Writing Letters of Inquiry and Application
Following are some tips and general information on written correspondence with employers. These are excerpts from the EDUC M202 Job Search Strategies course textbook written by Dr. Kinman.
Click on the links below to see some examples in Microsoft Word documents:
Types of Letters
- Inquiry
- Application
- Status of application
- Thank you
- Acceptance of offer
- Decline of offer
- Rejection acknowledgement
- Time extension request
Tips for Letters in General
- Be brief
- Address to an individual
- 3-4 paragraphs
- Type individually
- Use quality stationery
- Balanced format on page
- No errors (spelling, punctuation, grammar)
Letter of Inquiry
- Paragraph 1:
- Inquire as to the availability of positions in your teaching field(s)
- Indicate interest in the district
- Indicate your wish to be considered for an opening, if one should exist
- Give reason for your interest (if appropriate)
- Paragraph 2:
- Degree and date it was granted: name and location of university
- Major and minor fields
- Certification status
- Student teaching experience (where, length of time, subjects/grade levels taught)
- Other related experiences, if deemed important
- Paragraph 3:
- Indicate where placement credentials are on file (include credential file #)
- Explain how credential file may be obtained
- Refer employer to your enclosed resume
- Paragraph 4:
- Request an application form, and, if there is an opening, ask what other materials are needed for applying
- Thank employer for their time and consideration
Letter of Application
- Paragraph 1:
- List source of information regarding vacancy
- Mention specific position sought
- Mention reason for you interest (if applicable)
- Paragraph 2:
- Same as letter of inquiry
- Paragraph 3:
- Same as letter of inquiry
- Paragraph 4:
- Ask about procedures to follow in applying for the position
- May express interest in an interview (at their convenience)