Employment Letters

Employment Letters
• Application/ Cover Letter
• Character Reference Sheet
• Character Reference Letter
• Resume
• Resignation Letter
Application/ Cover Letter
Cover letters are one page documents that
you send with your resume when applying
for a job.

Basically, it is meant to be a summary of

the information you put in your resume.
Application/ Cover Letter

Kohut (n.d.) stated that an application

letter is a ‘writing skills evaluation’ in
disguise– that a single error may cause you
your chance to be considered for the job.
Application/ Cover Letter

As you write your application letter, be

sure you complete three tasks: catch the
reader’s attention favorably, convince the
reader that you are a qualified candidate
for the job, and request an interview.
Application/ Cover Letter

Opening Paragraph

State why you are writing, including the name of the

position and organization. If you were referred by a
specific person, mention their name. Briefly tell your
employer why you are interested in this position.
Application/ Cover Letter

Middle Paragraph(s)

Explain the skills, traits, and experiences you have that

will make you successful in the position. You do not need
to repeat what is already on your resume, but you can
expand on areas that are of interest to the employer.
Application/ Cover Letter

Closing Paragraph

Let the employer know that you would like to set up an

interview. You may want to give them your contact
details. Finish by thanking them for their time, and
letting them know you look forward to hearing from them.
Application/ Cover Letter
Research about the company to show that
you are really interested about the job.

You may also look up for the name of the

hiring manager. Nobody wants to be
addressed as Dear Sir/Madame or To
Whom It May Concern.
Application/ Cover Letter

Sell Yourself: The rule of thumb is that you

are allowed to be as boastful as you want–
so long as you have the evidence to back it
up!
Following Up

Deciding if, when, and how to follow-up

after submitting your resume and
application letter is one of the trickiest
parts of a job search.
Following Up

First and foremost, keep in mind that

employers continue to evaluate your
communication efforts and
professionalism during this phase, so
don’t say or do anything to leave a
negative impression.
Following Up

Wait a week or so after the close date.

If no close date was given, you can
generally contact the company starting
a week or two after submitting your
resume.
Following Up

Staying in contact with a prospective

employer after the interview shows
that you really want the job and
determined to get it.
Following Up

Following-up gives you another chance

to demonstrate your communication
skills and business etiquette.
Following Up

Following up also brings your name to

the interviewer’s attention once again
and reminds him or her that you’re
actively looking and waiting for the
decision.
Following Up
Send a follow-up message within two days
of the interview, even if you feel you have
little chance of getting the job.

These messages are often referred to as

“thank-you notes,” but they give you an
important opportunity to go beyond
merely expressing your appreciation.
Following Up

Email is usually acceptable for follow-

up messages, unless the interviewer
has asked you to use other media.
Character Reference Sheet
Use the same heading for your references as
you have on your resume.

Employers typically ask for 3-5 references, so

try getting at least 5 when you start your job
search. If the employer only wants 3, choose
the most relevant to the position and industry.
Character Reference Sheet
Do not include personal references unless
the employer specifically requests them.

Bring the sheet with you to the interview,

but do not submit unless requested.
Character Reference Sheet
Do not include personal or character
references, such as friends, family, or
neighbors, because recruiters rarely consult
them.

Companies are more interested in the opinions

of objective individuals who know how you
perform professionally and academically.
Character Reference Letter
A character reference letter is usually
written for you by someone you know
outside of work.

Also known as a personal reference or personal

recommendation, a character reference documents
your positive personal attributes.
Character Reference Letter

Employment references are courtesies

extended in the business community. They
are "report cards" written from employers
past to employers future.
Character Reference Letter

Opening. Usually a paragraph of only a

sentence or two, the opening explains who
you are and how you know the subject
(person you're referring).
Resignation Letter

A letter advising your employer that

you are leaving your job. It can help
you maintain a positive relationship
with your employer while paving the
way to move on.
Resignation Letter
1. State the reason for the resignation.

2. Make clear the definite date when the resignation

is to be effective.

3. State a note of appreciation, regret or both.

Resignation Letter
The resignation letter is delivered at least two weeks
before the date of leaving.

Sarcastic or belittling statements have no place in the

letter.

Thank your employer for the opportunities you have

had during your employment.
Resignation Letter

First Paragraph
Your letter should say that you are resigning and state
when your resignation is effective.
Resignation Letter

Middle Paragraph
The next section should thank the employer for the
opportunities provided to you during your
employment.
Resignation Letter

Final Paragraph
Conclude the letter by offering to assist with the
transition.