|
|
Back to Job
Search Preparation |
Exploratory Letter
|
Thank You
Letter
|
|
Cover Letter Guidelines |
|
Cover Letter Guidelines
The cover letter introduces your resume. A cover letter, if well written, will
get the employer’s attention and motivate him/her to carefully read your resume.
BASICS:
-
Always write to a specific individual – not
Dear Sir or Madam.
-
Individualize to an organization.
-
Keep the letter brief – never more than one
page.
-
Use simple and correct grammar.
-
Must be typed with no errors and on a good
grade of bond paper.
-
Should reflect your personality, but since
it is a business letter, do not deviate too widely from conventional
formats.
-
Be sure to sign your letter and always
include your return address.
-
Proofread your letter carefully.
-
Keep a copy of all your correspondence.
-
Record the information on your Job Search
Record.
|
GENERAL OUTLINE:
Applicant’s Address
Applicant’s Phone Number
Date of Letter
Employer’s Name & Title
Employer’s Address
Salutation:
Opening Paragraph: State why you are writing, name the position or type
of work for which you are applying and mention how you heard of the opening or
organization.
Middle Paragraph: Explain why you are interested in working for this
employer and specify your reasons for desiring this type of work. If you have
had relevant work experience or related education, be sure to point it out, but
do not reiterate your entire résumé. Emphasize skills and/ or abilities you
have that relate to the job for which you are applying. Be sure to do this in a
confident manner and remember that the reader will view your letter of
application as an example of your writing skills.
Closing Paragraph: You may refer the reader to your enclosed résumé or
whatever media you are using to illustrate your training, interests and
experience. Have an appropriate closing to pave the way for the interview by
indicating the action or steps you will take to initiate an interview date.
Sincerely,
Always Sign Letters
Your name typed
Enclosure: Résumé |
|
|
|
Sample Exploratory Letter |
|
Use
a letter such as this when seeking career and employment information. This
letter will also serve as your first introduction to a contact at an
organization where you might
like to work. For this type of letter to be
effective, you must get their attention
and create an interest in talking with
you.
GENERAL OUTLINE:
1501 Yellow Rose Drive
Dallas, TX 75241
(972) 555-6667
June 4, 2004
Arthur Works, Director
East Side Museum of Art
7766 Elmwood Drive
Jefferson, TX 75244
Dear Mr. Works:
I just read in the May issue of Metro that small museums are
experiencing increased attendance and popularity. Also, when reading last
Sunday’s Dallas Morning News,
I saw the article about your museum’s
recent success and was intrigued by your analysis of the trends.
It struck me that beginning a career in arts and administration at the
local level might make good sense rather than targeting large metropolitan
museums. I’d like to get your advice about the logic of this strategy.
As an art history major at Texas Woman’s University, I am trying to get a
head start by doing some research on summer internship possibilities.
Gaining first hand experience seems very important in beginning a career
in arts administration. I have been involved in the Docent Society at
Denton County’s Historical Museum as a volunteer guide. Last summer I
spent 15 hours a week working as an intern at the Children’s Museum in
Fort Worth. Also, in my major, I am concentrating on American artists of
the 19th century.
I would greatly appreciate half an hour of your time to explore any ideas
you might have. I will call you next Tuesday to discuss arranging a
convenient time that we may meet. I look forward to talking with you.
Sincerely,
Always sign letters
Sandra Smith
Enclosure: Resume
BACK TO TOP
|
|
