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

June 1, 200–

Pat Cummings
Museum Director
Any Museum
456 Any Street
City, ST 12345

Dear Ms. Cummings:

Throughout my undergraduate years I sought to learn both in the classroom and beyond. I did so via specific courses and, most important, through practical internships and training. Now, I seek an opportunity to put my newly developed skills and knowledge to use in a position at Any Museum. Perhaps I can do so as an assistant to the curator or in patron relations, education, or fundraising roles?

As my resume indicates, I recently participated in a program for art history majors at the Louvre. This involved studying European art and attending seminars on museum operations. Prior, I worked for two summers at the Metropolitan Museum of Art as a museum assistant at the information booth.

Coursework in African-American art, modern art, and museum science, all detailed in my resume, also prepared me for a position in a museum. As a recent graduate of the University of South Dakota, with an art history background and practical museum experience, I now seek an opportunity to continue my quest for knowledge and professional development with you and your Any Museum colleagues.

The eyes of a young visitor to your museum have grown into those of a diligent student, recent graduate, and hopeful candidate. While my heart still contains the enthusiasm and excitement I felt during early visits, my head is now full of knowledge and career focus. Please grant me the opportunity to interview and, someday, to become part of your staff. I will call to see if an in-person interview would be an appropriate next step.

Sincerely,

Chris Smith

Comments

• First paragraph identifies desired goals via a well-crafted closing question.

• Second paragraph presents most significant experience as strongest qualification.

• Third paragraph focuses on academics and could include a brief listing of courses.

• Closing paragraph reveals motivations as well as qualifications hoping to inspire an interview.