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Job search letters are used to communicate
specific information to employers. There
are several types of job search letters.
Cover
Letters
The
cover letter is a standard business letter
that accompanies a resume. There are two
basic types of cover letters:
A letter of inquiry is used to
contact an employer where no known opening
exists. It communicates an interest in
the organization and requests an opportunity
to interview for an appropriate position.
The letter of inquiry is valuable for
developing contacts in organizations you
have targeted as being of interest to
you.
A letter of application expresses
your interest in a specific position known
to be open in the organization. It includes
pertinent details about your qualifications
and requests an opportunity to interview
for the position.
Other
Job Search Letters
These
letters are standard business letters
that may or may not be accompanied by
a resume:
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A
networking letter is used to
develop a contact in a field or organization
that suits your career interests. It
may be used to request an information
interview, sources of job leads
or other contacts, or to request help
with preparing your job search materials.
-
A
thank-you letter is used as a
follow-up to an interview. It conveys
appreciation for the time spent with
you and reiterates your interest in
the position.
-
A
letter of apology is used to
express your regret for a missed interview.
It conveys your continued interest in
the position and organization, and your
desire to meet to explain the circumstances
and discuss your qualifications. (Please
note that interviews should not be missed.
This would occur only in the most unavoidable,
serious circumstances.)
-
An
acceptance letter is an ethical
contract between you and the employer
after you have been offered a job. It
restates the terms of employment, indicating
position title, starting date, etc.,
and expresses appreciation for the job
offer.
-
A
rejection letter is used when
declining a job offer. It expresses
appreciation for the employer's time
and the offer. The letter should be
positive and tactful. It may indicate
what position you did accept.
-
A
withdrawal letter serves as notification
to an employer that you no longer wish
to be considered for a position with
that organization. It may indicate new
plans. It is considerate and positive
in tone.
- An
offer acknowledgment letter is
used to acknowledge a job offer, thank
the employer, and let him/her know you
understand the terms offered. It could
be used to clarify your phone conversation.
It gives a date by which you will make
a decision.
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Resources available in the Career
Library, SUB 1, 348
National
Business Employment Weekly Cover Letters,
1995
Resumes & Job Search Letters
for Transitioning Military Personnel,
1998
Resources
available on the Internet
Quintessential
Careers
Monster
Career Center
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Letter
Writing Hints
-
Personalize
letters. If necessary, call the organization
to learn the name of the appropriate
individual and verify the correct spelling.
-
Be
natural. Use language that reflects
your style and personality.
-
Be
specific and direct. Avoid clichés
and get to the point.
-
Be
positive. Refrain from negative comments
and complaints.
-
Avoid
apologizing for strengths you lack.
Rather, accentuate the strengths and
qualities you have.
-
Be
confident, not arrogant. Use examples
to demonstrate your qualities rather
than merely bragging about yourself.
-
Be efficient. Make every sentence count
toward describing your qualifications.
-
Be
available. Be sure to tell the employer
how you can be reached. Provide a phone
number or e-mail address that you check
several times each day.
-
Proofread.
Remember that your computer's spell
check cannot identify grammatical mistakes.
Have someone (other than you) proofread
your letter. If you are word processing
multiple letters, be sure to change
customized statements to avoid the embarrassment
of using organization or individual
names from a previous version.
- Be
professional. Sign the letter and package
it professionally. Your letter should
look as polished as your resume.
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