[Business writing] Cover Letter / Application Letter

 

 

< Cover Letter / Application Letter >

 

Purposes:

• CL : accompanies your resume - for a specific job opening
• AL : may be submitted w/ a resume - for a potential opening (regardless)

 

Format: same as a business letter

• Heading: Senders information, Date, Recipients info.
• Greeting: To hiring Department Recruiter, To whom this may concern

 

Focus: 

• CL : tells your qualifications for a specific job
• AL : your interest and potential to contribute to the company regardless of opening or not

 

Closing:

• CL : request an interview
• AL : your plan to follow up by a phone call or visit (specific time and date)

 

3 goals:

• your ultimate goal is to attract the screener's interest
• convince the person that you are a well qualified candidate
• meet with the person

 

Always:

• type the letter
• address the letter
• send the original
• sign it
• don't repeat your resume ★
• no errors

 

Never:

• only one page
• don't include unnecessary information
• don't lie

 

Body: 3-4 paragraphs

1. Why you are writing (how you found about the company or designed position)

2. Why they should hire you 

   - Sell yourself to them (strengths & attributes)

   - Education and work experience and how it will help

3. (Optional)

   - Gaps in your resume

   - Any information that is not said in the resume or if you want to give more details

4. Ask for a meeting and tell them you will contact them specific time and date

   - thank them

February 16, 2012 (THR)

- Paul Kim's writing class