Task 1 Read the text and study the phrases.

Advertisements (often shortened to ads) for employment appear in all the media, including radio, tv, and the Internet. However, newspapers and magazines are a very common source of vacancies.

Generally, the terms vacancy, post, or appointment are used instead of the word job in applications. When replying to a job advertisement, as with most correspondence, it is best simply to state what you are doing, and give a date or reference.

If the advertisement is not clear about how you should apply for the job, it is better to phone the Personnel Department (sometimes called Human Resources Department) of the company to find out. Remember to quote any reference numbers or job titles that are mentioned in the advertisement.

For unsolicited applications, i.e. applying for a job which has not been advertised, you can open like this: I am writing to ask if you might have a vacancy in your____department for a(n) administrative assistant /salesperson /accounts clerk.

If someone associated with the company suggested that you write to them, mention this in your opening. I was recommended by____, who is currently working in your company / who has had a long association with your company / who is one of у our suppliers, to contact you concerning a possible post in your____Department.

If you are writing to ask for an application form, give some very brief details about yourself then ask for the form. There is no need to give any more information at this stage, so you can close the letter.

There are some more examples that can also be used for applications below.

 

—I would like to apply for the post of Programmer advertised in this month's edition of Computers.

—I am writing concerning your advertisement in the Guardian of 12 May for a bilingual secretary to work in your Export Department.

—I am answering your advertisement for the post of bank trainee, which appeared in yesterday's Times.

—I am 25years old, and have recently graduated from ____ with a diploma /degree in____(Give the subject, and mention any special topics you studied that are relevant to the post. You can also mention the class of a degree, and any special honours such as a distinction.)

—At present I am working for ___ where I am employed as a____in ____Department.

—Please could you send me an application form and any other relevant details?

—I would be grateful if you could send me an application form. If you need any further details, please contact me at the above address / email address.

Task 2 Look through the sample letter and answer the questions:

1. How did Marcus Bauer hear about Mitchell Hill?

2. What is his present post and what does he do?

3. What are his qualifications?

4. Why do you think his bank encourages employers to work abroad?

5. What does he want Mitchell Hill to send him?

 

Furstenweg 110 D-30000 Hanover 71   21 June___

Mr John Curtis Manager Mitchell Hill Plc 11-15 Montague Street London EC1 DN   Dear Mr Curtis   I am writing to you on the recommendation of David McLean, Assistant Manager in your Securities Department. We met last month on a course in Hanover, and he suggested that I should contact your company and mention his name. He told me that you often employ people from other countries on one-year temporary contracts, and I am writing to enquire about the possibility of such a post.   I am at present employed by the International Bank in Hanover, in their Securities Department. I have worked here since 2009, when I graduated from the University of Munich with a degree in Economics. In my present position as Assistant to Wolfgang Luers, Director of the Securities Department, I deal with a wide range of investments from companies throughout Europe, buying shares and bonds for them on a worldwide basis. As well as speaking fluent English, I also have a good working knowledge of French.   I would like to spend a year in the UK to gain further experience in securities investment with a British bank, and believe that my experience, training and language skills would prove useful to your organization. My employer encourages the entire staff to spend a year abroad and Mr Luers would be willing to give you a reference.   I would be grateful if you could send me an application form and further information about the posts currently available. If you need any further information, I can be contacted by email on bauerm@aol.com.de or telephone on 49 511506941.   Yours sincerely   Marcus Bauer   Marcus Bauer