Writing a Cover Letter landscape

Writing a Cover
Letter
landscape
My Name
My Street Address
My Town, State, and Zip
Today’s Date
Name of Addressee
Title of Addressee
Name of Company
Street Address
Town, State, Zip
Salutation (Mr. or Ms. or Mrs. Do NOT guess “Mrs.” if you don’t know the marital status of a woman.
If you’re unsure, the default is “Ms.” If you can’t find a name after extensive searching, use a title. If
you can’t find a title after extensive searching, don’t use a salutation at all, just skip to the content as
shown later in the example cover letter.)
Introductory sentence: BRIEFLY states where you found the ad and expresses enthusiasm for the
job. The next sentence BRIEFLY states why you’re a good fit for the position. The rest of the paragraph
expands upon that, responding to specifics in the ad and explaining how you are in sync with the company. It’s a SHORT paragraph.
The second paragraph: Should be meaty, using language from the ad and specific examples from your
academic or work experience. Talk about projects you’ve completed, work you’ve done. Use action verbs,
NOT passive language. “I designed” not “It was designed.” The company needs work done, it’s your job
in the letter, to use examples from your past to show you’re the person who can come in and get the
work done using language from their ad. Be excited about your work, talk about your specific skills.
The company won’t know what you are capable of until you break it down step by step and tell them
what you’ve done. If necessary, you can use two paragraphs for this. Do not assume they’ve read your
resume, in most cases, they haven’t. Don’t spend a lot of time writing about what this job can do
for you. This job will be great for anyone they hire.
Closing paragraph: Reiterate your enthusiasm for the company and add a follow up sentence. Don’t
forget to sign your letter.
Sincerely,
Your name
From the FAA Career Services Office · mplante @illinois.edu
Sample Landscape Job Ad
Opportunity: Junior Landscape Designer
Robin Key Landscape Architecture is in search of an entry-level landscape designer with a minimum
of a Bachelor’s Degree in Landscape Architecture and 1–2 years work experience.
Responsibilities can include
- Participation in design charettes
- Creation of rendering and presentation drawings
- Preparation of construction documents including layout, planting and irrigation plans using
AutoCAD
- Assist in the preparation and editing of contracts, technical specifications, cost estimates, and
budgets
Skills required
- Minimum Bachelor’s Degree in Landscape Architecture with 1–2 years experience
- High proficiency in AutoCAD
- Experience with presentation applications, e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and SketchUp
- Meticulous attention to detail and commitment to producing accurate and high-quality work
- Effective organizational skills
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Friendly personality and good client-relations skills
Please send a cover letter, resume, and portfolio (max 7mb PDF) to resumes@rklastudio@com
Deadline: 5pm September 26th, 2011 (please note change from original posting)
No phone calls please—only candidates whose profiles closely match requirements will be contacted
during this search
Writing a Cover
Letter
landscape
Michele Xavier Plante
Room 108 Architecture Building
Champaign, IL 61820
217-333-1000
mplante@illinois.edu
Robin Key Landscape Architecture
333 Hudson Street, Suite 1001
New York, NY 10013
September 25, 2011
Dear Ms. Key,
I was excited to find your advertisement for Junior Landscape Designer posted on the American
Society for Landscape Architecture’s Joblink. With my Bachelor’s Degree in Landscape
Architecture from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, my creativity, technical skills,
attention to detail and my work experience, I feel I’d be an excellent fit for RKLA.
I was very interested in the Serviam Gardens project and how your firm interacted and collaborated so closely with the community. I am most attracted to projects that take a strong
team approach, such as the design charettes in which I participated on the Urbana-Champaign
campus. One such project focused on the University’s historic round barns. We worked with
architecture students to examine ways in which the three barns could be adapted for new uses.
My team analyzed the site, gained an understanding of its cultural significance, and proposed
concepts that serve current needs and facilitated productivity. I developed a master plan that
expanded the utility of biofuel alternatives as a significant part of the future landscape experience.
Through my university courses, I have had experience with a wide range of skills required
for a position at RKLA. My projects have ranged from designing multi-use neighborhoods to
green roofs to regional trails. In addition to creating renderings and presentation images using
Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and SketchUp, I have prepared construction documents in
AutoCAD and created videos.
In my sales work for Prosek’s Greenhouse and Rick Orr Florist, I served clients with friendliness
and efficiency. In my supervisory position as a Perennial Technician at Cantigny Park & Golf
Course overseeing a four-member crew, I collaborated with my team so each member felt their
contributions were valued.
I’m passionate about sustainable and maintainable designs, and am interested in the wide variety
of work available at RKLA. You can find my portfolio online at issuu.com/docs/plante. I would
welcome the opportunity to discuss ways in which I could put my skills and creativity to work for
Robin Key Landscape Architecture.
Sincerely,
Michele Plante
Michele Plante
NOTE: Good communication skills are demonstrated through
good writing so you don’t need to point out that you can write.
It would be preferable to give an example of organizational
skills—they’re also demonstrated here by including all components of the application. This isn’t a perfect letter, but it’s a very
good start.