Question 1

Writing a job application letter is a good way to help you prepare for a job interview.

Accepted Answer

A job application letter allows you to outline your qualifications and experiences relevant to the job, helping you to prepare and articulate your strengths and accomplishments during an interview.

Question 2

In a job application letter, you should include personal information about yourself because even if not directly relevant, the information can show you to be well rounded.

Accepted Answer

In a job application letter, it's important to focus on information relevant to the job and qualifications. Personal information not related to the job can be distracting and unprofessional.

Question 3

The conservative style for job application letters includes using contractions.

Accepted Answer

The conservative style for job application letters typically avoids using contractions to maintain a formal tone.

Question 4

Palatino is a common typeface for a job application letter.

Accepted Answer

Palatino is a serif typeface that is considered professional and is commonly used in formal documents, including job application letters.

Question 5

Job hunting in the U.S. may be different than in other parts of the world, so determine what the best kind of letter to send based on the local culture.

Accepted Answer

Job hunting practices, including the type of letters to send (such as cover letters or letters of interest), can vary significantly from one country to another, reflecting differences in local job market norms and cultural expectations.

Question 6

Employers want businesslike employees who understand professionalism, so demonstrate that quality in your letter.

Accepted Answer

Demonstrating professionalism in your letter shows employers that you understand and value businesslike qualities, which are essential for most work environments.

Question 7

Write a solicited letter when you know the company is hiring.

Accepted Answer

A solicited letter is written in response to an actual job opening or hiring advertisement made by a company, indicating that the company is actively seeking applicants for a position.

Question 8

Developing your qualifications in detail makes little sense in the letter, as your résumé will detail that information.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Developing your qualifications in detail makes little...

Question 9

Always ask for an interview at the conclusion of the letter-getting an interview is the primary purpose of the letter.

Accepted Answer

The primary purpose of a cover letter is to secure an interview.

Question 10

When you know that a company is hiring, announcing that you are applying for a specific job in the first paragraph of your letter makes sense.

Accepted Answer

Mentioning that you are applying for a specific job in the first paragraph of your cover letter helps to immediately clarify your intent and position you are interested in, making it easier for the hiring manager to understand your application's relevance.

Question 11

Good word choices can help set your letter apart from the others the company is likely to read.

Accepted Answer

Good word choices can enhance the clarity, tone, and impact of a letter, making it more memorable and effective compared to others.

Question 12

In a prospecting letter, asking for a job in the first paragraph is dangerous because the company hasn't announced it's looking for anyone.

Accepted Answer

Asking for a job in the first paragraph of a prospecting letter can be risky because it may come off as presumptive or aggressive, especially if the company has not indicated any open positions. It's often better to first express interest in the company and align your skills with their potential needs.

Question 13

Always wait for the employer to call you after you've sent the job application letter.

Accepted Answer

It's proactive to follow up on your application with a polite email or phone call after a reasonable period, showing your interest and initiative.

Question 14

In a solicited job application letter, it's OK to wait for the employer to contact you unless you're applying for a job that favors initiative, such as one in sales.

Accepted Answer

In a solicited job application letter, the employer has already expressed interest in your application, so it is not necessary to follow up unless you are applying for a job that favors initiative, such as one in sales.

Question 15

In both solicited and prospecting letters, you should show what separates you from other applicants.

Accepted Answer

In both solicited and prospecting letters, it's important to differentiate yourself from other applicants by highlighting unique skills, experiences, or qualities that make you an ideal candidate for the position or company.

Question 16

A T-letter is essentially another kind of rèsumè.

Accepted Answer

A T-letter is a type of cover letter that aligns the job requirements listed in a job posting with the applicant's qualifications in a T-shaped table, not a resume.

Question 17

Some employers prefer T-letters; if you know that's the case, it's okay to use them.

Accepted Answer

T-letters, which align your skills and experiences directly with the job requirements, can be effective if an employer has expressed a preference for them, as it makes it easier for them to see how you match their needs.

Question 18

You can create good tone in your job application letter by using you-attitude and positive emphasis.

Accepted Answer

Using you-attitude focuses on the needs and interests of the employer, while positive emphasis helps in highlighting your abilities and achievements in a constructive manner, both contributing to a good tone in a job application letter.

Question 19

Job-hunting in the U.S. is the same as elsewhere, so use the techniques described in the text anywhere you go.

Accepted Answer

Job-hunting techniques can vary significantly from one country to another due to differences in cultural norms, hiring practices, and legal requirements.

Question 20

For your job application letter, it's OK to include information about your religious beliefs or ethnic community activities even if that information is not relevant to the job.

Accepted Answer

Including personal information such as religious beliefs or ethnic community activities that is not relevant to the job can be inappropriate and may lead to bias in the hiring process. It's best to focus on qualifications and experiences directly related to the job.

Quiz 28: Job Application Letters