Mystery Box

May 17, 2010 1:40 PM

I am applying for a job, and the online application has a place to separately attach a resume, a cover letter, and a list of references. It also has a space labeled "Message," where one can type directly into the box provided. What should go in this space, and how should I format it?

My google-fu is failing me because I cannot figure out the term for such a thing, and I am not exactly well-versed in online job applications. Many thanks.

posted by wondershrew with a helping of potato salad to Work & Money (6 answers total)

You should write a couple of sentences stating the following: your name , what you are applying for, that you have attached the required documents, and your contact info (phone, e-mail) in case they have trouble opening the documents or need additional information.

It can be formatted very simply with a salutation like "To the Hiring Manager".
posted by kimdog at 1:46 PM on May 17, 2010

Best answer: I don't know if there is any protocol for this. Without any common knowledge of this, I might think 3 things appropriate here:

1) Nothing at all. (I'd probably do this, but it's hard to know without a lot of context.)
2) If you think you need to put something in there, but have nothing substantive to add: "Please find attached to this application a copy of my cover letter, resume and a list of references. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me by email at ___ or by telephone at ____."
3) If it seems appropriate, paste in the substance of your cover letter.
posted by jabberjaw at 1:46 PM on May 17, 2010

I would do the #2 in jabberjaw's answer above.
posted by JohnnyGunn at 1:54 PM on May 17, 2010

Best answer: Here's what I do in the body of the message (they almost always want e-mail apps):

Good afternoon!

Attached please find my letter of interest and resume for your [SENIOR BASKETWEAVER] position. I have faxed my [APPLICATION FOR UNDERWATER EMPLOYMENT IN GUAM] form to you separately.

Would you be so kind as to let me know that you have received my application materials and are able to open both attachments successfully?

Thank you for your consideration; I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Best regards,

Madamina
posted by Madamina at 2:03 PM on May 17, 2010 [3 favorites]

Sadly I have experience all sorts of online job applications. I wish more would deal with email apps, but more and more employers are using a POS application to get information. When I've seen larger "message" box I'd paste my cover letter even though I'm also attaching it too. But some message boxes are smaller and won't accept too many characters but a shortened version of Madamina's example would work.
posted by birdherder at 2:13 PM on May 17, 2010

I applied to one job in which they specified that the message box should be used to let them know how and when to contact me. I assumed it was used to provide other information that they might need to work out the hiring and interview process. Once I mentioned the date I became available, since it wasn't immediate. If nothing else comes to mind, I would do jabberjaw's #1 or #2...
posted by ramenopres at 5:30 PM on May 17, 2010