Cover/ Application Letter: Preparing The

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Purposive Communication

Preparing the
Cover/ Application Letter
Preparing the Cover/Application Letter

A job application letter or a cover letter is like a sales letter in which


you sell your knowledge and competence.
Without a good cover letter, your résumé is unlikely to be read.
The application letter is your selling factor and your main goal is to
market yourself.
Therefore, your application letter and accompanying resume have to
attract professionals’ attention.
Your final goal is to get an interview.
Writing a Job Application Letter or a Cover Letter

When you are writing the application letter, bear in mind to


achieve the four important tasks:
✔ Catch the reader’s attention purposively.
✔ Tailor it to the company, to the employer, and to the job.
✔ Persuade the reader that you are a qualified applicant for the
job.
✔ Request an interview.
Writing a Job Application Letter or a Cover Letter
After writing the application letter, use the checklist below to
make sure your letter has already met the needed information:
✔ The title of the job, source of your information and the statement of your objective
have to be clear.
✔ There should be a summary of your qualification for the job. This includes work
experience, educational background, and summary of relevant skills such as
leadership skills, skills, organizational skills, and intercultural communication skills.
✔ Indicate that you enclosed your CV or resumé.
✔ Request for an interview. This includes place and time you will be available and
the contact information such as phone numbers and email addresses.
✔ Identify the job. Include any information that is not included in your CV or resumé.
Writing a Job Application Letter or a Cover Letter

Before submitting your application letter, proofread it carefully.


Free it from grammatical mistakes and organizational
inconsistencies. Check also for correct punctuations, margins,
spacing, and right letter format.
Writing a Job Application Letter or a Cover Letter

General guidelines for the overall structure of your


cover letter:
✔ Format your cover letter for post, mail or email. It should consist
of one page only.
✔ Include your complete address, email address, phone numbers.

✔ Use the tile of the person when you address him/her in the
letter. If you can’t find a name, write ‘Dear Sir/ Madamme.’
✔ Use standard, easy-to-read font. Make it readable. Times New
Roman or Arial is preferred; it should be no smaller than 11 for
readability on screen.
Writing a Job Application Letter or a Cover Letter

Sample Application Letters

Two sample letters of application from JobStreet.com are posted in your


Gclassroom. The first letter (Sample #1) follows the correct format that you
should follow when sending out the application letter in print form. The second
letter (Sample #2) shows the tailored format when submitting your application
letter through email.
The Content of the Cover Letter
Introductory Paragraph
Your first paragraph must be very convincing. It tells your reader that you are the
best person for the job. It also emphasizes that you have the set of skills and
experience that make you the ideal candidate for the post.
Examples:
1. I learned that you are in need of the position of English faculty and I believe
that I have the necessary credentials for this role. I have considerable working
experience as an English Language and Literature Professor, and I enclose my CV to
support my application.
2. Please find attached CV in application for the job of financial analyst advertised
on your company’s website. I strongly believe that my competence and experience
and particularly my experience at ABC Company, and my ability to do financial
reports make me the right candidate for this post.
3. I am seeking a position as a manager in your Data Center. In such a
management position, I can use my master’s degree in information systems and my
experience as a programmer/analyst to address business challenges in data
processing.
The Content of the Cover Letter

If someone from the company refers you, include in the opening before stating
your main objective.

Example:
During the recent International Research Conference in Vietnam, one of your
research heads, Dr. Rogine Madrigal, informed me of a possible opening for a
research director in your institution. My extensive background in research and my
Master’s degree in management make me highly qualified for the position.

In the succeeding paragraphs, expand on the qualifications you mentioned in


your opening. Add any appropriate details, highlighting experience listed on your
resume that is especially pertinent to the job you are seeking.
The Content of the Cover Letter
Main Section
The main section of your cover letter should show the summary of your qualification, organized around the job
description and person specification. Describe in this section what you have accomplished, your expertise, and your special
skills needed for the job.
In this section, you also have to present how you performed your duty and demonstrated the requirement of your
previous job. Specific work of action and its effective results should also be indicated to show that you did it successfully. In
short, you have to show the clear description of the situation and more on what you did as proof of results or outcomes.
The main section of your cover letter can be structured to show the sub-section or sub- headings. The sub-section
guides the human resource manager how each requirement is met.
You may want to structure the main section of your cover letter into sub-sections, with headings, to make it easier for
the recruiter to see how you meet each requirement.

You can make use of the following phrases:


“My ability to manage ____________speaks for itself: I have accomplished the __________in my department.”

“I hope it goes without saying from my list of previous jobs that I am extremely flexible and good at _______.”

“I first developed my ______ (skill) in _________ (job), but have improved it since in ____________
(mention jobs).”
The Content of the Cover Letter
When you are done writing the main section, get back over it and check if you have already mentioned every
important skill and bits of experience that are considered crucial on the person specification. Edit and polish
until you have come up with the most ideal content of an application letter. Most recruiters prefer shorter
application containing only the most essential skills, experiences, and accomplishments.

Sample:
I have obtained Doctor of Philosophy (Educational Management), Master of Arts in Education (Major in
English and Administration & Supervision), and Bachelor of Education (Major in English, Minor in History). I have
ample experience in teaching in both local and international arenas. During the fifteen fruitful years in education,
I have gained valuable expertise on pedagogy and class management, among others, along with meaningful
experiences needed to pursue my mission and dreams in life. I have been very active in academic and
co-curricular endeavors in my desire to boost my self-esteem and build a desirable character. As an active
member of academic and civic organizations, I have developed in myself the sense of integrity and responsibility
towards other people by helping and cooperating with humility. My other special skills include Research,
Campus Journalism, Book Writing, and Quality Assurance.
I am a positive and proactive person able to do the tasks posed by my superiors. With sufficient Kaizen
knowledge, I can easily execute plans and work details and expedite the job to beat deadlines. Given a chance
to work in your prestigious institution, I will humbly discharge my duties and responsibilities for the welfare of the
institution and its clienteles.
The Content of the Cover Letter
Closing Paragraph
Your closing paragraph should be written concisely and neatly. It should make clear what
action the reader will be taking after reading your cover letter. But don’t sound arrogant.
So it might end, for example:
“I hope this convinces you that I have the necessary competence and experience to
achieve as _________________( job title). I look forward to hearing from you.”

Close with a request for an interview.


“If you find my application desirable to your needs, I am willing to come for a personal
interview. I can be reached via my email: eudencellevillahermosa@yahoo.com or through
mobile: +639488005694.”

For a letter, end it with “Yours sincerely” if you have addressed it to someone by name, and
“Yours faithfully” if you started it with “Dear Sir/Madam”.

Remember: Before you submit your application letter or cover letter, proofread or polish it
carefully.
TASK: Cover Letter/ Application Letter

1. Write a letter of application relative to your area of


specialization.
2. Provide your own details of address, names of (HR
manager or President) & contact details of your chosen
company.
3. Use the given sample template.
4. Paper size: Letter size bond paper (8.5 × 11 in.)
5. Font Style & size: Arial 12
6. Spacing: Single
Rubric for Grading:

Courteousness -20 points


Correctness - 20 points
Completeness - 20 points
Conciseness - 20 points
Clearness - 20 points
TOTAL - 100 points

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