Job Letter Tips

Job Letter Writing Tips and Suggestions

Perfection counts when writing letters for employment. All your job search correspondence should be simple, concise, grammatically correct and error-free. Here are job letter tips and suggestions for writing employment correspondence which will help you stand out from the crowd.

All Job Search Letters

Spell check and proofread. Then ask someone else to read your correspondence before you send it. It's often easy not to notice mistakes in our own writing.

Write simply and clearly. Get right to the point and write short, focused letters. Each letter should be one page, or less. Each paragraph should contain three or four sentences, at most.

Do not use a form letter and send it to every potential employer you can find (you know what you do with junk mail!).  Your cover letter should be written specifically for each position you seek.

Review letter samples to get ideas for format and content for your letters.

Keep copies of all your employment letters. If you are applying for similar positions you can edit an existing letter rather than writing a new one.

Cover Letter Tips

Send a cover letter with each resume you send out. Your cover letter may make the difference between obtaining a job interview and having your resume ignored.  Even if an employer doesn't request a cover letter, it's helpful to send one.

Personalize your letter.  If you can, address it to the individual responsible for hiring. If need be, research online or make a phone call to find out who the hiring manager is.

Don't forget to sign your letter.

Use email for cover letters, but, keep them short and include in the email message.  Don't send as an attachment.

Thank You Letter Tips

Try to send your thank-you note within 24-48 hours of your interview or meeting. The note may be handwritten on a small, professional, thank-you note card (if you have extremely neat handwriting and only a brief message to convey), word-processed, or emailed.

Thank everyone who helps you with your job search, not just your interviewers.

Requesting Reference Letters

Plan ahead and compile a list of references and some letters of recommendations now, so you're prepared when a prospective employer requests them.

Don't use someone as a reference without knowing exactly what they are going to say about you.

Reference Letter Tips

Describe how long you've known the person and in what capacity.  Include dates of employment and details on how you've worked with (or known) the person. Continue by describing the person's skills and performance and what makes them an ideal candidate for a potential new employer.   Also include two or three outstanding attributes. End by summarizing why you are recommending this person for employment.

Don't give a reference for anyone you are not comfortable recommending. It's perfectly acceptable to polite decline to provide a reference.

Resignation Letter Tips

Write a resignation letter, even if you tell your boss in person you are leaving. A well-written resignation letter can help you maintain positive relationship with your old employer, while paving the way for you to move on.