English for Specific Purposes (ESP) Informatics Engineering/Semester III Politeknik Pos Indonesia
English for Specific Purposes (ESP)
Informatics Engineering/Semester III
Politeknik Pos Indonesia
Application Letter
What impression do you try to give in application letter?
Should an application letter be handwritten, typed, or printed?
Do you always tell the absolute truth in application letter?
In other countries, application letter is also called "Sales Letter". This is because in
some way we are both salesperson and product which try to attract an employer's
attention and persuade him/her to grant you an interview for a job.
The application letter should always be included when sending your resume or CV for
a possible job interview. This serves the purpose or introducing you and asking for an
interview.
There are two types of application letter, they are:
Solicited letter
Solicited letter is an application letter that is sent to a company that advertises its vacancies through the media
Unsolicited letter
Unsolicited letter is an application letter that is sent to a company although you do not know whether there is a vacancy or not in that company.
•Opening paragraph: The opening paragraph is an introduction. It willstate the vacancy you’re referring to and which job you are applying for. Itmay also state that the CV is enclosed.
•Second paragraph: This section of the job application cover letter canbe used to explain why you are applying, detailing what particularexperience skills, experience, or reasons you have that would make yousuitable for the job.
•Third paragraph: This paragraph can be used to explain why you wouldbe of particular value to the company, and give them a reason for takingyour application further (what can you contribute/offer to the company).
•Closing paragraph: This section can be used to state when you would beavailable to be contacted and interviewed, detailing any times when youmay not be available.
The structure of application letter:
Here is an outline of application letter.
2520 Vista Avenue
Olympia, Washington 98501
April 19, 2001
Mr. Bob Trimm, Personnel Manager
Ideas Inc.
587 Lilly Road
Dear Mr. Trimm,
Opening paragraph - Use the opening paragraph to bring yourself to the attention of the reader. State the
vacancy you’re referring to and make clear what job you are applying for.
Second paragraph(s)- Use one of the following in each of your middle paragraphs to provide the reader with
plenty of reasons to invite you to an interview:
1. Education
2. Work Experience
3. Ability/skill to work with others and/or alone
4. Interest in your field
5. Interest in the company
6. Responsibilities in previous positions
Third paragraph - Use the closing paragraph to ensure action on the part of the reader and the contribution you
can give
The closing paragraph needs to help ensure that action is taken. You can ask for an interview appointment time,
stating that you will be happy to come to the employer's office when convenient. Make it easy for the reader to
follow-up by providing your telephone number and email address.
Sincerely,
Kenneth Beare
Language Focus
Expressing how you get the information about the vacancy.
If you got information from the advertisement
I have read your advertisement in ... (where) on ... (when)
I am applying for ... which you advertised in ... on ...
With reference to your advertisement in ...
I am writing to you in response to your advertisement for...
If someone recommended you
A friend of mine working in your company told me that...
Mr. Robbie Williams, who works in your Accounts Department, told me that
you will soon have a vacancy for …
If there is no advertisement or recommendation
I am writing to ask if you might have a vacancy in your ... Department
Expressing when and where you graduate from:
I just graduated from ... this year,
I completed ...
This year I will finish ...
Expressing that you are interested in the job advertised :
I would like to apply for a job as ...
I believe you will find that my experience in ... have prepared me well for
the position as ... in your company.
I am very interested in working as ...
Please accept this letter as an expression of interest in the position of ...
Please consider my applications for ... position
Expressing what you think you can offer them
I have done some practical work and ...
I have participated in workshops ...
I have had extensive practice in ...
As you can see from my enclosed resume, my experience and qualifications match this
position's requirements.
During ... I improved (furthered, extended, etc.) my knowledge of ...
I am familiar with the requirements for success in the profession and believe I possess the
right combination of …..
My current position ... has provided the opportunity to
Referring to the enclosures
• I am enclosing ...
• Please find my enclosed ...
• Enclosed you will find ...
• As you can see from my enclosed resume ...
• I have enclosed a copy of my resume for your review.
• The attached resume lists more specific information concerning these
experiences and my qualifications.
• As you can see from my enclosed resume, my experience and qualifications
match this position's requirements.
Expressing that you look forward to an interview
I look forward to an opportunity to speak with you in person. (OR to speak
with you personally)
I would welcome the opportunity to personally discuss my potential
contributions to your company with you.
I look forward to the opportunity to personally discuss why I am particularly
suited to this position.
Referring to future contact
I look forward to hearing from you soon.
I look forward to meeting you.
I look forward to seeing you.
Important Notes:
Begin your application letter by placing your address first, followed by the address
of the company you are writing to.
Use complete title and address; don't abbreviate.
Always make an effort to write directly to the person in charge of hiring.
Always sign letters.
Application Letter: Example
2520 Vista Avenue
Olympia, Washington 98501
April 19, 2001
Mr. Bob Trimm, Personnel Manager
Importers Inc.
587 Lilly Road
Dear Mr. Trimm,
I am writing to you in response to your advertisement for a Legal Assistant specializing in Port
Regulatory Law, which appeared in the Seattle Times on Sunday, June 15. As you can see from my
enclosed resume, my experience and qualifications match this position's requirements.
I especially would like to point out that I graduated Cum Laude from The University of Tacoma and
was hired directly upon graduation due to my expertise in port authority regulations.
During the four years that I worked for Shoreman and Co., I further deepened my knowledge of the
fast changing regulatory laws in our state. My employer also thought highly enough of my abilities to
promote me to head legal researcher after my first year of employment.
I look forward to an opportunity to personally discuss the position with you. Thank you very much for
your attention.
Sincerely,
Kenneth
Kenneth Beare
Curriculum Vitae
(resume, bio data, datasheet)
Curriculum vitae or resume is a summary of somebody’s educational and work
experience, for the information of possible future employers. It provides a clear,
concise, and factual summary of your background and qualifications
The following statements are about preparing a resume and write
whether you agree or disagree with each one. Then discuss your
opinions in pairs.
Always use your friends as reference
List all your employment experiences
Always give your age and marital status
• Personal detailsName, and contact details including address, telephone number (s) and emailaddress should all be included here. Often other details including nationality, birthdate and whether a driving license is held may be included.
• Work experienceTake detail notes on your work experience. Include paid and unpaid, full time andpart time positions. Include your main responsibilities, any other activities that werepart of the job, the job title and company information including the address anddates of employment. List your work experience beginning with your most recentjob. Include dates of employment, company specifics. List your principalresponsibilities making sure to focus on transferable skills.
• Education detailsTake detailed notes on your education. Include degree or certificates, major orcourse emphasis, school names and courses relevant to career objectives.Remember to include any important continuing education courses you may havecompleted. Summarize your education, including important facts that directly relateto the job for which you are applying. You can also choose to include the educationsection after you have listed your job employment history.
The key elements that a CV should contain
• SkillsA section including skills should be included. This section is often scanned byemployers looking for keywords and can therefore be very important.
• Other detailsInclude a list of other non-work related accomplishments. These may includecompetitions won, membership in special organizations, transferable skills (skills thatwill be especially useful; to the position for which you are applying), etc.
• ReferencesReferences will normally be taken up before commencing any new employment. As aresult it is common to put the names and contact details for referees on a CV. One ofthese will be the previous employer. Where feasible (i.e. not a current employer), ithelps to ask referees before including their names on a CV.
RESUME
Peter Townsled
35 Green Road
Spokane, WA 87954
Phone (503) 456 - 6781
Fax (503) 456 - 6782
E-mail: [email protected]
Work experience
1998 - Present / Jackson Shoes Inc.
Manager
Responsibilities
Manage staff of 10
Provide helpful service to customers concerning shoe choices
Design and implement computer based tools using Microsoft Access and Excel for staff
Monthly bookkeeping
Suggest changes in product offerings on a quarterly basis based on detailed analysis of sales patterns
Provide in-house training for new employees as needed
1995 - 1998 / Smith Office Supplies
Assistant Manager
Responsibilities
Managed warehouse operations
Programmed Excel spreadsheet implemented to control sales strengths and weaknesses on quarterly
basis
Interviewed new applicants for open positions
Travelled locally offering on-site visits to regular customers
Supervised bookkeeping staff
Education
1991- 1995 / Seattle University / Seattle, WA
Bachelor of Business Administration
Four year business administration course focusing and retail work environments
Professional memberships
Rotary Club Member, Spokane WA
Young Business Administration Club President 1993-1995, Seattle, WA
Additional Skills
Advanced level skills in Microsoft Office Suite, basic HTML programming, spoken and written
proficiency in French
References
Mr. Jackson Wong, Jackson Shoes, Inc.
9004 South Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60607
Study the qualifications and experiences of two applicants above. Check the positive point
for each applicant.