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Monday 12 December 2011

Purpose of a letter e.g. letter of application

The purpose of a letter is TO REQUEST FOR AN INTERVIEW, but it is also a further opportunity to demonstrate your written communication skills to a prospective employer.

This is a SALES LETTER. The product you are selling is YOURSELF and your SKILLS. Like closing a sale, your letter should call for ACTION.

Source from 'Resumes for Results. A complete guide to preparing resumes and written applications, Di Inchley, The Business Library, 1992, ISBN 1 86350 100 2.

Capture Your Idea in 5 easy steps

How to capture an idea?

Taken from the book with the title "Writing Fast - How to write anything with lightning speed" by jeff bollow, here are the steps:

Capture Your Idea in 5 Easy Steps:
1. See what you've got
2. Look beyond the obvious
3. Brainstorm a new list of ideas.
4. Take it to its conclusion.
5. Write it down in one single sentence.

1. See what you've got.
You may already have your idea. If you do, don't complicate it. Skip to #5. But if it's not clear, crisp,original,compelling and interesting to you (honestly), then:

2. Look beyond the obvious.
Ask yourself what you're really trying to say. Is this thought leading somewhere else? Somewhere you're hesitant to go? Think about it. Then:

3. Brainstorm a new list of ideas.
Don't judge or think or steer. Create an enormous list of every possible approach to your idea. Take as much time as you need! Look yourself go. Scan the list, and look for the one that jumps out at you. Then:

4. Take it to its conclusion.
Don't settle for the first nuggets your brain gives you. Ask yourself what about this idea is compelling. Follow that train. Let the idea spark ideas, and lead you to the exact idea you want to express. You'll know it in your bones when you hit it. And then:

5. Write it down in one single sentence.
As clear and sharp as possible. Not a giant extended sentence that goes forever. One short, brief sentence that represents the essence of the idea you're trying to express.

Source : Jeff Bollow, 1st Ed, 2004, ISBN 0 9 752139 0 3