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Letter
of Inquiry
(Information-Gathering)
The purpose of this letter is to
solicit information regarding a particular organization and/or general
career field, NOT to inquire about specific employment at this time.
You will need to start your job search long before you graduate
if you plan to use this letter effectively.
1.
State your interest in the organization (by name).
2.
Request further information about the organization.
3.
Express your appreciation for the cooperation you will receive.
SAMPLE
LETTER OF INQUIRY
Letter
of Application (Cover Letter)
Whenever you send a resume to an
employer in answer to an advertisement or some other lead, it must be
accompanied by a letter of application or cover letter.
The purpose of this letter is to introduce yourself to the
employer by telling him/her why you are writing and what contributions
you believe you can make to this organization based on your
qualifications. It is
essentially a sales letter. You
are trying to sell your services and interest the employer in meeting
you. Your goal is to obtain
an interview.
1.
In your initial paragraph, indicate the reason for writing, the
specific position or type of work for which you are applying, and how
you learned of the opening.
2.
In your middle paragraph(s) mention why you are interested in the
position, the organization, its products or services; above all,
indicate what you can do for the employer. Emphasize your main qualifications for the job for which you
are applying. If you are a
recent graduate, explain how your academic background makes you a
qualified candidate for the position.
If you have had some practical work experience, point out
specific achievements and responsibilities.
Present applicable items in your background to prove your
potential value to the company, but do not go into great detail.
Refer the reader to the enclosed resume which summarizes your
qualifications, training and experience.
If you have established a placement file, you may also indicate
that your credentials can be obtained from the Career Services Office.
3.
In your closing paragraph, indicate your desire for a personal
interview. Take the
initiative in requesting an appointment to further discuss your
qualifications and employment possibilities.
You may want to state that you will call during a specific time
period to discuss interview possibilities.
Show appreciation to the reader for his/her time and
consideration.
SAMPLE1
SAMPLE2
SAMPLE3
(advertised
position) (direct
solicitation) (teaching
position)
Follow-Up
Letter
(After an Interview)
The importance of responding to the
interviews you are granted cannot be overemphasized.
Many employers consider these follow-up letters in measuring your
interest in their organization. In
addition, follow-up letters are another way of keeping your name fresh
in the employer's mind.
1.
Express your appreciation for the interview.
2.
State your interest in at least one or two aspects of the company
or position discussed in the interview.
3.
Supply any additional information or material requested during
the interview.
4.
Express your interest in the position and/or organization.
5.
Thank the interviewer again for his/her time and consideration.
SAMPLE
FOLLOW-UP LETTER
Letter
of Acceptance
1.
Indicate your acceptance of the offer of employment.
Refer to the date of the original offer letter or phone call.
2.
Restate position classification, compensation offered, and the
starting date if previously established.
3.
Indicate your travel plans and anticipated arrival date if the
initial assignment is at a considerable distance from your home.
4.
Express your appreciation for the opportunity.
SAMPLE LETTER OF ACCEPTANCE
Letter
of Refusal
(Declining an Offer)
1.
Express your appreciation for the offer and for the company's
interest in you.
2.
Indicate that you have carefully considered the offer and have
decided not to accept it.
SAMPLE
LETTER OF REFUSAL
Letter of Withdrawal
Once you have accepted a position, you
have an ethical obligation to inform all other prospective employers of
your decision and to withdraw your application from consideration.
1.
Express appreciation for the employer's consideration.
2.
If appropriate, briefly explain your decision to go with another
organization. Do not say
that you obtained a better job.
SAMPLE
LETTER OF WITHDRAWAL
REMEMBER:
Your letters represent you!
All correspondence should be error-free, neatly typed, and
addressed to a specific individual with his/her correct title.
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