Unit 3.

Applying for a job

A first step in looking for a job is producing some written documents to handle
to various firms, in hopes of being selected on the basis of the personal data
presented in those documents for a job interview. The most important are
the curriculum vitae and the letter of application accompanying it.

A C.V. ("resume" in the USA) is a short personal history which provides your
future employer with basic information about you, the applicant.
It is required for all but the most insignificant jobs. It is meant to be a basis for
the assessment and comparison of applicants for the job advertised.

Tips (how you should write your curriculum vitae):

use good quality white paper, size A4, not more than two sheets and
never write on the back of the sheet.
arrange the text properly, neither crowded nor loose and don't use
abbreviations.
edit the text grammatically, on computer, in normal sized characters and
set it out so that it is very easy to read.
keep a copy, for future references.
start by thinking what the employer is looking for and sell your
successes: awards, prizes, diplomas, qualification certificates etc.

The parts of a CV are as follows:

General information:

full name
address and telephone number
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date and place of birth

nationality
marital status (give ages of children)

education (exact dates and places starting with the highest: university, high
school,...)
examinations passed (especially those internationally recognized)

knowledge of foreign languages (specifying level, the courses or lectures

graduated, certificates, acknowledgements, diplomas,...)
knowledge of computers ( languages, level, utilities,...)

previous employment and work experience:

working (be specific, describe, mention context, activity, results)
extra working; off-job (describe activities inside organizations, societies or
other circumstances that provided you with knowledge and experience useful
in the job you apply for)

Other information:

supplementary studies, prizes, acknowledgements (any kind of information

you think useful for getting an interview)
other interests, hobbies
whether you hold a driving licence
health
names and addresses of two or three referees (teachers who know you well or
family friends)

As for the pattern, a very simple one is given below:

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Curriculum Vitae

General information:
Personal data:
Name:
Date of birth:
Place of birth:
Marital status:
Nationality:
Address - private:
- office:
- tel./fax:
- e-mail:
Education:
-postgraduate studies
-graduate studies
-undergraduate studies
(periods, institutions, qualifications
obtained etc.)
Previous experience
- work:

- extra-work: (associations, other activities)

Other
examinations
passed:
(acknowledgments,
diplomas,
certificates, awards etc.)
Present official position:
Knowledge of languages/ computer:
Other information:
hobbies
health
driving licence
Referees:

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The letter of application is a short and personalized letter presenting your

intentions.

The way you present yourself on paper is a vital first step in any job
application. You have to find the right tone, know how to address employers,
lay out your pages neatly and write clearly and persuasively.
Mention in your letter of application:
where you have seen the advert
why you are interested in the job advertised
your responsabilities and achievements in school
your suitability for the job
when you are available for the interview.

The CV
Solve the exercises:

1. Consider the sentences and follow the instructions:

A. Ill just have to look for more job advertisements in all these newspapers
and Im sure I can find something that seems more appropriate for me.

a) Turn it into Indirect Speech starting with: Linda said

b) Turn it into Passive Voice (2) without specifying the agent.

B. The applicant forgot to handle the letter together with the CV and that is
why he wasnt accepted for the interview.
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a) Turn the underlined part into the Active Voice, starting with: They.
b) Rephrase the sentence, using: remember, give, so.

C. They wrote these letters of application last Wednesday and the manager has
just asked them to come for an interview.
a) Turn into 2 Passives
b) Ask the questions that has the underlined words as answers.

2. Fill in each gap of the text with one of the following words:
an, dress, the, it, very, of, for, up, you, your, way, how, first, which, about, are, a,
be, that, and.

When write the resum, remember if you flunk the

impression test, wont matter good your qualifications . When
you go a job interview, you formally, smartened for the
occasion.
The quality the paper used, typestyle, and the general appearance
of resum are important, just as the you dress for
interview. The first impressions your professionalism sincerity
comprise measure by .. your qualifications will considered.

3. Follow the instruction in the brackets for each sentence below:

1. I set out my CV as neatly as I could, on computer and in normal sized

characters so I hope that theyll consider it proper.
(2 Passives)
2. He asked me: Where did you see the advertisement for that job of a shop
assistant in the department of sportswear because I want to apply for it as I
seem to have too much time Im not using properly these months?

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(Indirect Speech)
3. One could not make out anything of his handwriting, Id rather he edited on
a computer both his letter and his CV.
(use wish )
4. Ill have to look (for / after) more job advertisements in (all / every)
newspapers and Im

sure I can find (anything / something) more

appropriate for me.

(Choose the right form)
5. The applicants must use good quality paper, size A4, for their CVs and they
will have to arrange the text properly. This candidate hadn't written the
resume on computer and he kept no copies for future references.
(Turn the sentences into Passive Voice)

The letter of application

I. Read the following letter of application then produce a similar one of
your own:

6123 Farrington Road

Apt. B11
Chapel Hill, NC 27514

October 11, 2001

Taylor, Inc.
694 Rockstar Lane
Durham, NC 27708

Dear Human Resources Director:

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I just read an article in the News and Observer about Taylors new computer
center just north of Durham. I would like to apply for a position as an entrylevel programmer at the centre.

I understand that Taylor produces both in-house and customer documentation.

My technical-writing skills, as described in the enclosed resume, are well
suited to your company. I am a recent graduate of DeVry Institute of
Technology in Atlanta with an Associates Degree in Computer Science. In
addition to having taken a broad range of courses, I served as a computer
consultant at the colleges computer centre where I helped train computer
users on new systems.

I will be happy to meet with you at your convenience and discuss how my
education and experience match your needs. You can reach me at my home
address, at (919) 233-1552, or at krock@devry.alumni.edu.

Sincerely,
Raymond Krock

Enclosure: Resume

II. Follow the instruction in the brackets for the two sentences below:

The applicant forgot to handle the letter together with the CV and that is why
he wasnt accepted for the interview. (If3)

She had read the CVs, she examined the application letters some hours ago and
she has just called for the interview five of the candidates. (3 Passives)

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