Professional Correspondence Skills

This video tutorial provides guidance on writing professional correspondence. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining a formal tone, being concise, including a specific ask, and proofreading. The video also covers various types of correspondence, such as cover letters, acceptance letters, withdrawal letters, and thank you letters, offering tips for each. Viewers are encouraged to visit the Office of Career Strategies' website for more examples and tips.

Why is it important to maintain a professional tone in correspondence with potential employers?

• To ensure they remember your name.

• To make a good first impression as a potential colleague.

• Because it is a requirement by law.

• Because it shows you are friendly.

What is a recommended way to address someone in a professional email?

• To whom it may concern

• Hey there!

• Hi Laura

• Dear Ms. Parker

Which of the following is NOT a suitable closing for a professional email?

• Yours faithfully

• Sincerely

• Cheers

• Best regards

What should you avoid including in a professional correspondence?

• Your contact information.

• A specific ask.

• A formal greeting.

• Slang and text abbreviations.

What should you do if you don't have a name to address in your correspondence?

• Leave it blank.

• Check the employer directory or call the organization.

• Use a generic greeting like 'Hello'.

• Use 'To whom it may concern'.

Why is brevity important in professional correspondence?

• It is a requirement for all emails.

• It saves paper.

• It keeps the reader engaged and focused.

• It allows you to include more information.

What should you include in the first paragraph of your correspondence?

• A detailed history of your career.

• A joke to break the ice.

• A specific ask and your purpose for writing.

• Your favorite hobbies.

What is the purpose of proofreading your correspondence?

• To make it longer.

• To ensure there are no errors that could harm your first impression.

• To add more information.

• To make it more casual.

What is a cover letter?

• A thank you note.

• A letter to your friend.

• A formal letter sent with your resume when applying for a job.

• A letter to withdraw your application.

What should you do if you send a cover letter by email?

• Include it in the body of the email.

• Send it as a separate document.

• Combine it with your resume into one PDF.

• Send it without a resume.