Thursday, April 12, 2012

How would I list relevant classes in a cover letter?

A reader writes:
" How would I list relevant classes in a cover letter?"
I assume that this was in response to Should I list classes on my resume?, or maybe Can I list classes I haven't taken yet on my resume? Anyhow, there are two ways you can include relevant classes in a cover letter:

Your first option is to work the classes into the cover letter by relating them to the position or requirements. This might sounds something like this: "I am very excited to get my feet wet in design project management through your interior design internship. I've taken project management and an advanced design practicum, which complement my previous design experience and the grounding in design fundamentals you are looking for in an intern."

Your other options is to explain how the classes are relevant to set off a bulleted list. This one might look something like this: "I am very excited to get my feet wet in design project management through your interior design internship. I've taken several classes that will complement my previous design experience and the grounding in design fundamentals you are looking for in an intern:
  • Project Management
  • Advanced Design Practicum" 

Regardless of which option you choose, remember that you only want to incorporate classes into your cover letter when they are truly relevant to the position for which you are applying. Think about it from the perspective of the reader.

Ask yourself "Will he or she value the classes?" If the answer is "yes" then include it. On the other hand, if the answer is "maybe," "I'm not sure," or a resounding "no," you should not be including classes in your cover letter (or resume).

Happy cover letter writing!

Got questions? Please feel free to ask The Advisor about it.

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