1. careers
2. resume writing and advice

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 unlisted
employment 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 the
industry. State how you handled it and what results you achieved. Use some of the statements from Part
One 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 and
commercial design and an endorsement in English. Also will be certified to teach English at the high school level
and will be able to communicate with clients well. Strong work habits, designing efficiency, and rendering are
among 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 sports
complex that was used for many sporting events and has a high reputation in the NCAA. I was also involved with
designing Eagle Run houses for a new neighborhood that is currently being developed, many clients that bought this
Eagle 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 is
on 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. I
look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely
Rob J. Kasen
Enclosure
Letter Info and Samples
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 City
and taken my DDS assessment.
While in college, I learned how to perform several dental procedures. Extracting teeth and doing procedures such as root
canals is part of my education as well as how to use the newest dental x-ray machines. Communication is also of my
expertise. The use of dental technology and how to provide information to clients about oral health was taught to me in
college. My courses in college also offered dental paperwork classes, which I passed with an A+. Due to my outstanding
grades, I was offered an internship at a dentist office for a month. The workers there said that I worked efficiently and kept
everything 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 hear
from you soon.
Sincerely,
Rebecca Howard
Enclosure
Dear Mr. Tuschman
In May of 2012, I will receive a Bachelor’s Degree in Professional Culinary Arts at Robert Morris University with a major in
business management and a minor in Italian, along with graduating with honors. During an internship at Marea, a James
Beard award restaurant recipient, I gained many essential skills such as customer service, new design elements, and new
cooking techniques.
During my time at Robert Morris, I engaged in many culinary based service projects such as preparing a meal for many soup
kitchens in Chicago and doing a benefit dinner for The American Cancer Association. Being placed as a teacher’s assistant
during my junior year helped me develop many vital skills. This experience allowed me to conduct beginning culinary courses
and prepare lessons plans.
Enclosed is my resume for your consideration. If, after reviewing it, you would like more information my transcript is on file at
the Education Placement Office at Robert Morris University, and they 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, and I look forward to
hearing from you.
Sincerely
Wendal Wright
Enclosure
Letter Info and Samples
GENERAL OUTLINE FOR COVER LETTERS
Use complete title
& address
Applicant’s address
City, State Zip
Date of Letter in long format
(QS)
Employer’s Name and Title
Address
City, State, Zip
Address to a
particular person
by name
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.
Make the addressee
Middle Paragraph(s): Explain why you are interested in
want to read your
working for this employer and specify your reasons for
resume. Be personable desiring this type of work. If you have had relevant work
& be enthusiastic.
experience or related education, be sure to point it out,
but do not reiterate your entire resume. Emphasize skills
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.
Top and bottom
margins should be
equal. Utilize
white space.
Closing Paragraph: You may refer the reader to your
enclosed resume (which gives a summary of your
qualifications) 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,
Sign your letter.
(QS)
Your name typed
Enclosure (type this word to indicate there is something else sent along with the letter)
Letter Info and Samples
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 likeliest
position to hire you.
2. Do your research. The more "generic" your cover letter, the less successful it is likely to be. You want
to demonstrate that you know something about the reader's company, something that you had to do
some research to find out. Such information can be found on web sites, in annual reports, in your local
newspaper 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 develop
creative curriculum in leadership development"). Instead, begin by stating some specific way in which
you can help the company or department accomplish a particular goal, preferably giving an outstanding
example of an accomplishment ("Having had direct responsibility for three successful mergers in the
energy industry, I am an ideal candidate to assist you with making a smooth transition in your recent
merger 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 "I
can fulfill so many roles, just put me where I'm needed most approach" will get your letter filed in the
wastebasket. The time to explore other opportunities within the company will come, if at all, during the
interview 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 help
the company and stating your greatest related accomplishment, list four or five additional
accomplishments—bulleted and quantified. Quantified is the key word. Rather than bulleting "Computerskills trainer for six years" you would say "Trained 8500 students to achieve Microsoft certifications in
past six years." Rather than "Worked with sales team to increase sales effectiveness", say "Responsible
for increasing team sales by 37% in two years." Your numbers can be approximations, so long as you
can 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 have
achieved 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 an
event-planning job, but not if you are trying to get hired as a newspaper editor. Similarly, winning a
Pulitzer prize would not be an accomplishment to mention in your cover letter if you are applying to be a
project 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 it
be longer than one page. Remember, you are trying to capture the reader's interest in knowing more
about you. Telling your life story is boring.
Letter Info and Samples
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 white
space)? 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 an
interview. So tell the reader you would like to talk or meet and include these words: "Please give me a
call 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 the
phone to put the letter aside and wait for your call. You've lost the interest and momentum you worked
so hard to achieve.
10. Follow up with a phone call—or a second letter—within a week. People get busy. They intend to call
but get sidetracked by other priorities. Don't assume that someone isn't interested just because s/he
doesn'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 quantified
accomplishments. 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 Corporation’s unprecedented work interests me greatly. From what I have learned about your
company’s work in website design and 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 and
website 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 my
internship 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 graphic
designer coordinator, I oversaw a 10-person team that designed the official website for Harvard
University. 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 opportunity
to arrange a personal interview at your convenience. Thank you very much for your time and
consideration. I can be reached at (641) 723-9411. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely
Wyatt Thomson
Enclosure
Letter Info and Samples
Sample Cover Letter
Dear Mr. Tuschman
I recently read on the Food Network website about your current job opening for a television host. Food
Network’s unprecedented work interests me greatly. From what I have learned about your company’s work in
food 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 from
the Robert Morris University with a major in Business Management. I am very interested and involved in food
education and production. Skills I have acquired and use are strong interpersonal capabilities, an in-depth
knowledge of food production, and the ability to convey information through visual solutions. During my
internship 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, I
oversaw a 10-person team that served many diplomats along with the President at the White House’s ball in
December 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 an
excellent match for this position. I would welcome the opportunity to arrange a personal interview at your
convenience.
Thank you very much for your time and consideration. I can be reached at (641) 723-9411. I look forward to
hearing 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 a
highly trained Speech-Language Pathologist.
Recently, I graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia, and I earned my master’s in Speech-Language
Pathology. After my graduation, I passed my national exam with an exceptionally high score. By completing four
hundred hours of supervised clinical experience at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, MO, I gained an
insight on a daily schedule of a Speech-Language Pathologist. During those four hundred hours, I utilized my
analytical skills daily. By doing this, those skills have dramatically increased. My ability to show compassion, my
strong 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 your
company. Feel free to contact me at (660) 235-0990 to set up a personal interview. Thank you for your time and
consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely
Letter Info and Samples
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 deciding
factor in your favor, especially when there are other candidates with your qualifications applying for the
same job. Immediately after a round of interviews, always send a thank you letter to each of your
interviewers by fax, mail or email.
In the first paragraph, thank the interviewer (or express your appreciation) for the chance to meet with
them to discuss the job and see the premises (use the term "meeting" rather than "interview" if it seems
appropriate). 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 be
interested in you for that job-perhaps a "goodie" that you didn't mention in the interview. (You might
even link this new information to a problem or opportunity the company is experiencing.) Repeat the job
title 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 Corporation
stresses the importance of teamwork, and I was impressed with its desire for employees to seek additional training
and 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 MissouriColumbia last year. Since then I have received much experience—for example, I have worked on multiple magazine
covers and designed Harvard University’s website.
Thank you so much for taking time from your busy schedule to see me. I look forward to the opportunity to work with
the Blueye Corporation, a business enjoying great prosperity. I do hope you will call me at (334) 233-2404 for further
discussion.
Sincerely
Letter Info and Samples
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 and
strategy 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 available
immediately 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 really
enjoyed the environment of the hospital. The employees were extremely friendly, and I appreciated the importance
of hard work and discipline.
In conclusion, I would like to thank once again for your time. A man of your importance obviously has a busy
schedule. 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
Letter Info and Samples
ACCEPTANCE LETTER
7 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 make
it clear that you have decided to accept it.
2. Use your acceptance letter to restate the basic terms of employment as you understand
them, 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 were
vague in the interview or that concerned you afterwards.
5. Express how much you look forward to filling this new position and mention one or two
aspects 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 at
Children Mercury in Radiology Technician. Please consider this letter my formal acceptance.
I’m pleased to accept your offer at a salary of 60,000 annually. As we agreed, my starting date will be July 28, 2010
to 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 probationary
during that time.
Thank you again, Mrs. Walker, for offering me this wonderful opportunity, and do let me know if I can do anything in
advance 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 Architecture
and 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 with
KPS Architecture and feel my contributions will be in line with your goals of growth and continued success for the
company.
Sincerely
Letter Info and Samples
DECLINING AN OFFER
With unemployment reaching record highs, many job seekers feel lucky to receive any job offer. But whether the
compensation 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, but
it'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 you
might want to be considered for future opportunities. Savvy job seekers use every possible chance to network, so
thank 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're
accepting. Let the hiring manager know that you were impressed by the company and carefully considered the
offer, 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 (you
have accepted another position, etc.)
Second Paragraph: Thank the person again for the offer.
Letter Info and Samples
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 with
great 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 at
this time. I know you will understand my position and accept my sincere appreciation for your
consideration.
Cordially
Janet Massi
Dr. William Shockley
11300 Lower Azusa Road
El Monte, CA 91732-4725
Dear Dr. Shockley
Thank you for offering me the position as Designer at KPS Architecture. Sadly, I must decline
your offer. While I was very interested in the opportunity and working with your team, the
position 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 am
impressed by your company's facility, mission and commitment to quality and service, and wish
you and your colleagues much continued success. I hope that we meet again in the future.
Best wishes
Letter Info and Samples
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.
Don’t 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 first
document 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.
Letter Info and Samples
Sample Resignation Letter
John Doe
Food Corporation
325 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 to
thank 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 Corporation
2122 Forman Street
Chicago, 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 I’m unhappy with the opportunities Blueye Corporation has
presented, but as a strategic career move. It’s been a great pleasure working with you and
representing 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
Letter Info and Samples