D'Amico Shipping B1 Lesson 24

Class
Covering letters p. 34

Notes
Key Phrases
Click on image to enlarge

Planning

Read the advertisement and ask yourself the following questions:

1. Why are you interested in this particular job/internship/position?
2. What qualities/experience/skills are they looking for and how do you fulfil them? (n.b. if the advert lists specific qualities, think of synonyms for them, don't just copy what they have written.) 
3. Why should they choose you?
4. Who are you writing to? Is there a contact name?

_{Yes - Start your letter: Dear Mr/Ms + surname and end it with Yours sincerely}

_{No - Start your letter: Dear Sir/Madam and end it Yours faithfully}

 

Structure

A good covering letter should perform the following functions:

• State the position you are applying for and how you found out about it
• Refer to your attached/enclosed C.V. 
• State why you are interested in THIS job/position/internship and why you want to work for THIS firm
• Say what you are doing now (are you currently employed, finishing your degree or recently graduated?)
• Refer to any relevant experience you have
• Talk about your particular skills, qualifications and achievements
• Refer to future contact (I look forward to...)

Register

A covering letter should be consistently formal so:

NO contractions -  I'm writing to apply -  I am writing to apply 

NO abbreviations -  advert  Advertisement 

NO slang or vague terms - lots of  A considerable amount of  

Style

Try to avoid repetition, e.g. don't start every sentence with "I".

I have excellent communication skills - My excellent communication skills are one of my main strengths.

I have reached level B2 in English and am able to speak fluently with... - Having reached level B2 in English, I am able to speak fluently with ...

Key Qualities of an Effective Covering Letter

Your letter should be concise and persuasive. 

Homework
Have a look on the internet and find a position that you are interested in applying for. Write a covering letter and bring it along (with a copy of the advert to our next lesson on 9th June. If you are not sure where to look try the following recruitment agencies:
http://www.adecco.co.uk
http://www.faststream.com/shipping_jobs/
http://www.faststream.com/shipping-maritime/