Respectfully,
James Wells.
Whoever writes a caustic letter makes a mistake; for it will do no good, even if there seems to be a cause for it, and if the assumed cause proves to be simply a mistake the writer will be humiliated.
LETTERS OF APPLICATION.
It is sometimes difficult to write a letter of application, because one must speak of himself and of his ability to fill the position sought, and to do so without seeming egotistic. If the applicant has had experience in work similar to that for which he applies, a simple statement of the fact, the length of time engaged in such work, the reason for quitting his last position, and the name and address of his former employer, should form the substance of his letter. If he has had no experience, he should state what advantages he has had to qualify himself for the work, and not boast that he could soon and easily learn to do it.
The following will exemplify the points:
124 La Salle St.,
Chicago, Sept. 24, 1899.
I am informed by a friend, Mr. C. A. Brooks, of your village, that you are in want of a book-keeper, and I desire to make application for the position. I am a young man, but have had several years experience in keeping books. I am now in charge of the books of Messrs. Jones & Williams, of this city, to whom I can refer you for information as to my ability and character. I desire to go to the country, and should be glad to work for you, if you can pay me $70 per month, which is my present salary.
Very respectfully,
T. R. Miller.
Salem, Wis., May 15, 1899.
I am informed that your shipping clerk is soon to leave, and that the position now held by him will be vacant. I desire to apply for the same, but I am sorry to state that I have not had any experience in this particular line of work; however, I have been a general clerk in a village store, and am familiar with simple book-keeping, which would probably enable me to learn the work of a shipping clerk in a reasonable length of time.