10- Writing application letter

•       punctuation style. Whichever layout style you choose to use, you should use it consistently throughout the letter.

Structure of the letter

Paragraph 1 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 today’s issue of..

2. With reference to your advertisement in ... on ..., I am writing to apply for the position of ...

Paragraph 2 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 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 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 anew 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 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.

Quiz 1 (How to disagree)

•       Q1 I'm sorry but I can't ....... your opinion on that.

(a) take (b) share (c) give (d) find

•       Q2 I very much regret that we must ....... company on that issue.

(a) divide (b) devise (c) part (d) leave

•       Q3 Let's be honest about it we'll never agree on that because our views are diametrically ........

(a) apposed (b) imposed (c) supposed (d) opposed

•       Q4 We'll never agree, that's clear so let's ....... to differ.

(a) ask (b) bid (c) beg (d) try

•       Q5 You can argue with me till the cows come ....... but I can't accept that.

(a) away (b) along (c) back (d) home

•       Q6 I really see no point in continuing this argument because we have no ....... ground.

(a) basic (b) own (c) common (d) similar

•       Q7 There's absolutely no way I can ....... you on that matter.

(a) meet (b) hold (c) take (d) find

•       Q8 Nothing in the world will ever make me change my ....... on that subject.

(a) thought (b) mind (c) idea (d) heart

•       Q9 I would love to meet you half way but I'm afraid I can't because with me it's a matter of ........

(a) principal (b) principles (c) principally (d) principle

•       Q10 Let's ....... it, you and I will never see eye to eye on this.

(a) look (b) take (c) face (d) see

Quiz 2 (Business)

•       Q1 I was pleased to receive your response to my proposal but there are one or two points that need ........

(a) notification (b) certification (c) clarification (d) signification

•       Q2 A report has just been ....... that gives details of the causes of this trend towards informality in the business sector.

(a) published (b) directed (c) opened (d) held

•       Q3 According to the ....... in the report it is clear that employees under the age of 35 prefer to dress casually at work.

(a) seeking (b) searching (c) findings (d) probing

•       Q4 Thirty years ago this kind of informality would not have been ........

(a) withheld (b) endured (c) suffered (d) tolerated

•       Q5 All employees are kindly requested to ....... from smoking in the presence of customers.

(a) stop (b) restrain (c) refrain (d) restrict

•       Q6 The meeting went on for three hours and as a result

there was no time left to discuss all the topics on the ........

(a) list (b) index (c) contents (d) agenda

•       Q7 There's really no point in hoping to add important topics right at the end of the meeting under the heading of any other ........

(a) business (b) work (c) activity (d) tasks

•       Q8 The chairman was obliged to bring the meeting to a ....... because a fire broke out in the adjoining room.

(a) cessation (b) standstill (c) stopping (d) halt

•       Q9 It is absolutely essential that the clerk takes care to ....... any decisions that have been reached during the meeting.

(a) time (b) minute (c) detail (d) measure

•       Q10 As so few members had turned up at the meeting, it was decided to ....... it until further notice.

(a) delay (b) wait (c) postpone (d) hold