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How to write a successful letter of application

How to write a successful letter of application. Presented by Ms Scanlan. How should I lay out my letter?. This is the current Ivanhoe Grammar School standard format.

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How to write a successful letter of application

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  1. How to write a successful letter of application Presented by Ms Scanlan

  2. How should I lay out my letter? This is the current Ivanhoe Grammar School standard format. It is in open punctuation, however you should always use punctuation when writing a cover letter – it is more formal.

  3. To whom should it be addressed? • Dear Sir/Madam – (Formal and you don’t know the name) • Dear Mr/Mrs/Ms/Dr Smith – (Formal and do know the name) • Dear Jackie/Jonathan – (Too informal) • Hi! – (Not if you want the job!) • Job advertisements will often tell you who to address your letter to, Eg. To the Manager

  4. How do I sign off? • Yours faithfully (If you don’t know the name) • Yours sincerely (If you have used their name) • Yours truly (Too informal) • Regards/Kind regards (Too informal) • Cheers (Not if you want the job!) • L8R (Oops!)

  5. Purpose of Cover Letter • Introduces your resume • States desired position • Summarizes your qualifications • Provides additional clarification to your resume • Requests an interview • Provides contact

  6. Many employers will skim your cover letter, and if they are interested they will read your resume – so it is vital you use key words that will stand out to them – read the position description carefully and use words from the position description or the job advertisementin your letter. • Eg. if they want someone to work weekends, ensure you mention your weekend availability, if they want someone with good communication skills mention that you are a friendly ‘people-person’ etc.

  7. Writing the Cover LetterProfessional Format • Concise – One Page • 3 - 4 paragraphs • Professional • Select a standard font • (NOT chiller, algerian etc.) • Select 11/12 font size • Have equal line spacing and page margins

  8. Writing the Cover LetterAddress Information • Your name & address (top right corner) • Today’s date (1 line below on left side) • Name, title, and address of person you are writing to 2 lines underneath the date on the left hand side • Personalized salutations best (i.e., Dear Dr. or Dear Ms.)

  9. Writing the Cover LetterSection One – The Opening • Purpose of your letter • Position of interest • How you heard of opening • Statement expressing your knowledge or interest in organization

  10. Writing the Cover LetterSection Two – The Body • Explains why you believe you are a good match for position or organization – include words used in the position description! • Highlights your degree/education and relevant experience • May be paragraph format or bulleted style

  11. Writing the Cover LetterSection Three – The Closing • Refers to the next steps you would like to have happen • Refers to your resume • Indicated contact information • Finish with a definite – “I look forward to hearing from you”

  12. Tips… • Never hand in the same cover letter to different businesses – tailor your letter to suit each job • Do some research on the business – what type of employee are they looking to hire? • There is a fine line between selling yourself and being over-confident or arrogant • PROOFREAD!!! • Be honest • If you have a home number, put it on the letter • Think about what the business wants, what you have to offer, and match the two • Be flexible – you are one of many applicants so you must be willing to be flexible • Always put the business name on the letter – this makes it apparent you have taken the time to change your letter and that you want THIS job, not just any old job • Ensure the email address you put on your letter is appropriate!! Not spunkygirl1@hotmail.com • OR • Bigtuffguy@gmail.com

  13. The Resume… • Be honest • Think about activities/clubs/memberships that you have which may be relevant to the job you are applying for • Try to tailor your resume to the job – if the job asks for customer service experience, and you have had experience, emphasise this aspect on the resume • Do not include information that is not relevant – eg. That you enjoy shopping is not relevant for a job at McDonalds, but for Sportsgirl it could be relevant

  14. Good luck with your letter.

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