Applying for a position

Generally, the terms vacancy, post, position, or opening are used instead of the word job in applications.

16.2.1

Opening

If replying to an advertisement, as with most correspondence, it is better to simply state what you are doing, and remember to give a date or reference.

I would like to apply for the position of Programmer advertised in this month's edition of Computer Technics.

I am writing to you concerning your advertisement on 12 May in The Guardian, for a bilingual secretary to work in your export department.

I am answering your advertisement for the post of Bank Trainee which appeared in yesterday's Times.

I am replying to the advertisement of 18 June for a Sales Manager which you placed in The Export Journal.

If applying for a position which has not been advertised, you can open like this:

I am writing to ask if you might have a vacancy in the (your) general office/ sales/export/accounts department for a(n) clerical assistant/salesperson/ export manager/accounts clerk.

If someone associated with the company suggested you write to them, you can open thus:

I was recommended by who is currently working in/who has had a long association with your firm/who is one of your suppliers/customers, to write to you/contact you concerning a possible post in your/the department.

16.2.2

Application form requests

If your enquiry is only for an application form, you can give some brief details about yourself, then ask for the form. It is worth remembering, at this point, that your letters, in these cases, are not for the positions themselves, but are for interviews.

These examples can also be used for unsolicited applications, i.e. when applying for a post that has not been advertised.

I am 23 years old, was educated at (secondary school) which I left in (date) having taken (leaving certificate). I graduated from (college/university) in (date) with a (diploma/degree) in (subject and class, mentioning any special topics that would be relevant to the position).

At present I am employed by (name of firm) where I deal with/am employed as (title)/am employed in (department)/ concerned with (description of work), and I have been there for (number of years), since (date).

There is no need to give any more information at this stage, so the letter can be closed:

Please can you send me an application form and any other relevant details?

Would it be possible for you to send me an application form and further details?

I would be grateful if you could send me an application form, and if in the meantime you need any further details about me, I would be happy to supply them.

16.2.3

Curriculum vitae

Some companies do not send application forms, but prefer applicants to supply a curriculum vitae (c.v.) which is your personal and working history, see 16.3.5 for an example.

There should be a covering letter with application forms and c.v.s, either explaining points that might not be clear, or giving further information to emphasize your suitability for the post.

Remember to quote any reference numbers or job titles that have to be mentioned, and if an application form has been sent, thank the company.

16.2.4

Opening

Your c.v. should be mentioned in the second paragraph to a letter answering an advertisement.

Thank you for your letter of (date) and the application form for the post of (title). I have now completed the details and am enclosing the form.

I am enclosing my curriculum vitae for the position of...

The enclosed c.v, is for the above post.

16.2.5

Summary of details

You will see that I graduated from (college)/left (name of school) in (date) where I got (degree; diploma; certificate). I then began work with (name of firm) as (job title), where I was trained as (title), and was involved with (brief description of duties).

If you have had more than one job, you could explain why you left each position. This is often left for an interview. But you should never use explanations such as leaving for more money, better fringe benefits, advantages besides salary, e.g. better pension, health scheme, social facilities, car, or conditions. Whether it is justified or not, employers do not like to feel staff leave companies for these reasons.

You should also not state you were bored with the work you were doing, after all, you accepted the job; and never criticize the firm you worked for, the products or services they offered, or staff you worked with.

Explanations for leaving a company could include the following:

I left (name of firm) in (date) as (new employer) offered me a chance to use my (skills or specialized knowledge, e.g. languages, knowledge of computers, etc)...

In 20— I was offered a chance to join (name of company) where there was an opportunity for me to gain more experience in...

I was offered promotion (a chance to advance) by (name of company) in (date) and therefore left (company) as this meant I could (explanation)...

/joined (name of company) in (date) as they offered an opportunity for advancement, being a much larger concern.

16.2.6

Date: 2016-01-03; view: 1203