Senior High School

Reading and Writing

Quarter 4: Module 6 - Lesson 2
Letters, Anyone?

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Reading and Writing – Senior High School
Module 6 - Lesson 2: Letters, Anyone?
First Edition, 2020

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 MODULE 6 – LESSON 2

Letters, Anyone?
Now that you are in Senior High School, you are expected to be equipped with
the skill in writing application letters which is essential when you go to college or when
you apply for a job.
This module aims to help you understand the what’s and the how’s of writing
application letters.

At the end of this module, you are expected to:

✓ identify the unique features of application letters
✓ distinguish letter of application for college admission from letter of
application for employment
✓ write a letter of application

Here are some terms that you must be familiar with before we begin .

1. Curriculum vitae- a short account of one’s career and qualifications

prepared typically by an applicant for a position
2. Sappy- overly sweet or sentimental
3. Cocky- boldly or brashly self-confident

Are you ready? Let’s

begin!

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 Choose the correct answer to each of the following questions. Use a
separate answer sheet.

1. What kind of letter do we write when we seek a job?

a. Letter of request
b. Application letter
c. Friendly letter
d. Letter of admission

2. What is the purpose for sending an application letter?

a. To encourage the prospective employer to look at your resume
b. To ask for a job
c. To itemize qualifications
d. To ask for application forms

3. Which of the following is NOT a purpose in writing the employment letter of

application?
a. To highlight the applicant’s experiences and personal qualities
b. To be considered for an interview schedule
c. To be considered for the available job position
d. To propose a new project for the company

4. Which part of a letter of application politely finishes the letter?

a. Signature
b. Salutation
c. Complimentary close
d. Body of the letter

5. Which of the following parts starts a letter of application?

a. Signature
b. Complimentary Close
c. Address
d. Salutation

Letter of Application for College Admission and Employment

One of the challenges a Senior High school graduate has to face is to write an
application letter that will really catch the attention of the admitting officer or the possible
employer.

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 An application letter serves as an introduction of yourself. It contains your background,
summarizes your knowledge and experiences and includes few more details why you qualify
for a job or college admission.

In writing an application letter, remember that:

1. It should be formal,
2. It should be short, precise and simple;
3. The language used should be easy to understand.
4. It should convey the purpose for application.
5. It should be able to market the applicant.
6. It should observe correct grammatical structure.

How can I start writing

an application letter?

Preparing the letter

1. Get a piece of paper and make two columns. On the left column write “Requirements”
and on the right, “My Skills”. Read the job vacancy information carefully and become familiar
with the requirements.

These points of interest that match the

requirements of the job will help in the
writing of a letter of application/cover letter.

2. Start your letter by listing your

contact information at the top. Use a
readable format, layout, and font as you want to make it as easy as possible for your
prospective employer to contact you. Before you begin your letter, make sure that you have
the proper letterhead.

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 Make sure your document is aligned to the left.

Include the current date

then, separated by a blank line,
add your contact information:

Name

Address

Phone number

Email address

Personal website (if you have

one)

LinkedIn profile

3. Include the company’s information. After you include your information, you need to
include the name of the employer to whom you are applying for the job, their title, the name of
company and address.

By including the contact

information of the company to
which you are applying, you are
showing that you have taken
the time to write a specific letter
of application to this company,
and have done your research to
find the hiring manager for the
position.

Doing your homework

puts you ahead of a majority of
applicants who use letters of
application which are clearly
generic cut and paste letters.
This extra step shows you are
dedicated.

If you don’t know the name of the hiring manager, search the company’s website to
see if you can find him. Go to LinkedIn, and even search Twitter. If you can’t narrow down a
specific name, see if you can find the head of the department to which you are applying. If all
else fails and you have no name, it’s ok to address your cover letter to the hiring manager of
the department. Example: The Hiring Manager

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4. Address your letter to the person whom you are writing. To begin your letter, you want
to be formal and start with the proper address. Don’t address it to “To Whomsoever it May
Concern”, as this is informal, generic, and gives the impression that you haven’t researched
the company.

If you don’t have the hiring manager’s name, a simple Sir/ Madam will do.

Writing Your Letter

1. Write an engaging first paragraph. Employers read a lot of cover letters, and most of the
time a hiring manager will scan them quickly deciding if your letter goes in the trash or the
“keep” pile. Don’t bury the lead, treat your application letter like a news article.

➢ Open with a strong, declarative statement that informs your reader that you are
excited to be applying for [the position] at [company].
➢ Be short and specific with what attracted you to the job. What is it about the
company that you like? Give an example, and don’t be afraid to be a little
conversational depending on how casual the company is.
➢ Show the manager that you are not only familiar with the company’s work, but
that you are a good fit by writing in a similar tone to the company.

For example: if you are applying to a company that writes news articles, try to embody
a tone that is similar to those articles. Are they serious, do they add humor? If it’s a more
formal company like a big marketing firm or financial institution, you might want to be more
authoritative, but always be polite.

2. State where you found the position to which you are applying. Before applying, do
some research and see if you know anyone at the company. It’s always better to have an in
and reference, and don’t be afraid to name drop if you have the employee’s permission.

If you don’t have a contact at the company, still be sure to include where you found the
application, such as via a job site, the company’s site, in a newspaper, etc.

3. Explain why hiring you will benefit the employer. You don’t want to tell them why getting
hired will benefit you. There’s a reason this position is open, there’s a problem that needs
solving. You’re here to solve it.

Look at your list of accomplishments and experience and find one or two examples
that you can speak about. These should highlight why you will be great in the role.

For example, if you see that the position needs someone who can lead a team and
handle multiple projects at once, look at your accomplishments to see if you have any
experience that solves that need. If you've led team members before, briefly speak to how
your leadership skills increased productivity across multiple projects.

Anytime that you can provide stats and numbers, do so. When describing why hiring
you will benefit the employer, try to use stats like an increase in revenue or a cut down on
costs under your leadership.

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4. Briefly summarize your strengths, qualifications, and experience. In your second
paragraph, you want to mirror the job qualifications to two or three of your abilities and
experiences that show why you’re perfect for the role.

Refer to your curriculum vitae (CV) or resume, and your skills section from your outline
for more explanations of your qualifications and skills.

Look for quick anecdotes that highlight how you’ve been able to solve issues that the
company you are applying for might have based on the requirements.

Include the most relevant aspects of your career. While more recent accomplishments
are a good place to start, you may have done something in the past that fits perfectly to the
requirements; don’t be afraid to dig deep.

5. Paint a picture of yourself that’s not on your resume. A hiring manager can read your
CV or resume and see what you have done in your previous jobs. You want to show the hiring
manager who the person behind the accomplishments is.

In one or two sentences, express how the company has impacted you personally. If
you are applying to your dream job, chances are this company has somehow shaped your life.

Don’t get too sappy and keep it short. But by showing the human side of yourself with
a story, you show that you’re more than just facts on a piece of paper.

Finishing Up Your Letter

1. Briefly summarize why you’re the perfect candidate for the job in one
sentence. Ending your letter of application on the right note is a very important part of your
letter as it can help you land the interview.

When you explain how you can contribute to the company, remember that you want to
put yourself in the shoes of the hiring manager. It’s about how your contributions will help the
company, not how the company will help you.

Ask yourself what you would be looking for in a candidate if you were hiring.

2. Invite the hiring manager to contact you. Inform your reader that you would love the
opportunity to speak further about the position and provide your contact info again.

You can conclude your letter by thanking the hiring manager and ending with a
statement like I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience.

Don’t just ask the hiring manager to contact you if he feels you are a good fit. Show
some confidence (without being cocky) by telling him that you look forward to speaking further.

3. Sign off. Signing off can seem like an afterthought or become frustrating if you don’t know
what is appropriate. Use Yours sincerely or simply Very truly yours.

Being too formal can hurt you here as you may come off insincere, or it may not fit the
style of the rest of your letter.

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4. Write your name underneath. After you sign off, write your full name on the last line, and
affix your signature.

Wait!

Here are sample application letters with corresponding label for each
part: Application Letter for a Job

Heading

Inside Address

Salutation

Body of the Letter

Complimentary
Close

Signature

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 Sample Admission Letter with corresponding label for each part:
Application for College Admission

Name of Student
Address of Student Heading
City, State, and Zip Code

Inside
Date Address

Name of Admissions Head

Salutation
College Name
College Address
City, State, and Zip Code Body of the Letter

Dear Sir/Madam (Name of admission’s head)

After a thorough research about different colleges, the Ohio State University is my final
choice. This university offers a Psychology program and has an outstanding reputation and
excellent reviews. Ohio State University is a recommendation by the previous graduates
and I am interested in enrolling myself in the Psychology program.

My aim is to finish the Psychology program offered at the Ohio State University and I want
to continue my studies after graduating from the undergraduate program. After entering
the graduate program, I want to become a counselor dealing with young children.

Majors in Psychology is my long-term goal and I am confident of making the right career
choice. Attached is my application, transcripts, essays, and letters of recommendation as
per the admission requirement.

I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely, Complimentary
Close

Signature of Student Signature

Printed Name

Knowing these essentials about writing this applications, let us see if you
are now ready by working on the next activities

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Practice Task 1: Job Application Letter Writing
Complete the parts of the Application Letter below with information most suitable to
each blank. Do this task on a separate sheet of paper.

_____________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________

_____________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________

_____________________________:

I would like to apply for the vacancy of _____________________________ (job) posted

on your FB page last _____________________________. (date)

As reflected on my resume, I am ________(age) and is currently a Senior High school

student of _____________________________ (school) taking
_____________________________ (track and strand).

I have acquired several skills since my Junior High school such as

_____________________________ (skills). I also possess
_____________________________ (qualities). I am good in both written and oral
communication using _____________________________ (languages).

I have worked part-time during school breaks at _____________________________

(company you worked with). Therefore, I can assure you that I am best qualified to apply
for the _____________________ (job position) because
_____________________________________ (reasons for applying).

I am available for interview on time and date you are most convenient to do so.

I look forward to hearing your positive response on this matter.

_____________________________,

_____________________________

Practice Task 2: Admission Letter Writing

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 Write an application letter for college admission using the information supplied below.
Do this task on a separate sheet of paper.

Dr. Girlie G. Balaoro, Ed.D, Ph.D Vicky Jejiza Reyes

Dean, Academic Affairs #234, Blk. 4, Avancena St.
University of Advance Learning Soldiers Hill Village X,
Carolina, Naga City 4400 Putatan, Naga City 4400

Mesdames, Sincerely yours,

Madam: Sincerely yours;

I have heard so much about the course offering of your school and I am impressed
on how your graduates perform in the real world. Your program offerings are what I am
looking for as training ground for my future career.
During my high school studies, I made sure I made myself prepared for my tertiary
education. I took _______________________ as my concentration in Senior High School.
During those years, academic and performance trainings added well to my educational
growth. I have been an active member of different school organizations.
I did not limit myself to studies. I also acquired skills in music. I was a member of
the official choral group of the school, played musical instruments to several musical
recitals, an active member of the taekwondo team and a member as well of debate team.
My communication skills are well-developed since I was an active member of
student organizations and held different positions and offices.
I want to gain holistic education because I know there are more rooms for
development as we go through life experiences. I want to have it from your institution.
I am ready for interview if needed. I can be reached through CP number
0917xxxxxxx.
Thank you and looking forward to be part of your institution.

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Practice Task 3: Application Letter Writing

Using the given addresses below, write an application letter for each addressee. Use
a separate sheet for each letter. It must be handwritten with margins of 1 inch on each side.

A. Louie Escribano
General Manager, LG Group of Companies
TTN Industrial Park, Balogo, Sorsogon City

B. Dr. Janelle Garil, Ed.D.

Dean, College of Business
MED Business University
Bacalon, Sorsogon

How did you fare in all the activities? You can check the answers to page. Bet, you
have now enhanced your skill in writing letters of application.

Direction: Choose the letter of the correct answer to each question. Use a separate
sheet of paper for your answer.

1. What do you do first when you prepare to write an admission letter?

a. Grab a piece of paper and make two columns
b. Include the company’s information.
c. Start your letter by listing your contact information at the top.
d. Write right away.

2. In which part of the body of a letter of application for college admission would you
find this statement: “My goal is not just to finish a degree. It should be finishing a
degree in this college”?
a. Introduction
b. Content
c. Conclusion
d. All of the above

3. What should one do before writing a college admission letter?

a. Reflect on the purpose in enrolling the course, achievements and
future goals
b. Determine the program one wants to take, followed by a thorough
research on program structure
c. Decide on the format to use in writing
d. All of the above

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4. Which part of an employment application letter politely finishes the letter?
a. Signature
b. Salutation
c. Complimentary close
d. Heading

5. Which part of an application letter comes after the body?

a. Closing
b. Heading
c. Salutation
d. Signature

6. Which part has the name and address of the person you are writing to?
a. Inside address
b. Signature
c. Heading
d. Body

7. What part of a letter begins with the word Sir / Madam ?

a. Complimentary close
b. Salutation
c. Heading
d. Content

8. “After finishing college, I am looking forward to working at any government

institution to be of aid to our country before working elsewhere. All of this would
be possible with the help of your university/school”. In which part of a college
admission letter is this found?
a. Content
b. Introduction
c. Conclusion
d. Middle

9. What do you write in the salutation if you do not know the exact name of the
receiver?
a. Dear person
b. Person in Authority
c. Sir/Madam
d. To the one concerned

10. Aside from the applicant’s address, the heading of an employment application
letter also includes _______________.
a. Date
b. Applicant’s address
c. Inside address
d. Signature

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Learning and ICT
Write an Application letter for a Job (1) and Application Letter for College
Admission (1) and send it via your teacher’s email add.

An application letter is an introduction of yourself. It summarizes the

applicant’s background, knowledge and skills and experiences. It includes few
more details about the applicant’s qualifications for a job or college admission
The letter of application for a college admission and for a job have 5 parts:
heading, salutation, body, complimentary close and signature.

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Answer Key

Warming Up
B 5.
D 4.
D 3.
A 2.
B 1.

Keeping You in Practice

o Task 1: Job Application Letter Writing

o Task 2: Admission Letter Writing
o Task 3: Application Letter Writing A & B
▪ Outputs may vary
▪ Outputs assessment will be according to the rubrics the
teacher may set.

Cooling Down

A 10.
C 9.
C 8.
B 7.
A 6.
A 5.
D 4.
D 3.
A 2.
A 1.

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References

Bradley, Andrey. “Writing a Simple College Application Letter (with Samples).” Sample Letters,
October 29, 2019. https://www.sample-resignation-letters.com/writing-a-simple-college-
application-65279letter-65279with-samples.html.

Chidera, Ambassador Victor. “Office Correspondence (Types Of Correspondence): Uses And

Classification Of Correspondence Records (Business Studies).” TIPSINFLUENCER.
Ambassador Victor Chidera, November 5, 2019. https://tipsinfluencer.com.ng/office-
correspondence-types-of-correspondence/.

crs.upd.edu.ph. n.d. crs.upd.edu.ph. Accessed 05 2020, July.

https://crs.upd.edu.ph/downloads/LOA_mechanics.pdf.
Dayagbil, Filomena T., Ethel L. Abao, and Remedios C. Bacus. 2016. Critical Reading and
Writing for the Senior High School. Quezon City: Lorimar Publishing, Inc.
Doyle, Allison. 2020. The Balance Careers. January 03. Accessed July 5, 2020.
https://www.thebalancecareers.com/resume-types-chronological-functional-
combination-2063235.
FICAPS Learning Module. n.d. www.floridaipdae.org. Accessed July 05, 2020.
https://www.floridaipdae.org/dfiles/resources/lessons/FICAPS/Career_Planning/Less
on_Plan_1.2_Resume_Writing.pdf.
Pena, Andrew Rey, and Ali G. Anudin. 2016. Reading and Writing. Quezon City: Vibal Group
Inc.

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