1.
When should you send a covering letter?
Correct Answer
A. Every time you are sending your CV to an employer.
Explanation
A covering letter should be sent every time you are sending your CV to an employer because it serves as an introduction and provides additional information about your qualifications and experience. It allows you to highlight specific skills and achievements that are relevant to the job you are applying for. Sending a covering letter shows professionalism and demonstrates your interest in the position. It also gives you an opportunity to explain any gaps in your employment history or address any concerns the employer may have. Overall, including a covering letter increases your chances of getting noticed and considered for the job.
2.
It is okay to write a standard application letter for sending to all companies.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
Writing a standard application letter to send to all companies is not recommended. Each company has unique requirements and preferences, and tailoring the application letter to match those specific needs increases the chances of getting noticed and considered for the position. A generic letter may come across as impersonal and demonstrate a lack of effort and interest in the specific company and role. Therefore, it is important to customize the application letter for each company to showcase genuine interest and suitability for the position.
3.
Which of the following should NOT feature in the final paragraph of an application letter?
Correct Answer
D. Why you are applying for the position
Explanation
This should have been dealt with long before the final paragraph.
4.
What length should an application letter normally be?
Correct Answer
C. No more than one page of A4.
Explanation
An application letter should normally be no more than one page of A4. This is because employers or recruiters often receive a large number of applications and may not have the time or patience to read through lengthy letters. A concise and well-structured one-page letter allows the applicant to effectively communicate their qualifications, skills, and interest in the position without overwhelming the reader. It also demonstrates the applicant's ability to prioritize information and communicate succinctly, which are valuable skills in the professional world.
5.
How should you start a letter if you do not have a named person to write to?
Correct Answer
C. Dear Sir
Explanation
When starting a letter without a named person to write to, it is appropriate to begin with "Dear Sir." This is a formal and respectful way to address the recipient when you are unsure of their specific identity or gender. It is a commonly used salutation in business correspondence when the intended recipient is a man, but their name is unknown. Using "Dear Sir" maintains a professional tone and shows that you are addressing the letter to someone of authority or importance within the organization.
6.
You do not need to write a cover letter if you are emailing your CV to an employer.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
You should include your cover letter in the body of the email, remembering not to use formatting, as it might look very different in another email package. Keep it simple
7.
Long paragraphs are expected in application letters, so job-seekers can discuss their skills and qualifications in great detail.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
Long paragraphs are not expected in application letters. Job-seekers should aim to be concise and to the point in their letters, highlighting their skills and qualifications in a clear and organized manner. Employers often receive numerous applications and may not have the time or patience to read lengthy paragraphs. Therefore, it is important for job-seekers to make their letters easy to read and understand by using short paragraphs and bullet points to convey their relevant information effectively.
8.
Which of the following should NOT be included in an application letter?
Correct Answer
C. Your problems with previous employers
Explanation
Do not include any negative information in an application letter, and never criticize previous employers.
9.
If you begin a letter with "Dear Sir," you should end it with:
Correct Answer
C. Yours faithfully
Explanation
When starting a letter with "Dear Sir," it indicates a formal and professional tone. In such cases, it is appropriate to end the letter with "Yours faithfully." This closing phrase conveys respect and indicates that the writer is faithfully and sincerely addressing the recipient. "Yours sincerely" is typically used when the letter is addressed to a specific person by name, while "Yours" is too informal for a formal letter. Therefore, "Yours faithfully" is the most suitable ending for a letter that begins with "Dear Sir."
10.
If you begin a letter with 'Dear Mrs. Hope,’ you should end it with 'Yours sincerely.”
Correct Answer
A. Yours sincerely
Explanation
The correct answer is "Yours sincerely" because when you start a letter with a specific salutation like "Dear Mrs. Hope," it indicates a formal and professional tone. "Yours sincerely" is the appropriate closing for a formal letter, expressing respect and sincerity towards the recipient. The other options, such as "From," "Yours faithfully," and "Yours," are not suitable closings for a letter that begins with a formal salutation.