ACADEMIC ENGLISH III
November 7th 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 e-mailed, but…
• …a physical letter (business letter) can have a stronger
effect.
• An e-mailed 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).
Letterhead (your contact info)
Date
Recipient’s info
Expresses gratitude of the
interviewee.
Time you interviewed.
States the position you applied
Re-emphasize
your
for.
qualifications.
End
politeley:
Mentions
the main
feature of
Express
further
interest
the company
- thank the interviewer
Closing:
- Sincerely,
- Best regards,
Signature and name
- let them know you are looking
forward to hearing from them.
Marianne Boles
400C Hunter Ridge
Blacksburg, VA 24060
(540) 555-1111
boles@vt.edu
October 26, 2010
Ms. Glenna Wright
Human Resources Manager
Fashion Department Store
2000 Line Drive
Fairfax, VA 22030
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) 555-1111 or by e-mail at boles@vt.edu 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 e-mail 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.