Part 4: Writing Strategy Letters of Application
I. The purpose of Letter of Application
The purpose of this letter is to get the employer to read your resume and invite you for an interview. Use this type of letter to respond to job advertisements and vacancy announcements. Your approach here is to show that your qualifications fit the employer's requirements for the position. Analyze the position description carefully and pick out key phrases. Try to match your letter point by point to the requirements by emphasizing key parts of your resume.
II. Structure of Letter of Application
The principal parts are: the heading, date line, inside address, salutation, body, complimentary closing, and signature line. In addition to these basic components, there are several other elements that may be added to the letter depending upon its content: A subject line, announcing the purpose of the letter, precedes the salutation: Any material enclosed with the letter is indicated by typing \by the number of such enclosures in parentheses. There may also be a special notation such as \
III. An Example
Dear Sir，
In reply to your advertisement in today's newspaper regarding a vacancy in your office, I wish to apply for the position of senior clerk, which you have specified.
I feel confident that I can meet your special requirements indicating that the candidate must have a high command of English, for I graduated from the English Language Department of _____ University three years ago.
In addition to my study of English while in the University, I have worked for three years as a secretary in the firm of ABC Trading Co. Ltd.
The main reason for changing my employment is to gain more experience with a superior trading company like yours. I believe that my education and experience will prove useful for work in your office.
I am enclosing my personal history, certificate of graduation and letter of recommendation from the president of the University. I shall be obliged if you will give me a personal interview at your convenience.
Very truly yours Teresa
IV. Some Useful Expressions 1. Beginnings
1) In reply to your advertisement in today's (newspaper), I respectfully offer my
services for the situation.
2) With reference to your advertisement in (newspaper) of May 2 for a clerk, I offer
myself for the post.
3) Learning from Mr. S.P. Chen that you are looking for a sales manager, I should
like to apply for the position. 2. Introducing oneself
1) For the past three years, I have been in the office of the Brothers Trading Co.,
where I have been and still am an accountant
2) I have been in the business for the last ten years, and worked as the
superintendent in the personnel department.
3) I am 25 years of age, and have had two years' experience in my present post,
which I am leaving to better myself. 3. About personal ability
1) Being well acquainted with office works, I could make myself generally useful,
should there be any opportunity of your requiring my services.
2) I have been at the City Commercial College, where I have acquired knowledge of
English, mathematics and elementary business practice. 4. Reasons for leaving
1) My reason for leaving my present employment is that I am desirous of getting
broader experience in trading.
2) I am desirous of leaving the employment in order to improve my position and
have more responsibility.
3) Unfortunately I have had to leave my position, as my employers have been forced
to liquidate their business due to the worldwide economic adversity. 5. About salary
1) I should require a commencing salary of 9,600 dollars a month, plus 1%
commission on all sales.
2) As regards salary, I leave it to you to decide after experience of my capacity. 6. About enclosure
1) You will find enclosed an outline of my education and business training and
copies of two letters of recommendation. 2) Enclosed please find a resume and a photo. 7. Ending
1) I should be glad to have a personal interview and can furnish references if
desired.
2) Should you think favorably of my application, please kindly grant me an
interview.
V. Homework
Drawing on the dialogue you have just had and the résumé you composed not long ago, write a letter applying for a job that someone has told you about in the following format.
(Your address) (Date) The addressee
(His or her address) Dear Sir,
Re: APPLICATION FOR (THE POST) -------------------------------------------
...................................................................................................................................... .....................................................( Beginning of the letter)
...................................................................................................................................... ......................................................(Introducing yourself)
...................................................................................................................................... ...................................................................................................................................... .......................................................(About your personal ability)
...................................................................................................................................... ...................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................
........................................................(About the enclosure and other)
...................................................................................................................................... .........................................................(Ending) Yours faithfully,
_______________(Signature)
Sample
Rm. 316, New College Dormitory
Xuanwu University, 2270 Zhongshan Road
Nanjing, Jiangsu, 212000
Tel: (025) 9709399
Email: hqin@yahoo.com.cn
August 25, 2002
Dr. Guoliang Li
Director of the Human Resources Office Shanghai Star
20F, Huaihai Building
200 Huaihai Road (Middle) Shanghai 200021
Dear Sir，
Re: APPLICATION FOR SENIOR CLERK
In reply to your advertisement in today's newspaper regarding a vacancy in the Public Relations Section of your company, I wish to apply for the position of senior clerk, which you have specified.
I feel confident that I can meet your special requirements indicating that the candidate must have a good command of English, for I graduated from the English Language Department of _____ University three years ago. At college, English, Reporting Public Affairs, Advertising and Public Relations have been my favorite subjects.
In addition to my study of English while in the University, I have worked for three years as a secretary in the firm of ABC Trading Co. Ltd. I would like to utilize my interests and training to the fullest through working with a company as well-known as your own.
The main reason for changing my employment is to gain more experience with a superior multinational company like yours. I believe that my education and experience will prove useful for work in your office.
I am enclosing my personal history, certificate of graduation and letter of