So – I’ve told you about that whole random spontaneous application thing? Yeah, I have. People looking for work where none is to be had and all that? Yeah.
Also – you really should let a native speaker have a look at your letter.
So here’s another gem from a random hopeful:
”I like my job, I like to work between people.”
That’s a good one.
The other thing that boggles the mind about this particular application is that the lady in question tries to make the claim on the basis of pathos more than merit… Which is all kinds of not pertinent, really, and in classical rhetoric not recommended. You should never use an emotional appeal unless it supports the claim you’re making.
In this case the applicant says:
“I have a 4 years old daughter, I have to think of her life, of her future.”
To which I can only raise an eyebrow and go “yes, and this helps you in performing your duties how, exactly?” Better to tell me of your actual merits and experience. When we get to that part things also get interesting.
“I am quiet positive, in my previous workingplace my nickname was Smiley.”
I don’t really know how to respond to that.
See the thing is… when you’ve only got one shot at grabbing my attention, you really should try to make the most of it. And this gets my attention, sure, just not in the way you were hoping. And I don’t mean to ridicule “Smiley” – I’m sure she’s a sweetheart, but she really should have taken the ten minutes she needed to get this proofed by someone who could have gone “are you sure you’re saying what you need to be saying here?” and “is that really the word you’re looking for?” Especially when your next claim is “I speak English”.
See what I mean?
Just think about it.
ROL
0 Responses to “How to not lean on pathos when writing a job application…”