Layout

Opening:
Address your letter to a specific individual if possible. A personalised letter to "Ms. Andrea Smith" will receive a more favourable response than a letter address to "The Director of Recruiting" or "Dear Sir or Madam". You can usually get the recruiters name from the advertisement or by calling the company and asking for it.

Paragraph 1:
The first paragraph introduces you to the reader. State who you are ("I am a second year MBA student at ESADE Business School") and why you are writing ("I am very interested in a full-time position at (name of firm). If you have been referred to the company by personal contacts or by someone you met at a recruiting event, mention this in the opening line.

Paragraph 2:
Add information about yourself. What are your skills and experience that make you a good candidate for the job. Do not simply repeat your CV but instead, write about how your skills and experiences could be used at the employer's company.

Paragraph 3:
Why the company / area interests you. Show that you have researched the company (e.g. mention what you have heard/read about the company or area); demonstrate that you are genuinely motivated for the role you are applying to and why.

Paragraph 4:
Close. If the company has a specific position open, ask for an interview. If you are applying for a position in another city and will be travelling there, request a meeting during your visit.