Twenty-One Genres and How to Write Them

4 Application Letter

4 Application Letter example: Fantasyland Application Brock Dethier Anytown, USA1 January 1, 2010 Mr. Cedrick Smee2 Fantasyland, USA Dear Mr. Smee: I would like to apply for a position as a face character at Fantasyland, USA. I have experience3 at two other theme parks, where I played first a coachman for Cinderella, then the Headless Horseman. I have also had many speaking and singing parts in plays and musicals at my high school, most notably the announcer in Wonderful Town. My resume4 lists all the roles I have played as 28    Genres well as my references, two employers and two teachers. I believe I can bring to Fantasyland5 experience, a can-do attitude, and a talent for acting, and I could fill almost any male role. I am ready to start immediately, and I can be reached anytime via telephone or email.6 Thank you for your time. Sincerely, About this example (numbers below correspond to those in the letter): 1. Yeah, ok, in real life you need to give all the contact information you can. 2. If you can find the name of a specific person to apply to, use it. 3. If you’ve got it, talk about it. 4. One of the functions of the letter is to draw attention to your resume. 5. What do you have to offer the potential employer? Be as specific as you can. 6. Important information. example: Independent Living Coordinator Application P.O. Box 1234 Wellsville, UT 80000 December 29, 2009 Options For Independence 1095 North Main Logan, UT 84341 Subject: Independent Living Coordinator To Whom It May Concern:1 In April 2009 I was fortunate enough to secure an internship with the Logan, Utah BRAG2 office. During my internship I was able to be introduced to several areas within the Area Agency on Aging. Because I demonstrated excellence in all areas of my work as an intern, I was recently offered a part-time position as a case manager for the BRAAA caregiver program. I accepted this position eagerly because my experience working for BRAG has been extremely rewarding. I deeply admire and support the work that BRAG does for the community . I have also had a wonderful experience working with all of my dedicated managers and colleagues at BRAG. Working with BRAG has given me the opportunity to work with individuals in the community and truly make a difference in their lives. For all of these reasons I am hoping to be hired as a Regional Coordinator/Caseworker for BRAG. Application Letter    29 I believe I would make an excellent candidate for this position for many reasons. I have the necessary leadership skills to effectively perform as a Regional Coordinator/Caseworker. Through work at BRAG, volunteer work, and academic work, I have successfully coordinated community outreach programs, organized and led meetings, taught workshops, and made various contacts in the community. I have the energy and dedication necessary to be an excellent Coordinator. Additionally, I am a kind, compassionate, and empathic individual. I have the ability to listen to individuals’ needs and connect them to the appropriate resources. I work extremely well with my coworkers , and I have the capacity to encourage a healthy, open, and productive working environment. Please find attached my résumé and references. Please contact me if you have any questions whatsoever. I look forward to meeting with you to discuss possible employment. Thank you very much for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Alyson Frederick (435) 245-0000 Alyson.c@aggiemail.usu.edu Questions about the example: 1. I find “to whom it may concern” so impersonal that I try to avoid it when I can, even if it’s only to say, “Dear Selection Committee,” or in this case, “Dear Options for Independence.” And I’d probably change the comma to a colon for formality. 2. Should Frederick spell out whatever BRAG stands for? Normally I would say yes, but in this case, if she’s sure that her readers speak of “BRAG” that way, she might seem condescending if she spelled out Bear River Association of Governments. 3. How does Frederick convey her best qualities? 4. Many people find it hard to write about their strengths because they fear they’ll be seen as bragging. How does Frederick achieve a tone that is enthusiastic but not arrogant? 5. Can you see examples of the three types of rhetorical appeals? Questions about the Application Letter 1. What are its purposes? An application letter may be...