Job Discussion Forums

nickpellatt · Joined: 08 Dec 2006 Posts: 1522

Im not suprised to read that application letters for jobs in the EFL field are poorly written. Its the same in every field.

I would even dare to say the quality and aspirations of many applicants in EFL are lower than in other fields! Teaching abroad is very often a stepping stone / gap year / chance to travel option (although not always), and I guess this is reflected in the professionalism of their application, and even in classroom activities.

I know in the UK, statistics show more and more young people gaining higher exam passes and university degrees, but the simple skills that often make someone highly employable are often lacking.

I have been astounded by application letters I have seen - lets face it, a letter and even an interview isnt rocket science!

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

We once got a job application from [email protected]

Went the same way the application from [email protected]

coffeedrinker · Joined: 30 Jul 2006 Posts: 149

dmb · Joined: 12 Feb 2003 Posts: 8397

movinaround · Joined: 08 Jun 2006 Posts: 202

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

Justin Trullinger wrote:

basiltherat · Joined: 04 Oct 2003 Posts: 952

Justin Trullinger · Posted: Thu Feb 15, 2007 2:16 pm Post subject:

I'm a nice guy, Glenski! Just ask anybody who doesn't know me!

Honestly, though- I'm aware that protocols on how to start a business email are vague at best. So I'm flexible on salutations, with the caveat that the rest of the letter should show a commitment to professionalism. The questions isn't so much "do they know how to write a cover letter?" This is a skill that, once employed, they won't have to exercise much in my employ. The question is, "in the best of my judgement, are they showing a commitment to giving their professional best?"

No, I am NOT particularly forgiving when teachers who work for me screw up majorly. But though the sloppy cover letters worry, annoy, and sometimes shock me, I haven't seen the salutation in the letter to be much of an indicator of probable job performance. I'll admit that the best letters get jumped to the top of the list, but if I refused to hire anyone who wrote a lousy letter, I'd be understaffed, and would have missed the chance to work with some great teachers. I talk it over with them, though, and hope that the next time they're job hunting, it will be different.

dmb · Joined: 12 Feb 2003 Posts: 8397

A cheque book when you are 10 years old Shocked

???????

Justin Trullinger · Posted: Thu Feb 15, 2007 3:11 pm Post subject:

Well, I wouldn't give you one at that age, but balancing it is basically fourth grade math. Very Happy

Justin

danielita · Joined: 06 Mar 2006 Posts: 281 Location: SLP

From my perspective, a cover letter is an attempt to make the best first impression possible. If your letter is informal, sloppy or riddled with spelling errors, then I can't help but assume that you don't really care about the job you are applying for. It's the only thing you have to judge the applicant by and a letter like that makes me think that they aspire to mediocrity at best.
However on the forum, there are times when everyone misses a word or spells definitely wrong. It happens, but this is an informal discussion forum, not a job application.

Jizzo T. Clown · Posted: Thu Feb 15, 2007 10:47 pm Post subject:

Justin Trullinger · Posted: Thu Feb 15, 2007 10:54 pm Post subject:

I definately agree! But then, we have alot in common...

COuldn't resist,
Justin

John Hall · Posted: Fri Feb 16, 2007 1:32 am Post subject:

And then there are teachers that are really good at teaching pronounciation. Shocked

TravellingAround · Joined: 12 Nov 2006 Posts: 423