Applying for a jobPresentation and linguistic tips

Name the _ _ _ you are applying for and where you foundout about it. For example, name the _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _where the ad. appeared and the date when it was printed.Include some _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ about yourself.This is not necessary if you are _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ a CV.Give the name, address and _ _ _ _ _ number of twopeople who will _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ you to the potentialemployer. It is best if one of these is a personal_ _ _ _ _ _ _ and one is a work referee.State the times when you will be available for an_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _.Words to be used : information including referee interviewjob newspaper recommend phone referee potential job

employer

Basic vocabulary

Firstname LastnameAddressPhone number / e-mail address

Date

Name of addresseeTitle, companyAddress

Lay out

Heidi HappyBox 0000 Saint Michael’s CollegeOne Winooski ParkColchester, VT 05439

February 15, 2002

Mr. Michael NewDirector of Human ResourcesSaint Michael’s CollegeColchester, VT 05439

Lay out Your name and address should be written at the top of the page in smaller fonts.

The name, position, address of the addressee should appear a few lines below in larger fonts.

EX 1: Dear Mr. New,

In response to your posting, I wish to be considered for the position of Admission Counselor at Saint Michael’s College.  Enclosed are my resumé and transcript for your review.

EX 2:Dear Ms. Jones:

I am interested in applying for the sales representative position recently advertised in The New York Times. The skills I have developed from my work experience and academic background support my candidacy for the announced position.

EX 3: Dear Addressee:

My experience working in the World Art Museum's public programming department makes me an ideal candidate for the museum educator position you listed with Best University's career office.

Greetings and introductory paragraph

Job vs. WorkJob is a countable noun and refers to a particular piece of work

that someone does to earn money. I am now looking for a new job. Work refers to the activities that you perform in your job.The efficiency of your work will be assessed. A post / positionShe applied for a part-time post / position. An occupation (formal word for job) / occupational: related to

your job (occupational hazards, an occupational therapist, etc) A placement / an internship: temporary positions that will

upgrade your professional skills. A trade: a job that requires some technical know-how or that

involves working with your hands.

Vocabulary

Tell why you are interested in the employer or type of work the employer does (Simply stating that you are interested does not tell why, and can sound like a form letter). Demonstrate that you know enough about the employer or position to relate your background to the employer or position. Mention specific qualifications which make you a good fit for the employer’s needs.

Content

Use the simple past to explain the kind of activities you were involved into:

EX 1: You indicate that you seek someone with leadership, communication, and teaching skills.  Last year I had the opportunity to intern with the World Art Museum in the public programming department.  There, I worked behind the scenes alongside museum curators and employees designing programs for school groups and the public.  When the programs were completed and put into motion, I traveled to schools and presented the programs to students, guided tours of museum exhibits on-site, and led groups of museum visitors in interactive discussions and art projects.

Your past experience

You may use the present perfect to enhance the skills that you have acquired:

EX 2: The skills I have developed from my work experience and academic background support my candidacy for the announced position. The internship I had with ABC Corporation provided an opportunity for me to gain practical experience. In addition, I have worked as a waiter for the past four years, learning firsthand how to effectively deal with customers and their demands.

EX 3: I have been actively involved in every aspect of the Saint Michael’s community and I have gained many skills that would be of benefit to the position of Admission Counselor.  I have headed up the Programming Board as the Secretary of Programming, planned and promoted events, come up with creative ideas and attracted people to becoming involved in the community.  I have also informed the student body about Student Association activities on a weekly basis through my position as the Secretary of Communications.

Use an –ing present to write about your current occupation: EX: I am currently working as a Sales Representative for Homeway

Productions and am keen to obtain a full time position. Refer to your skills using the simple present: With a degree in Education Counseling, I have a full understanding

of curriculum design projects. I also have experience in learning and excelling at new technologies as needed.

What you intend to do in the forthcoming months: EX: In addition to this practical experience, I will complete requirements for my PhD IN Educational Science.  As you may know, Dijon University is one of the few universities in the country that offers such a specialized degree for curriculum-setting. I am confident that my degree, along with my years of experience as a teaching assistant, make me an excellent candidate for your job.

Your situation now

Mention the relevance of your application: EX: I believe that my versatility and real

enthusiasm will contribute greatly to my success in this position.

I believe that my strong technical experience and education will make me a very competitive candidate for this position.

I strongly believe that I am an excellent representative of the school I am currently working in and I am confident in my abilities to perform as an Admission Counselor in your school.

Express your wish to work in the company offering the job

As teacher at Rye school, I would focus on raising examination achievement whilst preparing students for the world outside the school gates. One of the most motivating ways to engage 21st century learners is through the pedagogically-sound use of ICT. Over a period of time I would aim to raise the capabilities of staff to make the use of educational technology part of their everyday toolkit.

In conclusion, Mr X, I would hope to add to the pool of expertise and excellent reputation of the school you are heading through my leadership skills, innovative teaching, and infectious enthusiasm. I would look forward to teaching in a school in which pupil behaviour is ‘very good’, achievement is recognised, and I can make a real difference.

What you would do if…

As requested, I am enclosing a completed job application, my certification, my resume and three references.

Refer to the documents enclosed

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to speaking with you about this employment opportunity.

Thank you for your time and interest. I look forward to meeting with you soon and speaking with you

further about this position. I would very much like an opportunity to discuss your specific

needs any my overall abilities regarding the announced position. Thank you for considering me for this position.

I look forward to discussing the job opportunity with you in more detail.  I will call next week to see if you agree that my experiences match the qualifications you seek in your ideal candidate.  If so, I would like to schedule an interview at a mutually convenient time.  I look forward to speaking with you, and thank you for your consideration. 

Ending the letter

In a formal letter there are rules about how the greeting and the goodbye should be written.

If you use the person’s name, for example, Dear Angela

Joyce, then you should end the letterYours sincerely, followed by your name.

If you do not know the person’s name and you write Dear Sir or Madam, then you should end the letter:Yours faithfully, followed by your name.

Job DescriptionThe BHRSD is seeking an inspiring leader who will support current effective practices at Monument Valley and who has demonstrated success in:• Listening, communicating and building community.• Proactively engaging the school community around the learning goals as well as being visible within school and broader communities. • Managing resources and implementing systems to ensure organizational efficiency.• Developing staff, sharing leadership, and holding self and others accountable to make decisions and solve problems.• Leveraging deep knowledge of curriculum, instruction, and assessment to maximize student learning and behavior.• Building strong relationships based on mutual respect, trust, and empathy.• Fostering a passion for education.• Being flexible and maintaining a sense of humor.Position Type: Full-time 

Equal Opportunity Employer Berkshire Hills Reginal School District is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment

free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws.Job requirements• A completed application for the position.• A letter stating personal qualifications, educational philosophy, experience and reasons for interest in the position.• College/university placement papers and academic transcripts indicating degrees.• A minimum of three current letters of recommendation, but not more than five.

Contact InformationPeter DillonPO Box 617, 50 Main StreetStockbridge, Massachusetts 01262

Case study