Guest Speaker Chapter 3 Correspondence This seems to be the biggest challenge in a job search But the letters you write during a job hunt are the most important 1
Types: Cover Letter Thank You Letter Letter of Appreciation Network Letter Acceptance Letter Rejection Letter Letter of Resignation Basics: Minimum of 3 paragraphs Paragraph 1 Why are you writing? Paragraph 2 Why employer should call you back Paragraph 3 Contact information Tips: Write original letters no form letters Address it to a specific person, if you do not know who, call to get name and proper spelling Utilize appropriate titles Keep it to one page Check spelling, language, grammar and abbreviations Have someone proofread 2
Tips: Eliminate the word I PS can be effective if used correctly Typed letters only Utilize stationary that matches your resume Date and sign Type the envelope as well Basic parts of a letter Personal Identification Date Inside Address Salutation Opening Paragraph Body Paragraph Closing Paragraph Signature Enclosure cc always send to someone who is mentioned Cover Letter Is used every time you mail your resume to an employer, reference, business associate, or friend It introduces you, explains the purpose of your writing, and highlights your capabilities. Check List (Handout) 3
Guidelines Attach an original TYPED letter to every resume you mail. Address each letter to a specific individual and use correct courtesy and job titles. Make sure you spell their name right! Establish a bond with the reader in the first paragraph Share your accomplishments. Then support claims with evidence Keep the letter short Date and sign every letter Mail copies of the letter to everyone mentioned Ask for the interview Include information on how you prefer to be contacted Sample Cover letter 3-9 4
Follow-up Letter/Thank You Letter After every interview Especially if you have interest in going to the next step in the hiring process Can be hand written or typed This could make the difference between getting a second interview or not Tips Always send to the key hiring decisionmaker, but you may send to everyone you spoke with in the company It is acceptable for this to be written if your handwriting is legible Keep your follow-up letter as brief as possible This message must be perfect. Have someone look at it before sending it. You will want to sent this so that it will be received before the next decision is made Remember: I am interested in your position or I can do your job is acceptable 5
Sample 3-15 Network Letter Use this type of letter to enlist friends, business associates, acquaintances in your job hunt The more eyes and ears you have job hunting for you, the quicker a job will be found Contact friends and acquaintances and ask them for advise or if they know of any openings Letter of acceptance Protects you and the employer It can prevent misunderstandings and hardships later on It is your opportunity to show your appreciation and to thank them for the job Perfect time to verify the terms of employment in writing 6
Offer Rejection Letter You can be offered a job and then later find out it is not suitable for you When this happens, handle with care, it is a very small world and you may face that employer again Write that you appreciate the offer and compliment on one or two things about the company Resignation Letter Must be handled tactfully Resigning can be emotional, joyful, or sorrowful This is your last opportunity to leave the company a good note, no matter the circumstances DO NOT burn bridges; build and reinforce them! Edit Each Letter Before Mailing! Ask yourself the following: (3-20) Active Voice Short paragraphs One Page Short Simple Words Nouns, Adjectives, Adverbs Editorialization I sentences 7
Redundancies Page 3-21- 23 Pretentious and non-conversational expressions Positive Expression Correct Word usage Transitions Readability Homework Cover Letter - for one of the potential employers you identified for one position that you identified in last weeks homework Thank You Letter- after the interview write a thank you letter to the person who interviewed you Read chapter 4 and 5 8