Business English

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Business English

• What kind of texts belong to Business English?

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• Application letters
• CV
• Cover letter
• Business letter (memo/email/fax)

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APPLICATION LETTER

• What is an application letter?

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WRITING APPLICATION LETTERSSTRUCTURE 1

• Paragraph 1
• It should state clearly why you are writing and
  where you saw the job advertised.
• e.g.
• I would like to apply for the post of ... as
  advertised in today's issue of ..
• With reference to your advertisement in ... on
  ..., I am writing to apply for the position of
  ...
• I would like to apply for the post of... as
  advertised ...

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• Paragraph 2
• It should give a little information about your
  qualifications and experience. Make sure the
  information you give is relevant to the job that
  you are applying for.
• As you can see from my enclosed CV, I have worked
  in my present position for ... years. During this
  time I have gained invaluable experience in ...
• I am currently a student at ... studying ........
  I am due to graduate in....... Although I have
  been studying full time, I have had a number of
  summer jobs which have helped me to gain
  experience in ...

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Paragraph 3

• It should say why you believe you are suited to
  the job and what you can offer the company.
• e.g.
• 1. I am currently working as ... in ...The reason
  for my seeking a new position is that I wish to
  pursue a ... career.
• 2. For the last ... years I have been working as
  a ... in ...I have decided to look for a new
  position. I believe that the experience I have
  gained in ... has given me the qualities you are
  looking for.
• 3. I feel that my ability to ... will
  help/enable me to ...
• This is probably the most important paragraph of
  the letter. It is also the hardest part to write
  because you need to "sell yourself" without
  appearing too arrogant. However, you do need to
  be quite forceful and direct, showing that you
  possess the skills for the job you are applying
  for.

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Paragraph 4

• It should tell the reader  when you are available
  for an interview and how to contact you.
• e.g.
• 1. I would like to have the opportunity to talk
  to you about my application. I am available for
  interview at any time and I can be contacted
  at/on ...
• 2. I am available for an interview at any time
  but would appreciate two days notice. I can be
  contacted on/at ...
• I look forward to hearing from/meeting you soon.
• 3. As requested in the advertisement, I enclose a
  copy of my resume together with a recent
  photograph.
• I look forward to meeting with you to discuss my
  application further. I am available ... and can
  be contacted on/at ...

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EXAMPLE

•  
• 33, Montreal StreetStratford, Connecticut 99877
• November, 19th 2003 Newton CompanyAttention
  to Personnel Dept, 8833 New York NY 78733-6337
  
• Dear Sir or Madame
• I am writing in response to your ad in the Times
  for a position listed as Science Editorial. I
  believe my scientific knowledge and writing
  skills make me an excellent candidate for this
  position.
• My education includes a B.S. in Zoology with
  honors, and two years of medical school. Through
  these studies, I have gained in-depth knowledge
  of many scientific subjects which include
  biology, chemistry, anatomy, physiology and
  genetics. As an Advanced Placement English
  student, a participant in University
  Interscholastic League writing contests, and the
  daughter of an English teacher, I have a good
  working knowledge of English as well as strong
  writing skills. Currently, I am enrolled in a
  technical communications course to further
  improve my writing skills.
• As to my related experience, I have been employed
  as a Science Consultant and Technical Writer for
  Education Networks Corporation. In that position,
  I was the only writer on scientific subjects
  (life and earth sciences) for a project involving
  development of software for Newtons Childrens
  Encyclopedia on CD-ROM. My teaching experience
  includes tutoring students in human anatomy,
  physiology, and histology. Positions working in
  the medical field have allowed me to develop
  higher interpersonal competence.
• I plan to use my employment in the medical field
  and my technical writing experience to find
  full-time employment as a writer on technical
  subjects and use my scientific knowledge. I will
  also continue evening classes in technical
  communications and desktop publishing.
• Enclosed is a resume that provides more details
  about my background. I am enthusiastic about an
  opportunity such as the one you advertised, and I
  strongly believe I would be an imaginative and
  productive resource for your Company. I can be
  contacted at [phone]. Sincerely, Linda
  Stevens
• Enclosure CV

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Check list

• 1. Keep it short2. State the position to which
  you are applying3. Explain why you want the
  job4. Clearly describe ways you will
  contribute5. Match, but don't reiterate, your
  CV6. Do not say you are not qualified, make
  every statement positive7. Keep the tone and
  content professional8. Tell the reader what you
  are going to do next - e.g. call within a week
  9. Proofread

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Useful Key Phrases

• I am writing to you in response to your
  advertisement for...
• As you can see from my enclosed resume, my
  experience and qualifications match this
  position's requirements.
• I would like to point out... .
• During ...., I improved (furthered, extended,
  etc.) my knowledge of...,
• I look forward to an opportunity to speak with
  you in person. (OR to speak with you personally)

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WRITING TIPS

•  
• CORRECTNESS USE ACCURATE FACTS, WORDS, FIGURES.
  CHOOSE NON DISCRIMINATORY EXPRESSIONS. USE THE
  RIGHT STYLE AND THE RIGHT LANGUAGE. PROOFREAD AS
  MUCH AS POSSIBLE.
•  
• COMPLETENESS CHECK FOR THE PRESENCE OF THE 5 Ws
  WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN, WHY.
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• CONCISENESS SHORTEN OR OMIT PROLIX EXPRESSIONS.
  INCLUDE ONLY RELEVANT STATEMENTS. AVOID
  REDUNDANCIES. AVOID CLICHES.
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• CLARITY BE READER-FRIENDLY. INCLUDE EXAMPLES IF
  NECESSARY. CONSTRUCT EFFECTIVE SENTENCES OR
  PARAGRAPHS.
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• CONCRETENESS USE SPECIFIC FACTS. USE ACTION
  VERBS. USE VIVID AND MORE SPECIFIC WORDS. TRY TO
  AVOID QUALIFIERS (THEY MAY DIMINISH THE
  CREDIBILITY OF YOUR WORDS!)
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• COURTESY BE SINCERE, TACTFUL. OMIT EXPRESSIONS
  THAT IRRITATE OR HURT. USE FORMAL LANGUAGE
  AVOIDING COLLOQUIAL AND CONTRACTED FORMS. USE
  PASSIVE VOICE TO DE-EMPHASIZE.

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Activity1. Choose the correct sentence

• I would like to apply for the post of teacher as
  advertised in yesterday's issue of News of the
  World
• With reference at your advertisement in
  yesterdays News of the World , I am writing for
  apply at the position of teacher.
• I would like to apply the post of teacher as you
  advertised in yesterdays News of the World.

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Activity2. Choose the correct sentence

• Im currently working as a receptionist in
  London. The reason because Im seeking a new
  position is that I wish to pursue a different
  career.
• I am currently working as a part-time
  receptionist in London. The reason why I am
  looking for a new position is that I wish to
  pursue a different career.
• I am currently working as receptionist in London.
  The reason why I am looking a new position is
  that Id like to pursue a different career.

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Activity3. Choose the correct sentence

• For the last four years Ive been working as an
  interpreter in Germany. I believe that the
  experience Ive gained in that field has given me
  the qualities youre looking for.
• I have been working as an interpreter in Germany
  since the last four years. I believe that the
  experience I have gained in that field has given
  me the qualities you are looking for.
• For the last four years I have been working as an
  interpreter in Germany. I strongly believe that
  the experience gained in that field has given me
  the qualities you are looking for.

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Activity4. Choose the correct sentence

• I am available for an interview at any time. I
  look forward to receive a reply as soon as
  possible, since I have other opportunities at my
  disposal.
• I look forward to meeting with you in order to
  discuss my application. I can be contacted at the
  following numbers 33399943233 / 2328888841.
• Contact me whenever you like, I will be always
  available for you and I think I am the one you
  are looking for and I am looking forward to
  discussing my application with you.

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Activity5. Application letter Choose the
right order among the following three 

• Inside address, heading, salutation,
  introduction, conclusion, education, experience,
  personal goals, enclosure, signature block.
• Heading, inside address, closing salutation,
  introduction, education, experience, personal
  goals, conclusion, signature block, enclosure.
• Heading, inside address, salutation,
  introduction, education, experience, conclusion,
  closing salutation, signature, enclosure.

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Activity6. Complete the following letter using
one word for each gap.

•  Dear Mr Brown
•  
• I read your job _______ for a post of teacher in
  Time Out of 23rd November 2003. I am an Italian
  native ______, though I have lived in New York
  _______ many years.
• I _______ as an English teacher to _________ last
  year with good results as you can see from my
  positive __________ written by my previous
  employer.
• I can ______ excellent English and French. I am
  currently working as a _________of business
  texts, from English to Italian.
• I am excited by an opportunity such as the one
  you _________ . I ________ my CV and a recent
  photo.
• I am available for an _________ at any time. You
  will find all my _________ in the CV.
• I thank you in advance for your consideration of
  my ___________ .
• Yours __________
• Mara Bianchi

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• Dear Sir/Madam,I 1) ________ writing this
  letter to apply for 2) ________ position of
  student assistant that I saw advertised on your
  website. I 3) ________ interested 4) ________
  working 5) ________ 6) ________ teachers'
  resource library, or 7) ________ 8) ________
  accommodation department.I have recently
  graduated from 9) ________ WSB Business School
  10) ________ Warsaw and received high grades
  11) ________ both my English and Business
  Courses. In addition, we had to use all of 12)
  ________ Microsoft Office programs 13) ________
  14) ________ preparation of our finished
  assignments, so I 15) ________ able to do most
  things with computers.Since I was 15 years old I
  have helped my father to run his small
  import-export business. I have been involved 16)
  ________ helping 17) ________ variety of
  clients and also 18) ________ general
  administration of 19) ________ business. In
  20) ________ past 2 years I have worked 21)
  ________ 22) ________ WSB library, helping
  teachers and students to find and use 23)
  ________ resources there. This experience has
  given me 24) ________ ability to deal with 25)
  ________ needs of all types of people.I have an
  outgoing, diligent personality and find that I
  enjoy 26) ________ challenges of working 27)
  ________ busy environments. In addition, my
  studies and experience have taught me to be
  accurate and efficient 28) ________ organising
  my work so I would be 29) ________ valuable
  addition to your school.I look forward to hearing
  from you.
• Yours faithfully
• Pawel Minescz

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• 1 am 2 the 3 am 4 in 5 in 6
  the 7 in 8 the 9 the 10 in 11
  in 12 the 13 in 14 the 15 am
  16 in 17 a 18 the 19 the 20 the
  21 in 22 the 23 the 24 the 25
  the 26 the 27 in 28 in 29 a

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Classroom practiceWrite an application letter in
response to the following ad

• COOKS, HOSTESSES, WAITERS
• Applicants must speak excellent English.
• Famous Italian restaurant in Walt Disney World,
  Florida, seeks 23-30 year olds for a 6 months
  period. Competitive salaries, accommodation
  provided. Interviews in Rome.
• Please send letter of application and CV to
  dwf_at_chw.com or fax to 06443332. Deadline 2nd
  February, 2004.