Sample Cover And Thank You Letters (Page 12 of 13) in pdf

Email Etiquette and the Job Search

E-mail has traditionally been used as an informal means of communication. However, as it becomes increasingly

popular in the job application process, you need to take time to think through the content of your emails and

address the message that you might be sending to employers. Emails should be treated no different than any

other form of communication you would send to a potential employer.

Although employers don’t always read an entire cover letter the first time, they do expect the writer to take the

time to include the necessary information in an appropriate way. The following guidelines should be used for email

when responding to: potential employers, co-workers, colleagues business members, and college staff and

personnel. You will be taken more seriously and will often be giving more credibility. The tips below also apply

to messages sent through LinkedIn, Facebook as well as direct emails. Common mistakes include:

Using emotions (:p)

Being too informal

Misspellings and poor grammar

No capitalization

Spelling words phonetically (how they sound)

Professional email is very different from casual e-mail or instant massager. Here are some guidelines to consider

when writing an email in which you are job prospecting or applying for a job:

 Always introduce yourself the same way you would in a cover letter. Dear Mr./Ms. So and So, I am writing

in regard to your posting on…for XYZ position in Engineering.

 Treat your emails as if you were writing a professional cover or thank you letter on paper, but be brief.

 An email to an employer should never just say “see attached”. The receiver may not even ope the

attachment.

 In the subject line, make it obvious why you are writing: “Application for xyz” positions.

 Make sure you change the contact name and the content according to the person and company to whom

you are sending the message.

 If you are responding to an email, include the original message in the reply, so the receiver can put your

email into the correct context. Also respond within two business days.

 Always spell words correctly.

 Don’t just use spell check. It won’t catch words that are spelled correctly, but are misused with the context

of the sentence

 Never use all capital letters. It can be implied that you are screaming. It is also difficult to read.

 Think about the message an email address can send. Keep it simple (always use you BU email) avoid

email addresses like “studmuffin@gmail” or “partygirl@yahoo”.

 Read your message carefully. The tone of the email can often be misinterpreted by the way the email is

written

 Have someone else proofread it before you send it (this applies to all written materials you send to an

employer). It may be easier to find errors if you print it and review it.

 Prior to attaching your resume, scan for viruses.

 Name your document “your name, resume”. Employers receive hundreds of resumes via e-mail. If you

follow-up by asking them if they received it they won’t want to look through 300+ attachments called

“resume”.

 Do not assume that if an employer is informal that you should be too.

 Don’t just reply on e-mail. E-mails can be lost. Follow-ups can be done via telephone or regular mail

Sample Cover And Thank You Letters Page 12