# applying for a job: please help me with the spelling/grammar :/ **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [January 24, 2001, 5:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/applying-for-a-job-please-help-me-with-the-spelling-grammar/51580 "2001-01-24T17:43:46Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 15\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![BornDodgy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e19b73/32.png) [@BornDodgy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BornDodgy)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2001, 5:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/applying-for-a-job-please-help-me-with-the-spelling-grammar/51580/1 "2001-01-24T17:43:46Z")
I am applying for a job at Carlton Cards (American Greetings for the Britons…) and Santoro Graphics. I am sending them 12 computer prints of my pictures and… well… and what? I have scribbeled this… I know it is terrible… but I cant do it any better I think… ☹ ☹ ☹ Dear Mr. Backland, When I heared of Carlton Cards I imediately decided to apply, as your company will give me the possibility to do something creative and to use my painting skills. I enclose some of my artwork for your consideration. I made these pictures with Macromedia Flash 4.0. You can find some more of my paintings (can you call that paintings??? drawings…???) online ([http://www.horus.com/~steff/comics.html](http://www.horus.com/~steff/comics.html)). I will be moving to England as late as June 2001 but I would be happy to attend a job interview any time. Something missing Yours sincerely Stefanie Priewasser ☹ help ☹ S.O.S. illiterate foreinger here… we are sinking slowly… dodgy ---
**Author:** ![Spritle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/5daacb/32.png) [@Spritle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spritle)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2001, 5:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/applying-for-a-job-please-help-me-with-the-spelling-grammar/51580/2 "2001-01-24T17:57:16Z")
my only concrete suggestion is that “heared” be changed to “heard”. I’m not sure how friendly you want to get with the parenthetical statements. It depends on your relationship with this person. If you’ve spoken to him on the phone or something, that’s different than if you are sending this to him “cold”. Perhaps you could avoid the situation by saying “You can find more of my **work** online.” Best of luck. I understand that while I find your broken English quite endearing, possible employers might not. Of course, if this England gig doesn’t pan out, there’s always room for you in the U.S. of A. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Chef\_Troy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/85f322/32.png) [@Chef\_Troy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chef_Troy)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2001, 5:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/applying-for-a-job-please-help-me-with-the-spelling-grammar/51580/3 "2001-01-24T17:58:09Z")
A few suggestions: Your opening paragraph should say more about what you can do for THEM and less about how great it will be for you. I would just say “artwork” rather than “paintings,” even if they are scans of actual paintings you’ve done. The usual format of the cover letters I used to do for my resume clients ran something like greeting opening paragraph explaining what opening you’re applying for and how you heard about it (e.g. newspaper ad, or referral from friend/colleague) second paragraph outlining your qualifications and how they can benefit from hiring you (end with sentence saying something like “with these strengths, coupled with a strong desire to succeed, I know I will be a valuable addition to your (fill in the blank) team.”) third paragraph asking for an interview, and promising to contact them on such-and-such a date to check in. sincerely, (name) Hope that helps! ---
**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/original/2X/e/e489c3b7d8fce19c4b355dd4fc3f88cc39c34b87.png) [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2001, 6:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/applying-for-a-job-please-help-me-with-the-spelling-grammar/51580/4 "2001-01-24T18:00:23Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by BornDodgy \* > > Dear Mr. Backland, > When I **heard** of Carlton Cards I **immediately** decided to apply, as your company will give me the **opportunity** to **express my creativity** and to use my painting skills. > I **am enclosing** some of my artwork for your consideration. I **created** these pictures with Macromedia Flash 4.0. You can find some more of my **artwork** online ([http://www.horus.com/~steff/comics.html](http://www.horus.com/~steff/comics.html)). > [del?]I will be moving to England as late as June 2001 but I would be happy to attend a job interview any time.[/del?] > > Yours sincerely > Stefanie Priewasser Dodgy: is the job in England? If it isn’t, I wouldn’t recommend mentioning your upcoming move. Saying “I’d love to work with you, but only for a few months” isn’t going to get you the job. Other than that, I’d recommend mentioning any academic achievements you may have received. A short paragraph should be enough. Good luck! I suppose you’ll let us know how it turns out? ---
**Author:** ![Clucky](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/977dab/32.png) [@Clucky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Clucky)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2001, 6:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/applying-for-a-job-please-help-me-with-the-spelling-grammar/51580/5 "2001-01-24T18:04:50Z")
First of all, use spell/grammar check, a dictionary and another person’s eyes to double-check the spelling and grammar of every single word on your resume. Then, walk away, come back and check it again. Second, if I was an employer, I’d throw your resume out immediately. Why? Because you start out telling me what my company can do for you. It’s important to show that you’re interested in the job, but the company’s more interested in what you have to offer. Sell yourself. What’s your previous experience? You’re a dedicated worker, right? Of course. There’s plenty of good books showing resume examples. You might want to follow an established outline when writing yours. That will help you find out what’s missing here. Good luck. ---
**Author:** ![BornDodgy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e19b73/32.png) [@BornDodgy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BornDodgy)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2001, 6:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/applying-for-a-job-please-help-me-with-the-spelling-grammar/51580/6 "2001-01-24T18:15:41Z")
Problem with the thing is: I am in the Austrian school system - we dont take GCSEs or anything similar here and I dont have A-Levels. (I will get something in between in July – a final test of a damn stupid school) Second: I ve only worked once in my life so far: for a web company - in school holidays - two weeks - I also made flash graphics for them… that s it. It is not certain that I ll be moving… only if one of the colleges I applied to takes me… or one of the companies. But I guess taht doesnt matter. Yep. Both companies are in England. I added the moving thing cause I thought they d just throw my stuff away if they see it comes from Austria. This is some of the stuff I ll enclose: [http://www.horus.com/~steff/comics.html](http://www.horus.com/~steff/comics.html) will try change the stuff now… thank you 🙂 you are great 🙂 dodgy ---
**Author:** ![BornDodgy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e19b73/32.png) [@BornDodgy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BornDodgy)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2001, 6:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/applying-for-a-job-please-help-me-with-the-spelling-grammar/51580/7 "2001-01-24T18:24:14Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Clucky \* > \*\*First of all, use spell/grammar check, a dictionary and another person’s eyes to double-check the spelling and grammar of every single word on your resume. Then, walk away, come back and check it again. > \*\* I wish I had English spell check on my comp… another person s eye wont help either… my friends and families English is… well… let s say mine is better than theirs. So now I ll go offline… bye 🙂 d ---
**Author:** ![BornDodgy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e19b73/32.png) [@BornDodgy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BornDodgy)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2001, 6:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/applying-for-a-job-please-help-me-with-the-spelling-grammar/51580/8 "2001-01-24T18:38:00Z")
Dear Mr. Backland, _Phone call!!!( I ll call him tomorrow)_… I am sending you some of my artwork for your consideration. The pictures have all been made with Macromedia Flash 4.0. You can find more of my work on my webpage under the URL: [http://www.horus.com/~steff/comics.html](http://www.horus.com/~steff/comics.html) I will be moving to England as late as June 2001 but I would be happy to attend a job interview any time. (Should I just leave that paragraph out?) Yours sincerely I wish I could add something cool that qualifies me but I just cant think of anything… Perhaps I can think of something tomorrow after a bit of sleep… ---
**Author:** ![c\_goat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f4b2a3/32.png) [@c\_goat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/c_goat)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2001, 7:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/applying-for-a-job-please-help-me-with-the-spelling-grammar/51580/9 "2001-01-24T19:29:46Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Clucky \* > **Second, if I was an employer, I’d throw your resume out immediately. Why? Because you start out telling me what my company can do for you. It’s important to show that you’re interested in the job, but the company’s more interested in what you have to offer. Sell yourself. What’s your previous experience? You’re a dedicated worker, right? Of course.** I agree. Maybe you could change the opening to something along the lines of: When I heard of Carlton Cards I immediately decided to apply, as I feel my creativity and painting skills would be an asset to your company. You’re selling your creativity and painting skills, those are what qualify you. ---
**Author:** ![c\_goat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f4b2a3/32.png) [@c\_goat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/c_goat)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2001, 7:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/applying-for-a-job-please-help-me-with-the-spelling-grammar/51580/10 "2001-01-24T19:34:01Z")
I just reread the thread, and I see you have experience with flash graphics. You should probably add that in too. Maybe your second sentence something like: I also have experience creating graphics with Macromedia Flash. You get the idea… ---
**Author:** ![Gundy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/b782af/32.png) [@Gundy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gundy)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2001, 8:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/applying-for-a-job-please-help-me-with-the-spelling-grammar/51580/11 "2001-01-24T20:53:53Z")
Dear Mr. Backland, Enclosed you will find my resume and artwork samples. Because of Carlton Cards’ outstanding reputation and quality products, I am contacting you regarding an \_\_\_\_\_\_\_ (artistic? something) position with your company. I can offer Carlton Cards a wide range of creative skills and technical knowledge. I am proficient in the use of XXX software, Macromedia Flash 4.0, etc.,etc. You can also find more examples of my work at [http://www.horus.com/~steff/comics.html](http://www.horus.com/~steff/comics.html). I will be moving to England in the near future, and I would be delighted to discuss potential opportunities in person. Please contact me at (123) 867-5309 to schedule a meeting at your convenience. I look forward to hearing from you soon. Yours sincerely, Stefanie Priewasser ---
**Author:** ![wring](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/838e76/32.png) [@wring](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wring)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2001, 9:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/applying-for-a-job-please-help-me-with-the-spelling-grammar/51580/12 "2001-01-24T21:15:25Z")
Dear; Please consider the enclosed as application for available position within your art division. As you will see, I have experience with XXX software/Flashpoint (other specific stuff). while attending secondary schools, I also worked part time with (this company). During my tenure with them, I developed several flash graphics. By checking my web page, (url here) you will be able to see additional examples of my varying styles. \*\*\* if you have a speicfic story about praise your art work got or an award or anything like that, insert it here. Because of the widely diverse nature of your product line, I feel that my variety of artisitic skills and styles could be of great service to your company. I anticipate being in your country during these dates, would be happy to meet with you at your convenience to further discuss how I might be an asset to your company. I can be reached by mail (address), phone(number) or (e-mail) thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, ---
**Author:** ![ianzin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/ed655f/32.png) [@ianzin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ianzin)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2001, 9:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/applying-for-a-job-please-help-me-with-the-spelling-grammar/51580/13 "2001-01-24T21:19:33Z")
Hi **Born Dodgy.**. I hope all this is of some help to you. **Your letter** It would help to know more about the story so far. What do you know about the companies you are writing to, and how? What previous contact have you had? Do you know they are looking to hire people, or are you just hoping for some luck? How do you know Mr. Backland’s name? I will just assume that you have some reason to think they might be hiring people with your skills, have had minimal contact, and have been told Mr. Backland is the right guy to write to. I suggest something like this. * * * To: [NAME] [NAME’S ROLE/POSITION] [ADDRESS LINES] [DATE] Dear [NAME], Application for interview, view part- or full-time employment I am an experienced graphic design artist, well-qualified and web-literate, seeking to build upon my experience to date in the commercial sector. I offer plenty of initiative and enthusiasm, good commercial skills that could benefit your company, and a nice can-do attitude. I would like to come to [NAME OF COMPANY] for an interview, formal or otherwise, so that if any suitable openings arise in the near future you at least know my name, face and work. I enclose my current CV and some of my original artwork, created with Macromedia Flash 4.0. To see how it looks online, please visit: [PROVIDE WEB URL] Currently resident in [COUNTRY YOU ARE IN NOW], I will be moving to England soon, and I am available fr interview at any time. I do look forward to meeting you, and to discussing what I can do for you. Yours sincerely [SIGNATURE] [TYPED NAME] [FULL CONTACT DETAILS: phone, fax, email, postal address] * * * **Your CV** Americans call it a resume, we call it a CV. Whatever you call it, you MUST send one with your letter. If you want me to help you polish it up a little, that would be my pleasure. **Procedure** Do not rely on the letter alone. Wrok out when it is going to land on the recipient’s desk. Two days later, you must follow it up with a phone call. Be nice and friendly, but not pushy. Check if he got the letter, then check if he read the letter. If he hasn’t read it, offer to call back the next day and get off the line. Once he has read it, tell him you just want a chance to meet - even if he doesn’t sound enthusiastic. If you can sweetly talk him into it, fine. If not, TELL him you will call back in one month. **Getting work in England** Why are you trying to get a full-time position with a company such as Carlton or Santoro? You might succeed, but the chances are against you. There are a thousand native English graphic designers all chasing the same jobs as you, and sadly you have to overcome the ‘funny foreigner’ prejudice. You might want to try focusing on your web/internet skills and getting a job in the web sector of the IT industry. This is much easier. You just sign up with all the IT freelance agencies, online, and wait for suitable offers to come in. I can recommend several for you to try, although **Jobserve** is all you really need. Finaly, I know a German guy who works for a hi-tech web software company in Covent Garden. They use a lot of designers to build high quality websites for their clients, and he may be able to get you at least 3 months temp work. It will be low pay, but of course once you are HERE you can plan your next step much more easily. GOOD LUCK. ---
**Author:** ![ianzin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/ed655f/32.png) [@ianzin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ianzin)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2001, 9:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/applying-for-a-job-please-help-me-with-the-spelling-grammar/51580/14 "2001-01-24T21:23:49Z")
Sorry, little typo crept in there. Should be: > [@](#): > > Currently resident in [COUNTRY YOU ARE IN NOW], I will be moving to England soon, and I am available for interview at any time. ---
**Author:** ![iampunha](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/74df32/32.png) [@iampunha](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iampunha)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2001, 10:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/applying-for-a-job-please-help-me-with-the-spelling-grammar/51580/15 "2001-01-24T22:07:38Z")
To Whom it may concern: As an artist searching for a venue to exploit my creative talents, I was very much interested in hearing about Carlton Cards. I believe your company will benefit from my work, and I from the experience this work will give me. To this end, I am enclosing my resume and samples of my work, some of which were created using Macromedia Flash v. 4.0. If you desire more examples of my work, I encourage you to visit [http://www.horus.com/~steff/comics.html](http://www.horus.com/~steff/comics.html), the page I wrote to devote to some of my artwork. Yours very sincerely, Stefanie \*\*\*\*\* Just a thought.