JOB APPLICATION LETTER notherwise called as cover letter

JOB APPLICATION LETTER notherwise called as cover letter nlike a sales letter, it is written to sell one’s services. nshould be drafted carefully as it is related with one’s career. ncarries sequence of information regarding the qualification and experience.

Types of application letter: Solicited letter -an application letter that is sent to a company that advertises its vacancies through the media Unsolicited letter -an application letter that is sent to a company although you do not know whethere is a vacancy or not in that company.

GUIDELINES FOR JOB APPLICATION LETTER n 1 ST paragraph- Why you are writing n 2 nd paragraph- What you have to offer n 3 rd paragraph- How you will follow up

STRUCTURE OF AN APPLICATION LETTER n Date of Letter n Applicant’s Complete Address n Employer’s Complete Name, Title and Address n Salutation: Dear Mr. /Ms. Last Name: n Letter Content/Body n Closing (Use: Sincerely or Sincerely yours; Respectfully or Respectfully yours) n Enclosure: (If a resume or other enclosures are used, note in your letter) 4

Opening Paragraph State why you are writing, name the position or name of work for which you are applying and mention how you heard of the opening or the organization. 5

Sample Opening Paragraph: n. I am writing to express my keen interest in obtaining a Flight Attendant position with the Jeremy Airways. n. I am interested in the Flight Attendant position advertised in the Philippine Daily Inquirer last August 25, 2013. n. I am applying for the Flight Attendant position with the Jeremy Airways.

Sample Opening Paragraph: Your Flight Attendant position, as advertised in the Philippine Star, caught my attention because it involves customer service, safety tasks, and hospitality. I have been seeking such a great challenge and am positive that my skills and background would greatly complement your requirements.

Second Paragraph(s): n Explain why you are interested in working for the employer. n Specify your reasons for desiring such type of work. n If you have had relevant work experience or related education, be sure to point it out, but do not reiterate your entire resume. 8

Second Paragraph(s): n Emphasize skills or abilities you have that relate to the job for which you are applying. n Be sure to do this in a confident manner and remember that the reader will view your letter of application as an example of your writing skills. n Simply put, WHY ARE YOU THE BEST CANDIDATE? n Remember, you are interpreting your 9 resume, not repeating it.

Sample Second Paragraph I believe I meet all the requirements listed in your advertisement. As an X graduate, I have great knowledge regarding all aspects of…I have good command of all the required software programs, including Word, Excel, and accounting softwares. I am proficient in …

Sample Second Paragraph My major experience and achievements to date include… I believe my experience in the. . . qualify me for consideration. If you would like, I can provide you with current samples of my work.

Final Paragraph (Call to Action): n. Indicate your desire for a personal interview. n. You may suggest alternative dates/times or advise of your flexibility as to time/place, and would like to set up an interview or say you are willing to accommodate the company’s schedule and request. 12

Sample Final Paragraph My resume is enclosed for your review. I would be pleased to have a meeting with you to discuss the requirements of your flight attendant position and my skills in detail. I will call you within a week to follow-up. In the interim, I can be reached at [contact #]. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to meet you soon in order to explore this opportunity further. 13

Language Focus Expressing how you get the information about the vacancy. If you got information from the advertisement I have read your advertisement in. . . (where) on. . . (when) I am applying for. . . which you advertised in. . . on. . . With reference to your advertisement in. . . I am writing to you in response to your advertisement for. . . If someone recommended you A friend of mine working in your company told me that. . . Mr. Robbie Williams, who works in your Accounts Department, told me that you will soon have a vacancy for … If there is no advertisement or recommendation I am writing to ask if you might have a vacancy in your. . . Department

Expressing when and where you graduate from: I just graduated from. . . this year, I completed. . . This year I will finish. . . Expressing that you are interested in the job advertised : I would like to apply for a job as. . . I believe you will find that my experience in. . . have prepared me well for the position as. . . in your company. I am very interested in working as. . . Please accept this letter as an expression of interest in the position of. . . Please consider my applications for. . . position

Expressing what you think you can offer them I have done some practical work and. . . I have participated in workshops. . . I have had extensive practice in. . . As you can see from my enclosed resume, my experience and qualifications match this position's requirements. During. . . I improved (furthered, extended, etc. ) my knowledge of. . . I am familiar with the requirements for success in the profession and believe I possess the right combination of …. . My current position. . . has provided the opportunity to

Referring to the enclosures • I am enclosing. . . • Please find my enclosed. . . • Enclosed you will find. . . • As you can see from my enclosed resume. . . • I have enclosed a copy of my resume for your review. • The attached resume lists more specific information concerning these experiences and my qualifications. • As you can see from my enclosed resume, my experience and qualifications match this position's requirements.

Expressing that you look forward to an interview I look forward to an opportunity to speak with you in person. (OR to speak with you personally) I would welcome the opportunity to personally discuss my potential contributions to your company with you. I look forward to the opportunity to personally discuss why I am particularly suited to this position. Referring to future contact I look forward to hearing from you soon. I look forward to meeting you. I look forward to seeing you.

Important Notes: Begin your application letter by placing your address first, followed by the address of the company you are writing to. Use complete title and address; don't abbreviate. Always make an effort to write directly to the person in charge of hiring. Always sign letters.