Writing Business Documents

Letter of application

I was interested to see your advertisement in today's The Post and would like to be considered for this post.

I am presently working as Private Secretary to the General Manager at a manufacturing company and have a wide range of responsibilities. These include attending and taking minutes of meeting and interviews, dealing with callers and correspondence in my employer's absence, and supervising junior staff, as well as the usual secretarial duties.

The kind of work in which your company is engaged particularly interests me, and I would welcome the opportunity it would afford to use my language abilities which are not utilized in my present post.

A copy of my curriculum vitae is enclosed with copies of previous testimonials.

I hope to hear from you soon and to be given the opportunity to present myself at an interview.

At the end of the present term I shall complete my one-year teacher training course at Chulalongkorn University. For domestic reasons, I would like to obtain a post at a school or college in the area administered by your authority.

From my curriculum vitae which is attached you will see that I have 6 0 level and 2 A level passes, as well as advanced qualifications in many secretarial subjects. I have held secretarial positions in the Bangkok area for a total of 4 years, during which time I studied for my RSA shorthand and Typewriting Teacher's Diplomas. Having enjoyed the opportunity to teach these subjects in evening classes at the Chingford Evening Institute for 2 years, I was prompted to take up a full-time Certificate in Education at Chula.

I like young people and get on well with them, and I am looking forward to helping them in the very practical way which teaching makes possible. If there is a suitable vacancy in your area, I hope you will consider me for it.

This is my application for the position advertised in The Wall Street Journal (May 15) -- supervisor of office training.

The resume enclosed reveals five years of responsible secretarial and administrative office experience, a broad education that includes an academic degree, specialized training in secretarial science and related subjects, and teaching experience in classes designed expressly for working people.

You will see that my original plans were to teach history, but jobs in this area just didn't exist at the time I graduated; thus I chose a secretarial occupation where there were many opportunities. I am very glad I did. Not only do I enjoy being a part of the business world, I have learned that I have an unusual talent for administrative office work.

Yet the desire to teach remains. You will see that I have been teaching evening courses in word processing and related subjects during the past two years. I find teaching immensely exciting and rewarding -- even more satisfying than my regular job.

I truly believe that responsible business experience, expertise in secretarial skills and procedures, 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.

Your ad indicated that the position is open is a large electronics firm in the Midwest. I would be pleased to visit the company at any time that would be convenient for you. May I hear from you?