field.
expected
application message and résumé in hand, a reader
learns nothing from "I am enclosing my résumée
The following sentences are possible closing sen-
your review." Ohsene caution in choosing over
words such as applicant, application, opening,
tences that refer to an invitation to interview. They are
mot intended as model sentences that should appear in
position, vacancy, and intervietc.
your messge. Because finding the right job is so impor-
Avoid overuse of land writer-focused statements.
tant, you will be well rewarded for the time and thought
Because the message is designed to sell your
you invest in original warding
services, some use of I is natural and
• *When a date and time can be arranged, I would like
but restrict the number of times I is used, espe-
to talk with you." The statement does not indi-
cially as the first word in a paragraph. Focus on
cate who will do the arranging, and the meeting
place and the subject of the conversation are
company's needs. The employer is not interested
understood
in reading about your need to earn more income,
"I would appreciate an opportunity to discuss the
to be closer to your work, to have more
marketing assistant's job with you." The indirect
reference to action is not forceful. However, if the
surroundings, or to gain greater advancement
applicant has impressive qualifications, the reader
opportunities
will want an interview and will not need to be
• Avoid unconvincing generalizations that could sound
pushed
boastful. Self-confidence is commendable, but
• "I look forward to talking with you about how my
skills and experiences can benefit Beck Restaurant
Group." The statement asks for the interview
judgmental terms, and unsupported generalizations
and re-emphasizes the applicant's strong
damage your credibility. Instead of labeling your
qualifications.
performance as "superior" or "excellent," or
describing yourself as an efficient, technically
When a date and time can be arranged, I would like
skilled team player," give supporting facts that show
to talk with you.
the interviewer you can deliver on what you're
selling
pleasant
overconfidence (or worse still, just plain bragging)
is objectionable. Overly strong adjectives, self-
company-not what you
want from the company
(money). Discussion of
salary isn't meaningful until
after a mutually successful
interview; however, if an
ad requests a statement
Tailor the message to the employer's need. To
condescending. Discussing experiences related to
impress the interviewer that your message is not
a specific job requirement or your preference for
a generic one sent to everyone, provide requested
work that requires this skill reveals your under-
information, and communicate an understanding
standing without a direct statement. Including ter-
of the particular company, job requirements, and
minology commonly used by the profession allows
you to communicate clearly in terms the reader
Provide requested information. Job listings often
understands; it also saves space and implies your
background in the field.
request certain information: "Must provide own
transportation and be willing to travel, Give
Focus on strengths and portray a positive attitude.
educational background, work experience, and
Concentrate on the positive aspects of your edu-
salary expected.” Discuss these points in your
cation or experience that have prepared you for
application message. Preferably
, the question of
the particular job. Apologizing for a shortcom-
salary is left until the interview, allowing you to
ing or admitting failure only weakens your case
focus your message on your contributions to the
and raises questions about your self-esteem.
Do not discuss your current
employer's shortcomings.
To compete with the
Regardless of how negatively
high volumes of junk
you perceive your present
employer, that perception has
mail, daily messages,
little to do with your prospec-
and fear of computer
tive employer's needs. Also, if
about it, the message
you speak negatively of your
should address it. You may
viruses, you must present employer, you could
be perceived as someone who
provide a motive for an
would do the same to the next
interviewer to open an
employer
unexpected message 13-5c Finishing Touches
preference for discussing
from an unknown
The importance of professional
salary at the interview.
formatting and careful proof-
person.
Communicate knowledge of
reading of job application mes-
the company, job require-
sages is generally understood.
ments, and language of the
Still, employers frequently
field. Your statements about a company's rapid voice concern with the sloppiness and unprofessional
expansion or competitive advantage show you really appearance and content of electronic submissions.
are interested in the company, read widely, do To survive the skeptical eye of an interviewer scan-
you are required to do, and gather infor- ning for ways to reject an applicant, allow yourself
mation before making decisions. However, phrase time to produce a professional-looking document
these statements carefully to avoid the perception regardless of the presentation or delivery option
of insincere flattery. For example, referring to the
employer as “the leader in the field,” “the best in
In regard to preparing an application message for
the business,” or “a great company" could appear as email submission, career experts recommend format-
an attempt to get a favorable decision as a reward ting it as a business letter with the complete address of
for making a complimentary statement. To reflect the company exactly as presented in a letter sent by mail
your understanding of the job requirements, use
and a formal closing such as "Sincerely. To help peo-
indirect statements that are informative and tactful. ple reach you, include a full signature block with your
Direct statements such as “The requirements of
mailing and email addresses, and phone numbers)
this job are ..." presents information the employer The recipient can easily contact you without opening
presumes you already know; “An auditor should be your attachments. Although seemingly unnecessary,
able to ...” and “Sales personnel should avoid ..." the email address is useful when a recipient fonwards
sound like a lecture and could be perceived as
give a minimum figure or
range, indicate willing-
ness to accept a figure that
is customary for work of
that type, or indicate a
more than
13-5b General Writing Guidelines
An excellent application message might be the most
difficult message you ever attempt to write. It's natural
to feel uncomfortable writing about yourself; however,
your confidence will increase as you study the wealth
of model documents available through your career ser-
vices center and other sources. The writing principles
you've been introduced to in this chapter should help
you write a thoughtful, original message that impresses
the interviewer. Instead of standard verbiage included
in dozens of models, your self-marketing connects your
experiences to your future with a specific company
and reflects your personality and values. The following
writing techniques will help distinguish your application
message from the competition:
• Substitute fresh, original expressions that reflect
contemporary language. Overly casual expressions
and overused statements will give your message
a dull, unimaginative tone. Obvious ideas such as
“This is an application,” “I read your ad,” and “I
am writing to apply for" are sufficiently understood
without making direct statements. With the
266 PART FIVE: Communication for Employment
you've chosen
Vasiliy Koval/Shutterstock.com
your email to someone else who might want to reply to
CHAPTER 13: Preparing Résumés and Application Messages 267
der
for
ised
field.
he
d
condescending. Discussing experiences related to
Tailor the message to the employer's need. To
a specific job requirement or your preference for
impress the interviewer that your message is not
work that requires this skill reveals your under-
standing without a direct statement. Including ter-
information, and communicate an understanding
a generic one sent to everyone, provide requested
minology commonly used by the profession allows
of the particular company, job requirements, and
you to communicate clearly in terms the reader
understands; it also saves space and implies your
• Provide requested information. Job listings often
background in the field,
request certain information: “Must provide own
Focus on strengths and portray a positive attitude.
transportation and be willing to travel. Give
Concentrate on the positive aspects of your edu-
educational background, work experience, and
cation or experience that have prepared you for
salary expected." Discuss these points in your
the particular job. Apologizing for a shortcom-
application message. Preferably, the question of
ing or admitting failure only weakens your case
salary is left until the interview, allowing you to
and raises questions about your self-esteem.
focus your message on your contributions to the
Do not discuss your current
To compete with the
employer's shortcomings.
Regardless of how negatively
high volumes of junk
you perceive your present
mail, daily messages,
employer, that perception has
little to do with your prospec-
and fear of computer
tive employer's needs. Also, if
you speak negatively of your
viruses, you must present employer, you could
provide a motive for an
be perceived as someone who
would do the same to the next
interviewer to open an
employer.
unexpected message 13-5c Finishing Touches
from an unknown The importance of professional
formatting and careful proof-
person.
• Communicate knowledge of
reading of job application mes-
the company, job require-
sages is generally understood.
Still, employers frequently
ments, and language of the
field. Your statements about a company's rapid voice concern with the sloppiness and unprofessional
expansion or competitive advantage show you appearance and content of electronic submissions.
are interested in the company, read widely, do To survive the skeptical eye of an interviewer scan-
more than you are required to do, and gather infor- ning for ways to reject an applicant, allow yourself
mation before making decisions. However, phrase time to produce a professional-looking document
these statements carefully to avoid the perception regardless of the presentation or delivery option
of insincere flattery. For example, referring to the
you've chosen
employer as “the leader in the field,” “the best in
In regard to preparing an application message for
the business,” or “a great company” could appear as email submission, career experts recommend format-
an attempt to get a favorable decision as a reward ting it as a business letter with the complete address of
for making a complimentary statement. To reflect the company exactly as presented in a letter sent by mail
your understanding of the job requirements, use
and a formal closing such as “Sincerely.” To help peo-
indirect statements that are informative and tactful.
include a full signature block with your
Direct statements such as “The requirements of
mailing and email addresses, and phone number(s).
this job are ..." presents information the employer
The recipient can easily contact you without opening
presumes you already know; “An auditor should be
your attachments. Although seemingly unnecessary,
able to...” and “Sales personnel should avoid ...
the email address is useful when a recipient forwards
sound like a lecture and could be perceived as
company--not what you
want from the company
(money). Discussion of
salary isn't meaningful until
after a mutually successful
interview; however, if an
ad requests a statement
about it, the message
should address it. You may
give a minimum figure or
range, indicate willing-
ness to accept a figure that
is customary for work of
that type, or indicate a
preference for discussing
salary at the interview.
ple reach
you,
your email to someone else who might want to reply to
CHAPTER 13: Preparing Résumés and Application Messages 267
enclosing my résume in
a reales
learns nothing from “I am
opening
position, vacancy,
The following sentences are possible closing sen-
tences that refer to an invitation to interview. They are
not intended as model sentences that should appear in
your message. Because finding the right job is so impor-
tant, you will be well rewarded for the time and thought
you invest in original wording.
• "When a date and time can be arranged, I would like
to talk with you.” The statement does not indi-
cate who will do the arranging, and the meeting
place and the subject of the conversation are
your
expected
espe-
application message and résumé in hand,
your review.” Observe caution in choosing over
words such as applicant, application,
and interview.
• Avoid overuse of I and writer-focused statements
Because the message is designed to sell
services, some use of I is natural and
but restrict the number of times I is used,
cially as the first word in a paragraph. Focus on
providing specific evidence that you can meet the
company's needs. The employer is not interested
in reading about your need to earn more income,
to be closer to your work, to have more pleasant
surroundings, or to gain greater advancement
Avoid unconvincing generalizations that could sound
boastful. Self-confidence is commendable, but
overconfidence (or worse still, just plain bragging
is objectionable. Overly strong adjectives, self-
damage your credibility. Instead of labeling your
judgmental terms, and unsupported generalizations
performance as “superior” or “excellent,”
describing yourself as “an efficient, technically
skilled team player,” give supporting facts that show
the interviewer you can deliver on what you're
selling
understood.
• "I would appreciate an opportunity to discuss the
marketing assistant's job with you." The indirect
reference to action is not forceful. However, if the
applicant has impressive qualifications, the reader
will want an interview and will not need to be
pushed.
• "I look forward to talking with you about how my
skills and experiences can benefit Beck Restaurant
Group." The statement asks for the interview
and re-emphasizes the applicant's strong
qualifications.
opportunities.
or
When a date and time can be arranged, I would like
to talk with you.
13-5b General Writing Guidelines
An excellent application message might be the most
difficult message you ever attempt to write. It's natural
to feel uncomfortable writing about yourself; however,
your confidence will increase as you study the wealth
of model documents available through your career ser-
vices center and other sources. The writing principles
you've been introduced to in this chapter should help
you write a thoughtful, original message that impresses
the interviewer. Instead of standard verbiage included
in dozens of models, your self-marketing connects your
experiences to your future with a specific company
and reflects your personality and values. The following
writing techniques will help distinguish your application
message from the competition:
• Substitute fresh, original expressions that reflect
contemporary language. Overly casual expressions
and overused statements will give your message
a dull, unimaginative tone. Obvious ideas such as
"This is an application,” “I read your ad,” and “I
am writing to apply for” are sufficiently understood
without making direct statements. With the
5 PART FIVE: Communication for Employment
es
FIGURE 13.8 EXAMPLE OF AN APPLICATION LETTER
n
Karen Cunningham
455 Ash Lane, Apt. 3
Birmingham, AL 67003
(504) 345-9876
kcunningham@gmail.com
Addresses letter to specific
person, using correct name
and job title.
Larry Canton, Hiring Manager
Dayton Ltd.
120 Main Street
Birmingham, AL 67012
Identifies how applicant
learned of the position, the
specific position sought, and
background.
March 12, 2017
Discusses how education
relates to job requirements.
Introduces résumé for
additional information.
Dear Mr. Canton:
I am interested in your position of Marketing Assistant, which was posted
on your corporate website. The combination of my natural ability, technical
expertise, and work experience all make me an ideal candidate for this role.
As a recent graduate of Alabama State University with an emphasis in
Marketing, I am intimately familiar with developments in social media
promotion and data mining applications. I would also bring value to a company
like yours through my experience in the private sector in various internship
positions and my positive "can do” attitude.
Encourages employer to take
action without sounding pushy
or apologetic.
For the past six months, I have interned in the Marketing Department of Ajax
Corp.
, where I participated in the development of a marketing program
new computer-networking product
. As part of that team, I also wrote promo-
tional materials for the company website and sent a weekly email newsletter to
for
a
Format Pointers
Formats as formal business
letter because the message is
accompanying a print résumé.
current customers.
An abbreviated email message
including an online résumé
in ASCII or RTF format would
be appropriate for electronic
submission.
I consider myself to be a productive worker with a solid work ethic who exerts
optimal effort to ensure that all tasks given to me are completed on time and to
the highest standards. My personal strengths include, but are not limited to the
following:
Being a motivated self-starter who takes the initiative, and can work with
minimal supervision.
• Being committed to providing a superior service to any company for which I
work
Uses the same high-quality,
standard size and neutral
colored paper as was used for the
résumé.
Includes the writer's address and
contact information
Being computer literate with extensive software knowledge and proficiency
covering a wide variety of applications.
Greater details of my accomplishments and achievements can be found in my
attached resume. I am available for interview at any time and can start work at
short notice. Thank you for the time you have taken to consider my application,
and I eagerly look forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely,
Karen Cunningham
Purchase answer to see full
attachment