Job Search - Cover Letters, Thank You Letters, and Others

About the cover letter – what does it do?

• Market you – it’s 50 percent of your marketing opportunity. Write one and make it brilliant!
• Build a powerful bridge by stressing the connections between your particular skills and experience and those needed for the specific job you’re applying for.
• Demonstrate your writing skills
• Distinguish you from others in the crowd
• Get your resume read which can lead to an interview

Cover-letter Writing Tips

• Tailor your letter to each job and organization, using language from the job description.
• Give examples of skills, strengths or experiences the employer is looking for.
• Mention something specific about the company that attracts you.
• Make your letter and yourself interesting.
• Address people correctly: "Dear Mr. Gates," rather than "Dear Mr. Bill Gates."
• Keep your language simple and direct.
• Avoid starting every sentence with "I"

Sample Cover Letters

Sample internship cover letter
Sample after-graduation letter
Sample e-mail cover letter

Truth In Advertising Note

The scuttlebutt is that for many technical jobs, cover letters simply are not read. Be guided by the application process of a company’s website. If you have to apply over the web and there is no cover letter option, don’t worry. Do what you’re asked.

Job Search - Other Letters And Materials

Networking Letters Or Emails

Networking letters and letters of inquiry are unlike cover letters in that they are not focused on a particular job that you know to be available.

To Request Informational Interviews

Write a networking letter or e-mail to request an informational interview. During an informational interview (which usually lasts 20-30 minutes), you are not asking for a job. Rather, you are asking for information about a particular field, type of position or company.

In your letter, introduce yourself, say how you found the person’s name and briefly suggest what you would like to learn from her or him. Then say how you will follow up. Keep the ball in your court, because it allows you to be in touch whether or not you hear back.

Sample networking letter

Letters Of Inquiry

If you are very committed to making your way into a particular organization and cannot find a contact, try a letter of inquiry to express you interest and ask about opportunities.

letter of inquiry sample

Thank You Notes

After the interview, send a thank-you note

Within 24 to 48 hours of the interview, send a thank-you note by postal mail or e-mail to the person or persons who interviewed you. Capitalize on this bonus opportunity to reiterate your enthusiasm, restate your strengths or add to your response to a question raised in the interview.

thank-you note sample

References

You will need a list of three or four references to take with you to interviews. Most employers check references towards the end of a hiring process, and will ask you for it when they want it.

First, ask the people you plan to use as references if they are willing to speak about you to prospective employers. Describe the types of positions you are seeking. Ask how they prefer to be contacted.

Make a list, using the same paper as for your resume and cover letter.

Use a heading with your contact information, and a title "List of References."

List your reference’s name, organization, contact information and relationship to you, i.e.:

John Applegate
Marketing Associates
(617) 333-4555
j.applegate@MA.com
Supervisor for co-op job