Building Skills - Cover and Thank You Letters By Student Workforce Readiness Project PHRMA/SWHRMA

Class Objectives  Learn the purpose of writing cover letters  Learn what to include in a cover letter  Identify the differences between different styles  Learn the purpose of writing thank you letters  Learn what to include in a thank you letter

Why are Job Search Letters Important?

What Is The Purpose of a Cover Letter?  Introduces the resume  Summarizes (NOT REPLACES) the relevant qualifications  Allows for specific requested information to be included, e.g., salary history, expectations.  Customizes your marketing approach  Sends a professional message

What Is Included in a Cover Letter? General  Date  Company address, name, title  Salutation (Dear…)  Signature  Printed name, return address, phone,  Enclosure Content – Paragraphs Reason for writing, (e.g., responding to ad, networking) Attention getter (e.g., referral name, research, accomplishment) Complimentary Closing

Types of Cover Letters  Ad Response Letter –Responds to advertisement –What they want & what you have –Hint…?  Targeted Marketing Letter –Advertising your qualifications –Used in networking –Hint…?

What is the Purpose of “Thank You” Letters? The purpose of writing a thank you letter is to positively influence the hiring decision. HOW?  Opportunity to add, clarify your responses  Shows initiative and continued interest  Distinguishes you as the “professional” one  One more way to be remembered

What do You Put In a Thank You Letter?  Add something that you may have forgotten during the interview  Clarify a point  Restate your qualifications  Show your appreciation for the person’s time, support, involvement

When is a Thank You Letter Appropriate?  Immediately after an interview –Individual v. group letters…what’s right?  When someone assists you in networking  When someone goes out of their way to help you  After you accept an offer

Questions?