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Making application letter and Curriculum Vitae

Cover Letter Example

A key part of almost any job application is a cover letter. Sometimes, that becomes even more important than your resume itself, as the cover letter shows the human behind the paper. It allows you to shine through your list of certifications and experiences and show off your soft skills and enthusiasm and convince the hiring manager you are the best match for the position.

At the end of this article, you will find an example of a cover letter written in response to an online advertisement. However, before you jump straight to it, it may be a good idea to read through a typical structure of a cover letter, some writing and preparation tips, and useful key phrases. After all, you are representing yourself and your strong attributes, not someone else's online template.

Structure of a Cover Letter

3-5 Paragraphs

Cover letters usually run between three and five paragraphs. Note, however, that unless specifically outlined in the job posting, there is no prescribed length for this type of writing. A good thing to keep in mind is that hiring managers often only spend a brief time reviewing each application. Keeping it short and/or making it stand out in any other way (interesting and unusual words, descriptions, and/or accomplishments) could benefit you.

Structure

· Addresses and date
· Salutation
· Introductory paragraph stating:
· The position you are applying for
· How you heard of the position

One-sentence pitch of who you are as a professional and a mention that/how your qualifications match the position and/or the company perfectly

· Body 1

· Elaborate on your desire to work for this company in this position

Elaborate on your background and how it matches the required profile (to sound genuine, make sure you use synonyms and different sentence structures than the words and phrases in the job posting)

Optional Body 2 (and 3)

Relate one or two anecdotes depicting skills or accomplishments that are not immediately noticeable on your resume

Tie them back to the job description. Show how these skills make you the best choice for the position

Thanks

Thank the hiring manager

Express one more time how enthusiastic you are about working for their company and how perfect of a match you are for the advertised position

Provide another form of contact (telephone number) and express your willingness to be reached out to for any further information

Salutation

Tips for Writing Cover Letters

Always refer to the exact position for which you are applying. Make sure you know all the details about it and the company. 

Researching the company and the position prior to writing your letter will help you sound on point and will help frame your attributes more specifically for the position.

Point out those aspects of your career that you feel are especially important. Be confident and proud of your accomplishments, yet still matter-of-fact.

Don't point out too many of your qualifications. You've enclosed your resume for that purpose. Instead, select one or two details or anecdotes and elaborate on those.

Refer in a positive way to a future interview. Don't be shy about stating that you'll follow-up. 

Useful Phrases

Referring to the Position

I am writing to you in response to your advertisement for...
I would like to apply for the position of...
I'm interested in applying for...

Pointing Out Important Qualifications

As you can see from my enclosed resume, my experience and qualifications match this position's requirements closely.

· I believe my...make of me an ideal candidate for this position.
· I would like to point out...
· During..., I improved (furthered, extended, deepened, etc.) my knowledge of...
· My superiors really appreciated my... / when I...
· I was responsible for...
· My former position required me to..., which...

Referring to Future Interview

· Please, feel free to contact me at...(for any further questions).
· I look forward to an opportunity to speak with you in person. 
· I look forward to speaking with you personally. 
· I look forward to discussing how I can...

Cover Letter Example

Kenneth Beare
2520 Vista Avenue
Olympia, Washington 98501

Mr. Bob Trimm, Personnel Manager
Importers Inc.
587 Lilly Road

Olympia, Washington 98506
April 19, 2019
Dear Mr. Trimm,

My name is Kenneth Beare and I am applying for the position of the Legal Assistant specializing in Port Regulatory Law at Importers Inc., as advertised on Indeed. I am a seasoned attorney and, as you can see from my enclosed resume, my experience and qualifications match this position's requirements closely.

I graduated Cum Laude from the University of Tacoma and was directly hired by Shoreman and Co. due to my expertise in port authority regulations. During my four years with the company, I further deepened my knowledge of the fast-changing regulatory laws in our state. My employer also thought highly enough of my abilities to promote me to head legal researcher after my first year of employment.

I am now ready to take my career to the next level, and Importers Inc. seems to be the perfect place for my aspirations. Your prestige along with the attentive care you give your customers are aspects that I value highly, and I believe that my profound knowledge of the industry, as well as my people skills, would help your company reach an even wider clientele.

Please, feel free to contact me by email or at (206) 121-0771 for any additional information. I would love to become a part of Importers Inc. and help further your mission. Thank you very much for your consideration. I look forward to hearing back from you.

Sincerely,
Kenneth Beare

 

Writing Your Resume

Below is a guide to finding a job in an English speaking country, with a focus on resume writing.

Resume Writing Tips

Writing a successful resume depends on many factors. Here is a simple guide to the basics of writing a good resume:

00001. Take detailed notes on your work experience. Include both paid and unpaid, full time and part time positions. Include your main responsibilities, any other activities that were part of the job, the job title and company information including the address and dates of employment. Include everything!

00002. Take detailed notes on your education. Include degree or certificates, major or course emphasis, school names and courses relevant to career objectives. Remember to include any important continuing education courses you may have completed.

00003. Include a list of other non-work related accomplishments. These may include competitions won, membership in special organizations, etc.

00004. Based on your detailed notes, decide which skills are transferable (skills that will be especially useful) to the position for which you are applying.

00005. Write your full name, address, telephone number, fax and email at the top of the resume.

00006. Include an objective for the resume. The objective is a short sentence describing what type of work you hope to obtain.

00007. Summarize your education, including important facts that directly relate to the job for which you are applying. You can also choose to include the education section after you have listed your job employment history.

00008. List your work experience beginning with your most recent job. Include dates of employment, company specifics. List your principal responsibilities making sure to focus on transferable skills.

00009. Continue to list all of your work experience in reverse order. Always focus on skills that are transferable.

00010. Finally list information skills such as languages spoken, computer programming knowledge etc. under the heading: Additional Skills

00011. Finish your resume with the following phrase: REFERENCES Available upon request

Tips

00001. Be concise and short! Your finished resume should not be more than a page.

00002. Use dynamic action verbs such as accomplished, collaborated, encouraged, established, facilitated, founded, managed, etc.

00003. Do NOT use the subject "I", use tenses in the past. Except for your present job. Example: Conducted routine inspections of on-site equipment.

Example of a Basic Resume

Peter Townsled
35 Green Road
Spokane, WA 87954
Phone (503) 456 - 6781
Fax (503) 456 - 6782
E-mail petert@net.com

Personal Information

Marital status: Married
Nationality: US

 

Objective

Employment as manager in important clothing retailer. Special interest in developing computer time-management tools for in-house use.

Work Experience

1998 to Present / Jackson Shoes Inc. / Spokane, WA
Manager

Responsibilities

· Manage staff of 10

· Provide helpful service to customers concerning shoe choices

· Design and implement computer-based tools using Microsoft Access and Excel for staff
· Monthly bookkeeping

· 

Suggest changes in product offerings on a quarterly basis based on detailed analysis of sales patterns

· Provide in-house training for new employees as needed
 
1995 to 1998 / Smith Office Supplies / Yakima, WA
Assistant Manager

Responsibilities

· Managed warehouse operations

· Programmed Excel spreadsheet implemented to control sales strengths and weaknesses on a quarterly basis

· Interviewed new applicants for open positions

· Traveled locally offering on-site visits to regular customers

· Supervised bookkeeping staff

Education

1991 to 1995 / Seattle University / Seattle, WA
Bachelor of Business Administration

· Four-year business administration course focusing and retail work environments​

Professional memberships

· Rotary Club Member, Spokane WA

· Young Business Administration Club President 1993-1995, Seattle, WA

Additional Skills

Advanced level skills in Microsoft Office Suite, basic HTML programming, spoken and written proficiency in French

References available upon request.

Five basic tenses

Please open your e-book: Learner's English Grammar, Chapter 9.