Job application letter

yakyma94's picture

This is my cover letter for a  job with American Electrical Power.  The job is a roational engineering at a nuclear facility.

suggestions

jdralsto's picture
  1. Does the letter include all the necessary components (return
    address, header, salutation, introductory paragraph, body paragraph(s),
    and conclusion)? If not, what’s missing? Yes, all there.
  2. Does the writer use block format (all text flush with the left margin)? Yes, I missed that one on mine, good job.
  3. Does the style of the letter suit the occasion? Is it too informal? Too formal or generic? Explain. Yes, seems appropriate.
  4. Does the writer take the right tone? (E.g., come off as
    enthusiastic without gushing? highly qualified without bragging?)  Explain. Yes, although there is a some sentences that may not be needed to sell yourself for that particular job.  Stay on topic, and avoid repeating statements too much.
  5. Are there any spelling or mechanical errors? If so, identify them,
    either by listing them here or by circling them on a printed draft. No, I couldn't fnd any.

Content/Rhetorical Context

  1. Does the letter speak directly and specifically to the job ad,
    using keywords to organize the discussion of his or her qualifications?
    Even if it does, what could be done better? I think there are parts where it is forgotten what job you are applying for, meaning I have to go back to the top and remind myself what job you are applying for.
  2. Does the writer mention specific reasons why he or she has applied for the position? Explain. Yes, good detail on why.
  3. Does the writer identify specific skills, using terminology that other experienced people would recognize? Yes, listing skills in particular programs or equipment that the Employer probably is currently using helps them know you don't need a lot of training before you can be working.
  4. Does the introductory paragraph identify the position applied for,
    its source, and then the major reason(s) why the writer is well-suited? I don't understand what the position is, maybe a little info on your understanding on what the job entails, so they know you understand.
  5. Does the conclusion say how the writer can be contacted for further
    discussion or an interview? Does the letter end on a high note? Explain. Yes, good conclusion.
  6. What is the most important revision the writer should make? Explain.  Try condensing it to one page, for ease of the reader so they can glance down at the end without flipping a page, or even if the second page is lost for some reason.

Kevin's Comments

Here are some comments on your cover letter. Please email me at kamckelv@purdue.edu if you have any questions. Thanks,

Kevin