Center for Career Preparation and Employer Engagement

Resources and Tools

Click on the tabs below to learn more about services and resources offered for students. 

Job Searching

Congratulations! You are about to take part in one of the most rewarding and challenging times of your life...job searching.  The challenging part involves spending hours searching for open positions, updating your resume and cover letter for each job application, and taking part in multiple job interviews. But the rewards outweigh the challenges, the reward of putting your college degree to use in a career that is fulfilling. But careers and jobs are not guaranteed to everyone, so here are some very important tips and guidelines to follow when you start the job search or internship search process

  1. Start Early! You should start job searching approximately 6-9 months before your projected graduation date. If you graduate in May, then you should start job searching and applying for jobs in the previous fall semester. Feel free to schedule an appointment with a staff member via Handshake if you want assistance with the job search process.
  2. Create a resume if you do not have one, and have it reviewed by a Career Center staff member. We can also review your cover letters, once you have decided on which jobs to apply to.
  3. There are many websites to utilize during the job search process. Please review our extensive list of Job Listings sites. You also have access to our free career development platform Handshake . This is an on-line system where students can create an account and upload their resumes into a resume book which can be viewed by potential employers. This system is free of charge, is simple to use and allows students to access a variety of employers and jobs.
  4. Utilize your personal and professional network. You need to tell your friends and family that you are job searching and that you would appreciate them referring you to any job openings that they hear about. You should also reach out to prior supervisors, coworkers, internship sites, etc. The majority of jobs are filled due to networking and "knowing the right person" at the company. Send your resume to your personal and professional connections so they know what you can offer a potential employer.
  5. Network some more! Try to expand your network during your job search, in order to increase your chances of finding employment. Attend a conference related to your career field, meet new people, and collect their business cards. Be friendly and "get-to-know" those around you on-campus, at the doctor's office, at the bank, etc. 
  6. Attend one of our  Career Fairs   . We host a Fall Career Fair and Spring Career Fair every year. These career fairs bring in over 60 companies who desire to hire WIU graduates and interns.
  7. Use social media websites, including  LinkedIn  and  Twitter  to build your professional identity and search for open positions at companies.
  8. Have an internship completed before you start job searching. With a very competitive job market, more employers are expecting graduates to have some sort of experiential learning in their profession completed before a student graduates. So, while it is not necessary, internships can only increase your chances of securing a job.
  9. Practice your interviewing skills before you start interviewing for jobs. Schedule a mock interview with our office to make sure you are presenting your skills and experiences in an appropriate manner. Utilize BIG INTERVIEW, a web-based interview assistance tool. It is free to all WIU students and can offer exceptional assistance with forming the appropriate responses to common interview questions.
  10. Determine WHO will be your three professional references. Contact these individuals immediately to politely ask them if they are willing to serve as a reference for you.
  11. If you get a job offer, be sure to check out our guidelines for salary negotiation and information about benefit packages. You do not want to miss out on a great offer, just because you have not looked into regional salary information and benefits. What may seem like a low paying job, may in fact have great health insurance. So be sure to analyze the entire job offer before making your final decision.

Once again, these tips and suggestions WILL NOT guarantee that you will find a job or discover your dream career. But you will be at a greater advantage than those people who do not implement these strategies. If you would like further assistance with job searching, please log on to your Handshake profile to schedule an appointment with a staff member.

 

 

Laws & Regulations During the Job Search

Employment Law:  Understanding employment law is important when job searching and when working full-time.  This website offers resources on state labor laws, federal guidelines, and current articles related to employment law. 

How to React When Employers Are Breaking Employment Law

Fair Labor Standards Act:   “The FLSA establishes minimum wage, overtime pay, recordkeeping, and youth employment standards affecting employees in the private sector and in Federal, State, and local governments.”   

Background Checks:   Companies must provide you with a copy of the background check, if you request it. This website offers further information about background checks and your rights.

Defamation Law:   Defamation is intentionally saying or writing false claims against a job candidate. Here is the breakdown of the law and how it must be proven.   

Job Listings

Western Illinois University and the WIU Career Center are not responsible or liable for locating and securing employment (full-time, part-time, internship, co-op, summer, or contract) for any student and alumni. In addition, WIU cannot guarantee any sort of employment for any student and alumni.  Regardless of a student's graduation date (December or May) they need to begin the job search process earlier because often many employers will concentrate their recruiting efforts during the fall and will have already made their hiring decisions.

The use of these (or any) Internet web sites is solely the responsibility of each user. WIU is not responsible for any possible registration regulations, charges, or third party recruiter fees when using these (or any other) sites. Posting your resume on any web site is solely your responsibility.

Third-party recruiters (search firms) routinely post and search Internet job sites. Be aware that often there are fees or costs involved when working with third-party recruiters. WIU is not responsible or liable for any fees or costs. Utilizing a third-party recruiter is solely your responsibility.  Never give any personal information (social security number, credit card number, or bank account information) to anyone through the internet or over the phone.

Where to search for jobs

Start your job search by using one of the user-friendly entry-level/new graduate sites. On these sites, you may only need to type in a specific job title and geographic location to find the desired results. At times you may have to broaden your keywords to find the appropriate job title that you are seeking. Some of these sites will offer pull-down menus of job / occupational titles. You may begin with these, but ultimately you may have to use specific keywords that you will type into the site.

Entry Level & New Graduate Sites (recommended starting point)
Zip Recruiter
        Zip Recruiter - For Students
        Zip Recruiter - For Veterans
Indeed.com
Simply type in keywords and locations to access thousands of job listings. Also, an excellent INTERNSHIP search site
Glassdoor
Glassdoor has nearly 5.5 million company reviews, salary reports, and interview reviews on nearly 300,000 companies
FairyGodBoss
A site dedicated to women in the workforce
Free Lance Writing Jobs
A site dedicated to those that wish to pursue writing careers  
After College
You can search for jobs by type, location, industry, and company name.
Simply Hired
You can search for jobs by title, keyword, category, and location.
Ju Ju Job Search Engine
You can conduct either a basic or advanced job search by title, location, and keywords.
Entry Level Job Search
We provide complete career search resources to help first-time job seekers find job openings in your local area, improve your resume, and even ace your first job interview.
Career Jet.com
A search engine by industry and location (including worldwide listings)
True Careers
A site using locations, career categories, and keywords.
Hound.com
A site that will allow you to search for jobs on employer websites as well as through their site.
College Job Bank
A site where you may post your resume, search for jobs (by industry, location, etc.) and salary info.
College Grad.com
Job / internships, and resume, interviewing, career information
Illinois and Chicago Related Sites
Specialty Sites
Alumni / Experienced Professionals
The Ladders
A site dedicated to experienced professionals
Athletics
Winning Sports Careers
A comprehensive site of information
Teamwork Online
A site for Sport Management
LGBTQ
Best Places To Work
Pro Gay Jobs.Com
Out For Work
LGBT Career Link
Out And Equal
Out Professional Network
Out Pro Net
Green Jobs, Environmental, Parks, and Recreation
International Employment & Internships
Teacher Education
Law Enforcement / Fire / Emergency
Business
Fashion
Hotels and Food Service
Agriculture, Construction, Manufacturing, Engineering
Science, Health, Medical
Computer Science
Media, Music, Performing Arts, Graphic Design
Non-Profit, Psychology, Sociology, Volunteer
Government

Internships

Internships are the most important criteria when deciding on new hires, according to a recent national survey. The length of these internships is critical and many employers would like them to be completed during a summer. Employers at Career Fairs often are looking for interns in addition to full-time employees.

 Handshake

International Internships:

A unique opportunity for completing an internship is to go through  study abroad programs at WIU. Through selected partners, you can gain professional experience by collaborating with corporations and organizations located all around the world. Find out more by contacting the  Office of Study Abroad and Outreach, as they will assist you with the application process!

 

Resume and References

Here are some brief tips for creating your resume. If you are encountering trouble, please log on to your Handshake profile to arrange an appointment with a staff member to assist you. At this appointment, you will receive guidance, input, and example resumes. We DO NOT write your resume, we give you the tools to create your own document. Feel free to bring your laptop to the appointment.

  • There is no one way to write a resume, create a document that fits your needs and the requirements of the job that you are applying for
  • Be creative! If you are a design major, make sure your resume reflects your creativity and uses graphics and color. If you want a career in gaming/computer technologies, create an interactive online game that highlights your accomplishments. If you are a business major, include a URL to your business development plan.
  • Include your LinkedIn, professional Twitter, or online portfolio URL's within your resume header. This will invite the employer to view those pages and get a better understanding of your skills, competencies, and your professionalism.
  • Target your resume to the type(s) of jobs/positions you are applying for (closely read over the job description and required qualifications)
  • Look at the resume from the "readers" point of view rather than the "writers" point of view. Imagine you are the hiring manager, if you were looking at multiple resumes, would yours stand out?
  • Back-up your resume on a thumb drive

Electronic Document: Always save your application materials in PDF format. Never send documents in Word, Google Documents, etc. You potentially could lose all of your formatting!

Paper: Use Heavy Weight (24lb) Bond Paper. The colors that work best are White, Ivory, Off-White, or Light Grey

Font: Use fonts like "Times-Roman", "Garamond", "Perpetua", or "Arial". The sizes should range from 12, 11, to 10 point

Typesetting: The most popular choice is Microsoft Word. Try to avoid using a resume template because they can be restrictive and take up too much space.

Length: Most students just starting out will be fine with one (1) page. However, there is nothing wrong with having a two (2) page resume as long as the second page is full of relevant material and not just fluff and filler

Format: Use the "Bullet Point" (*) format rather than a paragraph to highlight your accomplishments. Use boldface, capital letters, and italics, to highlight items that you want the reader to notice

 

Determining who should serve as a professional reference takes longer than just a quick email to a professor you had for one class, three semesters ago. Here are a few quick tips for locating and listing professional references.

1. You should ask individuals who you've known longer than a year. It is not acceptable to ask an instructor who you talked to only once or twice after class. References should be people who know you very well and can speak positively about your work ethic and experience.

2. When you ask someone to serve as a reference, you should say: "Can you serve as a  positive  reference for me when I apply for internships?" Using this language allows the person to say "no" if they do not feel adequate or comfortable serving as a reference.

3. If you write a letter or email the person, make sure you fully explain what you are applying for and attach your resume.

4. Read this  article  for more advice on professional references.

Creating Reference Pages

Create a separate page to list your references, providing the references name, title, place of business, phone number and email address.

Seek out those individuals that will give you an "excellent" reference. Current & former employers and current & former teachers, etc.

You should try to have 3 to 4 different references. Remember to use either Ms, Mr, or Dr before the persons name, unless they are military (use their rank) or in the clergy (i.e. Pastor).

EXAMPLE

Sarah Someone
123 Somewhere, City, State
(555) 000-0000
sarahsomeone@emailhost.com

REFERENCES
green check mark Tip:  Make sure to ask permission from potential references.

Ms. Victoria Langer - Vice President
The Consulting Group
222 East Chestnut Street
Chicago, Illinois 60000
(312) 123-4567 - VL@tcg.com

green check mark Tip:  Consider organizing your references so that your strongest contact or contacts are first.

Reference #2: Full Name
Job Title
Company
Company Address
Business Phone Number
Email Address
Relationship to Reference

green check mark Tip:  Whenever feasible, let your references know the job you are applying for or at least the type of position you are seeking.

Reference #3: Full Name
Job Title
Company
Company Address
Business Phone Number
Email Address
Relationship to Reference

green check mark Tip:  If possible, give a copy of your resume to those that you include as references so that they will be familiar with your qualifications, experience, education, and so forth.

Interviewing

Interviewing: Basic Advice

Here are some brief tips to help prepare you for an interview. These tips are not designed to replace interacting with a Career Center staff member. If you would like further interviewing skills assistance, please log on to Handshake to schedule an appointment or schedule a mock interview. Please bring a hard copy of your resume and possibly a job description.

In an interview, you will be asked a variety of questions. Some interviews last 10 minutes and others might last all day.  No matter the length or what they ask, the are trying to determine the following:

"Why do you want to work here"?
The company wants to know why you are interested in working for them. To answer this question, you must do research on the company to understand their mission, services, goals, and future outlook.
"What are you going to do for us"?
The company is hoping to get an idea of what makes you unique and why they should hire you.  Do you have the appropriate skills and abilities to complete the daily tasks? Can you prove it?
"Do you fit-in with us"?
This is not a direct question, but rather what they are assessing. You may have all the right answers to the interviewers' questions, but if they feel that you don't fit-in with existing team members, they won't let you into the organization.

 

Before The Interview

Research:  Learn all you can about the company or organization by going to their Internet home page. Research current articles written about the company. Check out their social media pages and employees on Linked In.

Mental Preparation:  Prepare potential interview questions that you may be asked and develop "stories" that will provide the interviewer with "proof" of your skills and competencies. This will help you to feel comfortable during the interview because you will know exactly what you are talking about. Ask yourself,  "why would I hire me?"

Physical Preparation:  The night before, plan your wardrobe and your travel route. Get plenty of sleep, drink more water, and exercise to help relax your nerves.

 Some Basic Rules:

  1. Arrive about 10 minutes early. Politely introduce yourself to the receptionist, why you are there, and whom you are there to see.
  2. When first meeting the interviewer, extend your hand offer a firm (not vise-like) grip, make good eye contact, and express your appreciation for the interview.
  3. Always address the interviewer as Ms., Mr., or Dr. Wait until being offered a chair and do not place any of your personal items on their desk.

The Interview:

  1. Relax. Listen to the questions and begin to formulate your thoughts in the form of a "story" where you can provide  PROOF BY EXAMPLE TO EVERYTHING YOU SAY.
  2. Your answers should be able to convey  RESULTS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS  orally the way your resume does on paper. Speak in a confident positive manner without being arrogant, and be aware of poor grammar and slang.
  3. During the interview ask questions, maintain good eye contact, and body posture.

Networking

The term "networking" makes people very nervous (including me!), but if you view networking as relationship building, you might be more confident to pursue these relationships with people. Networking "everywhere" simply means developing relationships with the people you interact with each day. When you step into the bank to deposit a check, get to know the person behind the counter. When you go to the dentist to get your teeth cleaned, talk to the hygienist about their family. These simple acts of kindness help us become more connected to those around us, and help us develop positive relationships. You never know when you might talk to the cashier at the grocery store and find out that their cousin's husband's best friend works at the exact company you want to work for. If you have already developed an acquaintance with the cashier, they might be willing to give your name to the "best friend" who works at the company!

In addition to being kind to those around you, there are organizations and websites devoted to networking and gaining industry knowledge in your field.

  1. Professional Associations or Industry Groups  - Professional associations are comprised of members from a similar profession, industry, or interest group. These organizations typically have state, regional, and national chapters for members to be involved with. Some of the benefits of being a member of one of these professional associations include regional/state/national conferences and meetings; access to webinars, professional journals, networking events; and opportunities to serve on regional/state/national boards and committees. Most associations charge a membership fee which ranges from a few dollars to hundreds of dollars, but many employers will pay for membership fees and conference attendance. These associations, in my opinion, are the most effective way to network with professionals in your field, inquire about job opportunities, and participate in professional development activities.
  2. Alumni Associations  - Alumni Associations are comprised of graduates and/or past students at a particular school, college, or university. Many alumni associations host alumni events, where you can meet other graduates of your institution. At Western Illinois University, we have a very active alumni association!! Check out their website at  WIU Alumni Association   The WIU Alumni Association hosts "Alumni & Friends" events throughout the country, and also hosts events at Homecoming each year. Most of these events have a cost to attend, but it depends on the event. The socials offered at local pubs and restaurants typically are $10-20, but the professional football games and art events can be up to $100 - $200. Typically these prices include a meal, tickets at a reduced group rate, and coupons for drinks. The benefit of attending these events (other than having a really FUN time) involves networking with new people who share the common experience of graduating from WIU. At these events, you might meet someone who is hiring or who knows someone at the company you are interested in working at!
  3. Online Websites  - There are many online websites that are designed for networking purposes.  LinkedIn   is one example of an online website where you can "connect" with people you already know, add people you met at professional conferences or alumni events, join groups related to your professional industry, search for new networking connections, view job postings, and apply for jobs!
 

Another website you could consider is  Meet Up   , which lists groups of people "meeting up" for a specific purpose. There are volunteer groups, Harry Potter fan groups, Mommy and Me groups, and groups related to specific hobbies and interests. You can also check out Volunteer Match, which lists opportunities for you to volunteer in your region or around the world. While these websites are not specifically designed for professional networking, you will meet new people and build relationships with others. Remember that Networking is Relationship Building!

Social Media

Social Networking — 5 Ways to Make It Work for Your Job Search

  1. Consider separating your truly "social" networks from your professional networks.  You can connect with employers on sites that are designed for professional networking, such as LinkedIn. By separating your business and personal networking, you won't have to worry about how you come across to a potential employer. This doesn't mean your friends can't be a part of your professional network—they should be! But in your professional network you and your friends need to interact in a professional manner.
  2. Clean up your online profiles—even if they are for “social” purposes. You may think no one but your friends can take a look at your profile and posts, but that’s generally not the case. There’s a lot more about you out there than you might expect. (Try Googling yourself and look at what comes up.) And don’t limit yourself to just profiles: Take a look at your Twitter posts and YouTube videos.

    A good rule of thumb is to make sure that anything that might embarrass you or cast you in a bad light with an employer should be removed if possible.
  3. Spend time and effort on your professional profile.  Lindsey Pollak, who is the campus spokesperson for LinkedIn, says to make the most of your network, you need to start with a strong profile. She offers these tips:
    • Include keywords in your summary statement.
    • Write for the screen—short and to the point.
    • List all experience.
    • Collect diverse recommendations.
    • Update your status regularly—at least once a week—to stay on your contacts' radar.
  4. Build connections by taking part in relevant groups. LinkedIn, for example, offers a range of groups based on common interests, experience, affiliation, and goals. You'll find university alumni groups and company-related groups, for example, that you can join.
  5. Use the sites to research companies and careers. Pollak says LinkedIn, for example, which offers a "company pages" feature, can be used to learn valuable information about the company (including where employees worked before and after joining the organization) and find potential networking connections. You'll also find information on company pages that you can use to prep for interviews.

*Information gathered from  Job Choices Online

Why get LinkedIn?

LinkedIn is becoming a necessity in this technological world.  There are over 347 million users on LinkedIn, which is more than the entire population of the United States! LinkedIn reaches over 200 countries and 40% of users check their account daily. LinkedIn allows users to connect with people they know, but on a professional social media platform. Most users connect with friends, family, faculty, work colleagues, supervisors, and acquaintances met at conferences. LinkedIn is used to supplement the resume, by having an online portfolio of your work history, skills, education, projects, and recommendations from your LinkedIn connections. Users can join groups to network with and connect to individuals with similar career passions, values, identities, and geographical regions. In these groups, members will post career-related articles, discussions, webinars, and host conferences. 77% of jobs are posted on LinkedIn, which allows users to see their connections who work at that company and allows users to conduct company and employee research.

Only 13% of the millennial generation has a LinkedIn account, therefore having an account sets you apart from other college students who do not take the time to create an account. More and more companies are screening candidates by viewing LinkedIn profiles and some companies will not hire a candidate without a LinkedIn profile. Starting a LinkedIn account is easier in college, than waiting until you are actively job searching!  Many companies also post internship opportunities on LinkedIn, as well. The Career Development Center hosts workshops and one-on-one appointments to assist WIU students with creating and updating personal LinkedIn accounts.

Stats taken from  http://expandedramblings.com/index.php/by-the-numbers-a-few-important-linkedin-stats/2/

Graduate School

Are you considering Graduate School?  This is a decision that requires much time, effort, and reflection.  Here are some questions you should ask yourself before deciding to apply for graduate school.

  1. Why do I want to go to graduate school? And why do I want to go now?
  2. What academic programs match my career goals?
  3. What type of school do I want to attend and what learning experiences do I want to have there?
  4. Do I have the academic ability for graduate work?
  5. Will I be able to afford to go to school full time or part time?
  6. Do my plans impact anyone important in my life (Spouse, Children, Parents, Significant Others)?
  7. What type of Personal Statement will I need for my application?

Personal Statement Examples, click here.

 
The following are some useful graduate school resources:

Salary Information

Evaluating a Job Offer:

Can You Envision Yourself Doing The Job Every Day?
  1. Does the job match with your skills, abilities and interests? (Do you think you would be happy?)
  2. Will the job be a stepping-stone to bigger and better things? (Is there room for advancement?)
  3. Can you envision doing the job everyday? (How important is the position within the organization?)
  4. How comfortable are you with the hours? (Is there travel and over-time? If so, how much?)
  5. Can you envision working for the supervisor and the organization? (Are you all "on the same page"?)
  6. Is there room for growth within the organization? (or is there a "glass ceiling"?)
  7. What is the interviewer's "attitude" toward the job and the organization? (Do they speak favorably?)
  8. What are the demands of the job and how do they affect your personal life? (See question #4)
  9. Are the salary / benefits within your expectations? (If the salary is good, what must you do to earn it?)

Where Is The Job Located?
  1. Is the company/organization located in a big city, a suburb, or rural area?
  2. What is the cost of living in the area?
  3. What are the options and availability for housing? (rent vs. own)
  4. What are the transportation options? (do you take public or drive?)
  5. What are the Social, Recreational, and Educational opportunities in the area?
The following points will help you navigate a salary negotiation.
  1. Determine the market values for the type of job you are applying for and where the job is located geographically. (some of the sites listed below will assist you)
  2. Think about what salary you do want and what you would be willing to settle for.
  3. Remember that most entry-level salaries are lower than you think and usually less negotiable.
  4. Whatever you have heard about what your friends are making is irrelevant.
  5. Be prepared to market your experience, skills, and education.
  6. Don't state "how much" you need. Your needs are of no concern to the employer.
  7. Always give the employer a "range" for your salary requirements. i.e. 'My salary requirements are in the upper thirty thousand to low forty thousand dollar range'.
  8. If you are asked how you determined this "range", explain that you did your homework about the salary ranges for the type of position you are interviewing for. Remember to back this up with your experience, skills, education.
  9. If you are asked for your salary history, please don't lie.
  10. When a formal offer is made, please get it in writing.
  11. Remember to factor in ALL of the benefits that come with job. I.e. Insurance coverage, health, eye, dental care, retirement packages, investment packages, profit sharing, etc.

As you look for your first job, you're probably not thinking about becoming ill, retiring, or looking for tax breaks. However, you should consider benefits to be an important part of your compensation package. According to the most recent survey of new college graduates, the top benefits desired by new hires include medical insurance and such "core" financial benefits as salary increases, tuition reimbursement, and a 401 (k) company match. Benefits that deliver more immediate satisfaction, such as family-friendly benefits, more than two weeks of vacation, and flextime are increasingly important. A good benefits package can add as much as 30 percent to your overall compensation and may make a huge different in your work/life quality! 

Learn more about how BENEFITS COUNT! Click Here.

 

 

Cover and Thank You Letters

 

Cover Letters

Parts of a Cover Letter

green check mark Tip:  Print  your mailing  envelopes using a computer just like your cover letter and résumé. Handwriting looks less professional. Use a LARGE envelope so that you avoid folding your documents.

Full Name
Address
Phone Number with Area Code
E-mail Address

green check mark Tip:  You can copy and paste your name and contact information from your résumé. This way, both documents look like a matching set.

Date
Contact Person
Title
Company/Organization
Address
City, Province
Postal Code

green check mark Tip: Write a unique cover letter for every prospective employer;

(although you may likely use much of the same content). A cover letter should no longer than one page. It should be clear, focused, and never longer than absolutely necessary.

Dear Contact Person:

Contact Person: Names and Titles

  • Using the hiring person's NAME if you know it.
  • If you are unsure if the person is male or female, just use "Dear." EX: Dear Jamie Jones.
  • If you don't know the name use their job title, EX: Dear Director of Finance
  • Use "Mr." for a man and "Ms." for a woman. Only use "Mrs." If you are certain the person uses this title. EX: Dear Ms. Jones

What position are you applying for?
Why did you choose THIS organization?
-1 paragraph

  • State the position that you are applying for
  • Demonstrate your knowledge of the Organization's products, services, or the industry

Talking about the organization demonstrates sincere interest and shows that you have done your research. Unfortunately, most job seekers often leave this 1st element out, and end up talking only about themselves.

Why should the organization consider hiring YOU?
-1 to 3 short paragraphs

  • Arouse the employer's curiosity by summarizing brief facts about your academic background, relevant work experience and appropriate personal qualities/transferable skills that will make you stand out.
  • Fulfill the requirements for the position in terms of your experiences. State a specific skill or ability required for this position – use key terms.
  • Be brief and focus on the position.
  • Balance warmth, enthusiasm, confidence and professionalism.

In the 2nd element, you are making a case that you are a  GOOD FIT  for the job. So whenever you mention a specific skill,  GIVE A CONCRETE EXAMPLE  of how and/or when you obtained that skill or ability.

Let’s Get Together!
-1 paragraph

  • Take the initiative - request an interview!
  • State when you are available and how you can be reached (always use your phone number).
  • Be assertive but not overconfident.

The closing paragraph is the last impression you leave in the reader’s mind Finish by making a call to action, and re-stating briefly how your talents are the best match for the job.

Thank you for your time and consideration,
Your Signature
Full Name

Don’t forget to say thank you. This is not only polite but demonstrates that you acknowledge the reader’s effort in taking the time to read your letter.

green check mark Tip:  Make sure your letter does not include any spelling or grammar errors. Proof-read your letter very carefully.
green check mark Tip:  When sending a print letter sign your name in blue or black ink. Don’t use a signature when sending e-mail letters. Never use fonts that  look like handwriting!

Thank You Letters

  • A thank you letter should be written immediately after you complete a job interview.
  • You will want to be brief but yet touch upon some of the most pertinent facts form the interview.
  • You will want to reinforce your interest in the position and your ability to do the job.
  • You may want to write a conventional letter to send through the US mail. You may also opt to send a "Thank You email", (this is becoming more popular), or even send a thank you card. Whichever method you choose, sending a "thank you follow-up" shows that you are a professional.