The Job Application Process: Cover Letter & Résumé

THE JOB APPLICATION PROCESS

COVER LETTER

AN EMPLOYER-ORIENTED DEFINITION:

“Your cover letter is the link between the employer’s immediate or future needs and your skills as described in your related resume.”

REQUIREMENTS

      One page is enough

       3-4 paragraphs is enough

      Create letterhead to match your resume

      Everything flush left for a standard

      business letter 14, or 12, point typeface

      Print via Laser or Ink Jet

      Use quality bonded paper and envelopes

      Clip letter to resume (no staples)

ADDRESS YOUR LETTER TO:

      To a specific person

      With a complete address

      Justify all information left

      Use a colon after “Dear”

      Use Mr./Ms. after “Dear”

      Type your name at end

      Indicate resume enclosure

OUTLINE (SEE DETAILED VERSION ATTACHED)

Ø  Write 3-4 paragraphs

1. Introduction

2. Sell your experience (previous jobs held/volunteer work done)

3. Sell your education(your CXC, CAPE or other certificates of achievement)

4. Conclusion

NB. You cannot proofread what you do not see on the paper! Have your letter proofread by someone with a good command of the language!

 Below is one format that you can use as your guide: 

Your Address

Your City,

Country

Date

Employer Contact Information

Name

Title

Company

Address

City, Country

Salutation

Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name:

Body of Cover Letter

The body of your cover letter lets the employer know what position you are applying for, why the employer should select you for an interview, and how you will follow-up.

First Paragraph:

The first paragraph of your letter should include information on why you are writing. Mention the position you are applying for. Include the name of a mutual contact, if you have one. Be clear and concise regarding your request.

Middle Paragraphs:

The next section of your cover letter should describe what you have to offer the employer. Convince the reader that they should grant the interview or appointment you requested in the first paragraph. Make strong connections between your abilities and their needs. Mention specifically how your skills and experience match the job you are applying for. Remember, you are interpreting your resume, not repeating it. Try to support each statement you make with a piece of evidence.

Final Paragraph:

Conclude your cover letter by thanking the employer for considering you for the position. Include information on how you will follow-up. State that you will do so and indicate when (one week's time is typical). You may want to reduce the time between sending out your resume and follow up if you fax or e-mail it.

Complimentary Close:

Respectfully yours,

Signature:

Handwritten Signature (for a mailed letter)

Typed Signature (Name)

Sample Cover Letter

RESUME

Definition:

A resume is a personal summary of your professional history and qualifications. It includes information about your career goals, education, work experience, activities, honors, and any special skills you might have.

OUTLINE

þ Personal information (Name – Biggest thing on the resume; Full Address – May need current & permanent; Phone number with area code; Email – (Make it professional!)

þ Objective (What does an objective do? Clarifies the purpose of your resume; Presents a clear statement of your goals – When should I use an objective? Always have one in mind!)

þ Education (school+ address+ date)- Be sure to include: Names of Schools; Diploma/Degrees Earned; Date Attended    or Graduation Date; Honors / Awards

þ Qualifications (Be sure to include: CXC Passes (list all subjects earned/those   that are related to applied position); CAPE; Certificates)

þ Work Experience (Remember – Experience can be: Paid part-time/full-time positions; Internships; Volunteer work; Club/campus group involvement; Significant course projects); (Company+address+date; job title/position held; duties, responsibilities, accomplishments)

þ Accomplishments and /or Activities

þ Interests/hobbies

þ References – MUST  have two (name+address+contact #)

RE: Attached template – The tables under each section are there as guides. You should hide all grid lines when ready to do the final print.

REQUIREMENTS 

1. Your first resume should not exceed ONE (1) PAGE, so do all you can to keep it from spilling over.
2. ALL the information on the resume should fulfil the requirements of the job advertisement you are applying for. DO NOT LIE about your experiences, qualifications, et cetera. Even if you come up short with what they require, don't feel bad or embellish the information. MAKE YOUR RESUME AS TRUTHFUL AS POSSIBLE.
3. Remember that you are selling yourself so be professional.

Things to remember

q  Avoid stating salary requirements

q  Avoid providing reasons for leaving past employers

q  Avoid limiting geographical considerations (unless necessary)

q  Avoid expounding on philosophy or values

q  Avoid offering any negative information

 You may use this format as your guide; paying specific attention to the categories: 

NAME

Street number and Name Ÿ City, Country

Phone Number ŸE-mail Address

Objective

What do you want to do?

Educational Background

Dates attended From Date - Present Dates attended From Date - Present

Name of High School Street Number and Name City, Country Name of Primary School Street Number and Name City, Country

Qualifications

List of CXC passes/certificates you have earned

Date earned (If results not available, write at the end of list “PENDING”)

                       

Work Experience

Dates employed From Date - Present

Company Name Street Number and Name City, Country Job Title ·     Duties or Achievements ·     Duties or Achievements

Accomplishments and Activities

List one or more things that you have done or a special skill you may have, awards or honours; activities you have participated in: pathfinder, scouting, sports teams, church groups, etc.

           

Interests

List hobbies, special interests, travel, etc. (or just those applicable to job)

               

References

Name Street Number and Name City, Country Phone Number

Name Street Number and Name City, Country Phone Number

 Sample # 1

Sample # 2

This is what I am looking for and how you will be graded:

Cover Letter               =      / 20 marks

Structure of Letter                             (8 marks)
	Your address		Complimentary Close
	Inside address		Signature
	Date		Correct line spacing
	Salutation		Attached job ad/info.

Organisation                                    (5 marks)

Paragraphs	Skipped lines between; flushed left	/1
Grammar	Cap. Usage Punct. Spelling; font style	/2
Sequence	Logical order of content	/2

Content                                          (7 marks)

Par  1	Why you’re writing; position applying for	/2
Par  2	Sell qualifications and experience	/3
Par  3	Thanks; follow up; point to résumé	/2

Résumé                       =         / 15 marks

Personal information (name in bold @ top; home & email address)	/2
Objective (clear & straightforward)	/1
Education (school+ address+ date)	/3
Qualifications (CXC + Certificates)	/2
Work Experience (Company+address+date)	/3
Accomplishments and /or Activities	/1
Interests/hobbies	/1
References – two (name+address+contact #)	/2

CLICK BELOW FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:

Sample Resumes and Letters for Students