Unit-3--Job-Application(writing-a-Cover-Letter).ppt

1、Unit 3 Job Application,Writing a Cover Letter,You will need to know,What a cover letter is and what it is used for? Why a cover letter is important to use when applying for a job? How to write a cover letter (format, content and language)? What kind of things are remembered or avoided in a cover let

2、ter?,You will be able to,Evaluate a cover letter (good or bad) Craft a great cover letter,What is a cover letter ?,Acover letter,covering letter,application letter, motivation letter,motivational letteror aletter of motivationis aletterof introduction attached to, or accompanying anotherdocumentsuch

3、 as arsumorcurriculum vitae,Your CV/resume will have a covering letter/ a letter of application. It is the first and most important letter in your job-hunting, which, in fact, is your first contact with your target employer. It is crucial in your success or failure in job hunting.,What is a cover le

4、tter used for?,The purpose of a cover letter is to make a favorable impression on the employer and get you an interview. In many cases, it is the well-crafted cover letter that gets the applicant the interview, not their resume. There are things a cover letter can do that a resume cannot. The combin

5、ation of both a well-crafted cover letter and a strong resume can give you an edge and an interview.,What is a good cover letter?,A cover letter with standard format, integral content , logical clarity and appropriate choice of words will make you stand out among the multitudes of applicants.,Format

6、 of a cover letter,Cover letters are generally one page at most in length, divided into a header, introduction, body, and closing.,Header. Cover letters use standardbusiness letterstyle, with the senders address and other information, the recipients contact information, and the date sent after eithe

7、r the senders or the recipients address. The final part of the header is a salutation (e.g., Dear Hiring Manager).,Introduction. Theintroductionbriefly states the specific position desired, and should be designed to catch the employers immediate interest.,Body. The body highlights or amplifies on ma

8、terial in the resume or job application, and explains why the job seeker is interested in the job and would be of value to the employer. Also, matters discussed typically includeskills,qualifications, and pastexperience. If there are any special things to note such as availability date, they may be

9、included as well.,Closing. A closing sums up the letter and indicates the next step the applicant expects to take. It may indicate that the applicant intends to contact the employer, although many favor the more indirect approach of simply saying that the applicant will look forward to hearing from

10、or speaking with the employer. After the closing is a valediction (e.g. Sincerely), and then a signature line. Optionally, the abbreviation ENCL may be used to indicate that there are enclosures.,How to write a cover letter?,Step 1: Write a _unique_ letter Step 2: _Personalize_ your letter. make the

11、 connection_. what you have got to _offer_. call for _further information_. Step 3: Perfect layout.,Things to be remembered,When writing your cover letter, keep in mind that the reviewer is only interested in one thing: the facts. Do not think of your cover letter as an autobiography; it should be b

12、rief and to the point,The purpose of the cover letter (and resume) should be one thing it should demonstrate that you meet or exceed the requirements listed in the job description.,It should demonstrate that youre interested in the position, and that youre available to accept the position if offered

13、. Additional information beyond this can be counterproductive, as it dilutes the core purpose of the cover letter.,Things to be avoided,When writing the cover letter, avoid negatives. A cover letter is not the place to explain why you left or are leaving an employer, why there are gaps in your emplo

14、yment dates, etc. These negatives are best delivered in person during the interview so that your personality can counter them.,Try to avoid a salary history in the cover letter. Even if the position specifically asks for your salary history, providing this information will more likely cost you a job

15、 than not. If the job ad specifically says that resumes without a salary history will not be considered, give a historical salary range, and state that your salary requirements are flexible based on the opportunity the position will provide.,Spend time thinking about the layout of your letter, and m

16、ake sure that its easy on the eyes.,It should be easy to scan the letter, and have a logical progression. Keep in mind, the reviewer of your cover letter and resume has hundreds (if not thousands) of cover letters and resumes to look at, so make it easy for him/her to find the information you want t

17、o highlight. Bunched up text in long paragraphs will frustrate anyone who has to review hundreds of resumes and cover letters a week.,In addition to the layout, dont just repeat your resume. Your cover letter is not a summary of your resume; instead, its an introduction of yourself, and an argument

18、for why you are the best candidate for their company and the specific position. Above all, avoid the generic cover letter that you get from books.,Tips for writing a great cover letter,1. Take the job posting and list the criteria the employer is looking for. Then list the skills and experience you

19、have. State how your skills match the job in paragraph form or in a bulleted list.,2. Include your contact information (address, phone, email address) at the top of every letter you write and in the signature of each email message you send.,3. Personalize your cover letter and, if you can, address i

20、t to the individual responsible for hiring. When you dont have a contact person, address your letters and email messages to Dear Hiring Manager or To Whom it May Concern.,4. Write simply and clearly. Your letter should be one page, or less. Each paragraph should contain three or four sentences, at m

21、ost. Use a 10 or 12 point font that is easy to read like Times New Roman or Arial. Single space your letter and leave a space between each paragraph.,5. When youre writing a cover letter or sending an email message to apply for a job its important to close your letter in a professional manner.,6. Ev

22、en when applying online or via email, your cover letter needs to be properly formatted, readable, and without any mistakes.,7. Dont forget to include a Subject in your email message with your name and the job title you are applying for.,8. Include a signature on all your email messages with your nam

23、e, phone number, email address, and Linked In URL if you have a Linked In profile. The easier you make it for the hiring manager to get back to you, the better outcome youll have.,Hints and Tips,Here are some good ways to make your application letter stand out:,1.Look for something unusual in your e

24、xperience or qualifications Put them near the start of your letter,2.Make the content of your letter appropriate for the job,3. Avoid annoying phrases “I hope to get the job.” “I am looking forward to working for you.”,4.Get someone to read your letter before you sent it NEVER send your first draft!,5.Keep the letter short Summarize your strengths on a single page,6.Mention the organization “I am especially interested by your companys latest products, particularly the P8 series, w