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Put More Teeth to Your Application Letters
June 26, 2009 | 24 Comments
By: Nelson T. Dy
From time to time, I get emails from readers who drafted an application letter and asked me to comment on it. From my experience, most drafts suffer from three common weaknesses that will likely sabotage one’s chances of landing a job interview. Here are three major tips for a stronger letter.
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Don’t focus on what you want, focus on what the employer needs. I once caught a segment of Pinoy Idol (the local version of American Idol) where a contestant sang terribly. When the judges gave him the boot, he grovelled and said something like, “Please, please. I come from a poor family and I really need this.” He was so persistent that security guards had to escort him out of the studio.
Many application letters are like that. The writer focuses on what he wants: to work overseas, to earn a solid paycheck, to have “personal and professional growth.” But the reality is that the employer is concerned with getting the right people to grow his business. He is not running a welfare state. He is not being paid to help you “find yourself” or “make your dreams a reality.” Small wonder, then, that self-focused application letters usually go to the circular file.
The strategy, therefore, is to research on what the employer needs and match your qualifications to these needs. A related mistake is to write a “one size fits all” application letter that completely ignores the peculiar needs of a target company. Take time to study the employer’s website and figure out what kind of people they are looking for. Then, present yourself as that person.
This implies that you really have what the employer needs. Otherwise you would be like that Pinoy Idol wannabe who cannot even carry a tune. Don’t make vague statements like “I believe I can do a good job for you.” Rather, give solid proof. Summarize relevant accomplishments; too many people simply rattle off their job descriptions.
Mind your grammar. The second common flaw I see in application letters is poor English. It is kind of sad if this reflects the state of Philippine education today. But an excellent command of English is crucial for today’s competitive job market. I do not wish to embarrass my readers by giving actual examples, so I am making up the following so you can see what I mean.
• Redundancies - “with grateful thanks”
• Awkward construction - “From a prestigious university I have procured my degree in…”
• Wrong capitalization - “I am Nelson dy who is looking for a job as an Engineer.”
• Long-winded sentences – “I went through the Board Exam as a chemical engineer this last June 25 to 28 and now as I am still waiting for the results I am hoping that in the meantime I can find a job in an manufacturing firm and then I saw your ad in Philippine STAR last May 3.” (Tip: Read your own sentence. If you find yourself gasping for breath, chop that sentence down to two or three shorter ones.)
If you really need to send the application letter right away, ask a competent friend to edit it for you. However, you still have to polish your own English. You don’t want to be hired and later your boss will ask you, “How come your English is impeccable when you were applying with us but now it is worse than a high school student?”
Do what ever it takes: Enroll in a remedial class. Invest in an English proficiency seminar. Devour grammar books. Surf the Internet (recently, I saw a website called The Grammar Blog). Join Toastmasters.
Be pro-active. Most application letters end with the same tune, “I hope to hear from you.” This signals the employer that the writer is passive, a no-no for any worker. On the applicant’s part, he is left in the dark whether the employer will read his letter, let alone hire him.
It is much better to say that you will call the employer’s office and ask for an interview. Yes, I know it feels scary (“What if I get rejected?”) or arrogant (“Wouldn’t that turn him off?”) But as someone said, “Don’t depend on luck. Create your own luck” This is especially true for job hunting.
Look at it this way: If you take the pro-active approach, you will stand out among your competition who don’t. Remember that it goes back to your research and how your letter (and resume) shows that you are right for the job. Then you call them with the confidence of “Here’s what I can do for you,” instead of the beggarly “Please give me a job.”
Conclusion: An application letter is like a handshake. People can tell how confident or feeble you are from your grip. Similarly, seasoned recruiters can sense the quality of an applicant from his letter. Make a great first impression so you can remain in the game, with a job offer as the prize. -
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Cristine (Wed, Aug 18, 2010 10:39)
Very helpful article. thank you for this article you've sharing with us. That's my dream to be a good in english language. Hoping very soon I will be a fluent in english. everyday I'll practice and reading is my past time.
Cabugason, Andrew (Sat, Feb 05, 2011 11:13)
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Telebangco, Meriam (Mon, Apr 18, 2011 19:47)
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