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As a new graduate, hunting for a good job is not easy. Just look at the job fair! Every time crowds of students head for each booth to get in front of the interviewer. So you can feel how fierce the competition is nowadays!

Facing the strong competition, how to wrap myself beautifully and make my job-application documents eye-catching among the piles of cover letters and resumes? I racked my mind.

I read some books and surf the internet to get some material for reference, and quickly finish my job application letter based on some samples I found online and it goes like the following:

Guangdong Institute of Science and Technology

South of Zhuhai Avenue

Learning from your advertisement in today’s China Daily, I know you are seeking for English interpreters and I would like to apply for this job.

I am a senior Business English major student at Guangdong Institute of Science and Technology. My courses at our college are specially planned to prepare me for an English interpreter in the field of foreign trade. Moreover, I have gained some work experiences to be an interpreter over the past two years when I did my summer job as a receptionist and interpreter at Shenzhen International Racing Company. Additionally, I was invited as an interpreter for the International Surface Coatings Founding Convention.

The enclosed resume shows details of my background which, I believe, will qualify me as an interpreter for your company.

For additional information please contact me at 13811527486 after 4:30 P.M. any day. Thank you for your kindness and attention.

Reading Ms. Wu’s cover letter, we may think that she did a good job as she did not miss any important parts required for a job-application cover letter. But after a second thought, we will find that she made a big mistake! And one of the worst mistakes in preparing a cover letter is to send to all potential employers the same content, as she wants to save some trouble of printing. But unfortunately, she saves the trouble and also saves the chance! It will fail to bring her the interview she wants! The employers will certainly doubt her sincerity.

In terms of body, if she offers more details to support her qualifications for the applied job, or even her intern stories to emphasize that why she is a strong candidate, and gives specific examples to prove where she got these skills and how she has used them before, that would be better.

The third important mistake she made is that she failed to point out what she knew about the target position and the target employer, which turns her application into something like a form letter. How could she expect attention from others when she herself did not pay attention to them?

Last but not the least; she can conclude some favorable comments by her former employer during her internship, which would be more persuasive and credible.

A cover letter is a short and introductory document in the standard business letter format. Generally attached to other documents, a cover letter introduces you and your résumé to potential employers. It is the first thing an employer sees, so it is often the first impression you will make! Take advantage of this important first impression and prepare the reader for your application, stating why you are writing, why you are the best person for the job and when you will contact him or her.

Cover letters do more than introducing your résumé, though. A cover letter’s importance also includes its ability to:

● Explain your experiences in a story-like format;

● Allow you to go in-depth about important experiences/skills and relate them to job requirements;

● Show the employer that you are individualizing this job application;

● Provide a sample of your written communication skills.

There are four basic parts to a cover letter: heading, introduction, body, and a closing. Here are some tips on what to include in each section:

This part includes your complete address, contact number(s) and the full name, position and address of the person to whom you are sending the letter.

● Provide your contact information;

● Include the date you are writing the letter;

● Include the address of the company.

This part explains the purpose of the letter and tells how one finds out the information (if in periodical, newspaper, internet, give name and date; if from a person, give name). The reasons why one applies for the position or the grant are clearly showed in this beginning part.

● Greet the specific person you address the letter to;

● State the position you are applying for and where you heard about it;

● Name drop if you have a good connection;

● State why you believe you are a strong candidate, including 2-3 key qualifications that you will address in the rest of the letter.

This part normally provides some background information of a person, stresses one’s real capability and working achievement, complements and enforces the content in his résumé. If one’s application letter does so confidently and modestly, it convinces the potential employers that he is the desired person they are looking for.

● Tailor cover letter for each job application;

● Focus each paragraph on one qualification;

● Give specific examples to prove where you got these skills and how you have used them before;

● Tell a story; do not just list your skills;

● Refer to your résumé; do not repeat it;

● Do not use contractions.

This part expresses one’s wishes, requires for some detailed information from the company or school that one applies for, requests for an interview and asks how and when one may be reached.

● Close with a strong reminder of why you are a good candidate;

● Request an interview in some way;

● Provide contact information;

● Sign your name and print it underneath.

Customize the cover letter for the particular job.

Indicate your purposes or reasons clearly.

Give accurate and objective personal information.

Emphasize what you have to contribute to the company or organization.

In bold type, highlight your skills that match the job description.

Use polite words, and expose yourself confidently and optimistically.

Fix ALL spelling errors and typos.

Personalize your cover letter. If possible, address your cover letter to the person in charge of interviewing and hiring.

Situation: You (Wang Fang) are twenty-eight years old. In the year of 2008, you graduated from Sun Yat-sen University. With five years’ work experience in P& G Co., you were promoted as the production manager. Now you are going to apply for a vacancy which has been seen in yesterday’s newspaper.

1. Position applied for and reference number may form a subject heading.

2. Why you are writing?

Conventional opening states the purpose of the letter, where and when you saw the vacancy advertised etc.

3. Useful to “set the scene” for the reader.

What are you doing now or have done recently?

4. Why you can do the job!

—Personal qualities

—Relevant experience, achievements

Use the job description and person specification to “Fit Yourself to the Job”.

Be positive & imaginative but not arrogant.

5. Conventional close.

Confirm what you want! Ask for interview or meeting.

After a job interview you should always send a brief letter of thanks (a follow-up letter). This courtesy is a surefire way to separate you from a sea of other qualified candidates after an interview. Most job seekers neglect to write a letter, assuming that once they leave the interviewer’s office, the interview is over. Well, it isn’t. The interview process extends beyond the one-on-one meeting and it is up to you to keep your candidacy in the forefront of the decision-maker’s mind.

An effective follow-up letter serves two purposes: (1) it reminds the interviewer of your skills, knowledge and abilities; with the number of candidates they are interviewing, it can be easy to get lost in the crowd. (2) It demonstrates that you remain interested in working for the company and that you were impressed by the organizational culture.

When writing a follow-up letter after an interview, you should:

● Thank the interviewer and briefly remind him or her of your name and qualifications.

● Reiterate your interest in the position.

● Add important information that did not come up during the interview.

● Remind the interviewer of some aspect of the interview that went well, briefly elaborate on an idea brought up in the interview, or work to repair any damage that may have been done during the meeting.

● Send information the employer may have asked you to provide during the interview.

● Send the follow-up letter within 24 hours. Sending a follow-up letter will show that you are courteous and professional, and it will give you an edge over job applicants who do not send thank-you or follow-up letters (many do not).

Macintosh是苹果公司生产的一种型号的计算机——麦金托什机（Mac）。

name drop: 在写求职申请信函时，如是有熟悉的朋友或他人帮你介绍或提供信息时，请提及他人的姓名。

tailor: v. 使……适应

set the scene: 为某事做准备

surefire: adj. 一定成功的，一定能达到目的的

reiterate: vt. 重申；反复地做

A. Vocabulary Development

Vocabulary for Education

Vocabulary for Personality

B. Titles of Common Positions

With reference to your advertisement in (newspaper) of May 2 for a clerk, I offer myself for the post.

Please consider me an applicant for the position which you advertised in (newspaper) of December 5.

In reply to your advertisement in today’s (newspaper) for an accountant, I tender my services.

I should like to apply for the position mentioned in your advertisement in (newspaper) of July 22.

Having noticed the enclosed advertisement in this morning’s newspaper, I wish to apply for the position referred to.

In answer to your advertisement in today’s (newspaper) for a secretary, I wish to tender my services.

Learning from Mr. S.P. Chen that you are looking for a sales manager, I should like to apply for the position.

Your advertisement for a telephone operator in the newspaper of March 8 has interested me; I feel I can fill that position.

On looking over today’s newspaper my attention was attracted by your advertisement for a librarian. Now as I am desirous of obtaining such a position, I should like to apply for the same.

I have been in the employment of an exporting company for over five years.

I have been in the business for the last ten years, and worked as the superintendent（主管）in the personnel department.

I have had five years’ experience with a company as a salesman.

I am twenty years of age, and have been employed for the last two years by the Green Trees Co., in the general clerical work of the office.

I am nineteen years of age, female and have had two years’ experience in a company’s delivery office.

I am twenty years of age, and am anxious to settle down to office work.

Since my graduation from the school two years ago, I have been employed in the Green Hotel as a cashier.

About Personal Ability

I am a good accountant and have a thorough knowledge of the English language.

For the past five years, I have been engaged as a correspondence clerk.

I am able to take dictation in English and transcribe them rapidly into Chinese.

I have received an English education, and have a slight knowledge of Japanese. I took a Japanese course in college.

I can write shorthand at the rate of 120 words per minute, and typewrite at 55 words English.

I have received a good education, and know English, Japanese and shorthand.

At school I won a scholarship and the first prize in speech contest.

I am a graduate of Hong Kong University, and have in addition the M. A. degree from University of California.

I would welcome the opportunity to personally discuss my potential contributions to your company with you.

I attach schedule of my qualification and experience.

I am enclosing my curriculum vitae（个人简历）together with my photograph.

A copy of my resume is enclosed.

Enclosed you will find a letter of recommendation from my former teacher of English. I enclose a resume and one of my publications.

My reason for leaving my present employment is that I am desirous of getting broader experience in trading.

My reason for leaving the company is that I wish to get into the advertising business.

I am leaving our office to be with my mother and care for my aged mother in a distant city.

I am desirous of leaving the office in order to gain more experience in an exporter’s office.

I am desirous of leaving the employment in order to improve my position and have more responsibility.

I left the office on account of the discontinuance of the business.

I left the company because I found a full-time job after graduation.

The only reason why I am leaving the present position is I want an object to better myself.

Ending: Request for Interview

I should be glad to have a personal interview and can furnish references （提供证明）if desired.

I solicit the favor of an interview, and assure you that if appointed, I will do my best to give you satisfaction.

If you desire and interview, I shall be most happy to call in person, on any day and at any time you may appoint.

Should you think favorably of my application, kindly grant me an interview.

Should you give me a trial; I will do my utmost to afford you every satisfaction.

Should you entertain my application favorably, I would spare no trouble to acquit（表现）myself to your satisfaction.

1. Well-informed job candidates know that the first step in the employment process is

a. researching salary, benefits, and job stability in a chosen field.

b. developing an effective résumé to send to prospective employers.

c. locating job openings at desirable companies.

d. assessing their interests and qualifications.

2. Which of the following statements is correct?

a. Many college graduates are able to find lifelong employment with a single company.

b. College graduates must be prepared for constant retraining and updating of skills.

c. If you perform your jobs duties well, you can be assured of reasonably permanent employment.

d. Many employers today have established predictable career paths within their organizations.

3. A cover letter has all but which of the following purposes?

a. Securing a job offer.

b. Introducing the résumé.

c. Highlighting the sender’s strengths.

d. Gaining an interview.

4. Which of the following is the most effective opening sentence for a cover letter responding to an advertised job opening?

a. I would like to apply for the position of computer programmer.

b. Could your company use a computer programmer with exceptional coding skills?

c. The October 19 issue of the San Francisco Chronicle indicated that your company is looking for an experienced and talented computer programmer.

d. Please consider this letter an application for the position of computer programmer.

5. Which of the following is the best closing sentence for an application letter?

a. I will be available for an interview on Tuesday, March 11, at 10 a.m.

b. To add to your team a well-trained, knowledgeable bookkeeper with proven analytical and communication skills, call me at (555) 555-1234 to arrange an interview.

c. You may feel free to call me any time at your convenience, day or night.

d. Don’t call me; I’ll call you.

Write A if the sentence includes both the job objective and the source of the information;

Write B if the sentence includes either of the two.

_____1. After eight years as a senior analog engineer at Blayds-Conway, I am seeking a position in this area because of family move.

_____2. I am applying for the position of credit research analyst that you advertised in today’ s paper.

_____3. Ms. Green suggested I contact you about the board liaison position.

_____4. I am interested in your part-time position for a truck unloader.

_____5. Dr. Brown has informed me that you are currently looking for a part-time veterinary technician.

_____6. My outgoing personality, my sales experience, and my recently completed education make me a strong candidate for a position as an insurance broker for California Investments, Inc.

_____7. Nancy Jones of Green & Associates Advertising suggested I contact you regarding the possible public relations opening in your firm.

_____8. Perhaps I am the “multi-talented teacher” you seek in your “Multi-Talented Teacher”advertisement in today’s Washington　Post.

_____9. I am interested in working as Director of Studies for your organization.

_____10. I should like to apply for the position of European Sales Manager with Micronet Technologies as advertised in the latest issue of the Financial　Times.

Translate the following sentences.

1. I understand that you are looking for someone to fill a key management position in your department. I would like to be considered for that position.

2. My experience in finance and business has been both extensive and varied.

3. Technical Training　Attended a two-week seminar on “Advertising in Today’s Marketplace”, sponsored by the College of Business and Shenzhen Association of Commerce, June 2013.

4. 我学习了很多相关课程，如：会计学，经营管理，市场营销等。

5. 鉴于我在会计工作方面的经验，我认为自己具备贵方在昨天报纸上所描述的条件。

6. 如您要求，可随信附上我的个人履历和学校教授及雇主的推荐信。

Read the following cover letter and fill in the blanks with the missing information marked from A to H.

A. May 27, 2014　　　　B. apply for　 C. additional information

D. am enclosing　　　　E. Mr. Gilbert　 F. look forward to

G. candidate　　 H. reached

I am writing to 　3　the programmer position advertised in Guangzhou Daily. As requested, I 　4　a completed job application form, my certification form, my résumé and three references.

The opportunity presented in this listing is very interesting, and I believe that my strong technical experience and education will make me a very competitive 　5　for this position. The key strengths that I possess for success in this position include:

I have successfully designed, developed, and supported live-use applications.

I strive for continued excellence.

I provide exceptional contributions to customer service for all customers.

With a BS degree in Computer Programming, I have a full understanding of the entire life cycle of a software development project. I also have experience in learning and excelling at new technologies as needed.

Please see my resume for 　6　on my experience. I can be 　7　anytime via my cell phone, 15808808880. Thank you for your time and consideration. I 　8　hearing from you as soon as possible to arrange time for an interview.

Improve the following letter of application for the post of assistant to the customer service manager.

Prime Star International

Email: ay668@hkinternet.com

I am writing to apply for the post of assistant to the Customer Service Manager of your company, which was advertised in the South China Morning Post on May 30, 2013.

Currently I am studying a B.A. in Business Management at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, graduating in 2013. Subjects which I am studying and are relevant to the post mentioned include Marketing, Business Management, Business Communication, Customer Service and Computer Local Area Network.

During my studies I have held the post of secretary in the Student Union. While organizing Student Union’s activities I have improved my interpersonal skills, out-going personality and communication skills.

In my junior year at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, a passion for, and knowledge of horses created an opportunity for me to work for the Racing Museum.

Working for Prime Star International appeals to me because it is a leading company in the field and it provides good promotion opportunities. I believe that my ability will make me a competitive candidate for the position you offer.

I am available for interview at any time. I can be contacted most easily on the mobile phone number given above. I look forward to meeting you.

Write a job-application cover letter based on the following situation.

You are a second-year student of the English Department in Guangdong Institute of Science and Technology. One day, you read an advertisement on the college website that the Campus Office at your college is looking for a student assistant in the coming summer. Good computer skills and English proficiency are required. You think you are the right person for the post because you have successful office experience in your department (from March 2013 till now). Write a formal application letter to Ms. Ming Wang in the campus office expressing your interest in the position. Use your own personal information where necessary.