) needed for the underlying hardware on that specific computer. Today, the operating system provides a comprehensive platform that identifies, configures and manages a range of hardware, including processors; memory devices and memory management; chipsets; storage; networking; port communication, such as Video Graphics Array (VGA), High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) and Universal Serial Bus (USB); and subsystem interfaces, such as Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe).

What are the functions of an operating system?

An operating system provides three essential capabilities: It offers a UI through a CLI or GUI; it launches and manages the application execution; and it identifies and exposes system hardware resources to those applications -- typically, through a standardized API.

UI. Every operating system requires a UI, enabling users and administrators to interact with the OS in order to set up, configure and even troubleshoot the operating system and its underlying hardware. There are two primary types of UI available: CLI and GUI.

The CLI, or terminal mode window , provides a text-based interface where users rely on the traditional keyboard to enter specific commands, parameters and arguments related to specific tasks. The GUI, or desktop , provides a visual interface based on icons and symbols where users rely on gestures delivered by human interface devices, such as touchpads, touchscreens and mouse devices.

The GUI is most frequently used by casual or end users that are primarily interested in manipulating files and applications, such as double-clicking a file icon to open the file in its default application. The CLI remains popular among advanced users and system administrators that must handle a series of highly granular and repetitive commands on a regular basis, such as creating and running scripts to set up new personal computers (PCs) for employees.

Application management. An operating system handles the launch and management of every application. This typically supports an array of behaviors, including timesharing multiple processes, or threads , so that various tasks can share the available processors' time; handling interruptions that applications produce to gain a processor's immediate attention, ensuring there is enough memory to execute the application and its corresponding data without interfering with other processes; carrying out error handling that can gracefully remove an application's processes; and performing memory management without disrupting other applications or the OS.

An operating system can also support APIs that enable applications to utilize OS and hardware functions without the need to know anything about the low-level OS or hardware state. As an example, a Windows API can enable a program to obtain input from a keyboard or mouse; create GUI elements, such as dialog windows and buttons; read and write files to a storage device; and more. Applications are almost always tailored to use the operating system on which the application intends to run.

Additionally, an operating system can perform the following services for applications:

• In a multitasking operating system, where multiple programs can be running at the same time, the OS determines which applications should run in what order and how much time should be allowed for each application before giving another application a turn.
• It handles input/output (I/O) to and from attached hardware devices, such as hard disks, printers and dial-up ports.
• It sends messages to each application or interactive user -- or to a system operator -- about the status of operation and any errors that may have occurred.
• It can offload the management of batch jobs -- for example, printing -- so that the initiating application is freed from this work.
• On computers that can provide parallel processing, an operating system can manage how to divide the program so that it runs on more than one processor at a time.

All major computer platforms (hardware and software) require, and sometimes include, an operating system, and operating systems must be developed with different features to meet the specific needs of various form factors.

Device management. An operating system is responsible for identifying, configuring, and providing applications with common access to underlying computer hardware devices. As the OS recognizes and identifies hardware, the OS will install corresponding device drivers that enable the OS and applications running on the OS to use the devices without any specific knowledge of the hardware or devices.

An operating system is responsible for identifying the correct printer and installing the appropriate printer drivers so that an application needs to only make calls to the printer without having to use codes or commands that are specific to that printer -- that is the operating system's job. The situation is similar for other devices, such as USB ports; networking ports; graphics devices, such as graphics processing units (GPUs); motherboard chipsets; and storage devices, such as Serial-Attached SCSI (SAS) disk adapters and disks that are formatted with a suitable file system.

The OS identifies and configures physical and logical devices for service and typically records them in a standardized structure, such as Windows Registry. Device manufacturers periodically patch and update drivers, and the OS should update them to ensure best device performance and security. When devices are replaced, the OS also installs and configures new drivers.

Operating system types and examples

Although the fundamental roles of an operating system are ubiquitous, there are countless operating systems that serve a wide range of hardware and user needs.

General-purpose operating system. A general-purpose OS represents an array of operating systems intended to run a multitude of applications on a broad selection of hardware, enabling a user to run one or more applications or tasks simultaneously. A general-purpose OS can be installed on many different desktop and laptop models and run applications from accounting systems to databases to web browsers to games. General-purpose operating systems typically focus on process (thread) and hardware management to ensure that applications can reliably share the wide range of computing hardware present.

Common desktop operating systems include the following:

• Windows is Microsoft's flagship operating system, the de facto standard for home and business computers. Introduced in 1985, the GUI-based OS has been released in many versions since then. The user-friendly Windows 95 was largely responsible for the rapid development of personal computing.
• Mac OS is the operating system for Apple's Macintosh line of PCs and workstations.
• Unix is a multiuser operating system designed for flexibility and adaptability. Originally developed in the 1970s, Unix was one of the first operating systems to be written in the C language .
• Linux is a Unix-like operating system that was designed to provide PC users a free or low-cost alternative. Linux has a reputation as an efficient and fast-performing system.

Mobile operating system. Mobile operating systems are designed to accommodate the unique needs of mobile computing and communication-centric devices, such as smartphones and tablets. Mobile devices typically offer limited computing resources compared to traditional PCs, and the OS must be scaled back in size and complexity in order to minimize its own resource use, while ensuring adequate resources for one or more applications running on the device. Mobile operating systems tend to emphasize efficient performance, user responsiveness and close attention to data handling tasks, such as supporting media streaming. Apple iOS and Google Android are examples of mobile operating systems.

Embedded operating system. Not all computing devices are general purpose. A huge assortment of dedicated devices -- including home digital assistants, automated teller machines (ATMs), airplane systems, retail point of sale (POS) terminals and internet of things (IoT) devices -- includes computers that require an operating system. The principal difference is that the associated computing device only does one major thing, so the OS is highly stripped down and dedicated to both performance and resilience. The OS should run quickly, not crash, and handle all errors gracefully in order to continue operating in all circumstances. In most cases, the OS is provided on a chip that is incorporated into the actual device. A medical device used in a patient's life support equipment, for example, will employ an embedded OS that must run reliably in order to keep the patient alive. Embedded Linux is one example of an embedded OS.

Network operating system. A network operating system (NOS) is another specialized OS intended to facilitate communication between devices operating on a local area network ( LAN ). A NOS provides the communication stack needed to understand network protocols in order to create, exchange and decompose network packets. Today, the concept of a specialized NOS is largely obsolete because other OS types largely handle network communication. Windows 10 and Windows Server 2019, for example, include comprehensive networking capabilities. The concept of a NOS is still used for some networking devices, such as routers, switches and firewalls, and manufacturers may employ proprietary NOSes, including Cisco Internetwork Operating System (IOS), RouterOS and ZyNOS.

Real-time operating system. When a computing device must interact with the real world within constant and repeatable time constraints, the device manufacturer may opt to use a real-time operating system ( RTOS ). For example, an industrial control system may direct the operations of a sprawling factory or power plant. Such a facility will produce signals from myriad sensors and also send signals to operate valves, actuators, motors and countless other devices. In these situations, the industrial control system must respond quickly and predictably to changing real-world conditions -- otherwise, disaster may result. An RTOS must function without buffering, processing latencies and other delays, which are perfectly acceptable in other types of operating systems. Two examples of RTOSes include FreeRTOS and VxWorks.

The differences between operating system types are not absolute, and some operating systems can share characteristics of others. For example, general-purpose operating systems routinely include the networking capabilities found in a traditional NOS. Similarly, an embedded operating system commonly includes attributes of an RTOS, while a mobile operating system can still typically run numerous apps simultaneously like other general-purpose operating systems.

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Cover letter

Showcase your competencies and experiences and enhance your resumé with an effective cover letter.

Introduction 

Start by writing your name and contact information, followed by the date and the name of the person your letter is addressed to. 

Don’t forget to include the relevant position in the subject line. 

First paragraph 

In essay form, answer the following questions: 

Where did you learn about the opening (newspaper, recruitment service, etc.)? 

What position are you seeking in this company? Why you are the ideal person? 

If the position you’re interested in is not available, ask when would be the best time to reapply. 

If someone told you about the position, mention it here. 

Second paragraph 

Show your interest in the organization by explaining why your knowledge meets the company’s needs. You can do this by briefly mentioning what you know about their products and services or their reputation.  

Third paragraph 

Show your skills with examples from your experience. Describe your educational background, achievements, professional goals and personal characteristics. The key is to show how your experience will contribute to the organization. 

Fourth paragraph 

Ask for an interview, mention your resumé and clarify how you will communicate with them in the near future. 

Conclusion 

End the letter with a closing line. 

Address your letter to the hiring manager. 

Target your information to each new job application. 

Find out what skills and abilities the employer is looking for. 

Show your knowledge of the company and make the link between its needs and your skills. 

Cover Letter Samples

Throughout your academic career, both in and out of the classroom, you’ll develop skills that are highly sought after by employers.

See an example of a standard cover letter 

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