Applying for FT job where I'm interning - question (cover letters, employees, extensions)

[dolphin40]

I recently graduated with a MS degree and am working as an intern (it has been extended twice) in a very small (4 person + me) office. Recently, one of the other employees left to take a different position and the new position has been revamped into something that my education & experience are a great fit for, and that my boss has encouraged me to apply for.

Here's the question: how do I go about writing the cover letter to accompany the resume? I feel like I should be approaching the application like it was any other open position, rather than slacking and assuming that since I've worked there the boss already knows my accomplishments and therefore I don't have to mention them. But, at the same time, the boss does know what I have done, so do I need to mention it all like I would for any other letter?

Any advice on how to approach this is greatly appreciated - there is going to be some stiff competition for this job, so I'll need all the advantages I can get - thanks!

[timberline742]

You apply professionally like it is any other position. Assume nothing. Slack on nothing. State your case why you are the candidate of choice.

[spencgr]

Originally Posted by timberline742

You apply professionally like it is any other position. Assume nothing. Slack on nothing. State your case why you are the candidate of choice.

While I agree with this, you have the luxury of knowing the people. Cover letters are for introducing yourself. You've already done that. Personally, in your situation, when I was ready to submit my resume, I would schedule a 15 minute meeting with the boss. In that meeting I would basically speak to what you would write in the cover letter. Points to cover would include:

1) Appreciation for the internship and extensions and the opportunity to apply
2) Highlight of your background that your boss may have perhaps forgotten
3) Specific reason why you are interested in this position and why you would be the best candidate
4) A specific accomplishment you achieved while in the internship that he has knowledge about

[Hemlock140]

In most cases cover letters and resumes are initially screened by HR, who may not be very familiar with you at all. Apply convincingly, like no one knows you. Whether you are well regarded as an intern or not, you are still going to compete with others, either from the outside, or possibly an internal candidate trying to move up.

[G-fused]

Originally Posted by timberline742

You apply professionally like it is any other position. Assume nothing. Slack on nothing. State your case why you are the candidate of choice.

Good advice.

Nobody keeps better track of your accomplishments than you.
Nobody is a bigger champion of you than you.
Nobody can highlight the important things you've done and why they are important better than you.

Don't make your boss work to justify you.

I've been at this work career thing for some time now. Every year employees undergo a review with their supervisor. Part of the process is rating yourself and indicating your accomplishments. I don't leave that section blank. I don't expect my boss to just know what they are even though she is my boss. I highlight the mofo out of them, make them appear larger than life, thump my chest with my words.

So yeah, don't expect your boss to recall everything you did or the most important and good things you did. Hand it to him/her and approach it in a serious, humble, and confident way. Assume nothing.

Best of luck