Communication is critical in a successful job search. Whether you are composing an email or fine-tuning a letter, it is important that your writing style is clear, concise, professional, and free of errors! Below are some of the most commonly used job search letters and guidelines for writing these letters.
Cover Letters
Thank You Letters
Acceptance Letters
Withdrawal Letters
Cover Letters
Cover letters are an essential part of your marketing package. A good cover letter will get your resume read and generate interviews. It adds a personal touch to your application. When accompanied by your resume, cover letters demonstrate that you are a serious, professional candidate who is sincerely interested in the position available. Employers use cover letters to evaluate and compare candidates. An effective cover letter will serve as an introduction, but a poorly written letter can eliminate you from consideration.
Guidelines for Effective Cover Letter Writing
Thank You Letters
Thank you letters are an essential part of the interview process. You should send a thank you letter whenever someone has: - Interviewed you,
- Provided you with information,
- Recommended you in any way,
- Referred you to someone else, or
- Rejected you (this is your opportunity to reaffirm your interest in their firm).
If you are sending letters to several people at the same company, try to personalize the letters –although you don’t have to create an entirely new letter for each. Thank you letters should be sent immediately -a good rule of thumb is to send a thank you letter within 24 hours.
Guidelines for Writing Thank You Letters & Acceptance/Withdrawal Letters
Acceptance Letters
Though not always required, a letter of acceptance can be sent as a follow-up to a verbal acceptance of an offer. Typically a formal offer is accompanied by a letter which requires the candidate’s (your) signature as an acceptance of the position. In the absence of a required signature, an acceptance letter will serve as an official acceptance of the position. A letter of acceptance can also serve as a thank you letter once the entire hiring process is complete, and is a detail that is sure to be appreciated by an employer.
Guidelines for Writing Thank You Letters & Acceptance/Withdrawal Letters
Withdrawal LettersOnce you accept a position (verbally or in writing), you should withdraw from all other job opportunities. This can be done with a simple letter written to the hiring manager. A letter of withdrawal is an opportunity to show an employer that you are sincerely interested and appreciate their time. It is also a good chance to show them that you’ve landed in a good position and might be a worthy candidate in the future. Guidelines for Writing Thank You Letters & Acceptance/Withdrawal Letters
