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Cover letter

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hazelnut_51@yahoo.fr - 28 Nov 2006 05:24 GMT
Hello,
I have to write a cover letter and as I'm not a native, I'd like to
know if they are any mistakes in it. And esp. I don't know if I should
write "I work in a primary school where I am an activity leader" or
"I'm working..."
Thanks a lot!

Dear Sir/Madam

I am writing to you to apply for the position of French assistant in
the United Kingdom.

I am currently studying for a 'licence' (the French equivalent of a
BA) in English language, civilisation and literature at the University
of XXX.

I work in a primary school where I am an activity leader. I help
children to use computers, Internet and software. But most importantly,
this first experience in the field of teaching was very rich for me
because it gave me the opportunity to acquire methods and skills which
will help me as an assistant: I will try to make a dynamic group and
share in my passion for French culture and language.

I feel very comfortable working and living abroad since I have spent
the last three summers in London. I have done many jobs there including
sales assistant and waiter. Those experiences showed me that I can
rapidly adapt in a new place. On a personal level, this year abroad
would be perfect to learn about the English language and culture which
will help me a lot for the continuation of my studies.

That is why I want to be an assistant in the UK. This experience is
really important to me and I am prepared to do my best. I hope you will
find my qualifications of interest and I look forward to hearing from
you.

Yours faithfully,
the Omrud - 28 Nov 2006 09:14 GMT
<hazelnut_51@yahoo.fr> had it:

> Hello,
> I have to write a cover letter and as I'm not a native, I'd like to
> know if they are any mistakes in it. And esp. I don't know if I should
> write "I work in a primary school where I am an activity leader" or
> "I'm working..."
> Thanks a lot!

It's fine as it is.  You have said what you want to say and any
slight faults in tense (which is all I can spot) are of no great
consequence from a non-native speaker.  Nobody will expect you to
write perfect English.

In the context of your paragraph, there's no difference in meaning
between "I work" and "I am working" so you could choose either.

One thing I would change - don't put "Dear Sir/Madam".  If at all
possible, go to the trouble of finding out the name of the person you
are writing to and address him or her directly, e.g. "Dear Mrs
Xxxxxx".

Signature

David
=====

Derek Turner - 28 Nov 2006 11:06 GMT
>  <hazelnut_51@yahoo.fr> had it:

> One thing I would change - don't put "Dear Sir/Madam".  If at all
> possible, go to the trouble of finding out the name of the person you
> are writing to and address him or her directly, e.g. "Dear Mrs
> Xxxxxx".

And if you do, then it's yours sincerely, rather than faithfully: but
you probably knew that already!
R H Draney - 28 Nov 2006 15:00 GMT
the Omrud filted:

> <hazelnut_51@yahoo.fr> had it:
>
[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
>In the context of your paragraph, there's no difference in meaning
>between "I work" and "I am working" so you could choose either.

Save that overuse of the progressive tense is a marker of Indian English....r

Signature

"Keep your eye on the Bishop.  I want to know when
he makes his move", said the Inspector, obliquely.

John Kane - 28 Nov 2006 16:19 GMT
> Hello,
> I have to write a cover letter and as I'm not a native, I'd like to
[quoted text clipped - 32 lines]
>
> Yours faithfully,

It really needs no editing.  As The Omrod points out there is one or
two very minor tense problems but I'd leave them in.  It is an
excellent letter.
John Kane, Kingston ON Canada
CDB - 28 Nov 2006 16:52 GMT
[...]
> [...] there is one or
> two [...] problems [...]

Another rule nicely punctured.
 
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