Job search letters
From Foreignliving
Job serach letters are the written communications you will have with potential employers as you conduct a job search. These letters will often make a difference in whether or not you are considered for a position. Remember, since your job search letters will be seen as a sample of your written communication skills, you must proofread your letters carefully for spelling, grammar and punctuation errors.
Following are the most common job search letters.
Contents |
Cover Letters
The purpose of cover letters is to market your qualifications and communicate your skills, accomplishments and potential to the employer. It should also highlight experiences most relevant to the job/employer. A cover letter should always accompany a resume that is sent in the mail. Avoid generic letters; tailor each cover letter to the position for which you are applying. A cover letter should:
- catch the reader's attention
- motivate the reader to want to know more (review resume)
- move the reader to take action (schedule an interview)
Format
The first paragraph:
Introduce yourself (name, university, major, graduation date). State the position for which you are applying and how you learned of the position. Mention informal connections of any exist. It is likely that the recipient will pay closer attention when seeing the name(s) of people he/she knows.
The middle paragraph(s):
Express your interest in the company and give reasons why you are interested in a particular kind of work. Subtly emphasize your knowledge about the organization (the result of your research effort on the company) and your familiarity with the industry. Emphasize the skills and capabilities that you have that fit the job for which you are applying. Focus on your education and/or experience as it related to the position--Use a job description to match your skills to the required qualifications. Relate how your skills and qualifications will contribute to the position and organization.
The closing paragraph:
Refer to your enclosed resume and close with a statement expressing your desire to arrange an interview. State your telephone number, email and availability, and thank the reader for their consideration.
Tips
- Address a specific person by name and title
- Type in standard business format
- Convey enthusiasm and commitment
- Link your experience and abilities with the needs of the employer
- Use "I" only when necessary. Try not to start each sentence with "I"
- Be brief and focused
- Use 3-4 short paragraphs and do not go over one page
- Print on letter-quality paper that matches your resume
- Sign your name by hand
- When writing an email, conciseness is very important as well as a formal style
Sample Cover Letter
10801 Maple Street
Austin, Texas 78748
August 14, 200X
Ms. Kathryn Roberts
XYZ Pharmaceuticals
12345 Main St.
Chicago, IL 12345
Dear Ms. Roberts:
I have read with great interest the position listed on your corporate website for a Pharmaceutical Sales Representative.With this letter and the attached materials, I would like to formally apply for the position.
Among the qualifications you list in your position description, you seek someone with excellent verbal and written communication skills, sales experience, teamwork skills, and someone who is self-motivated. As detailed on my resume, I believe my academic, extracurricular, and work experiences meet your expectations. The curriculum for biology majors at UT requires an understanding of human physiology. As president of the Natural Sciences Council, I was responsible for leading weekly meetings and working with other groups on campus. Regarding sales experience, for two summers, I worked for a small retail firm where I became very knowledgeable about our product lines in order to best meet the specific needs of each customer. Finally, as my sorority's community outreach chairperson, I coordinated a small team of volunteers who in turn organized a sorority-wide fundraiding project that netted over $10,000 to support local charity.
I look forward to talking with you regarding my interests in working for your company. If I do not hear from you eforehand, I will contact you by telephone in the next two weeks to see if you require any additional information regarding my qualifications.
Thank you in advance for your consideration of my credentials.
Sincerely,
Megan Smith
(adapted from monstertrak.com)
Thank-you letters
The purpose of such letters is to thank people who have assisted you in your job search (an interviewer, informational interviewee, contact, a person who wrote a recommendation letter for you etc.). This small act will set you apart from other candidates who fail to write such letters.
Tips
- Be brief
- Thank the person for his/her time and interest in you
- Letters can be typed or hand-written (email is acceptable when all other contact has been emailed or when time is of the essence)
- Mention something that was discussed and use it as an opportunity to affirm your continued interest
- Add any relevant information not covered during the interview
- Refer to any agreed upon action
- Mail within twenty-four to forty-eight hours after the conversation or interview
