ACADEMIC ENGLISH III November 7 th 2012

Job Application Process 1. Write a résumé. 2. Find a job ad. 3. Adjust your résumé for that particular job. 4. Write a cover letter for the job. 5. Send application. 6. Have an interview. 7. …?

Today Follow-up Letters. Cover Letter Writing Practice

After the interview… The interview follow-up letter… …”Thank you” letter.

Follow-up Letter Usually sent within a week after the interview. It can be ed, but… …a physical letter (business letter) can have a stronger effect. An ed letter is still OK, though.

In a Follow-up Letter: - Thank the interviewer(s) for his/her/their time and interest. - Reiterate your interest in the position. - Re-emphasize your qualifications. - Include any information requested at the interview (i.e., references). - May add important information that did not come up in the interview. - May ask for further information to show your interest in the job and employer (company). - Indicate that you are looking forward to hearing from the employer (may also invite any further questions).

Expresses gratitude of the interviewee. Time you interviewed. States the position you applied for. Mentions the main feature of the company Letterhead (your contact info) Date Recipient’s info Re-emphasize your qualifications. Express further interest End politeley: - thank the interviewer - let them know you are looking forward to hearing from them. Closing: - Sincerely, - Best regards, Signature and name

Marianne Boles 400C Hunter Ridge Blacksburg, VA (540) October 26, 2010 Ms. Glenna Wright Human Resources Manager Fashion Department Store 2000 Line Drive Fairfax, VA Dear Ms. Wright: Thank you so much for your time and the privilege of having an interview with you yesterday, October 25, during your recruiting visit to Virginia Tech. The management trainee program you outlined sounds both challenging and rewarding and I look forward to your decision concerning an on-site visit. As mentioned during the interview, I will be graduating in December with a B.S. in Fashion Merchandising. Through my education and experience I’ve gained many skills, as well as an understanding of retailing concepts and dealing with the general public. I have worked seven years in the retail industry in various positions from sales associate to assistant department manager. I think my education and work experience would complement Fashion’s management trainee program. I have enclosed a copy of my college transcript and a list of references that you requested. Thank you again for the opportunity to be considered by Fashion Department Store. The interview served to reinforce my strong interest in becoming a part of your management team. I can be reached at (540) or by at should you need additional information. Sincerely, Marianne Boles Enclosures Thanks and re-states interest Refers to interview & re-emphasizes qualification Provides additional requested info. Thanks again & indicates eagerness to hear back from them.

Follow-up Letter A follow-up letter is one more chance to show: - Your interest and enthusiasm for the position. - Your professional manner. It can help you stand out from other applicants.

Letters of Application (Cover Letters) The letter of application is a cover letter you send to a prospective employer to supplement your résumé. It should be:  Personable – about you.  Professional – demonstrates your professionalism.  Persuasive – sells yourself to the prospective employer.

Letters of Application (Cover Letters) Main purpose: Convince the prospective employer that you can use the experience and education listed on your résumé in the job.

Guidelines 1. Make sure to supply your contact information. 2. Make the letter look attractive. 3. Send the letter to a specific person. 4. Emphasize YOU! But don’t boast too strongly. 5. Close with a polite salutation. 6. Don’t send your first draft!

Parts of a LoA Letter Head (name and contact info). Date Recipient’s information Salutation Opening paragraph. Body. - education - experience Closing. Relate these to the position applied for.

Body This provides evidence from your résumé to prove you are qualified. - Keep sentences short and readable. - Don’t begin each sentence with “I”. I have good management skills. I gained relevant experience through my recent internship. I learned from prominent professionals. I was involved in many decision making processes.

Body This provides evidence from your résumé to prove you are qualified. - Highlight your qualifications by citing specific accomplishments. - Mention that you are enclosing your résumé.

Body Highlight your qualifications by citing specific accomplishments: - Tell the reader exactly how your schoolwork and experience qualify you to perform and excel at the job. - Show how you can make a positive contribution to the organization.

Body Highlight your qualifications by citing specific accomplishments: - Don’t simply say “I’m a great salesperson.” Instead: - Demonstrate your accomplishments by stressing that you increased sales volume in your department by 15 percent within the last six months. - You won an award for customer service. - You reduced costs by 15 percent.

Body Discussing education: Emphasize marketing WHY and HOW your most significant educational accomplishments- - course work, degrees, certificates, training, etc. are relevant for the job.

Body Discussing education: Poor example: I will graduate with a degree in IT.

Body Discussing education: Better example: Talk about 36 credit hours in software security. 12 credit hours in global business. Show exactly how you are qualified!

Practice cover letter

What is wrong with these? This résumé is my application for any job you now have open or expect to fill in the near future. I have not included a résumé since all important information about me is in this letter. My qualifications will prove that I am the best person for your job. I am writing to ask you to kindly consider whether I would be a qualified person for the position you announced in the newspaper. When you want to arrange an interview time, give me a call. I am home every afternoon after 4:00.

Reminders 1. Résumé draft due tonight! (11:59 p.m.) 2. Cover letter draft due Friday (11:59 p.m.) 3. Final submission: Next Wednesday.