How to write a formal e-mail

Formal e-mails in English

Dear readers,
After writing a post on "how to describe photos in English", I am going to write about something that it can come very handy in case you want to apply for a job in an English speaking country.
From my own experience I can say that this "writing task" is the one that I have used most in real life. It´s fair enough that you have to learn how to write a story in English, an argumentative essay or a newspaper article but I have not written any of them in real life yet.At the end of the day you just end up writing e-mails, filling in application packs, filling in complaint forms and many other types of forms to apply for everything: from Tesco´s card to the national insurance number.Consequently, I think you will find this post extremely useful.
So if you need to write a formal e-mail to apply for a position abroad,follow the tips below:

• Start your e-mail using: Dear Sir/Madam if you don´t know the name/ gender of the addressee.
• Start using Mr or Mrs + surname if you do know the name of the addressee.
• After the greeting,continue "I am writing + reason ", for example: I am writing to apply for the helpdesk assistant position you offer.
• Continue: "As you can see in my CV" and go on talking about your experience and personal skills related to the job you are applying for.
• Use full forms, never contractions.
• Use "I would be grateful if you could send me an application pack", for example.
• If you want to attach your CV you can use this expression:"please find my CV attached".
• To finish, don´t forget to say "I look forward to hearing from you" or "If you need further information about my CV, work experience,do not hesitate to contact me by e-mail or on my cell:xxxxxxxxxx"
• Type in your contact information: full name, current job title and/or company, telephone number, email address and website, if relevant.
• According to http://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/cv/coveringletters.htm, the structure should look like this:

First Paragraph State the job you’re applying for. Where you found out about it (advert in The Guardian newspaper etc. - organisations like to know which of their advertising sources are being successful) When you're available to start work (and end if it's a placement)

Second Paragraph Why you're interested in that type of work Why the company attracts you (if it's a small company say you prefer to work for a small friendly organisation!)

Third Paragraph Summarise your strengths and how they might be an advantage to the organisation. Relate your skills to the competencies required in the job.

Last Paragraph Mention any dates that you won't be available for interview Thank the employer and say you look forward to hearing from them soon.

If you start with a name (e.g. "Dear Mr Bloggs") you should end with "Yours sincerely". If you start with "Dear Sir or Madam" you should end with "Yours faithfully".