Glencoe Keyboarding with Computer Applications

Compose an Application Letter

Introduction
Evaluate job qualifications and compose an application letter for a job position.

Directions
For this activity, read the list of job descriptions below and choose one that interests you. If none of the listed jobs interests you, use an online search engine to research a job field that does. Compile the same types of job qualification information that is listed below in order to complete the activity.

Then, based upon your choice, answer the Activity Questions and key your answers into the spaces provided. After you finish keying, check your work and click Submit.

Then, following the directions on page 210 of your Student Edition, compose an application letter for the job you selected. Using your research and answers, describe your qualifications, why you are interested in the job, and explain that you are enclosing a resume. Review the formatting rules presented in Unit 3, Lesson 59 of your Glencoe Keyboarding with Computer Applications Student Edition.

Job Descriptions
Office Manager A criminal defense law firm in your area is looking for an Office Manager. The ideal candidate:

• Must have experience assisting owner/top level Executive
• Must have excellent written & verbal communication skills
• Is a team player and a self starter who is capable of juggling multiple priorities with minimal direction
• Is able to work independently without supervision
• Is computer literate in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, ACT & Quickbooks

Graphic Artist A local graphics vendor is seeking a creative, solution-minded Graphic Artist to further develop their talents. Requirements include:

• AA Degree from college or university; or one to two years’ related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Ability to design, typeset, illustrate, and arrange material for visual presentation (i.e. brochures, warranties, posters, logos, business cards, boxes, letterhead, etc.)
• Study illustrations and photographs to plan presentation of materials or products
• Ability to conceptualize market concepts and produce mock-ups
• Graphic software, such as Quark, Photoshop, and Illustrator

Public Health Nurse The Senior Public Health Nurse (PHN) assesses, plans, implements, and evaluates a comprehensive community health nursing program in assigned areas. Qualifications and abilities required by the position:

• Must be licensed nurse in the U.S. with a minimum of 3 years professional nursing experience, with at least 1 year in medical/surgical experience.
• Supervisory/team leading experience desirable.
• Demonstrate leadership skills, problem solving techniques, excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of and/or sensitivity to cultural and language differences. Will have frequent contacts with Navajo-speaking clients.
• Evening hours or after-hour schedules may be required in management of communicable disease outbreak or other medical emergencies.

Editor, Publishing A major corporation seeks a Senior Editor to manage, edit, and write for a monthly publication focusing on the lifestyle of busy professionals. Responsibilities and requirements include:

• 5+ years’ magazine editing experience
• Excellent writing and editing skills
• Ability to work on multiple projects, meet deadlines, and work in a team setting
• Ability to develop story ideas
• Liaison with in-house editors, outside writers, artists, and photographers
• Strong understanding of the magazine production process

If you wish to further research a job position listed here, or to find a job position not listed here, three popular electronic job market Web sites are monster.com, hotjobs.com, and CareerBuilder. You can also use on online search engine and related keywords.

1			What job position did you choose and why?
2			What reason will you give in the application letter for choosing this position?
3			What are some of the qualifications necessary for the position?
4			What experiences or skills could you include in the application letter, outside of the specific qualifications required, might make you a more attractive candidate to a potential employer?
5			What are some characteristics, such as work ethic, that you do not normally include in a resume that you may include in your application letter?