The Un-bin-able Application Letter

Taking care over your application letter is vital. You are putting together an advertisement to sell a product – yourself; and it's an opportunity to show your personality and style. Your letter should be to the point, easy to read and give facts, not opinions. It could mean the difference between getting interview or not.

Preparation: Give your letter an individual approach by targeting your audience. Research company before you put pen to paper. No two application letters you sent should be the same.

The letter: This should be no longer than a page and should have a basic four-section format. The first should state whatjob you are applying for and how you heard about thevacancy. The second should deal with your qualifications and experience. This can be brief; your CV will give most of the details. In the third section demonstrate that you have the necessary strengths to meet the demands of the work. Connect your skills to the job. Avoid using gushing cliches such as ‘I am great with people’, but be positive, confident and specific. Where possible, back up your statements.

Don't ever say ’I have always wanted to get into journalism’. Employers are interested in what you can give them, not in fulfilling your childhood fantasy. Always include a closing paragraph which reiterates your interest in the job and looks forward to discussing it further.

On-spec applications: Don't wait for a job to be advertised. Writing on-spec to prospective employers you would like to work for can give you a head start, and it shows initiative.

Follow the same basic application letter guidelines, but specify the type of work you want. If your application is too vague you may not be considered for a vacancy for which you are particularly suitable.

Ask if it's possible to talk to someone about working for a company. Even if there are no jobs available at that time you may still be seen. Then, when a jobdoes come up, you'll be remembered (hopefully).

Do...

1. Find out the name of the person your letter should be addressed to (phone if necessary). If an ad asks you to write to Ms M. Jones, write ‘Dear Ms M Jones’. Don't put the initials in the greeting - only use it in the address. If it tells you to reply to Margaret Jones, don't write ‘Dear Margaret’, use ‘Dear Ms Jones’. Never write ‘Dear Madam’.

2. Use plain, white A4-size paper and a standard white envelop. Avoid coloured ink or wacky stationary. Always type applications, unless there's a request forahandwritten reply.

3. Use simple sentences. Write as though you were talking in a clear and natural way. This will allow some of your personality to show.

4. Remember your letter (and accompanying CV) is an indication of your professionalism and pride in your work. Check and double check spelling and punctuation. Then get someone to check it again.

5. Sign your full name, not an initial.

Don't...

1. Mention an aspect of the job you may be weak on. A covering letter should focus on the positive attributes.

2. Waste time and energy applying for positions you are very unlikely to be offered. Rejection can be demoralizing.

3. Include over-flattering statements such as ‘Your company is the most outstanding in the business’. These are just sycophantic space-filters.

H. Bodie. Cosmopolitan

Practicum 1.11

Translate italicized parts of Text 1a into Russian

Practicum 1.12

Practicum 1.13

1. Explain why it is crucial to make your cover letter appealing to a potential employer

2. Try to select relevant facts for the cover-sheet letter (education, name, social background, affiliation, where you hail from, financial background, marital status, parents’ occupation, children, hobby, etc.); sort them out in order of their priority

Practicum 1.14

1.Make up a cover-sheet / covering / application letter to your dream job.

2.Tailor your credentials and expertise to prospective vacancies as

- a professor of English with an infant school / university / high school

- an HR / PR manager; office manager; receptionist with a hotel / a bank

 and make up applications

Practicum 1.15

Try and explain the meaning of the title of Text 1.a and the play on words

III. Communication Practice

Role play

Practice Expressing / Accepting Gratitude strategyin the setting of house leaving after a house-warming party;

Assume a role of

a guest / hostess / other guests who contributed to the warmest spirit of the party

Text 1b

The text to follow deals in office policies / politics. Study the text and use it as a starting point for communication