letter of inquiry.pdf

7/28/2019 letter of inquiry.pdf

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Letter Info and Samples

LETTER OF INQUIRY A letter of inquiry describes your strengths and explains your job goal. Sending these letters (sometimes called"broadcast" or "marketing" letters) to the companies or employers you have targeted can help uncover unlistedemployment opportunities.

Elements of a successful letter of inquiry should comprise:

A first sentence telling the reader why you are writing.

In the body of the letter, market your accomplishments. You might describe a problem relevant to theindustry. State how you handled it and what results you achieved. Use some of the statements from PartOne to describe your skills.

Close the letter with a positive statement and request a face-to-face meeting.

Sample Letter of Inquiry

Dear Dr. Shockley

In May of 2012, I will receive a Masters degree at University Nebraska Omaha with a major in residential andcommercial design and an endorsement in English. Also will be certified to teach English at the high school leveland will be able to communicate with clients well. Strong work habits, designing efficiency, and rendering areamong a few of the many designing skills I have developed during my college career.

Of the many different residential and commercial projects I have worked on, one includes a multimillion dollar sportscomplex that was used for many sporting events and has a high reputation in the NCAA. I was also involved withdesigning Eagle Run houses for a new neighborhood that is currently being developed, many clients that bought thisEagle Run blue prints stated the plans were very clean, efficient, and very open.

Enclosed is my resume for your consideration. If, after reviewing it, you would like more information my transcript ison file at the Education Placement Office at University Nebraska Omaha and would be happy to provide you with it. A personal interview can be arranged at your convenience. Thank you very much for your time and consideration. Ilook forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely

Rob J. Kasen

Enclosure


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Sample Letter Of Inquiry

Dear Mr. Baum:

In May 2010, I will have completed four years of studies at the top of my dental class at the University of Missouri, Kansas Cityand taken my DDS assessment.

While in college, I learned how to perform several dental procedures. Extracting teeth and doing procedures such as rootcanals is part of my education as well as how to use the newest dental x-ray machines. Communication is also of myexpertise. The use of dental technology and how to provide information to clients about oral health was taught to me incollege. My courses in college also offered dental paperwork classes, which I passed with an A+. Due to my outstandinggrades, I was offered an internship at a dentist office for a month. The workers there said that I worked efficiently and kepteverything organized.

My resume is enclosed for further deliberation. More information about me can be found at the office at the University of Missouri, Kansas City. Personal interviews are always open to me. Thank you for your time and consideration. I hope to hearfrom you soon.

Sincerely,

Rebecca Howard

Enclosure

Dear Mr. Tuschman

In May of 2012, I will receive a Bachelors Degr ee in Professional Culinary Arts at Robert Morris University with a major inbusiness management and a minor in Italian, along with graduating with honors. During an internship at Marea, a JamesBeard award restaurant recipient, I gained many essential skills such as customer service, new design elements, and newcooking techniques.

During my time at Robert Morris, I engaged in many culinary based service projects such as preparing a meal for many soupkitchens in Chicago and doing a benefit dinner for Th e American Cancer Association. Being placed as a teachers assistantduring my junior year helped me develop many vital skills. This experience allowed me to conduct beginning culinary coursesand prepare lessons plans.

Enclosed is my resume for your consideration. If, af ter reviewing it, you would like more information my transcript is on file atthe Education Placement Office at Robert Morris University, and they would be happy to provide you with it. A personalinterview can be arranged at your convenience. Thank you very much for your time and consideration, and I look forward tohearing from you.

Sincerely

Wendal Wright

Enclosure


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COVER LETTER (Letter of Application)

Ten Tips for Creating a Cover Letter That Gets Results! 1. Write the letter to a specific person the person you think is the one who would hire you. Let's face it:Your cover letter to "To Whom It May Concern" or the "Vice-President of Sales and Marketing" is rather

ho-hum to the reader. Instead, take the trouble to find out the name of the person who is in the likeliestposition to hire you.

2. Do your research. The more "generic" your cover letter, the less successful it is likely to be. You wantto demonstrate that you know something about the reader's company, something that you had to dosome research to find out. Such information can be found on web sites, in annual reports, in your localnewspaper and/or business journal, in trade magazines, etc. Customizing your letter to a particular company is impressive and makes you stand out from the pack of job-seekers.

3. Tell the reader what you can do for the company, not what you want the company to do for you.Hirers are not impressed with cover letters that begin by explaining what you want a company to do for you. ("I am an experienced accountant looking for a mid-sized, dynamic accounting firm with

opportunities for development"; "I am a corporate trainer who is interested in opportunities to developcreative curriculum in leadership development"). Instead, begin by stating some specific way in whichyou can help the company or department accomplish a particular goal, preferably giving an outstandingexample of an accomplishment ("Having had direct responsibility for three successful mergers in theenergy industry, I am an ideal candidate to assist you with making a smooth transition in your recentmerger with Company X").

4. Be specific about the job you are seeking. Hirers do not want to serve as your employment counselor;they want you to have already done your homework and figured out exactly what job you want. The "Ican fulfill so many roles, just put me where I'm needed most approach" will get your letter filed in thewastebasket. The time to explore other opportunities within the company will come, if at all, during theinterview if/when the interviewer takes the initiative to ask you about your other options.

5. Quantify your accomplishments. After your initial attention-grabbing statement of how you can helpthe company and stating your greatest related accomplishment, list four or five additionalaccomplishments bulleted and quantified. Quantified is the key word. Rather than bulleting "Computer-skills trainer for six years" you would say "Trained 8500 students to achieve Microsoft certifications inpast six years." Rather than "Worked with sales team to increase sales effectiveness", say "Responsiblefor increasing team sales by 37% in two years." Your numbers can be approximations, so long as youcan explain their rationale if requested. Think of quantifications involving estimated cost savings,contribution to a company's bottom line, employee retention, specific initiatives, etc.

6. Mention only accomplishments that directly relate to the job you want to get. You probably haveachieved many things that don't relate directly to the job you're trying to land. Organizing an outstanding

global conference of 3000 attendees is a terrific accomplishment to mention if you're applying for anevent-planning job, but not if you are trying to get hired as a newspaper editor. Similarly, winning aPulitzer prize would not be an accomplishment to mention in your cover letter if you are applying to be aproject manager in a construction company (you can mention it later in a resume`).

7. Keep it brief, succinct and simple. Your cover letter should be short and to the point. Rarely should itbe longer than one page. Remember, you are trying to capture the reader's interest in knowing moreabout you. Telling your life story is boring.


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8. Make it easy on the eyes. When you've finished writing your letter, print it up and take a "big picture"look at it. Is it visually appealing? Is there plenty of white space (using bullets increases the whitespace)? Does it look un-crowded? Or is it filled with complicated sentences and jammed to the margins?Does it look like a letter you would want to read?

9. Close with an invitation for the reader to act . Why are you writing this cover letter? Answer: To get aninterview. So tell the reader you would like to talk or meet and include these words: "Please give me acall at such-and-such a phone number." Don't say "I'll give you a call in a few days to follow up and see if you're interested in meeting". That statement encourages the reader who might be ready to pick up thephone to put the letter aside and wait for your call. You've lost the interest and momentum you workedso hard to achieve.

10. Follow up with a phone call or a second letter within a week. People get busy. They intend to callbut get sidetracked by other priorities. Don't assume that someone isn't interested just because s/hedoesn't call you after your first letter. So give the person a call if possible; if you can't reach him or her,write a second cover letter reminding the reader of your first letter but adding some new quantifiedaccomplishments. Again, ask the person to call you and give your phone number.

Sample Cover Letter

Dear Mrs. Wiggins

I recently read on the Blueye Corporation website about your current job opening for a graphic designer.Blueye Corporations unprecedented work interests me greatly. From what I have learned about your companys work in website design a nd advertising, I feel confident that I can bring a great deal to the

position advertised.

As my enclosed resume states, this May I will receive a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia with a major in Graphic Design. I am very interested and involved in graphic andwebsite design. Skills I have acquired and use are strong interpersonal skills, an in-depth knowledge of

electronic media packages, and the ability to convey information through visual solutions. During myinternship at Time magazine, I helped design the layout for the Person of the Year 2008 cover.

In addition to the experience that I would bring to your corporation, I am a natural leader. As a graphicdesigner coordinator, I oversaw a 10-person team that designed the official website for HarvardUniversity. Our team completed the website by using valuable skills- for example, identifying the needs of the client and considering the target market.

My skills and experience make me an excellent match for this position. I would welcome the opportunityto arrange a personal interview at your convenience. Thank you very much for your time andconsideration. I can be reached at (641) 723-9411. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely

Wyatt Thomson

Enclosure


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Sample Cover Letter Dear Mr. Tuschman

I recently read on the Food Network website about your current job opening for a television host. FoodNetwork s unprecedented work interests me greatly. From what I have learned about your companys work infood education and production, I feel confident that I can bring a great deal to the position advertised.

As my enclosed resume states, this May I will receive a Bachelor of Applied Science in Culinary Arts degree fromthe Robert Morris University with a major in Business Management. I am very interested and involved in foodeducation and production. Skills I have acquired and use are strong interpersonal capabilities, an in-depthknowledge of food production, and the ability to convey information through visual solutions. During myinternship at Gourmet magazine, I helped create the recipes used in the end of year edition.

In addition to the experience that I would bring to your corporation, I am a natural leader. As a head chef, Ioversaw a 10-person team that served many diplomats along with the President at the White Houses ball inDecember of last year. Our team created the menu using valuable skills-- for example, identifying the needs of

the client and adapting the menu to meet certain dietary requirements. My skills and experience make me anexcellent match for this position. I would welcome the opportunity to arrange a personal interview at yourconvenience.

Thank you very much for your time and consideration. I can be reached at (641) 723-9411. I look forward tohearing from you.

Sincerely

John Benton

Dear Mr. Schrute

I recently read in the St. Joseph Newspress Classifieds that the Pennsylvania Medical Center is seeking to hire ahighly trained Speech-Language Pathologist.

Recently, I graduated from the University of Missouri- Columbia, and I earned my masters in Speech -LanguagePathology. After my graduation, I passed my national exam with an exceptionally high score. By completing fourhundred hours of supervised clinical experience at Childrens Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, MO, I gained aninsight on a daily schedule of a Speech-Language Pathologist. During those four hundred hours, I utilized myanalytical skills daily. By doing this, those skills have dramatically increased. My ability to show compassion, mystrong work ethic, and my capability to learn quickly are frequently complimented by my supervisor.

My skills and experience make me an excellent match for this position and I would be a great addition to yourcompany. Feel free to contact me at (660) 235-0990 to set up a personal interview. Thank you for your time andconsideration, and I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely


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THANK YOU LETTER (Follow-Up Letter after and Interview) Don't underestimate the power of a thank you letter. Also called a follow-up letter, it may be the decidingfactor in your favor, especially when there are other candidates with your qualifications applying for thesame job. Immediately after a round of interviews,alwayssend a thank you letter to each of yourinterviewers by fax, mail or email.

In the first paragraph, thank the interviewer (or express your appreciation) for the chance to meet withthem to discuss the job and see the premises (use the term "meeting" rather than "interview" if it seemsappropriate). Make some reference to your positive impressions of the company.

In the second paragraph, offer some new information or additional reason for the employer to beinterested in you for that job-perhaps a "goodie" that you didn't mention in the interview. (You mighteven link this new information to a problem or opportunity the company is experiencing.) Repeat the jobtitle you are applying for, and show continued interest in it.

In the last paragraph, let the employer know (graciously) that you expect to hear from them again and "plant" the idea in her mind of a phone call to you. Make it clear you're willing to come in and discuss the job further, if necessary.

Sample Thank You Letter

Dear Ms. Evans

Your time Tuesday to visit with me about the graphic designer opening was greatly appreciated. Blueye Corporationstresses the importance of teamwork, and I was impressed with its desire for employees to seek additional trainingand knowledge in the graphic design field.

You will recall that I received my B.S. in Arts with a major in Graphic Design from the University of Missouri-Columbia last year. Since then I have received much experience for example, I have worked on multiple magazinecovers and designed Harvard Universitys website.

Thank you so much for taking time from your busy schedule to see me. I look forward to the opportunity to work withthe Blueye Corporation, a business enjoying great prosperity. I do hope you will call me at (334) 233-2404 for further discussion.

Sincerely
http://jobsearchtech.about.com/library/weekly/aa021003.htmhttp://jobsearchtech.about.com/library/weekly/aa021003.htm


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Thank You Letter Sample

Dear Ms. Trivitts

Thank you for the interview and tour of your company last week. Able Insurance's strong marketing plans andstrategy for achieving its objectives was very impressive. During the interview, you stressed the necessity for developing new strategic plans and tracking their success. I know I would be a terrific addition to your team.

Able Insurance would be the ideal company to continue my career as a marketing professional. I am availableimmediately to begin work with your firm. Please contact me shall you have further questions.

Sincerely yours

Jennifer Elaine McDowell

Dear Mr. Schrute

The tour and interview I received on Monday at the Pennsylvania Medical Center was greatly appreciated. I reallyenjoyed the environment of the hospital. The employees were extremely friendly, and I appreciated the importanceof hard work and discipline.

In conclusion, I would like to thank once again for your time. A man of your importance obviously has a busyschedule. Thank you for taking time to conduct a tour and interview. Hopefully, I will be hearing from you soon.The number where I can be reached is (660) 235-0099.

Sincerely


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ACCEPTANCE LETTER7 tips for writing a professional acceptance letter in response to a job offer

1. Begin your acceptance letter by thanking whoever sent you the job offer, and then makeit clear that you have decided to accept it.

2. Use your acceptance letter to restate the basic terms of employment as you understandthem, including hours per week, salary, and benefits.

3. Restate what instructions you were given regarding such details as your starting date,work hours, appropriate dress, and where you should park.

4. Request clarification in your acceptance letter of any terms of employment that werevague in the interview or that concerned you afterwards.

5. Express how much you look forward to filling this new position and mention one or twoaspects of the job you will especially enjoy.

6. Type your acceptance letter in block or semi-block format, using three or four paragraphs, one page in length, and sign it by hand.

7. Make sure your acceptance letter is professional-looking; check it carefully for grammatical mistakes, typographical errors, and misspelled words.

Sample Letter of Acceptance:

Dear Mrs. Walker

It was certainly wonderful news when you called this afternoon to offer me the position as manager of your staff atChildren Mercury in Radiology Technician. Please consider this letter my formal acceptance.

Im pleased to accept your offer at a salary of 60,000 annually. As we agreed, my starting date will be July 28, 2010to enable me to finish a summer computer class that will enhance my skills for Radiology. Also understand that I will

receive full company pay and benefits during the 12-week training program and that I am considered probationaryduring that time.

Thank you again, Mrs. Walker, for offering me this wonderful opportunity, and do let me know if I can do anything inadvance of my start date to facilitate the paperwork, or if there are any areas you'd like me to be reading up on.What a delight it will be to work with you and the Radiology Technician!

Sincerely

Dear Dr. Shockley

I would like to express my appreciation for your letter offering me the position of architect in your Design Department

at a starting salary of $60,000 per year. I was very impressed with the personnel and facilities at KPS Architectureand am writing to confirm my acceptance of your offer. As requested, I am able to start work on June 1, 2012.

Let me once again thank you for your offer of joining your engineering staff. I look forward to my association withKPS Architecture and feel my contributions will be in line with your goals of growth and continued success for thecompany.

Sincerely


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DECLINING AN OFFER

With unemployment reaching record highs, many job seekers feel lucky to receive any job offer. But whether thecompensation is too low, the location is inconvenient or the job isn't the right fit, sometimes you just need to say,"No thanks." In a stress-filled job search, it's tempting to verbally turn down an offer and skip writing a letter, butit's more professional to write a formal letter to decline the offer. Keep these four tips in mind as you write your letter:

Be Prompt.As soon as you've made your decision, call the hiring manager and write your letter declining the offer.The company will need to offer the position to someone else, and you don't want to hold up the process.

Be Courteous.Your letter should be professional and courteous. You may be turning down this position, but youmight want to be considered for future opportunities. Savvy job seekers use every possible chance to network, sothank each person with whom you interviewed and wish them and their company continued success.

Be Diplomatic.If you've received another, more generous offer, avoid mentioning the details of the position you'reaccepting. Let the hiring manager know that you were impressed by the company and carefully considered theoffer, but you are accepting a position that better suits your career objectives.

First Paragraph: Thank the interviewer for giving you the opportunity to interview for the position. Mention that you were very pleased to be offered the position. State your reason for not being able to accept the position (youhave accepted another position, etc.)

Second Paragraph: Thank the person again for the offer.


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Sample Letter for Declining a Job Offer

Dear Ms. Miles

Thank you very much for the time you spent with me in each of our meetings.

I was certainly impresses with Eastland High School and all it has to offer. It is a school withgreat pride, but its location is rather distant and travel would be quite extensive for me.

On the basis, I have accepted a position closer to my hometown so I do not have to re-locate atthis time. I know you will understand my position and accept my sincere appreciation for your consideration.

Cordially

Janet Massi

Dr. William Shockley11300 Lower Azusa RoadEl Monte, CA 91732-4725

Dear Dr. Shockley

Thank you for offering me the position as Designer at KPS Architecture. Sadly, I must declineyour offer. While I was very interested in the opportunity and working with your team, theposition I accepted is better matched to my career goals.

Thanks again for taking the time to meet with me and for the generous employment offer. I amimpressed by your company's facility, mission and commitment to quality and service, and wishyou and your colleagues much continued success. I hope that we meet again in the future.

Best wishes


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RESIGNATION LETTER

Your resignation letter should contain three components: - The effective date of your resignation.

- An explanation for your resignation.

- A brief mention of the positive aspects of working for your current employer.

Dont resign the wrong way. Here are 8 tips for writing a perfect resignation letter:

1. Your resignation letter will be the final document in your personnel file. This means it will be the firstdocument seen when a future employer calls for a reference or if you reapply at your company.

2. You will probably network with employees for future jobs.

3. Write your resignation letter to maintain a good relationship with your employer and associates.

4. Customize the letter for the particular situation.

5. Show enthusiasm and appreciation for the job you've held.

6. Emphasize what you have contributed to the company or organization.

7. Highlight the skills that you've used.

8. Fix ALL spelling errors and typos.


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Sample Resignation Letter

John DoeFood Corporation325 Too Bad Ave

Adios, NM 69581

Dear Mr. Doe

I have decided to tender my resignation. My last day will be May 6, 2012.

My leaving is not due to unhappiness at this job, but rather for a strategic career opportunity.Food Corporation has given me a terrific start in my culinary career path, and I would like tothank you for this opportunity. My hope for this company is for a beneficial growth.

Feel free to call me at 660-783-2322 if there is anything I can do to be of assistance.

Sincerely

Jane Evans, Director Blueye Corporation2122 Forman StreetChicago, IL 60601

Dear Ms. Evans

I have decided to tender my resignation. My last day will be April 16, 2012.

I made this decision, not because Im unhappy with the opportunities Blueye Corporation haspresented, but as a strategic career move. Its been a great pleasure working with you andrepresenting the company. I wish you and Blueye Corporation continued success.

Please feel free to call me at 783-2404 if I can help ensure a smooth transition.

Sincerely

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