The Importance of Genre Analysis in Discourse: A Case Study of English Job Application Letters

'Genre' is an important component of discourse features. When analyzing dialogues or texts, if we only focus on the cohesive means or inter-sentential relationships of the discourse, and neglect the macro-structural analysis of the discourse, as well as the social function and communicative purposes of the discourse genre, it would be difficult to effectively and appropriately use English for communication. In the classroom, we learn that the English job application letter is a specific discourse genre with distinct communicative purposes and social functions. Its macro-structure generally includes seven 'moves': (1) introducing candidature, (2) establishing credentials, (3) offering incentives, (4) enclosing documents, (5) using pressure tactics, (6) soliciting response, and (7) ending politely (Bhatia:1993:62). These seven moves are determined by the communicative purposes and functions of the job application letter as a specific discourse genre, and they constitute the recognition structure of this genre. A well-written job application letter must follow this cognitive model. Undoubtedly, understanding and mastering the macro-structure and cognitive model of English job application letters will help us write authentic English job application letters. In this sense, genre analysis must be included in discourse analysis, and successful discourse teaching requires us to value genre analysis.