Supporting Documents: Cover Letters, References, and Thank You Letters

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Supporting DocumentsCover Letters, References,
and Thank You Letters
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WHAT IS A COVER LETTER?

• A cover letter introduces your resume.
• A cover letter tells the employer how you heard
  about the job opening and why you are interested.
• A cover letter describes your strengths and
  qualifications for the position.
• A cover letter thanks the employer and requests
  an interview.
• However, a cover letter should not just repeat
  what is on the resume! It should have new
  information about you.

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WRITING A COVER LETTER

• First Paragraph State the name of the job for
  which you are applying and how you learned about
  the job opening.
• Second Paragraph Emphasize skills and abilities
  that relate to the open position. However, do
  not repeat what is said on your resume.
• Third Paragraph Thank the employer and request
  an interview. Provide your contact information.

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WHAT ARE REFERENCES?

• References are an important part of the hiring
  process as they establish your qualifications for
  the job.
• Make sure to ask permission before releasing the
  names and phone numbers to employers.
• References should come from individuals that can
  attest to your work abilities (supervisor,
  co-worker, etc.). Only use relatives or friends
  as references if you have no work related
  references.

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WRITING REFERENCES

• Do not list references on your resume.
• Create a separate sheet of paper that you would
  only hand out after an interview.
• Be sure you put a header with your information so
  the interviewer knows who the reference page
  belongs to!
• Honesty is always the best policy. If you do not
  want your past or current employer to be
  contacted be prepared to explain why.

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THANK YOU LETTER

• A thank you letter is an important part of the
  interview.
• You are thanking the interviewer for taking the
  time out of their busy schedule to meet with you.
  
• A thank you letter is also your last effort to
  remind the interviewer why you are the best
  candidate.
• Be sure to send the thank you letter immediately
  after the interview!

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THANK YOU LETTER (cont.)

• Unless time is the issue, the thank you letter
  should be a written card.
• However, if you feel the decision is going to be
  made in that day, you can send an email thank you
  and send a follow-up thank you card in the mail.
• A thank you letter should be mailed to all
  interviewers.
• Be sure to collect the interviewer name and
  address so you are able to send it in a timely
  manner!

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• Go back to Supporting Documents and you will
  find example templates that you can use to create
  cover letters, a reference page and thank you
  letters!