Module 2
Skills to be Developed:
COVER LETTER AND RÉSUMÉ WRITING
I. Duration:
II. Learning Outcomes:
III. Modules Content:
Modules in Business Writing | Module 2 –Cover Letter and Resume Writing
3 hours
Upon completion of this module, the
students will be able to:
- describe common format and parts
in writing a cover letter and resume
- manifest audience adaptation in
writing the cover letter
- send an e-copy through e-mail
Topic: Writing Application Letter/
Cover Letter and RÉSUMÉ
A. Concepts: business letter layout,
audience adaptation, job descrip-
tion, job specification
B. Relevant Readings:
Module 4. Cover Letters by Bar-
bara, Barone. Accessed February
7, 2019 https://
iteachjobskills.wordpress.com/
module-4-cover-letters/
Cover Letters Part 1. Purdue Uni-
versity.
https://owl.purdue.edu/
engagement/
job_search_resources/
cover_letters/
cover_letters_part_1.
C.
7 C's of Effective Communication:
Completeness
Concreteness
Courtesy
Correctness
Clarity
Consideration
Conciseness
Learning Materials: modules, journal
readings, powerpoint presentation
IV. Teaching Procedure:
Exploring Background Knowledge
Directions: To test the extent of your business writing skills, try
to arrange the following parts of a letter of application and take
note of the items which you are not familiar with. Go back to these
questions as you proceed in reading these modules. (20 minutes)
a. I am presently employed by a small computer company,
but I am looking for a more challenging position where my
field of specialization may be used in a more stimulating
environment. As you will notice on my enclosed resume,
the job you are offering suits both my personal and profes-
sional interests.
b. I would be pleased to discuss my curriculum vitae with
you in more detail. Please do not hesitate to contact me if
you require further information. I look forward to hearing
from you.
Modules in Business Writing | Module 2—Cover Letter and Resume Writing
 c. Dear Madam: ACTIVITY 3. MENTAL RECALL

d. 12 January 2019 Pair Work: Label the major parts and identify the type of busi-
ness letter layout illustrated below. (10 minutes)
e. I am writing to apply for the position of Director of Prod-
uct Development, which was advertised on your company
website.

f. 31 Bloomington Street
Legazpi City
SK45 BX123

g. Ms. Cherry Lopez

ABC Company
HR Manager

12 Hamilton Street Cebu City

h. Brandon Lee

i. Yours sincerely,

Answer here:

Modules in Business Writing | Module 2 –Cover Letter and Resume Writing Modules in Business Writing | Module 2—Cover Letter and Resume Writing
 Reflection Questions:
ACTIVITY 4. NAMING GAME

1. What are the features of the three common business letter

layouts? Directions: Can you give the major parts and optional parts
2. Can you identify the placement of letter parts in each of a business letter? Write their names on the box provided below.
type of layout? (10 minutes)

Let us Review on Business Letter Layouts!

Major Parts of a Business Optional Parts of a Busi-
Letter ness Letter
 Full- block style places all the par ts of a letter in
the left hand margin of the paper. 1.___________________ 1.____________________
2.___________________ 2.____________________
3.___________________ 3.____________________
 In Block Style, the date, complimentary close and the 4.___________________ 4. ____________________
signature are transferred to the right side of the paper.
5.___________________ 5.____________________
6.___________________ 6.____________________
7.___________________
 In semi-block layout, the thr ee par ts-dates, compli-
mentary close and signature- are placed on the right Remember the major and optional
side margin and the beginning sentence of every para- parts of a business letter!
graph is indented. The major parts of an application letter include the heading,
date, inside address, salutation, body, complimentary close
 An application letter may be written using any of
and signature.
these commonly used layout- full-block; block and Modern heading is also called letterhead, which bears the com-
semi-block. pany logo while traditional heading bears the home address
of the writer.

The date is written fully with month, day and year.

Modules in Business Writing | Module 2 –Cover Letter and Resume Writing Modules in Business Writing | Module 2—Cover Letter and Resume Writing
 The inside address contains the name of the receiver,
position, company name and address
The salutation serves as greeting to the receiver and it
agrees with the sex, position and nature of work of
the receiver.
The body contains details on the applicant’s skills,
qualifications, and experience.
The complimentary close serves as a courteous ending
to the body and is based on the position and nature
of work of the receiver
The optional parts are attention line, subject line, en-
closure notation, carbon copy notation, blind car-
bon copy notation and postscript
The subject line gives the reader in advance an idea
about the subject matter of the letter.
Enclosure notation is used when something is at-
tached to the letter.
Carbon copy notation is employed when the same
copy of the letter is sent to another receiver and is
indicated on all copies of the letter.
Blind Carbon Copy Notation is indicated on the
carbon copies but never on the original copies of
the letter.
Postscript is included when the wr iter for gets to in-
clude an important message in the body.
Modules in Business Writing | Module 2 –Cover Letter and Resume Writing
Read this!
ACTIVITY 5. GETTING ACQUAINTED
WITH COVER LETTERS
Directions: Go over the sample of application letter written in
response to a job hiring for a Recruitment Assistant. Try also to
review its parts and content. (10 minutes)
22 Corona Street
Aguinaldo, Cavite City
Philippines
February 7, 2018
Mr. Ricky Co
Hiring Manager
Bank of the Philippines Islands (BPI)
12/F Ayala Life-FGU Center, Ayala Avenue
Makati City 1226
Dear Mr. Co:
I am writing to express my interest for the position of Recruitment
Assistant in your esteemed company as advertised in Jobstreet.com.
Having recently obtained my Bachelor’s Degree in Business Ad-
ministration major in Human Resource Development Management
(BSBA-HRDM) in the University of the Philippines (UP), I wish to
bring my knowledge, skills and commitment to your company’s
innovative environment.
As a Business Administration graduate, I have the necessary
knowledge needed for the position including manpower recruitment,
workforce organization, personnel training and compensation as
well as legal provisions and other labor concerns.
Modules in Business Writing | Module 2—Cover Letter and Resume Writing
 Let’s go over this!
My internship at Unilever Philippines also afforded me with the
crucial skills to work with some of the best professionals in the re-
cruitment and human resources industry. Being a trainee has devel-  An application letter is also called a cover letter, which
oped in me enthusiasm and a true passion for human resources and
has subsequently convinced me that human resource management is aims to convince the reader of the writer’s qualifications
my true calling. and skills. It goes together with a resume or summary of
For additional details regarding my qualification and expertise, the applicants’ experience, education and qualifications.
please review my attached resume.

Thank you for taking the time to consider this application and I look  Solicited application letter is written in response to an ad-
forward to hearing from you.
vertisement while an unsolicited application letter is writ-
Sincerely,
ten through the initiative of the applicant.
(signature)
Jessica Cenadoza
 The unsolicited letter is initiated by the applicant without
any announced vacancy or opening.

 Writing effective application letter and resume is a must

Reflection Question: Why is it important to adapt the cover and business graduates should be familiar with various
letter or application letter to the job description mentioned in search engines where they can get ideas on job vacancies
the job vacancy?
like jobs dv, jobstreet.com, jobsindeed.com, classified ads
Think: Think about the given reflection question for five section, or through newspaper announcement.
minutes.
Pair: Pair up with your classmates and talk about your answer.
 Whatever the source is, the applicant should know how to
Compare and identify the answers that are most suitable,
convincing or unique. craft the application letter and resume based on the needs
c. Share: After discussing the question, share your responses and qualifications needed by the employer. These details
with the class.
are provided in the job description and job specification.

Modules in Business Writing | Module 2 –Cover Letter and Resume Writing Modules in Business Writing | Module 2—Cover Letter and Resume Writing
 Vocabulary Enrichment:
Job Description- provides the “WHAT” for the job; it provides
the nature and scope of the vacant position. It is also called posi-
tion description and is sometimes associated with job specifica-
tion.
Job Specification- it answers the question “WHO” is qualified
for the job; it specifies the qualifications, skills and experience
that are needed for an applicant
Directions: Go over the sample job description from https://
hiring.monster.com/hr/hr-best-practices/recruiting-hiring-advice/job-
descriptions/
FOR HIRING Marketing Associate
Job Description:
- Implements marketing strategies
- Determines target market for products and services
- Negotiates with business professionals to achieve mar
-ket objectives
Job Specifications:
- A graduate of Business Administration course
—With marketing skills; interpersonal skills; communi-
cation skills and analytical skills
Modules in Business Writing | Module 2 –Cover Letter and Resume Writing
Search for the job description of your dream job from the net
and do an assessment how you meet these qualifications.
(15 minutes).
Business Talk!
When writing application letter, you must be familiar with the acro-
nym S.A.P. (Subject, Audience, Purpose)
S.A.P. ANALYSIS ser ves as a guide in deciding on the
content and the organization of the application letter. It is similar to
audience adaptation or adapting the letter to the needs, preferences
and wants of the audience.
S-ubject What is the subject or topic of the
letter?
A-udience Who is the reader of your letter?
P-urpose What is the purpose of your letter?
Vocabulary Enrichment:
Audience Adaptation- This is also called “audience adaptiveness”,
“the YOU approach” or “audience analysis” which means writing on
the perspective of the reader. Generally, it highlights the benefits of
the letter to the reader. When applied to job hunting, the letter of ap-
plication should illustrate how the applicant meets the required com-
petencies and skills for the job.
Modules in Business Writing | Module 2—Cover Letter and Resume Writing
 Example: The Organizational Structure of a
Solicited Application Letter

Audience Analysis Notes

Subject: A letter of application
Primary Audience: Nick Perez, VP for Operations
Expectations and Preferences:
The company prefers applicants who are
business graduates and with experience in
marketing and finance.

Purpose: To convince that you meet the require-

ments for the position of marketing ana-
lyst

Think about this! THE BUSY EXECUTIVE

An applicant should write concisely and clearly because every minute is

important for a busy executive. Because of this, a solicited cover
letter should follow a structure in order to ensure completeness and
accuracy and get the desired response for an interview.
Other qualities of business letter include courtesy, conciseness, correct-
ness, completeness, cleanliness and consideration.
Courtesy means the “You Attitude” which means writing in the perspec-
tive of the reader. You should always maintain a courteous and busi-
nesslike tone to create a favorable impression on the part of the
reader.
The applicant should also be aware of the common skills that employers
are looking for business graduates like collaboration, leadership,
innovation, integrity, honesty and ethics. These are usually cited in
job description or posting of job vacancies.
2. Body: It takes into consider ation the r eader ’s job ti-
tle, education, industry and level of interest before deciding on the
content, organization, tone, and language appropriate to your read-
er. The body of the cover letter contains the details that would
show how you meet the job description and jobs specification.
Example: “I believe that my degree in Business Admin-
istration (BSBA) major in Marketing from the Philippine School of
Business Administration (PSBA) has prepared me for this position.
I am equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to help de-
velop and drive effective marketing strategies.

Modules in Business Writing | Module 2 –Cover Letter and Resume Writing Modules in Business Writing | Module 2—Cover Letter and Resume Writing
 I learned how companies determine what product or ser-
vice to sell, how to reach target demographics and how to respond
to the demands of competitors. More importantly, I had the oppor-
tunity to work with seasoned professionals who taught me how to
easily understand complex marketing concepts.
the body highlights the verbs as mentioned in the job
description
3. Conclusion: This part expresses a statement of goodwill
and request for favorable action in the form of interview.
Example:
Attached is my resume for your full consideration. Thank
you for taking time to review my application and I am looking for-
ward to have an interview with you so that we can further discuss
my application.
Request for action
In the next activity, you will try to write a letter
of application in response to an online vacancy.
Note carefully what is required in the job de-
scription and job specification. Incorporate also
the qualities of an effective business letter.
Modules in Business Writing | Module 2 –Cover Letter and Resume Writing
Directions:
Choose one of the sample cover letter styles / formats. (20 minutes)
Use the Job Description that you searched from any of the follow-
ing sites: jopbstreet.com, jobs.phil.net, jobsindeed, jobsDB and
others
Open MS Word and create a new file.
Email your cover letter to your instructor.
A Review on Resume Writing
 The resume is a summary of one’s qualifications and skills
suited to the position being applied for
 It is written in outline form that contains the facts which
support what is mentioned in the cover letter.
 It may be written using various format of arrangement of
details
For fresh graduates, your resume should include some facts
like the following:
Modules in Business Writing | Module 2—Cover Letter and Resume Writing
 Heading or Personal Information- it contains the following de-
tails:

Last name First name Middle name

Street address (with apartment number) City
State/province
ZIP code
Phone number (including area code)
Email address (use a professional address)
Cell phone number (including area code)
Other ways to contact you

Career Objective- It mentions specific position desired, as well as

the skills and qualifications beneficial to the company

Summary of Qualifications-it highlights the most compelling at-

tributes like education, skills, experience and achievements
which are related to the job description

Education- it specifies the degree, subjects or courses like re-

search, feasibility study, and other skills related to the vacant
position

Experience- it highlights relevant experiences and mentions key-

words, phrases or action verbs of previous job or leadership
positions related to the job vacancy

COMPOSING YOUR RESUME

Directions: Use the Sample template of resume, from

https://www.myperfectresume.com/build-resume/contact.

Look for sample resume from the internet then choose the
template for fresh graduates.
Create a LinkedIn account then upload your application letter
and resume.

Modules in Business Writing | Module 2 –Cover Letter and Resume Writing