APPLICATION LETTER

Social Function
To give a positive impression that the competency of the applicant is in accordance with
the vacant job.

Text Structure
a. Mention the application explicitly
b. Mention the information sources of the job vacancy
c. Mention specific information about the competency of the applicant which are
suitable with the requirements.
d. Mention that the applicant is ready for an interview or the subsequent selection
process

Language Features
(1) Idioms and vocabularies used in an application letter
(2) Formal language
(3) Passive Voice
(4) Present Tenses
(5) Past Tenses
(6) Adverbs of time

 Below is the format of an application letter that you can use as a guideline. 

Your Street Address Month, Day,

Year
City, State Zip Code
Telephone Number 1
Email Address
2

Mr./Ms./Dr. (First Name) (Last Name)

Title
Name of Organization 3
Street or P. O. Box Address
City, State Zip Code

Dear Mr./Ms./Dr. Last Name: Opening statement

Opening paragraph: State what POSITION OR INTERNSHIP
you are applying to; how you learned of the organization or
4
position, and basic information or qualifications about yourself.
2nd paragraph: Tell why you are interested in the employer or type
of work the employer does (Simply stating that you are interested
does not tell why, and can sound like a form letter). Demonstrate that
you know enough about the employer or position to relate YOUR Body (most
BACKGROUND to the employer or position. Mention SPECIFIC important)
QUALIFICATIONS which make you a good fit for the
employer's needs. This is an opportunity to explain in more detail 5
relevant items in your resume. Refer to the fact that your resume is
enclosed. Mention other enclosures if such are required to apply for a
position.
3rd paragraph: Indicate that you would like the OPPORTUNITY
TO INTERVIEW for a position or to talk with the employer to learn Closing
more about their opportunities or hiring plans. Restate briefly why
you're so passionate about the opportunity you're applying for. 6
State that you would be glad to provide the employer with any
additional information needed. Thank the employer for her/his
consideration.

Sincerely,

(Your handwritten signature) 7

 Your full name

Note: the contents of your letter might best be arranged into four paragraphs. Consider
what you need to say and use good writing style.

WORKSHEET

Warmer: Finish the crossword below!

 1. Can you mention the job description of the occupations?
2. Where do they usually work?
3. Among the jobs in the crossword above, is there a job you want to be in the future? Why
do you choose that occupation?
4. If not, what kind of occupation do you want to? Mention also your reasons.
5. Share in front of the class if necessary.

Task 1: The most favorable and prestigious occupations in the society

Task 2: Read the following text and answer the questions.

Jane Smith June 21, 2020

5687 Main Street
Phoenix, Arizona 85034
344-233-5980

Ms. Beatrix La Roe

Computer Networking
2255 S. Creek Road
Chandler, Arizona 852286

Dear Ms. La Roe,

I am writing in response to the advertisement that Computer Networking has posted in New York Times
regarding the position of Communication Specialist. I was pleased to see this posting as I believe that my
skills and experience would prove extremely beneficial to the Computer Networking team.
As my resume indicates, I have been involved in creative writing and communication serving
various marketing positions for the past 10 years and I thoroughly enjoy the creative process as
well as opportunity to present products in a new and exciting manner to their target audiences.
My background includes the design and creation of various communication media including newsletters,
email campaigns, product features, advertising design and layout as well as flyers and training materials. I
have been a self-starter most of my career and it is where I feel the most comfortable.
In doing some research on Computer Networking, I can see that a Communication specialist will need to
have experience in marketing and advertising. A few of my accomplishments in those areas include
marketing products on a regional and national level creating various types of media as well as designing
advertising campaigns for new products. My communication skills have also allowed me to be effective
in both working with customers and with other team members.
I would enjoy the opportunity to discuss my qualifications in more detail with you regarding this
position. I can be reached at 344-233-5980 to see if we can arrange a favorable time to meet in
person.

Best Regards

Jane Smith

1. What kind of text is it?

2. When do people need to write this kind of text?
 3. Who wrote this text?
4. Whom is the text addressed to?
5. Where did Jane Smith find the job vacancy from Computer Networking?
6. What position is offered by Computer Networking?
7. Why is Jane Smith confident that she is suitable for the position offered?
8. What information can you find in paragraph 3 about Jane Smith?
9. Does Jane Smith have accomplishments in marketing and advertising areas?
10. Is Jane Smith willing to work in a team? Which sentence supports your answer?
11. My background includes the design and creation of various… (par. Line 1). In your opinion,
what background does Jane Smith write in her resume?
12. Why did Jane Smith include her phone number?
13. …if we can arrange a favorable time to meet in person. (par. 5 last line). What does ‘we’ refer to?
14. What are the meaning and the synonym of the following words?
a. Pleased =…
b. Beneficial =…
c. Resume =…
d. Thoroughly =…
e. Self-starter =…
f. Accomplishment = …
g. Opportunity =…
h. Favorable =…

Task 3: Fill in the blanks with the suitable words from the previous task.

1. To impress the HRD manager, I’d better include my education and experience background in my
….
2. If I were you, I would take this one and only … to study abroad with free charge.
3. Dea is a very smart student. During her senior high school, she had many … in various levels of
competitions. No wonder she got a scholarship in Indonesia University.
4. The CEO is very … to see his employees work in a nice atmosphere and produce outstanding
results for the company.
5. According to parents, science program in high school is more … than social program.

Task 4: Before you read the following resume, answer the questions first.

1. What is ‘Resume’?
2. What information is included in a resume?
3. Why do you need to write a resume?

Task 5: Read the following text and answer the question.

JAMES MALCOLM SATTLER

987 Brookfield Place
Sometown, WA 84000
(555) 555-5555
james@domain.com 

FOOD SERVICES MANAGER

Fine Dining * Five-Star Resorts * Multi-outlet Operations

Current "Manager of the Year" (2019) for Gold Resorts, where turnaround leadership of
multimillion-dollar restaurant, banquet, room service and catering operations has resulted in
record-setting profitability and eight "Best of Seattle" awards for fine dining excellence.

KEY SKILLS
Hospitality & Culinary Management Guest Service Excellence
Front- & Back-of-House Operations Multi-outlet Operations
Budgeting & Cost Controls Turnaround Management
Five-Star Dining/Menu Development Strategic Marketing & Sales
Teambuilding/Training/Supervision Payroll/P&L Management
Safety/Sanitation/Quality Controls Profit & Growth Strategies
Vendor/Inventory Management Restaurant & Kitchen Design
EXPERIENCE
GOLD RESORTS -- Seattle, WA and Nassau, Bahamas
Owner/operator of 25 five-star resorts in the US and Caribbean.
 Food Services Manager, 2016-Present  Bar Manager, 2011-2012
 Assistant F&B Manager, 2044-2015  Assistant Manager, 2011
 Restaurant Manager, 2012-2014  Manager Trainee, 2010
Advanced through promotions, culminating in present oversight of $6.8M F&B operations (fine
dining restaurant, two cafés, wine bar and banquet/ catering/room service operations) and a 65-
member team.

OUTCOMES
 Elevated gross sales of Gold Resorts' Seattle property 27% in first year as food services
manager and by 12% or more every year thereafter.
 Achieved record profitability of restaurant and catering operations for the past three
years. Cut food and labor costs by 16% while increasing sales, food/service quality and
guest satisfaction.
 Redesigned menus and dining room layout; renegotiated terms with vendors/suppliers;
halted rampant waste; and unified front- and back-of-house staff to create a cohesive,
cooperative team committed to premium guest service and optimum profitability.
 Restored profitability to Nassau resort's fine dining restaurant as restaurant manager,
propelling a 25% margin swing (from -6% to +18%) in one year. Efforts resulted in
distinction as one of the "Top 500 Grossing Restaurants" by Restaurant Magazine for two
years in a row.
 Recognized for leadership excellence through "Manager of the Year" honors (out of 25
F&B managers). 

AWARDS
"Manager of the Year," Gold Resorts (2019)
Eight "Best of Seattle" Awards:
 Best Fine Dining Restaurant (2017, 2018, 2019)
 Best Wine Bar (2017, 2018)
 Best Catering Service (2017, 2018, 2020)
Top 500 Grossing Restaurants, Restaurant Magazine (2013, 2014)

EDUCATION
BS in Hospitality Management, 2009
Northern Arizona University

Additional Training & Certifications:

Culinary Managers Program, 2022
Five-Star Training, 2010, 2011
ServSafe Certified, 2010
CDC Certified, 2010

Foreign Language:
French (conversant)

1. What is a resume?
2. Is a resume similar to curriculum vitae?
3. Why does a job applicant need to write their resume?
4. Who wrote this resume?
5. Where does he live?
6. Does he have enough experience as a restaurant manager?
7. What does ‘multimillion-dollar restaurant’ mean?
8. What does ‘key skill’ mean?
9. What kinds of information do we include in a resume?
10. What do you think about the resume? Does the applicant with all of his qualifications deserve to
be hired or not?
 How to Write an Impressive

Application Letter

 Below is the format of an application letter that you can use as a guideline. 

Your Street Address Month, Day,Year

City, State Zip Code
Telephone Number 1
Email Address
2

Mr./Ms./Dr. (First Name) (Last Name)

Title
Name of Organization 3
Street or P. O. Box Address
City, State Zip Code
Opening
Dear Mr./Ms./Dr. Last Name: statement
Opening paragraph: State what POSITION OR INTERNSHIP 4
you are applying to; how you learned of the organization or
position, and basic information or qualifications about yourself.
2nd paragraph: Tell why you are interested in the employer or type
of work the employer does (Simply stating that you are interested
does not tell why, and can sound like a form letter). Demonstrate that Body (most
you know enough about the employer or position to relate YOUR important)
BACKGROUND to the employer or position. Mention SPECIFIC
QUALIFICATIONS which make you a good fit for the 5
employer's needs. This is an opportunity to explain in more detail
relevant items in your resume. Refer to the fact that your resume is
enclosed. Mention other enclosures if such are required to apply for a
position.
3rd paragraph: Indicate that you would like the OPPORTUNITY Closing
TO INTERVIEW for a position or to talk with the employer to learn
more about their opportunities or hiring plans. Restate briefly why 6
you're so passionate about the opportunity you're applying for.
State that you would be glad to provide the employer with any
additional information needed. Thank the employer for her/his
consideration.

Sincerely,

(Your handwritten signature) 7

Your full name

Note: the contents of your letter might best be arranged into four paragraphs. Consider what you need to
say and use good writing style. See the following examples for variations in organization and layout.

Task 6: Arrange these jumbled paragraphs into a good order of application letter.

Your company’s reputation within the retail industry suggests that you only employ staff of the highest
calibre. It is for this reason more than any other that I would jump at the chance of joining an esteemed
institution such as yours where hard work is acknowledged and rewarded.

I firmly believe that my combined experience and competencies can make an immediate and
positive impact on your business. I realise that this letter alone may not sufficiently convey all
my abilities, therefore I would appreciate the opportunity of a personal interview with you,
where I will be able to demonstrate my suitability further and in more detail.

Tony Morris
120 Lamborghini Street
Birmingham B1 1AA
T: 0870 061 0121
E: tonymorris@yahoo.com

Dear Mr Green
As a manager with a broad based managerial and retail background, I would like to present my
resume in consideration for your Retail Managers position, which was advertised this week on
the www.dayjob.com website.

However what really sets me apart from other candidates is my proven ability to maximize
business opportunities, develop my staff to deliver greater service and my long track record of
hitting sales targets. As someone who recognises that success starts with people, I would also
like to point out that I specialise in staff selection, retention, training and performance
monitoring, all of these are vital in ensuring that my team is always a skilled, capable and
motivated workforce.

Richard Green
Hiring Manager
Dayjob Ltd
120 Vyse Street
Birmingham B18 6NF

Yours sincerely

Tony Morris

Having over five experience of working for leading high street retailers, I possess a variety of
retailing skills that I feel will prove to be highly valuable to your company. The consistent theme
throughout my career has always been my ability to drive operational, visual and customer
service standards to the highest levels. I also possess creative flair as well as first class
communication skills, and am able to quickly identify fashion trends and exploit retailing
opportunities.

19th March 2019

Task 7: After you have finished arranging it, answer the questions below.

1. Who wrote this text?

2. Whom is the text addressed to?
3. What position is offered?
4. Is Tony willing to have an interview with Mr. Green?
5. What qualifications does Tony Morris have?
6. Analyze the text structure!
7. Help Tony to write a simple resume for his job application by using these following details:
a. Contact details
b. Education
c. Work Experience
d. Professional Skills
e. Hobby and interest
f. Language

Grammar Review

In writing an application letter you need to use:

 Present Continuous Tense (to show what you are doing at the moment)
e.g. I am writing in response to the advertisement that Computer Networking has posted in New
York Times regarding the position of Communication Specialist.
 Present Tense (to mention your present qualifications)
e.g. My background includes the design and creation of various communication media.
 Past Tense (to show previous experience, past events)
e.g. I previously worked part-time on a local convenience store.
  Passive Voice (to show your professional skills)
e.g. I have been involved in creative writing and communication serving various marketing
positions.
 Modals (to show your capability, probability, hope, etc)
e.g. I believe that my skills and experience would prove extremely beneficial to the Computer
Networking team.
 If clause (to show probability)
e.g. I can be reached at 344-233-5980 to see if we can arrange a favorable time to meet in person.

Task 7: Fill in the blanks with correct use of grammar

1. I would like to propose my candidacy for the position of IT manager which …………. (advertise)
in the latest issue of Macro Magazine.
2. I ….. enthusiastically ………….. (apply) for this post.
3. I ………………… (employ) in a busy role where I ……………….. (require) to make a correct
judgment on the freshness of the tea leaves.
4. I ……….. (join) the editorial department in 2004.
5. I …………… (able) to develop useful skills what will be of great value to me later on my career.
6. I …………….. (consider) myself a productive worker with a solid work.
7. Greater details of my accomplishments …………. (find) in my attached resume.
8. I …… (to be) available for interview at any time.
9. If you ……………. (interest) to meet in person regarding my accomplishment, I ………… (be)
available at 452-566-8880.
10. Not long after had I quitted my employment, my previous boss ……… (write) a reference letter
for me.

WRITING PROJECT

1. Look for a recent job vacancy

2. Develop a resume qualified for the position offered in the vacancy
3. Write an application letter.

-Writing is easy. Though, to start writing the first word is never an easy job.-
 Read the following text and answer the questions.

Richard Hill 22nd May

2019
180 Clapton Boulevard ………………………
Dudley West Midlands ………………………
….. …..
008-722-2000

Sean Merchant
Hiring Manager ………………………
The Big Peg
…..
Birmingham B18 6NF
………………………
Dear Mr. Merchant, …..
Your company recently advertised on the dayjob.com website for a project
manager. After reading the job description I am confident that I would be
a perfect fit for this position as my experience and abilities precisely
match your requirements.
Without wishing to sound boastful I feel that I come to you with a
background that is unique and distinctive from other applicants. I have a
long track record of skillfully planning and managing multi million pound
projects, hiring and training efficient cross functional teams, and
generating extensive cost savings by making processes more efficient. ………………………
These successes have prepared me well for a position at your company. …..
My core strengths include, but are not limited to the following:
 Negotiating difficult decisions with colleagues, senior manager
and other third parties.
 Delivering results on time, within budget, and to the highest
specification.
 Developing accurate and achievable project plans.

For additional information about my capabilities please view my attached

resume.
Right now I want to work for a reputable and exciting company like yours ………………………
where there will be a big stage for my talents. Therefore I would welcome …..
the chance of an interview, where we would be able to discuss in greater
detail the value and strength I can bring to your already successful
company.
I thank you for your time and I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely
………………………
…..
Richard Hill

Understanding the content of the text

1. Who wrote this text?
2. Whom is the text addressed to?
3. Where did Richard Hill find the job vacancy?
4. What position is offered by The Big Peg?
5. How is Richard Hill unique and distinctive from other applicants?
6. Where will Mr. Merchant find about Richard’s work experience?
7. Does Richard want to have an interview with Mr. Merchant?
8. What motive does Richard have in applying to The Big Peg?
9. I want to work for a reputable and exciting company. ‘Reputable’ is closest in meaning to ….
10. ‘I look forward to hearing from you.’ (last sentence) What does the sentence mean?

Understanding the text structure

1. Use the diagram in the previous page to analyze this application letter.
2. Is there any information missing from the letter?
3. If there is something missing, what is it?
4. Please add the information to the letter. Where will you put the missing information?
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………