Purposive Communication: Cover Letter Preparation

Cover/Application Letter

• Acts as a sales letter, marketing your skills and experience.

• Essential for getting your resume read; markets yourself.

• Aims to secure an interview.

Key Tasks in Writing

• Catch the reader’s attention purposively.

• Tailor to the company, employer, and specific job.

• Persuade the reader of your qualifications.

• Request an interview.

Checklist for Application Letter

• The title of the job, source of your information and the statement of your objective have to be clear

• Summary of qualifications: experience, education, skills (leadership, organizational, intercultural).

• Mention enclosed CV/resume.

• Request for an interview with availability and contact information.

• Job Identification with details not in CV/resume.

General Guidelines

• One-page limit.

• Include complete contact information.

• Address the recipient by title; use 'Dear Sir/Madam' if a name isn't available.

• Use a readable, standard font (Times New Roman or Arial), size 11 or larger.

Content: Introductory Paragraph

• Convince the reader you're the best candidate.

• Highlight skills and experience matching the job.

• If referred, mention the referrer before stating your objective.

Content: Main Section

• Summarize qualifications based on the job description.

• Describe accomplishments, expertise, and relevant skills.

• Show how you've demonstrated required skills in previous roles.

• Use sub-sections with headings to align qualifications with requirements.

Content: Closing Paragraph

• Be concise and clear about the desired action.

• Request an interview.

• Use "Yours sincerely" with a name, "Yours faithfully" with 'Dear Sir/Madam'.

Final Step

• Proofread carefully for errors in grammar, punctuation, formatting, and consistency.