Alison Doyle

Thank You Notes - Why Thank You Matters

Saying thank you  is really important.  Here's why it matters - at least half of applicants don't send thank you letters after an interview, but, an Accountemps Survey reports that 88% percent of executives said they consider a thank you note important when evaluating candidates.

I'm not a whiz at math, but, it only takes a few minutes to write a thank you note or send an email thank you, so you can see the benefits outweigh the time it takes to write a note.

If you're not sure what to write, simply take one of my thank you letter samples and edit them to reflect your situation.  For more help, here's information on writing thank you letters from the experts at TechnicalJobSearch.com.

Job Search and Employment Letters

When you need to write a job search letter, it's helpful to review samples or use a template to help create your own letter.  Here's a selection of the most popular cover letters, resignation letters, thank you letters, follow-up letters, and other job search letters you can use to write your employment letters.

Employment Related Letters

• Cover Letters
• Thank You Letters
• Follow Up Letters
• Recommendation Letters
• Referral and Introduction Letters
• Resignation Letters
• Letter Templates
• More Job Letters

Top Resignation Letter (and More) Examples

Do you need to write a resignation letter, a resume cover letter, or do you need to send a thank you letter after an interview?  Here are a selection of good letter examples you can use to write your own job search letters.

• Cover Letter Examples
• Resume Examples
• Follow-Up Letters
• Resignation Letters
• Thank You Letters
• Letter Templates

Letters of Recommendation

Even if you're not actively job seeking, it's a good idea to keep a file of letters of recommendation from previous employers.   You'll be prepared if you get a call about a job and the prospective employer wants references.

LinkedIn is another good way to maintain references.  Recommendations from bosses and co-workers carry weight and your recommendations are visible right in your LinkedIn Profile.  In fact, some employers prefer that candidates applying for jobs posted on Linked have LinkedIn recommendations.

Recommendation Letter Resources

Letters of Recommendation

Sample Recommendation Letters

Sample Reference List

How to Request a Reference

How to Use LinkedIn

Image Copyright Elena Aliaga

Cover Letter Examples

I've been busy updating my collection of resume and cover letter examples.  I appreciate everyone who took the time to share their resumes and letters with me, because it's really helpful for job seekers to see samples. That way, you don't have to reinvent the wheel. Instead, you can see what works for you and pick and choose from the samples you look.

I'm always interested in more resumes, cover letters, and CVs to add to their collection.  Here's how to submit and here's what I have, so far:

Resume and Letters Examples

• Cover Letter Examples
• Curriculum Vitae Examples
• Resume Examples
• Follow-Up Letters
• Resignation Letters

Bittersweet Job Search Success

I should know by now the bittersweet feeling I get when a colleague I helped gets an offer for their dream job - and takes it.   I happily review resumes, tweak cover letters, share job leads, and offer whatever assistance I can with their job search.

I'm thrilled when they get a new job, especially when they did all the right things to expedite and manage their job search.  I forget though, until it happens, that I feel a little sad, as well. 

When someone you work closely with moves on, it isn't quite the same.  You're still friends, of course, and you'll stay in touch, but that close working relationship you had is going to be over.  I miss them, even though I wish them the best of success in their new position that has moved them a notch or two up the career ladder.

On the other hand, it's not like the old days where you had to call someone to stay in touch. With LinkedIn and Facebook it's easy to keep up - with the little details of life, as well as the big milestones. And that's good.

Cover Letters

It's not enough to send a generic letter to every job you apply for.  That's not going to get your application materials a second glance.  Instead, it's important to take the time to write a targeted cover letter that specifically relates your experience to the criteria listed in the job posting.

Otherwise, you're wasting your time, because most candidates are taking the time to target their cover letters and to be competitive you'll need to do the same.

More on Cover Letters

• Cover Letter Examples
• Targeted Cover Letters
• Cover Letter Format
• Cover Letters

More on Writing Resumes

To continue talking about resumes and what works, and what doesn't, another important thing to remember is to proof your resume.  In fact, I usually have someone else proofread everything I write for me, because I am notorious for not catching my own mistakes.  I read what I think I wrote, not what I really wrote, so I don't even see the typos.

Also, check to make sure that everything that needs to be in your resume is included. This checklist will help you ensure all the information you need is in your resume. 

Finally, if you've got gaps to explain, changed your name, or need more advice on writing your resume, here are resume writing tips that should cover all the basics and then some.

Resume Writing

• How to Create a Professional Resume
• Resumes (everything you need to know about writing a resume)
• Resume Samples

Writing a Resume That Works

Writing a good resume can be hard work - even in these days of applying online and resume builders that will do some of the work for you.

Your resume, regardless of how you create it, needs to effectively highlight your skills and qualifications, and needs to convince the hiring manager or recruiter that you should be considered for an interview.  A bad resume (and I've seen lots of them) will knock you out of contention for the job. 

If you keep your resume up-to-date, even if you're not currently job searching, it will be easier when you're ready to apply. Simply add your new jobs as you get them, and edit or tweak the rest of your resume while you're in the file. 

Here's more on writing resumes that work:

• How to Create a Professional Resume
• Resumes (everything you need to know about writing a resume)
• Resume Samples

Image Copyright PenelopeB

Cover Letter Examples

Writing cover letters isn't easy, but it's one of the most important parts of your job search.

Your cover letter is going to be what gives the hiring manager, at first glance, a synopsis of your qualifiations and an indication, also at first glance, of why he or she should consider scheduling an interview. It's important to take the time to write a targeted cover letter that specifically relates your experience to the criteria listed in the job posting.

Otherwise, you're probably just spinning your wheels, because most candidates are taking the time to customize their cover letters, so you will want to, at least, make the same effort as the competition.

More on Cover Letters

• Cover Letter Examples
• Targeted Cover Letters
• Cover Letter Format
• Cover Letters

_{Image Copyright: Elena Aliaga}