Letter of Application

Definition: A letter of application, also known as a cover letter, is a document sent with your
resume to provide additional information on your skills and experience.

A letter of application typically provides detailed information on why you are qualified for
the job you are applying for. Effective application letters explain the reasons for your interest
in the specific organization and identify your most relevant skills or experiences.

Your application letter should let the employer know what position you are applying for, why
the employer should select you for an interview, and how you will follow-up.

When writing an application letter you should include:

 First Paragraph: Why you are writing - mention the job you are applying for and
where you found the listing.
 Middle Paragraph(s): What you have to offer the employer - mention why your
.6yskills and experience are a good fit for the job.
 Last Paragraph: Say thank you to the hiring manager for considering you and note
how you will follow up.

APPLYING FOR A JOB

Introduction

In this unit you are going to study about writing job application letter and curriculum
vitae (CV).

Presentation
A. HOW TO WRITE A JOB APPLICATION LETTER (COVER LETTER)

1. Introductory paragraph

a) State your purpose/reason for writing:

"I would like to apply . . ."

b) State the post/position for which you want to apply:

" . . .for the position of Research Technician . . ."

c) Cite the source and the date/issue from which you learned about the job:

"which was advertised recently in the October 10th issue of the New Scientist . .."

2. Body of the letter

a) Introduce yourself with any relevant personal data (e.g. age, marital status,
nationality):

"I am 23 years old, single and am willing to relocate abroad."

b) Briefly include your current job, length of employment and any duties and
responsibilities which might be relevant to the job:

"I am presently employed as a . . . and have held this position for the last three
years."

c) Point out your highest academic qualification

"As you will note from my CV, I hold a master's degree in . . . from the
University of Malaya, where I specialized in . . ."

d) Mention any earlier experience (e.g traineeships) or special skills which could
be valuable to the employer:

”I have also had experience in . . . . while working as a trainee in a work

study program at…” /have much experience in using . . .
 e) Emphasize the benefits to the employer of hiring you, and mention any reasons
why the job would be beneficial to you (this shows that your motivation is not
purely financial):

"I believe that my knowledge of . . . would be of great value/benefit to this position . . ."

"I feel that this position would give me the opportunity to further develop my skills in the
field of . . ."

3. Closing paragraph

a) Mention the documents (e.g. CV) which accompany your covering letter:

"Please find enclosed my curriculum vitae . . ."

b) Mention your willingness or ability to come for an interview or to give more

information:

"I should be pleased to attend an interview at any time which is convenient to you. I can be
contacted at the telephone number given at any time /durin g office hours / after 5 p.m."

"I would be most happy to provide any further details you may require."

c) If the advertisement specifies that further information concerning conditions of

employment, job description, or salary can be obtained by writing:

"I should be grateful for further details concerning . . ."

d) Finally, indicate your interest in getting a reply even if it isn't what you'd hoped
for:

"I look forward to hearing from you (soon)."

The standard opening for formal correspondence is Dear.

• Dear Sir

• Dear Madam
Here is the example of job application letter:

Melati Street No.23

Tangerang – 15712

17th September 2010

Mr. Imantoro
Human Resources Department
PT. Persada Bumida Terpadu
Jl. Raya Sukamaju No. 11
Tangerang

Dear Sir,

I would like to apply as an Instrumentation and Control System Engineer in your

company. My name is Dias Farhan, 22 years old, male, single, energetic and healthy. I am a
Control System Engineer and graduated from Suryadarma University (UNSURYA) on May
2007 with GPA 3.78. I would like to have career to expand my experience.

My personality as a hard worker and fast learner type of person would bring benefit
to your company. I will be very appreciated if you could give an opportunity to work in your
company.

Herewith I enclose my curriculum vitae, which will give details of my qualification.

I hope my qualifications and experience merit your consideration and look forward to your
reply.

Sincerely yours,

Dias Farhan

Enclosure: 1

WRITING A CURRICULUM VITAE (CV)

A CV should be concise, accurate, and informative. It should be updated on a regular

basis, at least annually or more frequently if you have education, training, accomplishments,
or publications to add. Here is the example of CV.

Curriculum Vitae

Personal Details

Full Name : Florentina Putri

Sex : Female
Place, Date of Birth : Probolinggo, August 5, 1979
Nationality : Indonesia
 Marital Status : Married
Height, Weight : 165 cm, 53 kg
Health : Perfect
Religion : Moslem
Address : Perum Bojong Depok Baru 1, Blok ZT No.3, Cibinong
Mobile : 0817 9854 203
Phone : 021 - 87903802
E-mail : putri.flo@gmail.com

Educational Background

: Gajahmada Elementary School, Probolinggo

1985 - 1991
: Junior High School No.1, Probolinggo
1991 - 1994
: Senior High School No.1, Probolinggo
1994 - 1997
: Accounting Department at the University of Pancasila,
1997 – 2001
Jakarta

Course & Education

1999 – 2002
:Computer & Internet Course at Puskom Gilland Ganesha,
2004 – 2004 Jakarta
: English Language Course at LBA Gilland Ganesha, Jakarta

Qualifications

1. Accounting & Administration Skills (Journal Printing & Calculation,

Ledger, Petty Cash Payroll & Calculation, Inventory Controls, Project
Data Updating, Teller, Salary Caldulation).

2. Taxation System.
3. Computer Literate (MS Word, MS Excel, MS Power Point, MS Access,
MS Outlook).
4. Internet Literate.
Working Experience

Working at PT. Flamboyan Bumi Singo, Cibinong

Period : August 2001 - November 2008

Purpose : Permanently working
Position : Accounting & Taxation staff

Job's Description :

 Payroll Staff;
 Project's data updating;
 Business correspondences;
 Expatriates documentation filling & follow up;
 Translation;
 Appointment arrangement;
 Arranged of business trip schedule;
 Meeting budget arrangement;
 Procurement filling, inventory control, and administration assistant;
 Issuing invoice & receipt for vendor and customers;
 Inventory Controller;
 Preparation of purchase requirement and purchase order;

Cibinong, November 20th 2009

Florentina Putri
8.3. Closing

In order to evaluate your ability about how to write a job application letter and
Curriculu Vitae, you are asked to practice the exercises as follows.

Practice Exercises:

Write sentences as directed. Apply for the following posts:

No Post Where advertised application

1. Finance Director Today’s Times
2. Sales Representative Last Tuesday’s Daily Telegraph
3. Assistant Manager Last week’s Watermouth Advertiser
4. Marketing Manager Today’s Guardian
5. Clerical Assistant Thursday’s Daily Mail

Job Interview Questions

Task for Final Test

Answer the questions below based on your ideas and views!

1. Tell me about yourself.

2. How would you describe yourself?
3. What makes you unique?
4. Why do you want to work here?
5. What motivates you?
6. What are you passionate about?
7. What are your greatest strengths?
8. What are your greatest weaknesses?
9. What are your goals for the future?
10. Where do you see yourself in five years?
11. Can you tell me about a difficult work situation and how you overcame it?
12. Why should we hire you?
13. How do you handle stress?
14. What makes you uncomfortable?
15. What is your ideal working environment?
16. What commonly accepted view do you disagree with and why?
17. What are some positive things your last boss would say about you?
18. What differentiates you from our other candidates?
19. How would a good friend describe you?
20. Are you more of a leader or a follower?
21. What do you like most about yourself?
22. How long do you expect to work for this company?
23. How do you keep yourself organized?
24. What character traits would your friends use to describe you?
25. What is your favorite movie of all time and why?