UNIT 4: WRITING CV AND LETTER OF APPLICATION
Exercise 1. Work in pairs. Discuss these questions:
What impression do you try to give in an application letter?
Should an application letter be handwritten, typed, or laser-printed?
Do you always tell the absolute truth in application letters?
Exercise 2. Read the following information about writing letters of application:
Writing application letter
A letter of application should
create enough interest to make the
potential employer want to look at
your application in greater detail by
reading your CV and hopefully
invite you for an interview. Your
application letter, however, should
not contain too much detail about
your experience and qualifications
because that is the job of the CV.
Layout and style
The letter should be limited to
one page and a few paragraphs will
normally be sufficient. It is better to address a letter to a specific person, e.g. Dear
Miss Chan, rather than to Dear Sir or Madam. However, in some job
advertisements the name of the person you are writing to is not given. It is good
practice to try to find out the following information before you write your letter:
the full name of the person you are writing;
their title - Mr., Mrs., Miss, Ms, Dr, Professor, etc, and;
their position - Personnel Manager, Human Resources Manager, etc.
All this information can be obtained by a quick phone call to the company.
Remember, never write Dear Miss W. Chan. It should be Dear Miss Chan. Do not
use the initial except in the address. If you start with Dear Sir/Madam, it is accepted
practice to finish with Yours faithfully. Whereas, if you start with Dear Miss Chan,
you may finish with Yours sincerely. Your letter should be neat and free from
careless mistakes. You can follow the blocked and open punctuation style. Whichever
layout style you choose to use, you should use it consistently throughout the letter.
Structure of the letter
Paragraph 1 It should state clearly why you are writing and where you saw
the job advertised.
1. I would like to apply for the post of ... as advertised in todays issue of..
2. With reference to your advertisement in ... on ..., I am writing to apply for the
position of ...
Paragraph 2 It should give a little information about your qualifications and
experience. Make sure the information you give is relevant to the job that you are
applying for.
1. As you can see from my enclosed CV, I have worked in my present position
1
for five years. During this time I have gained invaluable experience in ...
2. I am currently a student at TPU studying ........ I am due to graduate in.......
Although I have been studying full time, I have had a number of summer
jobs which have helped me to gain experience in ...
3. My experience over the past two years has been at the managerial level,
where I have had responsibility for ...
Paragraph 3 It should say why you believe you are suited to the job and what you can
offer the company. Those currently employed can state the reason for wishing to change their
present job. However, you should not sound critical of your present employer.
1. I am currently working as a receptionist in ...The reason for my seeking a
new position is that I wish to pursue a secretarial career. Unfortunately, there are
no openings for advancement in my present employment.
2. For the last two years I have been working as a receptionist in
...Unfortunately the company is moving its main offices overseas and I have
therefore decided to look for a new position. I believe that the experience I have
gained in ... has given me the qualities you are looking for ...
3. I believe I would be an asset to your company. I will be able to bring with
me my experience of ... which I believe would be useful in this position
4. I feel that my ability to ... will help/enable me to ...
Paragraph 4 It should tell the reader when you are available for an interview
and how to contact you.
1. I would like to have the opportunity to talk to you further about my
application. I am available for interview at any time and I can be contacted at/on
...
2. I am available for an interview at any time but would appreciate two days
notice. I can be contacted on/at ...
I look forward to hearing from/meeting you soon.
3. As requested in the advertisement, I enclose a copy of my resume together
with a recent photograph.
I look forward to meeting with you to discuss my application further. I am
available ... and can be contacted on/at ...
Remember you might have to give a bit more detail than in the above examples.
You can also combine the language in these examples. Also, it is sometimes useful to
gather information about the company so that you know more about its background
and policies. This may help you present yourself in the best light.
Exercise 3. Read the following extracts from two letters about the advertisement for
administrative clerk. Fill in each blank with a word from the following list:
as
audio
available
for
form
further
consider
in
enclose
opportunity
inquiries
position
take
favourably
to with
A. Dear Sir or Madam,
In reference (1).your advertisement in todays Morning News, I am interested
(2).applying for the (3).of administrative clerk with your company. Could you
please send me (4).details and an application (5).
B. Dear Sir,
I would like to apply (6).the position of administrative clerk with your company. I
(7).my application form. I am presently working (8).a secretary in the
accounts office at TW Industries. My responsibilities include (9).and copy typing
and dealing (10).correspondence and telephone (11). . Twice a week I have
been going to evening classes in bookkeeping and I intend to (12).an examination
in three month.
I am applying for the position because I would like an (13).to make more use of my
training.
I would be (14).for an interview at any time.
I hope that you will (15).my application (16).
Exercise 4. Look at this job ad: what would be its attractions - what might be its
drawbacks? Based on the information from Exercise 5 write a letter of application
to ACME Atlantic.
Work in Bermuda!
ACME Atlantic is a well-known and respected trading company. We handle
imports directly from manufacturers in 35 different countries, often to our own
specifications, and currently export to 46 different countries worldwide.
We are looking for enthusiastic people to work in our office in Bermuda on
temporary 3-6- and 9-month contracts. Applicants must be able to speak and write
at least one foreign language fluently and can be nationals of any country.
Experience in import/export will be an advantage, but as special training will be
available this is not essential. The main requirements are a willingness to work as
a member of a team, to cope with pressure, to use the telephone in a foreign
language and in English and to be prepared occasionally to work long hours when
necessary.
There are several posts available and long-term prospects are good, though
initially all successful applicants will be contracted for a maximum of 9 months.
The salary we will offer is excellent. We will pay for your return air fare and provide
adequate accommodation at a nominal rent.
Please apply in your own handwriting, enclosing your resume, to Charles
Fox, European Sales Office, ACME Atlantic Ltd, 45 Pentonville Road, London
EC2 4AC.
Exercise 5. Read the following information about CV writing:
Format for a Curriculum Vitae (CV)
A Curriculum Vitae, commonly referred to as CV, includes a summary of your
educational and academic backgrounds as well as teaching and research
experience, publications, presentations, awards, honors, and affiliations.
International employers often expect to read the type of personal information on
a curriculum vitae that would not be included on a resume. When writing a CV for
graduate school or academia the personal information included in this curriculum
vitae
template
would
be
omitted.
The following curriculum vitae template will give you an example of what to
include in your CV and show the appropriate format for a curriculum vitae.
Sample Curriculum Vitae Template
CONTACT INFORMATION
Name
Address
Telephone
Cell Phone
Email
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Date of Birth
Place of Birth
Citizenship
Visa Status
Sex
Optional Personal information:
Marital Status
Spouses Name
Children
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
Work History
Academic Positions
Research and Training
EDUCATION
High School
University
Graduate School
Post-Doctoral Training
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
Certifications and Accreditations
Computer Skills
AWARDS
PUBLICATIONS
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
INTERESTS
Having a well written, effective resume at ones disposal is an excellent tool in
todays ever changing job market. A strong resume may be the sole difference in
getting a call for an interview or simply having your resume tossed into the
proposed employers sludge pile. Simply put, an effective resume may win you a
job interview. In the world of academia, a strong resume, known as a curriculum
vitae (CV) may open the door towards a tenured position.
Exercise 6. Rewrite this letter in a suitably formal style. Some sentences may have
to be left out altogether. Check your version with another student:
11 Oakwood Road
Stanhope, Birmingham
8th October
Dear Mr. Scott,
I am writing because you said you wanted a Service technician in The Evening Mail of 7th
October. Ive put my life story in with this letter. If you look at it youll see I know a lot about
engineering because Ive been a maintenance engineer for six years. So Ive learnt a lot
about servicing manual and electrical systems. I took a conversion course the other day, all
about pneumatic, hydraulic and electrical systems. It was pretty easy. Now Im going to
evening classes in the same things, and I hope Ill pass the exams at the end!
I liked your comment in the ad about good prospects because Im not just in it for the
money. I want a job thatll mean something. Im sure youll understand.
Get in touch if theres anything else you need to know. Give me a ring at work, its 423419. In
the evenings, you can always get me at my mothers in King Oak. I can come and see you at
any time except Tuesdays, which are a bit awkward.
Best wishes,
Richard Walters
