The wise owl bookshop

Part-time sales assistant required.

Please apply in writing to:

The Manager,

The Wise Owl Bookshop,

Market Street,

Malvern, WR12 2PO

23 Oxford Road

Cheltenham

Gloucestershire

GL50 4QZ

4^th August 19-

The Manager

The Wise Owl Bookshop

Market Street

Malvern

WR12 2PO

Dear Sir or Madam,

I was interested in your advertisement in today’s edition of the “Evening Mail” and I would like to apply for the position of part-time sales assistant.

I am 19 years of age and have recently returned from six months’ travelling in the United States. I have ‘A’ levels in French and Art History and I have gained some work experience since leaving school, both as a waitress and as an assistant in a newsagent’s shop.

My reason for applying for this position is that I hope to go to university next year and I would like to combine part-time work with studying for a further ‘A’ level. I feel that the work would be very interesting and that I would enjoy the opportunity to meet people and help them with their enquiries.

I would be free to attend for interview on any day after 11 a.m.

Yours faithfully,

HAZEL SMITH (Ms)

Notes and useful language

BEGINNING/ORGANISATION

Write Dear + the person’s name, if you know it (Dear Mr Smith). If not, begin Dear Sir (for a man), Dear Madam (for a woman), or Dear Sir or Madam (if it could be either). Don’t use a title like Dear Manager.

If the first paragraph, clearly state your reason for writing. Use the middle paragraphs to explain the details, beginning a new paragraph for each main point. In the final paragraph, sum up and/or say what action you want to be taken.

ENDINGS

Don’t forget! If you began with a person’s name, e.g. Dear Mrs Blake, you must end with Yours sincerely, not Yours faithfully. These endings are followed by a comma.

JOB APPLICATIONS

First make it clear which job you are applying for, and mention where you saw the advertisement, and when. Give all the necessary information about yourself (including age, qualifications, past employment and other experience). Say why you are particularly interested in the job, and what you have to offer. Use a new paragraph for each main topic. It may also be useful to mention when you would be available for an interview:

- I was interested in the advertisement in (newspaper/magazine) on (date) and I would like to apply for the post/position of (job title).

- I am 21 years of age and I have a Diploma in Business Administration.

- My reason for applying is that I am interested in tourism and I would like to be able to use my foreign languages.

- I would be happy/able to attend an interview at any time which is convenient to you.

APOLOGIES

Explain why you are apologising and what the reasons were for your behaviour. If possible, offer to make up in some way (e.g. by paying for the damage) and/or promise that the problem won’t happen again:

- I am writing to apologise for the things I said at our last meeting/losing my temper.

- I would like to say how sorry I am about the trouble I have caused/that you were disturbed.

- The reason I missed the meeting was that my car broke down.

- Please let me know how much it cost and I will gladly replace it.

- I assure you that this will never happen again.

COMPLAINTS

State the subject of your complaint clearly in the first paragraph. Use the following paragraphs to give all the necessary details (including dates and times, the people involved, the inconvenience you’ve been caused, etc.). Try to be clear and factual rather than emotional. Use the final paragraph to say what action you want to be taken now:

- I am writing to complain about a holiday I booked with your company.

- I am writing to say that I am not satisfied with the standard of service at your restaurant.

- I must insist that you refund the cost of the bill.

- I must ask you to ...

ENQUIRIES

In the first paragraph, explain what information you need. If you are responding to an advertisement, mention where you saw this. Use extra paragraphs to mention any specific questions you would like answers to:

- I am writing to enquire about...

- I was interested in your advertisement in “The Daily News” and I would like to have further information about...

- I would be grateful if you could send me full details of...

- Could you send me your brochure/catalogue?

- I look forward to hearing from you/receiving the information.

OPINIONS

Introduce the topic and give details of any letter, article, book or TV programme you are responding to. Develop your argument in separate paragraphs and sum up in the final one:

- I strongly disagree with/I completely agree with Mr Smith’s letter, which appeared yesterday.

- I was interested to read the article on immigration in Monday’s edition of your newspaper but I don’t think it gave all the facts.

- I was interested/fascinated/amused/delighted to see/hear/read...

- I was horrified/shocked/disgusted to...

- In my opinion there is far too much violence in television dramas these days.

- In conclusion I feel/I believe...

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