Cover Letters And Thank You Notes (Page 2 of 4) in pdf

Cover Letters &

Smith Career Center

Thank you Notes

INFORMATION GUIDE

 Best Practices: Use high quality paper and limit to ONE PAGE with easy-to-read font. A

cover letter should always accompany a resume.

Accepted Formats of Cover Letters

 Full Block Style is the most commonly used business letter format, where all lines begin

at the left-hand margin. Paragraphs are not indented and lines are single-spaced. There

should be spaces between each paragraph.

 In Modified Block Style, all parts of the letter line up at the left margin except the return

address, date, complimentary closing and signature line, which begin at (or a few spaces

to the right of) the centerline of the page.

Networking Letters (asking for information, not a job)

 Give the name of the referral person and your relationship (or the source you used in

locating the person) in the opening paragraph.

 Indicate your reasons for writing (e.g. informational interview or assistance in locating

employment, internships, or volunteer possibilities).

 Explain your interests, talents, skills, and experience.

 Ask them for a meeting or telephone appointment. Follow-up!

Thank-You Letters

 Thank the employer and express your enthusiasm by restating your interest and

qualifications and how they fit. If there were multiple interviewers, send separate letters to

each or ask the main interviewer to thank the others for you. Make sure to send a thank

you letter or email in one to two days.

Acknowledgement of a Job Offer

 Acknowledge the offer stating the specifics: job title, salary, starting date, starting location

or any other terms that were conveyed verbally or in writing. Express appreciation and

supply the date by which you will make a decision.

Declining an Offer

 Express appreciation of the offer along with regrets that you are declining. You do not need

to give specific reasons. Be professional! You may decide to pursue employment

opportunities with the organization in the future.

Accepting a Job Offer

 State your acceptance at the beginning, mentioning specifics of the offer: job title, salary,

starting date, and other particulars. Express thanks and enthusiasm about the career

opportunity.

careers@bradley.edu • bradley.edu/scc • (309) 677-2510 • Burgess Hall, First Floor

Cover Letters And Thank You Notes Page 2