Would you be interested in the following job vacancy? Why or why not?
Structure for a Letter of Application
1. Salutation
Dear Sir or Madam
If you do not know the name of the person you are writing to, use this. The following is a list of letter salutation examples that are appropriate for letters of application.
- Dear Hiring Manager
- Dear Search Committee
- To whom it may concern
- Dear Human Resources Manager
- Dear Sir or Madam
2. The Introductory Paragraph
Begin by stating the job for which you are applying. Briefly mention how your skills and experience match the company and/or position; this will give the employer a preview of the rest of your letter.
I am writing to apply for the post of Fashion Shop Manager advertised in the ‘News Shopper’ of 14 February 2002.
3. The next paragraphs (the body)
In the following paragraphs, 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.
Please see the example structure below:
(2nd paragraph) You might go and list your experience and relevant qualifications:
(briefly introduce yourself first) I am an ambitious and creative 25-year-old who have worked in the retail industry for a total of ten years, first as a sales assistant in a department store and for the last three years as a Section Head and Deputy Manager at Jones the Bootmaker.
(3rd paragraph) You might then go on to mention the particular abilities and skills that you have:
I believe I have all the skills, knowledge and expertise that you are looking for. I have lots of retail initiative, can schedule and prioritise tasks and can work to strict deadlines. I also work particularly well with people and would enjoy leading the team and working with clients and customers.
(4th paragraph) Say why you are particularly interested in this job:
I am applying for this position as I am looking to progress from junior to senior management. I have always been interested in the latest fashion trends and developments and I believe your organisation is a well-run quality fashion business. I would very much like to work for your company.
4. Closing paragraph
Conclude your letter of application by thanking the employer for considering you for the position and stating that you would like to interview.
You might close the letter with the following formula.
I look forward to hearing from you and hope that you will be able to invite me for an interview.
Yours faithfully
XYZ
“Yours sincerely” or “Yours faithfully”?
“Yours sincerely” is typically employed in English when the recipient is addressed by name (e.g. “Dear John”) and is known to the sender to some degree, whereas “Yours faithfully” is used when the recipient is not addressed by name (i.e., the recipient is addressed by a phrase such as “Dear Sir/Madam”)
Source: https://engxam.com/handbook/how-to-write-a-letter-of-application-fce-cae-cpe/
Individual writing of a letter of application according to the exam task criteria on page 46 and the standards from the University of Cambridge
