COVER LETTERS

JOB SEARCH PREPARATION

FINDING A JOB

JOB INTERVIEW

CAREER TRAINING

Ad-Response Letter to a Recruiter

Recommended formats: Comparison-list style; bullet style

Writing to recruiters in response to advertisements for specific positions requires exactly the same process as developing company ad-response letters.

• These letters are best written individually so that you can highlight your experience in direct relation to the requirements of the position as outlined in the advertisement.


• Bullet-style letters are usually the most effective for this situation and are the easiest to edit for use from one position to the next.


• If you choose the comparison-list style, be absolutely certain that your qualifications are a perfect match for the position requirements.


• It is important to reference the position title and number in your letter.

There are two main differences among letters you write to recruiters and those you write to companies. First, rather than refer to "you" or "your company," you should refer to "your client" or "your client’s organization."

This demonstrates that you understand that the recruiter acts as an agent for the hiring company. Second, it is regular practice to include salary information, location preferences, and other inclinations that you would not mention in a letter directed to a company.

Characteristics

Recruiter ad-response letters are characterized by the following:

• Straightforwardness. Don't mess around with recruiters! They know their craft and they know their business—to find a candidate who matches a company’s hiring criteria to a "T" and nothing less.


• Bullet style. Generally speaking, you have even less time to catch a recruiter’s attention than you do a company’s. The bullet-style cover letter becomes even more important when you are writing to recruiters. Be honest, and be "quick."

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