Write a persuasive resume for the attached job.
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how_to_write_a_persuasive_application_letter_part_1.pptxHow to Write a Persuasive Application Letter
Business Communication, MGT309
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Writing that Works (2010). Oliu, Brusaw, & Alred
Hello Class: Welcome to the presentation on ‘How to write a persuasive application letter.’ The purpose (direct) of an application letter is to get the reader to read your resume. The purpose of the resume is to get them to invite you to an interview.
Let’s talk about the dos and don’ts of an application letter – also called a cover letter.
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Application Letter
Be audience-centered!
As you know, at this point, it’s all about the audience - about who is reading the document and how they understand you. You need to language to that brain – that filter – that perspective.
A frequent mistake in crafting an application letter is in talking too much about self…no I did this and I did that. Well, this letter is really not about you, it’s about your contribution. Its about how you can contribute to the organization to help the organization be better. Its quite an important distinction to make when you write.
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Application letter
Do’s
Address the letter to a person
Know the values (corporate culture) of the organization
Show your personality – carefully
Be straightforward and fact-based, positive and upbeat
Be specific
Here’s a list of Do’s.
One – address the letter to a person. Show the organization that you have the fortitude to ‘figure out’ to who address the documents to. Look at the company’s website directory. You can call the company and ask. If you cannot find out who to address the document, be more sophisticated than ‘to whom it may concern.’
Two – connect to the organization on their values. Study the advertisement to discover what is really important…Identify the top three and then talk about those 3 times as the 3 body points in your letter.
Three – The reader wants to know who you are; they are anticipating working with you. Let them know you, but carefully. Remember, create your personal brand.
Four – In your describing yourself, be honest and straightforward. Stay positive.
Five – Be specific. Vague or blanket sentences don’t tell you story. Remember to tell your persuasive story. Be specific.
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Do’s
Write shorter email cover letters
Use a friendly, conversational tone
Good word choices
Fill most of the page – not too short or too long
Follow protocol in delivery
Be error free
Application letter
Do’s
Write shorter email cover letters. Keep the reader from having to scroll to read your message.
Write in conversational style – not formal or informal. Write to the middle. Sometimes, you want to research. If it’s a very formal organization, as in the case of a lawyer’s office, political office, you might want to use formal language.
Be smart about your word choices. Use words that connect to the reader. Use words that their brain can see or feel (the way you want them to see and feel). They are called emotional word pictures.
In a letter (not email), fill most of the page. A letter too short communicates that you don’t have enough to say (even though that may not be true).
Demonstrate that you can follow directions from the beginning by following protocol in delivery – if they say email – email, if they say mail it, mail it.
And of course, proofread till it’s error free.
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Application Letter
Don’ts
Restate your resume
Write too much
Write too friendly or cutesy or with passive voice
Don’ts
Restate your resume. You insult your reader by reading to them. Tell them additional information.
Don’t write too much. Too much self-disclosure is uncomfortable to them. And, by the way, too little causes distrust.
Stay in business tone – not too friendly or cutesy or passive. Show your confidence.
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