12818 Oakdale

Southgate, MI, 48195

(734) 934-7689
mmcnees21@yahoo.com

March 29, 2010

Mr. Paul Anger

Editor
The Detroit Free Press
615 W. Lafayette
Detroit, MI 48226

Dear Mr. Anger,

I am hoping to acquire a staff writing with The Detroit Free Press. I am interested in working for your
publication because of your high standards and quality of work and your innovation in the field of print
journalism. My strong work ethic, exceptional writing skills and experience in the journalism field
make me a perfect candidate for this position.

As only a sophomore at Eastern Michigan University, I have the necessary skills required to fulfill this
position and exceed expectations. I had obtained an internship with a local publication, emYOU! The
Magazine, in August 2009, and by demonstrating my exceptional writing skills, my first written piece
was featured in our November 2009 issue and I have earned a promotion to paid staff writer in only a
few short months. By showcasing my writing skills, I was also able to obtain a second journalism
internship with The Ypsilanti Courier.

Of course, there are other skills needed to be a great journalist, such as leadership, initiative and time-
management, all of which I possess. Currently, I work three jobs, as noted in my resume, go to school
full-time and hold a leadership position within my sorority, Alpha Xi Delta. While managing all these
activities, I have still managed to be honored on the Dean’s List for three semesters in a row, each
semester having a GPA of over a 3.7. All of these aspects have provided me with a strong work ethic
and would be greatly beneficial to a position within The Detroit Free Press.

Please refer to the enclosed resume for more information regarding my education and work experience.
I look forward to meeting with you in the near future to discuss this position further. I will follow up
this letter with a phone call to see if I can arrange a time to meet with you in person.

Thank you very much for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Marissa McNees