What is a Cover Letter?
3 Reason for a Cover Letter
1. Shows the applicant's personal style
2. Summarizes the applicant's qualifications for the job
3. Formal request for an interview
Unit 3 Assessment 1: Quiz on Letter Format
These are the important parts of a cover letter:
Heading And Greeting
List your name, address, phone number, email address and other ways to reach you. Also, write the date and the name of the person who will be reading your letter. Use that person's title and address.
Write the letter to a particular person whenever possible. Use Mr./Ms./ Dr./ Smith. If you aren’t sure if the person is a man or woman, use the person’s full name. Write "Dear Pat Smith" instead of "Dear Mr./Ms. Smith." If you can't find a name, use the name of their job. This could be something like Maintenance Supervisor or Office Manager. If you are still unsure, write "Human Resources" or "Search Committee." Be as specific as you can. Do not address your letter to a business, department or "To Whom It May Concern."
Opening And Introduction
An introduction tells someone about yourself. Explain who you are and your reason for writing. Say the name of the job you are applying for. Mention how you learned about the job opening. This information can be found in the job listing. Use the first paragraph to talk about your excitement, skills, schooling and work experience. Tell the person reading the letter how your skills can help their company.
Body
When applying for a particular job, use the job description as a guide. You can find the job description in the job listing. This tells you what the job is and what skills are required. Use two or three particular examples to show how you are a perfect match for the job. Give a short explanation of your skills and experience. Explain why you chose to apply to this company. Say how you can make the company better.
Closing
Ask for a chance to interview in person. An interview is a face-to-face meeting during which you and the boss can learn more each other. Tell the boss how and when you will follow up. Call or send an email within two weeks. You can also tell them the best way to reach you. Thank the person for taking the time to read your letter. Use a professional closing, such as “Sincerely.” Sign your name between the word “Sincerely” and your printed name.
"Parts of the Cover Letter" Quiz
Cover Letter Paragraph 1 : Introducing Yourself
- Statement Of application
- Specific title of job opening
- Source of information
The first paragraph of a cover letter must include a statement of application applying for job, the specific title of the job opening, and your source of information. This is the part of the letter in which applicants show their interest in the position. Remember that the opening paragraph also needs to get the employer's attention.
Cover Letter Paragraph 2 : Highlighting your skills
- Summarize 2-2 examples form your education,experience, and interests
- Show how your qualified for the job
In paragraph two in the body of the cover letter, you will summarize two or three examples from your education, experience, and interests to show a future employer how you are qualified for the job.
The examples that you choose will explain or support the information in your resume not just repeat what's in your resume, This paragraph is your chance to really stand out from all of the other applicants.Remember that employers are looking for people who can help their business or organization be successful.
Focus on how your skills and qualifications will help them.
When you are applying for a specific position, it is a good idea to use the job description or advertisement as a guide, The job description is very useful because it has key words about the skills and experience needed to do the job.
Cover Letter Paragraph 3 : Closing
In this paragraph, job seekers make a request to interview for the job, tell how they will follow up with the application and leave the reader with a positive impression.These items can be written in any order. The goal of this paragraph is to summarize your interest in the job, and show the employer that you are ready for the next step, a job interview. Although job seekers do not make the decision about the interview or schedule, they should plan to call or email the employer soon after sending the application. This shows that the applicant is serious about the job and may lead to an interview.
Language Focus
Simple Past and Present Perfect. We will first examine one use of each tense and how we form them. When writing your cover letter, it is very important that you can understand how to use both tenses correctly.
Cover Letter Paragraph 3 : Closing
- Request to Interview for the job
- Tell how they will follow up with the application
- Make a positive impression
In this paragraph, job seekers make a request to interview for the job, tell how they will follow up with the application and leave the reader with a positive impression.These items can be written in any order. The goal of this paragraph is to summarize your interest in the job, and show the employer that you are ready for the next step, a job interview. Although job seekers do not make the decision about the interview or schedule, they should plan to call or email the employer soon after sending the application. This shows that the applicant is serious about the job and may lead to an interview.
Language Focus
Simple Past and Present Perfect. We will first examine one use of each tense and how we form them. When writing your cover letter, it is very important that you can understand how to use both tenses correctly.
Understanding Quiz : "Why an Old-Fashioned Cover Letter Still Matters"
Cover Letter Formality
Why we need to think about formality?
Differences between formal and informal tone
In English, as in many other languages, we use different words and grammar forms depending on the situation we're communicating in. Choose an appropriate formal tone in your cover letter.
Opening
Too Informal : "Hi Mary:" or "Hi Mr.Smith:"
More Appropriate : "Dear Mr. Smith:" or "Dear Ms. Smith:" or "Dear Sir or Madam"
Closing
Too Informal :"Bye" Take care" Goodbye"
More Appropriate : "Sincerely" or "Your sincerely"
Avoid Contractions : "I'm" "You're" "It's"
Long forms Better : "I am" "You are" "It is"
Language Focus- Using Modal Verbs to Write Politely
Modal + simple form of verb
Would like + to + verb = polite form of "want"
Direct : I can assist your company in international markets
Polite : I could assist your company in international markets
Direct : I will assist your company in international markets.
Polite : I would assist your company in international markets.
Why we need to think about formality?
Differences between formal and informal tone
In English, as in many other languages, we use different words and grammar forms depending on the situation we're communicating in. Choose an appropriate formal tone in your cover letter.
Opening
Too Informal : "Hi Mary:" or "Hi Mr.Smith:"
More Appropriate : "Dear Mr. Smith:" or "Dear Ms. Smith:" or "Dear Sir or Madam"
Closing
Too Informal :"Bye" Take care" Goodbye"
More Appropriate : "Sincerely" or "Your sincerely"
Avoid Contractions : "I'm" "You're" "It's"
Long forms Better : "I am" "You are" "It is"
Language Focus- Using Modal Verbs to Write Politely
Modal + simple form of verb
Would like + to + verb = polite form of "want"
Direct : I can assist your company in international markets
Polite : I could assist your company in international markets
Direct : I will assist your company in international markets.
Polite : I would assist your company in international markets.
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