Letter Writing -4

1. Letter Writing -4 Letter of Application

2. Letter Writing -4 Letter of Application Learning Objectives To learn an acceptable layout for a Letter of Application. To learn a correct content structure for a Letter of Application. To practice writing a Letter of Application.

3. Layout You should set out your letter of application as follows: Your Name Your Street Address PO Box No Post/Zip code Recipient Name Recipient Business Address Recipient PO Box No Recipient Post/Zip code Date Dear (whoever the contact name/position is on the advert) Introductory Paragraph: Begin by stating what job you are applying for. Explain where you heard about the job, particularly if you heard about it from a contact associated with the company.

4. Layout 2 Paragraph 2 – Introduce Yourself: Very briefly mention how your skills and experience match the advertised job and why you make an excellent candidate for the position; this will give the employer a preview of the rest of your letter. Paragraph 3 - Your current situation: Pick up on the job requirements outlined in the advert and focus on any of your current skills or responsibilities that correspond to those requested. For example, if you’re still studying, focus on the relevant aspects or modules of your course. Paragraph 4 – Why You: Explain why you are interested in the job and why you make an excellent candidate for the position. Mention specific qualifications listed in the job posting, and explain how you meet those qualifications and provide specific examples that demonstrate your abilities. You can either write about these specific examples in complete sentences or in a bulleted format. Paragraph 5 – Closing paragraph: In the final paragraph you should say where you can be contacted, when you’d be available to start work and that you agree to work the advertised hours. Thank the employer for his/her consideration of your application. Paragraph 6 - Conclusion This should include a ‘call to action’ statement or end the letter on a positive note.

5. Layout 3 Signature: always remember to sign the letter and to type/print your name underneath your signature. If you have named the person at the start of the letter then sign ‘Yours Sincerely’ If the letter is addressed to an un-named person, ex ‘The HR Manager’ then you should sign ‘Yours Faithfully’. Yours Sincerely John Smith John Smith Or Yours Faithfully John Smith John Smith

6. Example John Smith 1 Our Street Anytown CA1 AZ5 Mr. George Gilhooley HR ManagerThe Flowchart Programming Company 87 Delaware Road Hatfield, HA1 3QW  Date Dear Mr. Gilhooley, (contact name) Introductory Paragraph: I am writing to apply for the Senior Programmer position advertised in the Computer Times. As requested, I am enclosing a completed job application, my certification, my resume and three references. Introduce Yourself I am currently employed as a programmer/project management assistant and have been in this post for five years since I graduated from university. The opportunities you present with this post will enable me to take my skills and expertise to the next level.

7. Current Situation The opportunity presented in this listing is very interesting, and I believe that the strong technical experience my present post has given me will make me a very competitive candidate for this position. The key strengths that I possess for success in this position include my successfully designing, developing, and supporting live use applications for five major projects in my present post. I have also been acknowledged by my present employers for the exceptional contributions to customer service I have provided for all the customers who presently compose my client base. Why you With a First Class Honours degree in Computer Programming, I have a comprehensive understanding of the full life cycle of a software development project. I also have experience in learning and excelling at new technologies as needed. This was demonstrated during my last project where I was nominated lead programmer. Please see my resume for additional information on my experience. Closing I can be reached anytime at my home address, via email at johnsmith999@email.com or my cell phone, 909-555-5555. I will be available to start work almost immediately if offered a position with your company as I have four week leave pending. Call to action Thank you for your time and consideration and I look forward to speaking with you about this employment opportunity in the very near future. Yours Sincerely, John Smith John Smith

8. Task Write a letter of application for the job advertised below: Summer Play-Scheme Assistants Required Must be available for a four week period covering the last two weeks in July and the first two weeks in August. You should be aged between 16-19 and in good general health. This job will involve working with 10-14 year old children leading them in a variety of activities such as sports coaching, swimming, art, drama, creative writing, story reading and story telling, computer gaming and ICT skills. Pay is on an hourly rate at the national minimum level and you should be prepared to work for 30 hours per week. Extra consideration will be given to candidates who can offer a recognise qualification such as a First Aid or coaching award; or who have experience of working with children. If you are interested please send a letter which outlines your interest and experience to: Mr John Smith Summer Activities Co-Ordinator 3rd Floor Municipal Buildings Olaya Street Riyadh 23271 KSA

9. References http://jobsearch.about.com/od/jobapplicationletters/a/letter-of-application-guidelines.htm http://oxforddictionaries.com/words/writing-job-applications