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By Danny Rubin – theLadders

Do you speak “Millennial”? Taco Bell does. Or at least, the company hopes it’s become fluent in the language of its biggest fan base.

The Associated Press has previously reported that Taco Bell execs feature a “Millennial Word of the Week” at their headquarters in Irvine, Calif. For instance, they covered “on fleek,” which to the uninitiated means “on point.”

Clever marketing? Lame attempt to be cool? Unclear. In any event, Taco Bell knows the right words can make all the difference.

Matt Stewart understands the importance of staying on message too. Stewart directs College Works Painting (CWP), which allows college students to run their own painting businesses and gain skills like project management, budgeting, client relations and employee management/HR. Find out if CWP is in your state.

As CWP participants then look for work upon graduation, Stewart and his team ensure each person matches his/her passion and interests with the appropriate field or industry.

“We offer personality tests and equip our alumni with the tools and templates to apply with confidence,” said Stewart. “Those first impressions with employers are so critical, and we want our students to succeed right away.”

To help CWP — and the rest of us — compose emails with impact, here’s a short guide on how to conclude each message based on the scenario.
Or as Taco Bell execs would confidently say: keep it “on fleek.”

1. Send off a job application

Closing line

“Thanks, and please let me know if you have any questions.”

Explanation

The line says to the employer, “I am interested in the position and ready to fire back an email or hop on the phone to answer any questions you might have.”

The sentence is better than, “Thanks, and I hope to hear from you.” It shows you’re engaged and won’t sit back waiting for a response.

2. Ask to connect or network

Closing lines

“Again, it would be great to meet with you in person. Please let me know your availability over the next couple of weeks.

Thanks, [person’s first name]. I look forward to talking with you.”

Explanation

Reiterate your desire to connect in person (always better than a phone call, if possible). Also, give the person two weeks to find a time on the calendar.

Then, drop the person’s first name. People love to read their own name (yep, even you), and the tactic will make your request tougher to ignore.

3. Ask for a favor

Closing lines

“Again, I would appreciate your help. Please let me know what’s possible.

Thanks so much,”

Explanation

Let the person know one final time how much you value the assistance. Then write, “Please let me know what’s possible” so the person can respond with how much — or how little — he/she is able to help.

4. Ask for an informational interview

Closing lines

“Again, please let me know if you have a few minutes to meet. I would appreciate the chance to ask questions about the [field you’re interested in] field and learn more about your career path.

Thanks so much,”

Explanation

Ask politely for a person’s time and attention. The key phrase here is, “I would appreciate the chance to … learn more about your career path.” That line will make the other person feel valued and more likely to take a meeting.

Remember: at an informational interview, your challenge is to ask great questions, listen and learn. Impress the employer with your curiosity and selflessness. That’s often how job opportunities emerge.

5. Send a thank-you note

Closing line

“Thanks again and have a great day.”

Explanation

Short and sweet. You said your thanks earlier in the email. Now say “thanks” once more and wrap up the message.

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