Page 174 - DENG101_Communication Skills-I

Unit 15: Job Application Writing and Acceptance Letters

Suppose you were the employer and you received a stack of resumes for a job listing. You would Notes
read the cover letters before you scanned the resumes. You would reject resumes if:
1. There was no accompanying cover letter
2. The same cover letter was obviously used for other job submissions
3. The cover letter didn’t match the job description

4. The cover letter was filled with general information. All you read was “blah, blah, blah.”
5. The cover letter contained spelling, grammatical or typo errors
6. The applicant’s skills don’t match the job description
7. The applicant made unsubstantiated claims
Your cover letter will get better results if:

1. You know what the employer wants
2. You market your strengths to edge out the competition
3. You tailor your cover letter to meet the employer’s needs
4. You list specific examples of solving similar problems that correspond to the employer’s

needs
5. You write a personal letter as if you were talking to the employer directly
6. You present yourself as a professional candidate worth interviewing
When writing a cover letter, be sure to:

1. Customize the cover letter for the particular job
2. Emphasize what you have to contribute to the company or organization
3. In bold type, highlight your skills that match the job description
4. Use a standard quality paper;

5. The letter must be typed or word-processed unless the employer specifically asks for a
handwritten application. But, when the employer asks for a hand-written letter, make sure
that you follow the instruction. Don’t mix hand writing with typing. Fix ALL spelling
errors and typos
6. The name and address of the employer must be carefully written. Personalize your cover
letter. If possible, address your cover letter to the person in charge of interviewing and
hiring
7. The source of the information regarding the vacancy must be mentioned.
8. The applicant must express a clear and enthusiastic desire to be considered for the
position.
9. He must express enthusiasm and optimism towards receiving a favorable reply from the
employer to discuss more details in an interview:
10. He must use an active and positive tone;
11. He must mention that the Resume and other papers, if any, are enclosed;
12. It the employer has given only a box number, the covering letter must be addressed to “The
Advertiser, Box No.---

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