What should I include in my follow-up letter introduction?

The introduction for your follow-up letter should greet a specific person. The introduction should state that you submitted a résumé and cover letter or application. It should ask whether or not the employer has received the documents. The introduction should also state that you are still interested in the job if it is not filled.

Addressing your letter

Address your letter to a specific individual if possible. The person you address should be in charge of interviewing and hiring. Use these steps to get the name of the contact person:

• Look in the job ad for the contact person
• Call the company
• Look through the company’s website for the person in charge of the department you are applying to, or a person in Human Resources

You may address your letter to a group if you cannot find the name of the contact person (note that you should use a colon and not a comma after your greeting):

Dear Hiring Professionals:

Dear Selection Committee:

You may greet the contact person using the full name if you find the contact person but do not know the gender:

Dear Ms. Kincaid: (for Amy Kincaid)

Dear Alex Carson: (for Alex Carson – Alex is usually a male name, but it can also be used for women. Alex can be short for Alexandra.)

Here is an example of an introduction for a follow-up letter:

Dear Alex Carson:

Two weeks ago, I submitted a résumé and cover letter in response to your job ad for the welder apprentice position (#46). I am following up to make sure you received these documents. I am still very interested in interviewing for the job if you have not yet hired someone.

What should I include in my thank you letter introduction?

The introduction for your thank you letter should greet a specific person and thank the employer for taking the time to interview you. The introduction should also mention the specific position and state that you are interested in the job if it is not filled.

Here is an example of an introduction for a thank you letter:

Dear Alex Carson:

Thank you for taking the time to interview me for the welder apprentice position (#46) at A & D Industries. I enjoyed speaking with you and am still very interested in working for A & D.

Click here to download the PDF file containing sample résumés and employment letters.