Graduation
- Who do I address a cover letter to if I don’t know the name of the person who is hiring?
- How do I write salary requirements in a cover letter?
- How do I participate in a phone interview?
- When do I mail a thank you note?
- What is e-mail etiquette for the job search?
- What questions should I ask of the interviewer?
- Should I bring my portfolio to an interview? If so, how should I present it?
- Who do I direct my cover letter and resume to for an agency posting?
Q: Who do I address a cover letter to if I don't know the name of the person who is hiring?
A: Do your research. If the job posting does not list the contact information for the hiring person it is time to pick up the phone. Call the company let them know that you are interested in applying for the specific position and state that you would like to include a cover letter with your application materials and would like to know who to address the letter to. Do not ask for more than their name and title and you should great success in getting this information. If the company information is not included in the ad as well; follow the directions of the ad and address the letter as stated in the posting.
Q: How do I write salary requirements in a cover letter?
A: Salary requirements should be addressed toward the end of the cover letter; typically right before the closing paragraph (thanking them for their time and another brief plug of why you would be a good candidate). In regards to coming up with a figure for the employer, first you always want to do your research and make sure you have realistic expectations of what you are worth to an employer. Then it is best to create a range for yourself. For example, “ I seek a salary from the mid $20,000’s to low $30,000’s, commensurate with my education and experience. However, it is negotiable.” Creating ranges allows you more opportunity to negotiate if the time comes, plus you do not want to sell yourself short.
Q: How do I participate in a phone interview?
A: Follow these tips:
- Get instructions on who will call whom for the interview and know who you are interviewing with – get first and last name of the person(s) and title. Make sure that if you are speaking with someone in a different region, you confirm the time of the interview so that you are working within the same time zone.
- Be sure to get/give area codes and extension numbers if needed. If you will be using your cell phone for the call, ensure that it is fully charged and that you are in an area that has strong reception.
- Be prepared – have your resume, pen and paper, references, and portfolio handy to reference on the call.
- Be ready for the call ten to fifteen minutes early. (Go to the bathroom, have a glass of water ready, ensure you’ve eaten a good meal before hand.)
- Smile as you are speaking – it will come through in the tone of your voice.
- Stand while you are speaking – it will give you confidence and will also come through in your voice.
Q: When do I mail a thank you note?
A: The thank you letter should be mailed within 24 hours of the interview. It is used to express your appreciation as well as to strengthen your candidacy for the position.
Q: What is email etiquette for a job search?
- Do not abandon business etiquette in email
- Keep email short and concise
- Make sure subject line is relevant to position
- Pay particular attention to grammar, punctuation and spelling
- Refrain from quotations and sayings in the signature of your email. Consider first impression to individuals that don’t know you
- Don’t use all capital letters- this is equivalent to shouting
- Avoid emoticons ;-) as these can seem unprofessional
- Avoid acronyms such as BTW (by the way)
- Always include a phone number or other way to contact you in the case that e-mail is not the preferred communication method
Q: What questions should I ask of the interviewer?
A: If possible, try to tailor your questions to the job you are applying for. For example, if there is a specific duty within the job that you don’t understand, ask for clarification of your responsibilities.
- Are there promotional opportunities within this company?
- Could you tell me about the people with whom I would be working?
- Do you have a training program for this position? If so, could you explain it?
- Do you require any more information about my qualifications?
- Do you feel that I’m a good candidate for this position?
- When will you be making your hiring decision? What is the best method to follow up with you about your decision (phone, email, etc.)?
Q: Should I bring my portfolio to the interview? If so, how should I present it?
A: YES! Always bring your updated portfolio to an interview. The portfolio is your personal marketing tool and can be used in a variety of ways. When done correctly, a portfolio is proof of your education, experience, skills, and achievements. The documents you include can assist you when answering interview questions because you can refer directly to course projects, lab test results, written reports or research papers, marketing flyers, ledgers, or whatever is applicable to your field, as examples of real work you have completed. The research information you include about the employer is also important. It shows that you have done your homework and you are a candidate who is serious about the position and the company. Overall, a well put-together portfolio will make you stand out as a candidate.
Q: Who do I direct my cover letter and resume to for an agency posting?
A: For almost all agency postings, whether on the GU/MSB site, on line or in another publication, the agent to be contacted is almost always noted as there is typically more than one recruiter in an office. In the event that the name is not listed, the candidate should call the recruiting source, reference the specific job and ask for the name of the recruiter for the specific job.
Globe University/Minnesota School of Business is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools to award Master of Business Administration (MBA) degrees, Bachelor of Science degrees, Associate in Applied Science degrees and diplomas.