How to make the best first impression with employers

• A.K.A. application letter, prospecting letter, networking letter, letter of inquiry

• Always send a cover letter with a resume• Address to a person, using proper business letter formatting• Like an objective, the cover letter should be customized to the

position• Copy your resume header so it will compliment• Cover letter should be able to stand alone

• What position are you applying for? • How did you learn about the job? • Did a mutual friend refer you? • Why are you interested? • Reflect your attitude, communication and

enthusiasm through your writing.

• Refer the reader to your resume• Call attention to your education,

qualifications, skills• Address any specific skills listed in the job

description

• Close by reiterating your interest in the position• You might mention referrals, writing sample or

portfolio, if applicable• If you have a phone number, indicate you will follow

up with a phone call, eg.“I will contact you in the next two weeks to see if you require any additional information regarding my qualifications.”

• Career Center Links page at www.mtsu.edu/~career/links.htm

• www.collegegrad.com for cover letter samples and articles

• JobWeb Career Library for samples by style• Contact your Career Coordinator...

College of Basic & Applied ScienceNicole Green – JH 309

494-8797kngreen@mtsu.edu

College of BusinessKaty Riddle – BAS S123

494-8911kfriddle@mtsu.edu

College of Education & Behavioral SciencesLewis Gray – KUC 328

494-7709lgray@mtsu.edu

College of Liberal ArtsLucy Billings-Jones

Todd 226898-5364

ljones@mtsu.edu

College of Mass CommNancy Stubblefield

Bragg 130904-8154

nstubble@mtsu.edu

How to make the best first impression with employers