Job seekers usually get varying advice from all sides on message length and strategy for letters and resumes, advice that often reflects inaccurate data. The suggestions given in this lesson are practical ones tested in the business world and, more important, accepted by people who do the hiring. As the text notes, a number of correspondence situations arise in the application process. For this assignment, however, you will prepare only the letter of application and resume. The discussion for this lesson is longer than most, but be sure to read all before preparing the assignment at the end.
Any job market is a competitive one to a degree.
Fortunately for you, most of the weeding out is done at the application stage. As employers review the countless letters and resumes sent by recent college graduates, yours might well stand out from the competition if you follow the suggestions given here. Application Letter Chapter 17 discusses the letter of application and resume. The reader has a job needing filling and your letter will catch the reader's interest if the letter opens with your applying for a job. If you follow through with details on your background that show how you are qualified for that job, then you will stand a good chance for an interview.