Other Job Search Correspondence

Letter writing is an important way of communicating with potential employers during a job search. By corresponding directly with an employer over time, you demonstrate a sustained interest in the job and reveal something about your personality and professionalism. The letters you send out during your job search are critical because they differentiate you from other candidates. The following are descriptions and samples of various types of job search correspondence:

Sample Letter of Inquiry
Sample Letter of Application
Sample Interview Follow-Up Letter
Sample Acceptance Letter

Sample Letter of Inquiry
Sometimes a letter of inquiry can produce an invitation for an interview. The company may be contemplating hiring for a particular position or may be planning a new position. At the very least, the company will keep the applicant's letter on file for a few months to review should an opening occur. In this type of letter, the applicant should explain his or her background and describe why he or she is interested in working for the company. Finally, the letter should close with a positive comment about the company and a reaffirmation of interest. Click here to see a Sample Letter of Inquiry.

Back To Top

Sample Letter of Application
The letter of application is usually the first impression a company has of an applicant. In an application letter, an applicant should identify the position being applied for and how the applicant heard of the opening. The next paragraph should present a brief overview of the applicant's background, emphasizing education and experience and explaining how those factors will help the applicant function effectively in the position. In the final paragraph, the applicant should restate interest in the position and request an interview. Click here to see a Sample Letter of Application.

Back To Top

Sample Interview Follow-Up Letter
Although many people neglect to follow-up an interview with a letter, a follow-up letter is a sure-fire way to leave a prospective employer with a good impression and reaffirm a candidate's interest and abilities. The follow-up letter should be addressed to the interviewer and should thank that person for his or her time and the interview. The letter should address some point of importance discussed in the interview, such as a specific job requirement, indicating how the applicant's skills fit the requirement. The letter should express the applicant's confidence in his or her ability to perform the responsibilities of the job. Click here to see a Sample Interview Follow-Up Letter.

Back To Top

Sample Acceptance Letter
Job offers often come via a phone call, rather than a formal letter, however, even in an informal setting, a letter of acceptance shows that an applicant understands professional business practices. In an acceptance letter, the applicant should restate when he or she expect to start work, what position he or she will be filling, the agreed-upon wage, and any other known terms of employment. Click here to see a Sample Acceptance Letter.

Back To Top