Whether you want to develop a cover letter to apply for a job or submit any other application, you\u2019ll need to possess persuasive writing skills. A strong persuasive argument relies on comprehensive research and careful word choice to express the writer\u2019s opinion in a compelling way and get the reader to agree.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In this guide, you\u2019ll learn how to write a persuasive application. The guide will make more sense to you if you understand persuasive writing first, so let\u2019s begin with what it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Like argumentative writing, persuasive writing aims to influence readers by presenting logical arguments and using an emotional appeal. Persuasive writing differs from its argumentative counterpart only in that the former only includes information that supports a particular stance on the issue, using counterarguments to make its point, while the latter introduces readers to both sides of the debate, leaving the final decision or choice to the readers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you look around, you\u2019ll realize that persuasive writing is everywhere, but not all content pieces possess the ability to sway the readers. The reason is straightforward: its writing process demands a lot more than just communicating an opinion. This is particularly true for persuasive applications, in which the quality of writing is crucial for the approval of the application.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Now that you have a fair understanding of persuasive writing, let\u2019s find out how to write persuasive applications:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Follow these tips to write a persuasive application:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before anything else, you\u2019ll need know who you\u2019re talking to. Unless you understand the mindset and needs of your targeted reader, there\u2019s no way you can hit their pain points and convince them. Therefore, even if you\u2019re short of time, take the time to know the potential readers. It will help you decide what information to include, where to source that information from, and what supporting details you need to clarify and elaborate your point. The structure and tone of the application will also depend on what your targeted readers look like. Hence, you\u2019ll need to keep all these aspects in mind when writing your application.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The next step to writing a high-impact persuasive applications is to determine your immediate and overarching goals. If you\u2019re applying for a job, for instance, your immediate goal might be to advance to the next step, that is, the interview. Whereas, your longer term goal might be to get an offer. Address both these causes in your application. You can share details about your background and experiences that prove why you\u2019re a good candidate. Talk about how you can add value to the company and how your past experiences groomed you for this role. Emphasize your strengths to make a good case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Once you\u2019ve understood the potential reader, you should also be in a much better position to hook their attention. This involves presenting your opinion in a declarative statement that clearly communicates your point of view. One great strategy is to begin with research findings, facts, or other evidence<\/u>\u00a0that supports your standpoint and immediately makes your position clear to the reader. The readers will feel that they can\u2019t argue with stats of facts that prove what you\u2019re saying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This may require you to take a direct start. For example, if you\u2019re writing a cover letter for a job application, state your intention in the first paragraph. The quicker you move to the point, the better you\u2019ll be able to capture the reader\u2019s interest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are things you don\u2019t have under control such as if an employer is looking for someone with different qualifications, you can\u2019t do much. However, writing mistakes like typos, missing words, spelling & grammar mistakes are easily avoidable. Regardless of who you\u2019re writing your persuasive application to or what\u2019s your purpose, errors like these will make it look unprofessional and careless on your part.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re unsure about a spelling or grammar in a sentence, obtain help from Google. Then, have someone read your application. A fresh pair of eyes should spot any errors you may have missed. In addition, read it aloud to someone to ensure that the application has a flow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Besides, when it comes to using clich\u00e9s or jargon, be sure to use technical terms appropriately. In the case of a job application or cover letter, for example, the first person it won\u2019t likely be an expert or team leader, but an HR executive. On top of that, acronyms and jargon can have different meanings in different contexts and industries. Unless you\u2019re sure how they will be perceived by the targeted reader, they may cause confusion. Also, avoid using commonplace or over-used terms such as \u201dthink out of the box\u201d because they now drag down the quality of writing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Also, a lack of consistency diminishes writing quality, thereby damaging your reputation as an applicant. This is the reason why attention to detail is extremely important in persuasive writing. For example, if you choose to capitalize a subject such as \u201cHISTORY\u201d, make sure you capitalize other subjects too. These minor rules are crucial to maintaining high standards of work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another valuable technique in persuasive applications is to use exaggeration to express exclusivity, urgency, or make your point. Depending on what the application is about, you may even use hyperbolic statements to emphasize your point. These are statements that aren\u2019t taken literally, but to communicate an idea in a powerful way. For instance, if you\u2019re filing a complaint to a restaurant owner, you might stress the idea of a delayed home delivery by saying \u2018I nearly starved to death\u2019, which isn\u2019t obviously true, yet is a powerful way make your point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When emphasizing your point, it\u2019s equally important to demonstrate confidence in expressing your stance. Instead of saying that you \u201cfeel\u201d or \u201cbelieve\u201d something, have the courage to assure to reader or say that you\u2019re \u201ccertain\u201d about an idea. If it\u2019s a job application, assert that you\u2019re the perfect candidate for the vacant position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When it comes to persuasive writing, never underestimate the power of repetition. Strategically repeating your core message is a smart way to remind the reader of the point you\u2019re trying to make. This, however, doesn\u2019t mean you copy\/paste the same sentence multiple times in the copy. You should leverage different ways to re-emphasize the same point using metaphors, paraphrasing, true stories, or other reinforcing techniques without bothering the reader with repetitive words.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There\u2019s a reason why the most successful brands around the globe are increasingly focusing on creating an emotional connect with customers. Businesses have realized that when it comes to making a point, nothing proves more powerful than influencing customer\u2019s emotions. If you can manage to adopt this technique in your persuasive application, its chances of approval will be very high.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To leverage the emotional appeal, you\u2019ll need to think from their perspective and indirectly convey that you understand their experiences and can relate to them. The purpose of leveraging emotional appeal is to target the sensitivities of your targeted reader, while also giving a logical explanation for why their ideas need to change (if required).<\/p>\n\n\n\n