this a sample of one of my spec letters. is it good. in what ways could i improve it.?

Question

Russell Ham
77 Church Street
Highbridge
Somerset
TA9 3HT
Tel: [phone]
Mobile: [phone]

December 5th, 2006
Bridgwater Times
27a High Street
Bridgwater
Somerset
TA6 3BG

Dear Eira Powell,

Re: vacancies
I am writing to enquire about the Customer Care vacancy available in your company. As you can see from my CV, I have worked for a number of companies and have gained valuable skills and have increased knowledge. I am interested in pursuing a career in Administration and I would like a job that involves Customer Service. I was wondering if you would be prepared to take on more staff at present.
As you will see from my CV, I have been working as a volunteer in a RSPCA retail shop for the past 8 months. In that position I was responsible for preparing and pricing items, stock inventory, serving customers, operating the till and making deliveries/collections. I have worked closely with the public and learnt a number of new skills which I would like to put to use in a similar position. My last employers are happy to provide references for me. I enjoy my time spent with my previous employers and I have an enthusiasm towards committing myself to a new challenge. I have the confidence to succeed in any role and wish to further myself and the company with my vast experience.
I am available to start work immediately and have enclosed a copy of my CV for your consideration. I would be grateful if you would contact me if you have any temporary or full time vacancies available in your company, or keep my information on file in case of future openings. Please do not hesitate to contact me at any time on the numbers provided if you would like to discuss any aspects of my application.
I look forward to speaking with you shortly

Yours sincerely,

Russell Ham

Answer 1

I would not use "speaking with you shortly". Say I will appreciate your response at your earliest convenience. Good luck.

Answer 2

Put their address in the top left hand corner and yours in the right: I am writing to enquire as to whether you have any Customer Care vacancies: valuable skills and knowledge, not increased knowledge: This position involved preparing and pricing items: I enjoyed my time spent: Is your experience really vast?: I look forward to hearing from you soon: Otherwise it`s good.

Answer 3

Get to the point - I wouldn't even look at your CV after this letter. Sorry, but it is laborious. Your CV will be with the letter, so mke mention of it only at the end of a very brief introduction and question, such as:

Dear Named Person/Sir (see ending)

I understand you may be hiring...
I believe I fit the bill...
I know I can offer your company....

I enclose my CV for your consideration and look forward to hearing from you in the near future.

Yours sincerely/faithfully

sign


Name


Be prepared to follow up any letter with a courtesy phone call. Tailor your letter and CV to the role you are pursuing.

Answer 4

At the start you mention you are enquiring about a particular vacancy, then go on to ask if they have any vacancies. This doesn't quite make sense.

Answer 5

that's GRAND . lots of words . keep the detail , and maintain importance , shorter version more to the point.