Search results for 'tag:Paragraphs tag:Salutation' matching tags 'Paragraphs' and 'Salutation'

Re: Please help me to review my covering letter!

ferpectedit — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 02:10:40 GMT

Hello:
The letter is too long to revise word-by-word here. You make a lot of small errors, most of which you can correct by going over an English grammar and usage book. To get you started I'll give you specific suggestions on the second paragraph.

I don't understand the first part. Are you addressing someone? If so, you should put that name in the salutation and nowhere else in the letter. Here's my revision. Forgive me if I have changed your meaning, but as I said I have trouble understanding the paragraph as you have written it.

I would like an internship through the âErasmus Placementâ program for three to six months at your company. I could start as early as February 2009. Attached is a copy of my Curriculum Vitae (then touch on specific experience on your C.V. that makes you the best candidate for this internship).

To "serve" an internship is not a common expression and has unpleasant connotations: prisoners "serve" time for their crimes. The "for this reason" is unnecessary but you should include some specific experience or education in this paragraph which make you the right candidate for the internship. Good luck!

Re: Best regards, Kind regards, or Yours sincerely, - which is correct

Anonymous — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 09:47:27 GMT

As a trained teacher of English as a foreign language (TEFL), the rules are still the same as they were when I left school (50 years ago!).

The valedition "Yours faithfully" is used in cases where the salutation is "Dear Sir" or "Dear Madam" .

The valedition "Yours sincerely" is used in cases where the salutation is personal, "Dear Ian" or "Dear Mr. Blogs" .

The valedition "Your truly" is often used in the USA but almost never used here in England other than as slang meaning me, myself or I (the meal was prepared by yours truly) but even this is quite rare.

Capitalisation for the valedition is the same as for any paragraph, First letter is a capital then lower case.

"Regards", "Kind regards", "Best regards" and "Best Wishes" have become very popular since the advent of email. I personally use them only in emails. Basically, they all mean the same but my personal gut feeling is that "Regards" is the most formal and used for first contact, "Kind regards" is still formal but used for ongoing communication and "Best regards" remains formal but used when the person has become an acquaintance. "Best Wishes" would be used for a friend.

Re: please review my letter of motivation

ferpectedit — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 01:30:31 GMT

Your letter is basically a good one and though I won't go through it sentence by sentence I will give you some basic suggestions to improve it.
1) Use spell check so you can avoid misspelling "treasurer" and other words
2) Check and make consistent your capitalization. If the program is called "International Tourism Management" make sure to capitalize accordingly. Also I don't see a reason that "develop" (note the spelling) and "senior(?) high school" should be capitalized.
3) Cut out as many unnecessary words and phrases as you can. Not only will your letter read better, but you will also more easily avoid errors. For example, in the second paragraph I would change the second sentence to "During my time there I took part in many activities." Direct statements are always best.
4) In the U.S. letters such as this one usually have the salutation "To The Selection Committee" though I don't know if the this salutation would be appropriate to where you are applying. If the letter isn't going to a committee but to a specific person, try to find out the name of that person and address the salutation directly to him or her.

Re: Grammar in formal letters

Grammar Geek — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 04:33:12 GMT

I'd just like to point out that this isn't grammar - this is "style." And different style guides will tell you different things.

American:

Colons after the salutation in a business letter, comma after the closing.
Do NOT indent the paragraphs in a business letter. Save that for letters between friends, thank you notes, etc.

Dear Mr. Smith:

Blah

Blah blah

Blah blah blah

Sincerely,

Re: Grammar in formal letters

Feebs11 — Wed, 10 Jan 2007 20:25:22 GMT

When writing formally, a comma after the greeting and after the end salutation is required. Whether you indent paragraphs without a space between the paragraphs or don't indent the paragraphs but do insert a space between them is entirely up to you. Either is acceptable.

Re: Please correct my mistakes in business letter!

nona the brit — Wed, 13 Sep 2006 06:20:31 GMT

Dear Mr. Ericson! Do not end a salutation with an exclamation mark. In US English use a colon :, in British English use either a comma or nothing.

As you are already aware, Football Club âShahterâ(Donetsk) is about to build a new 5-star stadium, which meets all official UEFA requirements and will have no euqual anyway in the Ukraine. The new tender process has been completed and we are glad to invite you to provide the services of General contractor.

Your second paragraph is not clear. Is the company you are writing to making the presentation? How can you invite them to something they are doing themselves? Are you inviting the contractor along to a presentation being organised by the football club? Do you want the contractor to give a presentation at this meeting? At the moment you are mixing up all these ideas and it doesn't make sense.

FC Â«ShahterÂ» takes upon itself all the travel expenses including transfer, meals, and accommodation.

Thank you in advance.
Looking forward to your reply.

Re: Punctuation within quotes?

rvw — Wed, 29 Jun 2005 00:14:57 GMT

To me, the rules regarding punctuation around quotation marks are not always logical. To 'remember' them, I extracted the following from Webster's Third New International Dictionary:

13.1 Direct quotations: "When I am dead," said one of the keenest minds, "lay a sword on my coffin."

13.2 In long quotations, left-hand marks are placed at the beginning of every paragraph, as well as at the end of the selection.

13.3 Quotation marks are usually not used when the quoted matter is set in smaller type or in paragraphs indented on both sides.

13.4 Single quotation marks enclose a quotation within a quotation. The witness said, "I heard him say, 'Don't be late'; then I heard the door close."

13.5 Quotation marks enclose titles of short poems, paintings, lectures, articles, and parts or chapters of books. (Titles of whole books, periodicals, and newspapers are usually italicized in context.)

13.5.1 In American usage printers usually place a period or comma inside closing quotation marks whether it belongs logically to the quoted matter or to the whole sentence or context.... But when a logical or exact distinction is desired in specialized work in which clarity is more important than usual (as in this dictionary), a period or comma can be placed outside quotation marks when it belongs not in the quoted matter but to a larger unit containing the quoted matter. The package is labeled "Handle with Care".

13.5.2 Only one other mark accompanies closing quotation marks, whether the quotation and the whole sentence or context call for the same mark or for different marks. We shouted, "Where do you think you're going?" Why did you bellow, "Get out of here!"

13.5.3 A colon or semicolon is usually placed outside of quotation marks. "Fame is proof that people are gullible"; with this quotation, he retired in silence.

13.5.4 A colon or semicolon is sometimes placed inside the quotation marks when it belongs inseparably to the quotation. However, a terminal colon or semicolon of quoted matter incorporated in a sentence usually gives place to appropriate end punctuation. "Sirs:" is a salutation....

13.5.5 A question mark or exclamation point is usually placed inside or outside the quotation marks according to whether it belongs to the quoted matter or to the whole sentence or clause that includes the quotation. Can you forget his angry exit after he shouted "Include me out"? "And what do you think of this new novel?" his friend asked.

13.6 Quotation marks, often single quotation marks, sometimes enclose technical terms unfamiliar to the reader; words used in an unusual sense; and coined word, trade or shop jargon, or slang for which the writer implies a slight apology. An "em" is a unit of measure used in printing. He is "goofy" according to their lingo. 'Strangeness' is a property of elementary particles.

Re: Select the best answers for each question or statement.

Guest — Tue, 19 Aug 2003 12:42:08 GMT

If it's ok for you to do this.
Can you check my answers and explaine why the ones I got wrong are wrong?
Yes I do have to turn this in but I want to make sure they're right first.

part 1

1. The governor spoke from the steps of the____about the___of the strike.
a. capitol;affects
b .capital; affects
c. capitol; effects
d. capital; effects

I chose__C__for my answer

2. I cannot___your report as valid unless you___more evidence.
a. accept;site
b. except;site
c. accept;cite
d. ecxept;site

I chose___c___for my answer

3.The City___voted to pay for both the ___and the interest.
a.council;principal
b.counsel;principal
c.council;principle
d.counsel;principle

I chose__c__for my answer

4.All things considered,___not a bad day, since___is excellent.
a. its;morale
b.it's;morale
c.its;moral
d.it's;moral

I chose__b__fpr my answer

5.Don't___rights to citizenship.
a. wave your
b.wave you're
c.waive you're
d. waive your

I chose__d__for my answer

6._____of what othere say, I would___you to___to George's judgement.
a.Regareless;advice;defer
b.Irregardless;advice;defer
c.Irregardless;advise;differ
d.Regardless;advise;defer

I chose___c___for my answere

7.Which one ot the following sentences has a proposition-related error?
a. There was a fight between the two men.
b.The Cerritos Center is near to my office
c.They gave a party for Mary and me.
d.The report was sent to everyone except her.

I chose__b__for my answer

8. Which one of the following sentences is grammatically correct?
a. She should of typed the report.
b. Would you get a pencil off her?
c .The new salesclerk waited on me.
d. They had to wait for John and I.

I chose__c__for my answer

9.A business letter usually written on___letteerhead and signed in___ink. The body peragraphs are_____-spaced.
a. white;blue;double
b.white or off-white;blue or black; single
c.white;black;single or double
d.white or off-white; blue;single or double

I was not sure of this one so I chose___d__for my answer. because if it is talking about the paragraphs only in last part of the question then the paragraphs are usually double-spaced or at least that's what I think.

10.Which one of the following entries is an example of correct form for a date on an American business letter'
a. 2 June, 2001
b.June 2.'o1
c.6/2/01
d.June 2, 2001

I chose___d___for my answer.

part2

1.Which one of the following saluations is NOT suitable for a business?
a. Dear Ladies and Gentlemen:
b. Dear Mr. Johnson:
c. Dear Credit Department:
d. Dear Director of Operations:

I chose___a__ for my answer

2.Which one of the following elements is always included in a well-written business letter?
a. Handwritten signature
b. Attention line
c. Postscript
d. Identification initials

I chose__a___for my answer

3.When signing a business letter, you should:
a. include the progfessional or courtesy title by which you wish to be address.
b.omit your job title to avoid appearing pretentious.
c.spell oue your name if you go by a gender-neutral name,such as Chris or Pat.
d.sign only your initials for the sake of brevity.

I chose___c__for my answer 4. A "bc" notation is typed:
a. on the original and the copies.
b. on the original only.
c.on the copies only.
d. without a name after it.

I chose___c__ for my answer.

5. The most frequently used business letter style(s) is/are the___style(s).
a. block and midified block
b. simplified
c.modified block
d.block and simplified

I chose__a__for my answer.

6. Which one of the following statements about writing business letters is TRUE?
a. If you forget one of the crucial points of your letter, provide the information in a postscript.
b."Respectfully yours" is usually the most appropriate complimentary close for business correspondence.
c. If the professional title and gender of your recipient are unkown, the courtesy title"Mr/s."is the safest way to begin the inside address and salutation.
d. Block style gives your letter a contemporary appearance, and it is fast to key.

I chose___d___for my answer

7. An e-mail should:
a. include all pertinent topics to avoid sending many separate messages.
b. convey a large part of its messaage through the use of abbreviations and emoticons.
c.include an inside address and a businesslike salutation and compimentary close, just like a paper letter.
d.preferably to about one topic, which should be summed up in the subject line.

I chose___d___for my answer

8. Which one of the following examples illustrates the style of language appropriate for modern business letters?
a."Appreciation your patronage, we remain...."
b."If I can be of service, kindly advise..."
c."This company sincerly regrets..."
d."We're sorry about the mistake..."

I chose___d__for my answer

9.It is absolutely essential that each and every package be square in shape. The preceding sentence is an example of business writing that is:
a.positive
b.negative
c.too formal
d. redundant

I chose__d__for my answer

10. Which one of the following statements about paragraphing in business letters is most accurate?
a. The opening paragraph should cut to the chase and demand immediate action from the reader.
b. The first and last patagraphs are often the logest and most detailed.
c. The closing patagraph should suggest a specific action.
d. Longer body paragraphs are more inviting for readers to "sink their teeth" into.

I chose__c__for my answer.

Can you let me know the ones I got wrong and why they're wrong. Thank you

Re: Covering letter?

hitchhiker — Sun, 22 Jun 2003 01:01:21 GMT

Guest wrote:
How do i write the best cover letter job to a college or university department enquiring about a teaching position within their art department? I don not need student cover letter help, I need business cover letter for my career change cover letter. Should I fax cover letter example or email cover letter...

Taken from open source.

WRITING EFFECTIVE COVER LETTERS

WHAT'S THE PURPOSE?

â¢ A Cover Letter is the first contact you make with an organization or company. It accompanies a resume that is being sent to an organization for a specific position. The well-written cover letter will lead the reader to the other part of the application-the resume. In other words, the cover letter bridges the gap between your skills, experience and the qualifications of the position.
â¢ It demonstrates your ability to communicate in writing and organize your thoughts in a cohesive manner, both of which are pertinent to most positions.
â¢ A well-written cover letter commands the reader's attention. It demonstrates interest and knowledge in the industry and/or employer.
â¢ The opportunity to interview is the ultimate goal of your cover letter and resume. A cover letter is like an individual commercial where the most attractive features are highlighted for the employer so GRAB THEIR ATTENTION!

THE INGREDIENTS TO A GREAT COVER LETTER

All cover letters are different but most have these key ingredients: the return address, date, addressee, salutation, introduction, body, closing, and the enclosure line. The introduction and closing should each be one paragraph while the body can be one or two paragraphs.

STARTING OFFâ¦

The return address and phone number must be at the top of the page. If the resume has a specific letter head remember to use that same letter head for the cover letter. The date will appear two lines below the return address. Make sure to write out the date; don't abbreviate. Next, include the company contact information (contact name and title, address, and phone number) two lines beneath the date. Always try to find out the name and proper title of the person receiving the letter. The salutation will fall two lines below the addressee information.

Begin with "Dear Mr. " or "Dear Ms.", followed by the person's last name. Never address the letter by their first name. If it is a cold call letter, salutations may be more general like, "Dear Hiring Partner," or "Dear Recruiting Coordinator."

INTRODUCTION

This opening paragraph explains why you are writing the letter. State your purpose, and name the specific position or type of work for which you are applying. If you are responding to an advertisement, state the name and date of the publication where you found the ad. If a wellrespected person referred you to the firm or organization, mention the person's name and connection.

The first paragraph must attract enough attention to make the employer want to read on. This is definitely no time for drabness. Here are some samples of "personal" opening lines:

â¢ Your advertisement in the Wake Forest University School of Law job postings for the
month of July indicated your need for....
â¢ Gordon Sumner with Sumner & Associates suggested I contact you regarding.......
â¢ I am writing to inquire about the position......
â¢ Because of my background in...I am applying for...
â¢ My reason for contacting you â¦.

BODY

This is the section where you must sell your skills and abilities. In the second paragraph, communicate the way in which your skills and experiences can be of value to this particular employer. Show how you will benefit the firm. Specifically discuss how your skills meet the requirements of the position. Highlight relevant achievements, skills, and/or experience, mentioning one or two of the most interesting points on your resume. Explain how you intend to contribute to the firm/organization. You can list in bullets or paragraph-format your skills and qualifications.

Here are some examples:
â¢ âThe enclosed resume highlights my legal skills in the area of criminal law. As a clinic student working in the District Attorneyâs Office of Winston Salemâ¦ .... My hands-on training in this area has prepared me to make a strong contribution to your criminal defense law firm.â
â¢ The position of ______________would allow me to....
â¢ My qualifications and experience include......
â¢ The experience I have gained in the business law field.......
â¢ Your law firm interests me because......
If you feel the need to have a third paragraph, you can include information which hasn't been mentioned on your resume or needs to be described in more detail (for example: your continuing education experience or gaps in your employment).

CLOSING

In the final paragraph, the letter changes from desire to action. Here you should state when and how you will contact the employer to arrange a mutually convenient time to interview. Include your phone number and how you can be reached. Do not assume an employer will contact you once you have sent your cover letter and resume. It is your responsibility to follow up. Finally, thank the individual and mention that you are looking forward to meeting him or her.

Here are some closing statements:
â¢ I would like to meet with you and will call to set up an appointment at your convenience.
â¢ Thank you for your time and consideration; I hope to hear from you soon.
â¢ You will find my resume enclosed. I look forward to discussing my experience and qualifications with you...
â¢ I will speak with you further and will call the week of _____ to follow up.
Once you write your salutation, don't forget to write "Enc: resume" to remind the employer that your resume and/or other material accompanies the cover letter.

TOP 10 COVER LETTER TIPS

1. Send the letter to the appropriate person.

Your letter will be more effective when you address the letter to a specific person within an organization. Don't hesitate to call the organization directly to find out the name (and correct spelling!) and title of the person in charge. If you are unable to get a specific name, "Dear Hiring Partner" or "Dear Recruiting Coordinator" are acceptable alternatives.

2. Research the employer.
What better way to send a letter with direct impact than to focus on facts unique to this particular employer? Use the information obtained through research to demonstrate that you know something about the firm or organization.
3. Time your letters and follow-up calls effectively.
Your letters should arrive sometime after Monday--Mondays are the heaviest mail days. Tuesday is the most productive workday of the week. Time your follow-up calls no more than three days after the arrival of your letter. It is much more likely to be forgotten after that. Avoid calling on Monday morning or trying to fax your cover letter and resume on Friday after lunch since people will typically have the weekend on their minds.
4. Keep it to ONE page!
Three to four short paragraphs are plenty for an employer to read. If it's any longer, it's unlikely to be read.
5. Leave qualifiers out of your letter.
Don't use the expressions "I feel that..." or "I think that....." These qualifiers only weaken what comes after them. Usually, these statements can be left out and the remaining
sentence can stand as is.
6. Count the "I's" in your letter.
Don't overuse the word "I". If you use the word "I" more than 3 or 4 times to start your sentences, you've used it too much. Starting every sentence with "I" can give the wrong impression.. Change sentences so that the word "I" is eliminated. For example, "I have had experience in..." could be changed to "My experience includes...."
7. Retain a copy.
Be sure to use an acceptable business letter format (see samples). Send the original and be sure to keep a copy for your records.
8. Match your stationery.
For a polished, professional image, print your resume and cover letter on matching stationery and enclose them in a matching envelope. Avoid using colored paper and graphics. Stay conservative.
9. Reread your letter.
Keep in mind that the professional image you want to give to a prospective employer includes a neatly typed, grammatically correct and accurate letter and resume (NO TYPOS!). Don't be satisfied with the computer spelling and grammar check on your computer. The best way to check for mistakes is to have others read and view it before sending it to employers. REMEMBER, your cover letter and resume represent YOU so make it leave the best impression.
10. Use a PROACTIVE CLOSING!
Initiate follow-up in your closing paragraph. Donât wait for the person addressed in the letter to take action. Let them know YOU will contact them with-in two weeks to discuss your qualifications with them more and to set up an interview date.