Covering Letter

A covering letter confirms a resume.

The aim of the covering letter is to find out whether any vacant positions are available yet or to inform what position you are interested in.

The letter should contain:

• The source of information (newspaper advertisement (the date), employment agencies’ proposals)

• Brief data about education, professional skills focusing special attention on the requirements of the advertisement.

• The list of the presented documents (reference (recomendation), resume, etc.);

• The willingness to present the full information and to attend an interview.

• Thanks for attention.

• Hope of receiving a positive answer.

Model 1

Dear Mrs. Brown

Executive Secretary to the Managing Director

I am interested in applying for the position of Executive Secretary to the Managing director advertised in yesterday’s The Moscow Times.

As you will see from my CV, which is enclosed, I have been working in the same position for about two years. My current position as a private secretary to the company’s president includes responsibilities specified in your advertisement: providing full administrative support to the president, handling PR matters in the office though of a small company. I would welcome the opportunity to join such a well-known company as yours. I think it is really a new challenge for me to work in a different environment.

I would be glad to meet you to discuss the post at your convenience. I should be grateful, however, if for the time being you would contact me at home rather than at work.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely

Rebecca Wilton (Miss)

Enc.

Model 2

Dear Mr Jones

I read several newspapers and magazines on business published in Russia and was pleased to find out that Glencore is about to win the Russian metallurgical market. I am looking for a new challenge in my career as a Sales Manager Assistant, with the possibility of a managerial position in future, and wondered whether you might be looking to employ extra staff.

As you will see from the enclosed resume, I have sufficient experience in metals trading business and have a wide network of contacts in the Russian market. My previous employers include companies where I have acquired an in-depth knowledge of the metallurgical business in my home country and Russia.

I have been watching with interest your company’s expansion over the past few years and have admired the company’s work on a number of occasions. With this new step on the company’s part, this seems an ideal time to contact you.

If you think I may be of service, I would be extremely interested to discuss the possibility of my joining you. I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely

John Smith

Encs

Ex. 6. Complete the sentences with words from the boxes.

А

application, career, company, employee, living, notice, salary, staff

1. He wanted to have a _____ in the police force, but he failed the entrance exam.

2. I don’t want to be an _____ any more. I want to work for myself.

3. Most of the _____ in the restaurant are unhappy with their pay.

4. She’s handed in her _____ and she’s leaving in four weeks.

5. The job is really interesting but the _____ is terrible.

6. - What does he do for a _____? - He’s a secret agent.

7. What sort of _____ do you work for?

8. When we receive your _____, we’ll contact you for an interview.

B

Weeks’ paid holiday, employee, to retire, run, handed in her notice, to fire, retirement age, a decent salary

9. Mr Reynold never forces anybody ___.

10. The oldest ___ at Reynold’s is 97.

11. Reynold’s pays ___.

12. Employees get five ___.

13. All the staff are not over the ___.

14. Mr Reynold’s secretary Edith ___ because she wanted to get married.

15. Mr Reynold has never had any reason ___ anyone.

16. Mr Reynold’s brother is going to ___ the business from next year.

C

Use the appropriate words and expressions given in the previous box to complete these statements.

17. Everybody should get six ___ a year.

18. Nurses and teachers don’t get ___. The government should pay them more.

19. The official ___ should be the same for men and women.

20. If you don’t want ___ you should be able to continue working.

21. Managing directors who ___ large corporations earn far too much money.

Ex. 7. Read this letter of application for a job at Reynold’s Department Store. Use the words and expressions in the box to improve the parts of the letter that are underlined.

Sir or Madam, a new challenge, look forward to hearing, would like to apply for, reached retirement age, enclosed

45 Walpole Rd

Bournemouth BH1 4EH

Reynold’s Department Store

100-105 Wimbourne Rd

Bournemouth BH2 6TG

Dear (1) Mr or Mrs

I saw your advertisement for a job as a sales assistant in your garden furniture department and I (2) want the job.

I am an experienced shop assistant and I have worked in many different departments. Please see my curriculum vitae (3) in the same envelope for more details.

I started working in shops when I was twenty-one, forty-five years ago. I left my last job six years ago when I (4) got too old, but I get terribly bored at home. I feel I am ready for (5) new things now.

I would be available for an interview any time, even at short notice.

I (6) can’t wait to hear from you.

Yours faithfully,

Edna Smith

Edna Smith (Miss)

Ex. 8. Use the letter above as a model and write your own reply to the advertisement.

Ex. 9. Read the advertisement in the April edition of «Working Away» and write the letter in search of some additional information.

Spend the Summer in America Do you enjoy working with kids? We're looking for active and creative young (age?) men and women to work (how many hours a day? meals and accommodation?) at our lovely summer camp by Lake Tonawonda. Please write to us if you are interested in enjoying a summer (which months?) full of sports and theatre in United States. Contact: Mrs Lynn Davis Lake Tonawonda Summer Camp Syracuse, New York 10025 USA

The letter should contain – your questions

• closing remarks

• reasons you are writing

You may use the following: regarding your advertisement, further information, your advertisement states that, interested in hiring, staff are required to work, provide for

Ex.10. Write your own letter application for your dream job.