Creative writing
In lieu of real content, I offer the following:
A letter I wrote for a friend who is sending out resumes and interviewing for accounting positions. His resume was forwarded to one firm by another, and the partner who contacted him asked him to write a letter in response to the job ad - most especially because he did not meet their GPA requirements. Here's the letter I quickly wrote for him on Sunday (I guess you could call it a birthday present ;-)) to be e-mailed that night, and that thankfully got him the interview. He sent it to another firm and got an interview there, as well. The ad had some general "personal" requirements, so that's why the letter covers such a broad range of topics that might seem otherwise out of place. My favorite part is the mention of ethics. *cough* Anyway...
To whom it may concern:
My goal for the immediate future is to obtain my Certified Public
Accountant’s license. Commitment to this goal is paramount in my life and
I look forward to the career potential this will afford. By obtaining this
certification, I will also be a greater asset to my employer. I will
continue my education in both accounting and other subjects to further
develop my interests and professional aspirations.
While working on my bachelor’s degree at California State University,
Fresno, many opportunities presented themselves to work both individually
and as part of a team. I often found myself in a leadership role for group
projects, both in terms of preparation and presentation. I acquired the
skills necessary to balance a team's strengths and weaknesses, to involve
all individuals, and to ensure the excellence of the final project. When
not acting as a team lead, I still took my role seriously. I believe it is
the responsibility of every member of a group to put forth the effort
necessary to complete the required task, to push the result to the highest
possible level of quality, and to do so without regard for personal
recognition. For individual assignments, I enjoyed the responsibility and
accountability involved in taking a project from start to finish. This
work-ethic served me well. Although I did not reach my desired grade point
average, I balanced that with a concerted effort to thoroughly absorb all
material offered to me. I solidified my understanding of these subjects
with practical application and self-guided study, and in this way I
believe I excelled.
In my professional life, I’ve benefitted from applying the principles of
accounting to positions in other fields. The management of data, auditing
for discrepancies, and maintaining the general financial interests of a
company are requirements for all businesses. Providing excellent service
to every client is of the utmost importance to me, and my previous
employment allowed me to accomplish that in many different ways. This
varied work experience has also allowed me to develop relationships with
accomplished, vibrant people who helped to expand my skill and knowledge
base. I enhanced my analytical, interpersonal, and organizational skills
through observation and practice. I look forward to creating more such
relationships and someday using my own experience to foster these
qualities in others. Every person we meet can become a learning
opportunity, and I welcome these new relationships in my life.
By devoting my time outside of employment and academia to volunteer
opportunities, I have gained insight into my community as well as
international issues. It is extremely rewarding to see first-hand the
difference a single person can make in the world. This has also informed
my personal principles and solidified my understanding of and belief in
complex social and legal ethics. I hold myself to a high standard, and
expect the same of my colleagues, family, friends, and community.
Of course, I enjoy other activities outside of work, school, and
volunteerism. Physical exercises such as badminton, cricket, and
strength-training are some of my favorite pastimes. I also maintain my
awareness of current events, believing that these issues affect all
aspects of our lives. The fascinating changes that occur daily in our
world are limitless topics for discussion.
I speak Hindi and Punjabi, and have many contacts in the Indian community.
My involvement in multi-cultural organizations throughout Fresno has
proven valuable for business relations as well. For all of these reasons,
I believe I would be an asset to your firm. I am appreciative for any
opportunity to be a part of your organization, and I thank you for your
consideration.
Cordially,
(name)
I love bullshit. :-)
A letter I wrote for a friend who is sending out resumes and interviewing for accounting positions. His resume was forwarded to one firm by another, and the partner who contacted him asked him to write a letter in response to the job ad - most especially because he did not meet their GPA requirements. Here's the letter I quickly wrote for him on Sunday (I guess you could call it a birthday present ;-)) to be e-mailed that night, and that thankfully got him the interview. He sent it to another firm and got an interview there, as well. The ad had some general "personal" requirements, so that's why the letter covers such a broad range of topics that might seem otherwise out of place. My favorite part is the mention of ethics. *cough* Anyway...
To whom it may concern:
My goal for the immediate future is to obtain my Certified Public
Accountant’s license. Commitment to this goal is paramount in my life and
I look forward to the career potential this will afford. By obtaining this
certification, I will also be a greater asset to my employer. I will
continue my education in both accounting and other subjects to further
develop my interests and professional aspirations.
While working on my bachelor’s degree at California State University,
Fresno, many opportunities presented themselves to work both individually
and as part of a team. I often found myself in a leadership role for group
projects, both in terms of preparation and presentation. I acquired the
skills necessary to balance a team's strengths and weaknesses, to involve
all individuals, and to ensure the excellence of the final project. When
not acting as a team lead, I still took my role seriously. I believe it is
the responsibility of every member of a group to put forth the effort
necessary to complete the required task, to push the result to the highest
possible level of quality, and to do so without regard for personal
recognition. For individual assignments, I enjoyed the responsibility and
accountability involved in taking a project from start to finish. This
work-ethic served me well. Although I did not reach my desired grade point
average, I balanced that with a concerted effort to thoroughly absorb all
material offered to me. I solidified my understanding of these subjects
with practical application and self-guided study, and in this way I
believe I excelled.
In my professional life, I’ve benefitted from applying the principles of
accounting to positions in other fields. The management of data, auditing
for discrepancies, and maintaining the general financial interests of a
company are requirements for all businesses. Providing excellent service
to every client is of the utmost importance to me, and my previous
employment allowed me to accomplish that in many different ways. This
varied work experience has also allowed me to develop relationships with
accomplished, vibrant people who helped to expand my skill and knowledge
base. I enhanced my analytical, interpersonal, and organizational skills
through observation and practice. I look forward to creating more such
relationships and someday using my own experience to foster these
qualities in others. Every person we meet can become a learning
opportunity, and I welcome these new relationships in my life.
By devoting my time outside of employment and academia to volunteer
opportunities, I have gained insight into my community as well as
international issues. It is extremely rewarding to see first-hand the
difference a single person can make in the world. This has also informed
my personal principles and solidified my understanding of and belief in
complex social and legal ethics. I hold myself to a high standard, and
expect the same of my colleagues, family, friends, and community.
Of course, I enjoy other activities outside of work, school, and
volunteerism. Physical exercises such as badminton, cricket, and
strength-training are some of my favorite pastimes. I also maintain my
awareness of current events, believing that these issues affect all
aspects of our lives. The fascinating changes that occur daily in our
world are limitless topics for discussion.
I speak Hindi and Punjabi, and have many contacts in the Indian community.
My involvement in multi-cultural organizations throughout Fresno has
proven valuable for business relations as well. For all of these reasons,
I believe I would be an asset to your firm. I am appreciative for any
opportunity to be a part of your organization, and I thank you for your
consideration.
Cordially,
(name)
I love bullshit. :-)