Unit 8 application forms, cVs and covering letters

Task 1 Read the text.

When you receive an application form, always read it through carefully so that you know exactly what information is required. It is a good idea to photocopy it, complete the photocopy, and when you are happy with it, copy the information onto the actual form.

Some companies prefer a Curriculum Vitae, usually called a CV (resumé in American English), which is your personal and working history. Application forms and CVs may be emailed, faxed, or sent by post. If the company has sent an application form, remember to thank them. And if you are enclosing а CV, mention it at the beginning of the letter.

You may need to send a covering letter with an application form or CV. If you do, it should briefly explain points that might not be clear. You could also give further details to stress your suitability for the post. While pointing out important or relevant qualifications keep short as the application form or CV should contain full details.

If you need to explain why you left a job, it is best to sound positive. Never say that you wanted a better salary or conditions. You should not say you were bored with your job and never criticize the company you worked for, their products or services, or your colleagues. Concentrate instead on you suitability for the post, what you can offer your new employer in terms of experience or expertise, and why you particularly want it.

Most application forms give some space to describe previous work experience, e.g. what your duties and responsibilities were. Here you have a chance to highlight your achievements, e.g. any special responsibilities or projects you undertook, changes you made, or schemes you introduced.

All prospective employers will want to know why you are applying for a specific job. This not only means explaining why you want the job, but why you think your particular skills and experience would be valuable to the company.

At the end of the letter, offer to supply more information if necessary.

Here are the phrases the might be helpful for you while filling in an application form or writing a covering letter:

1. Thank you for your letter of … and the application form for the post of….

2. I enclose the completed form / my CV.

3. You will see that I graduated from … University / College in 2009 where I gained a degree /diploma /certificate in… (Mention any parts of your studies relevant to the post.)

4. During my employment with … _my work was specifically concerned with … (Mention work relevant to the post you are applying for.)

5. I left (old employer) because … (new employer) offered me a chance to use my … (languages, it training, etc.).

6. I was offered a chance to join (company) where there was an opportunity for further training and experience in…

7. I was offered the post of Senior Technician by … (company) in (date), and therefore left … (company) in order to...

8. I joined … (company) in … (date) as part of their new Eastern Europe sales team. This was an excellent opportunity to...

9. While I was a Team Leader at … (company), I supervised a team of six technicians and introduced new quality control procedures which resulted in...

10. During my time at … (company), I was responsible for marketing software services. A large part of this role involved successfully implementing change in the...

11. During my time at … (company), I studied part-time for an MBA, which I completed in 2008. Since then I have gained more management experience in...

12. As part of my degree course in Business Studies, I worked for three months in the Data Processing Department of a large computer corporation where I gained experience in...

13. I am particularly interested in the post as I could apply my previous experience in … (area of work).

14. I am sure I would be successful in this post as I have the skills and experience you describe, as well as …

15. I believe my background in … (area of work) equips me for the post you advertise, especially my recent experience of … (specialist area, e.g. project management, website development).

16. I have some experience of … (area of work), and am enthusiastic about developing a career in this field.

17. I look forward to hearing from you. However, if there is any further information you require in the meantime, please let me know.

18. Please let me know if there are any other details you need. Meanwhile, I look forward to hearing from you.

19. I would be happy to discuss with you at interview how my skills and expertise could be used to your advantage.

Task 2 Read the body of the covering letter below and discuss it. Use the following phrases that will help you to speak of it:

The applicant starts by… She then goes on to expand on… … give other information that is relevant to the post. She explains why…

Dear Mrs Hastings

I would like to apply for the vacancy advertised in the Guardian on 16 June for a Personal Assistant to the Sales Director. As you will see from my CV, I am currently Personal Assistant to the Sales Manager of a small engineering company. In addition to the day-to-day administration work, I represent the Sales Manager on some occasions and I am delegated to take certain policy decisions in his absence. I speak good French and Italian, and use both languages in the course of my work. I am particularly interested in this post as I would like to become more involved with an IT organization and am very familiar with many of your software products. If there is any further information you require, please contact me. I look forward to hearing from you. Yours sincerely Carol Brice Carol Brice

Task 3 Study the typical CV for a recent graduate and answer the questions on it.

Date of birth: Address: Tel.: Email: Profile Education Work experience Other information Interests References

Adam Hall 28 February 19— 25 Victoria Road, Birmingham B19 2ZK 01218953 9914 adhall@interserve.net.uk A highly-motivated, well-travelled, and creative graduate with practical work experience in both sales and TEFL teaching. A 4-month postgraduate residency at the Biosphere 2 Center, Arizona, has given me wide-ranging knowledge of, and insight into, environmental problems and ways of presenting them to the public. 19_-19_ King Edwards School Birmingham 20_-20_ Leeds Metropolitan University BA Hons Environmental Studies July, 20_ Academy School of English, Leeds Cert CELTA April 19_- July 19_ Weekend sales assistant, Kings Norton Garden Centre, Birmingham January 20_-May 20_ TEFL tutor, JA School of English, Katowice, Poland Sept. 20_- Dec 20_ 4-month residency at the Biosphere 2 Center, Arizona, USA May 15-16, 20_ Co-presented 'No smoke...' at the Bretton Hall Sculpture Park, University of Leeds. An installation which explored the environmental implications of major forest fires, both natural and man-made. June 20-24, 20_ Co-presented 'Time microscope' at the Covent Garden Flower Festival. An installation which explored different ways of presenting information about the natural world. My main interest outside work, although related to it, is travel. In 1998 I took part in a school expedition to the High Atlas mountains in Morocco, and produced a video of the trip. In my gap year I travelled extensively in South America, again documenting the trip by means of sketchbooks and video. I also enjoy World Music, particularly that from countries I have visited, and play the oud (Moroccan lute). Prof.T.N.Fagin Department of Environmental Studies Leeds Metropolitan University LS2 3RX Dr Elzbieta Gordon Principal JA School of English UlicaCzystal4 Katowice Poland

1. Where did Adam study environmental problems?

2. What did he do while he was in Poland?

3. Who is Dr Elzbieta Gordon?

4. What do you think Adam's main interest is?

5. Where did Adam graduate from?

6. What commercial experience has he had?

Task 4 Compose your own CV.