University of Education Lahore
Department of English
Course Title: Advanced Academic Reading and Writing
Programme: BBA HONS
Course Code: ENGL2116
Instructor Name: Ms Isma Zaheer
COVER LETTER
Outline
• Cover letter & its goal
• Layout
• Structure
• Enclosure
• Example
• Reference
Cover Letter
• the document that accompanies your CV when you are applying for a
job.
• also known as a covering letter or application letter
• a one-page document that introduces a job seeker’s work history,
professional skills, and personal interest in applying for a job.
• Hiring managers and recruiters use cover letters, paired with
resumes, to screen applicants.
What’s the goal of a cover
letter?
The purpose of a cover letter is:
• to convince recruiters
• to give you an interview, and ultimately a job.
• As a job candidate, you’ll be judged by how clearly and effectively you make
your case for the role in your cover letter.
• To do that successfully, your cover letter should include relevant professional
experience, a persuasive angle, and avoid basic spelling and grammar
mistakes.
Layout
• a formal business letter
• Your address and contact details come under your name, in the upper
right corner of the page e.g.
• Fahukh Azeem
• DeCoto Street Iqbal Town, Bilal State 36254
• Telephone: (815) 879-2680
Structure
• (no more than four paragraphs.)
• The goal of the first paragraph is to specify what you are applying for
and how did you find out about the opportunity.
• The second paragraph should list your skills and qualifications.
• The third paragraph should point out why you want it. You should
outline your interest for the skills you are going to learn if you get the
job.
• The last paragraph outlines your availability for an interview
The Proper Closing
• Write (Yours..) and your name.
• Leave a blank space between the closing and your name
• to sign the letter in that space.
Body of Cover Letter
• lets the employer know what position you are applying for,
• why the employer should select you for an interview,
• and how you will follow-up.
Cont.….
• The first paragraph of your letter should include information on why
you are writing. Mention the position you are applying for and where
you found the job listing. Include the name of a mutual contact, if you
have one.
• Middle Paragraph should describe what you have to offer the
employer. Mention specifically how your qualifications match the job
you are applying for.
• Final Paragraph Conclude your cover letter by thanking the employer
for considering you for the position
• Signatures at the end
Why we create a Cover Letter?
• It tells the employer why he/she is receiving your Resume Used to
convince the employer:
• Why you are best candidate
• That you understand the position for which you are applying
• Why you should be considered for an interview.
Cover Letter Contents
• First, your cover letter should include your contact information so
that the prospective employer can get in touch with you. Include
current date.
• Second, your cover letter must include the name of the hiring
manager and his/her title; company name and address, followed by
the proper salutation. Important: Never use the salutation: “To whom
it may concern.”
Cont.…
• your cover letter should include at least three paragraphs:
• 1. What position your are applying for and where you found the job
posting – first paragraph.
• 2. What you have to offer (middle paragraph(s).
• 3. How you want to be contacted at the employer’s time and
availability
Guidelines for writing a Covering
Letters
Cont....
6. Highlight parts of the enclosed resume that specifically pertain to the
job offered.
7. Indicate the dates you are available for interviewing.
8. Show enthusiasm throughout your letter.
9. Write neatly and Use a good page layout
10. Sign each letter.
11. Follow up with a telephone call.
Do not Write these things in
Cover Letter
QUIZ
Short Questions
• What is meant by Resume Writing?
• Write down the content and format of a Resume.
• Give few guidelines for writing a Resume.
• Define cover letter.
• Why do we write a cover letter?
• Differentiate between Resume and Cover Letter.
• What’s The Real Purpose Of A Cover Letter?
• What Exactly Should I Put In My Cover Letter, And What Should I
Leave Out?
• How Should I Format My Cover Letter?
• Who Can I Get To Review My Cover Letter For Errors and
Effectiveness?
• What Is The Best Way To Include A Cover Letter Along With My
Resume?
• Do I Need To State My “Objective” In My Cover Letter?
3. Which of the following is not a function of a cover letter?
• To inform the employer of the job you are applying for
• To show how well you write
• To inform the reader of what you expect to get out of the job you're applying for
• To entice the reader to want to get to know you better by interviewing you
4. When should you send a cover letter?
• Only when an ad specifically requests it
• Every time you send out your resume
• When you need to list your salary requirement
• When you need to list references
• When you need to show off your marketability
5. How long should a resume be?
• 1 – 2 pages
• 2- 3 pages
• 3-4 pages
• As long as it needs to in order to list all the important information.
6. Resumes should NOT contain the following:
• Pronouns, such as “I” or “me”
• Action verbs
• Slang
• Both A & C
MCQ's
7. A cover letter is intended to _____________________.
• Complement, but not duplicate, the resume
• Add a personal touch to the resume
• Create a critical first impression
• All of the above
8. Do not indicate __________ on the resume.
• Birthdate
• Marital status
• Religion
• All of the above
9. Which of the following is NOT something that a cover letter writer should always do in his or
her opening paragraph?
• Inform on why he or she is writing
• Impress he employer with knowledge of the company
• Be specific about the position sought and what they can can offer
• Mention salary specifications
10. True or False: The effectiveness of taking risks with the opening paragraph of your letter
depends greatly on the field in which you are seeking a job.
References
• A Research Guide for Students: Research, Writing, and Style Guides
(MLA, APA, Chicago/Turabian, Harvard, CGOS, CBE)
• Purdue Online Writing Lab: Resume Workshop
• https://work.chron.com/cite-sources-job-resume-10962.html
• https://career.colostate.edu/resources/citing-publications-in-a-cv-or-
resume/.
• https://owl.purdue.edu/engagement/job_search_resources/resume_
and_cover_letter_presentations/index.html
• https://www.slideshare.net/maochoa35/how-to-write-a-cv-and-a-
covering-letter-presentation
