Month: February 2023 (Page 2 of 2)

Dear Hiring Manager, 

I am writing to express my interest in becoming a camp counselor and joining the Camp Seaside team. After reading your advertisement in the Portland Press Herald, I was eager to bring my enthusiasm to this essential community-serving position. 

Currently enrolled at the University of New England in Biddeford, Maine, I am pursuing a major in English and Political Science as well as a minor in Writing. Exploring a range of studies has been an excellent chance to take control of my learning, engage in organizational and time management skills, and get involved in extracurricular activities. Starting a club, for instance, has bolstered my communication and leadership skills in a hands-on setting. 

Throughout my four years of high school, babysitting for one family allowed for a special opportunity to expand my abilities working with children of different ages. When I began working, the two siblings were 4 and 7 years old, then 8 and 11 at the end of my time with them. As a camp counselor for Camp Seaside, these years of practical learning, from managing their daily activities to resolving conflicts, will be a great asset – allowing campers to have the best and most positive experience possible. 

Thank you for your time and consideration of my application, and I look forward to assisting you further throughout this process. I have provided my personal phone number and email address below; please feel free to reach out at your convenience. 

Yours Sincerely, 

Elia O’Hara

eohara@une.edu 

(207) 412-8185

Specific skills and qualities, the employer is looking for: 

• Support key advocacy priorities and our responses to important current events as they arise by, for example, completing research, drafting communications and documents, organizing programs and events, and more  
• Provide insight on team program plans to advance civil rights, and civil liberties across Maine  
• Engage with the public as representatives of the ACLU of Maine at outdoor community events such as “Juneteenth Ain’t Enough” and Portland Pride. 
• Take initiative by identifying additional projects of interest to work on  
• Work collaboratively and respectfully with a diverse team of colleagues  
• Complete other tasks as assigned 
• Dedicated to defending and advancing civil liberties, civil rights, and social justice  
• Demonstrates commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging 
• Willing to approach work with a growth mindset  
• Driven to work both independently and as part of a team to complete projects on a timely schedule 
• Ready to work in a fast-paced environment, incorporate constructive feedback, and learn-by-doing 

My educational, experience, skills, and qualities that might be relevant: 

• Currently enrolled at the University of New England, Majoring in English and Political Science and minoring in Writing
• Dean’s List academic year 3 semesters 
• 2022 Alumni College Essay Scholarship recipient | Essay on reproductive health and the law
• President of the Arts and Humanities Club 
• Member of the College of Arts and Science Dean’s Student Leadership Advisory Council 2022-present 
• Writing Fellow at the University of New England – paid peer writing tutor 
• Member of Generation Action, a club of Planned Parenthood
• Organized local protest for reproductive rights summer of 2022
• Summer internship at Hale & Hamlin – a local law firm in Ellsworth, Maine 
• Internship with Local representative Sarah Pebworth
• Research contributor for the Maine Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics on their Resolution for the support of the Equal Rights Amendment 

Match and Rank the two lists: 

1. Support key advocacy priorities and our responses to important current events as they arise by, for example, completing research, drafting communications and documents, organizing programs and events, and more → My major and minor align well with the responsibilities needed for these requirements. Also, my interest in writing about and taking action when current events I am passionate about arise, such as essays, research, and community events 
2. Driven to work both independently and as part of a team to complete projects on a timely schedule / Work collaboratively and respectfully with a diverse team of colleagues  / Take initiative by identifying additional projects of interest to work on  → Seen through my initiative in starting clubs, joining clubs of interest to me, good academic standing showcases my ability to take control of my success in my educational pursuits 
3. Ready to work in a fast-paced environment, incorporate constructive feedback, and learn-by-doing  → My previous internship at a law office helps with my experiential learning in an atmosphere of deadlines, independent work, and problem-solving 
4. Demonstrates commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging → My passion for highlighting areas where social justice intersects with academic work allows me to bring these crucial topics surrounding equality and a sense of justice to my student career. 
5. Provide insight on team program plans to advance civil rights and civil liberties across Maine  / Engage with the public as representatives of the ACLU of Maine at outdoor community events such as “Juneteenth Ain’t Enough” and Portland Pride. → I only have one example of engaging with a larger-scale event like a protest. 

February 10, 2023

Dear Ms. Hooke, 

I am writing to express my interest in joining the Maine ACLU team as a summer intern for 2023. After reading your advertisement on the ACLU of Maine website, I was eager to bring my enthusiasm to advocate for equality, justice, and representation through this essential community-serving position. 

I am a second-year student at the University of New England with a double major in English and Political Science and a double minor in Writing and Health, Law, & Policy. My interest in the legal field and writing are propelled through internships at local law firms and with local state representatives. Additionally, I have participated in local initiatives ranging from organizing local protests, conducting research for Maine organizations, and enmeshing my academic writing with topics I am passionate about for scholarship opportunities. 

As a summer intern, I can rely on practical experiences such as my role working with a variety of professionals and peers in my position as a writing tutor. I am also the founder and President of the Arts and Humanities club on campus, which allows me to be creative when planning events and practice clear, thoughtful communication to ensure our goals are met.  

Having looked up to the ACLU as a pillar of social justice and a human rights champion since I began to pose questions about the world around me, this position would make my years of admiration and desire to do my part a reality. 

Thank you for your time and consideration of my application, and I look forward to assisting you further throughout this process. I have provided my phone number and email address below; please feel free to reach out at your convenience.

Yours Sincerely, 

Elia O’Hara 

eohara@une.edu

(207) 412-8185

Chapter 10 on Cover Letters discusses how to write and understand the tools and techniques behind a stand-out cover letter for job applications. A few items I would point out for readers would be to take the extra time and hone in on those small details because those are what matter in and out of the professional sphere; employers know that. Things such as checking out the website to try and understand the essence of the company and if you think it’s a good fit, making a quick call asking for some names or information about the company, and always paying attention to grammar, spelling, and format. This indicates other themes that resonate with this course as well, such as an overall responsibility for your writing that highlights you, your education, and your character. Despite the cover letter being a business document, adding those key points of personalization will help set you apart. Another crucial element to take into consideration builds upon what the last chapter discussed, the AIDA format. Layering in the Cs of good professional writing, the chapter also highlights how to manipulate that basic formula into personalized and effective information for each job application with ideas such as writing for an audience of a prospective employer who wants to know what you can do for them. It’s also important to remember that the cover letter is not where you delve into specific details of your best and most awe-inspiring accomplishments but a short and persuasive insight into what’s to come.