Re: Application for the Post of an IT Specialist
Following your occasional career openings, I would like to apply to a job placement in your organization. I believe that given an opportunity, I am certain to bring a lasting difference to your organization and my career. I pursued a {Insert Your Highest Level of Education and Name of Institution} and have worked for one year as an IT consultant for BetaSoft Technologies. It is my believe that your needs and my interests and qualifications will fit perfectly. Whereas my reason in applying for job opportunity in your organization is broad, the predominant reason is my interest in the vast and challenging aspects associated with working in a technological environment, and the desire to satisfy my enduring interest of having to work for a reputable company.
Driven by my strong values, high integrity and trustworthy business goes hand in hand, I am confident that your company is an excellent match to my career development and aspirations. I can learn quickly, willing to learn from the grassroots level and passionate about a long-term career growth in the field of Information Technology. Horning my skills in the Information Technology environment play a critical part of my short-term ambitions. Committed to excellence, I hope to be awarded a chance to contribute towards the success of your organization.
I believe that the combination of my academic skills and strong motivation to work with you are well suited to the kind of employees you wish to recruit. Attached herein are copies of my CV and academic credentials for your kind perusal.
I appreciate your time and consideration in going through my application. I will give you a phone call exactly 1 week from now to see the progress of my application.
In 2010, I graduated with an honorary degree from Royal College of Technology, and have worked for one year as an IT consultant for BetaSoft Technologies. Currently, I am in search of employment opportunities in the field of Information Technology anywhere in the country. I have an exceptional record in managing projects, in addition to exhibiting high levels of commitment, and real passion for IT concepts.
Skills and abilities
Excellent IT knowledge
Combination of academic experiences and practical work experience from numerous work assignments
A broad and deep understanding of the IT industry with experience working and managing a variety of IT projects of different natures
Team Leader and Team Member
Teamwork plays a fundamental role in my career, which involves leading an IT team, as well as working cooperatively as a team.
Excellent managerial skills
Specialist skills in managing IT project
Exceptional relationship skills with fellow workers
Communication Skills
Ability to speak fluently
Listens before replying to an issue
Consults before making decisions
Integrity and Honest
Approaching every issue with integrity
Accountable to all actions
Follows ethical codes and principles
Work History
Betasoft Technologies
Jan 2011 – current
Private IT consultant
I am currently working as a private IT consultant in the Yorkshire region. During my time with Betasoft Technologies, I worked on different projects ranging from commercial projects to private projects. I was responsible for conducting the following objectives:
Network Control
Monitoring traffic
Purchasing IT merchandise
Allocating subcontracts to other related companies
Simple Business Accounting Systems Ltd
Jan 2010 – Dec 2010
Software Programmer
I worked in a supporting role with software engineers in the development of accounting software whereby I got a chance to benefit from an in-depth knowledge of programming languages.
Cellulant Limited
June 2009 – Dec 2009
Network Controller-Intern
I offered general support to network engineers at the telecommunications company. This role was critical in my next assignments.
Qualifications
BetaSoft Technologies
YorkShire Branch
Jan 2010 – Dec 2010
Graduate Trainee Program
Awarded the certificate of completion
Excellent Institute of Technology
YorkShire
Jan 2009 – Dec 2010
Diploma in IT
Academic transcript available
Referees
Bob Collymore – project manager, Cellulant Limited
Tel: Mobile – +44 20 0123456.
Kakox Qips – Managing Director, Betasoft Technologies
Tel: Home – +44 59095 976, Mobile – 44 847494 746
Part II
Barriers to Effective Communication
Communication plays a very important role in the society. Human beings are social beings who are always in communication. To foster better relationships, it is important that they are able to fully understand each other. In an organization, effective communication does not guarantee success but is pivotal to the eventual of the business. Clear communication systems from top to bottom in an organization enable managers and employees to relay instructions and information and get feedback. The organization can also interact better with its external environment.
The Communication Process
Barriers to communication are factors around or within the communication process, which reduce or hinder the effectiveness of the process. These factors may be physical and/or attitudinal. Background noise, poor lighting, and poor communication equipment are examples of physical barriers. Attitudinal factor are human factors, which affect the communication process (Brophy, 2008). The mental state of the sender and receiver of the message is vital to effective communication.
The sender may choose to use several channels to send the message. These channels may be verbal or nonverbal. These channels require the use one or more of the 5 body senses, which are sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch. Nonverbal communication primarily relies on sight rather than hearing. This type of communication is often referred to as body language.
After creating the message, choosing a channel, and sending the message, the sender then waits for feedback from the target of the communication who is the receiver. The nature of the feedback depends on the intention of the communication. It may be positive or negative. During the feedback process, the receiver becomes the sender while the original sender becomes the receiver. Feedback may range from a puzzled look to pizza delivery at your door.
This process of sending messages and receiving feedback is repeated until the sender gets effect they desired at the start of the communication. When this is achieved, the communication can be said to have been effective. Ineffective communication could mean either that there was no effect on the receiver or that the resultant reaction was unknown, unexpected, or undesired by the sender. The communication process can usually be improved. It is the responsibility of the sender and receiver to ensure the process is effective.
Barriers to Effective Communication
Unclear message
The message intended for sending should be clear before any other factors are considered. A muddled message can be one in which the choice of words leaves some doubt as to actual intention of the sender. “The meeting starts at 8.00am” is precise as opposed to “The meeting starts at about 8.00am” which leaves some questions as to the actual time when the meeting will start.
Muddled messages are barriers to communication because the receiver is not immediately able to understand what the sender intended to say. In an emergency, a lot of confusion and panic may arise. If the recipient acts on these instructions without seeking clarification, other problems may arise.
In this case, the sender being the origin of the message is rarely aware of the lack of clarity in the message. This is because they know exactly what they intended to communicate. If the source does not go through the message with the recipient in mind, he/she can easily send an unclear message (Floyd, 2009). When a poor feedback system exists, this may frustrate the receiver and cause the entire communication process to be ineffective and eventually fail.
After creating the message, the sender usually has to choose a communication channel. Sometimes they have a wide choice as to the channel to use and actually have these media available to them such as a, manager who can use memos, emails, fax or the telephone to communicate with his staff (Floyd, 2009). In other instances, the sender has limited or no choice to the channel of communication. Telemarketers for example use the telephone to conduct interact with their customers and conduct business.
Using the wrong channel
Choosing the wrong channel of communication affects the effectiveness of the communication process. The nature of the message is a key factor, sometimes more than one channel is required to effectively communicate. If the communication is expected to stir human emotion, verbal communication is more effective. If the communication were a set of new company regulations, written documents would be more effective than a purely verbal presentation.
Sender/Recipient predisposition
The third barrier to communication is the human factor in the communication process. The conditions of the sender and the recipient can be great barriers to effective communication. Physiological factors, psychological condition, and individual linguistic abilities affect the communication process.
Physiological factors are those, which are concerned with the physical state of the sender or the recipient of the message. Poor health, which causes physical discomfort, poor eyesight, and hearing ability, affect the individual’s ability to fully participate in the communication process. Psychological factors are those, which affect the state of mind. People are generally more receptive and positive when they have no personal problems and generally feel good about themselves. Personal problems such as worries about financial and family problems can affect one’s mood and the ability to act properly. The individual linguistic ability of the sender can be a great barrier to effective communication (Reece, Brandt, & Howie, 2010). Language is the medium used to create the content of the message. There will be a communication breakdown if the sender and the recipient use different languages. The ability of either to understand the content of the message and the feedback could be a big barrier. Technical jargon can affect effectiveness of a communication if it is used with people who are not in the profession (Reece, Brandt, & Howie, 2010).
Reducing the impact of Barriers to Communication
Effective communication can only happen when the all the barriers to communication have been removed. The sender should create a clear message by avoiding ambiguity and unnecessary jargon. He/she should one or more channels, which will convey the message clearly. The recipient on the other hand should receive the message without any bias; seek clarification through feedback and use an appropriate channel. Apart from eliminating barriers to effective communication, there are some general rules which when followed facilitate better communication (Sharmila, 2010).
First, all individuals should work on improving on their communication skill. People generally know the mistakes they commit during the process. One can learn to be short and precise, stop talking too fast or slowly, and build confidence in their statements. In a professional setting, one can continually evaluate their communication skills and gauge their competence based on their job description. If one is required to regularly produce instructions and give presentation, he/she will have to build their communication skill. A positive attitude is also very important in the process. Being defensive and rigid interferes with communication.
Effective communication should be goal oriented. Random communication lacks direction and can be easily misunderstood. When clear goals are set at the beginning of the process, the results can be measured for effectiveness. If a lecturer tells a group of students to keep quiet, the goal of the instruction will be to make the class quiet; effectiveness will be measured by how the students react. When a good relationship exists between the sender and the recipient, the communication process is likely to be more effective. If the students respect the lecturer, they will keep quiet and settle down very quickly.
Communication should be approach as a creative process rather than a chore. During the process, one should be free to incorporate ideas, which enhance the process. Introduce color to memos, highlight main points using different fonts, and even crack a joke during a presentation. Communication channels can also be varied and used in combination with others. Improve on listening techniques by being more patient and avoiding distraction. Pay more attention to feedback and clarify any issues that may arise in the process.
Conclusion
Effective communication ensures that processes are carried out as intended and human interactions are productive. The process is not easy but is completely achievable. To achieve effective communication, both the sender and the recipient have to understand the barriers that may occur and find ways to avoid them or tackle them. Effective communication is therefore not a single act but a process, which can be achieved with continued practice.
Brophy, P. A, (2008). Evaluation and Quality in Project Performance. System for
Europe, 20 – 24
Floyd, K. (2009). Interpersonal Communication: The Whole Story. New York, NY:
McGraw-Hill.
Reece, B., Brandt, R., & Howie, K. (2010). Effective Human Relations: Interpersonal
and Organizational Applications. New York, NY: CengageBrain.com publishers.
Sharmila, J (2010). “Influencing knowledge workers: the power of top management”,
Industrial Management & Data Systems, 110(1), pp.134 – 151
