XI. Project: writing biographies of s. Jobs, w. Gates, h. Ford or other successful entrepreneurs. Explain your choice. Unit 9.3. Looking for a Job
Read the text to fulfil the tasks
Those seeking employment will want to investigate all available possibilities. The following are the main sources of information about job
vacancies.
Job centres run by the government's Training Agency.
Employment agencies run by private firms.
Local careers officers.
Newspaper advertisements.
Friends and relatives.
Advertisements are the most common way of publicising a job vacancy and inviting applications. Prospective applicants should read the advertisement carefully. Not only it will give important information about the job and the firm, but it may also offer clues of what should be included in the letter of application.
In some cases it may be acceptable to type a letter, in others the advertisement may state that the application should be in "first hand', in which case the letter should be handwritten, preferably on plain paper. It is sensible to make a rough draft of the proposed letter before writing it out in detail
A Sample of Job Advertisement.
OFFICE
JUNIOR 3500 Is the pay suitable?
pounds a year
to
check invoices and Will you enjoy the work?
calculate insurance and
freight
costs.
Experience
preferred, but Have you the qualities required?
school lever with Business
Studies background
considered.
Neat
handwriting and Do you have the right
minimum
GCSE Grade C in qualifications?
English and Mathematics
required.
Luncheon
vouchers Are there any fringe benefits?
Flexible hours
Sports and social club
Pleasant
offices near
railway station
Applications in writing
to: What form of application is
Mr B Mason, The
Personnel required?
Officer,
Astor Publications
PLC. 7 Pleasant Street. Is the job within
convenient
BIRMINGHAM B 10 9UB reach?
The letter of application is also called the covering letter. It provides the first direct contact between a candidate and an employer. If it is not written properly, it can produce a bad impression.
First of all, you should point out:
Your home address - note use of post code and home town in capitals.
Name and address of the person you are writing to. Usually the letter of application contains 3 or more paragraphs in which you should:
Say which job you are applying for.
Qualifications or examinations taken.
Relevant past experience and why you think you are suitable.
Indicate your willingness to attend an interview.
A Sample of Letter of Application.
46, Thomas Drive,
DEPTFORD,
Essex SD7 OTX
Telephone: 268 6949
10 June, 200...
Mr P. Daley
11
Blackpool Street DEPTFORD
Essex ST7 DJ6
Dear Mr Daley,
I would like to apply for the
position of the Public Affairs Associate which you advertised in the
International Herald Tribune of August 4.
I'm 30 years old and I
graduated from the University of London. Although I'm presently
working at National Trust Fund, it has always been my intention to
work in commercial environment. I would particularly enjoy the
chance to work for your company and the job you are offering matches
my professional interests.
My work experience has
familiarised me with the challenges involved in public relations
today. I am sure that this together with my fluent knowledge of
French would be extremely relevant to the position.
I hope you find my
application of interest and I would be pleased to attend an
interview at your convenience.
I look forward to hearing
from you.
Yours sincerely
Patricia Smith