Writing to an employer

Many jobs are filled before they are advertised so you may have success if you contact employers directly. Contacting employers directly shows that you are proactive and committed to finding a job and that you want to work.

Writing to an employer about any jobs they have available now, or any jobs that are likely to come up in the future, is a useful step before calling an employer directly. Often you write to an employer enclosing a copy of your resume.

This checklist has been developed to assist you when writing to an employer.

Question 1: Have you completed research on the company and developed an understanding of what they do and the type of people they employ?

Question 2: Did you decide if you are going to send an email or letter? If you are including samples of your work, you should send it through the post.

Question 3: Have you called the company to find out the best person to write to? You should obtain correct details including their name, title, postal address or email.

Question 4: Does your letter or email state that you are enquiring about any vacant positions and mentions the sort of job you are after?

Question 5: Have you highlighted your key skills, qualities, experience and qualifications that you know are going to appeal to the company you are writing to?

Question 6: Have you stated that you are very interested in working for the company and included your reasons for wanting to work for the company?

Question 7: Did you finish the letter or email by thanking them for their time?

Question 8: Have you invited them to contact you and provided you phone number, email address, postal address etc? Make sure you can be easily contacted.

Question 9: Is the letter less than one page and have you attached your resume? Employers are generally very busy and want to know pretty quickly what you are writing about.

Question 10: Have you checked the letter or email to ensure there are no mistakes?

Question 11: Has someone else checked the letter or email for you? Have you made the suggested changes if they have advised you on ways to improve the letter and make it more interesting?

Question 12: Is your letter well-presented? If mailing a letter, make sure it is typed, easy to read and that paper you use is in good condition.

Question 13: Have you followed up the employer with a phone call?

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