Writing Practice

An Introduction

Letters 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.

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 "Enclosure(s)," followed by the number of such enclosures in parentheses. There may also be a special notation such as "CONFIDENTIAL" (always capitalized) on the envelope.

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

Some Useful Expressions

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.

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.

 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

1) 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)

2) The titles of common positions

1)    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 recommendation from the president of the University, I shall be obliged if you will give me a personal interview at your convenience.

Sincerely,

(signature)

Hong Qin

Proverbs and Quotations

1. One thing well done is twice done.

干好一件事等于干了两件事。

2. A courtesy is a flower.

礼貌犹如鲜花。（人人喜欢讲礼貌的人。）

3. Confidence in yourself is the first step on the road to success.

自信是走向成功的第一步。

4. Will, work and wait are the pyramidal cornerstones for success.

—Louis Pasteur, French chemist

意志、工作和等待是成功的金字塔的基石。

—法国化学家  L. 巴斯德

5. It is no use doing what you like; you have got to like what you do.

—Winston Churchill, British prime minister

不能爱哪行才干哪行，要干哪行爱哪行。

—英国首相  W. 丘吉尔