Sample 1

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to apply for a part-time job as an English tutor in your group. I am a senior grade three student in Beijing No. 18 High School.

I come from a teacher’s family, and becoming an English teacher was my childhood dream. To realize my dream, I have been working very hard at my English. My efforts have paid off. So far my English grade has ranked high among the 240 students. In addition to my good academic performance, I have had a teaching experience that has enhanced my competence for this job. I taught my cousin, a sixth grader, English last summer. He made great progress in a very short time. This valuable experience has afforded me the opportunity to understand the students’ difficulties in English and therefore work out effective ways to overcome them.

I am an outgoing and warm-hearted person. I would like the opportunity to work with your tutor group and help the students in need. I can be reached by phone at 135-2098-9226 or by e-mail at . Thank you for your time and consideration.

Yours sincerely, Chris Chen

Sample 2 Dear Sir/Madam,

I'm Wang Shan, a girl of sixteen, presently attending Beijing Yangguang Middle School. I am writing to express my interest in the Peace and Friendship Summer Camp that you have posted on the Internet.

I have wide interests, through which I’ve made many friends, improved my communication skills and brought others great joy. Take music for example. Since I formed a band with my classmates in 2012, we have given many performances at school festivals and celebrations, which have afforded me chances to meet new people sharing the same interest.

I love peace and I hate any form of violence. I long to take part in this summer camp since it would be a great opportunity to make friends with young people from different countries and learn about their cultures. I’d appreciate it very much if you give me the chance. I am looking forward to your reply.

Yours sincerely, Wang Shan

Sample 3

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am applying for a position as a volunteer in your program.

I’m Li Hua, from Class One, Senior Three in City Garden High School. I think I could be a good volunteer for the following reasons: I have been a volunteer before. I hosted some exchange students from America last year. I speak English fluently so I can communicate with foreign students without any difficulty. In addition, I have a good knowledge of the Chinese culture and I am ready to introduce it to the foreign visitors. I can show them how to make paper-cuttings and how to write Chinese characters.

I am sure I will be able to do a good job if you give me the opportunity. I’m looking forward to hearing from you and will appreciate it very much if you grant me an interview. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Yours sincerely,

Li Hua

Dear Sir/ Madam,

I am writing to apply for the position of an actress in your English Drama Club. I am Zhang Yue from Class 3, Grade 3.

I like watching movies or plays and becoming an actress was my childhood dream. My idol is the well-known British actress Audrey Hepburn. I admire her so much that I played the role of Eliza when we learned My Fair Lady in our English class. To my joy, my performance received good comments. Another accomplishment I’m proud of is that when I took part in last year’s Campus Drama Contest with my classmates our play won the first prize. I hope these acting experiences can enhance my qualifications. As for my English competence, I have been working very hard at my English and my English grade has ranked high among the 240 students.

I am an easy-going person, with good working attitude and teamwork spirit. I would appreciate the opportunity to work with the club members. This will be an excellent chance to build up my communication and interpersonal skills and develop my acting ability. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Yours sincerely,

Zhang Yue

第二篇：英语申请信、自传、简历等书信写作

Lecture 5: Resume (week No. 8 – 9)

Topics to be covered:

Resume / Cover letter/ Autobiography/ Recommendation letter/ Interview questions ( for reference)

Part I. Cover letter

申请就读大学，研究生院，奖学金和工作等信件都为申请信。 申请信的写法在内容的安排上类似于其他的英语信函， 往往在信的第一段的第一句话， 就开门见山地说明写信的目的， 接着叙述本人的有关情况。在信的结尾处， 可以表示希望能收到肯定的答复。写申请信切忌过分夸张，或者过分自信， 但语气要肯定和自信， 表现出自己有能力从事某一方面的工作或学习。

1.1.         Letter of Job Application

Sample 1：这是一封根据报纸上所刊登的求职广告，申请工作的信件。(信头略去)

Dear Ms. Hu,

I was very interested to see your advertisement in today's Yangcheng Youth for a supervisor of computer training, as I believe that I have the appropriate qualifications and experience you require. I am therefore enclosing my curriculum vitae.

You will see that I have been working as a computer engineer in an aircraft design institute for more than five years. This experience has enabled me to get well acquainted with the state-of- art computer languages and systems.

In addition to research work, I have been teaching evening classes to the staff in the institute in internet applications and related subjects during the past two years. I find teaching immensely exciting and rewarding.

I truly believe that responsible work experience, expertise in computer and a sincere love of teaching make an ideal combination for the position you advertised. At age 28, I feel ready for a new challenge and I hope you will offer that challenge to me.

I would be grateful if you could consider my application. I am looking forward to hearing from you soon.

Yours Sincerely

  (signature)                                                  

Wang Gang

Encl. my c.v.

Tips for writing a letter of job application

l  Address your letter to someone who has the authority to hire you.

l  Show that you know something about the company by addressing some of the requirements of the job that you are applying for, and how your experience will enable you to handle what is needed.

l  If someone in the company referred you for this job, be sure to mention this if they have good standing with the company.

l  Express your willingness to come for an interview.

l  Present briefly your qualifications and refer the reader to your resume.

Useful expressions

Introduction:

In today’s newspaper (Through…), I noticed your advertisement for… (I have learned that you are hiring…)

It  has come to my attention that the position of … is now open.

I would like to apply for ( to be considered as a candidate for) the job(post/position) advertised in…(that I saw advertised in…/I have just seen in the …)

I am interested in/seeking a challenging position in your firm.

I am writing to you to apply for…

Qualifications and experience

I feel I am well qualified (to…/ for…) for the following reasons.

I have had experience of … (done… before/studied/), therefore I may have the ability you are looking for.

Along with my education, I have had job experience which…

My interest and skill in… contribute to my qualification for this job.

Motivation and expectations

I wish to become involved in…

If such experience would be valuable to your office, I …

If my application is successful, I should /would like to…

I am available for a personal interview if you are interested in my application.

I would appreciate an interview at your convenience.

May I have an appointment with you..

Would you please call me at…

I will call your office next week to see when an interview can be arranged.

Enclosure

I have enclosed /attached a copy of my resume for your consideration.

I am enclosing my resume to provide further details about my experience(to give details of my responsibilities in that job).

The enclosed resume will give you the details and scope of my previous experience.

…as indicated in the enclosed resume.

…as you will note in the resume I enclose.

Some motivating introductions

The selling point opening: (answer the most important questions )

Extensive training in medical technology, more than 15 years of working in and managing research and clinic labs, and strong interpersonal skills should enable me to fulfil the responsibilities of lab coordinator in the Department of Anatomic Pathology.

My training in marketing research, my experience in international trade, and my fluency in both Chinese and English should qualify me for the position you advertised in the New York times.

The creative opening

Once a child in my own days, I have given birth to children at hospitals, raised children at home, and have been trained to take care of children’s health. I know how they feel, when they are happy, whether they are healthy, and how to make them giggle with a big smile blossoming on their faces. All these should make me a promising candidate for your pediatrics resident program.

The name opening (not back door)

Dr…., chair of the Anatomic Pathology Department, has suggested that I write to you about the supervisor position in your lab because he believed that I have the training, experience and skills to run your lab effectively.

Blaine Powell recommended I speak with you about your opening for sales manager.

Begin with a quote

"Some men see things as they are and ask why. Others dream things that never were and ask why not." — playwright George Bernard Shaw

"There is a real magic in enthusiasm. It spells the difference between mediocrity and accomplishment." — Methodist minister and author Norman Vincent Peale

"Failure to prepare is preparing to fail." — basketball coach John Wooden

1.2. Letter of application for scholarship or school admission

Sample 2：这是一封申请到国外某大学读研究生的信件 （信头略去）

Dear Sir or Madam,

      My name is Zhang Fang. I am a graduate student at the Department of Computer Science and Engineering of Southeast China Polytechnique University (SCPU). I am writing to apply for graduate study in the field of computer science and technology.

      I graduated from Tsinghua University last year and then was admitted as a graduate student by SCPU. Through years of systematic study at the undergraduate and graduate levels, I am sure that I have built a sound foundation in the theory and practice of computer science and engineering. In addition, I have taken part in a lot of research work on computer application at the enterprise level. I have been awarded several scholarships because of my excellence in study and research.

       I would be grateful if you would send me the application forms and details about the financial aid. Enclosed please find my resume.

        I am looking forward to hearing from you soon.

Yours Faithfully

(signature)

Zhang Fang

Encl. Resume of Zhang Fang

Useful expressions:

·I am writing to apply ( to…/for…)

·At a recent dinner party, Arthur Lewis told me the inspiring story about his mentorship with you.

·Professor … of Beijing University, who was a visiting scholar in your College of Business 1996-1997, advised me of the outstanding international student Scholarship in the MBA program. He recommended I apply, for he is familiar with my academic background and abilities.

·I should like to obtain application forms for your college, and the proper information about your scholarship program.

·I should be very grateful if you would send me the proper application forms and details about (scholarships/ financial aid).

Revise for total impact

Does it catch your interest?/ Does it present compelling reasons why the writer should be invited for an interview?/ Is the tone proper?/ Is it too long or boring?/ Does it have any grammatical, spelling and other mechanics errors?

Part II. 履历（英国人多用curriculum vitae）或简历 (美国人多用resume):

2.       Modern:

3.       Functional:

2.1. Resume for job application

Sample 3    (corresponds to sample 1)    

         

                                 

                                                

1.2            Resume for school or scholarship admission

Sample 7：(corresponds to sample 2)    

 

Tips on writing resume:

l  avoid highly colored modifiers, opinion words or intensifiers

e.g. provided persistent leadership, led the lab intelligently…, my extremely valuable contribution

l  avoid vague expressions. It’s better to use concrete, specific nouns and action verbs.

e.g.Extensive experience with computers---- used Quicken, Lotus 1-2-3, …

l  use paralleled structures

e.g. created a new database, familiar with different softwares, being manager of …

 ------ created a new database, used different softwares, managed the office of .

l  avoid repetition

e.g. provided accurate data.. provided valuable assistance to top management.. provided useful training to..

---- provided accurate data., assisted top management ,  trained…)

l  try to use Power Words

accelerated            accomplished         achieved   adapted                administered          analyzed approved        conceived    conducted   completed             controlled             coordinated created                 delegated     demonstrated       designed      developed           directed

earned                  effected       eliminated   established evaluated    expanded expedited           facilitated    found                    generated    guided                  implemented improved    increased     influenced   initiated      inspected    instructed interpreted           launched     led               lectured       maintained managed  mastered        motivated           operated     ordered                 originated   organized participated   performed           pinpointed planned                prepared     produced programmed proposed           proved                  provided     proficient(in) purchased recommended       reduced                    reinforced   reorganized           revamped    reviewed revised scheduled           simplified    set up                   solved                   supervised supported surpassed           taught                   trained                  translated    used utilized        won   wrote 

chair a committee,   coordinate a program,    develop a method,    conduct research,   create a database, direct a center,        establish clientele,    initiate a partnership, install a new system, keep records, manage an office,   research the market,        test a new software , provide analysis,         run a lab,

train new employees, operate a machine, implement a policy, investigate a problem,

organize a conference , considered an enthusiastic worker,  analytical and critical thinking skills

Revise and proofread carefully

Is it the resume complete and accurate?

Is the layout appealing and effective?

Is the phrasing concrete, specific and idiomatic?

Is it free from errors?

Exercise:

Write a letter of application to a university overseas for pursuing Ph. D program there and supply your resume.

Or write a letter and a resume applying for a post in a sino-American joint venture .

Part III. Autobiography

自传的写法可与简历大体内容对应，但应当用完整的句子来表达经历，学历，个人特点等方面内容。

Sample 8： Lincoln’s Autobiography

     I was born February 12, 1809, in Hardin County, Kentucky. My parents were both born in Virginia, of undistinguished families--second families, perhaps I should say. My mother, who died in my tenth year, was from a family named Hanks, some of whom now reside in Adams County, and others in Macon County, Illinois. My paternal grandfather, Abraham Lincoln, emigrated, about 1781 or 1782, from Virginia to Kentucky, where he was killed by the Indians a year or two later, not in battle, but when he was laboring to open a farm in the forest.

     My father, at the death of his father, was six years old, and he grew up literally without education. He moved from Kentucky to Indiana when I was seven. We reached our new home about the time the state came into the Union. It was a wild region, with many bears and other wild animals still in the woods. I grew up there. There were so-called schools, but no other qualification was ever required of a teacher beyond “reading, writing and adding.” If a stranger supposed to understand Latin happened to reside for a time in the neighborhood, he was looked on as a wizard. There was absolutely nothing to excite ambition for education. Of course, when I came of age, I did not know much. Still, somehow, I could read, write, and add, but that was all. The little advance I have now made upon this store of education, I have picked up under the pressure of necessity.

     I was raised to do farm work, which I continued until I was twenty-one. At twenty-two, I came to Illinois. I remained in New Salem, Illinois, for a year as a clerk in a store. Then the Black Hawk War came. I was elected a captain of volunteers, a success which gave me more pleasure than any I have had since. I went into the campaign, ran for the legislature the same year (1832), and was defeated, the only time that I have been rejected by the people. In the next and the three succeeding biennial elections I was elected to the legislature. I was not a candidate afterward. During that legislative period, I studied law and moved to Springfield to practice it. In 1846 I was elected to the lower house of Congress. I was not a candidate for re-election. From 1849 to 1854 I practiced law more assiduously than ever before. I was losing interest in politics when the repeal of the Missouri Comprises aroused me again. What I have done since then is pretty well-known.

If any personal description of me is thought desirable, it may be said that I am nearly six feet four inches in height; lean in flesh, weighing one hundred and eighty pounds on the average, I have a dark complexion, with coarse black hair and gray eyes. I have no other marks or brands.

从林肯自传不难看出， 第一段叙述了家庭背景， 第二段是林肯所受过的教育， 第三段集中在他的工作经历上， 最后一段则是有关林肯的一些个人资料， 如身高，体重， 外貌等特征。这与写简历时的顺序大体相符。

Part IV.  Letter of  recommendation

Sample 9：

Dear Sir or Madam:

It is my privilege to recommend to you Mr. Wang Li, my former student, who is now applying for admission to the MBA program offered by your school.

Mr. Wang attended two courses under my instruction: Accounting and Finance. He is one of the most intelligent students I have ever taught. His performance in my class was outstanding. He was active in class discussion, his opinions often reflecting an inquisitive and keen mind. For assignments and term exams, he always had high grades as a result of his thorough preparation. Indeed, he did very well in other major courses and was among the few students who completed their four-year university with straight A’s. As a result of this he was awarded the title of “Outstanding Student” upon graduation.

In his first year, Mr. Wang was already outstanding among his peers with admirable leadership potential and organizational skills. As a result, he was elected Class Monitor in his second year. Throughout the three years when he acted as class Monitor, he further developed his skills at problem-solving and decision making. In addition to these skills I must mention his amiable personality. He impressed me as being courteous, pleasant and co-operate. He was well trusted and respected by both his teachers and his fellow students.

I consider Wang Li a promising student in terms of both intelligence and ability. In view of his previous performance in this Department, I am firmly convinced that he will make a successful graduate student in your school.

Yours faithfully,

(signed)

Zhang Ping

Professor

l  useful expressions

·I am writing with pleasure to recommend Ms. ….. for acceptance into your Ph.D’s program.

·It is my pleasure to recommend/introduce to you Mr…., who is applying for Ph. D studies in …. at your department.

·I am very glad for this opportunity to give … a reference.

·I take pleasure in introducing to you Mr….,  a lecturer in…

·This is to introduce my student, Mr…., who is visiting …. for the purpose of ….

·Ms. … has my recommendation without any reservation. I doubt whether there is any academic program which is too demanding for her. I would appreciate your favorable consideration for her application for both admission and financial support.

·I recommend him/her without reservation, as I know you will find him / her a most helpful and responsible secretary.

·I came to know her personally about two years ago when I taught the course of …..which was one of the major courses of Master in ….. And now, I am having the chance to tutor her to work hard at her paper for Master degree, on ….., (a new perspective which was hardly explored).

·I am most impressed by Ms He’s devotion to …

·He has a high degree of integrity and a cheerful personality.

·I have found Kathy honest, trustworthy and reliable.

·Both her academic attitude and diligent performances have left me deep impression. During her graduate study, Ms. … stood out among her fellow classmates with the Master courses. Through the study of those courses, she has been very familiar with the framework of ……… (subjects) etc. The assignments in my class were usually very difficult, yet Ms. … not only could accomplish them satisfactorily, but put forward some convincing ideas now and then.

·I am convinced that well grounded in the theories of ….. and the methodologies of scientific research, eager to know more, and having a good personality, Ms. … will contribute greatly to your program as she did in our university. I hope that you will consider her application favorably.

·I have no hesitation in recommending his for the position, and feel confident that you will find him a most valuable addition to your staff if you can engage him.

·I hope you will be kind enough to give him the opportunity he seeks.

Part V. INTERVIEW QUESTIONS        Have several questions memorized.

QUESTIONS A PRO WOULD ASK YOU

What key qualifications will the employer be looking for?

What qualifications will be most important to them that you possess?

Which of these are your greatest strengths?

What are the highlights of your career to date that should be emphasized?

What should be de-emphasized?

What things about you and your background make you stand out?

What are your strongest areas of skill and expertise? Knowledge? Experience?

What are some other skills you possess - perhaps more auxiliary skills?

What are characteristics you possess which make you a strong candidate - things like "innovative, hard-working, strong interpersonal skills, ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously under tight deadlines"

What are the 3 or 4 things you feel have been your greatest accomplishments?

What was produced as a result of your greatest accomplishments?

Can you quantify the results you produced in numerical or other specific terms?

What were the 2 or 3 accomplishments of that particular job?

What were the key skills you used in that job - what did you do in each of those skill areas?

What sort of results are particularly impressive to people in your field?

What results have you produced in these areas?