The Art of Letter Writing

In Context Assess your abilities. Research & evaluation jobs. Define your objectives.

Writing Style - Create A Positive Impact Act of communication (says who you are as a professional.) Understand needs & requirements of employer.

Basic Principles Plan your purpose supported by facts. Group items into logical paragraphs. Keep letters personal, warm & formal. Hold jargon -- clear & simple. Be positive in context, tone, & word choice. Use action verbs. Vary sentence length & structure -- keeps the reader’s interest. Reduce uncertainty & doubt with facts. Stress benefits to the reader.

Tips & Guidelines Design should be work/employer centered. Take responsibility & follow up. Address to named individual. Use high quality stationary & paper. Error free, clean copy. Tailor each letter. Keep reader in mind -- easy to read. Be timely. Be honest -- show evidence.

Types of Letters Remember every communication act (including cover letter) is a message about you. Application -- Generates interest & demonstrates qualifications. Prospecting -- Long distance search - focus on broad objectives. Networking -- Uncovers opportunities & generates information interviews. Must be sincere & genuine.

Types of Letters - Cont. Thank you -- Rule of thumb -- Say Thank you to everyone -- within 24 hours. Acceptance -- Confirm the terms of offer to generate a record & paper flow. Withdrawal -- Ethical to withdraw all active applications -- Better fit not better job. Rejection -- Don’t burn bridges -- Reject promptly, thoughtfully in a courteous manner.

Cover Letter Sample 1 -- Modified Block Style 1.Current address where you can be reached at the time of correspondence 2.Date letter was written3. Contact person 4Title of contact person5. Company 6.Company address; include complete ZIP code 7.Salutation 8.First paragraph – Include a brief introduction and identify how you first became aware of the employment opportunity. This could have been identified through a resource guide, magazine, individual, career services opening. 9.Second paragraph – Include why you are interested in the particular employer. Is there something unique about the employer? Tell why you want to work for them. 10.Third paragraph – Include our strongest skills, strengths, and qualifications. Do you have transferable skills? Can you demonstrate this in a clear brief statement? Go ahead and highlight what you have to offer! 11.Fourth paragraph – Include your follow-up plans. Take control of your inquiry! Include the date when you will telephone. Offer to provide further information and confirm your interview date! 12.Complimentary closing13. Written signature 14.Typed name 15.Enclosure line – Means ENCLOSURE! Do not forget to include your resume!

Cover Letter Sample 2 Standard Business Letter Format

Thank you for the Interview Sample As soon as possible after the interview or company visit, a letter should be sent to express your appreciation for the time the interviewer spent with you. Use this as an occasion to add information, not covered in the interview, that you feel the employer needs to know about you and/or your qualifications for the position. Use this as an occasion to clarify any information you feel was not accurately shared during the interview. Use this as an occasion to supply additional information that was requested by the employer during the interview. Enclose your resume! Written correspondence with a potential employer is one of the most effective ways to display your communication skills. Take advantage of this opportunity by sending a thank-you letter after you have had a campus interview and especially after an interview associated with a company visit. Sending a thank-you letter is also a simple matter of courtesy.

Additional Resources Additional resources may be found in the Career Services Center’s Resources Library. –Some resources available are: Cover Letter Almanac Cover Letters for Professionals Dynamite Cover Letters 101 Best Cover Letters Career Counselors are available to review your letter and discuss your job search. Schedule an appointment today! Come visit the Career Services Center!

Finally Express your individuality. Practice good business writing skills. Good letter writing skills will enhance and support your career.