rigorous analytical training to generate solutions for international globalization challenges. For example,
during my time at Pact, I designed evaluation methodologies for development projects that improved
health outcomes for rural women in Colombia. My contribution was recognized by the CEO and board
members, leading to a feature on the organization’s website and in the annual report.
Sample Two (Bullet Style):
While earning my Master of Public Administration, I balanced a full-time demanding job as a Program
Analyst for the Department of Homeland Security. In this position, I was asked by my supervisor to
expand my role to lead an inter-departmental team for designing new internal policies and procedures to
improve the budget formulation process. As a result of these widely adopted organizational standards
and positive feedback from the Deputy Secretary for my adaptive leadership style, as soon as I graduated,
I was promoted to manage a larger team with increased responsibilities.
The combination of my pertinent professional experience coupled with rigorous graduate fiscal
management training would enable me to bring the following strengths to this position:
Quantitative research and statistical analysis focused on analyzing and interpreting large
national data sets using SPSS and Stata;
Effective coalition builder including hands-on experience building relationships with
Congressional staff, lobbyists, advocacy organizations, and media outlets;
Technical writing skills that have contributed to award-winning reports and studies.
Utilizing these competencies, I know that I will be effective in planning and implementing ABC’s budget
formulation and execution programs, and successful in the development of long-range program plans,
goals, objectives, and milestones. I am confident that if given the opportunity to serve as your next
Financial Analyst, I will bring enthusiasm, fresh perspective, and diligence to the role.
Sample Three (Bullet):
My drive for serving underrepresented groups has been demonstrated through eight years of progressive
experience training and working within these communities in DC. This prompted my pursuit of a Master
of Public Policy degree from the George Washington University, where my coursework heightened my
cultural awareness and commitment to influence positive change within government entities. My focus on
social policy, quantitative research, and analytical writing resulted in a publication in the Trachtenberg
School Policy Perspectives Journal.
The central focus on social injustice and poverty in Latino neighborhoods drew me to the Program Lead
position at ABC, INC. I am interested in applying my leadership and analytical skills to help address these
challenges through my:
• Leadership: I have been recognized by supervisors and colleagues for direct and decisive
leadership that galvanizes staff to exceed performance goals while maintaining high positive team
morale.
• Grant Writing: With my public, foundation and private sector proposal development experience,
I have consistently surpassed fundraising goals. Driven by my desire for knowledge sharing, I
initiated a proposal writing best practices group with partner organizations to increase
collaboration and knowledge sharing. Not only did I foster connections between the nonprofits,
but I also cultivated my presentation skills as I was often called upon to lead subject matter
trainings.
• Collaborative Relationship Builder: At Community Connections, by leveraging my strengths in
empathy, active listening, and honest reflection, I brought together two organizations that have
historically struggled to work together. This collaboration spurred additional peripheral
community organizations to reach out to our organization to develop joint youth programming.