OR, MAILS Letters

As for the cv… Well organized Neat paragraphs Use of targeted vocabulary Error-free in spelling, grammar and syntax Proofread your letter carefully

What to avoid Inappropiate or offensive comments (be politically correct!) Unnecessary information Excessive length

Tone Friendly Polite

Get to the point Keep it simple Use passive and active voice Use nondiscriminatory language

Keep it simple Otherwise, you might be perceived as a con artist Or your message might become confusing Examples: 1. Subsequent to the passage of the subject legislation, it is incumbent upon you to advise your organization to comply with it. 2. After the law passes, you must tell your people to comply with it.

Passive and Active Voice Three basic characteristics 1. A form of the verb to be 2. A past participle 3. A prepositional phrase beginning with by (complemento d’agente) Example: The interview is being held by the human resources department It was decided that the experiment would be conducted at noon.

Passive and Active Voice 2 A: “I decided that everyone must retake the exam.” P: “It has been decided that everyone must retake the exam.” 1. When you don’t know the actor 2. When the actor is unimportant to the point you’re making (“The Congressman was reelected.”) 3. When the emphasis is clearly not on the actor but on the acted upon (“What happened to the little girl? She was rescued, thanks God.”)

Politeness in Interaction Thanking (thanks, thank you, I appreciate it) (It was my pleasure, My pleasure, Not at all, Don’t mention it, You’re welcome, Sure, No problem, Any time) (Thank you for your time)

Negative Politeness To respect other people’s privacy or space, or to restore friendly relations if something has gone wrong. Excuses and apologies: 1. For something we are about to do (pre-excuses) 2. For something we have already done (post-excuses)

Positive politeness To create solidarity and good relations Compliments

Being Politically Correct Gender: Use non-sexist language  Use neutral job titles Chairman>chairperson Mankind>Humankind  Avoid demeaning or stereotypical terms  Avoid words and phrases that unnecessarily imply gender  Omit information about group membership  If you don’t know a reader’s/partner’s/colleague’s gender, use a non-sexist salutation  Do not use masculine pronouns (“If anybody comes, tell them to wait”)

Salutations Dear Mr., Miss, Ms, Mrs, Doctor, Dear Sir/Sirs, Dear Madam, Dear Sir or Madam, Dear Gentlemen/Ladies: To whom it may concern First name

Openings With reference to your mail of June 8th, I… In reply to your mail of May 8th, … I am writing to enquire about … After seeing your advertisement I recently wrote to you about … Please accept this letter as an expression of interest in the position of…

Closing Lines If you require any further information, feel free to contact me Should you need any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me I hope that we may continue to work as partners in the future I look forward to a successful working relationship in the future Once again, I apologise for any inconvenience I would welcome the opportunity to personally discuss my potential contributions to your company with you. I look forward to your reply. Best regards Your sincerely Your faithfully