Letter Example for Announcing a Job Search

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Are you looking for a new job? Your personal network of friends, family members, and neighbors, as well as all the colleagues you've had throughout your career, can be a tremendous asset when it comes to finding a job and building your career.

Don't be shy about letting people know you’re job searching. Instead of keeping your job search a secret, inform your network that you're on the hunt for a new (or first) position. That way, people will be able to recommend and refer you when opportunities arise.

Note

If you're currently employed, it's important to let your connections know that you're job searching confidentially. You don't want word to get back to your boss before you're ready to resign and move on to your next position.

One simple way to let everyone know you're looking for a new job is to send a letter or email message. Read tips on how to send a letter to your network. Then review a sample letter to send. Use the sample as a template for your own letter, but be sure to change the letter to fit your situation.

Tips for Writing a Job Search Announcement Letter

Create a list of people to contact. Make a list of friends, colleagues, and other associates who you think might be able to help you. If you are job searching while still employed, make sure not to add anyone from your company to your list of contacts (unless you are open with your boss about your job search). If there are a few people who you think would be particularly helpful—maybe they are in your field, or know an employer you might like to work for—consider sending them individualized messages. For everyone else, you can send a general letter.

Consider sending an email. You can send individual letters to everyone, but if time is of the essence, an email is fine. Be sure to include a clear subject line in your email, such as "Seeking Help With Job Search in Education."

Provide necessary information. In the note, you can discuss your background and share specifics about the kind of job you're seeking. Since your network may be far-flung, be sure to include geographical details about where you're willing to work. You can say, "I'm looking for a job in Denver, Colorado" or "I'm open to working anywhere in New England."

Be specific in your request. Your contacts will be more helpful to you if you clearly state what kind of help you would like. Do you want to hear about job openings? Maybe you would like to job shadow someone? Would you appreciate an introduction to someone who works at a company you'd love to work for? Let them know what you want.

Keep it short. Your note should be friendly, of course, and also a quick, brief read. Don't drown recipients in the tiny details of your previous jobs, or list out every single accomplishment of your career. Give the highlights. After all, your network most likely already has some familiarity with your background, so you only need to provide a refresher.

Include your resume. Your resume, which you should attach, will provide the full, detailed picture of your experience for your contacts. Because you will attach your resume, you can keep the message itself short and sweet. 

Carefully proofread and edit. Even though you are sending this message to friends and family, you still want it to be polished. Read through your message before sending it, proofreading for any spelling or grammar errors. You want to appear professional since you are asking for professional advice.

Letter Sample Announcing Job Search

Subject: Career Transition Assistance

I hope you are doing well!

As you may know, I have been working at XYZ Pharmaceuticals as a Research Associate for the past three years. I am currently looking for a new opportunity in clinical research, and am reaching out to you to ask for help finding a job opportunity in the Boston area.

I am looking for a mid-level clinical research position, preferably at a hospital or a pharmaceutical company. While my previous research experience has been in neurology, my Biomedical Engineering degree has given me experience in a variety of fields.

If you know of any employers that might be hiring clinical researchers, or know of any particular job opportunities, I would appreciate it if you could let me know. I have attached my resume for your reference. Feel free to pass it along to any contacts you have that might know of a possible job opportunity.

Thank you so much for your help! I am so grateful for any assistance you can provide.

I look forward to catching up with you soon.

Best,

Firstname Lastname
Email
Phone

How to Send a Follow-Up Message

Depending on what happens with your job search, you can follow up with your contacts in a variety of ways:

  • If an individual helps you with your search, be sure to send an individual thank you (either as a letter, email, or handwritten note).
  • If you are still on the job search in a month or so, consider sending a follow-up email to everyone, thanking them for their help, and saying you are still looking.
  • If you get a job, you can also send a general thank you message to everyone, sharing information on your new job. This will help people know when they can stop sending you job information.

More Letters Requesting Job Search Help

Here are more examples of letters and emails asking for assistance with a job search or career move, along with letters to thank the people who have helped you.

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