& Cover Letters Thank-you Notes

Whether you send a rsum by mail or e-mail, always include a cover letter. The cover letter is an introduction that describes your qualifications and emphasizes how well you fit the employer's job description.
Customize each rsum and cover letter to respond to the specific job opening for which you're applying. Be sure to use terms and words like those in the job posting. Some companies use an electronic scanner as a screening device to check for specific words or terms associated with the job or industry.
Effective Cover Letters
Are personalized for a unique position at a specific company
Explain why you are sending your rsum Create an interest in reading your rsum Tell how you learned about the position Provide information requested by the employer Describe skills, education, or experiences
important to this position Demonstrate your written communication skills
Application Cover Letter
An application cover letter, sent with the rsum, responds to an advertised job. Match your qualifications to those requested in the job posting, using keywords, industry terms, and descriptions to show how well you meet the job requirements.
Inquiry Cover Letter
When no job is advertised but you are interested in working for a company, you can send an inquiry cover letter asking about job openings. Highlight your skills, experience, and education, and enclose your rsum. This strategy requires a phone call or personal contact with the employer either before or

after you send your information.
Cover Letter Points to Consider
Whenever possible, address the cover letter to a specific person by name and title. This will result in more interviews. If no contact name is given in the job advertisement but there is a phone number, call and ask for the human resources manager's name so you can address your letter to a specific person. Research the company by checking their website or talking to employees so you can add details about the company in your letter.
When responding to a "blind ad" where no company name is given, send the letter to the title of the appropriate hiring manager, (e.g. "Production Manager", "Maintenance Supervisor", "Executive Director", "Sales Manager" , etc.) Never use the term, "To Whom It May Concern".
Have
Questions?
Georgia Department of Labor Career Centers are available to assist you with job leads and free access to the Internet, copiers, phones, and faxes.
Locate an office near you at www.gadol.gov.
Mark Butler, Commissioner

& Cover Letters Thank-you Notes

Cover Letter Points to Consider
Signing the letter in blue ink emphasizes it is an original. Black ink is also fine. Never use any other color for the signature.
Keep sentences short and to the point. Reflect your individuality but avoid seeming too familiar, overbearing, humorous, or cute.
Keep the cover letter brief, usually no more than three to five paragraphs and one page.
Consider using the same type of paper for both your cover letter and rsum.
Sample Cover Letter Format
Your Street Address City, State, Zip Code Email Address
Month, Day, Year
Mr./ Ms./Dr. Firstname Lastname Title Name of Organization Street or P.O. Box Address City, State, Zip Code
Dear Mr./ Ms./Dr. Lastname:
1st paragraph: State why you are writing, how you learned about the job opening, and introduce yourself.
2nd paragraph: Tell why you are interested in this job or in working for this company. Share what you know about the company or this position and share your relevant experiences. Mention specific skills, qualities, or educational abilities that qualify you for this position. Detail specific items in your rsum that match the job requirements.
3rd paragraph: Say that you would like to interview for a position or to talk with the employer about hiring plans. Mention that your rsum is enclosed along with any other required documents. State what you will do to follow-up, such as call the employer within two weeks. Thank the employer for his/her consideration.
Sincerely,
(Handwritten signature) Name typed
Enclosure(s) (refer to rsum, etc.) NOTE: If necessary, add another paragraph or two after the 2nd paragraph to further describe experiences and abilities

Thank-you Letters and Notes
Every "thank you" is a chance to restate your qualifications and leave a positive impression. Send a thank-you letter or note to employers and contacts whenever they have helped you. Though some employers appreciate "thank you" emails following an interview, always send a written "thank you" after an interview as well.
A thank-you letter follows a standard business format, while a thank-you note may be a handwritten note or card. Restate your interest in the position or company. Be brief and to the point. Plan your follow-up. Tell the person when and how
he/she will hear from you in the future. If there was a panel involved in the interview, send
a personalized letter to each person or send a single letter to the key person for distribution.

Visit our website at www.dol.georgia.gov
Equal Opportunity Employer/Program l Auxiliary Aids & Services are Available Upon Request to Individuals with Disabilities
DOL-4425 (R-1/17)