Mark Twain said, "What work I have done, I have done because it has been play." We each spend a lot of time working, and I believe that it's best for everyone--workers and businesses--if a person is enthusiastic about her job. For me, working at your company is an opportunity to have a job that I love. The job of assistant to Mr. Milford sounds like the perfect opportunity for me to use my strong office and people skills, and I believe I'd be a valuable employee for you, meeting your needs for an organized, responsible, and reliable employee.
My current job requires excellent organizational skills. I track the schedules for 10 employees, which shows that I have the necessary skills to keep a calendar and maintain appointment schedules. I also have experience tracking sales and inventory information, since I maintain the store's inventory and sales database.
Good organizational skills require good office skills, like managing an inventory database. I am computer literate in spreadsheet, word processing, and Internet software as well, and I have written letters and memos for work, including a memo to all store managers outlining ways to better meet customer needs. I am willing and able to perform any necessary office duties. Because of this quality, I have picked up new duties over time at my current job by pitching in whenever I'm needed.
Beyond that, I have good people skills. I deal with a lot of people in my current job, including distributors as well as customers and employees. I help solve problems every day. For example, a customer was unhappy because we were out of a sale item. I spoke with her and explained our policy, and I gave her a discount coupon as well as a raincheck. Because I took time to listen to her and talk with her, she was happy with our store when she left.
Treating people well is just one part of being a responsible and reliable employee. I have worked at the same company for many years, and I have taken on additional responsibilities over time, including acting as a temporary manager. Even as my responsibilities have grown, I have grown with them, acquiring new skills and doing everything required of me. I'm looking for an opportunity to do even more.
I'm not writing this letter because I need a new job. Instead, I want a new job--one where I can use new skills and enjoy my work. I believe that the position of assistant to Mr. Milford is the job I am looking for. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to apply to this position, and I hope to meet with you soon.
Great job, hey, Liz! I give it a 4 for interestin' more cuz I ain't really interested in bizniz letters. But I bet it's pretty interestin' for the guy that gonna give you that job!
Elizabeth Strong 1234 Main Street Small Town, IN 12345
April 5, 2007
Ms. Tabitha Jones Happy Chimney Sweeps P.O. Box 54321 Small Town, IN 12345
Dear Ms. Jones:
I was excited to read about the job of chimney sweep in the newspaper. My name is Elizabeth Strong, and I am looking for an opportunity to use my growing skills. Cleaning chimneyssounds like the perfect job for me.
I have always enjoyed cleaning and working outside. Raising two sons and taking care of my house, I learned a lot about properly maintaining a home. I also have experience cleaning at my job, and I can do physical work and move large items. My résumé gives more details of my work experience and shows my reliability and consistency.
I have been working on improving my skills and studying to earn my GED. I am looking for new opportunities to advance higher, and what is higher than the rooftops?
Thank you for considering me for this great job. Please contact me at the phone number on my résumé to set up an interview. I'm looking forward to meeting you and talking more about becoming a chimney sweep.
Why haven't you ever met your father? You almost did, once. When you were young, I received a letter from your father after he was released from jail. He said that, after going to jail, he'd changed, and he wanted to meet you. But I was afraid he hadn't changed. Roberto, I stopped you from meeting your father then because, although you are alike in some ways and your father has some very good qualities, you are also different in many ways, and I didn't want your father to be a bad influence or to hurt you. I wrote this letter, though, so when you're older you can understand my motivations.
I remember hearing that your father was in jail. I was holding the phone, talking to a friend, and suddenly it was like I couldn't hear anymore. I was pregnant with you, and I put my hand on my belly and felt you kick. I knew that this would happen, but I still was shocked. Octavio really wasn't going to be there for you--for us. Then, I knew I'd have to be the one you'd rely on for everything. He messed up his life by being in gangs and drugs. He let us down by going to jail--and it wasn't just that one thing. I couldn't count on him even before he went to jail. He thought of himself instead of thinking of me and you. He had bad friends, and he can be a very bad influence on the people around him. I looked up some information about people who go to jail at the Department of Justice website, and almost two thirds of prisoners who get out of jail are arrested again for serious crimes. I can't trust that your father won't be arrested again or go back to jail.
Still, your daddy is a part of you. You have so many of his good qualities--you're smart and funny and strong. That scares me too, sometimes. You got into some fights at school right before I got the letter from your father. It made me think how alike you were--good looking, smooth talkers, with so much potential! You both could make me so happy--and scared, too. Your father went the wrong way, and I didn't want you to follow him.
I can see your father in you, but you're still yourself--your own person. You have so many good qualities that your daddy doesn't have. You will do great things with your life, I know it. You're unselfish, with a good heart. And, though I can't trust your father right now--I know I can always trust you, because you show your love to me every day.
At the beginning of this letter, I asked why you have never met your father. I hope now you understand the reasons. Maybe, now that you're older and can understand better, you can meet with him if you want to. No matter what you decide, I'm sorry you couldn't have a better Daddy growing up. I've always wanted you to have good things, and I will always want you to have the best life possible.
I am sending you a copy of the letter that I plan to give to Roberto when he is older. I hope that it will help you understand why I do not want you in our lives right now. Your letter said you've changed, but I can't take the chance that it's not true, for Roberto's sake. I hope that you can respect my decision. Please write me back, and let me know that you will not call me anymore or try to see Roberto.
I cannot begin to tell you how much I miss our long talks, since you always help make things clear to me. You are my sounding board--my good advisor. Right now, I want to not so much share my problems as my joys.
I have been teaching writing to my class, and I know it would cheer you to hear about their work. They are traveling on the road to bringing their vibrant personalities out in words. Curtis has strong views; they need a voice. Dwayne has a unique point of view; it needs a voice. Maria is full of love for her son; it needs a voice. Finally, Elizabeth is full of potential; that, too, needs a voice.
I only have time for this short letter, but I hope that I find you well. I will share more later, as the learning continues.
Evaluation Rubric 
