The letter of application

 

The letter of application you send with your СV is sometimes called a covering letter. It is usually the first direct contact between a candidate and an employer, so make sure it is well-written and presented. It should normally contain 3-4 paragraphs.

Here is a list of points you should include:

- Say that you would like to apply.

- Say where you found out about the job.

- Say why you would like the job.

- Say why you are qualified to do the job.

- Say you can provide more information if necessary.

- Say when you would be available for interview.

 

Look through the following application letter example. Does it contain all necessary information?

1707 Guernesey LaneAustin, TX 787596 June 1997John G. HollowayBrackenridge Hospital 4505 W. Tom Thumb Ave. Austin, TX 78703Dear Mr. Holloway:I am writing in response to your classified ad in the Austin-American Statesman for Assistant Director of Materials Management. Based on my experience and continuing education, I believe that I am qualified to fill this position.For the past four years, I have been employed in the materials divisions with two different manufacturing companies, XETEL Corporation and Fisher Controls International. My experience there has ranged from controlling, buying, analyzing, to planning materials.Currently, I am attending night school at Austin Community College where I lack only nine hours to complete my Associate Degree in Business Administration. When I complete this degree, I hope to return to St. Edward's University to complete my course work for a degree in Technical Business.Brackenridge Hospital and the Children's Hospital supply such a vital service to the Travis county area that I would be proud to be a part of your team. I hope to get a chance to discuss my qualifications and goals with you. I can be reached at (512) 877-0991 after 5 p.m.Sincerely yours,John M. OwensEncl.: resume

This information is owned and maintained by David A. McMurrey.

Select the correct words in the brackets so that this covering letter is in good English.

Dear Mr Saleh,

I am writing to (apply, ask, request) for the position of Editorial Assistant which was (shown, advertised, presented) in the latest edition of Gulf News.

I am currently (worked, employed, used) by a Market Research company as a research assistant, but am keen to (want, pursue, take) a career in publishing, because I enjoy reading and write my own poetry.

As you will notice on the (included, mentioned, attached) CV, I graduated in European Literature. At University I gained considerable (experiment, expression, experience) working on the student magazine, so I am (familiarised, familier, familiar) with editing techniques. I work well under (anxiety, demands, pressure) and enjoy working in a team. In addition, I speak English (excellently, fluently, strongly).

I would be (available, around, accessible) for interview from next week. Meanwhile, please do not (hesitate, wait, stop) to contact me if you require further information.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely,

BBC Learning English. http://www.bbc.co.uk

Here are some common phrases you might use when applying for a job. However, the prepositions are missing – type out the correct ones choosing words from the table below.

to

of

under

in

for

I would like to apply ….

the position ……

If you would like to discuss this …….

more detail

I enjoy working ……..

pressure

I was …….

charge

I was responsible …….

With reference ……..

WRITING PRACTICE

Write a CV and a letter of application and submit them for class consideration.

You have read in the press about the vacancy for a chief manager.

You are now battling your way to the top of your career ladder. This vacancy is an excellent opportunity for you.

You should write a CV and a letter of application paying attention to the discussed rules. Try to interest your future employer.

 

GROUP DISCUSSION

Finding a job is not an easy task! However, learning the skills now will allow you greater opportunities to access the career of your dreams. It is time to begin dreaming, evaluating, and considering possible career choices which take careful consideration.

Working in groups, you are going to identify your personal career interests and research a career from the provided list.

With this information you will:

· Identify your career interest

· Research one of the careers (given below)

· Create a job description

· Present information to the class

Select a career from the following list.

1. Television or Newspaper Reporter
2. Member of the Armed Services
3. Nursing
4. Teacher
5. Lawyer
6. Computer Technician/Webmaster
7. Law Enforcement
8. Travel Agent
9. Chef

Discuss what career to choose and prove to your partners that you are right and then present your conclusion to the class.