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Writing Business Letters

A thorough cover letter is essential whenever submitting a resume. But cover letters are not the only letters to be written during the job search. Thank you letters are equally important, and networking letters may play a role as well. The resources below provide useful details and examples of each.

Cover Letters

Though your resume may change little as you send it to different employers, your cover letter must represent considerable tailoring for each individual position. Structure the cover letter to reflect your individuality, but avoid appearing too familiar, overbearing, humorous, or unprofessional. The paper and font style of your cover letter should compliment your resume. The letter should be limited to one page, but you should expect to use the full page in order to adequately "sell" yourself (do use a readable font size and leave some white space, however). The customary format is as follows:

Date Your Street Address City, State Zip Code Ms. Jane Smith Recruiter's Title Department Name Company Name Street Address City, State Zip Code Dear Ms. Smith: (Use a specific name or title whenever possible) State the reason for writing. Name the specific position or type of work for which you're applying. Mention how you learned of the opening. Be sure to do all of this with enthusiasm! Explain why you're interested in working for this employer and specify how you're PERFECT for this position. Don't repeat the information on your resume. Match your qualifications to the job and/or employer. You may even consider a bulleted format in which you match the specific requirements to your corresponding qualifications. Some sources for information to help you do this include employment advertisements, company websites, position descriptions, phone conversations with the employer, and informational interviews. Include something special or unique about yourself that will benefit the employer. Remember, the reader will consider this an example of your writing skills. Mention that your resume is attached and indicate your desire for an interview. Include contact information. Be sure to communicate your plan to follow-up. Finally, thank the employer for his/her time. Sincerely, Your Signature Here Your Name Typed

Guide to Cover Letters
Great guidelines, templates, and samples of cover letters

Purdue Online Writing Lab
This wonderful resource includes ideas for getting started, tips, and even interactive activities related to job search writing. 

25 Tips for Better Cover Letters
Review your draft cover letter against this list of suggestions

50 Cover Letter No-Nos
Use this long but brief list to check your letter for common mistakes! If you can't handle 50, try this list of the 10 worst things to put in a letter.

You Are What You Write
Brief article on the impact of an effective cover letter

Thank You Letters/Notes

"Thank you" is a powerful statement that is seldom heard. Send a brief thank you letter or note to employers and employment contacts whenever they have extended themselves in any way on behalf of your job search. At the minimum, a written thank you should be sent after all interviews. The thank you letter should follow a standard business letter format while the note may be a simple handwritten note or card. Which to send depends upon the situation and your personal style. An email may be acceptable (provided it is formal in tone), depending on the culture of the organization. A thank you should always include a statement of appreciation, an expression of continued interest, a brief restatement of qualifications (include any pertinent information you failed to mention earlier), a final "thank you," and information about your intent to follow up. If there are multiple people involved, such as with a panel interview, be sure to thank each person through individual (unique!) letters or a single letter to a key person for distribution. Here is a sample:

Dear Mr. Jones: (Always use a specific name) Thank you for the interview for the accountant position today. I appreciate the information you shared with me and enjoyed meeting Ms. Clark from the Accounting Department. My interest in working for Harrison Inc. is stronger than ever, and based on your description of the position, I know I can do a good job for you. I will contact you by Tuesday of next week to learn of your decision. Sincerely,

Will a Thank You Note Help me Land a Job?
Brief Wall Street Journal article on the potential impact of a thank you note

Other Types of Letters

The sites below provide some guidelines and samples of additional letters you may need to write (acceptance letters, withdrawal letters, etc.)
Writing Effective Letters
Letter Samples (Note that the application letters here are on the short side.)

Writing Samples

If you are asked to submit a writing sample to an employer, the link below provides good samples and guidelines for doing so.
Writing Samples