Request for an application form

If you are writing to ask for an application form, give some very brief details about yourself then ask for the form.

These examples can also be used for unsolicited applications.

- I am 23 years old, and have recently graduated from ______with a diploma / degree in _______. (Give the subject, and mention any special topics you studied that are relevant to the post. You can also mention the class of a degree, and any special honours such as a distinction.)

- At present I am working for _______, where I am employed as a ______ in the _______ Department.

 

Closing

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

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

- I would be grateful if you could send me an application form. If you need any further details, please contact me at the above address / email address.

Application forms and CVs

When you receive an application form, always read it through carefully so that you know exactly what information is required. It is a good idea to photocopy it, complete the photocopy, and when you are happy with it, copy the information onto the actual form.

Some companies prefer a curriculum vitae, usually called a CV (resume in American English), which is your personal and working history. Application forms and CVs may be e-mailed, faxed, or sent by post.

Covering letters

You may need to send a covering letter with an application form or CV. If you do, it should briefly explain points that might not be clear. You could also give further details to stress your suitability for the post.

 

 

Opening

If the company has sent an application form, remember to thank them.

If you are enclosing а CV, mention it at the beginning of the letter.

- Thank you for your letter of ________and the application form for the post of _____. I enclose the completed form / m y CV.

Body of the letter

Your covering letter should be short. If you need to develop or emphasize any points, do so briefly and simply.

- You will see that I graduated from _____University / College in 20—, where I gained a ______degree /diploma /certificate in _____. (Mention any parts of your studies relevant to the post.) During my employment with _______my work was specifically concerned with ________. (Mention work relevant to the post you are applying for.)

 

Reasons for leaving a job

If you need to explain why you left a job, it is best to sound positive. Never say that you wanted a better salary or conditions. You should not say you were bored with your job, and never criticize the company you worked for, their products or services, or your colleagues.

Explanations for leaving a company could include the following:

- I left (old employer) because (new employer) offered me a chance to use my (languages, it training, etc.).

- I was offered a chance to join (company) where there was an opportunity for further training and experience in _______.

- I was offered the post of Senior Technician by (company) in (date), and therefore left (company) in order to...

- I joined (company) in (date) as part of their new Eastern Europe sales team. This was an excellent opportunity to...

Previous experience

Most application forms give some space to describe previous work experience, e.g. what your duties and responsibilities were. Here you have a chance to highlight your achievements, e.g. any special responsibilities or projects you undertook, changes you made, or schemes you introduced.

- While l was a Team Leader at (company), I supervised a team of six technicians and introduced new quality control procedures which resulted in...

- During my time at (company), I was responsible for marketing software services. A large part of this role involved successfully implementing change in the...

- During my time at (company), I studied part-time for an MBA, which I completed in 20—. Since then I have gained more management experience in...

- As part of my degree course in Business Studies, I worked for three months in the Data Processing Department of a large computer corporation where I gained experience in...

Reasons for applying

All prospective employers will want to know why you are applying for a specific job. This not only means explaining why you want the job, but why you think your particular skills and experience would be valuable to the company.

- I am particularly interested in the post as I could apply my previous experience in (area of work).

- I am sure I would be successful in this post as I have the skills and experience you describe, as well as...

- I believe my background in (area of work) equips me for the post you advertise, especially my recent experience of (specialist area, e.g. project management, website development).

- I have some experience of (area of work), and am enthusiastic about developing a career in this field.

Closing

At the end of the letter, offer to supply more information if necessary.

- Look forward to hearing from you. However, if there is any further information you require in the meantime, please let me know.

- Please let me know if there are any other details you need. Meanwhile, I look forward to hearing from you.

- I would be happy to discuss with you at interview how my skills and experience could be used to your advantage.