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To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing in response to the bird keeper position you are advertising on your website. I am a recent graduate of Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, having obtained my Bachelor’s of Science in Zoology and a minor in Environmental Studies. Wildlife and the environment have always been an important part of my life and I hope that I can put my skills to the test to work hands-on in these areas and gain an even larger understanding of the natural world. My interest in birds has also helped me to realize the sensitivity of these species and to stress the importance of environmental conservation through ornithology classes, other zoology coursework, and my work in wildlife rehabilitation.

In the past three years, I have gained tremendous experience in wildlife rehabilitation experience at Free Again Wildlife Rehabilitation. I began with basic diet preparation and cage cleaning but have progressed to be more involved with the organization, such as training birds of prey to be used in educational programs as well as creating and conducting the programs myself. I have personally overseen the rehabilitation of songbirds at the center and improved their survival rates. In addition, I created and maintained the record database currently used to track admissions and finances. My dedication has led me to attend the National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association Symposium with the director of Free Again and has put me into a supervisory position at the center. In addition to my volunteer work there, I have also been certified in the Flying WILD Educator’s Program in 2010 and spent some time in 2004 as a volunteer docent at the Henson Robinson Zoo in Springfield, Illinois. An internship in southern California prepared me for hard work, as we used manual labor to camouflage illegal incursions in the Mojave Desert to protect the endangered desert tortoise. There, I co-wrote a book on native plants of the Mojave for future interns to use.

Throughout my youth and adult life, I have visited the Saint Louis Zoo numerous times. Each visit brought new exhibits and new learning experiences. I was excited on a recent visit to see the wetland exhibit with many types of bird species swimming, perching, and flying all around me. The core values of the Saint Louis Zoo strive to address the importance of conservation and to enhance the public’s experience of the zoo, which I believe is achieved in the exhibit I mentioned, to name one of many. To be a part of the zoo’s mission statement and core values working with the public to express that message would be a dream come true. I believe that I can not only pass on my knowledge and passion about conservation to those children and families to help them gain a more broad perspective of the natural world, but contribute directly to an entertaining and educational visit to the zoo.

I look forward to working in a zoological setting hands-on with birds and the public, increasing my knowledge and applying my skills to maintain and improve the zoo’s status. The skills I would learn would allow me to be a great asset to not only the zoo itself, but to my career. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,
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Dear Mrs. ___:

I am writing in response to the Library Technician position advertised on your school's website for the ___ Elementary School and would be pleased if you would consider me.

My experience working with elementary-aged children and younger has been a cornerstone of my life. I have been babysitting for the past eleven years, with children in the age range of one to eleven. I am also quite present in the lives of my young relatives, ages newborn to twelve. I have read to them, helped them learn how to read, and now share some of my books with the older ones, in order to feed and encourage a love of books in them.

During high school I completed part of my work in the school library, giving me experience and knowledge with library procedures. My time there has inspired me to learn more about the library system. I have been a bookworm for as long as I can remember, and having the opportunity to spread that love of reading on to children would be wonderful.

Working in my current job at ___, I have extensive experience working in a team and on my own, depending what the situation calls for. I’m always willing to expand my horizons by working in areas that I’m not familiar with. Helping people find what they’re looking for is a part of my job, much as it would be helping students find the books they want or need.

My accomplishments in English, research, and computer courses will also enable me to assist students with their writing assignments if necessary.

Above and beyond work and school requirements, I have volunteered with a variety of community organizations, including but not limited to the Roman Catholic Church, the Lions Club, and the ___ Historical Society in their fundraising and community-oriented events.

I look forward to discussing possible employment with you at the ___ Elementary School. You may reach me to set up an interview by email at __.com, or on my cell phone at __.

Sincerely,