CANKAYA UNIVERSITY OFFICE OF BASIC AND ELECTIVE COURSES -ENGLISH UNIT- ÇANKAYA UNIVERSITY OFFICE OF BASIC & ELECTIVE COURSES CANKAYA UNIVERSITY OFFICE OF BASIC AND ELECTIVE COURSES -ENGLISH UNIT- COVER LETTER WRITING FOR ENG 406 COURSE WEEK 6

ÇANKAYA UNIVERSITY OFFICE OF BASIC & ELECTIVE COURSES COVER LETTER WRITING The cover letter is another formal document required for job applications. It serves as introduction to the CV and provides additional information to other documents. It is also called ‘covering letter’. There are two types of cover letters: Speculative Letter Advert-Response Letter CANKAYA UNIVERSITY - OFFICE OF BASIC AND ELECTIVE COURSES- ENGLISH UNIT

ÇANKAYA UNIVERSITY OFFICE OF BASIC & ELECTIVE COURSES DO YOU KNOW THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TWO? CANKAYA UNIVERSITY - OFFICE OF BASIC AND ELECTIVE COURSES- ENGLISH UNIT

ÇANKAYA UNIVERSITY OFFICE OF BASIC & ELECTIVE COURSES In the speculative letter there is not an openly stated specific vacancy to fill. You simply write to enquire whether they have opportunities for someone with your qualifications and experience. WHEREAS In the advert-response letter, there is a specific opening to be filled. The format is almost the same for both types of letters. CANKAYA UNIVERSITY - OFFICE OF BASIC AND ELECTIVE COURSES- ENGLISH UNIT

ÇANKAYA UNIVERSITY OFFICE OF BASIC & ELECTIVE COURSES FORMAT HEADER: Cover letters use standard business letter style, with the sender’s address and other information, the recipient’s contact information, and the date sent after either the sender’s or the recipient’s address. Following that is an optional reference section (e.g. “RE: Internship Opportunity at Global Corporation”) The final part of the header is a salutation. (e.g. “Dear Hiring Managers” or “ Dear Ms. Simmons”). CANKAYA UNIVERSITY - OFFICE OF BASIC AND ELECTIVE COURSES- ENGLISH UNIT

ÇANKAYA UNIVERSITY OFFICE OF BASIC & ELECTIVE COURSES 2) INTRODUCTION: The introduction briefly states the specific position desired, should be designed to catch the employer’s immediate interest. In more detail, your introduction must answer the following questions: What prompted you to apply. Which position you are applying for. Why you want to work for them. What you are looking for . What you are offering. CANKAYA UNIVERSITY - OFFICE OF BASIC AND ELECTIVE COURSES- ENGLISH UNIT

ÇANKAYA UNIVERSITY OFFICE OF BASIC & ELECTIVE COURSES 3) BODY: The body highlights or amplifies on material in the resume or job application, and explains why the job seeker is interested in the job and would be of value to the employer. Also, matters discussed typically include skills, qualifications, and past experience. It is suggested that a significant skill/experience/ability... Be stated in this part to get the attention of the reader. CANKAYA UNIVERSITY - OFFICE OF BASIC AND ELECTIVE COURSES- ENGLISH UNIT

ÇANKAYA UNIVERSITY OFFICE OF BASIC & ELECTIVE COURSES 4) CLOSING: A closing sums up the letter and indicates the next step the applicant expects to take. It may indicate that the applicants intends to contact the employer, although many favor the more indirect approach of simply saying that the applicant will look forward to hearing from or speaking with the employer. After the closing is a valediction (“Sincerely”), and then a signature line. Finally, the abbreviation “Enc.” is used to indicate that there is a CV enclosed. CANKAYA UNIVERSITY - OFFICE OF BASIC AND ELECTIVE COURSES- ENGLISH UNIT

ÇANKAYA UNIVERSITY OFFICE OF BASIC & ELECTIVE COURSES SAMPLE FORMAT 1 Your present address City, Zip Code, Country Telephone Mobile Email Recipient’s Name Title Employer(institution or company) Address Date of Letter Salutation: DearMr/Ms.......(:) Introduction: Body: Closing: Thanking Sincerely yours,/ Yours sincerely, Signature Typed Name Enc: CV CANKAYA UNIVERSITY - OFFICE OF BASIC AND ELECTIVE COURSES- ENGLISH UNIT

ÇANKAYA UNIVERSITY OFFICE OF BASIC & ELECTIVE COURSES SAMPLE FORMAT 2 Your present address City, Zip Code, Country Telephone Mobile Email Recipient’s Name Title Employer(institution or company) Address Date of Letter Salutation: DearMr/Ms.......(:) CONTENT SAME AS FORMAT 1 Closing: Thanking Sincerely yours,/ Yours sincerely, Signature Typed Name Enc: CV CANKAYA UNIVERSITY - OFFICE OF BASIC AND ELECTIVE COURSES- ENGLISH UNIT

ÇANKAYA UNIVERSITY OFFICE OF BASIC & ELECTIVE COURSES Now, examine two cover letters format on pages: 66-67 in your books specify the parts and tell the differences between two if any. CANKAYA UNIVERSITY - OFFICE OF BASIC AND ELECTIVE COURSES- ENGLISH UNIT

ÇANKAYA UNIVERSITY OFFICE OF BASIC & ELECTIVE COURSES CANKAYA UNIVERSITY - OFFICE OF BASIC AND ELECTIVE COURSES- ENGLISH UNIT

CANKAYA UNIVERSITY - OFFICE OF BASIC AND ELECTIVE COURSES- ENGLISH UNIT

LANGUAGE of A COVER LETTER 1)Accuracy: Cover letters should be accurate in terms of grammar and vocabulary. For this reason, make sure that you carefully check your sentences one by one. 2) Formality: The language you use in cover letter should be fairly formal. Look at the table. FORMAL No contractions in writing e.g. I will graduate Single-word verbs e.g. Postpone Formal connecting word e.g. Consequently, therefore,however,nevertheless INFORMAL Contractions in writing e.g. I’ll graduate Phrasal Verbs e.g. Put off Informal connecting words e.g. So but CANKAYA UNIVERSITY - OFFICE OF BASIC AND ELECTIVE COURSES- ENGLISH UNIT

Starting all sentences with “I”, 3) Variety: In order to write an effective letter, you should use a variety of sentence patterns and vocabulary items. AVOID Starting all sentences with “I”, Repeating the same words and transitions unnecessarily, Using the same patterns in the entire letter. CANKAYA UNIVERSITY - OFFICE OF BASIC AND ELECTIVE COURSES- ENGLISH UNIT

Be self-confident but do not boast 4) Tone: A letter with the right tone will have the right effect on the reader. Therefore, when writing the letter Be polite Be self-confident but do not boast Avoid sounding flattering, snobbish, or pleading. CANKAYA UNIVERSITY - OFFICE OF BASIC AND ELECTIVE COURSES- ENGLISH UNIT

REMINDERS The appearance of your covering letter is vital. It should look professional. It should have enough white space with suitable margins and line –spacing. (Use CV margins and line-spacing) DON’T USE ANY INDENTATIONS It should be free of any spelling, grammar, or punctuation mistakes. Do not overuse the pronoun ‘I’, ‘me’. Use polite adjectives and action verbs. Avoid cliches. CANKAYA UNIVERSITY - OFFICE OF BASIC AND ELECTIVE COURSES- ENGLISH UNIT

Write one or two of your qualifications that stand out or are unique. Sign your letter Write one or two of your qualifications that stand out or are unique. Know who you are writing your covering letter to. If not address ‘Dear Sir/Madam’. Do not mention the salary if not required. CANKAYA UNIVERSITY - OFFICE OF BASIC AND ELECTIVE COURSES- ENGLISH UNIT

NOW YOUR TURN  CANKAYA UNIVERSITY - OFFICE OF BASIC AND ELECTIVE COURSES- ENGLISH UNIT

TASK:1 Examine the ad below TASK:1 Examine the ad below. Suppose that you want to apply for the position advertised. Write a cover letter related to the ad and try to convince the employer. AIEER LTD İstanbul 09.01.2012 ARCHITECT/FURNITURE SALES REPRESENTATIVE We are seeking team members to work in the production and sales sections of our company. Requirements * Graduate of Architecture *Between ages 25-32 Male/female *No military obligation *Aminimum of two years of experience *Fluent in English *Good computer knowledge and ability to think analytically *Good interpersonal skills; efficient in problem solving Job Description *Responsible for customer service *Prepares and presents sales contracts *Handles orders from clients CANKAYA UNIVERSITY - OFFICE OF BASIC AND ELECTIVE COURSES- ENGLISH UNIT

THANK YOU CANKAYA UNIVERSITY - OFFICE OF BASIC AND ELECTIVE COURSES- ENGLISH UNIT

CANKAYA UNIVERSITY - OFFICE OF BASIC AND ELECTIVE COURSES- ENGLISH UNIT

CANKAYA UNIVERSITY - OFFICE OF BASIC AND ELECTIVE COURSES- ENGLISH UNIT

CANKAYA UNIVERSITY - OFFICE OF BASIC AND ELECTIVE COURSES- ENGLISH UNIT

CANKAYA UNIVERSITY - OFFICE OF BASIC AND ELECTIVE COURSES- ENGLISH UNIT

CANKAYA UNIVERSITY - OFFICE OF BASIC AND ELECTIVE COURSES- ENGLISH UNIT

CANKAYA UNIVERSITY - OFFICE OF BASIC AND ELECTIVE COURSES- ENGLISH UNIT