Job Seeker's Workshop

Job Seeker's Workshop

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5. Applications

Job Applications

Did you find the boo-boos?

FAULTS:

Applicant One Late application, spelling mistakes, incomplete business address, ink blotches (very messy), only repeats words from advertisement, says nothing new, didn't specify when/where job was advertised, "thank you"?. This late, boring letter contradicts what it actually says.

Applicant Two Dear Sir, didn't say what job, every sentence is too long, didn't attach references as asked (or at least didn't say they were attached), can't read signature (male or female?) - thankfully résumé attached which hopefully will clarify name and sex.

Applicant Three Incomplete personal and business addresses, addressed to the Personnel MANAGER, each sentence begins with 'I', no paragraphs, "yours truely"?, letter is typed.

Applicant Four No suburb/town, no year on date line, poor layout, didn't attach reference, no name under signature (above address instead), person is too old for job, didn't mention why they had left former employer, allowed one spelling mistake to creep in (could you find competant?).

Applicant Five Form letter (fill in the blanks style), typed, paragraph 2 unnecessary, too many references attached, yours sincerely and Dear Sir/Madam don't go together.

GOOD POINTS:

Applicant One Dear Sir/Madam, obvious which position application is for, enclosed references, started using the language used in the advertisement to form the letter but did not enlarge on it, printed name under signature.

Applicant Two Proper business format for addresses, almost a good introduction, good ideas in 2nd paragraph, attached résumé and SAID that is was attached, pointed out that they had no home telephone.

Applicant Three Attached résumé and references, good reason for liking the work, pushing the person into following the letter up, name under signature.

Applicant Four Found out the name of the Personnel Officer (may be good), outlines all relevant experience, attached résumé, yours sincerely and Mrs Brown are correct together.

Applicant Five Shows that although has not been able to get a full-time job, has been usefully filling in time and gaining experience. "Form" letter may be a good idea if writing many applications but can result in the reply not properly matching a particular position, pushes the person into following letter up.

Looking at the list of faults and good points above, try to:

• draw up your own "Rules for Application Letters" chart which outlines simply the best ways to write application letters which will create a good impression with an employer.
  
  
• try to re-write in your own words, two of the five letters from that exercise, improving on them wherever necessary.
  
  

1. write out a list of the important information it gives you about the job and the type of person required and what it wants you to do.
   
   
2. write your own reply to this advertisement.