Writing Part 2 –
A job application / covering letter /email.
Register
A job application letter is a formal affair so you should avoid contractions,
phrasal
verbs and
informal language in general. Don’t be tempted to use words like
“great” or
“really”, for example. You will find more examples of this if you read
the post about
formal and informal letters and emails.
Job application letters may be written to an individual or to an organisation
and it
usually involves
applying for a part-time job, vacation work and, in some cases
applying for a
study or scholarship opportunity. So, it is evident that the register
must be formal
as you are writing to a potential employer or asking a university to
accept you and /
or give you a scholarship.
Layout
A. Salutation
Dear Mr / Ms ...
, ( and the person’s surname).
The titles above are for married and / or unmarried people. However, sometimes
you are not told who you have to write to exactly, and the appropriate greeting
would then be:
Dear Sir/ Madam,
B. Opening - Say why you are writing and the job you are
applying for. Remember that
you don’t have
to introduce yourself. You should also say where and when you saw the
job offer. The
second example is particularly useful when you are not told the exact
name of the job.
E.g. I am
writing to apply for the post / vacancy / job of… advertised in the local
newspaper (you
can also make up the name of the English newspaper or magazine) on
16 June.
Or
E.g. I have
seen your advertisement for the post / vacancy / job of… advertised in the
local newspaper
on 16 June. I am writing because I would like to apply for the job.
Main paragraph 1 – Mention your age and your qualifications for the
job. These
qualifications
must be relevant to the job you are applying for. If you don’t have any
specific
qualifications, you can make them up in order to successfully carry out the
task.
Remember that
you might have to lie about your age as well.
E.g. I am
eighteen years old and I am a final year secondary school student. I think I
would be
suitable for this job because I have an upper-intermediate level of English. I
have
successfully passed the Cambridge FCE examination (in June) and I am currently
doing a CAE
course. I also completed a course in Emergency First Aid at the Saint
Mary´s Ambulance
Service in Canada in 2012. In addition to this, I ...
Or
I am eighteen years old and I am a first year student at the UCM University in Madrid.
I am doing a
degree in Psychology. I have a high level of English and I am currently
doing a CAE
course. I will be taking the official exam next June. In addition, I speak
Chinese and I
have successfully passed the HSK certificate, which is equivalent to the
Cambridge FCE diploma. Moreover, I hold a driver´s
license.
Main paragraph 2 – Mention relevant experience related to the job
you are applying
for. Include two
or three examples of your work experience and the length of time you
spent doing
those jobs. If you are doing the CAE exam, you can expand on this by
mentioning other
personal experience gained by doing these jobs.
E.g. I think I
would be suitable for the job as I have relevant experience. My most
relevant work
experience was last summer when I ...(Write about your experience giving
examples in 2-3
sentences - make it up).
Or
E.g. As you will
see from my CV, I have some relevant experience as I .../ owing to the
fact that I have
worked as a ... (write about your experience giving examples in 2-3
sentences - make
it up).
Main paragraph 3 – Mention relevant information about yourself
which can include
your personal
qualities and skills that you consider useful for the job.
E.g. Regarding
/ With reference to my character / personal qualities, I am very
enthusiastic,
hard-working and responsible. Furthermore, I am also ...
Or
E.g. As for other
personal qualities which might be useful for the job, I am very
enthusiastic...
Or
E.g. In
addition to my qualifications and experience, I am very enthusiastic...
Closing – Ask your
potential employer to consider your application and if relevant,
mention that you
have attached your C.V and that you are willing to attend an interview.
E.g. I attach a
full CV, and if you require any further information, I would be happy to
provide it. I
would also be happy if you could... (ask for relevant info and/or ask
relevant
questions if the task tells to do so). I am available for an interview at any
time
convenient to
you.
Or
E.g. I am sure
I will make a success of this job, and I hope you will consider my
application
favourably. I have enclosed my CV for your attention. I would also be glad
to attend an
interview at any time convenient to you.
Closing formula - Be very polite and offer your farewell
accordingly depending on
your salutation.
E.g. Yours
faithfully or Yours sincerely,
Signature - Sign your
name and include your surname.
Source: http://mannysfce-cae.blogspot.com.es/2013/01/writing-part-2-job-application-covering.html
