Professional

CORRESPONDENCE

Activity 1

Before you begin your journey in this lesson, please review the following terms below. Read each
statement, and be able to guess the missing letters to get the correct answer to each item.

1. __ N__ I__ __ __ D__ __ E__ __ This is the address you are sending
your letter to.

2. C__M__ __ I__ __ N T__ R__ __L__ __E This is a short and

polite remark that ends your letter.

3. __E__ __ I__ G This contains the return address with the date on
the last line.

4. B__ __ C __ In this format, the entire letter is justified to the left and
single spaced expect for a double space between paragraphs.

5. C__V__ __ L__ T__ __ R A document that accompanies a resume or

application for a position.

Good job! I think you are now ready for the next quest of this journey. Read on and
perform the activities prepared for you.
 It is important to remember that each piece of correspondence that you write and submit,
from the cover letter to a position acceptance, makes an impression on the organization to
which you are applying. Each document should be tailored to the position you are applying for,
and must be error free. In this guide, you will find helpful tips and samples for the types of
professional correspondence you may need to write as part of your job and/or internship search.

Professional Correspondence?

Professional correspondence is communication between two or more parties through

professional writing of letters and emails. It reflects a person’s level of competency and
professionalism.

WRITING A RESUME

The main goal of writing a resume is to “sell yourself” to your potential employer by
providing that you are a good match for the vacant position. A resume though will not get you
the job yet, but what it can really do is to open the door for you to get a job. For you to effectively
“sell yourself”, it is important that you clearly know what exactly you will be selling to them and
for whom you are selling to.

Activity 2

In this activity, you will conduct a Personal Swot Analysis, originally a business tool in the
1960’s, to identify your strengths and weaknesses and opportunities and threats that may affect
your career goals. Be honest in completing the SWOT Template.
 PERSONAL SWOT

STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES

What are you good at? What are
your skills and talents? What are
your achievements that you are
most proud of? What do you think
others see as your strengths?
What do you think are your
weaknesses? Do you believe that
your education has prepared you
for job? What can be improved?

OPPORTUNITIES THREATS

Is your target industry growing? What do you think are the

Do you have connections or
contacts in this industry that can
help you or offer you advice? If you
pursue your career, how will it help
you as a professional?
challenges if you pursue your
career? Do you think the demand
for this job will change in the
future? Do you think competition
will be tougher in this field?

Now that you have completed your personal SWOT, talk to one of your classmates, and
share your personal analysis and answer the questions listed below.

1. Do you share the same strengths and weaknesses? Compare your answers.
2. Can you match your strengths with the opportunities that you’ve listed? List down
opportunities where strengths are valuable.
3. Can you convert your weaknesses into strengths? How?
4. What opportunities can you draw from the threats that you foresee?

In writing resumes, it is crucial that you organize your resume around your strengths.
However, you need to remember that you only include those strengths that are essential and
relevant to the job. Please visit the link below to know the parts of a resume.
Sample resume format for fresh graduates (Two-page format) | JobStreet Philippines
 Using the sample resume of Ms. Albano, analyze the different parts of a resume with a
partner. List down the essential parts or headings of a resume and the items/information that
should be included in each particular resume part (a sample has been provided).

Resume Part/Heading Items to Include

Professional Experiences - list previous and present work experiences
- include volunteer roles that might add to the
value of your resume

Cover Letter

Resumes must be accompanied by a cover letter or an application letter. Its purpose is to

introduce the resume and highlight your strengths for you to possibly earn an interview. Similar
to your resume, you must make sure that your cover letter directly responds to your potential
employer’s needs.
 Your cover letter may be the most important aspect of your job search. After all, a cover
letter is often the first contact you will have with a prospective employer. In general, keep in
mind a cover letter should complement, not duplicate, your resume. Your cover letter should
enhance and highlight the skills and experience on your resume.

PURPOSE

• To emphasize how your skills match the job description

• To communicate how you will benefit the employer
• To generate employer interest in interviewing you

PARTS OF A COVER LETTER

First Paragraph: The Purpose

•The name of the position

•Where you found out about it (website or personal referral)
•Does the company have an internship program?
•Indicate why you are interested in the position or the company
•Show evidence of research

Middle Paragraph: The Proof

•Cite specific accomplishments relevant to the job description

•Highlight any special skills, experience and background which might not appear on your
resume (projects, coursework, collaborations)
• Avoid regurgitating what’s already on your resume

Last Paragraph: The Close

• Mention what is enclosed (resume, samples digital portfolio)

•Indicate your interest in an interview, an opportunity to have your portfolio reviewed (whatever
applies)
• Specify how to reach you
• Include the dates you’ll be visiting the are, if you’re from out of town
• Specify when you will follow –up with a phone call (and then follow- through)
Using the link below, study the sample of a cover letter and be able to identify its parts. Write
your answers in your notebook.

Sample Application Letter for Teacher Without Experience - TeacherPH

Activity 3

It is now your turn to write your resume and cover letter. Before you write your resume, you
need first to find a job posting related to your college course and to your future career. You may
use the resume of Ms. Albano as your reference. If you have internet access, you my create your
resume by creating an account at resume.com.

References:

Parts of a Cover Letter (cia.edu)

Sample Application Letter for Teacher Without Experience - TeacherPH