Guidelines for Writing Job

Application Letters
 Guidelines for Writing Job
Application Letters
• Personalize your letter for that company.
• Know the job ad and respond specifically
to what is in it.
• Avoid an excessive use of the first-person
pronoun.
• Focus on how your skill sets match what
the company is looking for.
 Guidelines for Writing Job
Application Letters (cont.)
• Focus on the company—the “you” in your
letter.
• Never have someone else write your letter.
• Keep your letter to one page but sell
yourself.
• Be specific.
• Refer to your resume and your portfolio.
 Guidelines for Writing Job
Application Letters (cont.)
• Use high-quality-stationery and envelopes.
• Address a specific person in your letter
and spell that person’s name correctly.
• Ask for the interview. Don’t be timid.
• Edit and proofread! Your letter and resume
should be error-free.
 Types of Follow-up Letters
• Confirming an interview
• Thank you after the interview
• Feedback on status of application
• Requesting additional time to make a
decision
• Accepting an offer
• Turning down an offer
 Confirming an Interview
• Thank you for the interview and add
something positive about your desire to
work for the company.
• Confirm time and place of interview. If you
plan to bring something (i.e., portfolio),
note that here.
• Re-confirm your interest in the company
and thank them again.
 Thank You After the Interview
• Say thank you !!
• Note something positive about the
interview.
• Sound positive and upbeat, noting that you
are looking forward to the decision.
 Feedback on Status of
Application
• Restate interest in position.
• Provide date of prior application letter.
• Request status of application.
• Highlight major qualifications.
• Goodwill—look forward to their response.
 Requesting Additional Time
• Begin with a strong statement of interest in
the company.
• Provide reasons for requesting time
extension. State tactfully. Be specific.
• Note willingness to compromise and
express continued interest in position and
company.
 Accepting an Offer
• Begin with good news and confirm
specifics of offer.
• Provide details about starting date and any
forms that need to be completed.
• Restate good news and a look to the
future.
 Declining an Offer
• Use the indirect approach—a buffer or
positive note.
• Tactfully express reasons for turning down
the position.
• Express good will and say something
positive about the company.