Writing Samples



Letters



Letter of Application -- Solicited Use this format when you are applying for an advertised job. Note the basic organization: attention getter that announces the position you seek and how you learned about it, presentation of your qualifications, how you see your strengths helping the organization, and the final request for an interview.

1225 Hampton Boulevard
Norfolk, VA 23517
March 14, 2000


Ms. Dianne C. Strand
Manager of Human Resources
Atlantic Coast Industries, Inc.
2900 Virginia Beach Boulevard
Virginia Beach, VA 23464


Dear Ms. Strand:

I am applying for the position of systems analyst which was advertised March 11 with the placement service at Old Dominion University. The position seems to fit very well with my education, experience, and career interests.

Your position requires experience in computer systems, financial applications software, and end-user consulting. With a major in management information systems, I have training on mainframes, minicomputers, and microcomputers as well as with a variety of software programs and applications. My practical experience in my university's computer center as a programmer and as a student consultant for system users gave me valuable exposure to complex computer operations. Additionally, I worked as a cooperative education student in computing operations for a large bank where I gained knowledge of financial systems. My enclosed resume provides more details on my qualifications.

My background and career goals seem to match your job requirements well. I am confident that I can perform the job effectively. Furthermore, I am genuinely interested in the position and in working for Atlantic Coast Industries. Your firm has an excellent reputation and comes highly recommended to me.

Would you please consider my request for a personal interview to discuss further my qualifications and to allow me to learn more about this opportunity? Please give me a call at 555-6433. The best times to reach me are before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m.

Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to talking with you.


Sincerely,


Natasha Redd



Enclosure





Letter of Application -- Prospecting

Use this format when you are inquiring about a job with a firm that has not advertised the particular position. In this situation, you should still indicate the job you're interested in. As with the solicited letter above, you still need to talk about your qualifications. You also want to address the kinds of skills you see yourself bringing to the organization. Finally, you request an interview.

1234 Benbow Road
Greensboro, NC 27411
January 5, 2001


Mr. Timothy Mellon
Director of College Recruiting
Midwest Mercantile Company
4500 Randolf Drive
Chicago, IL 60601


Dear Mr. Mellon:

I read your company's description in CPC's Job Choices in Business and would like to inquire about employment opportunities in your management training program. I want to work in retail management and would like to relocate to the Chicago area after graduation.

I will receive my B.S. degree in marketing this May. My interest in business started in Junior Achievement while I was in high school and developed further through a variety of sales and retail positions during college. My internship with a large department store convinced me to pursue a career in retail. When I researched the top retailers in Chicago, Midwest Mercantile emerged as having a strong market position, an excellent training program, and a reputation for excellent customer service. In short, you provide the kind of professional retail environment I seek.

My resume is enclosed for your consideration. My education and experience match the qualifications you seek in your management trainees, but they don't tell the whole story. I know from customer and supervisor feedback that I have the interpersonal skills and motivation needed to build a successful career in retail management. And my relatively extensive experience gives me confidence in my career direction and in my abilities to perform competently.

I know how busy you must be during this time of year, but I would appreciate a few minutes of your time to discuss how I might fit in with Midwest Mercantile's plans for the future. You can call me at 336-555-5555. Should I be out, please leave a message, and I will return your call as soon as I return.

Thank you very much for considering my request. I look forward to talking with you.


Sincerely,



Donald A. Williams



Enclosure: resume





Resume



The following example is a typical chronological resume for someone who is just graduating from a university with minimal experience related to his/her chosen field. Consequently, "Education" is featured. Someone with years of experience would give emphasis to "Work Experience" instead.

Full Name


109 Happy Lane
City, ST 00000
(555) 555-5555


OBJECTIVE
State position and industry of interest
(management position in finance; summer internship in communications industry, e.g.)

EDUCATION
Name of Institution (Spelled out)
Degree and Month/Year of Graduation
Major(s) and GPA: Overall or in major (if 3.0 +)

Other schools attended or special programs completed/ titles of courses

HONORS & AWARDS
Include academic scholarships/awards, honorary societies, recognitions within organizations, athletic awards

EXPERIENCE
List Title, name of organization, city/state, and dates of employment. Include volunteer work, jobs, internships, and relevant leadership positions. Duties and skills learned. Put more impressive duties at the beginning and end of your list for emphasis. Examples:

Public Relations Intern, WWOW Inc., Greensboro, NC
Fall 2000
Wrote press releases. Provided customer service on telephone inquiry line. Assisted with new product campaign.

Wait Staff, XYZ Restaurant, Greensboro, NC
Summer 1998-Summer 1999
Trained 2 new employees. Opened and closed restaurant during week in summer. Averaged 20 hours/week while carrying full academic course load.

ACTIVITIES
Offices held, names of school and community organizations. Remember to write out the names of campus organizations with which a potential employer would not be familiar. Examples:

Treasurer, Future Administrative Executives of America (FAEA) (3 years)
Volunteer, Teen Crisis Hotline (2 years)

COMPUTER SKILLS
Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, FrontPage, Publisher, PageMaker, WordPerfect




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