Pre Interview Letter

The pre interview letter is a lot like a cover letter for a resume. It announces to a hiring manager, or an organization, that you are interested in the company and would like to arrange an interview. The letter can be formatted to address a specific position, or it can be general in nature. This type of letter is most effective when the job seeker has the recommendation of an influential third party within the company.

Format and Content:

Use this letter to get the attention of the hiring manager by mentioning a connection to the organization. In most cases, this letter is not solicited and therefore, may be used to line the trashcan if not worded correctly. The letter should mention a time and place for the requested interview that is convenient for the recipient of the letter. Keep the tone friendly and professional and use the pre interview letter format in a logical fashion to build your case as to why you should be granted the interview.

Sample:

In this pre interview letter sample, the job seeker already has prior knowledge of the organization. She lets her prospective boss know that she has worked for the company as an intern and a manger of the company can vouch for the quality of her work. The job seeker uses her previous connections, and the hiring manager’s impending visit to the college campus, as an interview opportunity.

Dear Mr. Medina,

On a recent visit to our Career Services Center, I learned that Allied Services West would be visiting our campus for a career event on April 15, 2013. I am a senior at Colorado University and I will graduate this spring with bachelor’s degree in Corporate Communications. My GPA is 3.9 and I am set to graduate with honors in the top 5% of my class. My major is communications with a minor in marketing.

I am very familiar with Allied Services West and of the company’s success in the marketplace. I worked as an intern for your company in the fall and spring of 2011 and during the fall semester of 2012. I worked in the New Business and Acquisition Division and reported directly to Mr. Harold White, the vice president of new business development. I enjoyed my internships tremendously. Mr. White taught me the practical side of business. He was a very proactive mentor and he helped me to sharpen and hone my communication and marketing skills.

With graduation in sight, my goal now is to seek full time employment with a local company that I admire. Mr. White recommended I contact you prior to graduation. I was reminded of his recommendation when I saw the posting for the upcoming career event. I will arrange my schedule to meet with you at your convenience any time during the event. If an interview during the event is not possible, I will be happy to come to your office. As Mr. White will collaborate, I have the skills and abilities needed to become a productive member of your marketing team.

You may reach me on my cell phone at (555)-555-5555 or by email at [email] I realize you probably have a full schedule, but any time you can devote to speak to me will be greatly appreciated. I am enclosing my resume for your consideration. Thank you for your time. I look forward to meeting with you soon.

Johnie Wood

Ms. Johnie Wood

Enclosure: Resume