Sample Correspondence

See below for sample messages to help you craft your own messages as you interact with employers.

Informational Interview Request

Informational Interview Request

To: Judge Matthew Weissman (mweissman@nyjudiciary.gov)

From: Jamal Stringer (jamal.stringer@gatech.edu)

Subject: Georgia Tech Student Outreach

Dear Judge Weissman,

I saw on LinkedIn that you are a Georgia Tech alumnus and serve as Superior Court Judge for the NY Judiciary. I am a current GT student studying Economics and am considering going to law school to focus on criminal law. Would you be willing to speak with me briefly over the phone (15-20 minutes) to share with me your insight on what it is truly like to work in your field? I found your background as a former prosecutor and lawyer for the Department of Justice particularly fascinating. I was interested in hearing any advice you had on how I can make myself more competitive for this career path while I am still currently enrolled.

I’m available every Monday, Wednesday and Friday after 2pm EST if that may work for your schedule. Thank you in advance for considering this request. I hope you have a wonderful week, and I look forward to hearing from you.

Kind Regards,

Jamal Stringer | Economics Major | May 2022

Executive Vice President & Secretary, Economics Club

Georgia Institute of Technology

jamal.stringer@gatech.edu

404-555-8382

Thank You Note

To: Erica Lopez (erica@edelman.com)

From: Christian Johnson (christian.johnson@gatech.edu)

Subject: Follow up on BBDO Interview

Dear Ms. Lopez,

It was a pleasure meeting you today to discuss the PR Brand internship at Edelman. Our meeting further confirmed to me the position is a perfect match for my interest in public relations and working directly with clients. I enjoyed sharing more information about my previous work at the Technique and believe this has given me a good foundation in the basics of media in which to build upon at Edelman.

I also particularly enjoyed hearing more about your work with eBay and how you continue to cultivate that relationship. I am very interested in joining the Edelman culture, and I look forward to hearing from you about the position. Thank you for taking the time to interview me today.

Sincerely,

Christian Johnson

B.S. Business Administration

Georgia Institute of Technology, May 2022

(678) 555-3749

christian.johnson@gatech.edu

Request for Offer Deadline Extension

Dear Mr./Ms./Preferred Pronoun _______,

Thank you for offering me the [job title] position. I’m excited about the possibility of working with ____, and I would enjoy [share positive aspects of the position].

In our previous conversation, you asked me to notify you of my final decision by [date], but I am still in the process of wrapping up some outstanding interviews. Would you be willing to let me have until [date] to follow up? This additional time will allow me the clarity needed to make a firm decision.

Thank you for your consideration of my request. I am very interested in this opportunity and would appreciate the additional time if possible.

Kind Regards,

Your Name

Major

Georgia Institute of Technology

Phone #

Email

LinkedIn link

Negotiate Salary

Dear Mr./Ms./Preferred Pronoun _______,

Thanks again for taking the time to answer so many of my questions this morning! I’m really excited about the opportunity to work with [company], and I really appreciate all the work you all have put into getting this offer put together.

As we discussed on the phone, I’ve spent some time evaluating the offer against my experience and the following is what I’ve come up with.

  • In the job description, you ask for a degree in [desired majors], I will have a degree in [desired major] by the time I start.
  • This is an entry-level position for [field of work]. I have 4 semesters of experience in the field of [same field of work] through previous internships, including extensive experience safely working in the field and using software that will be beneficial to the position.
  • You stated a preferred candidate would have [___ certification]. I have this certification already through my previous experience working in __. Additionally, I will have my [additional certification] at the time this position starts.
  • You are offering $57,000. Based on the stats provided by Georgia Tech the average salary of an environmental engineer with a Georgia Tech degree is $59,000-$62,000 per year.

Based on the above I’d like to request a salary increase to $64,000 per year. I believe this fairly compensates for the degree I will have and the above-average amount of experience I will bring to this position. I know that I will be able to bring a lot of value to the company through my experiences, positive attitude, and ability to dig in and work hard.  I’m very excited at the prospect of working for [company] so I hope we can reach a number that works for both of us. I look forward to hearing your thoughts!

Kind Regards,

Your Name

Major

Georgia Institute of Technology

Phone #

Email

Accept a Job Offer

Dear Mr./Ms./Preferred Pronoun _______,

Thank you for speaking with me earlier and offering me the [job title]. I am excited to join the team and accept your offer.

To confirm, you indicated I will be earning an annual salary of _____ per year with a start date of____. I will follow up closer to the start date to discuss onboarding and any additional steps I may need to take before I start. Please let me know if you need any other information from me in the meantime.

I am thrilled to join [organization name] and look forward to getting started. Thank you again for this opportunity.

Kind Regards,

Your Name

Major

Georgia Institute of Technology

Phone #

Email

Decline a Job Offer

Dear Mr./Ms./Preferred Pronoun _______,

Thank you for speaking with me earlier and offering me the [job title] role. The position sounds like an excellent opportunity, and I appreciated getting to know the team and the impactful work you are doing.

However, after careful thought and consideration, I have decided to move forward with another opportunity that more closely aligns with my career interests. This was not an easy decision for me, and I sincerely appreciate your consideration of me.

I wish you well and hope our professional paths will cross again.

Sincerely,

Your Name

Major

Georgia Institute of Technology

Phone #

Email

LinkedIn link

Reference List

Your reference list should start with the same header you used for your resume and include the relationship you had with the references listed. Never list someone as a reference without first asking if they can be a positive reference for you and are open to being a reference. Share the job description and what you think best qualifies you for the position. This way they can provide the best reference possible for you.

NOTE: It is generally not required to supply a reference list for an industry job application unless you are expressly asked to provide one.

Appropriate references include:

  • Professors
  • Advisors
  • Previous supervisors/senior co-workers
  • Staff members with whom you have a strong relationship

 

FIRST NAME LAST NAME

123 William St., Atlanta, GA 30303 | 555-989-8839 | firstname.lastname@gatech.edu www.linkedin.com/in/firstnamelastname

REFERENCES

Ms. Neha Swaminathan

Lead Manufacturing Engineer

Michelin Tires

200 Michelin Way

Greenville, SC 29671

864-555-2094

neha@michelin.com

Co-op Supervisor

Dr. Jonathan Jennings

Associate Professor

Georgia Institute of Technology

School of Civil and Environmental Engineering

790 Atlantic Drive NW

Atlanta, GA 30332

404-893-5555

Jennings@gatech.edu

Research Supervisor

Mr. Diego Garcia

Administrative Manager

Georgia Institute of Technology

Armstrong Hall

498 Eighth St NW

Atlanta, GA 30318

404-894-5555

diego.garcia@gatech.edu

Former Student Worker Supervisor

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