Contact & Cover Letters

INITIAL CONTACT & RESUME COVER LETTERS

An effective letter is as important in the job search as an effective resume. Employers read a cover letter before the resume! The two most important types are Resume Cover and Post-interview letters. Develop a strong letter writing campaign. Always send a personalized letter targeted at a specific employer who has hiring authority and who will make the hiring decision. Get their full name, title and division. Write each letter with special care and attention. Avoid mistakes and typos. Use matching paper and business envelopes for resumes and letters.

Always send a letter of application "covering" your resume. A cover letter contains three major sections: a description of the job you're applying for, a summary of your qualifications and goals, and a request for an interview. Enclose a customized resume targeted at the position you seek. Tailor your background in the cover letter and resume to the specific requirements of the job or industry you are targeting. See the Sample Cover Letter Format below for important details and questions you should include in your letter.

SAMPLE COVER LETTER FORMAT:

• Your Name
• Street Address (incl. Apartment No.)
• City, State and Zip code
• Country (if other than the USA)
• Telephone, Fax Number & Email (recommended)

• Company's Name
• Employer's Name
• Employer's Title
• Employer's Division
• Company's Street Address (and Suite No.)
• Company's City, State and Zip code
• Company's Country (if other than the USA)

• Date of Writing
• (Title) Employer's Name:

First Paragraph:

• State why you are writing.
• Name the position or type of work you seek.
• Mention how you heard about the opening.

Second Paragraph:

• Explain why you are interested in the position and/or working for that company or employer.
• Request an employment application (if still needed).
• Tell them how you are ready for the challenge, perfect for the position, or in what way you can be beneficial to the employer.

Third Paragraph:

• Tell her/him you have enclosed a copy of your resume (and a completed employment application, if appropriate).
• Tell them when you will follow-up for an agreeable meeting time to discuss your qualifications and their company's needs.
• Tell them your address and number should they need any additional information.
• Tell them you expect to hear from them soon.
• Thank them for their time and consideration.
• Sign your name by hand (over a typed signature) and use "Sincerely".
• Suggested Enclosure(s): Resume, Completed Employment Application (if applicable), and writing or other work samples (again if appropriate).

POST-INTERVIEW & "THANK YOU" LETTERS

A "thank you" or post-interview letter can separate you from the crowd because very few people send them. Thank the interviewer for their time and consideration and say what a pleasure it was to meet with them. See the Sample Post-Interview Letter Format below for suggested details to include in your letter.

SAMPLE POST-INTERVIEW LETTER FORMAT

• Your Name
• Street Address (incl. Apartment No.)
• City, State and Zip code
• Country (if other than the USA)
• Telephone, Fax Number & Email (recommended).

• Company's Name
• Employer's Name
• Employer's Title
• Employer's Division
• Company's Street Address (and Suite No.)
• Company's City, State and Zip code
• Company's Country (if other than the USA)
• Date of Writing
• (Title) Employer's Name:

First Paragraph:

• Thank her/him for the interview - be specific about date, time and place.
• Tell the employer that it was a pleasure to meet with them.
• State again the title or the position you are interested in.
• State why you are interested in the position and working for that employer.
• Tell them that you are ready for the challenge, how you are perfect for the position, or specifically how you can be beneficial to the employer.

Second Paragraph:

• Tell them you are enclosing copies of any requested materials; e.g., transcripts, DD 214, evaluations, etc.
• Tell them your address and number should they need any additional information.
• Tell them that you expect to hear from them soon.
• Thank them for their time and consideration.
• Sign your name by hand (over a typed signature) and use "Sincerely".
• Suggested Enclosure(s): Resume, Completed Employment Application (if applicable), and writing or other work samples (again if appropriate).

OTHER EMPLOYMENT CORRESPONDENCE

Send an Application or Cover letter, accompanied by your resume, to an employer when seeking an interview. Send an Appreciation or "Thank You" letter after being scheduled for an interview , the interview itself (post-interview letter), and job offers. Send an Information Request letter for more specific information about an interview, job offer or reasons for rejection. Send an Inquiry letter requesting the status of an application, interview or offer (but don't pest!) Send an Acceptance letter to accept a position, confirm a starting date and express appreciation. Send a Non-Acceptance or Respectfully Decline letter to all other offers - be positive, don't burn bridges, you may want to work for them in the future!