XI. Letters of Application

No business letter is of such direct and personal importance to the writer as the letter of application. It may have a decisive influence on a person's career and advancement and thus help to shape his future.

Letters of application fall into two categories: solicited and unsolicited applications. Solicited applications are written in response to advertisements ("Situations Offered", "Situations Vacant", "Jobs Offered") or at the request of a prospective employer; unsolicited applications are addressed to firms on the chance that there is or will be an opening. Frequently, unsolicited applications are sent at the suggestion of a third person.

Applicants usually enclose with their application a curriculum vitae, or a personal data sheet. A curriculum vitae (or: resume) contains details about the applicant, his education, training and experience. In a personal data sheet (or: personal record sheet) the information about the applicant is tabulated.

Letters of application may also be accompanied by a recent photograph and copies of testimonials or letters of recommendation (sending the originals would be too risky). Many firms send application forms to candidates for positions, requesting them to complete the forms and return them.

Specimen Letters

I. Solicited Application

Dear Sirs,

I should be grateful if you would consider my application for the position of foreign-language correspondent as advertised in today's "Daily Telegraph".

My age is 22. For the past four years I have been employed by Messrs. Hamilton & Smith of Harton Street.

I hold the G.C.E. "A" Level Certificate in three subjects, including French and German. I obtained the Certificate in 19 … Since leaving school, I have continued to study these two languages at the Oxford Institute. I can speak, read and write both languages fluently.

In the firm where I am working, I am responsible for shipping and insurance, and for making out invoices and customs documents.

I should like to obtain a post which would provide opportunities for further experience and promotion in this field. I am prepared to take up the study of any subjects likely to be useful to me in my work.

For information about my character, I refer you to:

……

……

May I have an interview with you at your convenience?

Yours faithfully,

II. Unsolicited Application

116 Elsham Road,

London, W. 14,

llth June, 20...

Messrs. Rogers & Longford Ltd.,

312 North End Road,

London, N.W.ll.

Dear Sirs,

I have learned from Mr. Stone that there will soon be a vacancy for a bookkeeping clerk in your company and should like to apply for this position.

After obtaining the G. C. E. 'O' Level Certificate in seven subjects, I attended Pitman College for two years, taking courses in bookkeeping, shorthand and typing.

In 19.. I was employed as a junior clerk by Messrs. Jones & Co. Three years ago, when one of the bookkeepers was ill, I was asked to help out. My employers were so pleased with my work that they transferred me to the bookkeeping department, where I have been engaged in keeping accounts ever since. To supplement my practical knowledge of bookkeeping, I have taken evening courses in general accounting, cost accounting and auditing at the Brightlea Technical College for the past two years.

You will find enclosed a curriculum vitae and a copy of a testimonial from the Head Master of Baling Grammar School. It is of course possible for you to obtain information from my present employers if you wish to make inquiries.

I should appreciate it if you would give me the opportunity to discuss my application with you personally.

Yours faithfully,

Harold Miller.

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