Cover Letters

Cover letters ARE necessary in certain cases. To inquire about available positions within an organization, do send a cover letter with your resume. The letter allows you to customize your application. You could address a specific position ("I'm writing to apply for the Editorial Assistant position as advertised on ZebraNet."), use a referral ("Javier Perez, from your accounting department, suggested I contact you..." ), or target a role or department ("After reading the article in last week’s Forbes, it is clear that XYZ Corp. is seeking new talent at the analyst level."). A cover letter is also a writing sample - it shows an employer you communicate clearly and succinctly in written form.

Regardless of purpose, use these guidelines when writing cover letters:

• Use proper business letter format.
• Keep your letter brief: 3-4 paragraphs on 1 page only!
• Go out of your way to get the name of a person – avoid addressing letters, "Dear Sir."
• Make sure your letter is ERROR FREE - no typos or incorrect grammar allowed.
• Personalize it - nothing turns an employer off more than your sending a form letter.

Here is a sample layout with tips on content:

Sample Cover Letters

These sample cover letters should give you a better idea of what your cover letter should look like:

• Sample Cover Letter 1
• Sample Cover Letter 2
• Sample Cover Letter 3 

Thank You Letters

 Although nearly all job seekers see value in sending a personalized thank you note to a prospective employer, the majority never do. What are the benefits?

• While there is no guarantee a thank you letter will lead to a job offer many employers have indicated that a letter reflected positively on candidates that were eventually hired.
• Thank you letters are another way to market your professionalism and gain repeated exposure in the job market.

What format should I use? Well, it depends.

• If you have established a comfortable rapport with the employer you may elect to send a personalized thank you card.
• In any other situation a formal business letter or professionally written email is best. You want to continue the professional impression you made on your interview.

What should I say?

• Frankly, not much! Be brief.
• Thank the person/people you interviewed with for their time.
• You may also want to briefly confirm follow-up plans.
• If there is anything important you feel you should have mentioned in the interview add it to your thank-you letter.
• Enclose any relevant information that may have been requested during the interview. (i.e.: work samples, references, etc.)

When should I send it?

• Send your letter out quickly; a day or two after the interview is best.
• Always remember to thoroughly edit your letter before you send it. It would be terrible to lose an opportunity because of a small mistake.

Here's an Example: