logo search
U4 add

Case study (2)– Alex

Alex, 27, was an account manager for a financial services company. He has taken a career break and is planning to return to New Zealand to work as a horse trail guide. "I was starting to stagnate in my career, and I didn't really like the industry I was working in. I hoped that travelling would develop my confidence. I requested a sabbatical from my job, wanting the financial security, but was refused, so I resigned. I spent 2 months in each Canada, New Zealand and Australia, plus a month in South Africa and a few days in Zimbabwe. To help finance the trip, I remortgaged my house and sold my car. I was hoping to rent out my house but couldn't find a tenant, so I put it on the market just before I left. A highlight of my trip was doing the world's second highest bungee jump in New Zealand, despite having a fear of heights, then going on to do the world's highest, in South Africa. I also rode a horse which was in ‘Lord of the Rings'. This horse was notoriously difficult to ride, and the fact that I could handle him meant I was able to apply for a job at the horse ranch. Travelling restored my faith in humanity. I was amazed at the kindness of strangers, and at how quickly I made friends. As a result, I think I'm more open-minded – I'm friendlier and give people a chance before judging them. Also, the break means I have career opportunities that would never have been open to me before." Update: Alex's job at the horse ranch has just been confirmed, and he flies back to New Zealand in September.

Business documents

Cover(-ing) letter

All cover letters should:

 

Explain why you are sending a resume. Don't send a resume without a cover letter.  Don't make the reader guess what you are asking for; be specific: Do you want a summer internship opportunity, or a permanent position at graduation; are you inquiring about future employment possibilities?

 

Tell specifically how you learned about the position or the organization — a flyer posted in your department, a web site, a family friend who works at the organization. It is appropriate to mention the name of someone who suggested that you write.

 

Convince the reader to look at your resume. The cover letter will be seen first. Therefore, it must be very well written and targeted to that employer.

 

Call attention to elements of your background — education, leadership, experience — that are relevant to a position you are seeking. Be as specific as possible, using examples.

 

Reflect your attitude, personality, motivation, enthusiasm, and communication skills.

 

Provide or refer to any information specifically requested in a job advertisement that might not be covered in your resume, such as availability date, or reference to an attached writing sample.

 

Indicate what you will do to follow-up.

 

•

In a letter of application — applying for an advertised opening — applicants often say something like "I look forward to hearing from you." However, if you have further contact info (e.g. phone number) and if the employer hasn't said "no phone calls," it's better to take the initiative to follow-up, saying something like, "I will contact you in the next two weeks to see if you require any additional information regarding my qualifications."

Cover Letter Format Guidelines:

 

Your Street Address City, State Zip Code Telephone Number Email Address

Month, Day, Year

Mr./Ms./Dr. FirstName LastName Title Name of Organization Street or P. O. Box Address City, State Zip Code

Dear Mr./Ms./Dr. LastName:

Opening paragraph: State why you are writing; how you learned of the organization or position, and basic information about yourself.

2nd paragraph: Tell why you are interested in the employer or type of work the employer does (Simply stating that you are interested does not tell why, and can sound like a form letter). Demonstrate that you know enough about the employer or position to relate your background to the employer or position. Mention specific qualifications which make you a good fit for the employer’s needs. This is an opportunity to explain in more detail relevant items in your resume. Refer to the fact that your resume is enclosed. Mention other enclosures if such are required to apply for a position.

3rd paragraph: Indicate that you would like the opportunity to interview for a position or to talk with the employer to learn more about their opportunities or hiring plans. State what you will do to follow up, such as telephone the employer within two weeks. If you will be in the employer’s location and could offer to schedule a visit, indicate when. State that you would be glad to provide the employer with any additional information needed. Thank the employer for her/his consideration.

Sincerely,

(Your handwritten signature)

Your name typed

Enclosure(s) (refers to resume, etc.)

(Note: the contents of your letter might best be arranged into four paragraphs. Consider what you need to say and use good writing style. See the following examples for variations in organization and layout.)

 

 

This covering letter uses the AIDA approach:

• attract the reader’s Attention

• arouse the reader’s Interest

• make the employer Desire to interview you

• request Action

Ex.2 Read this letter and decide which of the underlined sentences mean attention, interest, desire, action?

Adriana Fernandez

C/ Pablo Casals

n° 23, 5° dcha.

08080 Madrid

Mr. Roger Miller

Access Airlines

13 South Street

Bishop’s Stortford

Hertfordshire CM23 3BQ

Dear Mr. Miller1,

I am currently studying at ESADE business school in Madrid and will graduate next June. Last year I completed an internship with Air France in Paris where I acquired extensive knowledge of the airline industry2. I am also now working as a part-time check-in agent for Iberia in Madrid.

At present, I am focusing on profit centre business models, and I am keen to pursue my career development in the field of air transport. Access Airlines is well-known for its innovative approach to financial management: with the theoretical knowledge and the practical experience I have acquired, I feel I could make a significant contribution to profitability as a future profit centre manager in your organization3. I will be available to work from the beginning of July next year. Please find enclosed my resume and a copy of my Air France internship report4.

I would be grateful for the opportunity to meet you to discuss the possibility of a position with your company5. You can reach me at the above address. Thank you for your interest: I look forward to speaking to you in the near future6.

Sincerely yours7,

Adriana Fernandez

8