Preparing Cover Letters and Application Letters

Cover Letter Importance

  • Cover letters are crucial, similar to resumes and CVs.

Purpose of a Cover Letter

  • To persuade the reader to review your resume by providing key in

    formation about the job and highlighting your best attributes.

Job Application Letter / Cover Letter

  • Essential for job hunting.

  • Acts as a sales letter to showcase your knowledge and competence.

  • A good cover letter is essential for your resume to be read.

Key Selling Points

  • Application letter is your selling factor.

  • The main goal is to market yourself effectively.

  • Stand out from the competition.

Four Important Tasks of Application Letter

  • Catch the reader’s attention.

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

  • Persuade the reader you are a qualified applicant.

  • Request an interview.

Checklist for Application Letter

  • Ensure the title of the job, information source, and objective are clear.

  • Summarize your qualifications, including work experience and educational background.

  • Highlight relevant skills (leadership, organizational, intercultural communication).

  • Indicate enclosure of CV or resume.

  • Request an interview (include availability and contact information).

  • Identify the job and include information not in the CV/resume.

Proofreading Checklist

  • Correct punctuations.

  • Proper margins, spacing, and letter format.

  • Organizational consistency.

  • Grammatical accuracy.

General Guidelines for Cover Letter Structure

  • Format for post, mail, or email; keep it to one page.

  • Include complete address, email, and phone numbers.

  • Address the person by title; use 'Dear Sir/Madam' if you can't find a name.

  • Use a standard, readable font (Times New Roman or Arial), no smaller than 11.

Cover Letter Content

Introductory Paragraph

  • Convince the reader you are the best candidate.

  • Emphasize your relevant skills and experience.

Example:

  • "I learned that you are in need of the position of English faculty and I believe that I have the necessary credentials for this role. I have considerable working experience as an English Language and Literature Professor, and I enclose my CV to support my application."

Main Section

  • Summarize qualifications aligned with the job description.

  • Describe accomplishments, expertise, and special skills.

  • Show how you performed duties and demonstrated job requirements.

  • Give clear descriptions of situations showing results or outcomes.

Example Phrases:

  • “I first developed my _(skill) in ___(job), but have improved it since in…"

  • “My ability to manage speaks for itself: I have accomplished the in my department."

Closing Paragraph

  • State the action you expect the reader to take.

  • Be concise and avoid arrogance.

Example:

  • “I hope this convinces you that I have the necessary competence and experience to achieve as _ ( job title). I look forward to hearing from you.”

  • End with "Yours sincerely" if addressed by name, "Yours faithfully" if started with "Dear Sir/Madam".

Curriculum Vitae (CV) vs. Resumé

  • CV/Resumé describes education, competence, and experience.

Differences:

  • Length: Resumé is brief (1-2 pages); CV is more detailed (2+ pages).

  • Purpose: Resumé aims to stand out; CV covers entire career history.

  • Layout: Resumé has simple sections (contact, education, work); CV has chronological order.

Context & Audience

  • Determine if you are the right person for the job.

  • Demonstrate why they should hire you.

CV Content

  • Areas of interest.

  • Education.

  • Grants, honors, and awards.

  • Publications and presentations.

  • Employment and experience.

  • Academic memberships.

  • Character references.

  • Contact details at the top.

  • Personal statement or career objective.

  • Key Skills, Knowledge, and Achievements.

  • Work Experience and Education.

  • Focus on what you’ve done and end results.

  • Include everything relevant.

  • Ensure spelling and grammar are correct.

CV Mistakes to Avoid

  • Lying.

  • Leaving gaps in career history.

  • Starting with dull information.

  • Including hobbies and interests.

  • Making it too long.

  • Using an unprofessional email.

Online Interviews

  • Cost-effective; eliminates travel expenses.

  • Requires technology.

  • Time-saving and less stressful.

  • Webcam interviews are typical, needing a camera (often built into laptops).

Platforms:

  • Skype, Google Meet, Zoom Cloud, etc.

Preparation Tips for Online Interviews (Alison Doyle)

  • Download required software.

  • Create a professional username.

  • Dress professionally.

  • Clear your workspace.

  • Have paper and pen ready.

  • Be in a quiet room.

  • Smile and focus.

  • Have a resume copy in sightline.

  • Practice using your webcam equipment.

Physical and Virtual Meetings

  • Technology and internet connectivity favor businesses.

Virtual Meetings

  • Use computers and software applications.

  • No need to leave home or work.

  • Can be done anytime.

  • Saves time and energy.

  • Inexpensive.

Face-to-Face Meetings

  • Conducted in person in the same venue.

  • Freer than online meetings.

  • Feedback is important.

Face-to-Face Communication Defined

  • Exchange of information, thoughts, and feelings.

Effectiveness:

  • Provides a personal touch.

  • Offers immediate feedback.

  • Transmits both verbal and non-verbal cues.

  • Conveys emotions.

Albert Mehrabian's Findings

  • 7% of meaning is conveyed through spoken words.

  • 38% through tone of voice.

  • 55% through facial expression.

Benefits of Face-to-Face Communication (Baker & Milutinovic)

  • Stronger working relationships.

  • Perception of thoughts and feelings.

  • Engagement and innovation.

  • Addressing sensitive issues.

  • Clear and concise communication.

Seven Tips for Successful Virtual Meetings

  1. Know your surroundings.

  2. Dress appropriately.

  3. Listen carefully.

  4. Unmute your microphone when you wish to talk.

  5. Speak clearly.

  6. No food, please.

  7. Remain seated and stay present.