LETTERS OF APPLICATION or COVERING LETTERS

The letter of application (also called the covering letter) can be as important as the CV
in that it often provides the first direct contact between a candidate and an employer.
If this letter is not well written and presented, it will make a poor impression. It is
important to sound self-confident, but not arrogant.
The letter of application often contains three or more paragraphs in which the
candidates should:
(1) say what position they are applying for and where they learned about the job,
(2) say what they can contribute to the job by emphasizing their most relevant skills,
qualifications and experience,
(3) indicate their willingness to attend an interview
Examine the layout of the standard covering letter below:
C/Villarroel, 628, 2 3
46009 Valencia
SPAIN
2nd April 2004
Receivers
address
Salutation*

Show
selfconfidence

Date

Personnel Manager
Coronet Hotel Group
21, Bloomsbury Ave
London WIV 4DS, UK
Dear Ms. Kirk,
I am writing to apply for the position of Hotel Manager which was
advertised in the September issue of Hotel and Catering World
magazine.

Skills,
qualifications, and
experience

Senders
address

I enclose my CV as requested. As you will see, I have wide

experience in hotel work. My educational background and
language skills enable me to deal with clients from all over
Europe, and my present job involves working in a large, busy
hotel where I have had to deal with many different kinds of
problems. I am used to working independently and to taking
decisions on the spot, and when the Manager is absent, I am in
charge of the hotel. I lead a team of 24, motivating them and
ensuring that their work is always of a high standard.
I feel that I am now ready to take on the responsibility of the post
of manager and I would like to move to your hotel in London in
order to make full use of my experience and knowledge of
languages. I am greatly looking forward to the challenge of
widening my professional experience in this way. I will be
available for an interview at any time during that period.

the heading
confirms the
wish to apply

First body
paragraph

State
availability
to attend
interview

I look forward to hearing from you.

Signature

Yours sincerely,
Ms. Laura Fernndez Lugo

* Letters that begin with a name (Dear Mr.../ Mrs.../ Ms...) end Yours sincerely. Letters that dont begin with a name
(Dear Sir / Madam / Customer) end Yours faithfully.

EXERCISE:
Read the following letter of application and complete the two tasks below.
53 rue Dauphine 75006 Paris France
22 October 2003
Personnel Department
AVRC
P.O. Box 2435
London, WIAA 6WW
Dear Ms Gilbert,
I am writing in response to your advertisement for a Sales Director based in
Essex in last weeks Economist.
I am 39 years old, French, with an Engineering Degree from the University
of Montpellier and an MBA from the University of Denver, Colorado. I got my
degree in 1994 and graduated from Denver in 1998. I speak fluent English
and French is my mother tongue. I also have good knowledge of Spanish.
I have worked for France Telecom in Paris since 2002. I am in charge of
international cable projects. Previously I worked for Spie Batignolles from
1988 to 1992. Before starting my two-year MBA course (1996-1998), I worked
in Zaire on a hydro electric project. I am now looking for a position which has
interesting technical as well as commercial aspects.
I have been married for six years. My wife, who is Australian, is a medical
administrator, and we met while we were both working in Zaire. We have
three young children. We would like to live abroad while they are still young,
which is another reason why I am interested in the post. I work well with other
people, like new projects, and am happy to work long hours if necessary. In
my spare time, I enjoy playing squash and jogging. Full references can be
provided if necessary. Please find enclosed by curriculum vitae.
Yours sincerely,
Guy Rousseau

A. Answer T (true) or F (false)

1)
2)
3)
4)

The first body paragraph describes age, qualifications and language skills.
The candidate is currently unemployed.
The second body paragraph describes personal qualities and interests.
According to the letter, the candidate is adaptable, sociable and has ability to work in
a team.
5) Together with the covering letter, the candidate is sending his CV.
B. Complete the sentences with appropriate words.
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)

Guy has been married ________ over ten years.

He graduated ______ the University of Montpellier in 1994.
He has worked for France Telecom _______ 2002.
He worked in Zaire _______ he did his MBA in the University of Denver, Colorado.
He was born 39 years _____________.

ANSWERS: A (1) T / (2) F / (3) F / (4) T / (5) T

B (1) for (2) from (3) since (4) before (5) ago