Cover Letters
Though your resume may change little from job to job, your cover letters should be tailored for each individual position. The resources below will help you get started!
SMCM Cover Letter Template
Everything you need to know in just one page! Includes a worksheet for YOUR letter on the back.
Purdue Online Writing Lab
This wonderful resource includes ideas for getting started, tips, and even interactive activities related to job search writing.
25 Tips for Better Cover Letters
Review your draft cover letter against this list of suggestions
10 Worst Things to Put in a Cover Letter
Use this detailed list to check your letter for common mistakes!
Thank You Letters/Notes
"Thank you" is a powerful statement that is seldom heard. Send a brief thank you email or note to employers and network contacts whenever they have extended themselves in any way on behalf of your job search. At a minimum, a thank you should be sent after all interviews. Though emailed thank you's are becoming the norm, a handwritten note or card may have more impact as long as you can be sure that it will arrive before any decisions are made. Which to send depends upon the situation and your personal style. If you do send an email, be sure to keep it formal in tone. A thank you should always include a statement of appreciation, an expression of continued interest, a brief restatement of qualifications (including any pertinent information you failed to mention earlier), a final "thank you," and information about your intent to follow up. If there are multiple people involved, you may wish to thank each person individually.
Other Types of Letters
The sites below provide some guidelines and samples of additional letters you may need to write (acceptance letters, withdrawal letters, etc.)
Writing Effective Letters
Letter Examples (Note that the application letters here are a bit shorter than we recommend.)
Writing Samples
If you are asked to submit a writing sample to an employer, this site provides good examples and guidelines for doing so.
