Writing Letters to Potential Employers

Whenever possible, call rather than write to prospective employers. The telephone offers many advantages: it lets you arrange an interview immediately (letters involve delays of many days); it involves less time, less effort, and, it is in line with the personal orientation of the Job Club program, the phone permits a two-way conversation that promotes more familiarity.

Nevertheless, there are some very special circumstances that make the use of letters preferable or even necessary.


When to write a mail seeking a job
 

• You may be answering a want ad in the paper or on the internet, that gave only a box number or mailing address.
• During a phone conversation, an employer may ask you to send a resume before you can be granted an interview. If so, mail the resume with a letter, but then phone again a day or two after the employer has received it.
• The employer may be located in a distant area that requires long-distance phone charges you can't afford.
• If you are trying to relocate, you will be contacting employers in distant locations. Again, this demands phone charges beyond your means.
• You may phone an employer several times but be unable to make contact (the line may be busy each time, the employer may be out of the office or too busy to talk, and so on). Try again to call later, but also write a letter to establish some form of contact.

Standard letters for seeking jobs

If you have to write a completely different letter to each company, letter writing can be very time-consuming. To save time, enclose a copy of your resume and all letters of recommendation so that they can provide most of the information. This allows the letter itself to be very brief. Follow a standard form so that you won't spend too much time on each letter. The letter should briefly state your qualifications and background, and should request an interview.

Here are some examples of letters that you can use as models. As you read each letter, think about how you would fill in the information if you had to write that type of letter.

Sample for responding to a job posting or help wanted ad

Dear Sir or Madam:

I am very interested in the supervisory position that you advertised in the Daily Navs on March 18,2012.

My background is in management and supervision, including my own business and experience supervising a department in the military.

I am enclosing my resume and letters of recommendation to give you additional information about myself.

I would appreciate an interview to talk about this position. Please call me at ____________________

or write to me at my address below.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Your Name Your Address

Sample for leads collected from business directories

Company's Name Company's Address

Dear Sir or Madam:

I am writing in regard to present or future employment with the ___________________ Company.

I have seven years experience in office and secretarial work, including special writing assignments and customer relations. I can work with minimum supervision and would be an asset to your company.

I am enclosing a copy of my resume, which describes in more detail the various skills and experience I have to offer. I am also enclosing letters of recommendation.

Please contact me at or mail me at the address below so we can set up a time for an interview at your convenience. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Your Name Your Address