- Don’t delegate this to anyone else. Write your own cover letters and thank you notes.
- All correspondence should be grammatically correct and contain no typos or misspellings. Errors portray a lack of intelligence, or a lack of concern. Both make very bad first impressions.
- Write briefly and succinctly. Limit yourself to one proper page, or one computer screen – no scrolling.
- Tailor letters to a specific individual, or situation. Generic letters are ineffective.
- Make connections between you and the reader with facts and experiences.
- Cover letters are judged on your ability to express yourself thoughtfully and purposefully. They are more narrative than your resume and can require more time to compose.
- Keep cover letters work-centered and employer-centered, not self-centered. Demonstrate that you understand the needs of employers.
- Thank you letters can be paper or electronic. They should be sent within 24 hours of an interview. Also send them to anyone who grants you an informational interview, writes a reference or assists your search in some way.
- Use samples as samples! Don’t copy them word for word. They are meant to guide you. Get some help from the Career Center if you are having difficulty expressing yourself the first few times.
- These skills will serve you well throughout your life. Take time to master them now!
Source: www.monroecc.edu/go/careercenter