SWCC

Employment Letters

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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

 

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)