Careers

There are several types of correspondence that you may use before, during and after a jobsearch. All job search correspondence should follow basic business letter guidelines.

Letter of Inquiry- written when inquiring into a possible position with a company. Focus on broad occupational or organizational deminsions to describe how your qualifications match the work environments.

Letter of Application- used when applying for a specific position. The purpose is to get your resume read, and to generate an interview. So the letter should demonstrate that your skills fit the requirements of the position.

The next set of descriptions provides letters useful after the job search event.

Thank-You letters- these letters are sent as a professional courtesy and as a method of establishing communication and goodwill with a company or contact. Thank-you letters are one of the most important, yet one of the least used tools in a job search. Send a thank-you letter within 24 hours of an interview.

Letter Acknowledging an Offer of Employment- confirm the receipt of an offer. Restate the title of the position and salary. Express your appreciation. Indicate the date you will notify the company of your decision. Act on your decision, and notify the company before that date.

Letter of Refusal- if declining an offer of employment, express your appreciation for the offer and company’s interest in you. Indicate that you have carefully considered the offer and have decided not to accept it. Be polite and positive. You may be corresponding with the same individual or applying with the same company at a later date.

Letter of Acceptance- when you have received the perfect job offer. Indicate your acceptance of the offer of employment. Restate the position title, compensation offered, and the starting date if previously established. Refer to the date of the original offer. Indicate your travel plans and arrival date if the position requires relocation.

Withdrawal Letter- once you have accepted a position you should inform other employers of your decision and withdraw your application from consideration. You may chose to state that your decision to accept employment with another organization was based on a better fit at this point in your career. DO NOT say that you obtained a better job.

Follow-up After A Turndown Letter- this letter would be used if you interviewed for a position, but the employer decided to hire someone else. It’s a good idea to let the recruiter know that you are still interested, and would like to be considered for another position, should one arise.

All job search correspondence should express your appreciation. Remember that your correspondence is your representative. Good letter-writing skills are worthwhile to develop and will benefit you in future years.