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To say, as one dictionary does, that a letter is ``a written or printed message sent by post'' is only half the story, especially if the letter is written in application for a job. The job application is a vital, evocative document because as soon as the employer has read it, he or she forms an opinion of the applicant's character and suitability.
British advertising practitioner and author Michael Harrison says: ``The importance of the letter is judged by the manner in which its information is conveyed... its purpose is to influence the addressee.''
Harrison wrote those words in an advertising context (the direct mail letter), but the principles are the same because the job letter really is an advertising shot and should say the right things, in the right manner, about you.
Harrison says all letters should be sales letters. Isn't the love letter selling something? You bet it is.
Writing a letter, whatever its purpose, is a knack that surprisingly few intelligent people possess, says the SydneyMorning Herald. It was said by one erudite observer that the love letter is the hardest to write, but that the job letter is much harder.
Quite apart from style, length and content, many job-seekers ruin their chances of winning an interview by not paying attention to the wording of the job advertisement. The reason for this is that employers, or their agents, receive so many letters in response to every ad they place that they are forced to set traps that will help them cull the mass of correspondence.For example, in wording the advertisement, some will insert specific information to be addressed, in writing, by the applicant.
This might be two, or even three initials ahead of the name of the person to be contacted. Take care with details like this-they might be a trick to lure the unwary into leaving off one of the initials, or writing to an incomplete address or executive position. Letters thus received ``incorrectly addressed'' might be cast into the waste-paper basket unopened.
Tricks aside, alwaysbe sure to address your letter and envelope in identical fashion, and use any job-reference code given in the ad.
It pays to think of the advertising profession when writing, addressing and mailing a job letter. In the realms of advertising, direct mail is a powerful medium. Thousands, if not millions, of dollars are spent by advertising professionals in designing, and wording, direct mail ``shots''.Think of your letter as a direct mail shot-a vehicle for communication. It must contain the right wording or, at least, NOT contain the wrong wording. It must look good and it should trigger the response intended-a positive reaction.
Direct-mail professionals actually measure their success (on behalf of their client) by the volume of response to the shot. If a sale is made (by their client) all well and good, but the professional direct mail writer thinks responses first, outcomes later.
You should have the same attitude, because your letter must gain a response, preferably an interview. Winning the job(making the sale) comes later, but it won't come at all if your letter is a bad one.
Good letters are short, but contain all the right information, which must be cunningly outlined, cunning in the sense that it must present in the correct order and volume, the information that might win you an interview.
How can you make a job letter a sales letter? Simple. Use quality paper and matching envelope, lay out the letter properly, avoid abrupt ``office'' English, and don't ramble on, because one A4 page should be enough.
Remember that employers read hundreds of application letters. This has honed them to spot, almost unconsciously, wording that ``jars''. The letter should read smoothly, its message flowing like honey off a warm spoon. Pleading, boastful or otherwise clumsy letters reveal their flaws to experienced employers or agency executives in a flash, and become part of ``the cull''.
Competent resume and letter writers are worth considering. Most novelists can write well but, usually, even their workis rigorously edited before publication. If you are not confident, use a professional, but ask to see samples first.
Copyright © 1998 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
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This story was printed from Net Express located at http://www.expressindia.com. Net Express provides a portal to India, with news from The Indian Express and The Financial Express along with sites on travel and tourism, the entertainment industry, the power sector, the environment and much more.
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