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You Can Make It Happen!

Welcome to the Virtual Job Fair Handbook. We’ve prepared it to help you apply for jobs posted online within the Virtual Job Fair which opens January 23, 2012 at midnight and ends January 27, 2012 at 11:59 p.m. The lessons start with the very basics of computer and Internet knowledge to help you even if you’re new to the online job application process. If you have great computer and Internet skills, you can skip the basics and jump to the topics that matter to you. We’ve provided information and examples to help you build an effective resume and apply for the jobs that fit your experience and skills — and get the job you want.

The Virtual Job Fair is brought to you by WorkSource and Florida State College at Jacksonville.

 

Cover Letters

Video: Cover Letters

A cover letter is used to introduce you to a prospective employer or hiring manager. It will almost always accompany your resume, whether you mail it in or hand-deliver it to the human resources department. Some employers may evaluate your writing skills this way.

  1. Paragraph one establishes your purpose for writing and alerts the reader to your resume.
  2. Paragraph two tells the reader a little more about you and contains some major accomplishments or job-specific information.
  3. Paragraph three brings the letter to a close and states the method for follow-up contact with you.

Whenever possible, address the cover letter to a specific individual. If you don’t have a name, call the human resources department of the company you’re interested in.

View Example (PDF)*

Thank You Letters

A thank you letter is sent after you have interviewed for a position you are interested in. The thank you letter should be mailed the day of the interview; it should be brief and personalized. Consider the following for a three paragraph letter:

  1. In the opening paragraph simply thank the interviewer and re-emphasize your interest in the position.
  2. In the second paragraph remind the employer why you are a good fit for the position. Try to mention something specific from the interview.
  3. The closing paragraph again thanks the interviewer and states that you are looking forward to hearing from them.

It may seem unnecessary to send a thank you letter so quickly after the interview, but doing so will reinforce in the interviewer’s mind that you are serious and enthusiastic about the position. This can separate you from the other applicants, giving you an edge that may lead to a job offer.

View Example (PDF)*

Additional Resources

 

*Note: PDF files require Adobe Reader software. Download the free Adobe Reader from Adobe’s Web site.

 

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