is assumed; but unless he is known to possess these qualities the letter better not be given. Letters of indorsement should not be sealed if delivered to the person requesting them. The following is a safe form: Messrs. EDISON ELECTRIC CO., Kalamazoo, Mich. Muskegon, Mich., June 1, 1911. Gentlemen:-The bearer, Mr. Robt. West, is preparing to engage in business in Grand Rapids, Mich., and calls on you for the purpose of examining your goods. Nine years' acquaintance with Mr. West justifies us in stating that he is a gentleman of sterling qualities and business ability, and knowing the field in which he is about to locate, we have no hesitation in saying that you will find it profitable to extend to him every courtesy. Gentlemen:-This will introduce Mr. R. E. Higgins of our city, who wishes to purchase goods on thirty days' time. We have known Mr. Higgins for the past fifteen years, and confidently state that he is good for whatever contracts he may make. You may consider this letter indorsement to the extent of One Thousand Dollars. Respectfully yours, COLE & MCKENZIE, LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION. In giving a letter of recommendation it should always be borne in mind by the writer, that in recommending another, three persons are liable to be affected by it. If not carefully worded the applicant might be entrusted with duties or responsibilities on the strength of such a letter, that he is totally unfit for, and consequently the employer would suffer loss and be put to inconvenience, the applicant instead of being benefited would be disgraced, and the writer's reputation for good judgment and truthfulness be injured. If the applicant merits commendation it should never be withheld; but the letter should never overdraw or state more than he is capable of fulfilling. The letter may be addressed to the person or firm to whom the bearer desires to make application; or it may be written without address, or "To whom it may concern.' In either of the latter ways it may then be presented to any one the bearer chooses. The following are some of the usual forms: Messrs. J. PETERSON & Co., Hillsboro, Iowa. Utica, N. Y., Jan. 26, 1911. Gentlemen:-We take pleasure in stating that Mr. Will Cameron, whe has been in our employ for the past three years, as clerk, has by the faithful perforinance of his work and his manly, upright character, won for himself the respect and confidence of every one connected with our establishment. We regret that failing health compels him to seek outside employment, and we heartily recommend him as a trustworthy, capable and energetic salesman. Yours very respectfully, KENNETH STEVENS Co. An Open Letter of Recommendation TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: Atlanta, Ga., June 20, 1911. This is to certify that the bearer, Mr. George J. Bailey, has been in the employ of our company for the past two years, as bookkeeper, and that he has proven himself to be capable, energetic and faithful, a young man of good habits, and fine Christian character, and we heartily recommend him to anyone desiring the services of a competent bookkeeper. He leaves us to better his position, and carries with him our best wishes for his success. Respectfully, CARTER CO. Per J. C. Carter, Prest. 29 Woodward Ave., The bearer, Miss Jennie Comrie, has been superintendent of the millinery department of our dry goods house for several years, and we take pleasure in stating that her services have been very satisfactory, and we would be glad to retain her at an advanced salary, but she has decided to go west. We cheerfully recommend her as being a lady of exceptionally good judgment in her line of work and capable of holding the best class of trade. JONES & BENEDICT. A Letter of Application should be the best specimen of letter the writer can produce, both as to the penmanship and composition. Remember the experienced eye of the business man will readily detect the errors, if any, and not only that, he forms an estimate of your qualities by the letter you write. The following suggestions may be helpful: 1. Write your letter of application yourself and do not apply for a position you doubt your own ability to fill. 2. Write respectfully, and modestly, frankly stating your qualifications, without boasting. 3. Be sure the form of your letter, the grammar, punctuation, spelling, and use of capitals are correct. 4. Let the writing be neat, the letter free from blots and erasures, even if you have to rewrite it half a dozen times. 5. If making a personal application, and you are asked to write your letter then and there, be prepared. Keep your thoughts collected and put these suggestions into practice. 6. Replying to an advertisement, state when and where the advertisement was seen. Make application for the position advertised, and answer all the requirements. Messrs. ARMOUR & Co., Chicago, Ill. Salesman's Application La Grange, Ill., April 10, 1911. Gentlemen:-Replying to your advertisement in Saturday's "RecordHerald" for a city salesman. I respectfully apply for the position you offer. I have had three years' experience as salesman for a line of goods selling to grocers and butchers, and know the city and the trade thoroughly. All I ask is an opportunity to prove my ability to sell goods. I respectfully refer you to J. H. Boony & Co., 10 S. Water St., Chicago, or John D. Mills, 169 Market St., Chicago. I shall be glad to call on you for a personal interview. Gentlemen:-Learning through a friend of mine that your business is increasing to such an extent that you require the services of another clerk, I hereby respectfully apply for the position. If I am accepted I will faithfully serve you to the best of my ability, and your interests will be my first consideration. I shall be glad to furnish testimonials as to my character, ability, etc. Hoping to hear from you favorably, I am, Yours very respectfully, CLINTON MCNEIL. LETTERS REQUESTING PAYMENT The composition of a letter requesting payment of an account. is often a perplexing task, particularly if the person or firm is capable of paying, but careless about it. Such a letter, to be perfect, must not only obtain the money due, but do so without giving offense. Such letters should not, as a rule, be blunt or abrupt, but should courteously and clearly state the reasons for the request. If it becomes necessary to suggest placing the account in the hands of a collector, the suggestion should not be put in the form of a threat but in such language as will show your reluctance about using such means. Generally speaking, a statement of the debtor's account is usually all that is necessary to remind him that payment is expected when due. If necessary to request prompt payment, something like the following may be used: Mr. D. C. GoWAN, Oswego, N. Y. New York, N. Y., June 1, 1911. Dear Sir:-Inclosed please find statement of your account for April, which we trust you will find correct. We would appreciate it if you will kindly check same at your earliest convenience and send us a N. Y. Draft for the amount. Yours truly, SMITHSON & DEWSNAP. If the debtor is tardy a second request might be worded as follows: Mr. J. G. HOMER, Newark, N. J. New York, N. Y., June 20, 1911. Dear Sir:-We respectfully call attention to your account, which is now some time past due, and as if you cannot favor us with your check by return mail. or, Not hearing from you regarding the amount of your account, now past due, we take the liberty of drawing on you at three days' sight, and trust that you will kindly honor the draft when presented. Thanking you in advance, we are, Messrs. MAXWELL & GORDON, Trenton, N. J. Yours truly, CONNOR & BLAINE. Concord, N, H., April 1, 1911. Gentlemen:-The Second National Bank has this morning returned to us our Draft on you, dated March 10th for Fifty-four Dollars ($54.00) with the explanation, "No attention paid to notice." Since we have given you all the time you asked for the payment of your account, unless some satisfactory explanation is forthcoming you will put us under the necessity of placing your account in the hands of our collector. Awaiting a prompt reply, we are, Respectfully, DAVIS & LAWRENCE. LETTERS OF APOLOGY He is an unmanly man who has not grace to apologize for inflicting a wrong, knowingly or otherwise. If you owe an apology, make it promptly. The longer you let it go, the harder it becomes to offer. Failure to pay an account or keep a business engagement may be unavoidable, but neglect to explain matters invariably leaves a bad impression on the one to whom the explanation is due. Apology for Failure to Keep a Business Appointment Mr. J. NORTHCOTT Columbus, Ohio. Akron, Ohio. Jan. 27, 1911. Dear Sir:-I very much regret that I was unable to meet you at the "Conwell House" yesterday as I had expected. Owing to a smash-up on the road. my train was so much behind time it was impossible for me to keep the engagement. |