Looking for Work? How to Write An Amazing Cover Letter for Job Applications In English

Suitable for low intermediate and above CEFR B1+

 #cv #jobs #career #English #jobinterview 

Applying for a job can be challenging and time-consuming, especially if you are applying in English and it is not your first language. Whatever the industry, to get yourself noticed by potential employers you need to have a smart and impressive CV with a well-written cover letter to give more information about why you are the ideal candidate for the job. 

Here are my suggestions for how to structure a formal cover letter and fixed expressions that you can use to make a great first impression.

Opening 

Dear Mr/Mrs/Miss _______, 

Dear Sir or Madam, To Whom It May Concern,

Reason for writing 

I am writing to apply for the position of...

I am writing to express my interest in the position of...

I wish to apply for the position of...

I am writing in response to your recent advertisement for...

I am writing to enquire whether there are any vacancies for...

Introducing yourself

I am currently working at/as...

I have been working in my current position as a/an (occupation)... for (time)...

At present, I am working/ studying...

Education and experience

As you will see from my CV attached, I have a strong background in...and have gained valuable experience in...

My previous studies/professional experiences have prepared me well for a position such as this one. 

I graduated ______ university in (date)... with a degree/ master's degree in... and since then I have...

Why you are the ideal candidate

I believe I am suitable for this role because..

I am very keen to work for this company because...

I consider myself to be...

I feel I have many transferable skills that would make me an ideal candidate for this position.

I believe I would be an ideal candidate for this position because...

Closing 

Thank you for taking the time to consider my application.

Please find my CV attached for your perusal. 

Should you require further information or wish to discuss my application in detail, please email/call...

Should you wish to contact me I am available on (telephone number)...

I look forward to hearing from you.

Signing off 

Yours Sincerely, (if you know the name of the person you are writing to)

Yours Faithfully, (if you don't know the name of the person you are writing to)

How to Prepare for a Job Interview in English: 5 Tips from a Business English Instructor

Suitable for CEFR intermediate (B2+)


#NewJob #Success Job interviews can be nerve-wracking for anyone, but how should you prepare for an interview if English is not your first language?


Here are 5 golden rules to help you land your dream job

1. Research the organisation's history, values, and mission statement

You should also take care to determine your travel time, organise any materials or documents you will need, and choose an appropriate outfit.


Be aware that some companies may require that you take an English skills test during your interview, or ask you to provide certification of your English level (such as an IELTS certificate).

2. Anticipate potential questions

Most interviewers have a standard list of questions they use to determine whether you would be a good match for the position and the organisation. Questions might include:

 How would you describe yourself? What are your strengths?
 What are your weaknesses?
 Why do you want to work here?


Make a list of potential questions and take some time to think about how you would answer these in English using real-life examples that reference your job history.


Make sure to read the job description carefully, as it will often highlight the essential and desirable criteria that the interviewer will be looking for. It's a good idea to have at least one real-life example you can use to explain how you match each criterion, and persuade the interviewer that you are the right person for the job.


If you find yourself struggling to answer a question, do not be afraid to ask the interviewer to repeat or reword their question. This is completely normal, and happens in many interviews between fluent English speakers. It's better to avoid memorising your answers in order to sound as natural as possible during the interview.

3. Role-play 

One way to practise your language skills is to role-play the interview. Find an English-speaking friend who can act as the interviewer and give feedback on your answers. Alternatively, record yourself (on your mobile phone, computer or other recording device) asking and answering the questions in English. Play back the recording to see how you can improve your responses, or send it to a friend for suggestions.


During your role play, pay attention to the speed and clarity of your speech to ensure that your answers are easily comprehensible and convincing. Individuals tend to speak faster when nervous, so by practising speaking slowly and clearly during the role play, you will feel more relaxed and confident during the actual interview.

4. Consider the importance of body language

Research shows that most communication is non-verbal. Posture, eye-contact, facial expression, and gestures can all influence how you are perceived during an interview.


Also, pay attention to your tone. It's unlikely that your interviewer will penalise you for pronouncing a word incorrectly, but if you smile and speak with confidence during the interview, you can be sure to make a positive impression.

5. Be proud of your language skills 

In the global market, the ability to speak multiple languages is a major asset. In fact, many recruiters actively seek individuals who understand more than one language, so you can rest assured that your language skills will be highly valued.


Learning a new language also takes patience and dedication, two important attributes that can help set you apart from other job applicants. If you don't have a lot of experience in the job you're applying for, you might even consider sharing examples from your language-learning story to demonstrate some of the skills and personal qualities you could bring to the organisation.





In summary, you should prepare for your job interview in English in pretty much the same way as you would for any other job interview.


But above all, when preparing for interview success, remember the 5 Ps

Proper preparation prevents poor performance