Highlights: Wk 12 Sess 2_L02

Writing verbs in the right tense in a cover letter

Activity 4.14 Writing verbs in the right tense (P.28)

Read the sentences below and fill in the gaps with the bracketed word in the right form.

coordinate

maintaining

including

am involved

conduct

Writing verbs in the right tense in a cover letter

have become

delegates

have worked

has taught

Writing verbs in the right tense in a cover letter

led

was able

research

execute

Writing verbs in the right tense in a cover letter

learnt/learned

joined

presenting

working

work

collaborate

Writing verbs in the right tense in a cover letter

leading

managing

have attained

meeting

discussing

Cover letter

• What is the purpose of a cover letter?
• What should be included in a cover letter?
• What is the format of a cover letter?

Cover letter: purpose

• A cover letter is a highlight of one’s CV.
• It provides examples and fills gaps.
• It provides an opportunity to sell ourselves by highlighting our strengths, achievement, as well as information such as personal qualities that is not mentioned in the CV.

Cover letter: preparation

Read the job specification before you appy.

1. Make sure that you know what you are applying for.

2. Make it professional.

3. Show that you are really enthusiastic about the job.

Your letter should be written in a formal tone.

Explain how the job interests you.

Cover letter: preparation

Highlight relevant experience to indicate suitability.

4. Tailor your cover letter to the employer or position.

5. Research the company.

6. Keep your letter short and simple in style.

Make sure you know their mission and vision.

Employers do not have a lot of time to spend on reviewing applications.

Cover letter: components

Activity 4.11

Identifying components of a job application letter (P.25)

Generally, major components include:

• Recipient's name, position, department and the address of the prospective employer
• salutation
• Signature
• Subject line

• Applicant's contact information
• Body text
• Complimentary close
• Date of submission
• Endnote

Cover letter: components

Try to identify the major components of a standard job application letter.

Applicant's contact

information

Date of submission

Recipient's name

position, department

and the address of the

prospective employer

Cover letter: components

Salutation

Subject line

Body text

Cover letter: components

Complimentary close

signature

Endnote

Inappropriateness

3

I am definitely sure that my skills and experience will be of great use to your company.

My skills and experience should enable me to contribute to the post and the company.

It sounds too confident. How can she be 'definitely' certain that her skills and experience will be of 'great use' to the company.

Inappropriateness

Delete it.

4

My existing remuneration package is not satisfactory.

This suggests that she is looking only for financial benefits, rather than job satisfaction or fulfillment of a career goal. It is also inappropriate to criticize your existing employer or company.

Inappropriateness

5

I would be most grateful if you could allow me to talk to you in detail in an interview.

The tone is too casual. To just 'talk to' the interviewer doesn't match the tone of the whole sentence, in which the earlier part is formal.

Be more formal. Change to 'I would be most grateful if you could allow me to discuss with you/ present the information in detail in an interview.'

Inappropriateness

The tone is too casual.

Thanks a lot.

6

Thank you very much for your attention.

Some points to remember

The format:

• Introduction:
• provide the purpose of the letter (I am writing ...)
• Briefly introduce education and work experience

Some points to remember

Body text:

• mainly mapping the responsibilities and requirements of the job and the applicant's ability and skills e.g.
• leadership: collaborate with other parties to organise special events

Some points to remember

Conclusion:

• generally aim at obtaining an interview opportunity e.g.
• I would be grateful for an interview opportunity ...

Some points to remember

Some useful expressions:

• I am writing to apply for the captioned position as advertised on ...
• I am writing to apply for the position of ...
• With my experience and abilities, I believe that I would be ...
• With my skills and abilities, I believe that I would make a suitable candidate for this position.

Some points to remember

Some useful expressions:

• I would very much appreciate an opportunity
• I would be grateful for an interview opportunity where I could explain my credentials in great detail.
• Thank you for your consideration.
• Thank you for your time.
• I look forward to hearing from you

Some points to remember

I believe that my skills and abilities would make me a suitable candidate for this job position, and I would be grateful for an interview opportunity where I can explain my credentials in greater detail. Please feel free to contact

me anytime at 94229422 or jennylee@gmail.com for more information regarding my application.