2.4.- Formal letters and how to write a cover letter

 


Source: https://uk.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/types-of-formal-letters


How to write a C1 cover letter

 

Letter of Application subject: A tourist company which organises coach tours of your hometown has placed the following advertisement in your local newspaper:

 

TOUR GUIDES REQUIRED

 

Are you an outgoing and sociable person, who has a good command of English and some knowledge of local history?  Take-a-Tour is setting up a branch in your area and we are looking for tour guides to accompany up to fifty passengers a time on our coach tours. Your duties will include welcoming passengers aboard the coach, giving a commentary about the local sights, and taking small groups around the town on foot.

 

Student’s Letter of Application Answer:

 

Dear Sir or Madam,

 

I am writing to reply to your advertisement for a tour guide in The Tokyo Mini Times on 13th January.

 

I have always been interested in working with tourists and this is one of the main reasons why I am applying for this job. I actually have some experience of guiding foreign people around the town as a volunteer. Therefore, the city council sometimes asks me to take people to some historical places and explain about the background. Once I organised  a sightseeing tour that thirty people took part in. Every time I have a chance to do that, they appreciate my explanations. I think I will be a competent guide.

 

I have been living in this town since I was born. My ancestors came to live here two hundred years ago thus I know how this town has developed. I think I will manage to give a unique speech to the tourists.

 

I passed the Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English last year, which I believe endorses my English ability. As far as I am concerned, this level is suitable for a tour guide.

 

I am available to start work on 15th February. I am also available to attend an interview in the afternoon on Monday to Thursday. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you need any further information.

 

I would be very grateful if you consider my application. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

 

Yours faithfully,
Walter Scott

 

Structure for the letter of application:

1.- Salutation

2.- Introductory paragraph

3.- Body paragraphs

3.1.- Reasons and experience

3.2.- Personal background

3.3. Qualifications

3.4.- Availability

4.- Final sentence

5.- Closing formula

6.- Signature

 

Useful phrases

 

Introduction useful phrases

I am writing in response to your advertisement in the Sunday Times, dated 28 April 2012.

I would like to express my interest in the position of….

I am writing to express my interest in the …. position at … (company name).

 

Reason useful phrases

As seen from my enclosed résumé, my experience and accomplishments match the requirements of this position.

I would like to point out …. (information relevant to the position).

I possess the right combination of …. skills to be an asset to your organisation.

I understand the value of ….

I have a very strong interest in .…

Experience has taught me how to .…

For the past two years I have been working as …. at …. (company name).

Although I am a recent university graduate, my .… (skill) and …. (skill) will make me an excellent ….

 

Useful phrases for talking about experience

I gained some experience while …
I am currently working as …
I have been working for … for the last four years.
I worked part-time for three years as …
At the moment| am employed by …

Useful phrases for talking about qualifications

My qualifications include …
I have a diploma in …
I graduated from Barcelona University last year with a degree in … 
As you can see from the attached CV …

 

Useful phrases for talking about personal qualities

I see myself systematic, meticulous in my approach to work…..
I have a clear insight of………
I value time and not squander……
I tackle a problem…..

 

Some useful phrases for the final sentence

I would appreciate the opportunity to meet with you to discuss how my qualifications make me ideally suited to the position.

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

I look forward to hearing news from you soon.

It would be an honour to start my career in your company, and I am confident that I will be an asset to the business.

 

Possible closing formulas or remarks

Kind regards,

Best regards,

Yours faithfully,

Yours sincerely,

 

Word Ranges:

FCE (B2): 140-190 words

CAE (C1): 220-260 words

CPE (C2): 280-320 words

Task: A tourist company which organises coach tours of your home town has placed the following advertisement in your local newspaper:

 

TOUR GUIDES REQUIRED


Are you an outgoing and sociable person, who has a good command of English and some knowledge of local history?  Take-a-Tour is setting up a branch in your area and we are looking for tour guides to accompany up to fifty passengers a time on our coach tours. Your duties will include welcoming passengers aboard the coach, giving a commentary about the local sights, and taking small groups around the town on foot. 

 

Write the letter of application.

 

(FCE 140-190 words - CAE 220-260 words – CPE 280-320 words)

 

Sources:

Central University of Technology, Free State (2023) ‘Phrases to use in your cover letter’ on https://www.cut.ac.za/phrases-to-use-in-your-cover-letter (Obtained on the 29th of March 2023)

 

SKIMINS, Adam (2022) ‘How to write a letter of application’ in Engxam on https://engxam.com/handbook/how-to-write-a-letter-of-application-fce-cae-cpe/#letter-of-application-example-answers (Obtained on the 29th of March 2023)

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