538 Chapter 17 Job Application Materials

company and to ask whether they can meet that salary. Usually you accept the
offer verbally and sign a contract within a few days. This is a pleasant moment.

Writing Follow-Up Letters 

After an interview with a particularly appealing firm, you can take one more
step to distinguish yourself from the competition. Write a follow-up letter. It
takes only a few minutes to thank the interviewer and express your continued
interest in the job.
Thank you for the interview yesterday. Our discussion of Ernst and Young’s grow-
ing MIS Division was very informative, and I am eager to contribute to your team.
I look forward to hearing from you.

Worksheet for Preparing a Résumé

□ Write out your career objective; use a job title.
□ List all the postsecondary schools you have attended.
□ List your major and any minors or submajors.
□ List your GPA if it is strong.
□ Complete this form. Select only relevant courses or
experiences.

College Courses Skills Learned Projects Completed

□ List extracurricular activities, including offices held and duties.

□ Complete this form for all co-ops, internships, and relevant
employment.
Job Title Company Dates Duties Achievements

□ List your name, phone number, current address, and

permanent address if it is different. If appropriate, add
e-mail address and personal website URL.
□ Review standard résumé format. See pages 528–530.
□ Choose a layout design.

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 Writing Follow-Up Letters  539

Worksheet for Writing a Letter of Application

□ State the job for which you are applying.
□ State where you found out about the job.
□ Complete this form:
Proof That You Fill the Need
(show yourself in action:
Employer Need “developed two C++ programs
(such as “program in C++”) to test widget quality”)

□ Select a format; the block format is suitable.

□ Write compelling paragraphs:
• An introduction to announce that you are an applicant
• A body paragraph for each need, matching your capabilities to the need
• Select details that cause “measurable impact”—ones that cause
readers to remember you because you can fill their needs
• A conclusion that asks for an interview
□ Purchase good-quality paper and envelopes, and get a new
cartridge for your printer if you produce the letter yourself.

Worksheet for Evaluating a

Letter of Application
Answer these questions about your letter or a peer’s:
a. Are the inside address and date handled correctly? Are all words
spelled out?
b. Do the salutation and inside address name the same person?
c. Is there a colon after the salutation?
d. Does the writer clearly apply for a position in paragraph 1?
e. Does each paragraph deal with an employer need and contain an
“impact detail”?
f. Does the closing paragraph ask for an interview? In an appropriate
tone?
g. Would you ask this person for an interview? Why or why not?

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540 Chapter 17 Job Application Materials

Examples
The Examples 17.1 and 17.2 illustrate ways in which applicants can show
how their skills meet the employers’ needs. Examples 17.3 and 17.5 illustrate
advance student and professional resumes. Example 17.4 shows how Example
71.3 looks as an ASCII text.
Example 17.1
Letter 1503 West Second Street
Organized by
Skills Menomonie, WI 54751
ABC Global Services
1014 Michigan Avenue
Slightly Chicago, IL 60605
modified
block format
uses indented November 3, 2013
paragraphs to
save space. SUBJECT: I/T Specialist–Programmer Position
Specific I would like to apply for the IT Specialist–Programmer Position for ABC Global
application.
Services in Chicago. I learned of this position through the University of Wisconsin–
Stout Placement and Co-op Office. Because of my past co-op experiences and
educational background, I feel I am an ideal candidate for this position.
Each body I am very familiar with all the steps of the application life cycle and processes
paragraph has
in first line a
involved in each of these steps. In my Software Engineering course, I and four other
key word or students developed a Math Bowl program that is used at the annual Applied Math
phrase from
the ad.
Conference. We analyzed the problem through an analysis document, created a design
Brief narrative
document, coded the Math Bowl program from the design document, and maintained
demonstrates the software. In my past co-op with IBM, I was also involved in requirements plan-
skills.
ning, design reviews, coding, testing, and maintenance for my team’s projects.
Two examples I have experience with low-level languages such as C++ and Assembler Language
illustrate skills.
through my work experience and course study. In my Computer Organization class,
I developed a CPU simulator in C++, which manipulated the Assembler Language.
During my Unisys co-op in the Compiler Products department, I developed test
programs in C, which manipulated the low-level compiler code.
Narrative I have strong customer relations and communication skills. Every day I deal with
illustrates
skills. students and faculty at my job as a Lab Assistant at the Campus Computer Lab. It is
my job to help them learn the available software and troubleshoot user’s problems.
Request for Enclosed is my résumé for your consideration. I am interested in talking with
contact.
you in person about this position and a possible interview. Please call me at
(715) 242-3368 at your convenience. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Heather Miller
Heather Miller

Enclosure: résumé

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 Examples 541

Example 17.2
Letter Dana Runge
Organized by
Skills
461-19th Avenue West Apt. 1
Menomonie, WI 54751

Standard October 29, 2012

block format
Rachel Rizzuto
Campus Relations Specialist
Target Headquarters
1000 Nicollet Mall
Minneapolis, MN 55403

Dear Ms. Rizzuto:

Specific I would like to apply for the Business Analyst position registered at the
application University of Wisconsin–Stout Placement and Co-op Office. I believe that
my past retail experience and education make me an ideal candidate for the
position.

Each body I have excellent analytical skills that were developed further from my educa-
paragraph has
in first line a
tion and work experience. In my Managerial Accounting course, my group
key word or researched the Pepsi Corporation’s performance through their 2011 Annual
phrase from
the ad.
Report. We applied that research by converting numbers and statistics into finan-
cial ratios and analysis. We then compared that information to industry norms
and made conclusions. Our results were reported to the class as a PowerPoint
presentation.

Narrative I have great experience with planning and organizing. As the Events Coordinator
demonstrates
skills. for the Stout Retail Association, I researched, planned, and implemented a three-
day trip to Chicago. I organized everything, from the hotel and transportation to
the tours and activities. I had to make several contacts and reservations, as well
as create a detailed time and activity agenda. I was responsible for the schedule
of sixty members.

Narrative I demonstrated clear and effective communication for a group country report in
demonstrates my Environmental Science class. I led the group in outlining what each member
skills.
was responsible for doing, as well as the time line for completion dates. We set
up meetings and exchanged communication channels, such as phone numbers
and e-mail addresses. Our group had a clear understanding of what each needed
to do as an individual, as well as in a group. We then compiled our information
into a class presentation.

Request for A copy of my résumé is enclosed for your review. I am available for an inter-
contact. view at your convenience. If you have any questions, please feel free to call
(Continued)

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542 Chapter 17 Job Application Materials

(715-237-1421) or e-mail me (rungdan@uws.edu). Thank you for your time and

consideration. I look forward to your reply.

Sincerely,
Dana Runge
Dana Runge

Enclosure: résumé

Example 17.3
Chronological
Resume
LAURA E. KREGER
2027 SE Taylor St
503.210.5381
Portland, OR 97214
laura.kreger@gmail.com

OBJECTIVE To earn a Graduate Research Assistantship or grading

position in the School of Community Health
EDUCATION Portland State University, Portland, OR
Master of Public Health—Health Promotion, June 2013
(anticipated)
Cumulative GPA: 4.00
UC Berkeley Extension, online
Certificate Program: Professional Sequence in Editing,
April 2011
University of Wisconsin-Stout, Menomonie, WI
BS in Technical Communication, May 2005
Cumulative GPA: 3.98, summa cum laude
Applied Field: Health Sciences
Studied Abroad: Southern Cross University, Lismore,
Australia, Feb.–June 2003
University Honors Program
Significant Courses
• Foundations of Public Health
• Substantive Editing
• Writing for the Media
• Environmental Health
• Intermediate Copyediting
• Critical Writing

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 Examples 543

PROFESSIONAL Marketing Copywriter, Feb. 2007–April 2011

EXPERIENCE Content Editor, Sept. 2005–June 2006; Sept. 2006–Feb. 2007
Fred Meyer, Inc., Portland, OR
• Wrote food and pharmacy print and Web
advertisements, e-mails, signage, etc.
• Edited the work of other writers at all stages of the
proofing process.
• Collaborated with account managers, buyers, designers,
and other writers.
• Interviewed corporate office and store department
managers for story content.
• Researched food trends, nutrition principles, and natural
and organic standards.
Freelance Writer & Copyeditor, 2002–present
• Published in Intentionally Urban magazine and
Llewelyn’s Green Living Guide
• Copyedited Welcome to the Table by Tony Kriz
Office Assistant, 2003–2005
Office of International Education, UW-Stout, Menomonie,
WI
• Organized and led predeparture orientation for students
studying abroad
• Coordinated student teaching program in Australia
• Communicated with students, parents, faculty,
embassies, and universities abroad
Grader, 2002–2005
Dr. Nancy Schofield, UW-Stout, Menomonie, WI
• Graded computer-aided drafting and design (CADD)
assignments, tests, and finals
• Supervised open lab hours
Public Health Communicator, June–Sept. 2004
Practicum Experience with the UW-Stout Obesity
Research Team
• Wrote and designed a flyer, press release, and grant
proposal
• Researched, wrote, and designed health education
handouts and activity sheets
(Continued)

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544 Chapter 17 Job Application Materials

VOLUNTEER Volunteer, Red Cross Emergency Warming Center,

EXPERIENCE November 2010–present
Writers Group Leader, Imago Dei Community, Sept.
2007–present
Lawn & Garden Volunteer, Holden Village, Chelan, WA,
June–Aug. 2006
AWARDS 2011 Urban & Public Affairs Graduate Memorial
Scholarship
UW-Stout Chancellor’s Award for Academic Excel-
lence, Each semester 2000–2005

LAURA E. KREGER
4833 North Astoria St. 503.444.4444
Portland, OR 97227 lkreger@charternet.com

OBJECTIVE To earn a Graduate Research Assistantship or grading

position in the School of Community Health

EDUCATION Portland State University, Portland, OR

Master of Public Health—Health Promotion, June 2013
(anticipated) Cumulative GPA: 4.00
UC Berkeley Extension, online
Certificate Program: Professional Sequence in Editing, April
2011
University of Wisconsin-Stout, Menomonie, WI
BS in Technical Communication, May 2005
Cumulative GPA: 3.98, summa cum laude
Applied Field: Health Sciences
Studied Abroad: Southern Cross University, Lis-
more, Australia, Feb.–June 2003
University Honors Program
Significant Courses
Foundations of Public Health Substantive Editing Writing for the Media
Environmental Health Intermediate Copyediting Critical Writing

PROFESSIONAL Marketing Copywriter, Feb. 2007–April 2011

EXPERIENCE Content Editor, Sept. 2005–June 2006; Sept. 2006–Feb. 2007
Fred Meyer, Inc., Portland, OR

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 Examples 545

• Wrote food and pharmacy print and web advertisements, emails,

signage, etc.
• Edited the work of other writers at all stages of the proofing process
• Collaborated with account managers, buyers, designers, and other
writers
• Interviewed corporate office and store department managers for story
content
• Researched food trends, nutrition principles, and natural and organic
standards
Freelance Writer & Copyeditor, 2002–present
• Published in Intentionally Urban magazine and Llewelyn's Green Living
Guide
• Copyedited Welcome to the Table by Tony Kriz
Office Assistant, 2003–2005
Office of International Education, UW-Stout, Menomonie, WI
• Organized and led pre-departure orientation for students studying
abroad
• Coordinated student teaching program in Australia
• Communicated with students, parents, faculty, embassies, and universi-
ties abroad
Grader, 2002–2005
Dr. Nancy Schofield, UW-Stout, Menomonie, WI
• Graded computer-aided drafting and design (CADD) assignments, tests,
and finals
• Supervised open lab hours
Public Health Communicator, June–Sept. 2004
Practicum Experience with the UW-Stout Obesity Research Team
• Wrote and designed a flyer, press release, and grant proposal
• Researched, wrote, and designed health education handouts and activity
sheets
VOLUNTEER Volunteer, Red Cross Emergency Warming Center,
EXPERIENCE November 2010–present
Writers Group Leader, Imago Dei Community, Sept.
2007–present
Lawn & Garden Volunteer, Holden Village, Chelan, WA,
June–Aug. 2006
AWARDS 2011 Urban & Public Affairs Graduate Memorial
Scholarship
UW-Stout Chancellor’s Award for Academic Excellence, Each se-
mester 2000–2005

Example 17.4

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546 Chapter 17 Job Application Materials

Example 17.5
Résumé
Emphasizing LAUREL VERHAGEN
Job Experience 3747 Flintville Rd,
of Working Green Bay, WI 54313 | 920-246-4036 |
Professional
verhagen.laurel@mcrf.mfldclin.edu
Technical communicators act as a filter between experts and their intended au-
dience. We are trained to be genre-sensitive, audience-focused, well-organized,
critical thinkers. We are trained in the art of communication.

EXPERIENCE
Marshfield Clinic Research Foundation, Biomedical Informatics Research
Center, Marshfield, WI
Applications Analyst–Senior, Infrastructure
and Central Resource Team 04/2012–Present
— Mentored programmer and application analyst team members focusing on
productivity, efficiency, and effectiveness. (Currently focused on the Grant
Budgeting Development effort for Sponsored Programs group.)
— Presented two posters at AMIA Joint Summit on Clinical Research
Informatics.
— Contributed as co-author on a manuscript submitted to JAMIA in April 2012.
Applications Analyst, Infrastructure and
Central Resource Team 02/2010–03/2012
— Worked with Legal Services from Marshfield Clinic, Security Health Plan
and Ministry Health Care to develop strategic plan for infrastructure project.
— Managed fiscal accounts, tracked personnel time, and adjusted scope to
accommodate project budget and resource availability.
— Fostered relationships with internal and external collaborators, includ-
ing the Informatics Advisory Committee and scientists at University of
Wisconsin–Madison.
— Drafted and maintained protocols and application submissions to the Institu-
tional Review Board for human subjects’ research.
— Coordinated multiple concurrent development efforts with a focus on daily
meetings and rapid prototyping. Prioritized critical path and mandatory
deliverables.
— Created and distributed Request for Proposals, evaluated vendors, and coor-
dinated a complete security evaluation of Trusted Broker and the WGI Portal.
— Provided process improvement, user support, assistance on administrative
projects for the ICR team.

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 Examples 547

Marshfield Clinic, Information Systems, Marshfield, WI

Software Product Analyst, Financial
Development Team 01/2006–05/2009
— Supported a software development team composed of seven programmers.
— Analyzed user work flow and needs; worked closely with staff and direc-
tors from billing/reimbursement, variance, data entry, and patient assistance
center.
— Wrote functional specifications for new projects.
— Designed minor to moderately complex systems.
— Wrote software documentation in the form of online help and user guides.
— Managed software releases: tested applications for usability and function,
followed change management procedure, communicated change to users,
provided follow-up user support.
— Mentored software product analysts, interns, and application analysts on the
financial systems.
— Member: IT Personnel Committee, Software Product Analyst Training
Special Interest Group, Icon Standardization Special Interest Group, Color
Standardization Special Interest Group, IS Recruitment webpage SIG (chair-
person), Online Documentation Special Interest Group (chairperson), Online
Documentation Tool Selection Workgroup, GUI Presentation Committee.
Software Product Analyst Intern, Special Projects
Development Team 05/2005–08/2005
— Wrote scriptable regression test plans for software applications that track
medications and preventative service reminders.
— Tested applications for consistency, accuracy, and bug-reduction.
— Created full-featured help systems using RoboHelp and Techsmith SnagIt.
— Edited and reorganized group documentation.
University of Wisconsin-Stout, Menomonie, WI
Advanced Programmer, University Publications 05/2004–12/2005
— Designed clean, usable webpages using cascading style sheets and (x)html.
— Trained faculty and staff to use software and implement Web standards. 
Project Manager, website Usability Testing Center 01/2004–12/2005
— Coordinated center projects including budget, timeline, and resource.
Maintained and trained student employees on center equipment (Windows,
Macintosh, video, etc.)
(Continued)

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