winning interviewing techniques - willamette...
TRANSCRIPT
Resume
Writing
Strategies and Samples
Links to additional resources
Career Services
Willamette University UC 3rd floor
900 State Street
Salem, OR 97301
503.370-6413
http://willamette.edu/dept/careers/
Don’t Forget:
Have your resume & cover letter reviewed in the Career Center.
Drop in hours are 2:00 – 5:00 pm Mon., Wed., & Thurs.
To schedule a one-on-one appointment call 503-370-6413 or stop by the Career Center.
Additional Services:
Choosing a major Writing personal statements Interviewing Job search Graduate school questions Access to computers, printers and
fax machines Just for the asking “free” resume
paper and business cards. And much more!
Here are the fool-proof steps to get you through the Optimal Resume process. It’s really simple, just follow along… 1. click on this link to the Optimal Resume registration page https://willamette.optimalresume.com/ 2. Under the Welcome click on READ MORE and watch the 2 short videos on "Resume Basics" and "Resume Bullets." 3. Then click the tab that says NEW USER at the upper right side at the home page 4. Complete the registration form. Be sure to use your Willamette.edu email address. Optimal Resume requires you to choose a major. If you are undecided then just select one you have thought about. You can always remove it in a moment when you create your draft. 5. Click on the “I am eighteen years of age or older…. Terms & Conditions. Save and Continue 6. Click on Create New Resume 7. At ‘Name This Resume’ just enter your first and last name - click on Start Resume 8. Under “categories” select WU Sample Resume or scroll down the page at the samples and select one. 9. Scroll down and see the 5 Samples. Click on +Select under the resume you want to use. For instance “First and Second Year Sample 2” 10. Click on “Use This Sample” in order to start the template program 11. Move the cursor over the resume and click on the highlighted section to edit. Be sure to look at the Examples tab. You can select samples to paste in and type over them to add your text. 12. You will need to save each section as you go along or the program won’t let you proceed. At the end, save the last section, go up to the top navigation bar and click on Download. 13. Select Microsoft Word Compatible. Now you can go in and tweak it for your final copy. Word is a better formatting program. It allows you to cut and paste, indent, etc. 14. Save it on your desktop or as a file where you can access it in the future. 15. Attach your final draft to an email as a Word document and send it to career services to be reviewed: [email protected] 16. If this is a class assignment, send the resume to your professor as instructed (email, hard copy or WISE, etc.)
(For students with less experience such as first and second-year students)
Katie Bearcat
900 State Street - Box Z-55 503-375-xxxx
Salem, OR 97301 [email protected]
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Arts, Willamette University Salem, OR May 20xx
Major(s): if known, Minor(s): if known, G.P.A. if known
Ridgeway High School, Bend, OR Graduated with diploma June 20xx
3.65 grade point average. 3.80 weighted. SAT: 750 verbal, 740 math
Graduated in top 5% of class. AP Scholar, Academic/Athletic Merit Scholar
Organized “Shirt Off My Back” a campus wide community service program for 2,000 to raise awareness for
home-less youth issues. Collected 3,000 articles clothing for distribution to five shelters within the city.
Language Skills: Spanish - intermediate
Certifications: CPR certification, Food Handling certification
EXPERIENCE
Editor-in-Chief, The Sierra, HS Newspaper, Ridgeway High School, Bend, OR, 20xx - 20xx
• Oversaw staff of 24 comprised of journalists, photographers, and advertising managers in the
production of a bi-monthly newspaper, handling a budget of $5,000. Trained new staff and acted as
liaison between staff and school administrators.
• Edited content for an average of 15 articles per publication period and assisted staff with questions and
problem solving.
• Co-designed layout for each edition incorporating articles, photos and advertisements, meeting
necessary deadlines.
Senior Class Representative, Ridgway High School, Bend, OR 20xx – 20xx
• Represented the senior class of approximately 210 students in the decision making related to use of
class funds and the planning of special events.
• Directed planning meetings for a twelve member student committee and created agendas, developed a
meeting schedule and notified members about up coming meetings.
Camp Counselor, Green Creek Summer Camp, Bend, OR 20xx - 20xx
• Instruction and supervised 75, nine & ten year olds with arts and crafts, recreational activities
and confidence building games in a week long over-night camping experience.
• Prepared meals and organized daily schedules maintaining an inclusive and positive learning
experience for campers.
Sales Associate, J.C. Penney, Bend, OR 20xx – 20xx
• Provided customers with information on where to find requested merchandise, answered questions
concerning prices and availability of stock.
• Managed cash and credit card purchased, returns and exchanges of merchandise while exceeding the
sales quota by $150.
Bus Person, Mountain Ridge Brew House, Bend, OR 20xx – 20xx
• Serviced twelve tables during a six to eight hour shift, cleaning and setting each turn over within a two
minute
time-period aiding in the timely service to customers.
• Maintained service stations by fully stocking and cleaning for more efficient use by servers.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS/COMMUNITY SERVICE
National Honor Society Member 1st Chair, Viola, Ridgeway Orchestra
Honors & Awards Selection Committee Member Class Citizenship Award (two consecutive yrs.)
Goalie Women’s Soccer-letter 4yrs Relay for Life - volunteer
(Example Science resume)
Berrymore Katt 1234 Chemeketa St. NE (503) 123-4567
Salem, OR 97301 [email protected]
PROFILE SUMMARY
Recent Chemistry graduate with a strong work ethic and integrity seeks position with an energy firm
researching battery efficiency. Hands-on experience in conducting extensive research, laboratory testing and in
logging database for chemical interactions. Fluency in Spanish.
EDUCATION
B.A., Chemistry, Willamette University, Salem OR May, 20xx
Overall GPA 3.45 GPA in major 3.85
Senior thesis: Aspartame decomposition and public health
Courses taken include:
Chemical Composites Polymer Chemistry Chemical Analysis
Materials Engineering Advanced Organic Chemistry Chemical Technology Practicum
Chemical Instrumentation Advanced Inorganic Chemistry
Laboratory Skills and Experience
• High Pressure Liquid Chromatography Spectrofluorometry
• Gas Chromatography 1H-Nuclear Magnetic Resonance
• Atomic Absorption 13C-Nuclear Magnetic Resonance
• UV-Visible Spectroscopy Calorimetry
• IR Spectrometry Liquid Scintillation Counting
EXPERIENCE
Summer Intern, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana Summer 20xx
• Research assistant to Eli Lilly Pharmaceutical scientists in R & D laboratory.
• Prepared multiple bonded compounds for use in laboratory testing of hydrophiliclipophilic balance
• Measured disintegration time of film-coated tablets for chemical preparation and storage
• Implemented logging database for chemical interactions
Chemistry Research and Lab Assistant, Chemistry Department, Willamette University. 20xx-Present
• Assisted professors in preparation of lab materials and monitored student experiments
• Developed semester tests and final exams for Chemistry 201
• Graded lab experiments, term papers, tests and exams on an as-needed basis
Volunteer – Deschutes Mitigation Program, Commission Intern Summer 20xx
• Analyzed research findings and developed charts for $100,000 grant-writing project that
focused on maintaining flows for scenic waterways and water rights including in-stream water
Additional positions include: tutor, lifeguard, retail salesperson, babysitter 20xx-xx
Skills: Fluent in Spanish, CiSPro chemical inventory, Microsoft Office, Front Page Web design
ACCOMPLISH MENTS
• Study Abroad: Valparaiso, Chile. Studied Spanish and International economics
• Alternative Spring Break service projects in Tijuana, Mexico 20xx-20xx
• Team leader, Habitat for Humanity during Christmas in April weekend 20xx-20xx
• Science reporter, The Collegian – Willamette University’s student newspaper 20xx-20xx
HONORS AND AWARDS
Mary Collins Scholarship Blackman-Barber Natural Science Scholarship
Mary Stuart Rogers Scholarship Dick Van Santen American Chem.
Dean’s List Florian Von Eschen Chemistry Scholarship Mortar Board
5
Wilson Amette (Example of general and liberal arts resume)
900 State Street #3a Work: (503) 370-6413
Salem, OR 91919 Home: (212) 555-1234
[email protected] [email protected]
EDUCATION B.A. Willamette University, Salem, OR May 20xx
Major: Political Science, Minor Economics, GPA 3.35
Coursework includes: Economic development in emerging countries Finance
Micro & Macro economics Marketing
Psychology of Political Influence Research Statistics
Senior Thesis: The impact of economic downturns on voter party affiliation in rural communities. _______
EXPERIENCE
Senate Intern, Washington Internship Institute, Washington, D.C. Summer, 20xx
Organized events, wrote proposals and budgets, and delivered reports to sub-committees for the American Development
Organization headed by Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon. Received excellent evaluations.
Assisted non-governmental organizations obtain international development contracts with the World Bank and
Millennium Challenge Corporation as well as formed partnerships with US development firms.
Attended Congressional meetings of the foreign relations committee on Israel-Palestinian peace negotiations as well as
the expansion of the United Nations within Arab Nations. Wrote an analysis of this for a course project.
Office Specialist III, Oregon Housing and Community Services, Salem, OR 20xx – 20xx
Managed sections’ biennial budget; purchasing and tech support documentation of a $2m grant.
Coordinated activities of three section employees and their client base of 50 businesses.
Generated audit reports of project time and expenses from Oracle budget management system.
Legislative Intern, Water Resources Board, Salem, OR Summer 20xx – 20xx
Collected data on the impact of different variables and water consumption by businesses in Oregon.
Surveyed stratified sample population and managed phone bank of callers to collect additional survey data.
Contributing team member for analyzing data and making proposals for effective marketing and pricing used by the legislature
subcommittee in policy decisions. Achieved a 75% return rate on surveys.
Office Assistant, Career Services and Student Activities, Willamette University 20xx – 20xx Answered phones, greeted customers, solved problems, assisted with web site. Managed phone survey.
Additional positions: catering, wait staff, grounds keeper, office receptionist
Financed 85% of college expenses through the jobs and internships listed above plus loans and scholarships
_______
ACCOMPLISHMENTS/COMMUNITY SERVICE
Emergency Response (ER) volunteer, Salem Fire Department and American Red Cross
Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Team member
Big Brothers of America Senior Mentor. Placed 3rd
in Portland 10K “Run for the Roses” Big Brothers fundraiser.
Traveled extensively throughout Eastern and Western Europe, Central America, China.
Concert performer - Didgeridoo artist.
Played baroque recorder and Irish Bodhran drum in Celtic performance group
_
LEADERSHIP/SKILLS
Vice President Speaker’s Forum – established social activism guest speaker series with over 150 attendees.
Elected Freshman Senator, practiced Parliamentary Procedure and issues debate
Elected Vice President Associated Students
Fluent in Spanish and semi-conversant in German
Familiar with all Microsoft Office products and systems, knowledge of Front Page Web programming.
Willamette Tennis team member, 4yrs.
6
Rebecca Katlin (Example of teaching and/or Resume for grad school applications)
Permanent Address: Present Address:
4300 Middle Ave. 569 Statesman St. NE
Springfield, CA 95821 Salem, OR 97301
(911)123-4567 (916)123-4567 (use this number)
[email protected] [email protected]
Education Willamette University, Salem, OR , May 20xx
BA in Music, Major: Music Education Current GPA: 3.84; In major: 3.89 GRE: 650 Math, 750 Verbal
Thesis topic: Integrating music theory into high school choral classes.
Lincoln High School, Springfield, CA Graduated with diploma, June 20xx
4.0 grade point average. 4.05 weighted. SAT: 730 verbal, 750 math
Educational Awards and Honors:
William H. Short Jr. Scholarship: Personally chosen to receive scholarship by Dr. William Short Jr. based on
academic and musical accomplishments.
Mary Stuart Rogers Scholarship: Can only receive by writing winning essay, obtaining recommendations, and
providing sufficient examples of leadership ability.
Willamette University College Honors: GPA of 3.75+ required- received every semester at Willamette.
Alpha Lambda Delta Member: Greek association based on high academic standing; can only be joined by
invitation only, 20xx- present
Willamette University Grant for music research
Willamette University Merit Award: awarded based on high school GPA.
Inductee, Phi Beta Kappa
Scholarships and awards paid for 80% of total tuition to Willamette University.
Applicable Coursework:
Music Theory and Aural Skills, five semesters
Music History, two semesters
Elementary, Secondary, and Vocal Music Resources
12 semesters of choir experience; 9 semesters classical, and 3 semesters jazz
Introduction to Teaching
Employment History
Volunteer, Bush Elementary music class, Sept.-Dec. 20xx
Lead songs and music activities for K-6 students preparing for talent show
Manage classroom behavior, discipline students, teach basic music concepts and vocalization techniques
Taught students for one-hour segments for teacher
Manager, Choral Department office, Willamette University, June 20xx- present time.
Manage other student staff and keep them motivated to perform above expectations
Organize tasks and coordinates 11 public performance events for choir department
Train office staff in all areas of office procedures and systems, and event planning
Inventory control of entire choral wardrobe of costumes
7
Personal Office Assistant to Dr. William Short, Willamette Music Department, 20xx – 20xx
Maintained and organized music library of 5,000 musical recordings and hard copy
Shared responsibilities of publicity work for multiple choral department events
Planned and executed choral rehearsal details for 3 groups including 120 students
Organized wardrobe assignments and collection for all performances
Teacher, Saturday Explorations Outreach, Willamette University, Feb.-Mar. 20xx
Taught local neighborhood children about mixing music and technology
Taught musical technology and composition lessons to 4th-7
th graders using electronic keyboards and
computers
Independently developed complete lesson plans for the classes taught
Created visuals and media interactions for lessons. Received excellent student and teacher evaluations.
Music Teacher, General Music, Liberty Middle School, Salem, OR June-August 20xx
Taught introductory music theory and keyboard skills to 25 teenage students
Integrated body movement into lessons plans to reinforce musical creativity and motivation
Tutor, Liberty High School, Salem, OR Sept. 20xx-May 20xx
Assisted 20 students in all subject areas, but focusing on math and social studies
Reviewed teacher’s lessons to help students understand and master content and theory
Accomplishment/Activities
President on Executive Council for Chamber Choir Summer 2009-Spring 20xx
Secretary on Executive Council for Chamber Choir Summer 2008-Spring 20xx
Sexual Assault Response Allies (SARA) - Fall 20xx- present
Cheerleading Coach- Summer camp for junior high students June-August 20xx
References should be on a separate page (not on your resume) headed “References” followed by the
same heading you use on the first page of your resume.
8
What is a Profile Statement?
A Profile Statement (sometimes called “Personal Summary Statement” or “Summary of Qualifications”) provides a
snapshot of your qualifications, experience and education that are directly related to the company’s needs and values.
It gives the hiring manager a synopsis of your professional qualifications, background and unique knowledge.
Many of the company’s needs and can be found in the job description itself, for example, communication skills,
fluency in a foreign language, certain personal attributes, etc. Research the company to show how your qualifications
match what the company is looking for in a candidate beyond the job description.
Your “Statement” should be approximately 4-6 lines of concise statements to draw the reader’s attention on the most
important qualities, achievements and abilities you have to offer. It should hook the reader to learn more about you, so
they will review the rest of your resume. You have about 4-6 seconds to grab their attention!
The profile statement is optional, but it is becoming a more standard part of the resume.
Formula for writing a Profile Statement:
1. Lead Statement: Begin your profile with a positing statement, stating the type of career field/profession you are
pursuing, as well as indicating if you are a current student or recent graduate.
2. Middle Statements: Emphasize and build on technical expertise, critical strengths, contributions, specialized
talents, etc. Use adjectives to describe yourself and provide a quick view of who you are and what you will bring to
the position. (Proof of your qualities should lie in the body of your resume)
3. Ending Statement: End your profile by using clear and concise language highlighting specific or unique skills
related to the position – language spoken, computer proficiency, or communications competence etc.
Profile Examples:
Profile: Determined psychology student with strong work ethic and knowledge of behavioral and emotional disorders
in young adults. Hands-on-leader, driven by eagerness to help others, and able to assess complex situations and
formulate solutions. Motivated quick learner and effective communicator who produces immediate contributions in
people, teams and organizations.
Skills Summary: Reliable and detail-oriented Rhetoric and Communications graduate with a six-month internship in,
and passion for, the event planning industry. Creative, highly organized team player with strong
communications/marketing skills and a positive attitude.
Profile: New graduate with a major in Computer Science committed to delivering high-quality, responsive service
seeks position in system analysis, design, development, or application implementation. Practical projects and
teamwork experiences during degree studies have revealed strengths in critical problem solving, analysis, project
leadership, and technical troubleshooting. Highly skilled in mainframe, client/server, Web, and PCD-based systems.
Can adapt to change quickly, with eagerness toward learning and expanding capabilities.
Qualifications: Problem-solving + Leadership + Communication
Instituted policy recommendations derived from field research and data collection
Earned commendations for leadership skills: elected to three positions by peers
Surpassed organizational goals by 15% utilizing strong communications skills and work-ethic
9
Skill Words (or action verbs) to Use in Your Resume Job Descriptions Use past or present tense – “ed” verbs. Select verbs that describe the job you did that are similar to the job you are applying for
accelerated compiled exercised moderated revived accommodated composed expanded modernized sanctioned accomplished computed expedited modified satisfied achieved conceptualized explained monitored scheduled acquired concluded extended motivated screened acted confirmed extracted multiplied scrutinized activated consented fabricated negotiated secured adapted consolidated facilitated officiated served added constructed familiarized operated set goals addressed contracted fashioned orchestrated settled adjusted contributed figured organized shaped administered converted finalized originated smoothed admitted convinced forecasted overhauled solicited advanced cooperated formulated performed solved advised coordinated fostered persuaded sought aided correlated founded pioneered spearheaded alleviated corresponded fulfilled planned specified allocated counseled generated polished Spoke allowed created grew prepared stimulated altered critiqued guaranteed prescribed streamlined ameliorated customized guided prioritized strengthened amended debugged hired processed studied analyzed deciphered identified procured submitted appointed dedicated illustrated produced substantiated apportioned delegated implemented programmed suggested appraised deliberated improved projected summarized apprised demonstrated improvised promoted supervised approved designated increased publicized supplemented approximated designed indexed purchased surveyed arbitrated determined indicated queried sustained arranged devaluated inferred questioned synthesized ascertained developed influenced raised systematized assembled devised informed rated tabulated assessed diagnosed initiated realized tailored assigned directed innovated recommended Traced assisted disbursed inspected reconciled trained attained dispatched inspired recorded transacted attested displayed instituted recruited transformed audited drafted instructed rectified translated augmented eased integrated reduced (losses) transmitted authored eclipsed interceded refined updated authorized edited interpreted referred upgraded balanced educated interviewed reformed validated bolstered elevated introduced regarded valued boosted elicited invented regulated verified brainstormed employed investigated rehabilitated visualized budgeted empowered involved reinforced wrote built enabled issued rejuvenated calculated encouraged judged related catalogued endorsed justified relieved centralized engineered launched remedied certified enhanced lectured remodeled chaired enlarged led repaired charted enlisted licensed reported clarified enriched lightened represented classified enumerated linked researched coached envisioned maintained reserved collaborated established marketed resolved (problems) collected estimated measured restored commissioned evaluated mediated retrieved
committed examined minimized revamped
communicated excelled mobilized reviewed
10
The Cover Letter explained The purpose of a cover letter is to accompany a resume in application for a particular position and to gain an interview.
And the interview gets you the job! If your letter is well written and makes the connection between your qualifications
and the position, then chances are high that: (a) your resume will be more thoroughly read, and (b) you will get and
interview. The first paragraph introduces yourself to the potential employer. The BEST person to send the letter to is
the hiring manager. Don’t assume that an online application will make it to the hiring manager. Human Resources
often screens out resumes. The first sentence of this paragraph is your “hook” sentence, it should grab the readers
attention drawing them into your letter just as the first sentence of a great novel.
The second paragraph identifies your professional, experiential, and academic qualifications. It should refer the
reader to the resume. It will identify your particular qualifying strengths, previous accomplishments and achievements;
in other words, why you are a viable candidate for consideration. But it will not repeat the same information as already
stated in your resume. You may elaborate (i.e. tell the reader more), but don't be repetitive. Discuss your academic and
experiential background as qualifications for the position. (It is essential to understand what the requirements of the job
are, and then to show how your qualifications fit.) Expand as it suits each application. Refer the reader into your
resume; ex. "As you will note in my resume..."
The third paragraph supports the second paragraph and particularly emphasizes how the "I" content (i.e. honest,
reliable, dependable, hardworking, sensitive to the needs of others, team player who is capable of working
independently, excellent interpersonal and communication skills, etc.) relates to THIS organization. You should
specifically explain that you are attracted to this particular position because of the organization's goals, industry, job
type, etc. AND you should explain that you are excited about helping them reach THEIR specific goals, how you are
efficient - you save time and money (explain how you have done that previously) and how you will build their team
(explain how you have done that previously). You may like to add, "Previous supervisors have rated me highly for..."
Try to use specific wording that was in the ad for the job.
The fourth paragraph is the closing and basically asks for an interview. You may prefer to say, "I look forward to a
positive response and would enjoy the opportunity of meeting with you to discuss my qualifications further." It is
important, however, that you say you will follow up with a telephone call or email, and then do so. You are the job
seeker, and it is your job to follow up! The closing signature is simply a “Sincerely, (comma).” If you did not use
your resume header then put your contact information below your name. For example:
Sincerely,
William Amette
1234 State Street, #3
Salem, Oregon 97301
123.456-7899
SECRET TIP#1: Want to REALLY impress the employer? Along with your cover letter and resume, send a copy
of an excellent performance appraisal done by a past manager. That speaks louder than any cover letter or
recommendation. Don’t have one? Ask for one. The Career Center can provide a sample.
SECRET TIP#2: Attach your letters of recommendations with your resume and cover letter (and performance
review). Even if they are not requested by the employer, provide them anyway. It never hurts and it just might make
the difference in getting an interview. Most people don’t do this, so you should.
Sample Cover Letter
11
Sample Cover Letter
Caution: Do not “borrow” the wording from this sample. There are hundreds of students, just like you, who read this sample letter, and although you may be tempted to copy parts of it, you will end up sounding like everybody else. That’s a turn-off to employers. The cover letter should be personal, uniquely yours, and in your own words.
Date Human Resources Company or Organization name 9010 Any Street Salem, OR 97301
Dear Ms. Hopkins, Somewhere between college social science classes, a three month full-time internship at a juvenile detention facility, and a stint as a part-time classroom aide in a local elementary school I developed a passionate interest in childhood development. I strongly believe there is a need for social change especially as it affects children. After seeing your position opening for a XXXX (position title) and reviewing your organization’s goals I find myself eager to contribute to your efforts. Therefore, I am submitting this letter and enclosed resume as my application.
Your position description indicates that you are seeking someone with strong organizational, communication and event planning skills, all of which I demonstrated in my coordination of an on campus walk-a-thon hosting 200 participants in support of the Advocate for Child Rights organization. This event raised over $2,300. This could not have succeeded without the power of teamwork as well as working independently and multi-tasking. It’s important when working with children to anticipate problems and solve them before they become an issue. The success of this program is an indication of how thoroughly I plan ahead. The children had a safe and entertaining day with virtually no difficult incidents. Past supervisors have particularly given me high marks for interpersonal and time management skills.
My resume documents two summers marketing the National Child Abuse Prevention Month to increase public awareness. Our team came up with the creative idea of hanging over 1,000 colorful ribbons in trees at the local courthouse, representing abused children, and designing and distributing posters throughout the city. Both of these tasks required teamwork, attention to details and the ability to work with a variety of businesses within the community. Our campaign was covered in local radio, TV, and newspapers.
I would be delighted to contribute to your organization’s goals using my eagerness to make a difference combined with experience in event planning, marketing, and leadership. I will contact you the week of May 14th to follow up and arrange an opportunity to meet.
Sincerely, Katie Cat
777-000-1111 [email protected]
12
Sample Thank-You/Follow Up Letters
Berry Katt
900 State Street NE (503) 370-6413
Salem OR 97301 [email protected] (you can use same header as you did in the resume and cover letter)
November 11, 20xx
Dr. Sally Smith
Project Manager
Dakotah Inc.
101 State Street
Salem, OR 97301
Dear Dr. Smith,
1st Paragraph: Thank the interviewer, expressing appreciation for the courtesy and consideration extended to you.
State the position for which you were interviewing, date of interview, and place where interview was conducted.
2nd Paragraph: Reaffirm your interest in the position (should that still be the case!). Mention anything you feel is
important that you may have forgotten in the initial interview and take this opportunity to provide to expand on
important issues or topics. You may also want to restate your particular strengths/skills which make you a good
match for the position.
3rd Paragraph: Show willingness to provide any additional clarifying data or statements and submit any further
information you may want to add to your application.
4th Paragraph: Close with a suggestion for further action (as perhaps explained to you during the interview), or
that you will be available for an additional interview at the interviewer’s convenience.
Sincerely,
(your signature)
Your name typed
--if you don’t use the header above, then include your address and contact information under your name--
NOTE: Alternatively, if you feel this position is not right for you, say so in the second paragraph! Say, “It is with
much regret that I must withdraw my candidacy from your consideration. I do not believe I am the match you are
seeking.”
If you still like the company and would be interested in a different position or area, then say that and try to begin
exploration in that direction.
Note: There are letter builders in Optimal Resume for almost any occasion. Logon to Optimal Resume and see
the many samples to draw from.