Job-seeking Correspondence

1 Cover Letter

A cover letter, also known as application letter, is the first document a recruiter may read , it is often a sales letter in which you as a job applicant market your skills, abilities, knowledge, experiences, etc. to leave the first impression on your potential employer.

1.Structure of a cover letter

A cover letter generally consists of three parts:

1)Introductory paragraph. State the purpose of writing the letter. Mention the position you are applying for, how you learned about the position needs of the company. You also give compliment about company you are seeking employment with, or state why this specific company interests you.

2)middle para. Highlight your qualifications and potential contribution to the company.

Talk about your past. Elaborate on your experience, focusing on your skills and accomplishments that are important for the job. Also about your future.

3) Concluding para. Ask for interview. State that you are a strong match for the job position . Useful expressions

I wish to apply for a position with your offices as a secretary.

I am responding to your ad in the June Issue of the Beijing Youth for an editor.

I am confident that I am suitable for the kind of job you are advertising in…

As you can see from my enclosed, my experi ence and qualifications match the position’s requirements.

I am the ideal candidate for the position because…

I believe I possess the right combination of communication and sales skills.

I am thoroughly experienced in construction design and have participa ted in three projects…

As you can see from my enclosed resume, I have ten years experience in…

I look forward to an opportunity to speak with you in person

Sample 1 (conservative)

Dear Sirs,

Having learned that you need a secretary , I venture to submit this application for the post .

I am at present a student of Hefei University of Technology where I have been studying English for nearly four years.

With a fairly good command of English and a sound background of contemporary and classical Chinese, I believe you will find me competent for the job if I can work in this position.

Herewith I enclose a testimonial from my department attesting to my character and abilities.

I would appreciate it very much if you will grant me an interview at your earliest convenience.

Thank you for consideration, and I am looking forward to hearing from you.

Sample 2

Dear Mr. Berger:

I am applying for the position of the chief of the department, which was advertised November 4…. The position seems to fit very well with my education, experience…

According to the advertisement, your position requires excellent communication skills, I will be graduating from… . My study includes the courses in speech communicatio ns, computer science, etc. I understand the position also requires a candidate who is team-and detail- oriented, and is able to deal with people in department throughout the firm. These skills I developed both in

my courses and recent internship.

My background and goals seem to match your requirements well. I am confident that I can perform the job effectively, and I am excited about…

If you would like to schedule an interview or discuss my interest in this position, please call me at 0551-*******.

2 Resume

A resume is a short written account of the main events of a job applicant’s life, including education, experience, skills, accomplishments, etc. the purpose of a resume is to get the applicant’s foot in the door of a new job and hence is the applicant’s ticket to an interview where he or she sell herself or himself in a deep and thorough way.

Resume of a recent graduate: Each item uses black

Resume

Lin Fei

Gender: female

Date of birth: Jan.15,1983

Address: Room 4321, East Dorm Building NO.3 ,

Huazhong Univ.of Sci.&Tech.,Wuhan,430089

Telephone: 156********

Email: fei lin @sina .com

Career Objective

Human resource clerk in a joint venture or foreign company where my human resource training experience along with my English proficiency and communication skill will result in efficient employee training programs

Education

2005-2008: M.A.Degree ,Human Resource Management,

Huazhong University of Science and Technology

(HUST) ,Hubei Province

Core courses Theory of Human Resource Management

Employee Psychology

2001-2005: Dual Degree Program, HUST

B. A., English for Science and Technology

Bachelor of Law, Economic Law

GPA: 93 /100 in major

Experience

President of students’ Union 2005-2007

Editor of University Journal 2007-2008

Publication

1. ……….

2. ……….

English Language Skills

Excellent written and spoken English

Certificate of National Test of English Majors (Band Ⅷ) Cambridge Business English Certificate

Computer skill

Familiar with statistical software, e.g. SPSS, SAS

At home with Microsoft Office

Good at typing :70 words per minute

Honors Awards

2006: Second place in Debate Contest of HUST

2008: Excellent Student Leadership of HUST

Other Qualifications

Leadership quality and team spirit

Proficient problem solver and negotiator