Communication
for Employment
(The Cover Letter and Resume)
Learning
Objectives
At the end of the lesson, you are expected to:
01 02 03 04 05
differentiate a write a cover discuss the contrast the develop a resume
cover letter from letter integrating features of an different resume incorporating the
resume the standards of effective resume format. principles of
writing resume writing
Cover Letter
A cover letter are one-page document typically sent along
with your resume when applying for a job. It serves as a
personal introduction to the hiring manager and provides a
vital purpose: presenting the case for why you should be
hired and distinguishing you from other candidates. It is also
where you can show your passion for the position and the
company, and highlight your most relevant qualifications.
How to write a
Cover letter
1. Research the company and job opening.
Thoroughly research the company you're applying to
and the specifications of the open position. The more
you know about the job, the better you can customize
your application letter. Look for details like:
Recent awards the company has received
Major accomplishments or distinguishers that
set this business apart from competitors
Specialized certifications, skills or knowledge
that are necessary or helpful for the job
The size of the company
the company culture
Charitable projects the company involved with
The name and title for the hiring
2. Include a salutation. The greeting you choose depends on how much information
you have about the company.
How to Address Your Cover Letter
Figure out the name of the hiring manager. This detail makes a huge difference.
It makes your letter a picture-perfect, and shows the hiring manager that you
care about this opportunity enough to figure out to write to.
Look up for the company’s employee roster to make an educated guess as to who
will be reading your cover letter. Even if you are incorrect, it is better than
using “To whom it may concern” or “Dear Hiring Manager”.
Use “Dear” and their formal title. Make sure to use the hiring manager’s proper
title like Mr., Ms., or Dr. If you cannot tell from their name what the manager’s
gender is, address it to their full name.
Ending the salutation with a comma is typically all right, but if you want your
letter to be more formal, use a semi-colon.
2. Write the first paragraph of your letter. This is where you will mention the job for
which you are applying and how you found the job listing. It only needs to be 1 to 2
sentences in length.
3. Write the body paragraphs of your letter. Most cover letters will only have 1 or 2
body paragraphs. You don't want to overwhelm the hiring manager or use up a great
deal of their time.
Make sure to talk about…
Why you are a qualified candidate for the position.
What work experience you have that fits the listed job requirements.
Why you want to work for that company specifically.
What tangible actions and improvements you could make in this role.
4. Write the final paragraph of your letter. This is where you wrap up and discuss
how you proceed with the application. You may emphasize why you would be great
in this position. You may also talk about how you proceed with your
application before thanking the manager for their time.
5. Wrapping up the Cover Letter. Reiterate why you are a perfect fit. Sum
your qualifications up in one compact sentence to remind the manager why you are
the best person to hire.
Discuss what you will do next. If you plan on following up with the hiring
manager in a week or two, include a specific date. Otherwise, just say that you
look forward to interviewing for the position and discussing your qualifications
further.
Give your contact information. Include your email address and phone number to
make sure the manager can get in touch with you.
Mention any attachments you have included.
Thank the person for their time and consideration. Say something like. “Thank
you very much for your time and I look forward to speaking with you soon.”
6. End your cover letter with a respectful closing statement. “Best” or “Sincerely”
are both classic options. Then, type your full name and affix your signature.
FORMAT OF COVER LETTER
Resume
Is a formal document used and created by a
person to present his/her background, skills, and
accomplishments. It is use for applying job.
CV (Curriculum Vitae)
is a longer document that details the whole course of your
career. It is used for employment purposes in the UK (and in
other European countries) is more akin to the resume—a shorter
summary version of one's education and experience—than to the
longer and more detailed CV that is expected in US academic
circles. In South Asian countries such as India, Pakistan, and
Bangladesh, BioData is often used in place of a resume.
Types of Resume
1. Reverse Chronological Resume
current positions on a resume
typically list the starting date to the
present. It is used by professionals
who are making advancements in the
same vertical.
2. Functional Resume
lists work experience and skills sorted
by skill area or job function. It is also
preferred for applications to jobs that
require very specific skills or clearly
defined personality traits.
3. Combination Resume
As the term suggests, this combines the
features of the first two kinds of
resume. As such, this highlights job
history as well as capabilities. Although
there is no hard and fast rule regarding
resume layout or content, the content
should include the following:
a. Personal Information
b. Educational Qualifications
c. Employment Records
d. Summary of Skills and Abilities
e. Membership/Offership in
Professional Organizations
f. Character References
3. Online Resume
Jobs ads may different applicants to email
a resume to a company or visit its website
and submit a resume in an electronic
format.
5. Infographic, Video, and Website Resume
As the Internet becomes more driven by
multimedia, job-seekers have sought to
take advantage of the trend by moving
their résumés away from the
traditional paper and email media to
website résumés or e-résumés
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CV AND RESUME
CV (Curriculum Vitae) Resume
CONTENT
traces all experiences and accomplishments experiences, & skills targeted to employer
TOPICS
Education, certifications, experiences, awards Education, Professional Experiences
LENGTH
Ranges from 3-5 pages up to 20-30 Concise 1 page summary
GOAL
Tells your full professional stories Tells a broad high-level story
ELEMENTS OF RESUME WRITING
Name, Address, Email, Mobile
number
Career Objective
Work Experience
Educational Background
Courses/Training
Awards of Recognition
Personal Details
Reminders in
Writing Resume
1. Do not write the word RESUME in the heading.
2. Arrange the parts of the resume according to your purpose.
3. Keep sentences brief yet informative
4. Check the contents to avoid errors.
5. Edit you work for clarity of thought and correctness of grammar
6. Avoid the first person pronouns “I, me or my”…
7. Try not to have “character references available upon request”
8. Be empathic by using more than one font type, but never
overuse them.
9. Use appealing font style with readable size.
10. Properly format headings, margin and spacing.
11. Affix your signature to authenticate its content.
12. Include your latest photo.
13. Use high quality paper for printing
Interview Etiquette
Is essentially a set of guidelines that dictate
how you should behave and present yourself
during a job interview. It goes beyond just
saying the right things; it involves a
combination of professionalism, courtesy, and
good manners. Mastering interview etiquette
not only creates a positive impression but also
showcases your interpersonal skills and
emotional intelligence.
THINGS YOU
NEED TO DO
BEFORE THE
INTERVIEW
1. Understand the role 2. Prepare your documents 3. Plan your Journey
Study the job description Gather and organize multiple Confirm the interview location
carefully to understand the skills copies of your resume, cover and plan your route. For in-person
and experiences needed. Prepare letter, portfolio, and references in interviews, allow extra time for
specific examples from your
a folder. This preparation ensures traffic or delays. For virtual
background that align with these
you’re ready if asked for additional interviews, test your technology
requirements, which will help you
copies and shows you are beforehand and ensure a quiet,
discuss how you can meet the role's
organized and professional. well-lit setting.
needs effectively.
4. Prepare your Outfit 5. Practice Common Questions 6. Prepare Questions
Develop a list of thoughtful
Choose attire that fits the Choose attire that fits the
questions about the team, company
company’s dress code, whether company’s dress code, whether
goals, or career development
formal or business casual. Make formal or business casual. Make
opportunities. Asking insightful
sure your outfit is clean, well- sure your outfit is clean, well-
questions shows your interest in
fitted, and appropriate for the fitted, and appropriate for the
the role and helps you understand
company culture to make a strong company culture to make a strong
if the company is a good fit for you.
first impression. first impression.
THINGS YOU
NEED TO DO
DURING THE
INTERVIEW
1. Depth of Information 2. Self-Confidence
Highlight your understanding of the Speak clearly and maintain eye contact
company and role by mentioning to convey confidence. If you don’t know
relevant details or recent the answer to a question, remain
developments. Relate these to your composed, ask for clarification if needed,
experiences or skills, showing that and approach the response calmly. This
reflects your confidence in handling
you’ve done thorough research and
challenges.
are genuinely interested.
3. Interpersonal Skills 4. Honesty
Use your interpersonal skills to Be upfront about your skills,
build a positive connection with the experiences, and any gaps in your
interviewer. Actively listen, engage in knowledge. If you don’t have an
the conversation, and respond answer, admit it and explain how you
thoughtfully. This helps create a would find a solution. Honesty builds
friendly and cooperative atmosphere, credibility and trust with the
demonstrating your ability to work interviewer.
well with others.
5. Posture/Gesture 6. Wit
Maintain an open, attentive Handle unexpected or challenging
posture and use natural gestures questions with a thoughtful, quick
to emphasize points. Avoid response and a touch of humor if
crossing your arms or fidgeting, as appropriate. Wit can showcase
it can seem defensive or your problem-solving skills and
distracted. Good posture and ability to think on your feet,
controlled gestures enhance your making you appear adaptable and
presence and engagement. personable.
7. Personal Appearance
Ensure your attire is neat and
professional throughout the
interview. Avoid adjusting your
clothes or hair excessively to keep
the focus on your responses rather
than any potential distractions.
Thank you
very much!
