COVER LETTERS

A cover letter should always accompany the resume and is also used when contacting recruiters or search firms.

Remember that EVERY document you send to an organization should SELL your skills to the reader. Stating the obvious in a cover letter is a waste of time for both the writer to have written, and the reader to read. However, time tested research indicates well-written cover letters bolster the chance of a resume being read by up to 65%. Best used in conjunction with a resume, the cover letter must also be able to stand on its own, and sell you to the reader in a concise but effective matter.

THANK YOU LETTERS

You should send a professionally prepared thank you letter to each person who interviews you. Much more than just a way of saying "thank you," the letter also serves as an opportunity to "RE-SELL yourself" to the organization and keeps your name active in the employer's mind. You can discuss various points of the interview, highlight special skills or overcome a shortcoming if you use this opportunity wisely.

Remember professional courtesy is always appreciated -- and always remembered. If you met with someone prior to the interview, send them a thank you letter also; perhaps someone in Human Resources at the company, someone at your state or county Employment Department or at the recruitment firm that sent you out.

FOLLOW-UP LETTERS

Remember the old adage "The squeaky wheel gets the oil?" The follow-up letter is the best "squeak" you'll ever produce!

A follow-up letter should be sent on a regular basis to every interviewer with whom you have met to ensure best results. Consider this scenario: the employer is preparing to make his or her hiring decision. You're one of four applicants in the running for the position and the hiring agent is having a tough time making a decision. That morning, your professionally prepared follow-up letter arrives, reminding the employer about your interest in the position. Guess who gets a call?

One other point: you should also send a follow-up letter whenever the person or company responds to your employment inquiry with a return letter, even if it is a rejection letter. This keeps communication open and your name active.

BROADCAST LETTERS

For unique situations, it is sometimes best to send a potential employer a letter that combines both the concepts of a resume and a cover letter in one. This is especially true when a more formal resume would not be advantageous to send, or when one's background is difficult to present in a resume. These situations can be true for mothers returning to the work force after staying home to raise their family. They may have little or no outside paid employment, yet they may have gained valuable experience in leadership and organizational skills through volunteering and parent involvement with school activities.

Self-employed individuals and private business owners often use a broadcast letter to market their services/products to potential new customers. At GetInterviews.com, we have prepared such letters for owners in a variety of industries, as well as for self-employed attorneys, accountants, security professionals, dentists and physicians.

CONSULTING LETTERS

Sometimes a client wants to work for a company on a consulting basis only, not as a full time employee. The client may be retiring, but still want to work on a project by project or per diem basis. The consulting letter is designed to address the needs of organizations who could benefit from a consultant in their field, and the client is marketed by skill sets and accomplishments that demonstrate his/her ability to deliver results.

RESIGNATION LETTER

In today's ever changing employment environment, you need to leave your current position in a professional manner. Because employees change companies more frequently than ever before, the idea of the world being the size of a dime has never been more true. Therefore, it is vital that you not burn any bridges behind you as you depart from your current employer. It is not an opportunity to express any anger or resentment for your soon-to-be former employer, instead it is a time to seal a positive relationship with supervisors who you may work for in a later position, or need to call upon for networking opportunities. A resignation letter demonstrates your professionalism and secures positive feedback for future references.

LETTER OF ACCEPTANCE

It is essential that you have your new company's offer in writing, outlining all the terms which were mutually agreed upon. This includes but is not limited to salary/compensation, bonuses, vacations, benefits, perks, etc.

Contact us today to have the suitable letter(s) for your needs professionally prepared. You'll be amazed at the difference a well written letter showcasing your skills and strengths will make in your job search.