As you've read, your job application letter serves
as a personal introduction. It should persuade your reader that you
know about the organization to which you are applying, that you are
specifically interested in working for it, and that you have the qualifications
that will enable you to be a successful employee there. In addition,
you should convey a sense of your personality.
You can accomplish these aims in a variety of
creative ways, but you should always make sure your letter satisfies
the basic goals and requirements:
Introduction + Knowledge of the Reader's Organization
| ___ |
Addressed your letter to a specific, real
individual? |
|
___
|
Listed job you're applying for and where
you learned about the job?
|
|
___
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Persuaded your reader that you know about
the reader's organization?
|
|
___
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Demonstrated knowledge related to the specific
job you want?
|
|
___
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Explained relevance?
|
|
___
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Conveyed a sense that you admire the company?
|
Qualifications
| ___ |
Avoided overpersonalizing (information about your
age, sex, marital status, etc.) |
| ___ |
Included hobbies and activies only if relevant (such
as leadership positions held in clubs). |
|
___
|
Explained how the knowledge, abilities,
and experiences described in your résumé are relevant
to the specific job for which you are applying?
|
Closing
|
___
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Included a cordial ending and clearly set
our a plan of action?
|
Format
| ___ |
Used standard business letter format. |
| ___ |
Used quality bond paper, 8x11 inches, ideally the same as your
résumé |
|
___
|
Does your letter have all the elements
of a business letter?
- Return Address
- Date
- Full address (including title) for the
person to whom you are writing
- Salutation
- Signature block
- Signature
|
Ethical
|
___
|
Were truthful about your experience and
accomplishments?
|
Correctness
|
___
|
Are spelling, punctuation, and grammar
correct?
|
Overall
|
___
|
Demonstrated that you are aware of your
reader's goals and concerns when hiring?
|
|
___
|
Demonstrated that you are a skilled communicator?
|
Modified from example from Paul Anderson's
Technical Communication, 3rd ed.
Editing Exercise-->
