Business Cover Letter Slide

8/6/2019 Business Cover Letter Slide

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WRITING EFFECTIVE

COVER LETTER


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OBJECTIVE

At the end of this topic, you should be able

to:

understand what a cover letter is. know the importance of cover letter.

know the content of cover letter.

draft and develop a cover letter.

write an effective cover letter.


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What is Cover Letter?

A marketing tool it sells you

Explains to the potential employer how

you will help the company An opportunity to introduce yourself,

present your qualifications, and show the

search committee that you are a potentialcandidate for the position.


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Importance of Cover Letter

The ultimate goal is the interview.

To gain an attentive audience for your resume, making it animportant employment communication tool.

A cover letter is very important because: It gives you the opportunity to draw the employers

attention to your specific qualifications.

It provides a sample of your written communication

skills to demonstrate your intelligence and help toestablish your credibility and professionalism.


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Types of Cover Letter

A referral

When someone has suggested that you contact a

specific person at a company about job possibilities.

A response to an ad

When you answer to a job posting or announcement

the most common cover letter.

An unsolicited letter

When you do not know anyone at the company and

have no idea what kinds of jobs are available.


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Content of Cover Letter

Typically, the content of a cover letter is

composed of:

The Subject Heading The Opening Paragraph

The Pitch Paragraph

The Why you need to Choose meParagraph

The Last Paragraph


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The Subject Heading

This should be straight to the point and identify the

post that you are applying for.

The common style for the subject heading is to

bold it and capitalize all the letters.

APPLICATION FOR THE POST OF

MECHANICAL ENGINEER

OR

APPLYING FOR THE SENIOR TECHNICAL

ENGINEER POSITION


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The Opening Paragraph

This paragraph states

your reason(s) for writing the position for which you wish to be

considered

a statement indicating where and whenyou saw the job advertisement.


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Examples

I am writing to you in response to youradvertisement for a Production Engineer whichappeared in The New Straits Times advertised onJune 15, 2005.

ORI am interested in applying for this post asadvertised in The Star on June 15, 2005.

OR

I wish to be considered for the post of SeniorTechnical Engineer as advertised in The Stardated June 15, 2005.


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The Pitch Paragraph

Provide some insights about yourself with

reference to past accomplishments and

qualifications that are relevant to theposition you are applying for

The objective of this part is for the reader

to see you as a viable candidate for thejob.


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Example

I graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering

from University College of Engineering andTechnology, Malaysia (UCET) in 2002. During myindustrialtraining, I worked with Gambang IndustriesIncorporation, a leading manufacturing in westcoast

of Malaysia. In the Quality Departmentofthecompany, I obtained valuableexperience as myduties includedthe design of controlmechanism forheavy machinery. Afterthetraining, I was also giventhe

opport

unit

yt

o work as

the

ir appre

nt

ice

me

ch

anicduringthesemester breaks. I was also active invarious students activities at the university. I was theSecretary in the Students Representative Council.


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Why Should you Choose me

Paragraph

This paragraph should summarize

the reason(s) why you would be an asset

to the prospective employer

what are the benefits of hiring you


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Example

The kind of work in which your company is

engaged in particularly interests me, and I

would welcome the opportunity it wouldafford to utilize my training. Furthermore, I

am certain that my educational background

and experience in the relevant field will

prove to be a benefit to your organization.


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Closing Paragraph

Not just a closing

A chance for you to request or suggest for

the next step like an interview or a phoneconversation

About where to go from here

About opening the door to further contact


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Examples

My full particulars are shown on my enclosedcurriculum vitae. I shall be happy to attend aninterview at any time, and look forward to hearingfrom you soon.

OR

I am enclosing my resume for your reference, andI would appreciate an opportunity for an interviewso that we might discuss my qualifications andexperience in greater details.

OR My resume and copies of relevant certificateshave been enclosed for your reference. I lookforward to meeting you at an interview at anytimeconvenient to you


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Format for Cover Letter

Example


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Use of Language

Keep your sentences short and yourparagraphs concise.

Be aware of the power of short words andconcise sentences.

Keep it simple, state the facts and focuson the message you are sending outrather than the manner in which you sendit.


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Tips to Write Cover Letter

Check if applications should behandwritten. If it is not indicated, ensure

that your application is well-typed andneatly presented.

Be short and concise. Leave details forthe curriculum vitae.

Be specific about details. Do not usevague expressions.


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Tips to Write Cover Letter

Use friendly and NOT familiar tone without

sounding boastful.

Do not make claims that are not truthful.

Preferably a one page letter broken down to

3 5 focused paragraphs.

Focused on the employers needs NOT

yours.

Do not sound desperate but interested.


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What not to do!

Send a resume without a cover letter

Discuss salary unless the ad or job listing

requires it. Repeat information that appears on the

resume, except in the briefest, introductorymanner.

Generalize about personal qualities orpast job titles.


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What not to do!

Give unnecessary personal information.

Include anything that you will not beable to explain during the interview.

Send Xerox copies.

Staple or use paper clip items.


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yea yea !!

Documents

Business Cover Letter Slide