USEFUL LANGUAGE

Preparing to apply
Your strengths and weaknesses
(Occasionally) I am... I’m able to delegate / /work independently
I try to... I would like to be able to...
I’m excellent at/ (quite/reasonably) good at/ (not) very good at I can(sometimes) find it difficult to make decisions / manage my
Maths / making decisions, etc. time effectively, etc.
I could be better at... I can be (a little bit) indecisive / disorganized, etc.
I recently managed to run a marathon / manage a project
I’m interested in...
through all its stages, ect.
I’m fluent in Spanish/French, etc.

Personal characteristics
creative / uncreative flexible / inflexible persuasive / unpersuasive
decisive / indecisive well-organized / disorganized reliable / unreliable

Your qualifications
I graduated from X university with a BA / an MA etc. in Language Studies/Linguistics, etc.
I read English/ Math etc. at X University.
I hold a master’s degree / MBA, etc.
I was awarded a scholarship to read Business Studies / Modern Languages etc.
I have Physics / History degree from X u\University, which is equivalent to BSE/AB Physics in the US.
It was three-year course, something like Bed/BSc in the UK.

Transferable skills
analytical skills – identify a mistake, analyze data, conduct as survey
creativity – invent a machine, suggest an alternative, sovle a problem
communication skills – write a report, explain an idea, give a presentation
interpersonal skills - resolve a dispute, listen to someone’s point of view, work with ‘difficult’ people
negotiation skills – change someone’s mind, negotiate with someone, convince someone to do something
organizational skills – meet deadlines, decide on priorities, implement a plan
teamwork skills – discuss an issue, contribute to a meeting, support a collegue
self-confidence self-awareness intelligence
resourcefulness flexibility intercultural awareness
independence determination self-motivation

Job advertisement terminology/jargon

CCDL – current cleaning drive license POS – point of sale
CV – curriculum vitae / resume circa- about
AGY – agency closing date – deadline for application
OTE – on-target earnings Php – Philippine peso
PA – per annum (per year) Ref – reference number
Pro rata salary – salary that is calculated as a proportion of a full-
PW – per week
time job

CVs
Personal statements
(with) three years’ full-time / substantial/ considerable experience in managing teams/ working under pressure, etc.
communicate / work, etc confidently and effectively
proven ability to meet deadlines / make presentation, etc.
Headings
Personal strengths & weaknesses Areas of professional experience Business skills
 Strategic thinking  Sales  Financial management
 Innovation and creativity  Marketing  People management / managing people
 Leadership  Presentations and publications  Dealing with customers
 Flecibility  Accountancy  Negotiation skills
 Initiative  Electronic engineering  Project management
 Focus on results  Professional awards  Communication skills
 Team-working
 Cross-functional working
 Organizational skills

Talking about your skills and experience

My role was to... I regularly...
I fell i have significantly strengthened my knowledge and
As the... I acted as...
understanding of...
Within this role I was responsible for leading a team of five/
This experience has enabled me to build on...
implementing new strategy etc.
To do this effectively I had to... My employment experience leads me to the conclusion that...
My past experience of... has brought me a greater understanding
I think that I could bring...
of... as well as...
The nature of... meant that I had to... My responsibilities included...
I implemented a new... As you can see from my CV I have...
I believe I can apply the skills I obtained from my previous
In the course of my current job, I have...
employment in this postion.
I worked at X for two years, where I learned that... At present I am responsible for...
Working at X helped me to learn the importance of ... As a result...
I have a strong history of... While I was at... I was in charge of...
As part of my degree course in... I...

Talking about your interests

avid sailor
dedicated rock guitarist
committed mountain climber
expert reader
regular tennis champion
former blogger/vlogger
proficient gym instructor
successful dance sport competitor
active stamp collector
keen speaker of portuguese
qualified volunteer
experienced jewelry maker

Cover letters
Opening paragraph
I am a final-year student who is about to graduate from X University with a BA in Industrial Engineering.
I am writing to inquire about possible employment opportunities...
I am interested in the position for Marketing Executive / PA advertised in The Guardian newspaper / on your website.
I am writing in response to your advertisement for...
I enclose my CV for your consideration.
I was recently speaking with X and s/he recommended that I contact you / send you a copy of my CV.
Given my experience in X, s/he felt that I would be an ideal candidate for the job.
I would like to apply for the post of...
Please accept this letter as application for the Marketing Manager position currently advertised on your website.
I am writing regarding the secretarial vacancy...
Main body
My past experience of... has brought me a greater understanding
This experience has enabled me to...
of... as well as...
As part of my degree course in... at... I... Working in... helped me to learn the importance of...
I am currently working as... During... I suggested...
At present, I am responsible for / in charge of... During my period of employment at... I gained...
My responsibilities include... I implemented a new...
Since I work with... I have developed... These changes led to a significant increase in...
I feel I have significantly strengthened my knowledge and
As you can see from my CV, I have...
understanding of...
I believe I can apply the skills obtained from my previous
I have a strong history of...
employment to this position.
I am confident that the combination of my... and... makes me an
I think I could bring...
ideal candidate for the position.

Final paragraph
I would appreciate the opportunity to meet you to discuss my skills, capabilities and professional experience in greater detail.
I welcome the opportunity to discuss my professional history and qualifications with you in greater detail.
I would be happy to supply you with further references should you require them.
Should you require any further information regarding my application, please do not hesitate to contact me.
I look forward to hearing from you.
I would like to thank you in advance for your time and consideration.
Please find enclosed a copy of my curriculum vitae, which gives further details of my education and career to date.
Yours sincerely,