Graduate > Additional Correspondence > Status Letters

GRADUATE STUDENTS

Status Letters and Emails

After answering any job vacancy announcement, a job seeker should wait for a reply only so long before taking the initiative of following up. While a phone call may also yield the desired response, a short letter or email may achieve the same purpose and be a more long lasting piece of evidence of continuing interest.

This letter should be short. The first paragraph identifies immediately the objective of the letter and refreshes the memory of the potentially busy reader regarding the impetus for the original communication. A second paragraph should briefly highlight two or three qualifications that should be a foundation for success. The last paragraph states a willingness to take any further action or facilitate consideration, notably an interview.

Here is one example of a status inquiry letter:

20 Sullivan Avenue
Syracuse, NY 13210
April 10, 2XXX

Mr. Spencer Price
Director, The Willis Clinic
800 North Main Street
Hartford, CT 06001

Dear Mr. Price:

I am writing to inquire about the status of my application for employment as an Intake Counselor with The Willis Clinic. My resume was sent to you in response to the advertised position in the March 3 issue of the Hartford Courant.

I am extremely interested in the position and feel that my degree in Child and Family Studies and my internship with Planned Parenthood make me a strong candidate.

Please let me know if you should require further information. I shall look forward to hearing from you regarding an interview.

Sincerely,

Linda Smith