Job Job Application Application

LettersLetters

Module Module Twenty EightTwenty Eight

Copyright © 2014 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.McGraw-Hill/Irwin

Learning Objectives

LO 28-1 Select job application letters fordifferent situations.

LO 28-2 Contrast differences among jobapplication letters.

LO 28-3 Compare similarities among jobapplication letters.

LO 28-4 Examine methods for specificcompany targeting.

28-2

Learning Objectives

LO 28-5 Apply principles for T-letters.LO 28-6 Apply principles for appropriate job

application letter length.LO 28-7 Apply principles for good job

application letter tone.LO 28-8 Apply principles for e-mail job

application letters.

28-3

Job Application Letters

In your letter, focus on: Major requirements of the job. Points that separate you from other applicants. Points that show your knowledge of the

organization. Qualities that every employer values.

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Job Application Letters

To make the letter professional:Use a standard font.Address your letter to a specific person.Don’t mention relatives’ names.Omit unnecessary personal information.In general, use a conservative style.Edit and proofread carefully.

28-5

Allocating Time in Writing a Job Application Letter

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What kind of letter should I use?

Solicited letter You know the company is hiring. You’ve seen an ad you’ve been advised to apply by a professor or

friend You’ve read in a trade publication that the

company is expanding

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What kind of letter should I use?

Prospecting letter You may want to work for an organization which

has not announced that it has openings in your area..

These help you tap into the “hidden job market.”

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How are the two letters different?

When you know the company is hiring, organize your letter in this way:

State that you are applying for the job. Develop major qualifications in detail. Develop other qualifications, even if the

source didn’t ask for them. Ask for an interview.

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A Solicited Letter

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How are the two letters different?

When you don’t have any evidence that the company is hiring, organize your letter this way:

Catch the reader’s interest Create a bridge between the attention-getter

and your qualifications. Develop your strong points in detail. Ask for an interview.

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A Prospecting Letter

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What parts of the two letters are the same?

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What parts of the two letters are the same?

28-14

Targeting a Specific Company in Your Letter

28-15

Can I use T-letters?

Use a T-letter if the employer prefers it. To create a T-letter

Determine job duties and how you match them. Use bullet points to highlight duties and your

skills. Use a solicited or unsolicited introduction. Ask for an interview.

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A Solicited T-letter

T-letters offer the advantage of skimming but with some of the narrative qualities of a letter

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How long should my letter be?

A short letter throws away an opportunity to be persuasive; suggest that you have aren’t very interested in the job.

If you need more than a page, use it. The extra space gives you room to be more

specific about what you’ve done

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The company wants an e-mail application. What should I do?

Put the job number or title for which you’re applying in your subject line and in the first paragraph.

Prepare your letter in a word-processing program with a spell-checker to make it easier to edit and proof the document.

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The company wants an e-mail application. What should I do?

Don’t send anything in all capital letters.

Don’t use smiley faces or other emoticons.

Put your name and e-mail address at the end of the message.

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An E-Mail Application Letter

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