4.

1
3.1 Abbreviations

Formal Letters
1. You have applied for a place on an MA course at a British university. This is the letter you have received in reply.
a)

cross-reference

Arts & Social Sciences Admissions Ofce Wye House Central Campus University of Borchester Borchester BR3 5HT United Kingdom Ms P Tan 54 Sydney Road Rowborough RB1 6FD Ref: MB/373 3 May 2006 Dear Ms Tan Application for MA International Studies Further to your recent application, I would like to invite you to the university for an informal interview on Tuesday 21st May at 11 am. You will be able to meet the course supervisor, Dr Schmidt, and look round the department. A map of the campus and instructions for nding the university are enclosed. Please let me know if you will be able to attend on the date given. Yours sincerely M. Bramble Mick Bramble Administrative Assistant Arts & Social Sciences Enc.

b)

c) d) e) f) g)

h) i) j) k) l)

Label the following features of formal letters with the letters (al) from the left margin above. (d) Date (. . . ) Request for response (. . . ) Address of recipient (. . . ) Further details (. . . ) Senders reference (. . . ) Signature (. . . ) Ending (. . . ) Greetings (. . . ) Address of sender (. . . ) Reason for writing (. . . ) Subject headline (. . . ) Writers name and title

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Writing Models

Note the following points. a) When writing to somebody whose name you do not know, e.g. The Manager, use Dear Sir and Yours faithfully.

b) A formal letter generally uses the family name in the greeting (Dear Ms Tan). Certain organisations may, however, use a rst name with a family name or even a rst name alone (Dear Jane Tan/Dear Jane). c) 2. If the sender includes a reference it is helpful to quote it in your reply. You will attend the interview on the date given.

Write a reply to Mr Bramble making the following points: a) b) You would like to have the interview one hour later, because of train times. 54 Sydney Road Rowborough RB1 6FD

cross-reference

3.

4.2

CVs

Study the following newspaper advert. You have decided to apply for this job. Make notes for your letter of application, then write the letter, paying attention to layout as well as content. STAFF REQUIRED FOR RECEPTION WORK AT CITY HOTEL We are looking for enthusiastic and helpful receptionists (m/f) to join our team. Candidates should be wellpresented and able to speak at least two languages. Hotel experience not necessary as training will be given. Ability to get on with people and work in a team more important. Some evening and weekend work. Good conditions and rates of pay. Apply in writing with CV and covering letter to: The Manager, Hotel Nelson, Queens Road, Rowborough RB2 4RN quoting Ref. EN2.

4.2

CVs
1. CV stands for curriculum vitae (also known as a rsum). A CV is a summary of your education and work experience, often requested by prospective employers. Most professionals store their CVs electronically so that they can be updated when necessary. There is considerable debate about the format of CVs, and much depends on your experience and the area you are working in. The example given below is relatively short, as would be expected for a recent graduate. Sarah Ann Atkins DOB 19.6.80 Email: saatkins@virgin.net Career aim To develop my experience in marketing in a senior managerial role, using my knowledge of European languages. Career history 2004present Marketing Assistant, Eastern Foods, Derby In my current post I am part of a team involved in marketing our products throughout the UK. I have helped organise several campaigns and given presentations in connection with these. 20001 English Teacher, Montpellier, France During my year abroad I taught English at a school in Montpellier, which not only helped strengthen my French but also gave me valuable lessons in self-reliance. Academic qualications 2004 2003 MBA (Rowborough University Business School) BA (Hons) 2:1 in European Languages (University of Leeds) with distinction in spoken French knowledge of Spanish and French (advanced)/Italian (good) competence with the following applications: Word, Excel, Powerpoint I would describe myself as outgoing, friendly and a good communicator. I apply these qualities to establishing good customer relations and working with colleagues as part of a team.

2.

Skills Languages: ICT: Personal

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Writing Models

NB a) The above format is only one possibility and it is worth looking at other CVs to compare layouts.

b) Your address and phone number should be in your covering letter, not on the CV. c) List qualications and experience in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent. Prospective employers are mainly interested in your latest achievements.

d) Do not clutter the CV with details of hobbies which are irrelevant to the job you are applying for. Similarly, your early education is unimportant. e) f) 3. Do not just give job titles but explain in detail what you did. Only give references if asked to do so.

Prepare a CV for yourself. First make notes of all the important information (with dates), using similar headings to those in the example above. Then organise it as clearly as possible. Finally, type it on a computer and store it so it can be updated in future.