Career Advising at EOU

Effective letters are as important in the job search as an effective resume.

Employers read the cover letter before they read the enclosed resume. If you are serious about finding suitable employment, you will find it absolutely necessary to develop a strong letter-writing campaign. Writing an application letter that commands and gets the attention of the reader is imperative. Without this type of letter, you have little chance of getting the interview, which is necessary to get the job you desire.

The following are letters you may write to employers:

Letter of Application. This letter is normally the first letter you send to an employer. It should always be accompanied by your resume. In this letter you are bringing your candidacy to the attention of the reader. You are identifying the position for which you are applying, and you are asking for an interview. In addition, you are encouraging the reader to review the attached resume. This letter is seldom more than four paragraphs long.

Letter Of Appreciation. This type of letter should be written for different situations. The first would be after an interview. This letter may be brief, but it should express your appreciation for the interview, mention some key point that was discussed during the interview, reiterate your continued interest in the possibility of employment, and indicate your desire that your candidacy will receive favorable consideration. Doing this displays common business courtesy. This type of letter should be written as soon as possible but within two days of the initial interview.

The second occasion would be after you receive an offer of employment. This letter should be designed to confirm your receipt of the offer, to indicate your appreciation and interest in the offer, and to inform the employer of the date by which you expect to make your decision.

Letter Seeking Additional Information. This type of letter may be written at any time. Most often it is written after a job offer is received and you need more information in order to make your decision. Be certain you ask for specific information. Do not deal in generalities. Getting answers to your questions in writing may eliminate many unpleasant surprises later should you decide to accept the offer.

In writing this letter, always reinforce your interest in the opportunity and express your appreciation for the offer of employment.

Letter Inquiring About Status. After a reasonable amount of time, if you have not heard from the employer, you may want to inquire about the status of your application. Recap the history of your application, indicating dates of your correspondence and your interview(s), and tell the employer why you need to know your status (perhaps because you have other opportunities). Be certain to express your continued interest in employment with this employer, and express your appreciation for the employer's cooperation.

Thank you for the Interview Letter.  Within a day or two of your interview(s), you should send a thank-you letter to the person or people with whom you interviewed. 

Letter Accepting Position. This is the most exciting letter of all to write.

1. Refer to the offer letter outlining the terms of employment.
2. Confirm your date of reporting to work. 
3. Again express your appreciation and pleasure in joining the organization. 

Letter Rejecting Offer Of Employment. The key to this letter is to make certain you don't burn bridges. You can never tell when, sometime in the future, you may want to contact this employer about employment. Therefore, always be positive in rejecting the offer. If appropriate, advise the employer where you will be going to work or, if you are going to graduate school, where you have enrolled. You need not indicate why you accepted the other position or the salary you accepted. However, always express your appreciation for the offer and the interest and confidence the employer showed in making an offer to you.

Click here for to access Guidelines for Application Letter or sample letters are located at http://content.monster.com/resume

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