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Cover Letter. OBJECTIVE. At the end of the lesson, students should be able to write a cover letter that accompanies a resume. INTRODUCTION. It highlights key points in your resume. Expresses your interest in a position. Shows off your qualifications to a prospective employer. SOME TIPS !.
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OBJECTIVE At the end of the lesson, students should be able to write a cover letter that accompanies a resume
INTRODUCTION • It highlights key points in your resume. • Expresses your interest in a position. • Shows off your qualifications to a prospective employer.
SOME TIPS ! Use first person pronoun Write your cover letter in first person ‘I’. Description Be brief - do not over explain everything. 5 1 Signature Sign your name – avoid using script fonts on the computers . Be truthful Tell the truth- never make up 6 2 Tone Be sure the writing tone is positive and pleasant. Specify career goals State the career goals based on the post you are applying for. 3 7 Deadly typos Don’t misspell anything at all! Be professional Do not write about your personal life unless they relate to the job at hand. 8 4
TYPES Three main types: 1. The application letter which responds to a known job opening. 2. The prospecting letter which inquires about possible positions. 3. The networking letter which requests information and assistance in your job search. → Hard copy correspondence → E-mail correspondence
FORMAT • Contact Information • Date of writing the cover letter • Employer Contact Information • Salutation • Contents of cover Letter (Opening, Body, Closing paragraphs) • Complimentary close • Signature
PRE-WRITING • Find out details about the company or employer in mind- websites, brochures, pamphlets, etc. • Study about the job openings- choose the one related to you. • Brainstorm the reasons why you are the ideal candidate.
MORE TIPS ! • Put some effort to find out the name of the person the letter should be addressed to. • Make sure the date of the cover letter is within the duration of the job opening. • Avoid writing more than one page. • Do not repeat what appear in your resume.
BEGINNING Begin with… 1. Your name, complete contact address, and email address. 2. Date 3. The organization’s complete contact address, and email address. 4. Proper salutation • Dear En. Ahmad Nazri • Dear Mr. Lee Wee Liew • Dear Mr. Ananda Vijay • Dear Human Resource Manager 5. Cover letter title
Example Diane bt.Rexy,32 Jln. BaktiAmpasu,Johor.Tel: 019-999 9999 dianerexy@xxx.comDate: September 26th, 2012. Jabar El-Jabar,Human Resource Manager,999 South Whisteria Avenue,Kuala Lumpur. Tel: 011-111 1111jabareljabar@yyy.comDear Mr. Jabar, Application for a post of a Power-controlled Engineer
OPENING • The initial paragraph cites job title or functional area of interest. • State where you learn about the vacancy (date and source), the reason for writing. • Mention your background of current position.
Example I am interested in the position as a power-controlled engineer (job title) as advertised on September 20th, 2012 in your company’s website, www.company.com (date and source). I am currently employed as a plant engineer and the experience I have gained from the current job is suitable with the requirement laid in your advertisement. (background of current job).
BODY Body Paragraph(s) • Elaborates on skills for the position • Highlights education for the position • Highlights experience for the position • Highlights training attended • Explains how you will be valuable to the company
Example In my position as a plant engineer, I am responsible to audit the operations of a manufacturing site, facility and/or company to identify deficiencies in human resources, equipment and processes, making recommendations to improve productivity and lower costs(skills for position). Having an Engineering Technology degree from WOW University College has given me the solid foundation to perform the required duties (education). I believe my vast experience in the oil and gas industry alongside with my excellent communication skills qualify me to work at your organization (experience). I have also attended various production technology seminars that provide the chances for me to be up-to-date with the evolving technology (training). I am a life-long learner and I will keep on growing from day to do to serve your company at my best (you as the asset of the company).
CLOSING • Mentions the attached resume. • Ask for an interview with specific contact details, e.g. state either address or hand phone number.
Example I attach herewith my resume for your reference (mentions resume).I enthusiastically look forward to applying my knowledge and experience into practice at your company. I can easily be contacted for an interview at 019-999 9999 or dianerexy@xxx.com(request for interview with specific contact details). I look forward to receiving your reply.
COMPLIMENTARY CLOSE Some examples include: Respectfully, Respectfully yours, Sincerely, Sincerely yours, Yours sincerely, Yours truly, With appreciation, With gratitude,
Continued Correctness • Refers to accurate grammar, spelling, and punctuation. • Ensure that syntax are correct • correct use of subject-verb agreements • e.g. the word “data” is a plural word and takes a plural verb and plural articles.
Continued Clarity • Refers to ideas that are clearly expressed. • Avoid the overuse of jargon and acronyms. • Clear writing involves the elimination of • unnecessary words • roundabout expressions (wordiness) • needless repetition • jargon • acronyms
Continued Conciseness • Refers to the economical use of words. • Ideas are concisely delivered by using appropriate vocabulary.
Continued Coherence • Refers to the logical flow of ideas. • The use of transition -logical movement from one idea to the next.
Continued Control • Refers mainly to total organization of the cover letter. • Excellent fulfilment of the task requirements in the introductory, body and concluding paragraphs.
KEYWORDS Keywords from the job ad gives you all the information you need. Make a list:
FINAL CHECK • Double and triple check before sending. • Check for spelling errors and typos. • Don not go over a page. • Be sure to send both resume and resume cover letter to the prospective employer.
ACTIVITIES LET’S PRACTICE