LETTERSCareer Directions

Chapter 11

Learning Targets/CFSStudents will be able to…

• Identify guidelines for writing job search letters• Recognize and effectively write the kinds of letters you

may use during your job search

Letter Writing• Letter writing is an important form of communication with

an employer.• By corresponding directly with an employer over time, you

demonstrate a sustained interest in the job and reveal something about your personality and professional goals.

• Prime reason for writing a letter as you initiate your job search is to secure an interview.

Cover Letters• Distinguish yourself from other candidates• Reveals reason you want to work for the company• Provides an opportunity to talk about your positive traits

and what you can bring to the employer• Clarity, conciseness and professionalism of your letter can

make a positive first impression on an employer

Letters• Cover Letters

• Letter of application for a specific position• Letters of inquiry• Networking letters

• Letters for a change of career• Letters to request recommendations• Thank you letters• Letters to accept, reject or resign from a position

Case Study: Maura• What steps did Maura take to ensure her cover letters to

her preferred employers were targeted to attract attention?

• Was Maura’s strategy to use her general cover letter for the rest of her job search a good decision?

• Do you think that Maura was right to include highlights of her skills and qualifications in her cover letter, in addition to including them on her resume?

Guidelines for Writing Job Search Letters• Be brief and to the point• Use a standard business letter format• Make sure you address the letter to the proper individual

and use his/her proper title• Make absolutely no errors in grammar, punctuation,

spelling or typing. An error could automatically rule you out of consideration.

Cover letters-Be brief and focused• Don’t repeat the detailed experience in your resume;

summarize it.• Present information about yourself that will really spark

interest in you as a serious candidate• In your resume, what you write is important. In your

cover letter how you write the highlights from your resume is important.

Address letter to proper individual• Personalize your letter by addressing it directly to the

appropriate individual• Find the name on the Internet or call the company• Ask for that person’s proper mailing address• At all costs avoid writing letters that begin with “Dear Sir

or Madam” or “To Whom It May Concern”• We all like to be addressed by name and have our name

PROPERLY SPELLED

Perfection Necessary• Cover letters must be perfect• Employers view quality of cover letter as a reflection of

professionalism, attention to detail, and written communication skills

• Ask another person to proofread your letter

Cover Letter-Letter of Application• States your specific qualifications for a job• Address letter to specific person using his full title• State the position for which you are applying and where

you found out about the job• Relate how your education makes you qualified for the

position• State what you can offer than what you hope to gain• Do not mention salary unless specifically asked to do so• Request an interview and follow up with a phone call

Cover Letter-Letter of Inquiry• Use this letter if mass mailing campaign is part of your job

search (similar to cold call in sales)• Inquire whether company needs someone with your

background• Address your letter to a specific person and use her title• Enclose a copy of your resume and say that you did so in

your cover letter• State how your background may benefit the company• ASK for opportunity to discuss your qualifications in

person see pg. 198, figure 11.3

Cover Letter-Networking Letter• Someone in your career network may have suggested

you write to another member in your network• Your purpose might be to obtain information or ask for a

job lead• See pg. 199, figure 11.4, 11.5

Letter to Request a Recommendation• Make a personal call in addition to request• Choose people you are sure will recommend you

favorably• Ask permission to use the person’s name • Send a copy of your resume• After receiving letter, send a THANK YOU letter

Thank you Letters• Letter written after interview acknowledging time and

consideration• Restate the position for which you applied and give the

date/place of the interview• Mention one positive thing that happened in interview• Express your continued interest in position• Include your contact information• See pg 205, Figure 11.9

Letters Accepting a Position• Written after you agree to accept an offer • Answer the offer immediately• Restate the specific position you accepted• Express your appreciation and eagerness• Be straightforward, pleasant, confident• See p. 206, Figure 11.10

Letters Refusing a Position• Letter written after you have definitely decided not to

accept position• Makes a favorable impression on employer• Answer offer immediately• Be direct about reason and show appreciation for the offer• Networks are small; you may want to apply to company

again in future

Letters of Resignation• Written to officially notify employer of your decision to

leave the company• Regardless of reason for leaving, letter should be written

in positive tone• Becomes a permanent record of communication in

employee file• Negative letters hurt future chances of working for

employer and getting good letters of recommendation see pg. 210, figure 11.4

Electronic Letters• Scanned documents• KEY WORDS identify your match to position• Use job description or help wanted ads to identify key

words• Use professional email addresses• Have an effective subject

Letters• Give you a competitive edge• Represent you – keep professional (especially email

address)• Be truthful representation of your qualifications and

background• Give you opportunity to promote your strengths, highlight

interest in company, and express unique personality• Reveal more about you than resume• Key to securing job interview

Building your network• Database of contacts• Chamber of Commerce• Volunteer opportunities

Learning Targets/CFSStudents will be able to…

• Identify guidelines for writing job search letters• Recognize and effectively write the kinds of letters you

may use during your job search

Apply it/Criteria for Success• Using the template on page 209, write a letter of

application for a position posted on Simply Hired or Indeed.com

• Research the company to identify the name of the hiring manager and title, company address

• For example:• Mr. Tom Smith• Direction of Marketing• Vail Resorts• 1234 Vail Road• Vail, CO 81345