WRITING A COVERING WRITING A COVERING LETTERLETTER

Intro:Intro:

-Job application letter is the cover -Job application letter is the cover letter for your job applicationletter for your job application- is accompanied by your CV or - is accompanied by your CV or resumeresume- A job application letter – a - A job application letter – a complement not duplicate your complement not duplicate your resume.resume.

- To interpret data-oriented, factual - To interpret data-oriented, factual resume and add a personal touch.resume and add a personal touch.- reasons for your interest in the - reasons for your interest in the organization organization - identify your most relevant skills - identify your most relevant skills or experiences.or experiences.

- Express a high level of interest - Express a high level of interest and knowledge about the positionand knowledge about the position

Objectives:Objectives:

1. To draw attention to relevant 1. To draw attention to relevant qualification and experiences listed qualification and experiences listed in the resume.in the resume.

2. To match what you have to offer 2. To match what you have to offer and the potential employer needs.and the potential employer needs.

3. To persuade your future 3. To persuade your future employer to consider the employer to consider the application carefully.application carefully.

4. To introduce yourself 4. To introduce yourself

5. To ask for an interview.5. To ask for an interview.

Guidelines:Guidelines:Basic format – 3 important issuesBasic format – 3 important issues1) First paragraph- 1) First paragraph- Why you are writing?Why you are writing?2) Middle paragraph- 2) Middle paragraph- What you have to offer?What you have to offer?3) Concluding paragraph- 3) Concluding paragraph- How you will follow-up?How you will follow-up?

1. 1. First/Opening/IntroductoryFirst/Opening/Introductory

- Why you are writing to the - Why you are writing to the company?company?If it is an advertised position – If it is an advertised position – mention the position, title and mention the position, title and where it was advertised.where it was advertised.

Example:Example:

* I wish to apply for the position of an * I wish to apply for the position of an accountant….accountant….

* I am writing to you in response yo * I am writing to you in response yo your advertisement for the position your advertisement for the position of……of……

2. 2. Middle paragraphMiddle paragraph

- Two or three paragraphs only.- Two or three paragraphs only.-Tell them what you have to offer -Tell them what you have to offer - why they should read your CV- why they should read your CV-Summarize your experience and skills-Summarize your experience and skills= respond to the position requirements = respond to the position requirements as per the advertisementas per the advertisement

- Analyze your career – summarize - Analyze your career – summarize in few sentences, highlight what you in few sentences, highlight what you specialize in, how many years in the specialize in, how many years in the industry you might have or level industry you might have or level that you have reached.that you have reached.

- This paragraph should direct the - This paragraph should direct the reader to your CVreader to your CV- Should sell you on some unique - Should sell you on some unique points that you might havepoints that you might have- Brief description of your personal - Brief description of your personal skills ( communication skills or skills ( communication skills or leadership skills)leadership skills)

Example:Example:

a) a) As you can see from my enclosed As you can see from my enclosed resume, my experience and resume, my experience and qualifications match the requirements qualifications match the requirements for this position.for this position.

b) I believe I possess the right b) I believe I possess the right combination of….skillscombination of….skills

3. Closing Paragraph3. Closing Paragraph

-Should ask for some action from -Should ask for some action from the recipient. (ex. Request for an the recipient. (ex. Request for an interview)interview)- Provide contact number + e-mail - Provide contact number + e-mail address- to ease reader to reach address- to ease reader to reach you.you.

- Should thank the recipient – giving - Should thank the recipient – giving opportunity to apply.opportunity to apply.- End letter – Closing Remarks - End letter – Closing Remarks ( Yours sincerely, Yours faithfully)( Yours sincerely, Yours faithfully)follow general letter writing follow general letter writing etiquette or rules/format.etiquette or rules/format.- Leave space for signature- Leave space for signature- Write your full name- Write your full name

Example:Example:

1) 1) I look forward to an I look forward to an opportunity to speak with you in opportunity to speak with you in person.person.2) I have enclosed a copy of my 2) I have enclosed a copy of my resume for your review.resume for your review.3) I look forward to an early 3) I look forward to an early reply.reply.

NOW….NOW….

We are all ready to write our :

CVCOVER LETTERS

All the best!!!