Cover and Application Letters

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By popular demand ... covering letters! Consider the format, common vocabulary and tips below, but remember there is no perfect way to write a cover or application letter.

Here is mine (based on what we looked at in class):

Dale's Covering letter


Start out by studying this simple tutorial, How to Write a Good Cover Letter, from an excellent Canadian reading, writing and spelling site, The Learning Edge .

Complete the reading, vocab and comprehension exercises. Print the model letter for your own reference.

FORMATS:

In class we looked at some Business Letter Formats : Full Block, Block and Semi-Block. Personally, I prefer Full Block formatted letters, but you can experiment by using the samples I gave you in class.

There are lots of samples on the internet (too many) ... search through these if you want to read more.

Dictation and Spelling:



Download the dictation-cloze sheet

Spelling words: apply, application, position, advertise, enclose, enclosure, resume, interview, forward, sincerely


TIPS: KISS RULE


Composing a good cover or application letter is the biggest challenge.

Remember the KISS rule : "Keep it simple, stupid!" :-) A covering letter is just "a letter in support of your application" -- and that is what you must try and write.

DON'T just repeat information that is already in the application form or your resume;

DON'T ramble;

DO emphasize (i) your strong points : qualifications, experience that fit the job description. Be brief, clear and firm.

Keep one question in mind as you write: Why are you right for the job?

GRAMMAR

We came across the confusing issue of (Phrasal) VERBS that take -ing vs. Verbs that don't (eg. to look forward to doing something)

Look up and study these units from Essential Grammar 3rd.ed, Murphy:

Unit 53, 54, 55C and Unit 60


(We will look at Unit 60 in class next week)

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