Learn how to write a cover letter or email to respond to a job advert.

Do the preparation task first. Then read the text and tips and do the exercises.

Reading text

From: Laura Mazzanti
To: David Kelly, HR Manager
Subject: Application for sales manager position

Dear Mr Kelly,

I am writing in response to the job advertisement on the ABC Jobs website for the position of sales manager.

I have five years of experience in sales. For the last three years, I have worked as a team leader, managing a team of 20 sales assistants in a large store. I have experience in hiring, training and managing staff. I have good communication skills and I can speak Italian, Spanish and English.

I have attached my CV with more information about my background and qualifications.  

I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Best regards,

Laura Mazzanti

Tips

  1. Be specific in the subject line and say what job you are applying for.
  2. Start your email with Dear Mr/Mrs/Ms + person's surname.
  3. Say where you saw the advertisement.
  4. Say which job you're applying for. You can use the sentence I'm writing in response to the job advertisement for the position of … .
  5. Write a short paragraph to say why you're suitable for the job. Mention your education, qualifications, work experience or skills.
  6. Attach a CV (also known as a résumé in the USA) with more information about your qualifications and background.
  7. End by saying I look forward to hearing from you soon or I hope to hear from you soon.
  8. Sign off with Best regards or Best wishes.

Task 1

Exercise

Task 2

Exercise

Task 3

Exercise

Discussion

What kind of information would you include in your CV or résumé?

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Language level

Pre-intermediate: A2

Comments

Dawn's picture Dawn replied on Lebanon

Dear Sir/Madam

I am writing in response for the job posted at linked in, for legal assistant.
I have six years experience as a lawyer registered at the BBA. I am responsible of the commercial department.
I have a good experience working as a team, and working under pressure.
You can check my cv attached below for further information and qualifications.
I am looking forward to hearing from you soon.
Best regards,
Dawn

Huyen's picture Huyen replied on Turks and Caicos Islands (British Overseas Territory)

The information should show in the CV as personal information( name, date of birth, living place, phone number), background, experience, skill, and hobby.

cittàutopica's picture cittàutopica replied on Italy

I would include in my CV all kind of information regarding education, qualifications, work experience and skills.and I would add other indications about my character, my hobbies, etc .

Dimpy's picture Dimpy replied on India

Just to be clear, every bit of information included in my CV or resume is completely and undoubtedly authentic :)
Moving forward, in my CV or resume, I would add my skills comprising of research skills and communication skills. Then I'll write my work experience and then educational qualifications. In the end I'll give name(s) of referee(s) to whom the employer can contact to clarify or verify anything written by me in my CV.

mtalebi's picture mtalebi replied on Iran

Hi Sir,
Why Master's in Engineering? how about Master in Engineering?
Regards,

Peter M's picture Peter M replied on Poland

Hi mtalebi,

We use the apostrophe because the qualification is actually a possessive form:

A master's = a master's degree = the degree of a master

The capitalisation varies. Sometimes master's is capitalised, sometimes not. However, when we specify the subject, it is normal to capitalise:

I have a Master's in Engineering

or

I finished my Master of Arts in Architecture in 2008.

 

Peter

The LearnEnglish Team

Dimpy's picture Dimpy replied on India

Hi Peter
I was wondering if Master in Chemistry/Chemical Engineering is correct, according to what I was able to gather from your second suggestion n the above post.

Oh and many many thanks to you, Kirk, and British Council for this amazing portal, I've enjoyed and learnt a lot here :)

Kirk's picture Kirk replied on Spain

Hi Dimpy

I'd recommend 'Master's in Chemistry' or 'Master of Science in Chemistry' (the latter phrasing is particularly common in the US and Canada); 'Master in Chemistry' is not the way it is expressed in standard British or American English.

Glad that you like the site!

All the best

Kirk

The LearnEnglish Team

Dimpy's picture Dimpy replied on India

Hi Kirk

Thanks for your reply and for helping me see my mistake and to understand better about how to use Master and Master's. I thought I could use Master instead of Master's by being specific when I wrote "Master in Chemistry" but your example of "Master of Science in Chemistry" is the right one, thanks again.

saydin's picture saydin replied on Italy

I am adding first summary then detailed my work experience and skills.

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