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Job Search Correspondence

• Cover Letter Writing Guide
• Cover Letter Samples
• Follow-up Letters
• Thank You Letters
• Informational Interview Request Letter

Cover Letter

Always include a cover letter with your resume. The cover letter may serve as a letter of inquiry for determining the staffing needs of the organization to which you are writing, or as a letter of application for known position vacancies.

The most effective cover letters are tailored to the individual organizations to which one is applying. An employer can certainly detect a form letter. Therefore, as a rule of thumb, do not send out form letters.

The cover letter should be addressed to the person who has the power to make hiring decisions. Use the person's name and title. Avoid sending it "To Whom it May Concern." Call the company or utilize directories and other sources to determine to whom you should address the cover letter. If it is impossible to obtain the person's name, you can address the letter, "Dear Director of Recruiting," or "Dear Vice President for Research and Development."

The cover letter is the first impression that you are making on your prospective employer. You could be the perfect person for the position, but if you present yourself poorly, chances are that you will never set your foot in the door.

Your goal should be to set yourself apart from other candidates; therefore your cover letter should communicate your specific skills and qualifications in a manner that will attract the attention of the employer. You will arouse his/her interest by highlighting accomplishments that directly correspond to the company's needs. Be sure not to limit the cover letter to a repetition of facts that the employer can easily obtain by reading your resume. The cover letter is the place to mention something additional or to draw connections between the employer and yourself. The cover letter also will be used as an indicator of your ability to communicate effectively in written form - so be sure to make proper use of the English language.

Components of a Cover Letter

Your Street Address
City, State, Zipcode

Date

Name
Title
Organization
Address
City, State Zipcode

Dear Salutation:

The opening paragraph should arouse the interest of the employer. State why you are writing and give information to show your interest in, and knowledge of, this organization. If you are applying to a specific job, name the position for which you are ap plying and how you heard of it.

The middle paragraphs should create a desire on the part of the employer to know more about you. Explain why you are interested in working for this employer. Point out your achievements or qualifications in this field, especially those that meet the jo b description or requirements.

Refer the reader to your enclosed resume. Mention any information of relevance that does not appear in the resume.

The closing paragraph should pave the way for the interview by asking for an appointment, or by offering to call the employer in the near future, or by some similar suggestions to facilitate an immediate and favorable reply.

Sincerely,

(Sign Here)

Your Name

Enclosure (You are noting that you have enclosed your resume.)

Sample Cover Letters

The following links are to SAMPLE Cover Letters. Do Not replicate. BE ORIGINAL.

• Sample Cover Letter
• Sample Summer Cover Letter

Follow-up Letters

What do you do if you've sent out a resume and cover letter to an employer but have not received a response? Do you wait? The best course of action is to wait 2 - 3 weeks allowing the employer to receive and review your credentials. Then you should cal l to see that they, in fact, received your information. If they have, you can ask what their schedule is for the interview process. You can also ask if they will need any further information from you (ie. reference letters, transcript). If they have no t received your letter and resume, you will have the opportunity to resend your information. A follow-up contact will show perseverance and remind the potential employer of your interest in his/her organization.

Thank You Letters

It is also appropriate that you send a thank-you letter after each job interview. This is an extra step well worth taking. Since most job seekers do not send thank you letters, it can serve to make you stand out in the pool of candidates. It thanks the employer for the interview; it reminds him/her of your qualifications and interest in the job.

• Address the letter to the person who originally invited you for the interview. If you saw more than one person, you can write each of them, or refer to them in your letter to the primary inteviewer.
• Mention the title of the position for which you have interviewed
• If you are interrested in the position, express your enthusiasm and reiterate your desire for the job and your qualifications for it. Express thanks for the interview and the date (specifically or generally) that you expect to hear from the interviewer.
• If you are not interrested, you can still express appreciation for the consideration extended to you.
• Your thank-you letter should be sent within 48 hours of your interview.

Structure of a Letter Requesting an Information Interview

Your Address
City, State, Zip

Date

Mr. or Ms. Name
Position
Address
City, State, Zip

Dear Mr. or Ms. ____________:

In the first paragraph explain how you learned about the person to whom you're writing and what you want from him or her. Do not ask for "an informational interview," which sounds stuffy and formal. Instead, use a phrase such as "a brief meeting with yo u to discuss _______________" or "a chance to meet with you briefly to learn from you about ______________."

In the second paragraph explain something of your background and why you have developed the interests which you wish to discuss with this person. This paragraph can be brief and low key. You're asking to meet with someone for an informal conversation; this is not the place to try to overwhelm the person with your qualifications.

In the final paragraph, give a few specific examples of the kinds of questions you have. Make it clear that you will make good use of this person's time. Offer to call within the next few days to try to arrange an appointment.

Sincerely,

Type your name under your signature.