Professional Letter Writing

Cover Letter Outline
Thank You Letter Outline

Cover Letter Outline

Your Name
Your Street Address
City, State, Zip Code
Date

Name of Individual
Title
Name of Company/Organization
Mailing Address
City, State, Zip Code

Dear Mr./Ms.____________: (if name is unknown, use Sir/Madam)

Paragraph #1
First state why you are writing. Indicate what you know about the company, who referred you, (if there is a personal referral). Personalize your letter by mentioning the company name and any specific knowledge you have of the company and its products or services. State in one sentence why you’re a good match for the position and/or the company and/or its goals.

Paragraph #2
Describe why you’re a good match by highlighting one or two of your most significant accomplishments or abilities. Remember, your goal is to distinguish yourself from the other candidates. Also, do not repeat your resume. This can be done in a paragraph or in brief summary statements.

Paragraph #3
Point out that a resume detailing your qualifications is enclosed. Thank them for their time and consideration. Close with a request for a response or some type of action. Indicate that you would like to meet with the employer personally to discuss your qualifications. Suggest a time frame that would be convenient and state that you will call to arrange a convenient time.

Sincerely,
(Leave enough room for your signature with printed cover letters)

Your Name (typed and signed)

Enclosure (Remember to enclose your resume.)

Thank You Letter Outline

Your Name
Your Street Address
City, State, Zip Code
Date

Name of Individual with whom you interviewed
Title
Name of the Company / Organization
Mailing Address
City, State, Zip Code

Dear Mr./ Ms.________:

Thank the person for the interview. Refresh the employer’s memory by stating the date and time of your meeting, the position (s) discussed, or the topics covered.

Reaffirm your interest in the organization and mention how several items that were discussed affected your outlook regarding a specific position or your general outlook of the company. It’s very important here to demonstrate your clear understanding of the organization’s or department’s goals and vision for the future. If there was a personal characteristic, work experience, or other type of pertinent information that you did not mention at the interview, use this letter to provide this information to your interviewer. Sell yourself to the needs of the company and it’s goals. Use a second paragraph to re-iterate your skills and experience as they relate to the goals of the department/organization.

If applying for a specific job, state your continued interest and offer to contact the company at a specific date and time. If a specific job was not mentioned, highlight your favorable impressions of the company. Finally, again thank the individual for his or her time and consideration in meeting you.

Sincerely,

Your Name (signed and typed)