Theory about Job Application Letter

A job application letter is written to an organization where you are applying for a particular job position. 

This type of letter has to be short (no more than one side of A4 format) and concise (лаконичный).

Formal language has to be used as this letter is a professional document (no slang, no informal words, no grammatical mistakes). 

The successful job application letter accomplishes three tasks: 

- it catches the reader's attention favorably, 

- it convinces the reader that you are a qualified candidate for the job, 

- it requests (просить, запрашивать) an interview.

Contents of the letter: 

1. Top left hand corner - Applicant's name, address, and date 

2. Under the applicant's information - Name and position (должность) of a job advertiser, organization's name, and organization's address 

3. Begin your letter by giving proper salutations (приветствия) like:

Dear Mr./Ms._______ (if you know the name of a job advertiser)

Dear Sir or Madam or Dear Sirs (if you don't know the name of a job advertiser)

4. In the first paragraph, write the purpose of sending the letter along with some references (ссылки): Mention how you learned about the job opportunity and which position you are applying for. Briefly say why the job is of specific interest for you.

5. The second paragraph talks about the additional details you wish to convey (сообщать) to the reader. Give a brief introduction of your career profile.  Draw connections from your past experiences and education to the specific skills required for the job you are seeking.

6. In the third paragraph, request the reader to take some action, like calling you for an interview, meeting, reading your application thoroughly, etc. Indicate how you can be contacted (write your telephone number or e-mail).

7. For your closing line you should follow this conventional approach.

"Yours sincerely" if your letter was sent to a named person.

"Yours faithfully" if you did not know the person's name.

8. Finish off the letter by adding your name and signature.

Helpful phrases for writing a job application letter:

a) State your purpose/reason for writing:

"I would like to apply . . ."

 b) State the post/position for which you want to apply:

" . . .for the position of Research Technician . . ."

c) Cite (ссылаться) the source and the date/issue from which you learned about the job:

"which was advertised recently in the Ocober 10th issue of the New Scientist . .."

d) Briefly include your current job, length of employment and any duties and responsibilities which might be relevant to the job:

"I am presently employed as a . . . and have held this position for the last three years."

e) Point out your highest academic qualification:

"As you will note from my CV, I hold a master's degree in . . . from the University of Turku, where I specialised in . . ."

f) Mention any earlier experience  or special skills which could be valuble to the employer:

 "I have also  had experience in . . .while working as a ...  in a work study programme at . . ."

 ". . . and am familiar with . . . / have much experience in using . . ."

g) Emphasise the benefits (выгоды) to the employer of hiring you, and mention any reasons why the job would be beneficial to you (this shows that your motivation is not purely financial!):

 "I believe that my knowledge of . . .  would be of great value/benefit to this position . . ."

 "I feel that this position would give me the opportunity to further develop my skills in the field of . . ."

h) Mention your willingness or ability to come for an interview or to give more information:

"I would be pleased to attend an interview at any time which is convenient to you. I can be contacted at the telephone number given at any time /during office hours / after 5 p.m."

 "I would be happy to provide any further details you may require."

i) Finally, indicate your interest in getting a reply even if it isn't what you'd hoped for:

"I look forward to hearing from you (soon)."