Indicate your interest and reveal your source of information.
Outline your strongest qualifications—focus on broader occupational and/or organizational dimensions to describe how your qualifications match the work environment.
Do some personal marketing: Convince the employer that you have the personal qualities and motivation to contribute to the organization.
Suggest an action plan. Request an interview, and indicate that you will call during a specific time period to discuss interview possibilities.
Express appreciation to the reader for his or her time and consideration.
1600 Sherman Ave., #301
Evanston, IL 60208
January 16, 2009
Mr. Brett Newkirk
Director of College Recruiting
Midwest Mercantile Company
4500 Randolf Drive
Chicago, IL 60601
Dear Mr. Newkirk:
I read your company’s description in NACE’s Job Choices: Diversity Edition and would like to inquire about employment opportunities in your management training program. I want to work in retail management and would like to remain in the Chicago area after graduation.
I shall receive my B.S. degree in communication studies this May. My interest in business started in Junior Achievement in high school and developed further through a variety of sales and retail positions during college. My internship with a large department store convinced me to pursue a career in retail. When I researched the top retailers in Chicago, Midwest Mercantile emerged as having a strong market position, an excellent training program, and a reputation for excellent customer service. In short, you provide the kind of professional environment I seek.
My resume is enclosed for your consideration. My education and experience match the qualifications you seek in your management trainees, but they don’t tell the whole story. I know from customer and supervisor feedback that I have the interpersonal skills and motivation needed to build a successful career in retail management. And my relatively extensive experience gives me confidence in my career direction and in my abilities to perform competently.
I know how busy you must be during this time of year, but I would appreciate a few minutes of your time. I shall call you during the week of January 23 to discuss employment possibilities. In the meantime, if you need to contact me, my number is 847/491-8843 and my e-mail is a-chen@northwestern.edu.
Thank you very much for considering my request. I look forward to talking with you.
Sincerely,
Amy Chen
Amy Chen