Job Applications

Welcome to today's lesson!

What are we going to do today?

Perhaps you already have a side job, are looking for one or haven't thought about it at all. In any case, it is important to know how to write a cover letter by means of: which aspects should be included, what the structure is, etc. That's why, in today's lesson, we will focus on your reading and writing skills with the topic of this chapter, which is 'job applications'.

 

Aims for this lesson

After this lesson you ...

... have become acquainted with the structure of an application letter;

... can answer questions related to someone else's cover letter;

... have written your own application letter in which you have used at least 3 of the concepts from this chapter.

What do you know?

Before the lesson starts, check for yourself how much you already know about the topic. To do that, answer the following questions.

Do not worry if you made some mistakes! There is an explanation on the way :)

Explanation

Video explanation

Note:

If you can't open the video because you get a message saying 'Pop-up Window Blocked', press the squares on the right of your search bar. This should open it.

If it still doesn't work, please click the following link:

 

https://edpuzzle.com/assignments/62546dcce7325d428df4356a/watch

Written explanation

Introduction

The introduction of your letter should include information on why you are writing. Mention the job you are applying for and where you found the job listing. Include the name of a mutual contact, if you have one. State that you put yourself forward as a candidate for this position. You might conclude briefly and concisely saying why you think you are an ideal candidate for the job.

 

Core content of the letter

This section should be divided into two paragraphs:

In the first paragraph you describe your motivation for the function and for the company. Show that you have knowledge about the position and that you have immersed yourself in the company.

The second paragraph describes your suitability. What do you have to offer the employer? Give examples of your previous work or describe results that show that you meet the job requirements. Link them to the talents, competencies and skills you have used to achieve your results. Make sure there is a strong link between your work experience and the job requirements.

 

Closing

End your cover letter on a strong note with some concluding closing sentences. Confirm that you are a strong candidate for the position. Encourage the company to invite you for an interview.

 

 

Format of an application letter

[Full name]

[Address]

[City, zip code]

[Phone number]

[E-mail address]

 

[City, Date]

 

[Name of hiring manager or supervisor]

[Title of hiring manager or supervisor]

[Company name]

[Company address]

[Company City, zip code]

 

Dear Mr./ Ms. …Last name… ,

 

[Introduction]

 

[Content/ core]

 

[Closing]

 

Yours sincerely , / Yours faithfully ,

 

[Signature]

 

[Your name]

 

[Any attachments]

Check!

After watching the video explanation, I expect you to now answer the questions below.

Let's get started!

Exercise 1

What: Reading.

How: Read the following application letter and answer the corresponding questions.

Help: The reading strategies in your book.

Time: This does not apply.

Results: You have read a cover letter and answered answers about it.

Done: Continue with exercise 2.

 

Lee Jimenez
483 Apple Street
New York, NY 10001
(212) 555-8965
Lee.jones@email.com

 

September 15, 2019

 

Sarah Jenkins
Recruiter
Rogers Consulting
901 Main Street
New York, NY 10001

 

Dear Ms. Jenkins,

 

I am reaching out to you regarding the posting for the human resources consultant position I found on Indeed.com. I have a great interest in this position and would appreciate your consideration as a candidate for the role.

 

In my previous experience, I worked in human resources departments to provide support across several different industries. I have worked in my current role as a human resources generalist for the past four years. Prior to this job, I worked as a human resources assistant for two years, which shows my ability to advance in my career.

 

I have a strong passion for helping others, which is why I have found such fulfillment in human resources, providing support to my fellow employees and assisting them in ways that benefit them both personally and professionally. I also enjoy looking for solutions to common HR problems, which I feel would be a great asset in the position with your company. Since this consultant position works directly with multiple clients, assisting them in their human resources needs, I believe my innovative nature and strong skill set will help me succeed.

 

I have strong communication skills, which are vital to success in the HR field. I also have a bachelor’s degree in human resources from Arizona State University. Throughout my education, I worked with skilled human resources professionals who have shared their insights and experience with me. Some of my strongest skills include my ability to increase employee retention through the improvement of company culture and to develop training and education programs to ensure all employees have access to the information they need to succeed and comply with legal requirements.

 

I appreciate your time in reviewing this letter and hope to hear from you in regard to the next steps in the hiring process. If you have any questions or need any additional information, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

 

Sincerely,

 

Lee Jimenez

Indeed Editorial Team. (2021, 24 November). How To Write an Application Letter (With Examples). Indeed. Geraadpleegd op 21 januari 2022, van https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/how-to-write-an-application-letter-for-a-job

Exercise 2

What: Writing.

How: Read the following assignment and write your application letter.

Help: Video explanation and written explanation.

Time: This does not apply.

Results: You have written your application letter based on the assignment.

Done: Continue to 'Test yourself'.

 

The assignment

You are looking for a job and that is why you search for vacancies online. After a while of searching, you finally come across a vacancy that appeals to you: Hotel employee, front office. They are looking for someone who can check-in, check out and of course answer other questions. They are looking for a flexible and practical person, for a minimum of 18 hours a week. Write a cover letter and tell us why this job is the perfect fit for you! Important aspects for this cover letter: Your availability, your work experience, your motivation, and why you would fit well in the hotel team. You may come up with the name of the hotel, address, and zip code yourself.

Important!

Make sure to use at least 3 of the concepts from this chapter.

Jansen, C. (2020). Schrijfvaardigheid sollicitatiebrief [Digitaal leerarrangement]. Wikiwijs. Geraadpleegd op 20 januari 2022, van https://maken.wikiwijs.nl/149146/Schrijfvaardigheid_sollicitatiebrief#!page-5476868

Test yourself

Please fill out the form below to check if you have understood today's material and if the lesson objectives have been met. The form consists of eight multiple choice questions that are assessed immediately. Do not worry! You will not get a grade for it :)

Extras!

If you would like more information about writing a cover letter and/or want to practice writing it more, there are a few links below to help you with this.

Cover Letter Examples for Students and Recent Graduates

A cover letter

English Writing Exercises for A2 – An application letter

A Letter of Application Writing Exercise

Schrijfvaardigheid sollicitatiebrief

Finished?

You have approached the end of this lesson, well done! Please fill in the evaluation form below. After this you can leave the class.