COVER LETTERS THANK YOU LETTERS COVER LETTERS MAIN

COVER LETTERS & THANK YOU LETTERS

COVER LETTERS

MAIN COMPONENTS v Introductory Paragraph v Information Paragraph (Your opinion of you is now relevant & allows you to draw parallels between your talents & a firm’s requirements) v Closing Paragraph

INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH v Identifies you and the job for which you are applying. v Should include v v work availability ‘name dropping’

Example I am interested in your full time assurance associate position. I am currently completing my Master of Accounting at Washington State University and expect to graduate May 2015. I really enjoyed talking with XXXX at your social this summer and was especially impressed by the staff loyalty and the ‘open door’ policy of your firm.

INFORMATION PARAGRAPH v Do not repeat your resume, but identify highlights & then tie in with the specific skills you believe you have. v Read job posting to find out specific info requested by firm.

EXAMPLE 1 My current position as a teaching assistant in the Department of Accounting has allowed me to further refine my communication and problem solving skills. Additionally my fluency in English and Chinese might be of value to your firm if you plan any further expansion into Chinese business ventures.

EXAMPLE 2 As an administrator for Student Computing Services I have not only used accounting skills but have also gained computer skills and experience in managing others.

CLOSING PARAGRAPH This paragraph basically thanks the reader and ends the correspondence. If one is applying outside of the area (and not going through Career Services for the preliminary interview) this paragraph can also state availability for interviewing.

EXAMPLE 1 I welcome the opportunity to discuss with you how I might best assist XXX in fulfilling its needs. Thank you for your consideration.

EXAMPLE 2 Thank you for considering my application. I will be in the Boston area between March 14 -21 and would enjoy setting up a time to meet with you if at all possible. I can be reached at _______.

MISCELLANEOUS Professional women rarely appreciate being addressed as Mrs. or Miss, particularly if the wrong title is used. Play it safe and use the title Ms. unless specifically instructed to do otherwise. Be careful – Deloitte is not likely to be impressed by getting a cover letter addressed to Moss Adams and vice versa.

THANK YOU LETTERS

o Demonstrates manners & knowledge of social skills o Allows one last opportunity to land the job

Example 1 Begin with general ‘thanks’ then: My enthusiasm for the position and my interest in working for ______ were strengthened as a result of the interview. Along with my academic and extracurricular activities, I think my experience doing ______ has provided me with the teamwork experience that will allow me to fit nicely with your job requirements. I am confident that I could add value to your firm.

EXAMPLE 2 Thank you for taking the time to interview me yesterday. After speaking with you I am even more convinced that ____ is the best career choice for me. In particular, I believe that working for a smaller company will allow me to showcase my skills and advance more quickly than if I were one of many at a larger firm. Also, I am excited about the fact that one of the areas in which your firm specializes is XXXX. (Then end with some reason why XXXX is of particular interest to you).

WHEN, TO WHOM, & HOW TO SEND • Immediately & to everyone with whom you had significant contact (ask for business cards). • Hand written notes look nice, but if time is of the essence – use email but write it as though it is a formal communication (which it is!!!).

• Example (good start to a thank you letter): Dear Ms. X, I really enjoyed the opportunity to speak with you and learn more about XXX at the social last night. • Example (not so good): – Hey X! Awesome social!

REGARDLESS OF WHAT YOU ARE WRITING – CORRECT GRAMMAR & SPELLING IS A MUST. ANY CORRESPONDENCE YOU HAVE WITH A FIRM PROVIDES ADDITIONAL EVIDENCE AS TO YOUR PROFESSIONALISM, ABILITIES, ATTENTION TO DETAIL, INTEREST IN THE POSITION, ETC.

GOOD LUCK & HAVE FUN WITH INTERVIEWING QUESTIONS?