Business English: A Practice Book by Rose Buhlig

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: