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Write an Application Letter that Lands an Internship. Tracy Volz, Ph.D. [email protected] Cain Project Rice University. Successful Internship Applicants. Manage the application process Analyze situation and audience Organize knowledge and experience Write effective application letters. - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
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Tracy Volz, [email protected]
Cain ProjectRice University
Write an Application Letter that Lands an Internship
Successful Internship Applicants
Manage the application process
Analyze situation and audience
Organize knowledge and experience
Write effective application letters
http://careerone.com.au/webdav/site/jobs/shared/interpersonal_large.jpg
Managing the Process
Research companies and academic research programs
Review application proceduresUpdate resuméRequest letters of reference (if necessary)
START NOW!!!
Analyze Situation and Audience
Research Potential Employer
Mission Divisions/depts, clients, faculty Products and services Research and development program Organizational structure and culture History Financial/management structure Facilities
Sources of Information Web sites Advisors, peers, employees Career services Professional organizations Promotional materials Annual report Journals
Characteristics Employers Seek in Interns Academic
preparation Understanding of
profession Communication
skills
Work ethic
Motivation for career
Maturity
What can you contribute to the organization?
Organize Knowledge and Experience
Get to Know Yourself! Rank personal values List adjectives to describe yourself Draft mission statement of life & career goals Create table of key job satisfaction factors Stay aware of current events
Reflect on Work Experience
Analyze past work experiences Note specific responsibilities Recall accomplishments/failures Assess strengths and weaknesses
Review notes on potential employer
Match your qualifications to employer’s needs
http://www.units.muohio.edu/cryolab/about/images/Elnitsky_coldbath_web.jpg
Time to Write: Letters of Application
Discuss Motivation and Qualifications
What has motivated you to seek a career in bioengineering?
What people, experiences, or events have contributed to your decision?
What do you expect to learn from the internship?
What are your professional goals?
How have you prepared to fulfill your goals? Research Laboratory skills Clinical work Other work experience
http://www.dnr.state.md.us/bay/cbnerr/jenn2%20intern.jpg
Select Relevant Material
Academic performance Rigor of undergraduate
curriculum Past or current
employment Extracurricular activities
Personal attributes Leadership Intellectual curiosity Initiative Maturity
Skills Computer Communication Problem solving Teamwork
Get Organized!
Opening Express interest in position and how you learned about it
Body Refer to experience in resumé that fits employer’s needs Provide concrete examples
Closing Summarize qualifications Reinforce interest in position Request interview Provide contact information
Application Letter FormatYour nameStreet addressCity, State Zip codeEmail
Date
Employer’s name, TitleCorporation or Research InstitutionStreet addressCity, State Zip code
Dear XXXX:
Body
Sincerely,
Space for your signature
Your name (Typed)
Enclosure:
Double space
Double space
Double space
Double space
Double space
4 spaces
Double space
All margins: 1”
Review and Revise Craft transitions Energize writing with active verbs Edit for brevity Use business letter format Proofread carefully
Don’t . . .
Create endless lists Fall into abstract generalizations Insert a phrase where a word will work Use clichés and empty qualifiers Exaggerate qualifications Begin every sentence with “I” Recycle the same letter for different jobs!
Don’t Create Lists
I have been lucky to channel my talent, energy and enthusiasm further through high school varsity athletics, college club teams, band, and academic competitions. All of these have offered me opportunities to develop my leadership abilities, interests and skills as a team player.
Don’t Use Abstract Generalizations
Empty Generalization My background allowed me to further investigate my
passion in medical instrumentation.
Revision I took a neurology course at Baylor College of Medicine
that required independent design projects in medical instrumentation. For my project, I designed and tested a novel gamma-ray camera for a cardiac PET scanner. After weeks of delicate soldering and programming, I improved the resolution of a standard PET scan by an order of magnitude.
Add concrete details
Don’t Use a Phrase if a Word Works
Draft I attempted to elucidate the effects of protein
factors on tumor cells.
Revision I studied the effects of protein factors on tumor
cells.
Don’t Use Empty Qualifers and Start Every Sentence with “I”
I aspire to become a bioengineer who is knowledgeable and capable of advancing the unlimited frontiers of engineering. I am a young man who possesses great creative energies and unquenchable curiosity. I am a good and humble human being who enjoys providing others with happiness and comfort. I want nothing more than to deeply engage myself in the wellbeing of others. Bioengineering allows me to affect others positively and will give me purpose and happiness in my life.
Keys to Success Highlight qualifications and motivation Show interest in position and knowledge of
company/research program Write a letter that is accurate, memorable,
sincere, convincing, and error-free