Writing the Cover Letter & Components of Job Application BBS 2nd Year Business Communication

 

Writing the Cover Letter

A cover letter is a document that accompanies our resume when we apply for a job. It provides an introduction to who we are, highlights our qualifications and experiences, and explains why we are interested in the position. A cover letter allows us to customize our application for each job, showcasing how our skills and experiences make us a strong candidate.

A cover letter should explain why we are interested in the position and why we are a good fit for the role. It should complement our resume by providing more context about our qualifications and experiences. A well-written cover letter should be tailored to the specific job we are applying for and should highlight our relevant skills and achievements. When writing a cover letter, it's important to address it to the hiring manager or recruiter by name, if possible. Start by introducing ourselves and stating the position we are applying for. Then, briefly explain why we are interested in the position and why we are qualified for the role. Use specific examples from our experience to demonstrate our qualifications and match for the position. Finally, thank the employer for considering our application and express our enthusiasm for the opportunity.

In a solicited application, we are responding to a job posting or advertisement. Our cover letter should reference the job title and company name and should explain why we are interested in the position and how our skills and experience make us a strong candidate. On the other hand, in an unsolicited application, we are approaching the company proactively, without a specific job opening. Our cover letter should explain why we are interested in working for the company, and how our skills and experience could benefit the organization. It's important to research the company beforehand and tailor our cover letter to demonstrate our understanding of their business and how we can contribute.

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Before writing a cover letter, it's important to do some pre-work. We start by researching the company to understand its mission, values, and culture. We review the job description carefully to identify the key responsibilities and qualifications required for the position. Similarly, we identify our key selling points, such as relevant skills, experiences, and achievements. We also review our resumes to refresh our memory of our experiences and accomplishments. If possible, we find out the name and title of the hiring manager or recruiter who will be reviewing our application. Addressing our cover letter to a specific person can make it more personalized and impactful. Finally, we decided on the format of our cover letter and planned out our opening and closing to grab the reader's attention and express our enthusiasm for the opportunity.

Components of Job Application

A job application typically consists of several components, including a resume and a cover letter. The resume provides a summary of your education, work experience, skills, and achievements, highlighting why you are a qualified candidate for the position. The cover letter introduces you to the employer and explains why you are interested in the job and why you are a good fit. Depending on the job requirements, you may also need to submit additional documents such as transcripts, writing samples, certifications, or licenses. It's important to carefully review the job posting and follow the application instructions provided by the employer to ensure that you include all required components in your application. 

The following are the major components of a job application:

a.     Prospective Employer's Name and Job Title (Opening of Letter): We address the cover letter to the specific individual who will be reviewing our application, if possible. If we don't know the name, use a generic salutation such as "Dear Hiring Manager." We include the job title of the position we are applying for.

b.     Follow Standard Format: We use a standard business letter format for our cover letter. We also include our contact information at the top, followed by the date, the employer's contact information, and a formal greeting. The body of the letter should be left-aligned and single-spaced, with a space between each paragraph. We use a professional font and size, such as Arial or Times New Roman, size 12.

c.      Grab Attention, Spark Interest (Opening of Letter): We begin our cover letter with a strong opening that grabs the employer's attention and sparks their interest in our application. We can start with a compelling statement or a brief anecdote related to the job or industry. For example, we could mention a recent achievement or project that demonstrates our skills and qualifications for the position. Alternatively, we could start with a question or a bold statement that piques the employer's curiosity and makes them want to learn more about us. The opening should be concise and engaging, setting the tone for the rest of the cover letter.

d.     Sell Our Skills and Qualifications (Body of Letter): In the body of our cover letter, we sell our skills and qualifications by highlighting relevant experiences and achievements. We use specific examples to demonstrate how our skills and experiences make us a strong candidate for the position. We fit our cover letter to the job description and company culture.

e.      Action on Application (Conclusion of Letter): In the conclusion of our cover letter, we express our enthusiasm for the opportunity and repeat our interest in the position. We politely request an interview to further discuss our qualifications and how we can contribute to the company. We thank the employer for considering our application and provide our contact information for follow-up.

 

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Guidelines for Writing an Effective Cover Letter

Writing an effective cover letter is essential to making a strong impression on potential employers. Here are some guidelines to follow:

a.      Tailor Our Cover Letter to the Job: We customize our cover letter for each job application. We also highlight the skills, experiences, and achievements that are most relevant to the position.

b.     Use a Professional Format: Use a standard business letter format for our cover letter. Include our contact information, the date, the employer's contact information, and a formal greeting.

c.      Address the Hiring Manager by Name: Whenever possible, address our cover letter to the specific individual who will be reviewing our application. If we don't know the name, use a generic salutation such as "Dear Hiring Manager."

d.     Grab Attention in the Opening: Start our cover letter with a strong opening that immediately grabs the employer's attention. This could be a bold statement, a compelling question, or an interesting fact about the company or industry.

e.      Spark Interest in Our Skills and Qualifications: After grabbing attention, spark interest by briefly highlighting our relevant skills, experiences, or achievements. Provide a puzzler that makes the employer curious to learn more about us.

f.       Sell Our Skills and Qualifications in the Body: In the body of our cover letter, sell our skills and qualifications by providing specific examples of how our experiences make us a strong candidate for the position. Use metrics or achievements to quantify our impact.

g.     Show Enthusiasm and Fit for the Company: Express our enthusiasm for the opportunity and demonstrate our fit for the company culture. Research the company and mention specific reasons why we are interested in working there.

h.     Conclude with a Call to Action: In the conclusion of our cover letter, express our gratitude for the opportunity and restate our interest in the position. Politely request an interview to further discuss our qualifications.

i.       Proofread Carefully: Before sending our cover letter, proofread it carefully for spelling, grammar, and formatting errors. Ask a friend or mentor to review it as well.

j.       Follow-Up: After sending our cover letter, follow up with the employer to express our continued interest in the position. This demonstrates our professionalism and enthusiasm for the job.

By following these guidelines, we can create an effective cover letter that highlights our qualifications and makes a strong impression on potential employers.

Sample of a Cover letter

James Smith

Simara, Bara

smithjames@gmail.com

0097798450098763

30 March 2024

Julie Williams

Amico Computer Center

Perth, Australia

Subject: Application for the post of Senior Software Developer

Dear Sir,

I am writing to express my interest in the Senior Software Developer position at Amico Computer Center as advertised in ‘The New York Times’. With a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science and over 8 years of experience in software development, I am confident in my ability to contribute effectively to our team.

In my current role at Samsung Software Solutions, I have led numerous projects from conception to completion, collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality software solutions. My expertise includes full-stack development, with a focus on backend technologies such as Java and Spring Framework. I have a proven track record of designing and implementing scalable and efficient software systems that meet and exceed client expectations. One of my recent achievements includes leading a team to develop a new customer management system that resulted in a 30% increase in efficiency for our client. I am also proficient in front-end technologies such as JavaScript, Angular, and React, allowing me to contribute to the development of user-friendly and intuitive interfaces.

I am particularly drawn to the opportunity at Amico Computer Center because of our innovative approach to software development and our commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions to our clients. I am excited about the prospect of bringing my skills and expertise to our team and contributing to our continued success.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of discussing this exciting opportunity with us. Please feel free to contact me at 0097798450098763 or smithjames@gmail.com to schedule a meeting.

Yours faithfully, 

James Smith

Enc: Resume 

 

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