Job Search

Employment Letters

Cover letter: Customize your cover letter.  Employers can spot form letters a mile away, so customize each cover letter specifically to the company and position. That doesn’t mean just typing in their company name in all the right places. Tailor the letter so it explains why you are especially qualified for their opening. Try using bullet points to highlight your qualifications and pick out key words from the ad as they relate to your credentials.

First Paragraph

  • State the reason for the letter
  • Tell the specific position for which you are applying
  • Tell how you learned of the opening

Get Adobe Reader for Informational Interview document

Second Paragraph

  • Talk about skills and how they relate to job
  • Show how you can benefit company
  • Convey that you have researched company
  • Connect your experience, knowledge and accomplishments with the job description and with the company
  • Refer to your enclosed resume

Third paragraph
  • Request an interview
  • Tell where you may be contacted
  • Indicate that you will call during a specific time frame to discuss interview possibilities

Fourth Paragraph

  • Express appreciation to the reader for his/her consideration.

 Thank You Letter:

  • Make your thank-you letter warm and personal
  • Express your sincere appreciation
  • Re-emphasize your strongest qualifications
  • Call attention to the match between your qualifications and the job requirements
  • Restate your interest in the position
  • Offer to provide additional information not previously given
  • Restate your appreciation

(Job Choices 2001, Pp. 59-65)

Southwest Virginia Community College Career Resource Center, P.O. Box  SVCC, 369 College Road,  Richlands, Virginia 24641
Sharon Peery Email: Sharon.Peery@sw.edu Phone: 276.964.7544  EEO/F