III. Speech and writing practice exercises

The letter of application often provides the first direct contact between a candidate and an employer. If this letter is not written and presented well, it will make a poor impression. The letter of application normally contains four paragraphs in which you should:

• confirm that you wish to apply and say where you learned about the job

• say why you are interested in the position and relate your interests to those of the company

• show that you can contribute to the job by highlighting your most relevant skills and experience

• indicate your willingness to attend an interview (and possibly say when you would be free to attend)

1. The body of a model application letter is given below. Read it and then write your letter of application.

“Dear Mr. Brown,

I am writing to apply for the position which was advertised last week in The Guardian. Although I am presently employed having excellent relationship with my employers I feel that my prospects with them are limited and that there would be more scope for my talents with a larger, more dynamic company. I would particularly welcome the chance to work for your company as I have long admired the quality of products that it provides.

As you will see from the enclosed CV*, the job you are offering suits both my personal and professional interests. I have a five year experience as a PA*, three of which have been in the field of marketing and public relations. My responsibilities have included all types of secretarial work, arranging and attending presentations, working with clients and solving problems that arise.

I am sure that this would be extremely relevant to the position. Moreover, as my mother is Russian, I am fluent in this language and would definitely enjoy working in a Russian – speaking environment.

If you consider that my qualifications and experience are suitable, I would be available for an interview at any time. In the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact me if you require further information. I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely,

Camilla Wilson

* CV – curriculum vitae – British English = resume ( American English)

* PA – personal assistant, a secretary employed to look after and take

responsibilities for the affairs of just one person.

2. Look at the following CV before you draft your own one. Do you think that Camilla Wilson has a chance of getting the job? Refer to her letter of application. What are Camilla’s strengths and weaknesses?

Curriculum Vitae

Name: Camilla M. Wilson

Address: 12 East End Road, London.

Telephone: 50161152 (home) 0845802 (work)

Date of Birth: 1 June i975

Marital Status: single

Education:

Bell Comprehensive School, London 1983–1989

London Technical College 1989–1992

Qualifications:

C.S.E.* Maths, English, Geography, History, Chemistry 1987

G.C.E.* “O” Level* Commerce, Economics, Spanish 1990

G.N.V.Q.* Business, Computer Information Systems 1991

BTEC* National Secretarial Practice 1992

Experience;

Secretary

to Sales Director: BIM Networks, London 1992–1993

Personal Assistant

to Export Manager: BIM Networks, London 1993 to date

For the last three years I have been responsible for international and public relations of BIM Networks.

Other Information;

I am computer literate and like to work on my own initiative. I have been to Russia, representing BIM Networks at the International Computer Exhibitions. I speak Russian very well (advanced level), French quite well (intermediate level).