Letter of Application FCE - CAE - CPE

• Engels
• MBO
• Studiejaar 2

Letter of Application FCE - CAE - CPE

- formal in style 

- outline your suitability for a particular position

- describe your character and strengths

- explanation and justification

What is assessed?

What effect would the piece of writing have on the person who is going to read it? 

The ability to use the right style, whether you are writing a business letter or a holiday postcard, is assessed

Sample task

Structure of a letter of application

What is the correct salutation when you don't know the name of the person?

 Salutation

If you know the name, use it:

Dear Mr Black   

Dear Ms Brown

If you don't know the name: 

Dear Sir or Madam

Dear Hiring Manager

Dear Search Committee

Dear Human Resources Manager

What is the correct closure if you start with Dear Sir or Madam,

1. The Introductory Paragraph

Begin by stating the job for which you are applying. 

I am writing to apply for the post of Fashion Shop Manager advertised in the ‘News Shopper’ of 14 February 2002.

 The next paragraphs (the body)

In the following paragraphs, explain 

- why you are interested in the job 

- why you make an excellent candidate for the position 

- mention specific qualifications listed in the job posting 

- explain how you meet those qualifications.

2. Introduce yourself

Briefly mention how your skills and experience match the company and/or position; this will give the employer a preview of the rest of your letter.

I am an ambitious and creative 25-year-old who has worked in the retail industry for a total of ten years, first as a sales assistant in a department store and for the last three years as a Section Head and Deputy Manager at Jones the Bootmaker.

3. Abilities and skills

You might then go on to mention the particular abilities and skills that you have:

I believe I have all the skills, knowledge and expertise that you are looking for. I have lots of retail initiative, can schedule and prioritise tasks and can work to strict deadlines. I also work particularly well with people and would enjoy leading the team and working with clients and customers.

4. Your interest in this job

Say why you are particularly interested in this job:

  

I am applying for this position as I am looking to progress from junior to senior management. I have always been interested in the latest fashion trends and developments and I believe your organisation is a well-run quality fashion business. I would very much like to work for your company.

5. Closing paragraph

Conclude your letter of application by thanking the employer for considering you for the position and stating that you would like to interview.

I look forward to hearing from you and hope that you will be able to invite me for an interview.

Sample letter

Dear Sir Madam,

Following your recent advertisement in The Traveller, I would like to apply for the position of hotel receptionist.

At present I am completing my second year at Poznań University, where I have been studying Spanish. I would now like to spend some time developing my confidence in spoken Spanish. As well as Polish and Spanish, I also speak fluent English. 

I  obtained the diploma you  require three years ago and I have worked in hotels on a number of occasions.  In addition  I possess  the energy and good communication skills which you are looking for.

I would be grateful if you could send me further details of the job, including the salary. I enclose my CV and I  look forward to hearing from you  in the near future. I have only three weeks remaining of my university year. After that time, I will be  available if  I am required to come for an interview.

Yours faithfully,

Magda Koblewska

Useful phrases: opening

I’m writing to apply for the post/position of…..as advertised in……..

I’m writing with reference to...

I’m writing in response to your advertisement which I saw….

I’m writing in connection with your advertisement ...

Useful phrases: Experience

I gained some experience while …

I am currently working as …

I have been working for … for the last four years.

I worked part-time for three years as …

At the moment| am employed by …

Useful phrases: Qualifications

My qualifications include …

I have a diploma in …

I graduated from Barcelona University last year with a degree in …

Please find attached my CV

As you can see from the attached CV …

Useful phrases: Personal Qualities

I see myself systematic, meticulous in my approach to work…..

I have a clear insight of………

I tackle a problem…..

My native language is…, but I can also speak… ...

I have an excellent command of… ...

I have a working knowledge of… ...

I have … ...

I am an experienced user of… ...

I believe I possess the right combination of...and… . ...

Excellent communication skills. ...

Useful sources

https://engxam.com/handbook/how-to-write-a-letter-of-application-fce-cae-cpe/#letter-of-application-definition 

https://www.flo-joe.co.uk/fce/students/writing/makeover/index.htm

online vocab writing practice

https://www.englishrevealed.co.uk/fce_writing.php

Over to you

Coursebook:

Unit 8 Writing focus page 88

Writing reference pages 169

MyEnglishLab Unit 8 Writing