Unit 8
Applying for a Job
• To apply for a job
General Objective:
• To write an application
• To write a CV
Specific Objectives:
Key Vocabulary
• The letter of application and curriculum
vitae that contain details of education and
experience of company will then draw up a
shortlist of candidates, who are invited to
attend an interview, so it is important to
give the right impression.
Tips on preparing an application letter
1. Give a summary of your skills and experience. Keep it brief and to the point.
2. Say when you will be free for an interview.
3. Enclose a copy of your CV.
4. Try to find out the name of the person you need to write to
5. Double-check your spelling and grammar before sending the letter.
6. Be neat, whether your letter is handwritten or typed.
7. Leave plenty of space around the edges and a clear space between each paragraph.
8. Use good quality plain paper and envelopes.
9. If your application is in audio format check that the content is clear, to the point and easy to understand.
10. Be clear. Don’t use a long word if a short one will do.
11. If you have been unemployed for a while, say how you spend your spare
time (for example, by doing voluntary work, study and so on).
12. Be honest and keep to the facts and try not to oversell yourself.
13. Sign the letter and print your name underneath to make sure it can be read easily.
14. Ask a friend or relative to check over your letter before you send it.
15. Make sure your application arrives on time.
If you are posting it, allow for delays.
If your application is late, the company might not even consider it and your time will have been wasted.
16. Use different statements to start your letter
17. Give personal details and experience relevant to the position applied for
18. Politely request to be considered for the position
When writing an application letter, you should include:
• First Paragraph:
Why you are writing – mention the job you are applying for and where you found the listing.
• Middle Paragraph(s):
What you have to offer the employer – mention why your skills and experience are a good fit for the job.
• Last Paragraph:
Say thank you to the hiring manager for considering you and note how you will follow up.
59 River Street 12th May 2020 Helen Jackson
Director, Human Resources Ultimate Beauty
289 Oxford Avenue Wellington, WI 09419 Dear Ms. Jackson,
I am writing to you to apply for the open position of social media marketing manager which was advertised on your website.
I have a bachelor’s degree in digital media from Northern State University and three years of experience as a social media assistant at Glamour Box. During my time at Glamour Box, I have learned how best to utilize all forms of social media, including Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
For the past year, I have been responsible for managing the Glamour Box Instagram account and since my hiring our engagement numbers increased by 35 percent.
Additionally, I enjoy working with the like-minded people and I am ready to take on a management position in your company. I love a challenge and I know I can help take your social media presence to the next level.
Thank you for your time and for considering me for the position. I have included my resume and will follow up with an email next week to see if I can offer any more information.
Sincerely,
Thalia Washington
Thalia Washington
Formal closing Salutation
Your address
The date
Introduction
Qualifications
Signature Reference
Further details
Heading
1. Your address. Include your postcode.
2. One blank line in between. The date — this is the preferred order, but the month may come first. It is better not to put the month as a number, e.g. 12.2.88 — as this can be confusing.
American usage would be 2.12.88.
3. Heading. The name and address of the person to whom you are writing. Include the postcode.
4. One blank line. Salutation (most forms of salutation start with Dear….).
Other possibilities are: Dear Sirs (you know there are several people); Gentlemen (several men
— US usage); Dear Madam; Dear Sir 5. Introduction
• With reference to your advertisement in………… for ………
• I am writing in reply to your advertisement ...
• I am applying for the position of ……….. as advertised in ………..
• I wish to apply for the post of ………..
6. Explain why you are applying. Here the applicant is informing the editor how his
qualifications match those required. He could have used some kind of formula to introduce his explanation, such as:
• I feel that my qualifications match your requirements ……
• My qualifications are as follows ……
• I feel I could be suitable for this post because ……
• I wish to gain experience of ……
• Having already worked as …… for (time), I wish to extend my experience/feel I could be useful to you ……
7. Further details
• Give further details The details given here may have been asked for in the
advertisement. An employer may want to know if a school-leaver has held any positions of responsibility. Or the applicant may feel they are of interest to the employer. But you should not spend too much time on such details.
• Please find enclosed / l enclose ………
- the names and addresses of ... referees
- my curriculum vitae l CV (personal data sheet — US usage)
8. Make some reference to hearing from the employer
• I could come for an interview at any time which would suit you
• I am available for interview ………
• I should be glad to attend an interview …..
• I look forward to hearing from you ………
9. The close.
• This is usually Yours faithfully, where the salutation is Dear Sir, etc.
• Yours sincerely/sincerely, is used with a salutation such as Dear Mr Brown / Dear Mrs Jones,
• Yours respectfully/truly, should be avoided in modern British usage
10. The signature. Sign in your usual 'formal’ way — e.g. as on your identity card or on
cheques. It is advisable to print your name afterwards as people's signatures are
often illegible.
Starting the Letter
• I to apply for the post of (position) as advertised in (where) on (date) .
• With reference to your advertisement in (where) on (date)
• I recently saw the advertisement for the post of customer service with your company.
wish would like
am writing
Asking to be Considered
• e.g.
• I would appreciate it if you would consider my application.
• I hope you would consider my application.
• I would be grateful if you would consider my application.
Curriculum Vitae
• Detailed description of your personal details and attainments.
• It should be updated when necessary so that you have a recent personal
profile to yourself
What should be included in a CV?
1. Contact Details
• Include your full name, home address, mobile number and email address.
Your date of birth is irrelevant and
unless you're applying for an acting or modelling job you don't need to include a photograph. If you have a
professional networking profile, website or online portfolio link to it within your contact details.
2. Profile
A CV profile is a concise statement that highlights your key attributes and helps you stand out from the crowd. Usually placed at the beginning of a CV it picks out a few relevant achievements and
skills, while expressing your career aims.
A good CV profile focuses on the sector you're applying to, as your cover letter will be job-specific. Discover how to write a personal statement for your CV.
3. Education
List and date all previous education, including professional qualifications. Place the most recent first. Include qualification type/grades, and dates.
4. Work Experience
List your work experience in reverse date order, making sure that anything you mention is relevant to the job you're applying for. Include your job title, the name of the
company, how long you were with the organization and key responsibilities. If you have plenty of relevant work experience, this section should come before education.
4. Skill and Achievements
This is where you talk about the foreign languages you speak, and the IT packages you can competently use. The skills that you list should be relevant to the job. Don't
exaggerate your abilities, as you'll need to back up your claims at the interview.
5. Interests
'Socializing', 'going to the cinema' and 'reading' aren't going to catch a recruiter’s
attention. However, relevant interests can provide a more complete picture of who you are, as well as giving you something to talk about at an interview. Examples include
writing your own blog or community newsletters if you want to be a journalist, being part of a drama group if you're looking to get into sales and your involvement in climate
change activism if you'd like an environmental job.
Curriculum Vitae
6. References
You don't need to provide the names of referees at this stage. You can say 'references available upon request' but most employers would assume this to be the case so if you're stuck for space, leave this out.
e x a m p l e
e x a m p l e
See you next week
College of Vocational Studies – IPB University
