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Sample Resignation Letter
Sample Resignation Letter
The sample resignation letter below is a general, all-purpose resignation letter. Use this sample resignation letter as a guide for writing your resignation letter.
Today’s Date
Manager’s NameCompany NameCompany Address
Dear Mr./Ms. Manager
With this letter I wish to inform you that I will be resigning from my position with (company name) as (position) as of (last day of work). I regret any inconvenience that this will cause, and will do my best to have my current projects finished before my last day. I wish you and the company much success.
Sincerely,
(sign here)
Your Name
cc: name of HR Manager
SAMPLE
Dear Mr./Ms. Manager:
It is with reluctance that I’m submitting this letter. Although my time with (company name) has been, on the whole, satisfying and productive, for quite a while now I have become less and less satisfied with the work situation. The direction of the company, the group in which I work, and the new targets and the methods of accomplishing them are making it increasingly difficult for me to feel that I’m contributing sufficiently.
Therefore, it is with regret that I ask you to accept this as my resignation from (company name) effective (last day of work).
Sincerely,
(Sign Here)
Letter of Resignation
Use this letter of resignation as a guideline for resigning from your job. This is a general, all-purpose letter of resignation that can be used for any circumstances. For technical careers, you could either leave this as is, or customize it with details about your specific position. Resignation letters should be printed out and signed, not delivered via email.
Today’s Date
Manager’s NameCompany NameCompany Address
Dear Manager:
Effective (two weeks from the date, above), I resign my position as (title).
I have enjoyed working here and appreciate all that I have learned. I wish you all the best going forward.
Sincerely,
(sign here)
Your Name
cc: (names of those being copied on the letter – HR Manager, Group Director, etc)
Resignation Letter Sample
Use this resignation letter sample as a guideline for resigning from your job. This is a general, all-purpose resignation letter sample that can be used for any circumstances.
Today’s Date
Manager’s NameCompany NameCompany Address
Dear Mr./Ms. Manager:
Please accept this letter as my formal notice of resignation from (company name), effective on (last day of work). I have enjoyed my employment here and appreciate all I have learned.
I hope that this two-week notice is sufficient for you to find a replacement for me. If I can help to train my replacement or tie up any loose ends in the next two weeks, please let me know.
Thank you very much for the opportunity to work here.
Sincerely,
(your signature)
Your Name
cc (s to copy letter to – HR Manager, Director, etc)
Sample Letter of Resignation
Use this sample letter of resignation as a guideline for resigning from your job. This is a general, all-purpose sample letter of resignation that can be used for most circumstances.
Today’s Date
Manager’s NameCompany NameCompany Address
Dear Mr./Ms. Manager:
Please accept this letter as my notice of resignation, effective (date).
This was not an easy decision to make. I am grateful for the rewarding employment I've had with (company name). After much consideration, though, I have accepted a position with another company.
Sincerely,
(Your Signature)
Your Name
cc: (names of those being copied on this letter)
Reference Letters - Writing References
Here is an example of a positive reference letter. Use this is a guideline for writing your reference letters.
Either on letter head or addressed as follows:
Company NameCompany AddressCity, State, ZipPhone number
Name of RecipientTitle of RecipientRecipient Company NameRecipient Company AddressCity, State, ZipDate
To Whom It May Concern: (or contact name requesting reference)
I've been Joe Employee’s Manager at XYZ Company since 1997, and even promoted Joe to the role of Senior Software Engineer last year.
Joe has proven to be a reliable employee with excellent communication skills. He is well respected by other members of our team. Joe is a fast learner and has excellent problem solving abilities.
Although I will be disappointed to lose Joe as an employee, I am happy to recommend him as a solid addition to your company. If you'd like more information, please do not hesitate to contact me at (555) 555-5555.
Sincerely,
Manager NameManager Title
References - A Sample Reference Letter for a Technical Writer
Following is a sample reference letter for a Technical Writer that was laid off after the position was outsourced. This reference letter can be customized and used for other positions as well. Use this sample reference letter as a guideline for writing your references.
Either on letter head or addressed as follows:
Company NameCompany Address
City, State, ZipPhone number
Name of RecipientTitle of RecipientRecipient Company NameRecipient Company AddressCity, State, Zip
Date
To Whom It May Concern: (or contact name requesting reference)
Joe Employee worked for me at XYZ Company for three years, as a Senior Technical Writer. I was Joe's manager at XYZ Company and would like to recommend him for employment with your organization.
While at XYZ Company, Joe's performance was exemplary. Joe is a conscientious, highly-skilled technical writer. He is detail oriented and has a firm grasp of technical terms. Joe has a great ability to write in a way that can be understood by technical and non-technical personnel alike.
Joe's recent lay-off from XYZ Company was a result of outsourcing decisions made at a corporate level, not as a result of any performance issues. If conditions at XYZ Company change, I wouldn't hesitate to hire him back.
If you would like to speak to me about Joe’s skills, accomplishments or work habits, please do not hesitate to call me directly at (555) 555-1111.
Sincerely,
Manager NameManager Title
References - A Sample Reference Letter for a Technical Writer
Following is a sample reference letter for a Technical Writer that was laid off after the position was outsourced. This reference letter can be customized and used for other positions as well. Use this sample reference letter as a guideline for writing your references.
Either on letter head or addressed as follows:
Company NameCompany AddressCity, State, ZipPhone number
Name of RecipientTitle of RecipientRecipient Company NameRecipient Company AddressCity, State, Zip
Date
To Whom It May Concern: (or contact name requesting reference)
Joe Employee worked for me at XYZ Company for three years, as a Senior Technical Writer. I was Joe's manager at XYZ Company and would like to recommend him for employment with your organization.
While at XYZ Company, Joe's performance was exemplary. Joe is a conscientious, highly-skilled technical writer. He is detail oriented and has a firm grasp of technical terms. Joe has a great ability to write in a way that can be understood by technical and non-technical personnel alike.
Joe's recent lay-off from XYZ Company was a result of outsourcing decisions made at a corporate level, not as a result of any performance issues. If conditions at XYZ Company change, I wouldn't hesitate to hire him back.
If you would like to speak to me about Joe’s skills, accomplishments or work habits, please do not hesitate to call me directly at (555) 555-1111.
Sincerely,
Manager NameManager Title
Reference Letter Sample - Previous Employer
Reference Letter Sample - Employment Sample Reference Letter from a Previous Employer
To Whom it May Concern:
I highly recommend Jane Doe as a candidate for employment. Jane was employed by Company Name as an Administrative Assistant from 2002 - 2005. Jane was responsible for office support including word processing, scheduling appointments and creating brochures, newsletters, and other office literature.
Jane has excellent communication skills. In addition, she is extremely organized, reliable and computer literate. Jane can work independently and is able to follow through to ensure that the job gets done. She is flexible and willing to work on any project that is assigned to her. Jane was quick to volunteer to assist in other areas of company operations, as well.
Jane would be a tremendous asset for your company and has my highest recommendation. If you have any further questions with regard to her background or qualifications, please do not hesitate to call me.
Sincerely,
John SmithTitleCompanyAddressPhoneEmail
===========
Requesting Letters of Recommendation
Who To Ask For References
Who should you ask to provide references? On the average, employers check three references for each candidate, so have at least that many ready to vouch for you. It's important to know your references, to select the right people, and to get their permission to use them. You need responsive people that can confirm that you worked there, your title, your reason for leaving, and other details. It's also very important to have a good idea idea of what they are going to say about your background and your performance. It's perfectly acceptable to use references other than your employer. Business acquaintances, professors/academic advisors, customers, and vendors can all make good references. If you volunteer consider using leaders or other members of the organization as personal references.
When leaving a position you should ask for a letter of recommendation from your manager. As time passes and people move on, it's easy to lose track of previous employers, so with letters in hand, in advance, you'll have written documentation of your credentials to give to prospective employers. If you haven't done so already, it's never to late to go back and ask for letters from previous employers to include in your personal files.
How To Ask For a Letter of Recommendation
Don't ask "Could you write a letter of reference for me?" Just about anyone can write a letter. The problem can be what they are going to write about. Rather, ask "Do you feel you know my work well enough to write me a good recommendation letter?" or "Do you feel you could give me a good reference?" That way, your reference writer has an easy out if they are not comfortable writing a letter and you can be assured that those who say "yes" will be enthusiastic about your performance and will write a positive letter. Offer to provide an updated copy of your resume and information on your skills and experiences so the reference writer has current information to work with.
If your recommendation writer asks you to provide a sample, here are recommendation letter samples you can use.
In addition to references, you may be asked for contact information concerning your supervisor. However, prospective employers should get your permission before contacting your current supervisor to avoid jeopardizing your current position.
Targeted Cover Letter Example
Targeted Cover Letter Example
Your Name Your Address Your City, State, Zip Code Your Phone Number Your Email
Date
Name Title Organization
Address City, State, Zip Code
Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name:
In response to your advertisement in the Milliken Valley Sentinel for Vice President, Operations, please consider the following:
Develop and implement strategic operational plans.15+ years aggressive food company production management experience. Planned, implemented, coordinated, and revised all production operations in plant of 250+ employees.
Manage people, resources and processes.Developed and published weekly processing and packaging schedules to meet annual corporate sales demands of up to $50 million. Met all production requirements and minimized inventory costs.
Coach and develop direct reports.Designed and presented training programs for corporate, divisional and plant management personnel. Created employee involvement program resulting in $100,000+ savings annually.
Ensure operational service groups meet needs of external and internal customers.Chaired cross-functional committee of 16 associates that developed and implemented processes, systems and procedures plant-wide. Achieved year end results of 12% increase in production, 6% reduction in direct operational costs and increased customer satisfaction rating from 85% to 93.5%.
I welcome the opportunity to visit with you about this position. My resume has been uploaded, per your instructions. I may be reached at the number above. Thanks again for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Your Signature
Your Typed Name
Sample Targeted Resume Cover Letter
This cover letter takes the position requirements and matches the applicants skills to those requirements. This way, the resume reviewer can see the candidates relevant qualifications at a glance.
Sample Targeted Cover Letter
Your Name Your Address Your City, State, Zip Code Your Phone Number Your Email
Date
Name Title Organization Address City, State, Zip Code
Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name:
I am interested in the Coordinator position advertised on XYZ. My resume is enclosed for your review. Given my related experience and excellent capabilities I would appreciate your consideration for this job opening. My skills are an ideal match for this position.
Your Requirements:
Responsible for evening operations in Student Center and other facilities, including managing registration, solving customer problems, dealing with risk management and emergencies, enforcement of department policies.
Assists with hiring, training, and management of staff. Coordinate statistics and inventory.
Experience in the supervision of student staff and strong interpersonal skills are also preferred.
Valid Minnesota driver's license with good driving record. Ability to travel to different sites required.
Experience in collegiate programming and management.
My Qualifications:
Register students for courses, design and manage program software, solve customer problems, enforce department policies, and serve as a contact for students, faculty, and staff.
Hiring, training, scheduling and management of staff, managing supply inventory, and ordering.
Minnesota driver's license with NTSA defensive driving certification. Extensive experience in collegiate programming and management. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
I appreciate your taking the time to review my credentials and experience. Again, thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Your Signature
Your Typed Name
Sample Cover Letter - College Senior
Sample Cover Letter - College Senior
Review more cover letter samples.
Your Contact Information Address City, State, Zip Code Phone Number Cell Phone Number Email
Employer Contact Information
Name Title Company
Address City, State, Zip Code
Date
Dear Mr./Ms. LastName,
I am a senior at the State University interested in interviewing for a job as a Marketing Assistant with ABCD. I believe that ABCD has the ideal culture in which to pursue my goal of becoming an innovative and responsible arts administrator and contributing to the ABCD company's outstanding record as a center for exhibition and discussion of contemporary art and culture.
Academically, my extensive course work in the art history department at the State University has allowed me to gain an understanding and appreciation for the art you're your Company exhibits. I also have studied broader elements of arts management, including audience development and fund-raising as a part of my recent arts management class at State University. As a part of that class, I worked for the BCE Museum examining their marketing strategies, as well as other institutions, in an effort to discover the most effective and efficient manner to promote their upcoming exhibition. This rewarding experience working for the BCE Museum sharpened my desire to continue in this field and helped me develop the tools I need to be an? effective arts administrator. I have also been able to spend time working for BCE Museum specifically as a survey assistant, which has further strengthened my interest in museum studies.
My previous summer work experience as a staff reporter for The XWZ newspaper, as well as my experience working for my school's paper, has provided me with a strong base of communication knowledge and helped me learn how to develop and work on several projects at once, write about a diverse range of topics, work quickly and efficiently, and further developed my interest in becoming a better marketer.
I firmly believe that I will be a good fit in ABCD's innovative environment. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Your Signature
Your Typed Name
Sample Email Cover Letter
Sample Email Cover Letter With Resume Attached
Subject Line of Email Message: Communications Director Position
Email Message:
Dear Hiring Manager,
I read your job posting for a Communications Director with interest.
In my position as Communications Director for XYZ Company, I wrote articles for the company website, managed guest author submissions, and wrote and sent a weekly email newsletter to subscribers.
While Assistant Communications Director for Assemblyperson Susan Smith, I researched, drafted and amended legislation, wrote press releases, and was responsible for office communications and correspondence.
I also have extensive experience writing on a freelance basis on labor issues, which, I believe, would be an ideal match for this position. Articles are available for your review at:
URLURLURL
Additional writing samples and my resume are attached. If I can provide you with any further information on my background and qualifications, please let me know.
I look forward to hearing from you. Thank you for your consideration.
Jane DoeAddressEmail URL Home PhoneCell Phone
Cover Letter Template
The following cover letter template lists the information you need to include in the cover letter you submit with your resume. Use the cover letter template as a guideline to create customized cover letters to send to employers.
Then review cover letter samples to get ideas on writing your own cover letter.
Cover Letter Template
Contact InformationThe first section of your cover letter should include information on how the employer can contact you. If you have contact information for the employer, include that. Otherwise, just list your information.
Your Name Your Address
Your City, State, Zip Code Your Phone Number Your Email Address
Date
Employer Contact Information
Name Title CompanyAddress City, State, Zip Code
Salutation
Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name:
Body of Cover Letter
The body of your cover letter lets the employer know what position you are applying for, why the employer should select you for an interview, and how you will follow-up.
First Paragraph: The first paragraph of your letter should include information on why you are writing. Mention the position you are applying for. Include the name of a mutual contact, if you have one. Be clear and concise regarding your request.
Middle Paragraphs: The next section of your cover letter should describe what you have to offer the employer. Convince the reader that they should grant the interview or appointment you requested in the first paragraph. Make strong connections between your abilities and their needs. Mention specifically how your skills and experience match the job you are applying for. Remember, you are interpreting your resume, not repeating it. Try to support each statement you make with a piece of evidence. Use several shorter paragraphs or bullets rather than one large block of text.
Final Paragraph: Conclude your cover letter by thanking the employer for considering you for the position. Include information on how you will follow-up. State that you will do so and indicate when (one week's time is typical). You may want to reduce the time between sending out your resume and follow up if you fax or e-mail it.
Complimentary Close:
Respectfully yours,
Signature:
Handwritten Signature (for a mailed letter)
Typed Signature
Entry Level Resume Template
The following resume template lists the information you need to include on your resume when applying for an entry level position.
Review more resume templates and sample resumes.
Resume Template - Entry Level
Contact Information The first section of your resume should include information on how the employer can contact you.
First Last NameStreet AddressCity, State, Zip Phone (Landline or Cell)Email Address
EducationIn the education section of your resume, list the colleges you attended, the degrees you attained, and any special awards and honors you earned.
College, DegreeAwards, Honors
ExperienceThis section of your resume includes your work history. List the companies you worked for, dates of employment, the positions you held and a bulleted list of responsibilities and achievements. If you have completed internships, it's fine to include them in the experience section of your resume. You can also list summer jobs.
Company #1City, StateDates Worked
Job TitleResponsibilities / AchievementsResponsibilities / Achievements
Company #2City, StateDates Worked
Job TitleResponsibilities / AchievementsResponsibilities / Achievements
SkillsInclude skills related to the position / career field that you are applying for i.e. computer skills, language skills.
References available upon requestThere is no need to include references on your resume. Rather, have a separate list of references to give to employers upon request.
Resume Format
Use the following information to format your resume. Generate a list of information to include on your resume, then compile the details to format your resume into a customized resume to send to employers.
Review sample resumes and a resume template you can use to create a resume.
Resume Format
Your Contact Information First Last NameStreet AddressCity, State, Zip Phone (Cell/Home)Email Address
Objective (optional)What do you want to do? If you include this section it should be a sentence or two about your employment goals. A customized objective that describes why you are the perfect candidate for the job can help your resume stand out from the competition.
Career Highlights / Qualifications (optional)A customized section of your resume that lists key achievements, skills, traits, and experience relevant to the position for which you are applying can serve dual purposes. It highlights your relevant experience and lets the prospective employer know that you have taken the time to create a resume that shows how you are qualified for the job.
ExperienceThis section of your resume includes your work history. List the companies you worked for, dates of employment, the positions you held and a bulleted list of responsibilities and achievements.
Company #1City, StateDates Worked
Job TitleResponsibilities / AchievementsResponsibilities / Achievements
Company #2City, StateDates Worked
Job TitleResponsibilities / AchievementsResponsibilities / Achievements
EducationIn the education section of your resume, list the colleges you attended, the degrees you attained, and any special awards and honors you earned.
College, DegreeAwards, Honors
SkillsInclude skills related to the position / career field that you are applying for i.e. computer skills, language skills.
References available upon requestThere is no need to include references on your resume. Rather, have a separate list of references to give to employers upon request
Sample Combination Resume: Management Position
Jose A. Adelo 1525 Jackson Street, City, NY 11111
555-555-555 email: [email protected]
OBJECTIVE
To obtain a position where I can maximize my multilayer of management skills, quality assurance, program development, training experience, customer service, and a successful track record in the Blood
Banking care environment.
SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS
Results-oriented, high-energy, hands-on professional, with a successful record of accomplishments in the blood banking, training, and communication transmission industries. Experience in phlebotomy, blood banking industry, training, quality assurance, and customer service with focus on providing the recipient with the highest quality blood product. Fully compliant with FDA cGMP, Code of Federal Regulations,
AABB accreditation, and California state laws.
Major strengths include strong leadership, excellent communication skills, competent, strong team player, attention to detail, dutiful respect for compliance in all regulated environment, as well as
supervisory skills including hiring, termination, scheduling, training, payroll ,and other administrative tasks. Thorough knowledge of current manufacturing practices, and a clear vision to accomplish the
company goals. Computer and Internet literate.
PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Facilitated educational projects successfully over the past two years for Northern California blood centers, a FDA regulated manufacturing environment, as pertaining to cGMP, CFR's, CA state and
American Association of Blood Bank (AABB) regulations, and assure compliance with 22 organization quality systems.
Provided daily operational review/quality control of education accountability as it relates to imposed government regulatory requirements in a medical environment.
Assisted other team members in veni-punctures, donor reaction care and providing licensed staffing an extension in their duties by managing the blood services regulations documentation (BSD's) while
assigned to the self-contained blood mobile unit (SCU).
Successfully supervised contract support for six AT&T Broadband systems located in the Bay Area. Provided customer intervention/resolution, training in telephony and customer care, Manpower
Scheduling, Quality Control, Payroll, and special projects/plant extensions and evaluations to ensure proper end-of-line and demarkcation signal.
Reduced employee turnovers, introduced two-way communication to field employees, enhanced employee appearance, and spearheaded the implementation of employee (health) benefits.
Supervised and maintained the position of System Technician in charge of status monitoring and the integration of monitoring devices in nodes and power supplies. For the reception and transmission of
telemetry to the network operation centers (NOC's) located in Denver, CO and Fremont, CA. Designed plant extensions, improved the paper flow and inventory control for the warehouse. Provided
preventative maintenance at the system level, face to face customer interaction when required ,and traveled to several telephony/@home systems in the U.S. for evaluation and suggestions in using the
status monitoring equipment.
Chief point of contact for the AT&T telephone and the ABC Affiliated TV stations, as it relates to complaints and diagnosing communicational problems either at the site or remote broadcasting. Also
tested/repaired prototype equipment for possible consideration or for future use.
Reviewed FAA safety requirements and procedures to ensure compliance for aircraft and passenger safety.
Communication expert and programming specialist for the intermediate range Lance and Persian missile systems. Trained to operate and repair the (FDC) fire direction control computer system and field satellite
communications.
Served as Instructor/Supervisor (during my off time) for military personnel and their dependents in various recreational classes to include; automotive repair/preventative maintenance, wood making, stain
glass, photography, and pottery.
WORK HISTORY
Acting Education Manager, American Red Cross, Oakland, CA: 2004 - 2008 Education Coordinator, American Red Cross, Oakland, CA: 2003 - 2004
Phlebotomist, American Red Cross, Oakland, CA: 2001- 2003 Cable Television CATV Supervisor, Core Communication Inc, Sunnyvale, CA: 1998 - 2001
CATV System Technician, TCI Cablevision Inc, Fremont, CA: 1991 - 1998 Technician/Day Shift Supervisor, Avantek Inc, Milpitas, CA: 1984 - 1991
Airport Security Supervisor, Wackenhut, San Jose, CA: 1983 - 1984 Multi Craft Instructor, APO NY Germany: 1981 - 1983
Communication Expert, US ARMY, APO NY Germany: 1979 - 1983
EDUCATION
Associate of Art, Administration of Justice, San Jose University, San Jose, CA NCTI Certified, CATV System Technician, Denver, CO ABM Certified, Cornerstone Technician, Denver, CO
References and work sample available upon request
Sample Chronological Resume - Retail
=============
Paul Jones
6 Pine Street
Arlington, VA 12333
555.555.5555 (home) 566.486.2222 (cell)
Experience
Key Holder, Montblanc
April 2001 - February 2005
• Opened new specialty boutique
• Placed orders to restock merchandise and handled receiving of products
• Managed payroll, scheduling, reports, email, inventory, and maintained clientele book and records
• Integrated new register functions
• Extensive work with visual standards and merchandising high-ticket items
Sales Associate, Nordstrom - Collectors and Couture Departments
July 1999 - April 2001
• Merchandised designer women's wear
• Set-up trunk shows and attended clinics for new incoming fashion lines
• Worked with tailors and seamstresses for fittings
• Scheduled private shopping appointments with high-end customers
Bartender
Jigg's Corner
February 1997 - July 1999
• Provide customer service in fast-paced bar atmosphere
• Maintain and restock inventory
• Administrative responsibilities include processing hour and tip information for payroll and closing register
Education
Ramapo College, Arlington, Virginia
Computer Skills
• Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, and Internet
============
Curriculum Vitae Format
The following curriculum vitae sample shows the appropriate format for an international curriculum vitae.
Review the format, then take a look at curriculum vitae samples to get some ideas for writing your own CV.
Curriculum Vitae Format
Your Contact InformationNameAddressTelephoneCell PhoneEmail
Personal InformationDate of BirthPlace of BirthCitizenshipVisa StatusGender
Optional Personal InformationMarital StatusSpouse's NameChildren
Employment HistoryList in chronological order, include position details and datesWork History
Academic PositionsResearch and Training
EducationInclude dates, majors, and details of degrees, training and certification High SchoolUniversityGraduate SchoolPost-Doctoral Training
Professional QualificationsCertifications and AccreditationsComputer Skills
Awards
Publications
Books
Professional Memberships
Interests
Curriculum Vitae Template
A Curriculum Vitae, commonly referred to as CV, includes a summary of your educational and academic backgrounds as well as teaching and research experience, publications, presentations, awards, honors, and affiliations.
International employers often expect to read the type of personal information on a curriculum vitae that would not be included on an American resume. When writing a CV for graduate school or academia the personal information included in this curriculum vitae template would be omitted.
The following curriculum vitae template will give you an example of what to include in your CV and shows the appropriate format for a curriculum vitae, then take a look at curriculum vitae samples to get some ideas for writing your own CV.
Sample Curriculum Vitae Template
CONTACT INFORMATIONNameAddressTelephoneCell PhoneEmail
PERSONAL INFORMATIONDate of BirthPlace of BirthCitizenshipVisa StatusSex
Optional Personal Information:Marital StatusSpouse's NameChildren
EMPLOYMENT HISTORYList in chronological order, include position details and datesWork HistoryAcademic PositionsResearch and Training
EDUCATION Include dates, majors, and details of degrees, training and certification High SchoolUniversityGraduate SchoolPost-Doctoral Training
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONSCertifications and AccreditationsComputer Skills
AWARDS
PUBLICATIONS
BOOKS
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
INTERESTS
Sample Academic Curriculum Vitae
The following curriculum vitae sample will give you an example of what to include in your academic CV and shows the appropriate format for a curriculum vitae.
More Sample Curriculum Vitae
Sample Academic Curriculum Vitae
CONTACT INFORMATIONNameAddressCity, State, ZipTelephoneCell PhoneEmail
SUMMARY STATEMENT (Optional) Include a brief list of the highlights of your candidacy.
EDUCATIONList your academic background, including undergraduate and graduate institutions attended.
Graduate Institution, City, StateDegree, MajorDate of GraduationDissertation
Graduate Institution, City, StateDegree, MajorDate of GraduationThesis
Undergraduate Institution, City, State Degree, MajorDate of Graduation
EMPLOYMENT HISTORYList in chronological order, include position details and dates.
POSTDOCTORAL TRAINING List your postdoctoral experiences, if applicable.
FELLOWSHIPS List internships and fellowships, including organization, title and dates.
LICENSES / CERTIFICATION List type of license, certification or accreditation and date received.
PUBLICATIONS / BOOKS
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
SKILLS / INTERESTS
============
Curriculum Vitae (CV) Example
FRANCISCO PIRES
PERSONAL DETAILS
Full name: PIRES, FRANCISCO Manuel Prego de Ochôa e AzevedoNationality: Portuguese (born in Lourenzo Marques, Mozambique)DOB: 17:12:62Marital status: MarriedAddress: Rua Augusto Gil, 41 – 4460-211 Senhora da Hora, Porto, Portugal Mob.: (+355) 932 687 548 / (+355) 964 644 718 Fax. : (+355) 220 125 439 E-Mail: [email protected]
PROFILE
My career has led me to specialize increasingly in the management of complex multi-cultural projects and their staffs at international levels. I have experience in: strategic forward-planning; operating within the tight financial disciplines imposed by ambitious budgets which I have helped to plan; methodical administration to deadlines (not to speak of crisis management where necessary); and the application of modern leadership methods (through staff motivation and involvement in both decision-making and target-setting, clarity in communication, and easy personal inter-relations). My own cosmopolitan background and analytical interests in other cultures, together with a command of several European languages, have also left me confident in handling negotiations that require the reconciliation of different national approaches to otherwise common problems.
Skills Base
Familiarity with both the artistic and the commercial worlds, the culture of government, and European regulations
Tested management techniques in both continental and British contexts Proven leadership and human management skills Budget design and monitoring Time-efficient, systematic working methodology Rapid adaptability to new problem-solving and new locations
Languages: Portuguese, English, Spanish, French, and Italian IT: Word, Excel, Windows Clean driving license
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PROFESSIONAL CAREER:
Head of Public and Building Services at The Casa da Música Concert-Hall (Porto) September 2006 - Present
Head of Public Services at the Casa da Música, responsible for:
Coordination and management of the Front of the House staff team and services Coordination and management of the information desk and call centre team Coordination and management of the guided building tours team Coordination and management of the commercial department, which is responsible for the
commercial exploitation of The Casa da Música’s facilities, either for private or corporate functions, shows, etc.
Coordination and management of the contracts and activities of the outsourcing companies responsible for the catering and parking at The Casa da Música.
Head of Building Services at the Casa da Música, responsible for:
Coordination and management of the Maintenance team, responsible for the building’s maintenance. Coordination and management of the outsourcing companies of Security and Cleaning.
Consultant for multi-cultural projects mainly in the following matters:
Strategic Planning for multi-cultural projects. Establishing a venue’s main purpose in line with the artistic project; Definition of a building’s specifications for architectural programmes; Design and planning of the organizational structure and future operational strategy for the uses of
activities in different venues. Planning and definition of requisite profiles for different departments, from Production and
Maintenance to Marketing and Front of House staff.
Creator and Director of the course “Specialization on Production and Management of Performing Arts Events”, held at “Universidade Lusófona” the largest private University in Portugal. This course provides wide information about the different aspects and specialized matters involved in the
management and production of cultural events and venues.
Production and Operational Director of the Casa da Música Concert-Hall (Porto) April 2005 – August 2006 Production and Operational Director of the Casa da Música, responsible for:
Coordination of the Production team (stage, light and sound technicians) and the production of Casa da Música events (Pop, Rock, Jazz, World Music, Classical and Contemporary Music performances - .educational workshops – exhibitions and multimedia installations – conferences – receptions, etc.)
Coordination of the Maintenance team, responsible for the building’s maintenance Coordination of the outsourcing companies working for Casa da Música such as, Catering, Security
and Cleaning.
Production Director and General Coordinator of the Casa da Música Concert-Hall Project (Porto)1999/2005(The Concert Hall was designed by the acclaimed ‘Pritzker’ prize-winner, the Dutch Architect, Rem Koolhaas. A multi-auditorium venue for music and a base for musicians, its role is to celebrate the whole spectrum of music-making [including recording] and so to eliminate cultural barriers to communication between performers and audiences. For further details see www.casadamusica.com)
Responsibilities Oversight and execution of all building specifications and the launch of the architectural programme:
Supervision of the project’s development in close cooperation with the architect’s office (OMA), often in Rotterdam, in order to optimize its functionality and future operation with special reference to acoustics, sight-lines, seating and public space in separate parts of the building dedicated to different uses
Planning and definition of the conditions for concessionary spaces in the building Planning, definition of requisite profiles for the Production and Technical areas, including team
responsible for the provision of lighting, sound, video, scenography and acoustics Design of future operational strategy for the uses of activities in the building Production planning of, and budgeting for, the season’s performances (up to 12 months ahead) in
close association with the Head of Artistic Planning
Key Achievements
Mastery and detailed application of highly complex brief comprehending the overall development of the project
Successful negotiating at national and international levels
Technical and Production Director of ‘PORTO 2001 – European Cultural Capital’ (Head-hunted)
1999/2001
Responsibilities
Coordination of production and execution of all musical events programmed for Porto’s year as
European Cultural Capital. This involved over 200 musical performances ranging from opera, concerts by classical and symphony orchestras, period music (Rennaissance and Baroque) and recitals, to contemporary musical ensembles, jazz, and Fado etc.
Coordination of up to 800 visiting technicians overall for the various productions brought in at different times during 2001
Key Achievement
Major regional, national, and international musical impact.
Concerts Manager for the Royal Scottish National Orchestra (Glasgow) 1997/1999
Responsibilities
Coordination of 100 orchestral players Clockwork organization of all concerts, numerous tours in the UK and overseas, recording sessions
etc. Arrangements concerning visiting conductors and soloists
Key Achievements
Rapid familiarization with UK standards, professional requirements, and networks Successful communication with British players and technical staff Acquisition of new personal perspective on sophisticated working procedures and company
organization schemes in another culture (especially given that I was the first Portuguese citizen to be appointed to orchestral-management levels in the UK)
General Manager/Orchestra Manager of Orquestra Nacional do Porto, the Oporto Symphony Orchestra1989/1997Member of the team that was set up to create the previously named ‘Orquestra Clássica do Porto’ and ‘Orquestra do Porto da Régie Cooperativa Sinfonia’
Responsibilities
Programming all orchestral activities, such as rehearsals, concerts, tours and recording sessions Detailed budget forecasting for each season in conjunction with the Board of Directors Supporting the Artistic and Musical Director over the programming of the concert season, booking
conductors, soloists and extra players for the orchestra Dealing with 50 players of 33 different nationalities from five continents
Founder and Partner of ‘ESTREIA – Agência de Espectáculos, Lda’, an Artistic Agency 1994/1996
Responsibilities
Organization and production of artistic events e.g.
- Musicals: ‘Porgy and Bess’ with the New York Harlem Company; the ‘Macdonald’s Sisters’ (Negro Spirituals and Gospel); - Dance: ‘Ballet Nacional de España’ (Spain); - Orchestral Tours: ‘Orquestra Sinfónica da Galicia’ (Spain); ‘Orchestra of Yale University’ (USA); Orquestra Sinfónica Portuguesa’ (Lisbon); - Events for Private Sponsors: chamber-music concerts, dancing and singing performances
Contracting artistes: musicians, dancers, actors, performers etc. Technical advisers to ‘Coliseu do Porto’ (the biggest Concert Hall in Oporto City – 3,200 seats)
Export Department of ‘Tudor Group – Batteries and Dry Cells’ (the largest European producer of batteries and dry cells) 1987/1989
Responsibility
Fostering commercial relations with the People’s Republic of China, Taiwan, Japan, United Kingdom, France, Zaire, Ivory Coast and Spain
Various Departments in ‘AGRIA-WERKE’, Portugal – Agricultural Machines Ltd 1976/1987
Responsibilities
Assistant to the Executive Director (from 1985) Sales Manager responsible for all salesmen and agencies around the country Supervision of the invoicing process and computer system in Accounts
EDUCATION (by part-time study after work)
Lusíada University of Lisbon
1982/1987Graduate in History, with Honours (Consequently invited to teach at university level)
Gregorian Institute of Lisbon
1979/1983General Music Studies including a singing course
CULTURAL INTERESTS AND PHYSICAL RECREATION History, music, sociology, psychologyWorking-out and swimming
* The Casa da Música:Created out of the program of activities undertaken during Porto’s year as European Capital of Culture in 2001, the Casa da Música is designed to enable the performance and recording of classical, folk, popular and progressive music in the different auditoria and recording studios contained within its spectacular building. The highest standards of public service are offered to the people of Porto and its region on a specifically non-elitist basis so as to widen musical involvement. The Casa da Música structure encompasses an Education and Research Department which is focus on the schools sector and socially deprived areas of the city through the floating and design of special projects, plus a publishing and music research program. Casa’s artistic project also included the creation of an Ensemble of Contemporary Music in the year 2000, the Remix Ensemble, which is becoming a reference in the European contemporary music groups. These initiatives further include the Opera Studio, which already provides a post-graduate training for young singers.
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VOCABULARY
Your CV (curriculum vitae) is a summary of your work experience and education, used for job applications.A resume (properly written as resumé) is an American English term for a CV.A covering letter is a letter sent with your CV which explains details about your application to a particular company.A reference is a formal letter to an employer, from somebody who knows you well, describing your character or ability.A referee is a person who provides a reference for you.
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DESIGNHow should I design the layout of my CV?
There are many ways to design a CV. This section gives an example
Always type your CV.Print your CV on good quality white paper. The paper size should be A4 (this is 21.0 cm wide
and 29.7cm tall).Usually you should not attach a photograph.
Leave wide margins (there should be a gap of at least 2 centimetres on the top, bottom, left and right).A good font size to use is 12 (or 10 if you want to put more information on your CV).The document should use only one font style, for example Times New Roman.Use bold (Bold) or italics (Italics) to emphasise important words.Only underline section titles (or do not underline any words).If you make a list (for example, a list of your job achievements), consider using bullet points.
Try to keep the CV on one side of paper, or use two sides if you have a lot of relevant work experience or qualifications.Keep your sentences short and simple.A typical section order is:
- Name- Address- Employment- Education- Other skills- Personal details
An explanation of how to complete the various parts of a CV is shown below.There is an example CV shown below.
Name
When writing your name, always put your own name first and your family name last (even if you write the family name first in your own country).
Address
Include the full postcode in your address.Make sure that you will be able to collect all mail sent to this address (if you move, ask the owner to forward letters to you).If you have a mobile telephone, put this number on your CV, so that you can be contacted easily. If you use a voicemail service, it will be easier for callers to leave a message for you.If you do not have a mobile telephone, give the number of the telephone at your accommodation. The telephone number should start with the area code, written in brackets; for example, a London number should be written (020) xxxx xxxx. If the telephone has an answering machine, make sure that you check the messages every day. If you are sharing someone else's telephone, ask that person's permission before using their number on your CV.Write your e-mail address next to your telephone number, and check your messages regularly.
Employment
Create two columns
Use the left-hand column for dates.For start and end dates, use either full years (eg 1998-2000) or the first three letters of the month followed by the last two digits of the year (eg Jun 98-Sep 00)
In the right-hand column, provide information about each of your job roles.Start by writing the name of the company (in bold) and its location.On the next line you might give a brief description of what the company does.You might give a title for your job (and perhaps a department name) on another line (highlighting this in bold italics)You should list your main responsibilities and achievements within each role (perhaps using bullet points)
List the most recent jobs first.Give more detail for recent jobs. Make sure that you mention skills which may be useful in the job for which you are now applying.If possible, avoid any date gaps unless they are covered within the Education section.Don't mention how much you were paid.
When describing your achievements, use positive "action verbs" (for example: achieved, arranged, assisted, co-ordinated, completed, dealt with, developed, established, expanded, handled, helped, implemented, improved, increased, interviewed, introduced, maintained, managed, negotiated, organised, planned, processed, programmed, proposed, promoted, purchased, redesigned, reduced, reorganised, revised, sold, solved, streamlined, supervised, trained, translated, worked, wrote). You should not use the word "I" on your CV; this is understood. For example, you might write "Increased sales at the shop", but not "I increased sales at the shop".
Education
Remember that the person reading your CV may not be familiar with the education system in your country.
Create two columns
Use the left-hand column for the dates.For start and end dates, use either full years (eg 1998-2000) or the first three letters of the month followed by the last two digits of the year (eg Jun 98-Sep 00)
In the right-hand column, list the name of the school or university on one line, followed by further details (the course name or the number of exam subjects passed) on the next line.
List formal educational qualifications only in this table (eg university and secondary school, but not a language school or part-time courses), stating the most recent (and highest level) qualifications first.
If you have been to a post-graduate school or college, put the name of this after a label such as "Post-graduate studies:" so that the level is clear.
If you have been to a university, use the word "University" in the name, or put a label such as "University:" before the name so that the level is clear. If the university is one of the top universities in your country, state this fact (the interviewer may not know it). State the name of the town and country after the university's name.In the description, put the name of the main subject studied (try to avoid using the words "major" or "minor", which are used in American English). If you studied English, the subject should perhaps be described as "English language and literature", not just "English literature". Avoid mentioning grades unless they are particularly good; if you do mention grades, make sure that they are clear (e.g. "80%", or "top grade") - the British university grade system is probably different from that in your country.
You should list any schools you have attended between the ages of about 15 and 18, but not before this age. You should add the label "Secondary school:" before the name of the school, or include the words "High School" in the name. If you took exams in a wide range of subjects, you may prefer to list only the number of subjects passed instead of the subject names, or if you have been to university you may choose not to list any secondary school qualifications.
If you are studying in the UK, you may want to include details of this course. If so, write this in a line under the main table. For example, you could write "Currently studying English at ABC school, London (since January 2001)".
Other skills
If you have other skills or qualifications which you believe may be relevant, you can list these. For example:English exams which you have passed (eg "Passed Cambridge First Certificate of English").Computer skills (eg "Good knowledge of standard office software, including e-mail and the internet")Typing speed (only mention this if you are applying for data entry or secretarial jobs)An international driving licence (only mention this if you may need to drive for the job)
Personal details
Create two columns; use the left-hand column for labels and the right-hand column for information.The exact list of personal details you want to give may depend on your circumstances and what the job requires, but the list below will give you a guide.
Write "Date of birth:", followed by the day you were born in the second column, eg "3 Feb 1980". Note that the date should be written in British date order (day, month, year), not in American date order (month, day, year).
Write "Nationality:", followed by your nationality eg "Japanese".
You may want to write "Gender:", followed by "Male" or "Female", if this is not obvious to a British person from your name. Whether you are a man or a woman may be relevant for some jobs.
Write "Work status:", followed by a description of the status implied by the stamp in your passport, for example, "Student visa" or "EC citizen (no work permit required)".
Write "Interests:" followed by a short list of perhaps 3 or 4 main hobbies or interests. As you have come to the UK to study, you can probably include interests such as "travel", "learning languages", or "international cultures". Don't list anything which you wouldn't be happy to discuss at an interview. Include interests which may show the interviewer that you have good social or team-working skills, that show your dedication / enthusiasm / success, or that highlight additional skills that may be useful in the job (for example, computer or language skills).
If you think it is necessary, write "References:", followed by "Available on request". You should only provide references if your employer asks for them. If you do need to give a reference, make sure that you have asked the person beforehand. Possible referees include a teacher or previous employer. It may complicate your application if you give the name of a referee who lives abroad; if you want to do this, make sure that the person will be able to provide comments in English, and give an e-mail address so that delays can be minimised.
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EXAMPLE CV
AKIKO TANAKA
52 Orchard Street, London W2 3BTTelephone: 020-7654 3210; Mobile: 07960 999999; E-mail: [email protected]
Employment
1999-2001 Natural Group, Tokyo, Japan
A manufacturer and retailer of natural foods and supplements in Japan
Sales Assistant· Advised the main shop's customers about organic and health foods · Developed new business in smaller satellite stores, explaining the benefits of supplements and organic food to potential new customers· Increased sales at both the main and the satellite shops. The extra profits were used to expand the business by establishing a new shop
1997-1999 Sony Corporation, Tokyo, Japan
A Japanese conglomerate which develops and manufactures consumer and industrial electronic equipment world-wide
Administration Assistant, General Affairs Department· Examined incoming mail and redirected this to the appropriate division· Translated foreign letters (written in English) into Japanese
Customs Clearance Officer, Import Division, Sony Air Cargo
· Completed reports (e.g. bills of entry) to facilitate the import of goods from abroad· Dealt with customs enquiries and procedures
Education
Sep 2001 - Britannia School of English, London
English language school; passed Cambridge First Certificate exam in June 2002
1993-1997 Meikai University, Chiba, Japan
Degree in International Relations
Other Skills
Computer literate: good knowledge of Word and Excel, as well as e-mail and the internetFluent in Japanese; practical knowledge of English and Korean
Personal Details
Date of Birth 6 January 1975
Nationality Japanese
Gender Female
Work status Student visa
Interests Studying English, visiting museums, playing golf
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COVERING LETTER
If you are sending an application directly to a potential employer, you should write a one-page letter to accompany your CV (a "covering letter").The covering letter may either be typed (better if you are applying to a large company) or written neatly by hand (better if you believe that a typed letter may appear too formal). There is an example covering letter shown below.
If you know the name of the person who is dealing with the job applications, you can start the letter with "Dear Mr Smith" or "Dear Ms Smith" (you can use "Dear Mrs Smith" if you know she is married; if the person has a title you should use it, for example "Dear Professor Smith"), and in this case you should end the letter with "Yours sincerely". If you do not know the name of the person, you should start the letter with "Dear Sir" or "Dear Sir/Madam", and end the letter with "Yours faithfully".
If you are applying for a particular job vacancy, write which job you are applying for (including a reference number if there is one) and where you saw the advertisement. Briefly describe why you think you are suitable for the job; mention any relevant work experience or qualifications which you have.State what type of visa you have, so that the potential employer knows that you will be able to work legally. You may want to mention the level of your English ability.
Explain in your letter how you can be contacted. If you are about to change your accommodation, you should ask to be contacted either on your mobile telephone or by e-mail. If you give the telephone number of your host family, you should ask them for their permission first, and you should check if they have an answering machine.
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EXAMPLE COVERING LETTER
Akiko Tanaka
52 Orchard Street
London
W2 3BT
Mobile: 07960 999999
E-mail: [email protected]
Fortnum & Mason's
181 Piccadilly
London
W1A 1ER
3 August 2002
Dear Sir/Madam,
Re: Job as a part-time sales assistant (reference: JBW5014)
I would like to apply for the job of a part-time sales assistant in the food section of Fortnum & Mason's in Piccadilly, as advertised in Loot Recruit on 2 August. Please find attached a copy of my CV.
My previous jobs include two years as a sales assistant in an organic food shop in Japan. This has given me experience of dealing with customers, as well as cashier skills and a basic knowledge of food retailing. I have been living in London since last September, and am currently studying English at a language school. I have good English communication skills (recently I passed the Cambridge First Certificate in English exam). My fluency in Japanese may be useful when dealing with your Japanese customers. I am an enthusiastic worker, and enjoy working in a team. My student visa entitles me to work up to 20 hours per week (or longer during my school holidays), and I could start work immediately.
I would welcome the opportunity to discuss the job vacancy with you on the telephone or at an interview. I can be contacted most easily on my mobile telephone or by e-mail (see details at the top of this letter).
Yours faithfully,
Akiko Tanaka
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SENDING YOUR APPLICATION
Check your CV and covering letter carefully before you send them.Use the spell-checker on the computer (set the language to British English rather than American English).Ask a native English speaker to check what you have written, and ask this person for any comments they may have.
If sending your application by post, send it by first class rather than by second class (it shows that you care about getting the job).If you send an application by e-mail, telephone to make sure that it has arrived, or send an application in the post as well.
Alternatively, you may wish to hand in your application personally; if so, use this opportunity to find out more about the company and ask when you can expect to hear from them.
If you have not heard from the company two weeks after you sent your application (or before the closing date for applications, if there is one), telephone the company to check that your job application has been received and that there haven't been any problems contacting you.
It is often the case that people are invited for an interview for only a small number of the jobs to which they apply. Try not to feel depressed if it takes a long time to get a job. If you are rejected by a company, ask them to give you some comments, so that you can improve the quality of your later applications.
Portfolios for Employment
An online portfolio provides a way to reveal your credentials to the world. It allows you to package the best evidence of your candidacy for employment such as your resume, artwork, reports, lesson plans, transcripts, certifications, articles, letters, and more in a form easily accessible via the Internet.
The Purpose of a Portfolio
A well-prepared portfolio provides "evidence" to an employer of your accomplishments, skills, abilities and it documents the scope and quality of your experience and training. It is an organized collection of documentation that presents both your personal and professional achievements in a concrete way.
Portfolios can range in from something as simple as an online version of your resume to a web site full of materials. A portfolio can include word
processing files of your resume and writing samples, digital images of your graphic and artwork, and video and audio files.
Portfolio Design
Designing your web site well can significantly alter your user's reaction to your work. Your goal in creating a portfolio is to present your credentials and personal information in a manner that is functional, user friendly, and aesthetically pleasing. If you have some HTML or other web programming skills, you may want to consider creating a web portfolio that utilizes a more interactive and presentational effect. If not, you may want to utilize a portfolio service where you can simply upload your documents to a portfolio web site.
There are sites which offer free web hosting and other sites like Portfolios.com which offer a free option specifically for portfolios. You can show five samples of your work in a two page layout. Other, more extensive, portfolio options are available for a fee.
Build Your Portfolio
Remember that your portfolio is a work in a process. You don't need to upload everything at once. Take it one step at a time and take the time to create a professional, polished portfolio. Shoddy work won't reflect well on your candidacy for employment.
Keep your portfolio current. Check to make sure everything is in working order on a regular basis. That means no broken images or broken links to other sites or outdated information. If you have a link to your email address test it to make sure it works.
Add a link to your portfolio to your resume and mention it in your cover letters so employers can access the information quickly and easily.
Step: 1
EXPERIENCEMany people underestimate the importance of experience. It seems the common thought is that we will be discovered in a resturaunt one day, and placed in a major motion picture with the likes of Brad Pitt the next day. Many famous celebrities were at one point struggeling actors, often times taking several months to land their first audition. But they continued to gain experience by going to every audition they could. Not only does experience help dictate your work ethic, you also put yourself in a position to be noticed by more industry executives. Go to auditions as often as possible.
Search for auditions and casting notices
Step: 2
BIOGRAPHICAL STATSCasting directors often get a black and white headshot and a resume. But what does the rest of your body look like? What color are your eyes or your hair? This is vital information for a casting director to have, and many actors often times forget to include it. Height, weight, eye color, hair color, measurements, etc. These are commonly the first things a casting director looks for when searching for talent.
Develop your resume online
Step: 3
HOBBIES/SKILLSWhen a casting director looks at your portfolio, they may like your look, but will you fit the part? Your hobbies and skills not only tell them what you like to do, but it illustrates the kind of person you are. Some people like to read, some people are into extreme sports. Two actors with similar looks may not both fit the part. The activities actors enjoy in real life are often times portrayed on the screen. It is important to be sure your personality comes out here.
Develop your resume online
Step: 4
TRAININGEven some of the best actors that are born with outstanding talent have to study and practice for every role. Some actors will never get the part because they lack the training and experience. Most professional actors hire training coaches every time they
are working on a major production. Such professional training may cost a substantial amount of money; however, it will play an important part in actor's life. At first you should take some basic training at a local acting school or college. For more inexpensive training try well recommended acting workshop.
Search for acting schools, workshops and acting coaches
MODELING
A small runway show in your local mall might land you the biggest audition with a beauty magazine. You never know where that opportunity will come up. You don't have to look "perfect " there are tall models, short models, skinny and full size models.
Modeling AuditionsFirst step is always to research on auditions in your local area. If you leave in a small town your best bet is to audition in a near by City. Most of major casting is done in California, New York, and Europe. Every city has a well established modeling agency that is affiliated with major players in the industry. Audition for a few different agencies and see what they say. Usually if they like you a lot, you will notice it in the first 2 minutes. The key to success here is to pick an agent that is well known and established! Ask for their references and credentials before signing any contracts.Search for auditions
Modeling School / TrainingModeling might seem easy. Nevertheless often models don't get the part because of lack of training and modeling experience. You can be the best looking individual for the spot, but someone else with more training and experience will take it. At least get some basic training from a specialized modeling school. The industry has many standards that you need to follow when you audition for major players. If you are considering modeling as full time career then you must invest into a portfolio and schooling. Besides knowing how to walk down the runway, how to turn, and pose, you have to keep on training to become the best model possible. Great training cost good money, but be careful in your selections there are many scams. Check school references & credentials.Search for photographers
Modeling Portfolio/ Resume Unlike basic headshots which an actor uses, a model must go through various photo-shoots and create a modeling portfolio. Putting together a processional modeling portfolio is a MUST! In the portfolio, should be a variety of pictures, black and white and in color, different poses, and a variety of appearance ( such as picture in a bathing suit, riding a horse, or wearing glasses and a teacher uniform.) Your portfolio is the main tool that will sell you in the entertainment Industry. Remember modeling casting directors and agents will only look through your portfolio once, so you have only one chance to capture their interest. The better your portfolio the better will be your responses! You should spend anywhere between $800-$2000 depending on the photographer. The best photographers also have awesome connections so here is your chance to get referred to a great modeling agency. All your pictures must be presented in an organized order. A modeling resume is much simpler. Just have all your current contact information, your height, size, weight, and clothing measurements. Be sure to include all the training and work you were involved in. Processionals like to hire processionals so include all your modeling experiences.Example: Modeling Portfolio
What to Include in Your Web Design Portfolio
A portfolio should include examples of your best work, the work you are proud of, and the work that best demonstrates your skills. But Web designers and Web developers have special needs for their portfolios - especially if you want to show off your programming, Flash, or dynamic HTML skills. So the first step in deciding what should go in your portfolio is to decide how you're going to maintain your portfolio:
Print or hard copyThis is the traditional form of a portfolio. If you are doing graphic design as well as Web design, many employers and clients will expect to see hard copies of your portfolio. Having a hard copy portfolio is also helpful for in-person interviews, you can bring it with you and display your work right away.
OnlineMost Web design portfolios are online. If you do a lot of programming, Flash, or dynamic HTML, an online portfolio is the only way you can showcase your skills so that employers and clients can see it in action.
Always Use Only Your Best Work
If you have a lot of items to choose from, choose at most 5 to 10 items to put in your portfolio. It can be very tempting to put everything you've done or even everything you like a lot, but the reality is that nobody is going to look at the pieces beyond 5 to 10. More than that and you risk the client or employer getting bored with the portfolio.
Don't use anything you're not happy with, even if the client was pleased. If you have reservations about a project or wanted to make changes that were not approved by the client, those qualms will be apparent when you discuss it with new clients. You want to use items that you are excited about, that make you happy, and that show off. This is not a time to be modest.
What to Include in a Web Design Portfolio
1. Complete websitesWhenever possible, you should include a copy of the complete website in your online portfolio. Make a copy of the files and place them on your own Web server. You never know when a client is going to change the site, so pointing to their website is risky, unless you still work for them. Always get permission. I recommend having a clause in your contracts that you can store a copy of your work on your personal server for use in your portfolio.
2. Screen shots of Web pagesIf you can't get the complete site for your portfolio, be sure to take a screen shot of your work once it's live. The screen shot should include the entire browser window, including the site URL. This shows your clients that the site was live.
3. High resolution imagesIf you did graphic design work you should save high resolution versions of your images for your portfolio. Remember that even if the image is only used on the Web, if you have a print copy of your portfolio, high resolution images look better than images at Web resolution.
Graphic Design Portfolio Presentations
You've assembled all your best projects into a nice-looking leather case. Where you were weak in real-world projects you've filled in with some great made up examples that show you know your stuff. Now what? Now you have to present that great graphic design portfolio you've created to potential clients or employers and explain your work.
When to Present a Graphic Design Portfolio
There is no single best time to present your desktop publishing or graphic design portfolio. You'll probably find during the course of an interview that its presentation naturally fits into the conversation. The client may come right out and say "Show me what you can do." At some point while discussing the type of work they want done it will be the perfect time to show them similar work you've done in the past or ways you've solved problems similar to one they've mentioned.
When discussing the specific samples in your graphic design portfolio, always listen to the client for clues as to what they want to know about the piece. Focus on how a particular piece solved a problem or filled a specific need. Some interviewers may want to know more about the mechanics of how a piece was created. Others may be more interested in how you came up with the idea.
"Make sure you know what typeface you're using and why. I have a friend who was very interested in the interviewee's choice of a typeface. He asked the person; 'Why did you choose this particular typeface?' The interviewee responded: "It was the only one I had on my computer." Steve Fleshman, Founder/Creative Partner DR2
Don't push your graphic design portfolio on the interviewer. Not all clients want to see work you've done for someone else. They are more interested in hearing about you and your ideas for their business. Don't feel obligated to show every page in your graphic design portfolio.
"There will be times where the employer doesn't want to see your portfolio. Please don't take this personally. It could be that you have already WOWed them with your interview and further proof is not necessary." Brian Mairs, former About.com Guide to Job Searching - Canada
Sometimes you must present your graphic design portfolio without an in-person interview. Some clients or employers may ask for your sample work before scheduling an interview. With Web portfolios, anyone can view your work at anytime. In these cases, it may be appropriate to include explanatory notes outlining key points about each sample. Don't write a thesis on the piece but do include a few brief statements about why you chose a particular style or the reaction the piece was designed to evoke or specific requirements of the client that the design met.
Your AssignmentDo some role-playing. Get a friend or family member to play the role of the prospective client or employer and let you present your portfolio in connection with conducting a mock interview. Try out different scenerios for presenting your portfolio and discussing its contents and your work. If you want, just role-play only the portfolio presentation portion of a meeting to help gain confidence with discussing the different projects, turning the pages, and quickly finding examples based on questions from the client.
This article is part of our free Start a Desktop Publishing Business Email Course. Learn more about the course and sign up now.
Lesson 2: What Goes in Graphic Design Portfolios
You already know that portfolios should contain examples of your work, but which samples and in what format?
Put Your Best Foot Forward in a Portfolio
In general, you want to show that work which best shows off your skills and expertise. If you aren't comfortable with a piece (even if the client loved it) you're probably better off leaving it out of your portfolio.
1. Actual samplesWhenever possible, use actual samples. That is, if you did a four-color brochure for a client, put one of the original brochures in your graphic design portfolio rather than an inkjet copy. Anytime you do a job for a client, request extra copies in the print run. Some clients might be willing to part with a few gratis but normally you'd pay for extras yourself.
It may be wise to stipulate in your contract how many portfolio or sample pieces you'll receive. Use these in your portfolio and as non-returnable samples sent to potential clients.
"When I work, I stipulate that I am permitted to use their project for portfolio use, then I ask for a few copies of the finished product to add to my collection." — SueBee, in the forum
2. Tear sheetsIf your work involves items that appear in some other larger publication (such as ads in newspapers or yellow pages or illustrations used in a magazine) get your hands on multiple copies of the original publication. Tear out the page where your work appears.
3. CopiesIf you can't get originals then use proofs printed from your digital files to your desktop printer. Or, make the best photocopies you can of the original printed pieces.
4. PhotographsIf your work involves designs that are too large or odd-shaped to fit in traditional graphic design portfolios (large boxes, billboards), get the best photographs you can of the finished pieces. You might also want to accompany these photographs with smaller printouts of the digital files you worked from.
5. Screen shotsIf your work involves Web design or other non-print designs you can still put together printed portfolios. Make screen shots of the work or print Web pages from your Web browser. Since screen resolution may not always print crisp and clear you may want to include high-resolution printouts of special logos or other graphics you created for screen display.
TIP: Even if the logo or graphics you design are for Web display, start out with a high-resolution version and save it at various stages. You never know when a client will decide they want to use the design in print. And of course, that high-resolution version will look nicer in your printed portfolio.
Assignment for Lesson 2 on Portfolios
If you arrived at this page via search you've landed in the middle of a free class offered by email. This lesson is part of the Create a Portfolio in 6 Days email class offered by About Desktop Publishing. Sign up for the 6-lesson class.
Sample Resume for College Senior
Resume Contributed by Austin Lavin
Amanda Student123 College Street, State College, PA 12345
555-555-555 e: [email protected]______________________________________
Education
University of State, Philadelphia, PAMay 2009
Candidate for Bachelor of Arts in Biology GPA: 3.48/4, Dean's List, Senior Honor Awards Finalist
City High School, New York, New YorkMay 2009
Student Body President, Graduated with honors
Administrative Experience
University of State Annual FundFundraising Management, Philadelphia, PA
Supervising Team LeaderJanuary 2007 - Present
Assist the University of State Annual Fund in its fundraising goals; currently train, coordinate, and motivate over 60 student callers; conduct database management and statistical analysis; monitor success for a goal-
oriented team. Student Fundraising Specialist
October 2005 - January 2007Fostered telephone outreach and relation-building skills in development,
personally raised over $75,000 to date.
Treatment Research CenterUniversity of State Health System, Philadelphia, PA
Research Intern
February 2007 - PresentProvide assistance to addiction clinic Researchers and Technicians; duties include data processing and maintenance, organization of patient records,
and the development and understanding of all Center initiatives.
College Housing
Resident Advisor March 2005 - Present
Participated in diversity awareness and leadership training; currently organize and execute floor and house-wide events, provide academic and
personal counseling for residents in a community-oriented 700-resident building.
Volunteerism and Leadership
Town Elementary School, Philadelphia, PA January 2006 - June 2006
Tutored and mentored 2nd and 3rd graders in accordance with a developing reading program for struggling urban students.
New Students Orientation
August 2005, August 2006Selected to participate in peer-leadership, team-building, and
multicultural-conscientiousness workshops; mentored incoming new students; aided coordinators with new student orientation events and
training of other leaders
Additional Information
Biology Department Essay Contest, Runner-Up with Honorable Mention Computer proficiency including Apple and Windows, all MS Office
applications, and Photoshop Spanish proficiency
Sponsored Links
Resume Types: Chronological, Functional, Combination, Targeted
By Alison Doyle, About.com
See More About:
chronological resumes functional resumes combination resumes targeted resumes
Types of Resumes: There are several basic types of resumes used to apply for job openings. Depending on your personal circumstances, choose a chronological, a functional, combination, or a targeted resume.
Chronological Resume: A chronological resume starts by listing your work history, with the most recent position listed first. Your jobs are listed in reverse chronological order with your current, or most recent job, first. Employers typically prefer this type of resume because it's easy to see what jobs you have held and when you have worked at them.
This type of resume works well for job seekers with a strong, solid work history.Sample Chronological Resume
Functional Resume: A functional resume focuses on your skills and experience, rather than on your chronological work history. It is used most often by people who are changing careers or who have gaps in their employment history.Sample Functional Resume
Combination Resume: A combination resume lists your skills and experience first. Your employment history is listed next. With this type of resume you can highlight the skills you have that are relevant to the job you are applying for, and also provide the chronlogical work history that employers prefer.Sample Combination Resume
Targeted Resume: A targeted resume is a resume that is customized so that it specifically highlights the experience and skills you have that are relevant to the job you are applying for. It definitely takes more work to write a targeted resume than to just click to apply with your existing resume. However, it's well worth the effort, especially when applying for jobs that are a perfect match for your qualifications and experience. Sample Targeted Resume
Mini Resume: A mini resume contains a brief summary of your career highlights qualifications. It can be used for networking purposes or shared upon request from a prospective employer or reference writer who may want an overview of your accomplishments, rather than a full length resume. Mini Resume
Targeted Resume
targeted resumes how to write a targeted resume resume samples
A targeted resume is customized so that it specifically highlights the experience you have that is relevant to the job you are applying for. It definitely takes more time to write a targeted resume, but, it's worth the effort, especially when applying for jobs that are a perfect match for your qualifications and experience.
How to Target Your Resume
The easiest way to target your resume (without rewriting the whole resume) is to include a Resume Summary of Qualifications or Career Highlights section at the top of your resume.
Review the job description, then review your resume. Take the experience, credentials, and education that best match the job posting and include them in the Summary of Qualifications section at the top of your resume. Then list your experience in reverse chronological order, just like you would on a traditional resume.
Sample Help Wanted Ad with Targeted Resume
The following is an example of a job posting, along with a sample resume written specifically to apply for that position. You can see how the resume writer made sure that her highlighted skills are exactly what the employer is seeking.
Sample Help Wanted Ad for Human Resources Manager Recruit all exempt and non-exempt employees. Orient new employees to the organization. Design and implement staff training and development programs. Manage employee retention initiatives.
Administer all compensation, benefit, and state mandated programs including processing of enrollments, terminations, unemployment, and workers compensation claims. Responsible for compliance with state and federal labor laws. Serve as COBRA administrator for the company. Member of union contract negotiating and management team.
Human Resources Manager Targeted Resume Sample
The following is a sample resume targeted to the above job posting. As you can see the Summary of Qualifications closely correlates with the job ad.
Resume Summary of Qualifications
Experienced manager with expertise in human relations and project management
Extensive background in staff recruitment and retention Staff training and development Superb written and oral communication skills Organizational and Strategic Planning Management Coaching Program Marketing Contract negotiation and compliance Knowledge of Federal and State Employment Law
Targeted Resume for Human Resources Manager Position Review the targeted resume.
Targeted Cover Letters
In addition to targeting your resume, you will need to target your cover letter in a similar fashion. Again, take the skills that match the job criteria and highlight them. You will need to show the hiring manager that you're a
qualified candidate. You will only have a few seconds to convince him that you should considered for an interview.
Writing Targeted Cover LettersHow to write a targeted cover letter that will get your application noticed.
How To Write a Resume (When You Have No Job Experience)
how to lists resume writing cover letters sample resumes sample cover letters
A resume can make or break you in your search for a job and it can be particularly difficult to write one that shines when you have little or no work experience. Here we show you what to include on your starter resume.
Difficulty: Average
Time Required: A few hours.
Here's How:
1. Select a simple and standardized format, nothing too fancy. Try one of the examples given at jobsearch.about.com.
2. Use heavy weight plain white or off-white paper and avoid flashy fonts or scented sheets (You’re not Elle from Legally Blonde)
3. Make sure your contact information is accurate and up-to-date. Include a primary contact number, and a cell phone number and email address if you have them. Note: if your email address has a nickname or an overly cutesy name consider opening a free email account with some variation of your actual name, nothing ruins a resume faster than a name like [email protected] in the contact line.
4. Include an introductory paragraph of 2 or 3 sentences telling the employer about your strongest and most desirable personality traits. Tailor this to highlight those traits most
applicable to the job for which you are applying. This is sometimes called an Objective Statement.
5. If you truly have no work experience don’t try to flub, instead list your volunteer work or community activities. If you’ve done work experience through a course at school make note of it here. If you’ve had odd jobs, or done things like baby sit or yard work for neighbors list it here and if at all possible get letters of reference.
6. Next list course work at school that you feel is relevant to the job. Make note of any academic achievements or awards. Explain how you think your excellent performance in these areas would benefit the employer or enhance your ability to do the job. If you can, get a letter of reference from a teacher of one of the courses you mention.
7. List your extracurricular activities of a non-volunteer nature such as sports, church or youth groups, school committees, etc. If you have a position of authority in any of these groups make note of it and describe your duties as if they were a job.
8. Finally, sell yourself by making a list of your skills, special talents, or positive personality traits.
Tips:
1. When writing your first resume never pad it or make it longer than a page; employers aren’t expecting a long work history from a first time worker.
2. You may see a lot of things on this list that appear as “don’ts” on resume and job hunting websites but remember that this is your first resume and the rules change once you have some work experience or career oriented education.
3. Don’t lie and always be true to who you are. Any deception will be very obvious to an experienced interviewer and will cost you the job.
More Teen Advice How To's
Targeted Cover Letters
cover letters how to write a cover letter writing cover letters targeted cover letters
What does it take for your resume and cover letter to make an impact when the employer has received hundreds of resumes for the position you have applied for? I've spoken to employers who receive 400-500 resumes for every position they list on a major job site like Monster or CareerBuilder. It seems like an almost impossible task to weed through them to find the best candidates to interview.
Making the Cut
Employers do manage to reduce the pool of cover letters and resumes to a manageable number. How they do it can give you some insight in to how to write cover letters that will make the cut. Because, if your cover letter doesn't pass muster, your resume won't even get a look.
If your cover letter and resume aren't perfect they most likely will end up in the reject pile. And perfect means perfect - there should not be any typos or grammatical errors.
Employers typically won't even consider a candidate that they cannot see is qualified at first glance. That first glance at your cover letter is your one opportunity to make a good impression and make it to the next round.
Targeted Cover Letters
It's certainly easier to write generic or blanket cover letters than it is to write a cover letter specifically targeted to each position you apply for. However, if you don't invest the time in writing cover letters you're probably not going to get the interview, regardless of your qualifications.
Here are some suggestions on how to write cutting edge cover letters that work:
Make a Match
This one takes some time and effort and it's not always easy, but, it's important. Take the job posting and list the criteria the employer is looking for. Then list the skills and experience you have. Either address how your skills match the job in paragraph form or list the criteria and your qualifications.
Sample Job Posting
BOX OFFICE MANAGER. Conduct, oversee subscription and ticket sales for events. Generate and maintain reports, perform accounting activities related to box office revenue, oversee operations. Requires customer service skills and accounting experience.
Cover Letter Example 1: Paragraph
As Box Office Assistant for the Light Opera Company I was responsible for customer service, ticketing patrons, and generating and maintaining box office reports. In addition, I maintained records and accounting reports for all box office transactions.
Cover Letter Example 2: List
Box Office Manager Requirements:
Conduct, oversee subscription and ticket sales for events Generate and maintain reports, perform accounting activities Customer service skills and accounting experience
My Skills and Experience:
Box office management including ticketing, maintenance of records and ticket database management
Maintain and generate reports Box office accounting transaction and reporting Customer service, seating, and ticketing patrons
As you can see, in both cases, the candidate has written a detailed cover letter that should pass the first screening. In order to pass that screening, you must specifically address the job ad and state why you are qualified for the position.
Given this competitive job market, it is critically important to target your cover letter and your resume. That way the employer knows exactly why you are qualified for the position and why they should consider you for an interview.
The Right Stuff - Or Not? What to do if you don't have the right stuff? It's a certainty that the person with ten years of child care experience, and no computer experience, who applied for an Oracle programmer position at a colleague's company won't get an interview. I hate to sound pessimistic, but, if your qualifications don't come close to matching the criteria for the job, I would save your time and the company's time and not apply. In most cases, there are too many qualified candidates whose cover letter and resume will make the cut.
Instead, focus on applying for jobs you do qualify for and spend some time gaining the additional skills or education (volunteer, take a class, etc.) you need to prepare to apply for positions that are a rung or two up the ladder.
Resume Resources
Thank You Letters
thank you letters
writing thank you letters thank you letter samples
Thank You Note
Writing a thank you letter, or thank you email, after an employment interview is a must. In fact, some employers think less of those interviewees who fail to follow-up promptly. Plan to send out your thank you letters or thank you notes as soon as possible (preferably within twenty-four hours) after your interview.
Customize Your Thank You Letters
Like any piece of writing, it is best to keep your audience in mind. Address their issues and concerns. In general, typed (paper or email) thank you letters are recommended.
However, some surveys suggest than hiring managers like hand written thank notes, too. So, consider the "personality" of the organization and the rapport you felt during your interviews. If your interview was a fairly informal process and/or you achieved an immediate rapport with your interviewer, a handwritten note is fine. When you're not sure what to write, review thank you letter samples and follow up letter samples to get ideas. You can also use a thank you letter template as a guide when writing your letters.
In addition to thanking the person you talked with, the thank you letter reinforces the fact that you want the job. Note: Even if you do not want the job, write a thank you letter respectfully withdrawing your application, because you never know what the future holds so why burn your bridges?
View Your Thank You Letters as Sales Letters
You may also view your thank you letters as follow-up "sales" letters. In other words, you can restate why you want the job, what your qualifications are, how you might make significant contributions, and so on. This thank you letter is also the perfect opportunity to discuss anything of importance that your interviewer neglected to ask or that you neglected to answer as thoroughly, or as well, as you would have liked.
Group Thank You Letters
What if you spent an entire day being interviewed (and taken to lunch) with several people? Are individual thank you notes appropriate or should you write a "group" letter? Choose your approach based on what you think will be most in keeping with the "personality" of the organization. Also, consider whether the interviews had very much in common with one another. If there was a great deal of similarity (i.e., shared concerns mutually voiced by your interviewers), perhaps a "group" letter will suffice. My preference though, would be to take the extra time and send an individual thank you letter to everyone you met with.
Lunch or Dinner Interviews
When dining and interviewing be sure to thank everyone you spend time with, both for the meal and for taking the time to discuss the position and the company with you.
When You're Not Sure What to Write
Time takes precedence - get a simple, appreciative thank you note in the mail or send a thank you by email without delay; save your creative efforts for another time. If you're not sure what to write, review a few sample thank you letters or personalize our thank you letter template.
Remember to Proofread
Check spelling, grammar, typos, etc. If in doubt about the correct names, spellings or titles of your interviewers, call the office to double-check. Your efforts will be worth it!
how to follow up following up after sending a resume sample follow up letters
You have sent a resume to a company you'd like to interview with and you haven't heard back right away. What do you do next? You can either wait patiently, presuming the employer will contact you if they are interested, or you can choose to follow-up with the employer.
How to Follow Up
If you don't hear back from within two weeks, it may be beneficial to follow-up. Employers and recruiters may prefer follow-up by email. If no email address is listed, try sending a note or calling. If neither email, address or a phone number are listed, or the posting says not to contact the employer, following the instructions and don't follow up.
What to Ask
What are the next steps in the recruiting process? Will all candidates be contacted? Do you need any additional information about my candidacy? (Or briefly share new info that
adds to your candidacy.)
If you plan to visit the company’s location, mention the timeframe and your eagerness to meet – ask if it’s possible to arrange an interview during your visit.
Resume Follow-Up Letter
how to follow up sample follow up letter following up after sending a resume
Sample Follow-Up Letter After Submitting a Resume
Review more follow up letter samples.
Subject Line of Email Message:Programmer Position - Jane Doe Application
Email Message:
Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name: (if you have a name, otherwise omit this line)
I submitted a resume earlier this month for the programmer position advertised in the Times Union.
I am very interested in working at XYZ Company and I believe my skills, especially my C++ experience at ABD company, would be an ideal match for this position.
If necessary, I would be glad to resend my resume or to provide any further information you might need regarding my candidacy. I can be reached at (555)555-5555 or [email protected]. I look forward to hearing from you.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Signature
Jane Doe
=======
Please Note: This sample is provided for guidance only. The provided information, including samples and examples, is not guaranteed for accuracy or legality. Letters and other correspondence should be edited to fit your personal situation.
How to Write the Perfect Sympathy Letter
by Larry Barkdull, Award-Winning, Nationally Recognized Writer
Do you know a friend or relative who has experienced a death, personal
loss, or other misfortune? Perhaps this person was recently divorced or
has been injured in an accident. Maybe you know an expectant mother
who has recently suffered a miscarriage. These are times when you need
just the right words to say just the right thing. A store-bought sympathy
card is not as personal as a hand-written letter, but you may buy a card
and put your letter inside it. Here are some tips to help you write a tactful
Sympathy Letter that will be much appreciated:
Try to be empathetic. Imagine yourself in the other person's place.
What would you like to hear? What would make you feel better?
Be brief. Much is communicated with "I'm so sorry. Please know you're
in my thoughts." In times of loss, no one wants to read a lengthy letter
(it's hard to read when you're crying). Communicating that you care is
enough.
Don't be dramatic. A Sympathy Letter needs to be written with
beautiful prose, but dramatic language may seem insincere. Tell how you
learned about the news in simple terms. It is perfectly acceptable to
relate your deep shock at hearing about the death or loss. Avoid using
graphic terms to refer to a death that was tragic or gruesome.
Be personal. If your Sympathy Letter concerns a death, be sure to
mention the deceased's name and the circumstances that caused the
loss of life. Be honest; don't hesitate to use the word "death" or note the
actual cause of death. Share your personal sadness. Remind the
bereaved you support them at this difficult time and they are not
completely alone in their suffering.
Example:
o Bill made me feel at home when I first moved here. I am so sorry that
cancer took him at such an early age. I will miss him.
Mention positive memories. If your Sympathy Letter concerns a
death, and if you knew the deceased, pay tribute to the person's life by
mentioning something positive: a happy memory from your experiences
together, a notable achievement, etc. You can even relate a story about
how the deceased touched your life. Be sensitive, but it is not necessary
to avoid humorous incidents that could help lighten the moment and
would be gratefully received. Laughter is a great healer. You could also
mention a special characteristic of the deceased-something you will
always cherish.
Examples:
o a contagious sense of humor, a generous nature, love of the arts,
courage, leadership, decisiveness.
Offer encouragement to the bereaved. Assume that the survivor
feels overwhelmed by the loss and doesn't know whether or not they
have the strength to get through it. State your confidence that they will
get through it. Time is also a great healer. A comforting tactic that can
have a powerful effect on the survivor is to quote a loving remark that
was once made by the deceased about him or her. Remind the person in
mourning of their own personal strengths in descriptive terms.
Examples:
o resilience, patience, competence, religious devotion, faith, optimism, a
trusting nature.
Offer your condolences. How you will craft a condolence statement
will depend on your personal relationship with the person to whom you
are writing. For example, you may want to avoid being too religious if the
person is only an acquaintance or if you do not know if they even have a
religious affiliation. Most people would, however, appreciate being told
that they are in your prayers and thoughts. You probably know what will
bring them comfort. Write something that is congruent with your
relationship.
Offer practical help to the grieving person. Specific offers are better
than, "Let me know if there is anything I can do." Then take the initiative-
if you don't get immediate acceptance of an offer, then call back and
repeat it. Many people will think your first offer was just to be polite;
repeated offers demonstrate your sincerity.
Examples:
o "Can I help you with the grocery shopping?"
o "Can I run any errands for you?"
o "Can I help with the children?"
o "Can I write any letters for you?"
Show sensitivity. Allow people to grieve in their own way and for as
long as is needed. There is a time to mourn! Be careful not to offer
advice when none is wanted or needed. Remember, at the moment the
bereaved needs a loving friend, not a counselor.
Examples (what not to say):
o "You need to go on a long cruise."
o "Look on the bright side."
o "It's all for the best."
Close with an expression of comfort. End your Sympathy Letter with
an expression of comfort, sympathy, or affection. Let your concluding
words reflect the truth of your feelings. You may want to close your letter
simply with one word such as "Love," or "Sincerely," or you may want to
use a phrase or a complete sentence followed by your name.
Examples:
o "My love and concern are with you always,"
o "You are continually in my thoughts and prayers,"
o "My heart and my tears are with you,"
o "I share in your grief and send my love,"
Final Note: Use descriptive words when you compose your Sympathy
Letter.
Examples:
burden, caring, comfort, comforting, compassion, concerned,
consolation, difficult, endure, endurance, grief, grieve, heal, healing,
heartbreaking, heartfelt, help, hope, hurt, hurtful, loss, love, misfortune,
mourn, mourning, overcome, pain, painful, regret, regrettable, sad,
shocking, sorrow, sorry, struggle, struggling.
How to Write the Perfect Request Letter
by Larry Barkdull, Award-Winning, Nationally
Recognized Writer
This article will give you basic guidelines for
writing various types of Request Letters.
Typically, you would write a Request Letter
when you wanted to ask for one of the
following:
a job interview
a raise or promotion
a specific type of information
Our Awards
2,200 proven
letters for dozens
of common
a third party to compose a letter on your behalf
Request for an Interview
(This is the most common type of Request
Letter)
Use a formal letter style such as block or semi-
block format. These styles begin with the date,
followed by the name and address of the
person to whom you are writing, a reference
line, the salutation, the body, and the
complimentary close. See the Internet for
format details. Compose and print your letter
on a computer, using bright white inkjet paper.
Introduce yourself. Explain that you are writing
to arrange an interview so that you could have
the opportunity to discuss positions that may
become available in a specific department of
the company. If someone referred you, be sure
to include his/her name.
Briefly describe your background and why you
are interested in the employer's industry,
career field, or organization.
Indicate that you will follow up with a phone
call to see if it will be possible to schedule an
interview at a convenient time so that you may
bring your résumé and discuss your
qualifications.
Close the letter professionally. For example:
"Sincerely," followed by your name. Your letter
should have clear contact information,
including your complete address, telephone
number, and e-mail address.
occasions,
including crucial
business letters.
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Other things to keep in mind:
Do not enclose a résumé--you are just asking
for an interview.
If someone referred you, ask him/her
beforehand about the best approach for asking
for the interview.
Request a Raise or Promotion
(You may be due for a step up the ladder)
Don't waste your employer's time. Immediately
state the reason that you believe you are
qualified to receive a promotion or raise.
To establish credibility, give examples of your
accomplishments, loyalty, years of service, etc.
You are providing evidence to build your case.
Confidently, but respectfully, make your
request.
Thank your employer for taking the time to
consider your request.
Request a Specific Type of Information
(You may need copies of public records)
Get to the point. Tell the reader exactly what
type of information you need and politely ask
him/her to send it to you. Assure the reader
you will pay any customary fees that are
involved.
Provide a brief explanation as to why you need
this information. For example: You are
compiling your family history and would like a
copy of your great grandmother's marriage
license.
Thank the reader. Be sure to provide your
contact information (complete address,
telephone number, and e-mail address).
Request a Third Party to Compose a Letter on Your Behalf
(You may need a letter of recommendation)
If necessary, remind the reader how he/she
knows you, and briefly review any high points
of your relationship. Examples: this person was
one of your professors in your M.A. program
and gave you an "A" on a research project or
he or she was your supervisor at one time and
commended you for the quality of your work.
Clearly describe the type of letter you are
requesting. Be specific.
Give the reader any information, details, and/or
explanations that will help in writing the letter.
Busy professionals will appreciate it if you
provide the framework for the letter. If you
take as much work as possible out of the
request, you are more likely to get it!
Tell the reader your projected timeline and say
that you will check back at a certain date to
see if any more information is needed. Invite
the reader to contact you with any questions.
Thank your reader for his/her time and
consideration of your request.
Compliment or praise a product or service supplier
Copyright © 1996-2009 WriteExpress Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
Use of this material is subject to the WriteExpress License Agreement.
Tips: Keep your letter brief! Be sure to mention specifically
what you like about the service or product and, if
appropriate, mention the names of individuals who have
provided extra help.
Sample Letter #1:
We want you to know that we are very pleased with
the quality of service your company provides. We
sincerely appreciate your responsiveness and the way
you conduct business. We have recommended your
company to others because of our satisfaction with
your service. We look forward to doing business with
you for years to come.
Sample Letter #2:
We want you to know how much we appreciate the
way you have cared for our lawns and flowers this
year. I can't remember a time when our lawns have
looked so nicely groomed and weed-free, or when the
flowers have been more beautiful. Several visitors to
the corporate headquarters have commented on how
nice things look. Thank you for your excellent service.
Sample Letter #3:
Thank you for your prompt deliveries to our Doe Plant.
In our business we must get our products to the stores
on a regular schedule. We rely on dependable service
from suppliers like you to help us keep our schedule
and satisfy our customers. We want you to know that
we appreciate your efforts and look forward to
continuing our business relationship.
Sample Letter #4:
Thank you for the computer benchmarks produced by
Springfield Computer Associates; they really are
excellent!
Computer benchmarks produced by an independent
third party such as your company provide a
professional and unbiased standard that the industry
relies on for making critical purchasing decisions. In
addition, the software is easy to use and is updated
regularly.
Thank you once again for your contribution to the
industry.
You can also build your own letters with easy steps, sample phrases and sentences:
1. Tell the supplier that you are pleased with the service or product.
Sentences:
We want you to know how pleased we are with the outstanding service
you have given us.
I couldn't let our contract end without telling you how much I have
enjoyed your friendly service.
For five years you have faithfully delivered top quality products to our
door.
It's a pleasure to work with people who know the meaning of efficiency.
I would like to compliment your foreman on finishing the work a week
before the deadline. I appreciate the timely completion and the excellent
workmanship.
We have appreciated the friendly business relationship we have had with
your company.
The brochure you created for us was a huge success.
Phrases:
have appreciated
have been impressed with
have enjoyed your
how satisfied we have been
how pleased we are
how very much
it's a pleasure to
never fail to be impressed
our sincere appreciation
so rare nowadays
such excellent quality
the outstanding service
the quality of
to let you know
to thank you for
top quality products
want to express our
want you to know
2. Elaborate on the compliment.
Sentences:
Rarely has a supplier given us such complete cooperation.
We have always been able to rely on your flexibility and courteous
service.
Your staff has consistently made extra efforts to assist us in completing
our projects on time.
Your supporting work on the Doe project did not go unnoticed.
You always seem to make something positive out of negative events.
Phrases:
a commendable job
at a very reasonable cost
come through for us
consistently excellent service
creativity and initiative
did a great job
know that we can depend on
knowledgeable and helpful
made a special effort to
most satisfactory relationship
rendered invaluable assistance
save me the trouble
strong and durable
such impressive efficiency
the wonderful service you provide
tireless efforts
to meet our needs
well before the deadline
3. Add a final word of thanks.
Sentences:
Thank you for your support.
Thank you for your assistance.
We look forward to many more years of cooperation. Thanks.
Thank you for the timely deliveries.
Thank you for your promptness.
Phrases:
a continuing relationship
buy from you again
convey our thanks
dealing with you again
for the excellent service
for the fine job you did
look forward to
many more years of
mutually profitable relationship
our sincerest thanks
our wholehearted appreciation
please accept our
please pass on my
producing such a fine
thank everyone involved
thank you for
the next time
the quality of
trying your other products
will come back to you
will be sure to
working with you again
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Home > Letters and Writing > All Categories > All Topics > Apology Letters
Writing an Apology Letter
What You Need to Know
By Alice Feathers, M.A. TESOL, Professional Editor and Writer
Each of us has, at one time or another, said or done something that we
wish we hadn't said or done. Rather than dwell on the mistake, however,
we should take quick action to remedy the problem and then get on with
life. An effective letter of apology is an important part of that process and
can help turn "lemons into lemonade" and actually improve a
relationship. This short article will give you several reasons for writing an
apology letter and offer a few important suggestions to help you write a
good one.
TIMING. Write the apology letter as soon as possible.
ACTIONS. Rather than focusing on the damage you have caused, write
about things you will do to rectify the situation.
BRIEF. Keep your apology letter short and to the point.
SINCERITY. No one wants to read overly dramatic language. Choose
your words carefully and express yourself clearly and simply.
TONE. Your apology letter should be considerate and respectful.
Remember, you are trying to rebuild a damaged relationship.
BLAME. Take full responsibility for what you have done.
FOLLOW UP. Try to set up a time when you can apologize in person,
then back up your apology with considerate behavior in the future.
Apology Letter Tips:
For a defective, damaged, or incomplete product
Write this apology as soon as possible after the incident. Focus on actions
to rectify the situation rather than any damage you may have caused.
Accompany your apology with a promise of compensation or restitution. A
sincere apology can go a long way toward winning back a disgruntled
customer. Consider offering the customer a peace offering such as a
discount on their next purchase.
For a late payment
Your apology should be brief and to the point. Your reputation as a
trustworthy customer and credit risk may be in question, so your
immediate and thorough attention to the matter is important. Focus on
your actions to correct the problem and offer assurance it won't happen
again. A sincere, well-worded apology can do much to defuse a potential
problem. Rebuild your reputation by consistently making payments on
time in the future.
For a missed deadline
Apologize for a missed deadline as soon as possible after the incident.
The tone of your letter should be considerate and respectful because you
have probably caused some inconvenience. The letter should focus on
actions you will take to make up for the missed deadline. A sincere, well-
worded apology followed by positive action can do much to undo any
damage to your reputation. Rebuild your reputation by consistently
making your deadlines in the future.
For a shipping delay or error
Write this apology as soon as possible after the incident. Do not apologize
unless you plan to take full responsibility, and do not blame your reader
or anyone else in any way. A sincere, well-worded apology can be
effective in winning back an unhappy customer's confidence and
patronage. Consider offering the customer a peace offering such as a
discount on their next purchase.
For betrayed trust
Write this apology as soon as possible after the incident. Don't apologize
unless you plan to take full responsibility. Focus your comments on the
actions you are taking to rectify the situation, not on the damage done. A
sincere, well-worded apology, coupled with action, can go a long way
toward repairing the damaged relationship. In this situation, it is usually
best to apologize with a handwritten note or face to face.
For hurt feelings
Write this apology as soon as possible after the incident. Assume your
reader has good reason for being offended. Express your regret with
deep sincerity. In this situation, it is usually best to apologize with a
handwritten note or face to face.
For missing a meeting or an appointment
Whether you have already missed an appointment or will miss an
appointment in the future, an explanatory note is a courtesy that will be
appreciated. It shows you do take the relationship seriously. Be concise
and polite.
For missing an event or for forgetting someone
Write this apology as soon as possible after the incident. Focus your
comments on what you are doing to rectify the situation rather than on
any damage you may have caused. A sincere, well-worded apology can
go a long way toward patching up a damaged relationship. Back up your
apology with considerate behavior in the future.
For being late to a meeting or appointment
Write this apology as soon as possible after the incident. Don't apologize
unless you plan to take full responsibility and don't blame anyone.
Rebuild your reputation by being consistently on time in the future.
For offensive behavior
Write this apology as soon as possible after the incident. This apology is
best expressed with a handwritten note. Back up your apology with
considerate behavior in the future.
For poor or inadequate service
Write this apology as soon as possible after the incident. Don't apologize
unless you plan to take full responsibility. A sincere, well-worded apology
can help win back disgruntled customers and business associates. Back
up your apology with model behavior in the future.
For someone else (business)
Normally, you should only apologize for your own offenses. However, if
you are in some way accountable for the offender's behavior--as a
supervisor might be, for example--it may be appropriate to write an
apology even if the offender also writes one. Write a sincere apology as
soon as possible after the incident.
For someone else (personal)
Normally, you should only apologize for your own offenses. However, if
you are in some way accountable for the offender's behavior--as a parent
or youth leader might be, for example--it would be a good idea to write
an apology, even if the offender also writes one (under your guidance).
Write a sincere apology as soon as possible after the incident.
To an employee or employees
Write this apology as soon as possible after the incident. The apology
should be unilateral. Do not attempt to apologize unless you plan to take
full responsibility. A sincere, well-worded apology, coupled with action,
can go a long way toward patching up damaged relationships with
employees. Consider offering the employee(s) some sort of peace
offering such as a check bonus or a one-time, 2-hour lunch break.
Business apology
Write this apology as soon as possible after the incident. It should be
clear, concise, and dignified. Focus on actions you are taking to rectify
the situation, rather than on any resultant damage. A sincere, well-
worded apology can go a long way toward winning back disgruntled
customers and business associates.
Personal apology
Write this apology as soon as possible after the incident. Focus on actions
you are taking to rectify the situation, rather than on any damage you
may have caused. A sincere, well-worded apology can go a long way
toward patching up a damaged relationship. Back up your apology with
considerate behavior in the future.
Apology-Letter Summary
In order to make a letter of apology effective, always write it as soon as
possible after the offensive action takes place. Write a brief letter that is
carefully worded and sincere. Whenever possible, make suitable
restitution and assure the offended party that you will not repeat your
regrettable behavior in the future. Back up your apology letter with
appropriate behavior at the next available opportunity.
With WriteExpress, writing an apology letter is as easy as one, two, three!
1. Choose from a variety of prewritten apology letters --Easy
Letters has ready-to-use apology letters that cover 33 common
situations. Copy letters directly into Microsoft Word or your favorite
word processor.
2. Or, let our software guide you step-by-step through the
writing process, suggesting sample sentences and phrases during
each writing step. In minutes, you can write an effective apology
letter.
3. Print your apology letter and send it!
Essay Writing
by Jesse Seldess, Professional Writer
Learn how to write an essay
with these easy-to-follow tips.
How to Write an
Essay
Essay Writing
Descriptive Essay
Narrative Essay
Persuasive Essay
The Essay
Conclusion
Essay Writing -- The Myth
For many people, the
prospect of writing an essay
is unnecessarily daunting and
unpleasant. This is largely a
result of the misconception
that one's ideas need to be
fully formed before even
beginning the essay writing
process, before even putting
pen to paper.
Essay Writing -- The Reality
In reality, most of your ideas
develop during the essay
writing process. Through the
stages of brainstorming,
drafting, and revising, you
can explore your thoughts,
discover the ideas you want
to communicate, and work
out the best way to express
them.
If you relax and allow yourself
the freedom to spend time
exploring and articulating
your ideas, you'll find that
there are few activities more
liberating and rewarding than
the process of writing an
essay.
The Basic Steps of the Writing Process
Whether you desire to write a
narrative essay about a
personal experience, a
literary analysis of a story, an
argumentative essay
supporting a particular idea
or point of view, or any other
possible type of essay, the
steps of the essay writing
process are basically the
same.
Choose your topic. In
some circumstances,
especially when you are
given a particular essay
writing assignment, your
topic may be provided for
you. In other cases, you
may have the flexibility to
choose the topic you would
most enjoy to explore and
write about.
Think about your
purpose of your essay.
Understanding the purpose
of your writing can help
you develop the necessary
content and structure for
your essay. For example, if
your purpose is to write a
personal narrative, this
purpose reveals that you
should think about the
order in which you describe
the experience and,
therefore, the order in
which you present your
paragraphs. This purpose
also suggests that you
should use detailed and
vivid language to guide
your reader through the
description of your
experience.
Use free-writing and
brainstorming to
explore your topic.
Before you worry too much
about developing a clean
and orderly essay, spend
some time exploring your
topic and ideas. Free-
writing is a great way to
get started. Take out a
blank piece of paper and
write whatever comes to
your mind related to your
topic. Don't worry if the
ideas sound unclear or
unconvincing. Also, don't
worry about your grammar
or sentence structure. This
technique is simply to help
stimulate your ideas. You'll
probably be surprised at
what you discover through
this practice.
Plan an outline of the
general structure and
content of your essay.
After you have spent a
good deal of time
brainstorming and free-
writing, consider the ideas
you've discovered so far
and start to develop a
general outline for your
essay. Keep your outline as
clear and direct as
possible. Try to start with
the main idea you will
present in your
introduction. Then list the
most important ideas you
want to present in the
body paragraphs of your
essay. Under each point,
provide any specific
information you will use to
develop the point.
Write your first draft.
Using your outline as a
guide, draft your essay.
Although you could try to
draft each part of the
essay, the introduction, the
body paragraphs, and the
conclusion, you should also
feel free to draft whichever
part of the essay you feel
most capable of handling
first. You might want to
write the body paragraphs
first, for example, to help
you get a better
understanding of how to
articulate your main idea in
the introduction. At this
stage of your writing
process, try to remain
flexible and relaxed. Do not
put too much pressure on
yourself to write the
perfect essay on the first
try. Remember that even
at this stage, you might
discover new ideas that
work better than the ideas
you explored previously.
Take a break. It's often
very helpful to spend some
time away from your
writing. The time away
allows you regain a clear
and objective perspective.
It's also incredibly helpful
to get another person's
opinion about what you've
written. Ask a friend, a
family member, or even
your teacher to read over
your draft. When your
reader offers you feedback,
do not take his or her
comments personally. In
the end, any comments will
help see your writing
through another person's
eyes and gain a better
understanding of what
you've actually written.
Reread and revise your
essay. Try to allow quite a
bit of time for the revising
phase of your writing
process. In general, you
should write at least two to
four drafts of your essay
before you arrive at your
final version. When
revising, read through your
draft and think about
whether your writing meets
the requirements of your
purpose and assignment.
Think about which aspects
of your essay are working
well and which other
aspects are in need of
improvement. Don't
hesitate to make large
changes in your writing.
The more open you remain
to changes, the more likely
it is that your essay will
continue to develop and
thrive.
Get an outside opinion.
Before arriving at your final
draft, consider asking a
number of people to read
and offer feedback about
your essay. If you have
specific questions or
concerns, feel free to ask
your readers to focus on
those issues. However, it's
often most helpful to let
your readers respond
freely to what you've
written.
Add the finishing
touches. Take another
honest look at your essay,
and considering your own
concerns and the feedback
from readers, spend time
identifying any weaknesses
and then revising the
material. At this stage of
the process, you should
also pay close attention to
your spelling, grammar,
sentence structure, and
choice of words. To help
you identify such
problems, read the essay
aloud to yourself, sentence
by sentence.
How to Write a Descriptive Essayby Jesse Seldess, Professional
Writer
More than many other types of essays, descriptive essays strive to create a deeply involved and vivid experience for the reader. Great descriptive essays achieve this affect not through facts and statistics but by using detailed observations and descriptions.
What do you want to describe?
As you get started on your descriptive essay, it's important for you to identify exactly what you want to describe. Often, a descriptive essay will focus on portraying one of the following:
a person
a place
a memory
an experience
an object
Ultimately, whatever you can perceive or experience can be the focus of your descriptive writing.
Why are you writing your descriptive essay?
It's a great creative exercise to sit down and simply describe what you observe. However, when writing a descriptive essay, you often have a particular reason for writing your description. Getting in touch with this reason can help you focus your description and imbue your language with a particular perspective or emotion.
Example: Imagine that you want to write a descriptive essay about your grandfather. You've chosen to write about your grandfather's physical appearance and the way that
he interacts with people. However, rather than providing a general description of these aspects, you want to convey your admiration for his strength and kindness. This is your reason for writing the descriptive essay. To achieve this, you might focus one of your paragraphs on describing the roughness of his hands, roughness resulting from the labor of his work throughout his life, but you might also describe how he would hold your hands so gently with his rough hands when having a conversation with you or when taking a walk.
How should you write your description?
If there's one thing you should remember as you write your descriptive essay, it's the famous saying: show don't tell. But what's the difference between showing and telling?
Consider these two simple examples:
I grew tired after dinner.
As I leaned back and rested
my head against the top of
the chair, my eyelids began to
feel heavy, and the edges of
the empty plate in front of me
blurred with the white
tablecloth.
The first sentence tells readers
that you grew tired after dinner. The second sentence shows readers that you grew tired. The most effective descriptive essays are loaded with such showing because they enable readers to imagine or experience something for themselves.
As you write your descriptive essay, the best way to create a vivid experience for your readers is to focus on the five senses.
sight
sound
smell
touch
taste
When you focus your descriptions on the senses, you provide vivid and specific details that show your readers rather than tell your readers what you are describing.
Quick Tips for Writing Your Descriptive Essay
Writing a descriptive essay can be a rich and rewarding experience, but it can also feel a bit complicated. It's helpful, therefore, to keep a quick checklist of the essential questions to keep in mind as you plan, draft, and revise your essay.
Planning your descriptive essay:
What or who do you want to
describe?
What is your reason for
writing your description?
What are the particular
qualities that you want to
focus on?
Drafting your descriptive essay:
What sights, sounds, smells,
tastes, and textures are
important for developing your
description?
Which details can you include
to ensure that your readers
gain a vivid impression
imbued with your emotion or
perspective?
Revising your descriptive essay:
Have you provided enough
details and descriptions to
enable your readers to gain a
complete and vivid
perception?
Have you left out any minor
but important details?
Have you used words that
convey your emotion or
perspective?
Are there any unnecessary
details in your description?
Does each paragraph of your
essay focus on one aspect of
your description?
Are you paragraphs ordered in
the most affective way?
How to Write a Narrative Essayby Jesse Seldess, Professional Writer
Learn how to write a narrative essay with these easy-to-follow tips.
Writing a Narrative Essay
There's nothing like reading a great narrative. Whether in novel or essay
form, a narrative piece of writing transports readers into the time and
space of the world portrayed by the writing.
There's also nothing like writing a great narrative. Through reflecting
upon an event, and through recreating the experience for other readers,
writing a narrative essay can enable you to develop new, subtle, and
rewarding perspectives.
Basic qualities of a narrative essay:
A narrative essay is a piece of writing that recreates an experience
through time.
A narrative essay can be based on one of your own experiences, either
past or present, or it can be based on the experiences of someone else.
In addition to telling a story, a narrative essay also communicates a main
idea or a lesson learned.
First steps for writing a narrative essay:
Identify the experience that you want to write about.
Think about why the experience is significant.
Spend a good deal of time drafting your recollections about the details of
the experience.
Create an outline of the basic parts of your narrative.
Writing about the experience:
Using your outline, describe each part of your narrative.
Rather than telling your readers what happened, use vivid details and
descriptions to actually recreate the experience for your readers.
Think like your readers. Try to remember that the information you
present is the only information your readers have about the experiences.
Always keep in mind that all of the small and seemingly unimportant
details known to you are not necessarily known to your readers.
Communicating the significance of the experience:
It's often effective to begin your narrative with a paragraph that
introduces the experience and communicates the significance. This
technique guarantees that your readers will understand the significance
of the experience as they progess through the narrative.
Another effective technique is to begin the essay by jumping directly into
the narrative and then ending the essay with a paragraph
communicating the significance of the experience. This approach allows
your readers to develop their own understanding of the experience
through the body of the essay and then more deeply connect to your
expression of the significance at the end.
You might also consider introducing the experience in the first paragraph
but delaying your expression of the significance of the experience until
the end of the essay. This approach heightens your readers' sensitivity to
the significance of the narrative.
Revising your narrative essay:
After spending time away from the draft of your narrative essay, read
through the essay and think about whether the writing effectively
recreates the experience for your readers.
Ask other people to read through the essay and offer their impressions.
Identify where more details and descriptions are needed.
Identify and consider removing any information that seems to distract
from the focus and main narrative of the essay.
Think about whether you've presented information in the most affective
order.
Potential prompts for your narrative essay:
If you're having trouble choosing an experience to write about, take a
quick glance through these prompts. They might help you remember or
identify a particularly interesting or significant experience to focus on.
A childhood event. Think of an experience when you learned
something for the first time, or when you realized how important
someone was for you.
Achieving a goal. Think about a particularly meaningful achievement in
your life. This could be something as seemingly minor as achieving a
good grade on a difficult assignment, or this could be something with
more long-lasting effects, like getting the job you desired or getting into
the best school to which you applied.
A failure. Think about a time when you did not perform as well as you
had wanted. Focusing on an experience like this can result in rewarding
reflections about the positive emerging from the negative.
A good or bad deed. Think about a time when you did or did not stand
up for yourself or someone else in the face of adversity or challenge.
A change in your life. Think about a time when something significant
changed in your life. This could be anything from a move across town to
a major change in a relationship to the birth or death of a loved one.
A realization. Think about a time when you experienced a realization.
This could be anything from understanding a complicated math equation
to gaining a deeper understanding of a philosophical issue or life
situation.
How to Write a Persuasive Essay
by Jesse Seldess, Professional Writer
When writing a persuasive
essay, your purpose is to
convince your audience to
embrace your idea or point of
view. Keeping this purpose in
mind is the key to writing an
effective persuasion.
How to Write an Essay
Essay Writing
Descriptive Essay
Narrative Essay
Persuasive Essay
The Essay Conclusion
Essential steps for writing a persuasive essay:
1. Identify your main idea
or point of view. Your
purpose will be to
persuade your audience to
accept this idea or point of
view.
2. Identify your audience.
To write an effective
persuasive essay, try to
understand your audience.
For example, are your
readers undecided about
your issue? Or are your
readers hostile to your
point of view?
3. Considering your audience,
identify the strongest
supporting points for
your persuasion.
4. Identify the most
significant opposing
view. Explaining and then
refuting the opposing view
strengthens the credibility
and scope of your essay.
How to organize your persuasive essay:
Introduction
Your introduction should hook
your reader's attention and
provide background
information on your topic or
controversy.
The paragraph should end
with a clear statement of your
main idea or point of view.
Body paragraphs
Your body paragraphs should
present the points in support
of your main idea.
Each body paragraph should
focus on one point.
Be sure to provide evidence or
examples for each point.
Opposing view
After presenting your
supporting points, develop
one paragraph to accurately
explain and then refute the
most significant opposing
view.
Conclusion
Creatively restate your main
idea and supporting points.
Try to leave your audience
even more connected to your
topic and persuaded by your
main idea or perspective.
Writing a Conclusion for an Essay
by Jesse Seldess, Professional Writer
The conclusion is the last
Write letters with the words of pros!
Be inspired. Start
creating.
Get started and say the
right things
Use the #1 choice for
ready-to-use letters
paragraph of an essay. Although
often brief in comparison with
the other paragraphs, the
conclusion performs a number of
very significant functions.
When writing a conclusion for
your essay, it's helpful to keep
these basic considerations in
mind:
Your conclusion is the last
paragraph that your reader
will encounter.
Your conclusion should remind
your reader about the most
important aspects of your
essay.
In most essays, therefore,
your conclusion should
creatively restate the main
idea of the essay.
Your conclusion should also
leave your reader even more
interested in your topic and
idea.
For some essays, especially
for persuasive or
argumentative essays, it's
particularly effective to end
your conclusion by directly
addressing your reader with a
question or call for action.
Be sure to spend a good deal of
time planning and writing your
conclusion. A strong conclusion
can resolve and fulfill your essay
as a whole and make a real
impact on your reader.
REFERRAL APPROACH LETTER - EXAMPLE
Your Street Address
Your City, State ZIP
Date:
Mr. Robert Jones
Vice President, Operations
Widget Product Company
1221 Downtown Drive
Cleveland, Ohio 44111
Dear Mr. Jones:
Recently, I had a very interesting discussion about Operations Management with a friend of mine, John Anderson, Operations Manager at XYZ, Inc. During this meeting, John mentioned you, Mr. Jones, as someone he felt could provide some excellent insight into this area due to your 15 years in the industry, your current position overview and your affiliation with the widget makers of America. He described you as a knowledgeable professional in the industry and felt the kind of information you might provide in this area would be very valuable to me.
The reason I am interested in gathering more information about this area is because I am currently seeking to determine how my Operations Management skills best fit into the automotive components industry. In recent weeks I have been meeting with persons widely-recognized for their expertise in the industry, and John Anderson regarded you as equally-qualified in the field.
Mr. Jones, I want to make it absolutely clear that I do not expect that you have or even know of a current opening. I am simply seeking insight and would very much appreciate your ideas, suggestions, comments and reactions on how I might achieve my objective.
I do appreciate that your time is valuable, so I will come prepared and promise to keep our meeting brief. I will call you next Tuesday, May 10, to arrange a convenient time to meet.
Sincerely,
(Signature)
John Adams
NOTE: Do not enclose a resume with this letter! Offer to send a copy of your resume to the contact in advance, AFTER you have set up the meeting appointment.
Sample Condolence Letter
Samples Index Sample Letters
Sample Condolence LetterWriting a condolence letter is an extremely difficult but very important task. It is so difficult to cope with the death of a member of the family, close friend or associate that some people are unable to express their condolences. We hope that the following
tips and example of a condolence letter will help:
For a sincere and personal touch a hand written letter using this following layout, is preferable to a typed one. A sympathy card or note is also acceptable
Put yourself in the shoes of the person to whom you are sending the condolence letter A short but meaningful letter is far less painful to read than a long letter
Offer your condolences Describe your relationship with the deceased and how you felt about them - respect, admiration and what you will miss
about them Mention the unique strengths and achievements of the deceased
Offer your help and support
Extend your condolences to other members of the family
The Sample Condolence Letter provides details of a suggested layout and content for this difficult task.
Sample Condolence Letter Layout Sample Condolence Letter Content
For a sincere and personal touch a hand written letter using this layout, is preferable to a typed one. A
sympathy card or note is also acceptable
Address Details
Date
Dear xxxx,
First Paragraph
Second and Subsequent Paragraphs
Closing Paragraph
With Deepest SympathyorSincerely yours,
Jean (Brown)
First Sample ParagraphI am writing to extend my deepest sympathies to you and your family. I was so very sad to hear about _____, he/she was such a wonderful woman/man.
Main Body Sample Paragraphs I had the honor and the pleasure to know your husband/father/wife/sister and I was very sorry to hear about his/her passing away. I had the greatest respect for __________ and will miss working with him/ playing golf with him , his/her generous nature and sharing his/her remarkable sense of humor.
Closing Sample ParagraphPlease let me know whether there is anything I can do to help during this difficult time. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I will light a candle for _____ tonight.
Sample Layout Paragraph ContentLetter Writing
Sample Condolence Letter
Writing a letter of condolence A short but meaningful letter is far less painful to
read than a long letter Offer your condolences Layout, Structure, Content, Ideas and Format Helpful tips on writing difficult condolence letters Describe your relationship with the deceased and
how you felt about them Mention the unique strengths and achievements of
the deceased Offer your help and support Extend your condolence to other members of the
family A sympathy card or note is also acceptable as an
alternative to a condolence letter
Sample Condolence Letter
Copyright samples-help.org.uk © 2006Writing a Condolence Letter
How to Write a Sympathy Letter or Condolence Note for a Loss
© Kirsti A. Dyer
Apr 25, 2008
Sending your condolences or sympathies in a letter following a death is a very old tradition that is still very beneficial for the person who has lost a loved one.
For many people sending offers of sympathy and condolence is almost reflexive after hearing about the death of a family member or friend. People instinctively want to reach out and help, to offer support and comfort to those suffering from the loss.
One way of doing so is by honoring the old tradition of sending a condolence letter or sympathy card.
A well-written condolence letter speaks from the heart of the writer to the heart of the grieving person; the sympathy letter is written as though the writer is speaking directly to the grieving person.
Knowing how to write a sympathy letter can make it more likely that a person will send a letter of condolence following a time of loss.
Sympathy Letter vs. Sympathy Card or Condolence Note
The Condolence Letter or Sympathy letter is the longer, more formal expression of sympathy. These two terms are often used interchangeably.
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The formal Condolence Letter should be sent within two weeks of the loss or death, neatly written on stationery; it and may be sent as a follow up after sending a Condolence Note. Formal condolence letters are sent by businesses, health care professionals, veterinary professionals and the military.
A Condolence Note or Sympathy Card (Condolence Card or Sympathy Note) are the less formal forms used to express condolences or sympathies immediately following a death.
Why Write a Condolence Letter
Think of the sympathy letter as a written condolence call; it is a permanent reminder of your support for the grieving person. One of the main benefits of having condolences in written form is that the grieving person can pull out and reread the condolence letter at any time to remember.
Condolence letters sent following the death of a loved one are saved as treasured mementos and tangible reminders of the comfort received from friends, colleagues and other loved ones following a death.
How to Write a Condolence Letter
Zunin and Zunin reviewed thousands of condolence letters when researching their book, The Art of Condolence. They discovered seven key elements go into writing the typical Condolence Letter.
The key elements are 1.) Acknowledging the loss and the name of the deceased. 2.) Expressing sympathy. 3.) Note special qualities of the deceased. 4.) Including a memory of the deceased. 5.) Reminding the grieving person of their personal strengths or special qualities. 6.) Offering help, but making sure it is a specific offer and 7.) Ending the letter with a thoughtful word, a hope, a wish or expression of sympathy.
Writing a Condolence or Sympathy Letter can be very simple if one remembers the letter will be sending COMFORT to the grieving person (slightly adjusted to create a memory aid).
1. Comment on the loss and the name of the deceased
2. Offer sympathy
3. Mention special qualities of the deceased
4. Find a special memory to share
5. Offer specific help
6. Remind the person of his or her strengths and special qualities
7. Thoughtful closure
Following the simple COMFORT mnemonic to write a Condolence Letter will help in remembering the seven elements to include in a Condolence Note: Comment on the loss, Offer sympathy, Mention special qualities, Find a special memory to share, Offer specific help, Remind the person of strengths and end with a Thoughtful Closure.
An Example of a Condolence Letter Using the COMFORT Reminder
This is an example of a sympathy letter that could be sent to a friend following the unexpected death of her husband.
1. Comment the loss and the name of the deceased.
Dear ______,
I was so saddened to hear about _______’s death. It was so unexpected.
2. Offer Sympathy
I am thinking about you and your family during this very difficult time.
3. Mention special qualities of the deceased.
I will always remember _______’s calming presence during…
4. Find a special memory to share.
I remember the time when _______ went …
5. Offer specific help.
I will call you in a few days to see if you need help with the children or with shopping.
6. Remind the bereaved of their personal strengths or special qualities.
I know that your faith, family and friends will help you make it through this challenging time.
7. Thoughtful Closure
To quote a Josh Groban song,
"I know you’re there. A breath away's not far to where you are."
You will be in my thoughts,
(Your Signature) __________
Suggestions for Condolence Letter Closures
Zunin and Zunin recommend closing a condolence letter using thoughtful words, a prayer or a simple expression of sympathy as suggested by Zunin and Zunin. Typical letter closures such as "Sincerely," "Love," "Fondly," or "Warm Personal Regards" are not the best for Sympathy Letters.
Some suggestions for closures:
With Sympathy
With Deepest Sympathy
My Sincerest Sympathies
Sympathy from all of us
My Condolences
With Heartfelt Condolences
Thinking of you
You are in my thoughts
I'm praying for you
You are in my prayers
The time you spend to write down your message of COMFORT in a Condolence Letter can yield invaluable, long-term healing benefits for the grieving person and their family. These letters may be saved for years after the death and taken out anytime the grieving person wants to remember the comfort received from others during a difficult time. The thoughtfulness of this gesture of support will be remembered long after the death.
Resources:
Dyer KA. 2008. How to Write a Condolence Letter. Squidoo.com
Dyer KA. 2008. How to Write a Condolence Note or a Sympathy Note. Squidoo.com
Zunin and Zunin. 1991. The Art of Condolence. New York, N.Y.: HarperCollins Publishers.
The copyright of the article Writing a Condolence Letter in Improving Relationships is owned by Kirsti A. Dyer. Permission to republish Writing a Condolence Letter in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
Read more: http://improving-relationships.suite101.com/article.cfm/writing_a_condolence_letter#ixzz0HFo8BQMY&B
Congratulation Letters
You have one chance to send a letter of congratulation they will remember!
Don't let special occasions go unnoticed. We can help you write a congratulation letter that adequetely expresses pleasure
on the occasion of success or good fortune.
With WriteExpress software you get example congratulation letters to help you find the perfect words to say, plus choice
phrases and sentences recommended by professionals.
How to write an effective congratulation letter
Write the congratulation letter as soon as possible after the fortunate event takes place.
State in the beginning the specific occasion that has motivated you to write a congratulation letter.
Express praise and approval of the reader's accomplishment in your congratulation letter.
Keep your congratulation letter simple and concise--under one page in length.
Keep your letter positive and don't include any negative comments or unhappy news.
Don't suggest that the fortunate event should benefit the letter-writer in any way.
Don't exaggerate your congratulatory words or your letter may seem sarcastic or mocking.
With WriteExpress, writing a congratulations letter is as easy as one, two, three!
1. Choose from a variety of prewritten congratulations letters -- With WriteExpress software you get
ready-to-use congratulations letters for 33 common situations. Copy letters directly into Microsoft Word or your
favorite word processor.
2. Or, let our software guide you step-by-step through the writing process, suggesting example sentences
and phrases during each writing step. In minutes, you can write an effective congratulations letter.
3. Print your congratulations letter and send it!
For each topic you get several congratulation letters already written for you:
Congratulate a friend or associate on getting a new job
Congratulate a politician on an election or on the passage of legislation
Congratulate an employee on the anniversary of his or her service
Congratulate an employee, friend, or associate on an advancement or promotion
Congratulate an official on an appointment or on winning an election
Congratulate someone on a religious occasion
Congratulate someone on a speech or presentation
Congratulate someone on an achievement, an accomplishment, or on a job well done
Congratulate someone on his or her birthday
Congratulate someone on his or her engagement
Congratulate someone on his or her graduation
Congratulate someone on his or her retirement
Congratulate someone on his or her wedding or marriage
Congratulate someone on publishing a book or article
Congratulate someone on the anniversary of their marriage
Congratulate someone on the birth or adoption of a child
Congratulate someone on the opening of a new business, store, or office
Congratulate someone on winning a contract
Congratulate someone on winning an award or receiving a scholarship or other honor
You will also get letters for these related topics and more:
Announce a contest winner
Announce an employee's achievement
Announce an employee's retirement
Announce the appointment of an employee to a committee or position
Compliment or praise an employee's work performance
Compliment or praise someone for an achievement
Compliment or praise the work of an employee from another firm
Encourage/motivate your reader to increase sales
Note the anniversary of a customer's company
Note the anniversary of an employee's service
Thank a retiree for his or her service
Write a letter acknowledging achievements
Write a letter on the anniversary of your company
Write a letter to accompany a gift
Appreciation Letters
Say "thank you" with an appreciation letter and make someone feel special
People respond positively when treated kindly. Employees work harder when they feel appreciated. With a sincere, well-
written appreciation letter you can improve relations with words of admiration, gratitute, and recognition.
How to write an appreciation letter
Write your appreciation letter within a few days of whatever happened to inspire your gratitude.
Handwrite a personal appreciation letter on a sheet of stationery.
Use customized letterhead for business correspondence.
Address your appreciation letter to a specific person, if possible, not just to the company or to the organization
in general.
Specifically state what you appreciate.
Be sincere--most people can sense when you are not being honest.
Write clearly and concisely; this is no time to be longwinded or flowery.
Be brief.
Avoid thanking the person beforehand--for example: ‘Thanking you in advance for your help in this matter.’ To do
so is presumptuous and suggests you do not feel the need to write a follow-up letter.
Close with warm regards or best wishes for continued success.
With WriteExpress, writing an appreciation letter is as easy as one, two, three!
1. Choose from a variety of prewritten appreciation letters that cover many common situations. Copy
letters directly into Microsoft Word or your favorite word processor.
2. Or, let our software guide you step-by-step through the writing process, suggesting sample sentences
and phrases during each writing step. In minutes, you can write an effective appreciation letter.
3. Print your appreciation letter and send it!
For each topic you get several appreciation letters already written for you:
Accept an Honor/Suggestion
Accept an honor
Accept and express appreciation for a suggestion
Business/Work
Accept a job offer
Accept an invitation to a business appointment
Acknowledge the receipt of a report, letter, or other
Acknowledge the receipt of a resume
Congratulate someone on his or her retirement
Encourage/motivate your reader to increase sales
Relieve someone from delegated responsibilities because someone else will assume them
Thank a business for good service, low prices, or professional courtesies
Thank someone for an appointment, interview, or meeting
Thank someone for an award, bonus, or raise
Write a farewell letter to a person who is leaving employment
Write a farewell letter to a person who is retiring
Write a farewell letter to management, co-workers or clients
Civic Service
Thank a doctor or health care facility
Thank a religious leader
Customers
Express appreciation to long-term customers and those who pay their bills promptly
Follow up after a sale to thank the customer and offer service
Note the anniversary of a customer's company
Thank a customer for a payment
Thank a customer for purchasing a product or service
Thank a customer or client
Employee
Acknowledge the receipt of a suggestion from an employee
Announce the appointment of an employee to a committee or position
Congratulate an employee on the anniversary of his or her service
Compliment or praise an employee's family for their contribution to the employee's success
Compliment or praise an employee's work performance
Express appreciation to an employee
Note the anniversary of an employee's service
Thank a retiree for his or her service
Government/Political
Congratulate a politician on an election or on the passage of legislation
Express regret on the defeat of legislation or the loss of an election
Praise government officials or employees
Media
Compliment or praise the media, an author, or an editor
Thank someone for media exposure
Personal
Give personal compliments or praise
Positive Feedback
Reply positively to a suggestion
Respond positively to negative feedback
Respond to a complaint and treat it as valuable feedback
Praise
Compliment or praise a product or service supplier
Compliment or praise a program chairperson or planner
Compliment or praise a salesperson or a sales staff
Compliment or praise a speaker
Compliment or praise someone for an achievement
Compliment or praise the work of an employee from another firm
Congratulate someone on a speech or presentation
Service
Accept a request to serve in an honorary position
Thank someone for a favor
Thank someone for a gift
Thank someone for volunteer work
Thank someone for help or support
Thank someone for helping in your absence
Thank someone for hospitality
Thank someone for a philanthropic contribution
Write a letter to accompany a contribution to a good cause
Social Event
Accept a formal invitation to a social event
Accept an informal invitation to a social event
Thank someone for a pleasant occasion
Thank someone for visiting a place or attending an event
Sympathy
Send a gift with a sympathy letter
Thank someone for expressions of sympathy
Thank You
Thank someone for a compliment or praise
Thank someone for a job well done
Thank someone for a referral or recommendation
Thank someone for a reply or response
Thank someone for a speech or presentation
Thank someone for accepting your advice or recommendation
Thank someone for advice or a suggestion
Thank someone for an inquiry
Thank someone for information
Goodwill Letters
Send kind feelings of approval, concern or support with the perfect goodwill letter
With WriteExpress software you get example goodwill letters to help you find
the perfect words to say, plus choice phrases and sentences recommended
by professionals.
How to write a goodwill letter
Goodwill letters often come as a surprise, are greatly appreciated, and are an
effective way to build relationships.
Whether expressing gratitude, appreciation, recognition, or condolences,
be sincere in your remarks. Most people can tell when you are not.
Keep your letter focused on the recipient, not on yourself or your
company.
Do not write this letter solely for the purpose of making a sales pitch. The
purpose of this letter is to spread goodwill, without promoting any hidden
agenda.
Keep your letter brief.
Be specific when writing this letter. For example, rather than writing
vague generalities about a job well done, include details that
demonstrate what the person did to deserve the recognition.
Try to stay away from clichés and canned expressions. Be creative.
With WriteExpress, writing a goodwill letter is as easy as one, two, three!
1. Choose from a variety of prewritten goodwill letters that cover
many common situations. Copy letters directly into Microsoft Word
or your favorite word processor.
2. Or, let our software guide you step-by-step through the writing
process, suggesting sample sentences and phrases during each
writing step. In minutes, you can write an effective goodwill letter.
3. Print your goodwill letter and send it!
With thoughtful, sincere goodwill letters you can:
Give congratulations for an award received, promotion, new job, etc.
Express sympathy or condolences.
Apologize.
Show appreciation or convey gratitude for a contribution made, to loyal
customers for their continued business, or to coworkers or peers for a
job well done.
Give recognition for outstanding achievements or extraordinary effort.
Establish or renew a relationship.
Remind a customer or potential customer of your continued willingness
to serve him or her.
Show that you are courteous and professional.
For each topic you get several goodwill letters already written for you:
Announcement
Announce a company savings plan
Announce an employee's achievement
Keep a customer up to date on progress
Write a letter on the anniversary of your company
Apology
Apologize for a defective, damaged, or incomplete product
Apologize for a late payment
Apologize for a missed deadline
Apologize for a shipping delay or error
Apologize for an invoice or billing error
Apologize for betrayed trust
Apologize for hurt feelings
Apologize for missing an appointment
Apologize for missing an event or for overlooking or forgetting someone
Apologize for missing or being late to a meeting or appointment
Apologize for offensive behavior
Apologize for poor or inadequate service
Apologize for providing incorrect or incomplete information
Apologize for someone else (business)
Apologize for someone else (personal)
Apologize to an employee or employees
Write a business apology
Write a personal apology
Appreciation
Express appreciation to an employee
Express appreciation to long-term customers and those who pay their bills
promptly
Grant a promotion or raise
Write a letter acknowledging achievements
Congratulations
Congratulate an employee on the anniversary of his or her service
Congratulate an employee, friend, or associate on an advancement or
promotion
Congratulate an official on an appointment or on winning an election
Congratulate someone on a religious occasion
Congratulate someone on a speech or presentation
Congratulate someone on an achievement, an accomplishment, or on a job well
done
Congratulate someone on his or her birthday
Congratulate someone on his or her engagement
Congratulate someone on his or her graduation
Congratulate someone on his or her retirement
Congratulate someone on his or her wedding or marriage
Congratulate someone on publishing a book or article
Congratulate someone on the anniversary of their marriage
Congratulate someone on the birth or adoption of a child
Congratulate someone on the opening of a new business, store, or office
Congratulate someone on winning a contract
Congratulate someone on winning an award or receiving a scholarship or other
honor
Farewells
Write a farewell letter to a person who is leaving employment
Write a farewell letter to a person who is retiring
Write a farewell letter to management, co-workers or clients
Sympathy/Get Well
Offer sympathy for a marriage separation or divorce
Offer sympathy for loss or damage caused by a theft, vandalism, or natural
disaster
Offer sympathy for the death of a business associate
Offer sympathy for the death of a business associate's family member
Offer sympathy for the death of a child
Offer sympathy for the death of a friend or relative
Offer sympathy for the death of a person who has been ill
Offer sympathy for the loss of a job
Offer sympathy for the loss or death of a pet
Offer sympathy in a case of serious or terminal illness
Send a gift with a sympathy letter
Write a get-well message regarding an employee's or business associate's
family member who is suffering from illness or injury
Write a get-well message to a child suffering from illness or injury
Write a get-well message to a friend or relative suffering from an illness or injury
Write a get-well message to a teacher suffering from illness or injury
Write a get-well message to an employee or business associate suffering from
illness or injury
Thank You
Thank a business for good service, low prices, or professional courtesies
Thank a customer for purchasing a product or service
Thank a doctor or health care facility
Thank a religious leader
Thank a retiree for his or her service
Thank someone for a favor
Thank someone for a pleasant occasion
Thank someone for helping in your absence
Thank someone for hospitality
Thank someone for visiting a place or attending an event
Thank someone for volunteer work
Welcome
Welcome a new business to town
Welcome a new customer or client
Welcome a new employee
Welcome a new resident to the neighborhood
Welcome a new shareholder
Welcome a new student to school, class, or a training seminar
Welcome a potential customer or client to the area
Welcome a son-in-law or daughter-in-law into the family
Welcome someone into a group, association, religion, or club
Miscellaneous
Explain an error you have made
Extend holiday or winter season's greetings to employees, customers, and
business associates
Extend holiday or winter season's greetings to friends
Extend Labor Day greetings to employees
Extend Mother's Day or Father's Day greetings (personal)
Extend Mother's Day or Father's Day greetings and/or announce sales or
promotions for these days
Introduce gifts to customers and prospective customers
Invite or request suggestions from employees and customers
Note the anniversary of a customer's company
Note the anniversary of an employee's service
Offer voluntary services
Respond positively to negative feedback
Send a late payment after a mutual agreement to do so
Strengthen relationships with customers
Write a letter to accompany a contribution to a good cause
Write a letter to accompany a gift
Related Goodwill-Letter Topics
Announce a business anniversary
Announce a change in your company's name
Announce a change of address
Announce a change of business address
Announce a drug testing program
Announce a new business, store, or branch office
Announce a new partner
Announce a new product or service
Announce or introduce a new salesperson
Announce the birth or adoption of a baby (personal letter)
Announce the death of an employee or an employee's relative
Approve a loan
Approve a proposal
Approve a vacation or leave of absence
Approve attendance at a conference or seminar
Authorize medical treatment
Cancel a wedding
Confirm an appointment, meeting, or interview
Confirm an error correction or revision
Confirm an oral agreement
Confirm that you have given authorization to someone
Correct a customer's error or assertion
Correct an error in a payment made or received
Correct your own error in a transaction
Disagree with a subordinate, a superior, or a person in authority
Dismiss an employee for reasons beyond the employee's control
Extend invitations to seasonal parties: Halloween, St. Patrick's Day, Valentine's
Day, etc. (business and personal)
Extend invitations to winter holiday parties (business and personal)
Follow up during a job search after a lapse of time
Follow up during a job search after a telephone contact
Follow up during a job search after an interview
Grant an appointment
Grant approval for credit
Grant permission to use or publish materials
Inform employees of another's illness
Network by discussing publications or speeches
Offer a suggestion to a customer
Offer a suggestion to a religious leader
Offer a suggestion to a superior
Offer a suggestion to a supplier or retailer
Offer the use of a charge account
Prepare a prospective customer to receive a sales telephone call
Request a favor
Request an individual to volunteer services
Request assistance or cooperation from someone in another firm
Request confirmation of an authorization to take action
Request correction of a billing error
Request correction of an error in a check
Request correction of an error in a credit report
Resell to long-time customers
Respond to a complaint and treat it as valuable feedback
Respond to a complaint of discrimination or sexual harassment
Respond to a complaint while avoiding agreement or denying liability, and
refusing to make an adjustment
Respond to a complaint while avoiding or denying liability, but making an
adjustment
Respond to a complaint, but needing more information
Respond to a sales rejection
Respond to rumors
Write a recommendation or a reference about someone
Write to former stockholders or investors
Inquiry Letters
Quickly and effortlessly create model inquiry letters
With WriteExpress software you get example inquiry letters to help you find the perfect words to say, plus choice
phrases and sentences recommended by professionals.
How to write an inquiry letter:
Be courteous. Remember, by making this request you are imposing on the reader’s time and/or resources.
Don’t send an inquiry letter for information that you could easily find out by other means, such as with a quick
search on the Internet.
Your letter can be fairly short, but it should be long enough to adequately explain what it is that you are inquiring
about and what you want the reader to do in response to your letter.
Generally, give at least a couple of weeks for the person, company, or organization to respond to your inquiry
before sending a follow-up letter or making a follow-up phone call.
If appropriate, you may want to mention that you will keep any information provided confidential. (This may
increase the likelihood that the reader will respond to your inquiry.)
Make it as easy as possible for the person to respond to your request. This might mean offering to pay for any
needed photocopies or mailing costs, or perhaps including a self-addressed, stamped envelope; necessary forms,
questionnaires, or other documents; and so forth.
Make sure to include contact information so that the person can easily get in touch with you if necessary, such as
your cell or home phone number or e-mail address.
When the person responds to your inquiry, it is a good idea to send a quick note of thanks expressing your
appreciation and telling how the information helped (or can help) you. If appropriate, you may want to offer to
return the favor in the future.
How to respond to an inquiry letter:
Specifically indicate the inquiry that was made, as you understand it.
Express your appreciation for the person’s interest.
If possible, personally respond to the inquiry. You might want to include with your response letter any brochures,
catalogs, reports, or other helpful information available.
If appropriate, clearly describe any action you feel the person should take and the reason(s) for such a
recommendation. (However, you may want to use caution because of any possible liability you might incur for
offering such advice.)
If you can not personally answer the person’s question, let him/her know that you have contacted the person who
can and that he/she will shortly be in touch with the reader. If this is not possible, express your regret for being
unable to help the reader, and try to find out for him/her the contact information for someone who can help.
If appropriate, you might want to include additional information about your organization, the products or services
you sell, or the subject matter of the inquiry, beyond the scope of the original inquiry.
Close by saying that you would be happy to help the reader in the future if he/she needs further assistance or by
wishing him/her well in his/her endeavor or project, etc.
Inquiry Letter Tips:
Begin your letter by stating who you are and giving your status or position (such as student, researcher,
interested consumer, etc.), and tell how you found out about the individual or entity that you are writing to.
Clearly state what it is that you are inquiring about and what you would like the recipient of your letter to do.
Make your inquiry as specific as possible.
You might want to briefly explain the purpose of your letter or what you hope to accomplish. Such an explanation
may prompt the recipient of your letter to act more quickly.
If appropriate, consider mentioning the letter recipient’s qualifications for responding to your inquiry (this may
prompt him/her to act when he/she might otherwise be hesitant to do so). For example, you could explain that
you are writing to the reader because she is a leader in her field and the accepted authority on the subject you
are interested in.
Include the date by which you need the information, services, etc. that you are requesting, and indicate that you
await the reader’s response.
Thank the person for his/her time.
With WriteExpress, writing an inquiry letter is as easy as one, two, three!
1. Choose from a variety of prewritten inquiry letters that cover many common situations. Copy letters
directly into Microsoft Word or your favorite word processor.
2. Or, let our software guide you step-by-step through the writing process, suggesting sample sentences
and phrases during each writing step. In minutes, you can write an effective inquiry letter.
3. Print your inquiry letter and send it!
For each topic you get several inquiry letters already written for you:
Ask for personal advice
Answer a request for information on a product or service
Give general advice
Request a copy of an official document
Request a response to a survey or questionnaire
Request an explanation for a denial of credit
Request application materials for admission to college
Request confirmation of receipt of earlier mailings
Request estimates or bids
Request information
Request information about an applicant
Request information from a government agency
Request samples or information about products or services
Respond to an inquiry about products or services
Thank someone for an inquiry
Thank someone for information
Use networking in a job search
Write a letter in a job search
Transmittal Letters
Quickly and effortlessly create transmittal letters to clarify your desires and instructions.
With WriteExpress software you get example transmittal letters to help you find the perfect words to say, plus choice
phrases and sentences recommended by professionals.
What is a transmittal letter?
Transmittal letters are often used to accompany drafts or contracts that are being sent for review or approval.
They also accompany contracts with signatures.
Generally speaking, a transmittal letter accompanies a document and explains what the document is, why it
should receive the reader's consideration, and what the reader should do with it.
Letters of transmittal provide the opportunity to remind a reader of a report title and to highlight points of
interest. The letter may also contain sensitive or confidential information that is related to, but not a part of, the
report.
If you are sending a transmittal letter to accompany supplies, equipment, etc. that are being sent to someone
within the company, that person's concerns are the same as those of any other customer, and he or she should
receive the same consideration.
How to write a transmittal letter:
Establish good will.
Make your transmittal letter as clear and neat as possible.
Keep your letters brief (usually no more than one page).
Include important dates or deadlines that the reader should be made aware of.
Identify the contents of the package you send when sending a bid, proposal, or quotation in response to a
request. Your letter of transmittal should address your client, and it should briefly explain the title of the enclosed
proposal or other document, delineate the research completed to produce the document, and outline the major
sections of the document.
Answer questions not covered in your company literature when accompanying examples or information
requested by a customer or potential client.
Promote further sales when sending a transmittal letter with a customer's order by reminding the reader of the
product's good qualities.
With WriteExpress, writing a transmittal letter is as easy as one, two, three!
1. Choose from a variety of prewritten transmittal letters that cover many common situations. Copy
letters directly into Microsoft Word or your favorite word processor.
2. Or, let our software guide you step-by-step through the writing process, suggesting sample sentences
and phrases during each writing step. In minutes, you can write an effective transmittal letter.
3. Print your transmittal letter and send it!
For each topic you get several transmittal letters already written for you:
Transmit a bid, proposal, or quotation
Transmit a contract
Transmit a document for review, correction, or other action
Transmit a fax
Transmit a manuscript to be considered for publication
Transmit a payment
Transmit a progress report, an analytical study, a formal report, or a manuscript for use within an organization
Transmit a shipment of merchandise that a customer has purchased
Transmit an advertising copy to a magazine or other media
Transmit equipment or supplies that a company employee has requested
Transmit informational or sales literature
Here's what our customers are saying:
“This product is absolutely better than I ever imagined!”
“This software is handy! Great templates! Highly satisfactory!”
“I am recommending 3,001 Business & Sales Letters to all of my friends and clients.
What a simple, easy-to-use program!”
Sample covering letter for a speculative / direct approach to a company
12 Fairfax Close
StabletonBristol BS12 5RT
Kenneth BrownMolson plc
14-24 Cable StreetBristol BS2 4RT
25 July
Dear Mr Brown
Yesterday's Evening Post reported that you are expanding your sales and servicing activities. This highlighted your potential requirement for additional staff for your new branches. I am currently looking for
opportunities to make use of my experience of working in a service centre and would therefore be extremely interested in any potential vacancies that might arise.
Over the past ten years I have worked in customer services, initially in retail and most recently for a major plc. This work has included: taking bookings from customers and organising job schedules for service
engineers in a service centre; training and supervising a team; setting up and running a customer complaints service; and handling customer account queries.
Full details of my skills and experience are contained in my CV, which I have enclosed. I will phone next week to establish whether a meeting would be appropriate. I would very much like to discuss any
potential opening with you.
Yours sincerely;
Sally Jones
Sample covering letter - in response to an advertisement
Types of Resume Cover Letters
2. Speculative Cover Letters/The Direct Approach
When you use the direct approach, you are specifically addressing the employer as someone
who has a need which you have the skills to meet.
And sometimes you can even target the employer before he or she actually realizes a need
exists, or at least before he or she has found time to draft an advert. You realize the need
exists and have approached the employer with your ability to fill that need, effectively
beating him or her to the punch.
In your letter you need to show the employer you've done your homework and realize the
need or needs exists. You can find this information in news articles, from personal contacts,
in publications, and so on. You can refer to this information at the beginning of your letter.
Our cover letter examples will show you how.
If you do this, your prospective employer is much more likely to be receptive to considering
you for the job. He or she will know that you have done your homework and not simply
picked out a company at random.
Finally, remember that these are speculative enquiries. It’s likely you will get more
rejections or no replies than you will invitations for interview but this is normal. Keep going
–- chances are your letter will find the right person at the right time in some cases.