How to Apply for a Job in Writing
Throughout your working life, there are three types of job searches you'll conduct. The most common is a letter or application in response to a classified ad, job fair, or personnel announcement. The second is a scattergun approach in which you introduce yourself and your talents to several companies and query whether they have any existing openings. The third is the identification of a specific company that has not yet "invented" the type of job you could perform. While all three scenarios adhere to similar protocols, here's an overview of handy tips for distinguishing yourself in each one.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
Filling Out Applications
-
1
Fill out any job application forms in black or blue ink and print all of your content neatly instead of using cursive. Take your time and think before you write in order to avoid ugly cross-outs and hasty margin scribbles.
-
2
Embrace brevity. You only have a small space to explain your educational and employment history so make every word count. Use action words and phrases that emphasize accomplishments and results.
-
-
3
Attach a brief, professional looking cover letter to the front of your application, especially if you're a student. So few students do this any more that yours will stand out. Example: "Attached for your review is my application for the summer position of Library Apprentice. I look forward to discussing my qualifications at your earliest convenience."
Creating Job-Specific Cover Letters
-
4
Choose 20# stationery (with matching envelopes) in white, cream, light blue or light gray. Set your margins at one inch on each side and choose a 12 pt. font in Times New Roman, Courier, or Bookman. Use the same font throughout your entire cover letter. Content should not exceed one typed page.
-
5
Address the letter to the individual who will be doing the interviews. If this name isn't indicated on the job announcement, address the letter to the company's HR department and specify the title of the position for which you're applying.
-
6
Summarize in no more than one paragraph how your background is a good match for the position advertised. Since your resume will be attached to this document, the objective of the cover letter is to only mention a few highlights to tweak their curiosity.
Crafting a Query Letter
-
7
Research the companies you're interested in to determine whether they have the types of positions you're looking for. Many companies don't advertise when openings occur but, instead, rely on a combination of insider referrals or resumes they have received and kept on file from prior interviews.
-
8
Demonstrate that you've done your homework on each company by referring to things they have already done or that you have read they are planning to do in the immediate future. Example: "The recent expansion of your call center to include personnel who speak Mandarin is of interest to me because I speak it fluently and have extensive customer relations experience."
-
9
Request the opportunity to meet with someone in HR or the division you'd like to work for. The low-key objective of this strategy is for them to get to match a face with the correspondence and for you to get some practical advice on how you could prepare for a future position with their company. The initiative you demonstrate might also lead them to refer you to one of their associates who is currently hiring.
Introducing a New Way of Thinking
-
10
Identify the type of job you'd like to have and the reasons you believe you could do this job better than anyone else. For instance, let's say that you're currently a freelance photographer who is looking to create new opportunities. You've noticed in the real estate section of the paper that the pictures of the houses are amateurish and don't really show off the properties to best advantage. You find out that the realtors at the agency you're interested in take these pictures themselves but are usually rushed and don't have the time, talent or equipment to do a stellar shoot.
-
11
Start out your cover letter by relating that you live in the community and are familiar with the types of properties their agents list. Be positive in these opening comments as opposed to saying, "What are you thinking? Your house pictures are horrible!" People respond more favorably to unsolicited letters if they start out on a positive note.
-
12
Mention your professional qualifications as a photographer and that you have always had an interest in architecture, interior design, and landscaping. Demonstrate your knowledge of the concept that "a picture is worth a thousand words" by explaining that you're familiar with some of the listed properties and took a few pictures that you feel show them off in a way that would be appealing to prospective buyers.
-
13
Include several of your sample shots and request a meeting at their earliest convenience to discuss what you'd like to do for them. Emphasize the time savings that this would represent to their agent as well as the potential to attract buyers to a property that looks cozy, elegant, family -friendly, etc. To assuage concerns that your services are going to cost them a lot, recommend in your letter and in the meeting itself that you'd like to show them what you can do for free for two weeks and, if the results are favorable, to then negotiate remuneration for your future services.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Just as if you never get a second chance to make a good first impression in person, the same applies to introducing yourself in written documents like cover letters and resumes. Always proofread your work thoroughly and have someone else read it to provide feedback on how well you've presented yourself. Strive to place more emphasis on what you can do to benefit the company as opposed to what they can do to benefit you.
Never exaggerate your qualifications. If your initial correspondence is via email, don't resort to informality or slang. Keep it as professional as you would a letter that was snail-mailed to the recipient.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Image courtesy of morguefile
