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COVERING LETTER

By the end of todays lesson. You should be able to: 1. Organize the contents of the letter in a logical manner. 2. Write solicited and unsolicited cover letters using appropriate formal letter format, highlighting qualifications, experience and personal information that address employers needs.

DEFINITION
A cover letter is a document sent with your resume to provide additional information on your skills and experience. A cover letter typically provides detailed information on why you are qualified for the job you are applying for. Effective cover letters explain the reasons for your interest in the specific organization and identify your most relevant skills or experiences.

A cover letter typically accompanies each resume you send out. Your cover letter may make the difference between obtaining a job interview and having your resume ignored, so it makes good sense to devote the necessary time and effort to writing effective cover letters.

A cover letter should complement, not duplicate, your resume. Its purpose is to interpret the dataoriented, factual resume and add a personal touch. A cover letter is often your earliest written contact with a potential employer, creating a critical first impression.

When writing a cover letter, the layout of your letter is important, so it's easy to read and looks professional.

Block Format-Open punctuation


Address: Inside and receivers Date: Top, in between, traditional Salutation Title of letter 3 paragraphs Complementary Close/ closure Signature Enclosure

Addresses/
* 6 Jalan Larah Sungai Rokam 31350 Ipoh * Personnel Officer University Kuala Lumpur Jalan Raja Nazrin Shah 31500 Ipoh

*date

Inside

Receivers 13 January 2013

* Dates

Salutation
Dear Sir/ Madam Personnel Officer/Manager Human Resource Officer/Manager Recruitment Officer/ Manager Personnel Department Human Resource Department Recruitment Department This is usually the name given under attention

Dear Sirs

Dear Mr. Lim Dear Puan Che Lily Dear Mr. Nathan

Title of letter
Application for the post of IT Officer Application for the post of Sales Engineer. APPLICATION FOR THE POST OF SITE SUPERVISOR

Structure and Content


First Paragraph

Mention where you found out about the job vacancy and show interest in the position.

Your advertisement for the post of technician on the 5 of September in The Star caught my attention. I was drawn to the advertisement by my strong interest in Mechanical

Engineering/working as a technician.

1) I was interested to see your advertisement for (position) in (paper) / on (site). 2) I noticed with interest your advertisement for (position) in (paper) / on (site) 3) I am applying for the position of (position), which was advertised (date) in (paper). 4) (Name) advised / informed me of a (position) that is available at your company. 5) I was referred to you by (name), who informed me of a (position) that is available at your company.

6) Perhaps I am the person you seek in your advertisement in today's / yesterday's (paper).
7) When I read your advertisement for (position) in (paper) / on (site), I could not help noticing how well your requirements align with my experience / education / background / skills / career interests / ... . 8) The position seems to fit very well with my experience / education / background / skills / career interests / ... 9) I am very interested in applying for the position (of ...) 10) My experience / education / background / skills / ... make me an ideal candidate for the position. 11) I have the experiences / skills / ... you desire (in your advertisement).

Second paragraph

What You Have to Offer. Convince the readers that they should grant the interview or appointment you requested in the first paragraph. Make connections between your abilities and their needs or your need for information and their ability to provide it.

I am now in my fifth semester and will be graduating in with a Diploma in. As part of my course requirements, I did a sixmonth professional attachment at . I serviced, maintained, trouble-shoot and repaired faulty machines. I was also actively involved with many activities at the polytechnic as an organiser. I am certain that my experience in UOP. will be beneficial to your company

Final Paragraph:

Conclude your cover letter by thanking the employer for considering you for the position. Include information on how you will follow-up. State that you will do so and indicate when (one week's time is typical). You may want to reduce the time between sending out your resume and follow up if you fax or e-mail it.

Enclosed is my resume which details my qualifications and experience. I would be glad to attend an interview at any time convenient to you. You can reach me at 016 590 5045. Thank you for your time and consideration. An early reply would be greatly appreciated.

I) I would like very much to talk with you concerning a position at your company / (name of the company). 2) I am eager to talk with you about the contribution I could make to your firm. 3) I would appreciate the chance to meet with you to discuss how I could be a vital part of your company. 4) I am confident that I can perform the job effectively, and I am excited about the idea of working for your firm. 5) I would welcome the opportunity to discuss these and other qualifications with you. 6) If you would like to schedule an interview or otherwise discuss my interest in this position, please call me at the number listed above. 7) If you are interested, please contact me at (number).

8) You may reach me at the above phone number or email address. 9) Should you have any questions before that time, feel free to call me at the number listed above / to contact me via the email address listed above.

10) Should you wish to contact me before then, you may/ can reach me via phone (number) or via email (email address).
11) I look forward to hearing from you soon. 12) As a fresh graduate, I hope to be paid fairly according to my qualifications and experience.

Complementary Close/Signature
Dear Sir/ Madam Dear Sirs Yours faithfully

Anis Adella
(Anis Adella Binti Nasaruddin)

Dear Mr. Lim Dear Puan Che Lily Dear Mr. Nathan

Yours sincerely

Anis Adella
(Anis Adella Binti Nasaruddin)

ENCLOSURE

Encl

Resume

Encl

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