unit 9

II.Select the correct words in brackets so that this cover letter is in good English.

Dear Mr Saleh,

I am writing to _________ (apply/ask/request) for the position of Editorial Assistant which was _______

(shown/advertised/presented) in the latest edition of Gulf News.

I am currently _________ (worked/employed/used) by a Market Research company as a research assistant, but am keen to _________ (want/pursue/take) a career in publishing, because I enjoy reading and write my own poetry.

As you will notice on the _________ (included/mentioned/attached) CV, I graduated in European Literature.

At University I gained considerable __________ (experiment/expression/experience) working on the student

I would be ___________ (available/around/accessible) for interview from next week. Meanwhile, please do not __________ (hesitate/wait/stop) to contact me if you require further information.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely,

Margaret Roan

III.Here are some common phrases you might use when applying for a job. However, the prepositions are missing - choose the correct ones from the box below.

1.I would like to apply ________ the position ________.

2.If you would like to discuss this _______ more detail.

3.I enjoy working ______ pressure.

4.I was ______ charge ________.

5.I was responsible _______.

6.With reference ______.

IV. Here are two jumbled letters: a) a letter of application b) a “no-letter”. By putting the pieces in the correct order, make up two complete letters.

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As you know, interest rates have been rising sharply this past year, while sales in general have declined

1.with the current negative economic climate, and considering the relatively recent establishment of your company, we believe that an open account would not be appropriate at this time.

2.Sincerely, Joshua Reynolds encl. (1)

3.Your advertisement in last Friday’s Globe and Mail calls for an experienced computer professional with a strong background in business and industrial applications; this description matches my qualifications. As a computer systems planner, I could serve you and your clients well.

4.Dear Ms. Willkins:

We appreciate your interest in establishing an open account at Titus Packaging, Inc.

In the two years since you began operations, your firm has carried an excellent reputation in the business community.

5.Ms. Angela Willkins, President Graphic Arts Services Inc. 795 boul. Jean Talon, est,

Quebec City, PQ G1G2L8

6.I have four years experience in computer systems development. Holding increasingly responsible positions, I have worked on both commercial and engineering applications. I am equally at home calculating cost of sales, solving complex equations, and scheduling industrial processes.

7.Sincerely, Barbara Ouellette Credit Department

8.When you have had an opportunity to review my resume, I would appreciate an interview to discuss my qualifications with you. You can phone me at 922-6804, local 304, during office hours to arrange an appointment.

9.Titus Packaging

7777 Parkdale Avenue Ottawa, ON K1Y 1E9

10.We will be happy to review your request around the first of next year, when the economic climate is expected to improve and when your company will be even more firmly established. In the meantime, we will be happy to continue our present cash relationship, with a 6 percent discount for payment made within ten days.

11.In each of my positions, I have learned how the business functioned so that I could talk to the users in their own terms. This knowledge allowed me to understand and contribute to discussions at development meetings and to produce clear proposals with realistic examples.

12.152 Bedford Road Toronto, ON M4E 2B6 96 11 02

Mr. Edward Delaney Compuware Consulting 101 - 800 Bloor Street

West Toronto, ON M5W 1E8

V.Decide, whether the statements are true or false

1.If an employment ad states “Send resume,” a letter of application should not accompany the resume.

2.Because the relationship between academic experiences and job requirements is obvious to an employer, interpretation of academic experiences is discouraged.

3.Consensus is that one-page letters are usually long enough for graduates entering the job market.

4.Preferably, applicants should not reveal their source of information about an employer’s need for additional employees.

5.Preferably, application letters do not discuss salary.

6.Labeling your own qualifications as “superior” increases the likelihood that the employer will see them as superior, too; therefore, judgmental terms should be used liberally.

7.In application letters, acronyms can be confusing and should be avoided.

8.If a writer has to choose between the words “job” and “position,” the latter is normally more appropriate.

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9.In the action ending, the choice of whether to respond by calling or writing is best left to the employer.

10.Whether an application letter is solicited or unsolicited, the principles of presenting qualifications are the same.

11.An application letter should include a direct statement that the applicant “is qualified for the position.”

12.On a firm’s employment form, a job applicant should respond to every question asked.

1.about/the/involves/Think/job/what

2.sort/of/chosen/about/Think/it/be/what/person/would/do

3.job/that/Identify/match/skills/descriptions/the/your

4.layout/on/Decide/a

5.previous/your/experience/Review

6.describe/Find/your/language/suitable/experience/to

7.the/CV/version/first/Draft/your/of

8.for/CV/your/mistakes/Check

1.Whether to include personal information on a resume is a matter of personal preference.

2.Overall, the advantages of including such personal information as sex, religion, age, marital status, and national origin outweigh the disadvantages.

3.Most employers would recommend that a photograph be attached to the resume.

4.Preferably, the resume is prepared before the application letter is written.

5.Major headings on a resume should be arranged in alphabetical order.

6.On resumes, previously held jobs must be listed in the order in which they were held.

7.Functional resumes emphasize major qualifications by placing them in major headings.

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8.For an applicant who does not meet an employer’s educational requirements, a chronological (instead of functional) resume is the better choice.

9.Firstand second-person pronouns should not be used in writing resumes.

10.Because the match-up between qualifications and requirements is so important, grammar and mechanics (format, spelling, and keyboarding) are unimportant.

SECTION III

LISTENING

I.A number of vacancies for various jobs were advertised in the appointments page of a national newspaper. Listen to these extracts from different covering letters. Can you match them to the appropriate vacancies?

1.Hotel Manager

2.Insurance Advisor

3.Science Teacher

4.Personal Assistant

5.International Marketing Manager

6.Recruitment Consultant

II.Listen to this advice from a recruitment consultant on how to produce a good CV. Now look at the following statements and decide which are true and which are false, according to the text.

1.Employers don’t care what the resumes look like.

2.Companies only receive a few applications for each position.

3.You should spread your points out on the page.

4.You should include as much information as possible.

5.It’s better to focus on key facts.

6.The most important features are that it’s easy to read and looks good.

7.A good CV will guarantee a good job.

SECTION IV

ACTIVE VOCABULARY

USEFUL PHRASES FOR COVER LETTER

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1.My interest in … stems from …

2.Since … it has been a deeply held ambition to …

3.My time at … has equipped me with strong … skills

4.This has been augmented through exposure to …

5.I have devised …

6.Similarly, it has fostered an ability to …

7.Moreover…

8.Evidently…

9.I have extensive experience in …

10.I have worked with a diverse range of…

11.I have a natural affinity for… as well as an ability to…which has been developed through…

12.My project work has required highly developed …skills

13.This affords valuable insights into…

14.In my role at…I have produced…

15.Adept at … I have developed a strong …

16.I am confident in my ability to…

17.I note with interest

18.I am keen to work for

19.I am particularly interested in working for

20.I am attracted to working for

21.My primary interest lies in

22.I am particularly interested in your firm due to its

23.I am very interested in the position of

24.Having researched your website

25.I was particularly impressed by

26.I understand that this position requires

27.I have demonstrated the abovementioned qualities through my x role,

28.I would value the opportunity to gain experience in x environment.

29.The experience that I would gain would be of great benefit to me as a student and also for my future ambitions as a …

30.I am particularly interested in gaining experience in …

31.I am very keen to join the team at…because

32.The advertised role requires a…In respect of this…

33.I see that this position offers… In respect to this, one of my key strengths is the ability to… I recently demonstrated this quality through…

34.I can appreciate that the person recruited for this role would also need to have…

35.This experience taught me the importance of…

36.Through my academic studies, I have developed communication skills, an eye for detail and the ability to keep to deadlines

37.My academic experience has provided a solid foundation in…

38.Academic studies have provided me

USEFUL PHRASES FOR RESUME

ACHIEVEMENTS

1.Student of the year

2.Active member of…

3.Awarded various medals for

4.Awarded x prize for

5.Captained

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6.Class Representative

7.Co-hosted…

8.Delivered numerous presentations at

9.Elected officer

10.Elected spokesperson

11.Holder of

12.Invited expert

13.Nominated for

14.Received honorary scholar award

15.Scholarship to

16.Student member of (professional body)

SKILLS

1.Team work:

•Enjoy working independently or part of a team.

•Participated in team projects in college and in previous employment.

•Have experience in a number of leadership roles…

•Successfully participated in and motivated teams to research and prepare presentations for class seminars.

•Co-ordinated and consulted with other committee members in French society to make decisions, share ideas and plan events.

•Leadership skills developed through involvement in politics, community development and voluntary work

•Adopted an inclusive approach to decision making situations.

2.Communications:

•Effective communication skills developed through delivering regular presentations, giving and receiving feedback, writing reports, case studies, press releases

•An accomplished public speaker and have debated at all-Ireland level

•Good oral and written skills developed through delivery of presentations, debating, giving and receiving feedback, writing press releases and articles

•Communication skills developed through course presentations, dealing with customers in a tactful and diplomatic way and giving clear and precise instructions to suppliers.

•Written communication skills gained from course assignments and final year extended essay.

•Developed good written communication skills through project work and writing laboratory reports. Have delivered several presentations in class

•Speak clearly, deliver presentations to key audiences

•Communicate effectively with a wide range of staff including…

•Good interpersonal skills, able to employ tact and to build relationships. Can deliver presentations to target audience.

•Articulate and adept in communications with others. Able to convey and persuade others towards a particular viewpoint.

•Excellent communicator developed through academic and work-based presentations and writing essays and reports.

•Confident presenter. Able to explain and sell ideas to clients and colleagues. Strong editorial and proof reading ability producing accurate and high quality work.

3.Research:

•Conducted in-depth interviews with the public, analysed large-scale data

•Enjoy researching, collating and presenting information

•Worked on a variety of research projects employing a range of different research methodologies

•Liaised with external researchers and policy customers

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•Keen visual sense, meticulous eye for detail

•Extensive research skills acquired to Masters level

4.Interpersonal:

•Can get on with a wide range of people, good motivator and able to support others

•Good listener with developed sense of intuition and timing. Identify, develop and support the talent of others through workshop facilitation and teaching• Strong networking ability

•Patient, able to inspire trust, good listener and lead by example

5.Problem Solving:

•Enjoy problem solving scenarios. Have strong analytical and numerical skills.

6.IT:

•Familiar with, proficient in, working knowledge of…

•Proficient in Microsoft Office suite. Use internet and e-mail on a regular basis

•Familiar with social networking sites. Regularly follow blogs related to..

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY OR PROFILE

1.results-driven, logical and methodical approach to achieving tasks and objectives

2.determined and decisive; uses initiative to develop effective solutions to problems

3.reliable and dependable - high personal standards and attention to detail

4.methodical and rigorous approach to achieving tasks and objectives

5.entrepreneurial and pro-active - strong drive and keen business mind

6.identifies and develops opportunities; innovates and makes things happen

7.good strategic appreciation and vision; able to build and implement sophisticated plans

8.determined and decisive; uses initiative to meet and resolve challenges

9.strives for quality and applies process and discipline towards optimising performance

10.extremely reliable and dependable - analytical and questioning, strives for quality

11.methodical approach to planning and organising - good time-manager

12.excellent interpersonal skills - good communicator, leadership, high integrity

13.strong planning, organising and monitoring abilities - an efficient time-manager

14.self-driven and self-reliant - sets aims and targets and leads by example

15.good interpersonal skills - works well with others, motivates and encourages

16.high integrity, diligent and conscientious - reliable and dependable

17.self-aware - always seeking to learn and grow

18.seeks new responsibilities irrespective of reward and recognition

19.detailed and precise; fastidious and thorough

20.decisive and results-driven; creative problem-solver

21.good starter - enthusiastic in finding openings and opportunities

22.creative and entrepreneurial networker - effective project coordinator

23.reliable and dependable in meeting objectives - hard-working

24.emotionally mature; calming and positive temperament; tolerant and understanding

25.seeks and finds solutions to challenges - exceptionally positive attitude

26.great team-worker - adaptable and flexible

27.well-organised; good planner; good time-manager

28.seeks new responsibilities and uses initiative; self-sufficient

29.solid approach to achieving tasks and objectives; determined and decisive

30.excellent interpersonal skills - good communicator, high integrity

31.energetic and physically very fit; quick to respond to opportunities and problems

32.active and dynamic approach to work and getting things done

33.financially astute - conversant with accounting systems and principles

34.tactical, strategic and proactive - anticipates and takes initiative

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35.systematic and logical - develops and uses effective processes

36.good listener - caring and compassionate

37.critical thinker - strong analytical skills; accurate and probing

38.good researcher - creative and methodical - probing and resourceful

39.facilitative project manager; develops and enables group buy-in

40.persistent and tenacious sales developer; comfortable with demanding targets

41.resilient and and thorough - detached and unemotional

42.completer-finisher; checks and follows up - immaculate record-keeper

43.team-player - loyal and determined

44.technically competent/qualified [state discipline or area, to whatever standard or level]

45.task-oriented - commercially experienced and aware

46.excellent inter-personal and communications skills

47.sound planning and organizational capabilities

48.results oriented - focused on productive and high-yield activities

49.tolerant and understanding - especially good with young children/elderly people/needypeople/disadvantaged people, etc

50.emotionally mature - calming and positive temperament - compassionate and caring

51.sensitive and patient interpersonal and communication skills

52.high integrity and honesty; ethical and socially aware

53.energetic and positive outlook, which often inspires others

54.calm, reliable and dependable in meeting objectives - logical and numerate

PROVERBS

Give Russian equivalents for the following proverbs.

1.Opportunity seldom knocks twice.

2.Practice makes perfect.

3.Self-praise is no recommendation.

4.When one door shuts, another opens

5.Zeal without knowledge is a runaway horse.

6.If a thing is worth doing, it is worth doing well.

7.All things are difficult before they are easy.

SECTION V

APPENDIX. LETTER SAMPLES.

COVER LETTERS

SOLICITED COVER LETTER

7797 Melville Road

Midpines, CA 35941

May 30, XXXX

Ms. Greta Bourgh

Director of Administration

Nobbs Inc.

18

770 Midhill Drive

Fairfax, VA 29514

Dear Ms. Bourgh:

Your advertisement in the January 31 issue of the Mariposa Post attracted my attention because I believe that I have the “proven skills” you are looking for in an administrative assistant. In addition to having previous experience in a variety of office settings. I am familiar with the computer system that you use in your office.

I recently completed a three-course sequence at Hamilton College on operation of the Beta computer system. I learned how to apply this technology to speed up letter-writing and report-writing tasks. A workshop on “Writing and Editing with the Beta Processor” gave me experience with other valuable applications.

As a result of this training, I am able to compose many types of finished documents, including sales letters, financial reports, and presentation slides.

These specialized skills have proven valuable in my work for the past eight months as assistant to the chief nutritionist at the University of California campus cafeteria. As my resume indicates, my duties include drafting letters, typing finished correspondence, and handling phone calls. I'm particularly proud of the order-confirmation system I designed which has sharply reduced the problem of late shipments and depleted inventories.

Because “proven skills” are best explained in person, I would appreciate an interview with you. Please phone me any afternoon between 3 and 5 p.m. at (919) 220-6139 to let me know the day and time most convenient for you.

Sincerely,

Bohdan Syn'ko

Enclosure

UNSOLICITED COVER LETTER

216 Westview Circle

Dallas, TX 75231

June 16, XXXX

Richard Smith,

Managing Partner

Boehe Financial Planning Associates

1775 Lakland Drive

Dallas, TX 75218

Dear Mr. Smith:

When Margaret O’Neil of your personnel department spoke with me today, she indicated that you may be looking for a staff accountant. On the basis of our talk, I believe that my background would benefit Boehe. Four years of college have trained me in accounting and full-charge bookkeeping through trial balance.

My university courses in electronic data processing have equipped me to work with computer-based clients like yours. Training in business writing, human relations, and psychology should help me to achieve solid rapport with them. And advanced studies in tax accounting will enable me to analyze their financial needs from a planning perspective.

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Because your company specializes in tax-shelter planning, my work experience could also be beneficial. After two years as a part-time bookkeeper for a securities brokerage firm, I was promoted to full-time financial analyst intem in the corporate investment division. In making recommendations to the firm’s corporate clients, I analyzed and selected specific tax-shelter programs. After three months, my accomplishments were acknowledged by a substantial salary increase.

Michailo Tarasyuk, vice-president of Citibank, and other references listed on the enclosed resume will confirm my potential for the staff accountant position.

At a time convenient for you, I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss my qualifications for beginning a career with your company. 1 will phone you early next Wednesday to see whether we can arrange a meeting at your convenience.

Sincerely,

Tetyana Lymar

Enclosure

A GOOD COVER LETTER

#302,10639 - 79 Avenue Edmonton,

Alberta T6E 1S2

March 19, 1996

Mr. Chris Pilger Edmonton Hire A Student

c/o Canada Employment Centre 6325 - 103 Street Edmonton, Alberta T6H 5H6

Dear Mr. Pilger:

RE: COMPETITION #93-NSPO

In response to your job posting at the Grant MacEwan Community College Student Services Office, I am applying for the position of Native General Services Officer with Edmonton Hire A Student. I am presently attending my first year of the Travel Consultant Program at Grant MacEwan Community College.

I have experience working with the general public and functioning as part of a team, both as a social worker and a volunteer. I am also familiar with youth and peer counselling techniques, and have developed effective leadership skills as a member of a multi-disciplinary team. I am of aboriginal ancestry and aware of programs and services available for native people in the Edmonton area.

Further, I can offer the position the following skills:

•Strong written and verbal communications skills

•Typing speed of 65 wpm and competent understanding of clerical tasks

•Working knowledge of Macintosh computers

•Competency in WordPerfect on IBM computers

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