return the goods at Fiske & Jones's expense. Write the
telegram.
=Exercise 238--Letters of Application=
A letter of application usually has three parts. In writing such a
letter, first, tell where you saw the advertisement and apply for the
position; second, tell your qualifications and give your references;
third, end the letter appropriately, possibly asking for an interview.
This is a difficult kind of letter to write. Not only should it be neat
in appearance and clearly written, but it should also be so carefully
worded that it will show enough of the writer's individuality to
distinguish it from a form. Be neither hesitant nor bold, but tell your
qualifications in a simple, straightforward way.
Study the following letters. Are they convincing? Do they show the
personality of the writers, or are they mere forms?
1
Gentlemen:
Your advertisement in to-day's Record for a salesman
who knows the tea and coffee business interests me. I
should like you to consider my application for the
position.
Since my graduation from the Blank High School, four
years ago, I have been employed as salesman for the
Economy Wholesale Coffee Co., a firm doing business in
this city and its outlying districts. During these
four years I have gathered a wide knowledge of the
principles of the buying and selling of coffees and
teas and of the grades and blends of both, just the
training, it seems to me, that you wish to secure.
You may depend upon my taking an active interest in
your business, because I have an intense desire to
advance. I myself vouch for my honesty and
earnestness, and Mr. Robert Brown of the firm
mentioned above has assured me that he will supply you
with any information that you may wish as to my
character or ability. He endorses my desire to secure
a broader opportunity.
If the position that you have to offer is one in which
there is a real future for an energetic, capable man,
I should like to have an interview with you.
Yours very respectfully,
2
Dear Sir:
I am answering your advertisement in to-day's Record
for a clerk because I wish to get started in the
wholesale dry goods business, my idea being to work
into the sales department. If the position that you
advertise affords such an opportunity, I wish to apply
for it.
I have had a little experience in the retail dry goods
business, having worked as clerk for Mr. Amos Jones of
this city during the past two summers. What I have
seen and learned of the business makes me feel that I
have ability as a dry goods salesman. I shall be glad
to work hard in a clerical position if only I get a
chance to learn and to advance.
I am eighteen years of age and have just graduated
from the Blank High School, where I took the four-year
commercial course. This, as you know, includes
business arithmetic, bookkeeping, and some business
practice. During the last two years I was business
manager of the high school paper. This position gave
me considerable experience in handling details rapidly
and in soliciting advertising. It is this latter
experience that makes me feel that I would have
success in selling.
I am confident that I can please you, and I should be
grateful if you will grant me an interview. Mr. Amos
Jones, 815 E. 47th St., will be glad to give you any
information that you may wish as to my work, and if
you desire I can furnish other references.
Yours respectfully,
=Exercise 239=
Apply for the following positions: