Writing an Objective

A growing trend in new resumes is to give short shrift to or eliminate the "objective" heading altogether. Here are some compelling reasons to include this very important career statement in your resume and a top-10 tips list for writing a memorable one.

Seizing an opportunity to submit as many applications as possible, some job applicants are omitting the traditional objective statement element within their resumes. Rewriting objectives to accommodate every possibility seems challenging, while including over-generalized statements seems to do more harm than good. Nevertheless, when one considers the real purpose of an objective, the inclusion of it appears to be mandatory.

Whether written as "Career Goal", "Objective", or "Position Desired", the time honored first statement is still worthy of its place in a successful resume. When a cover letter cannot be submitted, the objective statement may be the job seeker's only chance to introduce himself. Traditionally, the objective statement has served two purposes. The first obvious purpose is to state clearly for the record, what type of position an applicant desires. Second, this introductory sentence suggests to the potential employer what type of skill set or qualifications the applicant has. A third purpose for an announced career goal, one that is frequently misunderstood or under utilized all together, is the implied employer benefits, or the "what's in it for my company" angle.

Stating your career objective should include a real job title whenever possible. Sentences that skirt concrete job names, such as, "...seeking a position in marketing...", suggests two things to the reader; one, the applicant has no idea about what types of jobs may be available in marketing and two, the applicant is desperate, and willing to take any job. Eagerness is good. Desperation is fatal.

Defining the position desired is much more effective when the company's own job titles are used, such as, "...seeking a Sales Management position..." or "...pursuing an entry-level Public Relations Specialist position...". If you are responding to an advertisement that you have seen, use the terminology in the ad, otherwise, do a little digging. A business's website can be very helpful for locating job title information specific to the company with which you want to apply. Admittedly, it takes a little more effort to customize and rewrite each objective to match a potential employer's need, but the benefits will outweigh the time spent.

Capturing your qualifications in a one or two sentence resume objective can be a challenge, but by using the identified job title combined with a descriptive term such as, "experienced" or "certified", the challenge is easily met. Think about your skill set in broad terms. Are your employment skills developed in areas of administration? In sales? Perhaps you have been employed as a carpenter. Are you skilled in cabinet making or exterior framing? Identifying your general abilities will give you some good leading sentences for your career objective, even in cases where you are looking to change careers. Consider the following examples:

Recent high school graduate, previously employed in fast-food service industry, and aiming for a new position --

Dependable and enthusiastic student with experience in sales and public contact seeking opportunity as a Market Researcher Level I.

Experienced specialty carpenter seeking a supervisor title --

Desire to obtain a Carpenter Shop Foreman position utilizing extensive trade skills and experience in the theatrical and special events industries.

Finally, when writing a career objective, resume writers should consider the potential employer's point of view. In a competitive job market, where hiring personnel sit behind stacks of non-descript resumes, the inclusion of a little "self-promotion" is critical. Ask yourself, "what do I have that this company wants?". Is it doing whatever it takes to get the job done? Is it attention to detail? Then write, "dedicated" or "quality-conscious". Consider terms that describe your work habits while offering something positive for the employer.

Composing a good resume requires focused time and effort. Never try to hurry the process by leaving out the who, what, and why of your employment search. By utilizing the following top-10 tips list as a guide for developing your objective statement, you will be well on your way to creating your own job winning resume.

The Top-10 Tips List for Writing a Winning Objective Statement:

1. Choose two adjectives to describe your work style such as, "Dependable and conscientious student seeking..." or
   "Detail oriented and quality conscious accounting clerk..."
   
2. Inform your potential employer of "what is in it for them", such as, "...seeking to utilize 10+ years experience in the industry..." or "...proven sales record..."
   
3. One sentence is good, but making sense is better! If warranted, two sentences or in some cases a short paragraph will improve an objective statement.
   
4. If you know the job title for which you are applying, use it. There is nothing to be gained in trying to define a new position for yourself.
   
5. If you have read the job description in an advertisement, try to mirror one or two of the words listed. For instance, if the job announcement has indicated a desire for a self-starter, then experiment with using the same term or one with the same meaning, such as in this case, "self-motivated" or "self-directed".
   
6. As always, grammar and spelling count! It is expected that resumes will have short sentence fragments, abbreviations, and little punctuation, but your career objective should be written without error. Proofread!
   
7. Avoid being too general in your statement. It is better to do a little research with the company and uncover some of what they may be looking for than to write an over-generalized objective that essentially says nothing to the employer.
   
8. Ambition is nice, but statements such as "work my way up to..." will impress no one and may undercut your credibility.
   
9. If possible, experiment with writing an objective without the use of the word, "I". It can be done! "I", is more appropriately used in a cover letter. Using "I" and "my" too frequently may loose a recruiter whose context and focus is on what the company can gain from a new hire.
   
10. Do not promise more than you can deliver! If you are chronically late, then describing yourself as punctual will only undermine your credibility later when it is discovered that you have misrepresented yourself.

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This week's job searching tip deals with gaps in employment on your resume. If, by looking at your resume, an interviewer can see an obvious gap between recent jobs, their perception of what that gap means could hurt your chances of being considered for a job. This week's tip discusses strategies for dealing with these gaps.

QUESTION FROM A SUBSCRIBER:
What is the best way to handle being away from the job market for an extended period of time (over 2 years) both on the resume and in interviews? My absence was due to medical/psychological difficulties and I want to be honest, but discrete. Any information you can provide would be greatly appreciated.

-- T.G..

Dear T.G.,
If an employment gap is short or occurred several years ago, most employers and recruiters won't notice and you probably don't need to bring it up unless they do. However in your case, it sounds like the gap is noticeable. There are several ways you can deal with the situation.

USING A FUNCTIONAL RESUME

A solution many resume writers would recommend is to use a functional resume instead of a chronological one. This can work if you have a complex job where you have achieved many things in various areas. For example, a programmer who has worked with several technologies could legitimately use a functional resume, dividing up the resume by technologies worked with instead of time periods. This can also work with other technical professions like engineers, attorneys, etc. If the work you do is rather straightforward and you work with a fairly limited range of skills, using a functional resume could make it seem like you're trying to hide your dates of employment.

If you do use a functional resume, many people looking at it will still want to know what kinds of companies you've worked for and what the most recent employer's line of business was. You can deal with this by including a note above your list of experiences indicating the most recent employer's name, location and line of business. In this same section you can list other employer names and lines of business you have worked in.

INCLUDING AN EXPLANATION OF THE GAP

Another approach is to include an explanation of the gap on the resume itself. This makes sense to do if using a functional resume instead of a chronological one would seem odd because your profession doesn't lend itself to such a resume format. It's also important to note that most people reading resumes prefer the chronological format. If you have a legitimate story as to why you have a gap in your employment dates that most people could sympathize with and understand easily, just being forthright and listing it on your resume is fine.

If you have a noticeable gap in employment dates but don't explain it on your resume, many recruiters will either just discard your resume and move on to the next one, or come up with their own theory about why you weren't working. Although you might still be considered for the job, the recruiter's (probably false and somewhat subconscious) story about why you weren't working could put you at a disadvantage in their mind compared to other candidates they're considering.

If you had a medical condition that has since been resolved completely or nearly completely, my sense is you're better off explaining that briefly on the resume instead of not mentioning anything at all. For example:
Dec 2002 to Nov 2004: Took sabbatical from work to deal with a medical problem. The issue has been completely resolved and the doctors feel it will not reoccur.

If it's a minor problem that most people could understand, like a problem with back pain, you could even bring it up in the interview. An employer might not feel comfortable bringing up the subject - especially because if they asked about it, it could look like they were discriminating against you illegally - but if you think you can make them feel more comfortable with the fact that the problem has been solved by explaining it, you could give it a try. The biggest concern an employer will have about a gap in employment is whether it is any indication of your likely future performance.

If it was a medical problem, they could be concerned that it could happen again and that they'd be stuck with having to find a replacement for you. If you don't provide any explanation, the employer might think you couldn't find a job and were unemployed because your skills were not up to par.

I would recommend leaving out the psychological aspect since psychological illnesses are rarely understood by the general public.

Another alternative would be if you did some other things during your time off which could be mentioned while leaving out the part about the medical condition. For example, if you spent more time with your kids, you could put down:

Dec 2002 to Present: Left work to spend more time with children. Children are now older and I'm ready to return to the workforce.

The bottom line is you're best off having some kind of story to tell that the employer will find palatable. You don't want to tell an outright lie, but you may want to emphasize certain things more than others depending on what you find gets the most favorable response (in terms of replies to resumes and in interviews).

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These letters can make all the difference in being called for an interview or having your file stay with an organization for a long time. When you have been in continued touch with the recruitment officers, they are more likely to remember you and call you for an interview. As most firms use computerized data bases for finding candidates, keeping in touch with the recruitment officer is an excellent method of keeping your file active.

Letters of Continuing Interest
These letters keep your file active and should be sent every three to six months to employers who have you on their data bases. If any changes have occurred in your resume, it is important to send employer's letters to document these changes. Also, remember to inform employers if you have accepted another position as it is in your interest to maintain contacts and relationships.

Follow-up Letters to an Interview
After an interview, a follow-up letter should be sent immediately to thank a recruiter for the opportunity to meet them and learn about the organization and position they are looking to fill. Use this opportunity to send additional information that is related to the interview and would further your chances. This letter also gives you an opportunity to clarify or correct an error during the interview. Ensure that the letter is enthusiastic and optimistic of your chances of getting the job.

Formatting Notes
Adhere to being a thorough professional and never send any photocopied mater or handwritten materials. Be precise in addressing your letters to a specific person, using 'Dear Sir/Madam' when the name is not known and never 'To whom it may concern' which will likely ensure that you never get the job. It is acceptable to send your resume to more than one person in the same organization, but you must inform both officers by adding a 'cc' at the end of the letter; for example, 'cc. Mr. Steve Brown, Manager, International Marketing.' Be observant and use titles such as Dr., when the recruiting officer is a PhD or President, when addressing the head of the organization. Avoid using abbreviated terms such as P.O., St., Ave., etc in international addresses. Always make a notation of the items enclosed, using the abbreviation 'Encl'; for example; 'Encl.: Resume, application form, two reference letters.'

Conclusion
Follow-up letters are critical to the success of your application and must not be overlooked. Use these letters to your advantage as another opportunity to sell yourself.

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It can be one the most frustrating aspects of the job hunting process if you cannot find the hiring manager’s name. If you simply address your cover letter to the HR Officer or 'To Whom it May Concern' you are bound to have a long job search. It is important to get the right contact person for your job application.

This in turn can lead to being unemployed for six months or more and the depletion of your funds. First you start to cut back on luxuries and eventually essentials such as cell phones and then end up working in a chain store because you need an income and security. If you don’t want this to happen to you, start saving now to make sure you can afford to job hunt should you get retrenched or fired. Apart from this, you can speed up the process by getting the right contact person for your job application.

Easier said than done, but how do you get the right contact person for the job when there is no name on an ad?

Company name

If you know the name of the company, you can locate the telephone number through a telephone directory or by typing in the company name on the Internet. You should have enough luck with this part. Call the switchboard and request the name of the person who heads up that specific department.

If the receptionist seems unhelpful, try to get the hiring manager’s name. If you are still unsuccessful, ask who the HR officer is. Don’t let her give you the name of the head of department. Ask for another person who normally deals with hiring. Address your cover letter to that person.

How to get the right contact person for your job application if there is no company name

If there is only an email or fax number, type that number into the Google search box and you should get the full web address where you can conduct all the research about the company. This should also give you the departments and job opportunities. Call the receptionist if you still cannot find the right contact person for your job application.

Using a guerrilla job hunting technique to find the right person for your job application

As an alternative, you can address your cover letter to the CEO or MD of the company and contact the secretary to find out where your CV went. Contact the person at the company and say you are just following up on the CV forwarded by Mr. CEO. This will serve as a name drop since the person will not know what your relationship is with the MD or CEO, will thus respond in a positive way.

These are techniques for finding the right contact person for your job application when the information is limited and your savings are spent. Rather than ending up in a job you don’t want because you are in a financial hole, start using initiative to get your application processed.

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Do not over look the thank you letter. It can be very help full to make you stand out from other candidates. In your job search you have to make use of all the tools, and the Interview thank you letter is one of them.

Thank You Letter General Guide Lines

• The letter has to be sent before the decision to hire a particular candidate has been made.
• It is your last opportunity to mention any information you missed to mention in your CV, Cover Letter or Interview.
• Clear up any misunderstandings.
• You can use some things you learnt during your interview to your advantage.
• This shows you are a professional.
• Your last opportunity to leave a good impression.
• Send it within one day of the interview.

When to use a Thank You Letter :

• After an employment interview.
• To a person or contact who referred to a particular job.

Thank You Letter Structure

• Short and Simple is the key.
• Mention Specific points discussed.
• Follow the how to write a cover letter guide lines.
• 1st Part Thank Interviewer, for time and interest.
• 2nd Part Emphasis skills, enthusiasm and why you are fit for the job. Mention also any new things you have learnt about the organisation.
• 3rd Part Provide your contact details, and any follow up action.

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An Overview

• A cover letter is sent with your CV. It can make the difference between being successful in your job search or not.
• Cover letters are generally not read during the first candidate selection, but usually they will be read when the candidates have been short listed. Do not waste such an opportunity.
• Always include a cover letter even if the job ad does not specify that one is needed. Occasionally, job ads also specify a hand written cover letter.
• Your cover letter should not be a copy of your CV. Specify some of your cover letter achievements and be sure you know how to handle Cover Letter weakness. (Uncertain as to what you're trying to say here).
• A cover letter is a way of showing your writing and reporting skills.
• Your cover letter should be customised per employer. However, if you are sending a lot of CVs, this task could prove impossible. Try instead to have a cover letter per industry or per area.
• Do not mention salary in your cover letter. If the job ad requests your expected salary then mention a range rather than a specific amount.

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Keep in mind that you are not going to be the only applicant for a particular job. A bigger company that has thousands of employees is going to command a high response rate. Also, a high profile job in an industry that everyone wants to join will also command a lot of attention. You need to do something that will set your letter off and raise you above the competition. Follow these tips to make your letter stand out in the crowd.

• Use bulleted lists that will help to set off your strengths. Bulleted lists allow for the reader to quickly find what they are looking for. If a hiring manager has 100 cover letters and resumes to sift through, yours will stand out because he or she can skim right down to the important points.
• Add a post script or PS to your letter. This is one final way to get an important nugget of information implanted in the readers mind. If at all possible handwrite the post script. This shows a personal touch.

The main goal of the cover letter is to show your reader that you are unique and well qualified for the position. You need to do something that shows you are head and shoulders above the competition. If you can successfully do this you will be sure to receive more interviews, thus increasing your chance to win your dream job.

Finally, always remember to sign your letter. If you do not, it looks like you are mass mailing resumes in a last ditch attempt to find a job.

Some common mistakes to avoid:

• Make sure you have the correct address and spelling of the hiring manager's name.
• Be specific. You have a better chance of getting your resume in the right person's hands if you address it to the right person. Never send a resume to a general human resources address unless the employment ad says to do so.
• Failing to ask for a meeting or an interview can be detrimental to your chances at landing the job. If you do not do this, it looks like you are only making 'half an attempt.'
• Even though you are trying to show the reader your skills, make the letter about them. State what you can do for them, not what they can do for you!

Good Luck! Contd . . .

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The structure of these three cover letters is very important. It is necessary that the reader be able to follow your letter clearly. Below are some tips to maintain a solid structure.

• First paragraph should be why you are writing. Introduce yourself!
• Next, state your qualifications, both academic and professional.
• Tell the reader why you should get an interview, and why you are right for the job.
• Request that the reader contacts you. Ask for a meeting.

A couple things that you should always mention and a few things you should never mention.

• Put great emphasis on the skills that you can bring to the job.
• Show how college prepared you for the working world. Include relevant classes and/or work experience such as internships and co-ops.
• Use action verbs that show your positive attributes.
  NEVER use any negative verbiage in your cover letter. Do not say 'I apologize', this shows the reader that you know you did something wrong.
• Do not bring up anything that you do not need to! In other words don't write anything to the effect of 'Even though I do not have experienced.'
• Do not sound like you absolutely need the job. Sounding desperate puts the company in the position of power.
• Do not brag on your accomplishments.
• Write a strong closing paragraph that asks for a meeting or an interview.
  

Know that we have the structure down; let's go over the actual content of the cover letter. This is more important than the structure as it is going to introduce your personality to the reader. Some things that you always want to include in your letter are:

• Show what skills and experience you can bring to the company. Show your positive qualities, and how they will fit in with the structure of the company.
• Show that you have done your homework. By showing your knowledge of the company and their industry, you are showing that you are already a step above the competition.
• Customize your letter to match the advertisement. If a company is looking for sales skills, talk up your past sales experience in your cover letter.
• Be sharp, concise, and to the point with your letter. Do not make the reader search for answers. He or she should be able to find them without looking.

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Mr. Leslie Marks
Global Sales, Inc.
48 University Drive
Phoenix, AZ 85005

Dear Ms. Marks:

I recently came across your internet posting on your career board searching for a customer service representative. I feel that I am an ideal fit for this job, and wanted to send you a quick note to express my interest.

Over the past four years I have worked as a sales and marketing representative for Nationwide Marketing, Inc. During my time with them, I was responsible for prospecting for new clients, as well as providing customer service to existing customers. Though I did not work directly in the customer service department, I maintained daily contact with my clients to ensure great service. These skills and experiences will allow me to make an easy transition to the customer service industry.

In addition to my work experience, I have also earned a Master's degree in Business Administration.

I am eager to speak with you about how I can contribute to Global Sales, Inc. I will contact you the week of February 27 to set up a good time for us to get together and discuss this opening.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Best Regards,

Dave Roscar

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Mr. Jeff Lewis
Holland Company
7800 Crafton Boulevard
Pittsburgh, PA 15205
Dear Mr. Lewis:

My several years of customer service and sales experience, along with my educational background, make me the perfect fit for the sales representative position available at your company.

For the past three years I have worked in the sales and customer service industry. The skills that I developed during this time have prepared me well for a position within your company. The skills that I have gained pertain directly to what you are looking for in a new sales representative.

My educational background includes a Bachelor of Science degree in business, as well as a Master's of Business Administration. I have also completed several sales courses that have aided in my career development.

I am very confident that I can be an asset to your company, and would be glad to answer any further questions that you may have.

Per your request, my salary requirement is $35,000-$40,000 plus benefits. This is fully negotiable based on added benefits, bonuses, and commission structure.

Thank you for your time. I am looking forward to speaking with you in the near future.

Sincerely,

Brian Eagles

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February 15, 2006
Ms. Arlene Steel
Credential Check
489 Wiley Street
Morgantown, WV 26505
Dear Ms. Steel:

A business contact of mine, John Morningstar, suggested that I contact you regarding the open position of Sales Manager at your company.

As the current Sales Manager at Hire Us, I have several years of experience in the field of sales. In this position I am responsible for contacting prospective clients, as well as following up with current clients. I also supervise a team of five sales representatives.

Prior to my current position, I was a pharmaceutical sales representative for Biomedic. During my time with Biomedic, I increased western regional sales by 124%.

My stellar performance has been recognized by my past employers as I have won employee of the week on three occasions, as well as salesman of the year at Biomedic.

I am very interested in meeting with you to discuss this position further. Attached is my resume for your review. If I do not hear from you by the end of February, I will give you a call to set up a meeting.

Thanks again, and I am looking forward to meeting with you.

Sincerely,

Jeanette Duncan

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February 16, 2006

Mr. Don Terpack
IT Marketing
10 Hawthorn Drive
Oakdale, PA 15071
Dear Mr. Terpack:

Your advertisement on Monster.com fits my experience and qualifications perfectly, and I am writing to express my interest in this position.

Most recently in a position with Comprehensive Information Services and an internship with The Pittsburgh Penguins, I gained valuable experience in a variety of different fields. This position, coupled with my educational background has prepared me for a career in a variety of different fields.

In addition to my desire to join your organization, you will find that I have experience in a wide range of fields, as well as numerous academic accomplishments such as:

• A position with Comprehensive Information Services in which I was responsible for daily client interaction, and tracking of reports and supplements.
• A position with The Pittsburgh Penguins, where I gained experience in the area of sales and marketing.
• A Bachelor of Arts degree in Marketing, while maintaining a 3.55 GPA and graduating cum laude.
  

If you agree that my qualifications are a fit to your needs, I would be delighted to meet with you personally to discuss any openings that you have. You can reach me via phone at 814-834-8971.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Billy South

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Mr. Joseph Banks
Hamilton and Meyer
25 State Drive
Pittsburgh, PA 15205
Dear Mr. Smith:

I recently received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting from the University of Pittsburgh, and feel that my background makes me a good fit for the position of accountant at Hamilton and Meyer.

Even though I recently graduated, I have several years of experience in the accounting field. In a recent internship with Thorp and Reed I helped to assist staff in the daily accounting duties and office work. This experience gave me the necessary skills to take on a full-time accounting position.

I feel that my past work and education have prepared me well for a position within the accounting industry, and I am very interested in starting a career with a reputable company such as yours.

I am available to interview at your office anytime this month. I feel that a meeting would be mutually beneficial to the both of us. If I do not hear from you within the next week, I will give you a call to arrange an interview.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Chris Banks

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February 15, 2006
Mr. Don Yoder
Grant and Associates
90 Home Avenue
Carnegie, PA 15106
Mr. Don Yoder:

I recently came across your ad in the Daily News searching for a professional copywriter. I have the writing and photography skills that you are looking for, and feel that I would be a perfect fit for this position.

I am currently employed by an award winning daily newspaper in which I am responsible for all copywriting duties. My current supervisor, Ms. Jenny Shields, will most definitely offer a good reference. After carefully reading your advertisement I feel that my current position entails many of the same duties that you are looking to fill.

In addition to my present job, I also work on a freelance basis with some of the biggest companies in the Pittsburgh area.

Knowing how urgent a good copywriter is I am sure you would like to interview applicants as soon as possible. You can reach me via phone at 412-893-0999 or by email at cjones@hotmail.com.

Thank you for your time, and I am looking forward to speaking with you in person.

Sincerely,

Chris Jones

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August 25, 2007

Ms. Bill Gates
Max Marketing
4 Station Road
Ann Arbor, CA 48105
Dear Ms. Tom:

I recently came across your internet ad searching for a marketing intern. My combination of previous work experience and education make me a perfect fit for this position.

I have several years of work experience in the marketing field as an intern with Computer, Inc., as well as 21 credit hours in business and marketing at the University of Pittsburgh. My past experience has convinced me that I would like to pursue a full-time career in marketing after graduating college.

On top of my desire to work for your company, I also feel that an internship with Electronics Company would benefit the both of us. Your company is always thinking of new and innovative marketing techniques, and I have several years of experience creating marketing campaigns.

I am confident that an interview would be a great way to discuss this position further. If I do not hear from you within the next two weeks, I will call you to discuss a meeting. You can reach me via phone at 442-575-9048 or email at max@yahoo.com.

Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

Max Job

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August 25, 2007

Ms. Bill Gates
Max Marketing
4 Station Road
Ann Arbor, CA 48105
Dear Ms. Tom:

My four years of experience as an electrician in the U.S. Army make me a very strong candidate for the position of head technician that you have posted on your company website.

During my time in the U.S. Army I became fully certified to work on residential and commercial property. My past experience has prepared me well to troubleshoot and repair electrical problems in both a home and business setting.

My time in the U.S. Army has also provided me with the personal skills necessary to work in this field. My past experience has honed my customer service skills, and has allowed me the opportunity to work with a variety of different people.

I am confident that my services could help your company continue to grow. I will call you within the next 14 days to arrange an interview. If you would like to contact me in the meantime, you can reach me via phone at 487-449-2360.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

UltraJob

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August 25, 2007

Ms. Bill Gates
Max Marketing
4 Station Road
Ann Arbor, CA 48105
Dear Ms. Tom:

If you are aware of anyone who is searching for an experienced Sales Manager I would like the opportunity to present my skills to them. My past experience in the sales industry include positions with Western Life, Sony Electronics, and Luxottica to name a few. My current company is in the process of down sizing, and I feel that you may be able to help me in my search for a new position. Some of my recent accomplishments that may be of interest to your clients include:

• 2006 Sales Manager of the year at Western Life. In 2005 I helped to increase eastern region sales numbers by 213%. This was the greatest increase in any region, company wide.
• A Master's Degree in Business Administration that helped to advance my career by providing me with the necessary educational groundwork to excel in the sales industry.
• Consistently received above average performance reviews during my 23 years in the sales industry.

I am looking for positions in the tri-state area of Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia with a starting salary range of $80,000-$90,000. I would be willing to look at any position in the sales and marketing industry.

Also enclosed is my resume for your review. I would like to meet with you as soon as possible to discuss my situation and any openings that you may have. You can reach me via phone at 745-876-7546 or email at Ultra@aol.com.

Thank you again for your time and consideration. I am looking forward to speaking with you in the near future.

Sincerely,

Ultra Job

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August 25, 2007

Ms. Bill Gates
Max Marketing
4 Station Road
Ann Arbor, CA 48105
Dear Ms. Tom:

I recently came across an opening for your organization in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area for a Territory Account Manager. I feel that it fits my experience and qualifications perfectly, and I am writing to express my interest in this position.

I am currently employed as the Sales Manager at Justifacts Credential Verification, Inc. Through this position I have had the opportunity to enhance my sales and marketing skills on several different levels.

Also, I previously held an intern position with Bayer Corporation in the Sales and Marketing Department. This position allowed me to become familiar with all areas of the industry, and provided me with the opportunity to work in several different areas of the organization.

My salary requirements are open to fit your needs. I am currently earning $25,000 per year, plus commission.

I feel that an interview would be mutually beneficial. I will give you a call within the next 10 days to set up a time. In the meantime if you have any questions please feel free to contact me at 734-644-9461.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Ultra Job

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A Letter of Inquiry can help you uncover the hidden job market. Sometimes these cover letters are called marketing letters.

A letter of inquiry should be followed up with a phone call as this will increase your chance of getting your "foot in the door". Hopefully such a phone call can lead to a meeting or interview.

Good Letters of inquiry

• Inform the reader why you are writing within the first sentence.
• Read the how to write a cover letter guide, most of the tips are the same for letters of inquiry.
• Have a look at job application cover letter article, it offers a lot of insightful tips on writing job related correspondence.
• Highlight creative ideas to generate interest.

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Before sending the acceptance letter, you need to decide if you are going to accept or reject the job offer.

Make Sure You

• Know the length of the notice period from your current job.
• Understand in which job category you will start.
• Have an idea of the organisational structure.
• Are aware or have agreed on benefits, performance reviews, moving expenses.
• Respond as soon as possible.
• Acknowledge the employment offer.
• Express your gratitude.

Add

If you are sure

• Inform your employer that you have accepted their offer.
• Inform your employer of the notice period of your current job.
• Let the employer know when you are able to start work.

If you are unsure and you need more time

• Notify the employer when you will be able to take the decision.

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