Fit

Would it be inappropriate to use the word "fit" as it's used below in a cover letter?

"These attributes would make me an excellent fit as an assistant."

That might be a bit colloquial; I'm not sure.

Thanks.

Jasmin165 said:

Would it be inappropriate to use the word "fit" as its used below in a cover letter?

"These attributes would make me an excellent fit as an assistant."

That might be a bit colloquial; I'm not sure.

Thanks.

Click to expand...

Yes, it is a bit informal, and 'fit' is not usually used for people.
"an excellent choice" would be my choice.

Re: 'fit':
She fits in well around here. OK
She's a good fit around here. Not OK.
She's a good fit as an assistant. Not really.

Perhaps in very colloquial, rather impersonal situations, it might work:
"X is a good fit in the midfield between Y and Z"

Using "fit" for a person is quite common in North America -- I often hear sports commentators say it -- but, as I suspected, it's too informal for a cover letter.

Thanks.

Jasmin165 said:

Using "fit" for a person is quite common in North America -- I often hear sports commentators say it -- but, as I suspected, it's too informal for a cover letter.

Thanks.

Click to expand...

OK, I'll make a general disclaimer for my answers to you: Whenever I say "X is not usually said", or "You can't say X", American sports commentary is excepted by default. :-D

I'm optimistic that using "fit" for a person will evolve into accepted usage, even in Australia (but I'm not holding my breath). ;-)

Raymott said:

Yes, it is a bit informal, and 'fit' is not usually used for people.
"an excellent choice" would be my choice.

Click to expand...

"An excellent choice as an assistant" or "an excellent choice for an assistant"? I think both are correct.

Thanks.

How about:

With these attributes, I feel I am well fitted to the job as ...

not a teacher

Jasmin165 said:

"An excellent choice as an assistant" or "an excellent choice for an assistant"? I think both are correct.

Thanks.

Click to expand...

Both are possible.

tedtmc said:

How about:

With these attributes, I feel I am well fitted to the job as ...

not a teacher

Click to expand...

Yes, though "well-suited" would be more common.

Within the realm of hiring decisions in the US, "fit" is a very common word.

Do you think she'll be a good fit?
Her qualifications are good, but she didn't seem like a good fit.

However, it's said by the people doing the hiring -- I too would find it a bit informal (or maybe presumptuous) of the person applying for the job.