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Letters of Application

One very important kind of business letter is an application for a job, but the number of people who have no idea how to write such a letter is amazing. Of course there is no one pattern that will please everybody, but there are a number of common types that will please nobody. It may therefore be worth your while to consider a few general points about how to write to a prospective employer (here­after called "he" or "him") before developing your individual vari­ations.

Start your letter simply and directly by saying what job or what kind of job you are applying for. Don't apologize for bothering him, or tell him you know how busy he must be—you'll just be wasting a little more of his time. And unless you are quite sure either that you are a genius or that he isn't quite bright, don't try to bowl him over with a fancy opening.

Here are two beginnings which, with" minor variations, have been closing doors on their w riters for years: "Are you looking for a man who . . . ?" In brief, no. "Currently working in the research department of Western State Elec­tric Co., I am anxious to locate in a community in the congenial

climate of. . . ." You are, are you?

Not nearly so bad, but still clumsy, is "I am interested in applying for a position as a technician in your department. I should like to know whether there is an opening. I am etc." Never mind the interest —say "I am applying" or "I wish to apply." And never mind asking whether there is an opening. You are writing the letter on the chance that there is.

2. Even if it means a little extra work for you, give him all the information you think he might want in the first letter. Some applica­tions say in effect: "I'm male, twenty-six years old, and would like a job. If you have any further questions I'll be glad to answer them." He won't have any further questions—why should he? Unless you tell

him enough to interest him, you won't get more than a form letter in reply.

3. Don't ask him any questions in the first letter, or put any other burden on him. If he gets a number of letters that seem about equally promising, he'll probably answer those that take least effort. Wait until he shows an interest in you before bothering him.

4. If you enclose a picture, choose one that is appropriate for the job you are seeking, not merely one that flatters your vanity.

5. Don't enclose a stamped, self-addressed envelope. If he can't or won't answer without one, you don't want the job anyway.

The Data Sheet

Most important of all, enclose a data sheet. This device has at least three advantages. First, it puts the essential facts together in convenient form, where they can be scanned almost at a glance—to see if the rest of the letter is worth reading. Second, it provides some protection against leaving out essential information. Third, it allows you to do your boasting impersonally. After all, the main purpose of a letter of application is to tell how good the applicant is; but since some of us feel uncomfortable about bragging, and most of us are easily irritated by other people's bragging, the problem of how to do this effectively is a delicate one. The best general solution is the data sheet (also known by various other names ranging from poop sheet to curriculum vitae). There is no one form for these, but the following would be reasonable for a college freshman applying for a summer job that he hoped might lead to eventual permanent em­ployment.



DATA SHEET

Ronald F. Sebring

Year of Birth: 1945 Height: 5' 11" Weight: 175 .Health: Excellent

Marital status: single Draft status: 2 S Rel. Pref: Methodist

Education: Graduated from Chandler, Arizona High School, 1963

Now freshman at Carradine College.

Major: Economics Grade average, first semester: B-f

High School activities:

Basketball: three letters. Captain senior year.

Tennis: one letter.

Organizations: Hi-Y, International Relations Club (vice-president),

Lettermen's Club (president). Several class offices.

College activities:

Basketball: freshman numerals.

Tennis: squad member.

Organizations: International Relations Club,


Date: 2015-12-17; view: 756


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