Is a cover letter the same as a letter of intent?

[WindRavenX]

I realize this may be a really, really stupid question, but I'm finally sitting down and finalizing my Teach For America application :)

I have my resume all ready, but I need to write a letter of intent and an essay. Since cover letters always go with resumes, I'm presuming a letter of intent is the same thing? I plan on following this format:

Your Street Address
City, State, Zip Code

Date

Name of Person & Title
Company/Organization
Street Address
City, State, Zip Code

Dear Mr./Ms. :

Introduction: State the reason for writing. Name the specific position, or type of work for which you are applying. (Mention the resource used in finding out about the opening/company: news media, friend, faculty, if appropriate.)

Body: Explain why you are interested in working for that employer, or in that field of work, and most importantly what your qualifications are (academic background, work experience, personal skills). Point out achievements that relate to the field and why you enjoy that work. Refer the reader to the enclosed resume, application, and/or portfolio.

Closing: Indicate your desire for an interview. State that you will call on a specific day to see if an interview can be arranged at this person's convenience. (If you will be in their geographic vicinity on a certain day, stress the importance of setting up an interview on that day.)

Sincerely,


Your Name

Enclosure


Any advice would greatly be appreciated-- I'm about to go out in the "real world" and this shit is scary at first :hi:

[Whoa_Nelly]

1. Letter of intent is for your application

You DO address it to the contact person, and describe your intent of the "why" of your application, and your short and long range objectives and goals as to the "what" you INTEND to accomplish by applying to said company/school/etc.

A cover letter goes with your resume, and you also address the contact person, and use it to introduce yourself, and spark the interest of the person who will be hiring you.

What points do you have to cover in your essay?

[WindRavenX]

2. essay is on overcoming an obstacle I faced during my undergrad years

Since I'm on the GLBT/Q Leadership Counsel (GLC), I'm going to write how our safe-zone dance was cancelled last year for being "too gay" (whatever the fuck that means) and how we didn't give up by protesting, applying pressure to the Boston College admins and how we are doing another dance this year that IS APPROVED :D

[Rabrrrrrr]

3. No no no - do it about the semester you set the goal of drinking a whole case

of beer in one night, and how you tried and tried, but could never get up to 24 cans in one evening until you watched the movie Gandhi in one of your classes, and that inspired you to stop trying and to just do, and that watching the movie made you realize the problem was that you just weren't committed enough. But now you understand committment totally.

[WindRavenX]

4. oo commitment like being committed to my bong 24/7?

The selection committee will eat that kind of hard core commitment up ;)

[Rabrrrrrr]

5. Exactly!! That also shows discipline!

And that you don't let random interruptions disrupt your regular routine. That'll let your future employer know that you can be counted on, no matter what happens, to always deal with the emergencies and the interruptions and get them done, but also neevr fail to neglect your regular daily duties.

Brilliant!

You should also let them know that, when needed, you have happily and willingly stayed up until 2, 3, even 4 in the morning just to make sure all the dope got smoked.

That shows that you don't leave a job half done, no matter how much overtime it takes.

[WindRavenX]

6. ...because there are sober kids in Africa dammit!

No bowl shall go unsmoked under MY watch! :lol: