Chris Smith
123 Any Street • City, ST 12345 • (555) 555-5555 • csmith@email.com

June 1, 200–

To: Pat Cummings, Curator of Any Museum
FAX: (555) 555-5557

I am seeking a position blending museum and gallery experience as well as a keen interest and academic background in fine art. Ideally that will be as your Assistant Curator. As detailed in the attached resume, I have completed two extensive internships for successful galleries in Alabama. In each position, I contributed to all aspects of operations, including artist relations, sales, show planning and implementation, and administrative duties. Responsibilities and accomplishments included assisting customers, setting up displays, and completing mailings for exhibitions. Both galleries included modern and classic pieces and artists working in eclectic media and genre.

I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art History, have participated in several related seminars, and I have had occasion to visit many of the world's great museums. I am a frequent visitor to the Any Museum and a member of Friends of Any Museum, so I am familiar with your mission, target patronage, educational, and outreach efforts.

In addition to a targeted resume, I have also provided a reference list of individuals familiar with my past experience who can share views regarding my future potential. I would very much like to discuss my qualifications for current or anticipated opportunities further. I will call to discuss your thoughts regarding a brief meeting.

I would like to discuss full-time or part-time options. As you are aware, those passionate about art must be creative when seeking ways to build a professional repertoire of skills and achievements. To date, whenever given the opportunity to work in an arts environment, I have succeeded. I hope I have that chance at Any Museum.

Sincerely,

Chris Smith

Comments

• First paragraph is very focused, revealing targets and qualifications strongly, and diminishing concerns about so-called “gaps” that the reader may or may not be concerned about.

• Attaching reference list shows that any perceived gaps were not a result of negative experiences.

• Closing comment addresses in a positive way issues related to gaps of concern to candidate.