In addition to cover letters that accompany resumes, there are several other kinds of letters used in correspondence with prospective employers. Every written communication you have with an employer is one more opportunity for you to demonstrate your motivation, communication skills and professionalism. The following are tips on content for several of these types of letters:

Thank-you letter: This is a short and direct letter expressing your appreciation for their time, information and any feedback they provided. Everybody likes to be thanked, and this is a letter you should send immediately after each job, field placement or informational interview. A few minutes of your time to thank an employer can reap huge rewards for your future career. It is also an opportunity for you to express your enthusiasm for the position once more. Make sure that you write and send a thank-you letter as soon as you get home from the interview.

Letters of withdrawal or refusal: If you are no longer interested in continuing your candidacy for a job within a particular company, or you've accepted employment with another company, it is polite to send a withdrawal letter. Specify what position you had applied for and let them know of your decision, your reasons to withdraw and express appreciation for their consideration and time to this point. If you are refusing a job offer, the process is the same, but reassure them that you gave it serious consideration. Remember, you may not be interested in a particular position right now, but you do want to keep the goodwill of this employer for the future.

Acceptance letter: When writing a letter accepting a job offer, state the job title and confirm details about the job offer (salary, hours, duties, start date and time). Express your appreciation of the offer and your eagerness to start work.

All of the above should be positive, brief and to-the-point business letters and should be carefully typed and presented, preferably on the same paper you used for your resume and cover letter.