Lesson 2 – Letter of Application, and the Resume

Objectives:

At the end of the lesson, you should be able to:

1. Discuss the principles of good application letter writing

2. Write an application letter following the principles of effective business letter writing
3. Compose an impressive resume’

A. The Application Letter

The main purpose of the application letter is to convince the reader that the
applicant is able and qualified for the position; the writer should confirm that he is a
person of good character and values. Although this cannot be written directly into the
letter, it is suggested by the qualities of the letter and the references that the applicant
provides.
The successful letter of application is one which makes a strong and favourable
impression upon the reader. Therefore it should be well-written, clearly worded, and
properly formatted.
There are two types of application letter: the solicited letter replying to an
advertisement either in print or in broadcast media, and the unsolicited letter. Both
conform to the same principles.
The cover letter also called a Letter of Application or face letter, accompanies the
resume. The application should not be more than one page long if it is accompanied by
a data sheet or resume although this rule is subordinate to the effectiveness and
completeness of the letter.
A face letter includes the following essential points:
1. The source of the information
2. The job you are applying for
3. Your primary assets stating your qualifications needed for the job
4. Names of persons you can use as reference
5. Your desire for interview

The character references are at least three persons who can vouch for the
capabilities, personality, and character traits of the writer. They should be credible
personalities, who are successful in their chosen fields of endeavour.

Sample Letter of Application

 208 San Isidro Street
Binmaley, Pangasinan
May 8, 2020

Mr. Marvin F. Napales

Personnel Manager
Sonny Philippines Incorporated
Rivera St., Dagupan City

Sir:

Your advertisement in the April 30, 2020 issue of the Sunday Punch calls for an
Executive Secretary who is proficient in communication skills, computer literate, and with
pleasing personality. I sincerely believe that I met your requirements for the position.

I am Kimberly Ann H. Ocampo, 20 years old and a graduate Bachelor of Science in

Psychology at Lyceum Northwestern University, Dagupan City this March, 2020 as a cum laude.

I consider as my assets: my proficiency in both written and spoken English and Filipino,
my computer skills, and my leadership skills which were honed in my capacity as the editor in
chief of my school’s student publication and as a Sangguniang Kabataan Chairman of our
Barangay. I am hardworking, efficient and highly driven, and I am willing to undergo training to
further improve my capabilities.

For your perusal and evaluation, I have enclosed my resume which includes my special
skills, trainings and accomplishments and awards as a student, and a photocopy of my official
transcript of records. Should you wish to ask about my personal traits and capabilities, I have
also included a list of references for you.

I am very much willing to come over for a personal interview with you anytime during
office hours. My contact numbers are: 09208886777.

Respectfully yours,

KIMBERLY ANN H. OCAMPO

Applicant

Encl:
Resume’
Photocopy of Official Transcript of Records

B. The Resume’
 The resume’ is a concise summary of pertinent facts about yourself, the basic
purpose of which is to acquaint your prospective employer about you background.

1. The resume’ cannot be a substitute for an application letter. It is however

advisable that the resume accompany a cover letter.

Your resume’ should contain the following:

a. Job objective
b. Job Experiences. Write the jobs you have held in reverse chronological order,
the date of employment, the kind of work done, the name of the company
employer and its address.
c. Educational Background
d. Special Skills and Interests
e. Special Trainings
f. Awards and Accomplishments
g. Membership to Professional Organizations
h. Your Personal Data. This includes your name, age, health data (height,
weight, eye sight, and hearing), marital status, and dependents.
i. References. Name and address of your immediate superior and at least three
others who can vouch or your capabilities. References should not be your
immediate or blood relatives.
j. Your latest close-up picture, at least 1½ x 1½ in or 2X2 in.

2. If you are just about to graduate or a fresh graduate, put emphasis on your
education, giving full and complete details that can be of value to your
performance in the job opening of your supposed workplace.

a. Name of high school and date of graduation, academic honors if any

b. Name of your university or college, degree earned and date or expected
date of graduation, academic awards if any
c. Major or minor fields and its relevance to the position
d. Jobs you have held, part-time or summer jobs, or full-time jobs
e. Names of persons you can use as reference
f. Qualities and characteristics
g. Personal data
h. Your latest close-up picture

Assessment:
1. What is the main aim of the letter of application?
2. What are character references? Who can give character references?
3. Why should one write a resume?
4. The Borongan City Division of the Department of Education is looking for Teacher
Assistants who are at least 20 years but not more than 30 years old, computer literate,
excellent in communication skills and with pleasing personality. Respond to this by
writing your application together with your resume.