Essay Guideline

How to write a thank you letter to use after an interview, a phone interview, or even to someone who passed your name on to a hiring manager is an art that is not taught as often as it should be by placement services and others who help job seekers with finding jobs. They always cover the basics of resume writing, interview preparation, cover letter writing, how to create a reference sheet, and even how to prepare a salary history, which isn’t even required that often, but how to write a thank you letter is a subject that should be covered. It is a necessary skill that puts the capstone on the interview or other contact you had, makes you appear to be thoughtful and intelligent, and puts you above the crowd.

Some hiring managers are so swamped with resumes and cover letters when they post a listing on an online job bank or run a newspaper classified ad that they look for reasons to discard resumes. Having five hundred resumes in your email in box can be quite intimidating. Some hiring managers have been known to send out an automated response to all applicants letting them know that the resume was received. They will then sit back and wait for further communication. If an applicant knows how to write a thank you letter they have a jump on the competition immediately.

How to do it? As in all formal correspondence it should be block formatted with proper spelling, addresses and salutations. Keep it shorttwo or three paragraphs. In the first paragraph express your primary purpose by thanking the person you are writing to for their time and consideration. Business people are busy and time is a valuable commodity. In the second paragraph restate one or two key job skills you can bring to the position. Remind the reader as to why you are a good candidate for the job. In the third paragraph, thank the reader again, and reiterate that you are available by phone, email or in person should they have further questions. End with the traditional business ending “sincerely yours”.

An example of how knowing how to write it occurred with one job seeker a few years ago at a business brokerage in the Midwest. This job seeker was already working as a part-time telemarketer. She was competing for a full-time office manager position against two other. One of the men had a bachelors degree and the other was about to receive her bachelors. Both had several more years experience in office administration Obviously the other candidates were more qualified than the first applicant, but she knew how to write a thank you letter, and proved it. After her interview with the company owner, the managing broker and the old office manager (who was retiring and helping choose her own replacement) the fist candidate composed a thank you letter. She then printed out individualized copies for each person she interviewed with mailed them that evening. When the interviewers received them the next day they were impressed with her thoughtfulness and adherence to protocol. Despite the fact that the other two applicants were more qualified, she was hired. The fact that she knew how to write one probably got her the job she was seeking.

Many hiring managers will interview multiple candidates and only hire from those who send thank you letters. Some studies have shown that only one in ten applicants see the importance of thank you letters, so it should be obvious that if you know how to write a thank you letter you have a very important job skill.

Are you guilty of sabotaging your own job search along with the
opportunity to earn more money? Heather Eagar, a former professional resume writer and creator of ResumeLines.com, provides reviews of the top resume writing services that put you in charge of your career so you can get the job you deserve. Sign-up for your free Job Search Tips E-Course.

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Cover letters for teachers need to emphasize qualifications as well as attitude. Education professionals need to come into the field with an attitude of service coupled with a commitment to excellence and a desire to work closely with students. It should reflect all of these points, as should resumes for teachers, and any other self marketing materials used by education professionals.

When writing one for teachers most professional resume writers and job counselors take into consideration the specific needs of the school or school system being applied to. Cover letters for teachers are read by the school superintendent, principal, HR director and other education professionals. Additionally in some school systems cover letters for teachers are ready by members of the school board. Since teachers are there to instruct and educate young minds it needs to be especially well written, free of spelling and grammatical errors. Quality printing is essential, as is good quality paper which matches the resume and reference sheet. Cover letters for teachers, followed by resumes for teachers, are the first impressions made of the teachers to their potential new employers, and must be free of error. It also must emphasize the fact that the teacher is a professional, with academic qualifications in the field as well as experience, if applicable.

Teaching is a profession that most enter into for love of learning and a desire to shape future generations. Most teachers are not interested in making a lot of money or they would be in another line of work. Sure, they need to make a decent living, but teaching is not a “get rich” profession. Cover letters for teachers should also emphasize that fact: that the prospective teacher is a skilled and trained professional with a desire to shape the future by teaching students - whatever the age - the designated subject, as well as critical and analytical thinking skills they will use later in life.

Cover letters for teachers have to say a lot, but they should still adhere to basic cover letter writing rules and be as brief as possible. It can be written in a standard blocked paragraph form, or in a bulleted form. Both forms are good, and when preparing cover letters for teachers personal preference of style and format should be taken into consideration, as well as the audience. Administrators such as school superintendents and principals are probably better reached with the bulleted form, while school board members tend to be community members from other professions, and the more traditional paragraphed format is probably a better choice if they are the intended readers.

When involved in a job hunt, teachers should spend adequate time on cover letters, since it introduces the resume and makes it more likely to be read. It must be well written, to present the teacher in the best light possible.

Are you guilty of sabotaging your own job search along with the
opportunity to earn more money? Heather Eagar, a former professional resume writer and creator of ResumeLines.com, provides reviews of the top resume writing services that put you in charge of your career so you can get the job you deserve. Sign-up for your free Job Search Tips E-Course.

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The following cover letter sample gives an idea of what most job hunters should do when composing these. It consists of only a very few paragraphs, and is therefore short and easy to read. The reason for this sample being short is simply because hiring managers are extremely busy and will not read long letters. They may glance at them, or skim them for statements that jump out at them, but they probably will not have time to read them. Use this sample when composing your own cover letters, and you’ll save time and get more interviews.

Date
HR Manager’s name
Company Name
Address
City
State
Zip
RE: Job Reference number (if one is available)

Dear Mr. Blank,

I’m writing to introduce myself in hopes of joining your organization, and have enclosed a copy of my resume for your review.

My background, skills and talents are in all aspects of veterinary medicine, with a particular emphasis in embryo collection and transplant. I also have strong skills in general veterinary practice, management and business operations.

I would appreciate the opportunity to meet with you and exchange ideas. I will call you over the next several days to make an appointment. If you prefer, you may reach me at the phone number or email address listed above.

Thank you for your time. I look forward to meeting with you soon.

Sincerely,

John R. Doe, DVM

Enclosure

This sample was obviously for a veterinarian, but anyone in any profession can use it and customize it to suit their own needs. This is a traditional letter done in paragraph style. Another option that is gaining in popularity is the bulleted letter. A cover letter sample in the bulleted format follows.

Date

Manager
ABC Company
Street Address
City, state, zip code

RE: (reference position applied for)

Dear (ad name)

With over 20 years of experience as a military officer, I can make an immediate contribution to your organization. Highlights of my background include:

Experienced as a pilot, flight instructor, security officer, and operations officer in charge of millions of dollars in government property and responsible for hundreds of personnel.

Skilled in staff management, project management, security & safety, executive management briefing, and leadership of highly skilled technicians and professionals.

Demonstrated ability to handle multiple tasks concurrently, and lead by example. Utilize sound decision making judgement as evidenced by increased levels of responsibility and professional commendations.

I would like to discuss in greater detail the valuable contributions I would make at your organization. I can be reached at (555) 555-5555. Your time and consideration are most appreciated.

Sincerely,

John Doe

Enclosure

This sample was for a retired military aviation officer, but the basic format would stay the same for a teacher, CEO, salesman, firefighter, accountant or almost any other profession. There are two or three bulleted paragraphs that repeat qualifications, accomplishments or other highlights from the resume. The bulleted format makes them easy to see, and the bold facing on key points draws the attention of the reader to what the writer of the cover letter sample wants the reader to see, and read. Use the sample above, or the first cover letter sample, depending on your own needs, and customize them to your profession.

Are you guilty of sabotaging your own job search along with the
opportunity to earn more money? Heather Eagar, a former professional resume writer and creator of ResumeLines.com, provides reviews of the top resume writing services that put you in charge of your career so you can get the job you deserve. Sign-up for your free Job Search Tips E-Course.

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