1. Preparing your resume  Contents:  1. Writing a cover letter  2. Writing your resume  3. Grammar in practice: GENERAL GRAMMAR  4. Writing exercise

2. Writing a cover letter  Before you set off writing a cover letter, here are a few thing you need to be aware of:  Explain why you are sending a resume.  Do not send a resume without a cover letter.  Do not make the reader guess what you are asking for;  Do you want an internship opportunity. Or a permanent position: are you enquiring about future employment possibilities?

3. Writing a cover letter  Tell specifically how you learn about the position or organization  Whether from a flyer posted in your department, a website, or newspaper. Mention the date it when it was published.

4. Writing a cover letter  Convince the reader to look at your resume.  The cover letter will be seen first.  Therefore, it must be very well written and targeted to that employer.

5. Writing a cover letter  Call for attention to elements of your background.  Education, leadership, experience- that are relevant to a position you are seeking. Be as specific as possible, using example.

6. Writing a cover letter  Reflect your attitude.  Personality, motivation, enthusiasm, and communication skills.

7. Writing a cover letter  Indicate what you will do to follow-up.  You may provide your contact details, at which the potential employer may reach you. (e.g. your mobile number).

8. A cover letter format guideline  1. Your details  Your name  Your address  Your telephone / mobile number  Your email address

9. A cover letter format guideline  2. Date  Day / Month / Year

10. A cover letter format guideline  3. Employer’s details  Employer’s name / Employer’s designation  Company’s address

11. A cover letter format guideline  4. Salutation  Dear Sir Madam  Dear Mr / Ms (use last name)

12. A cover letter format guideline  5. Reference  The reason for writing the resume

13. A cover letter format guideline  6. Content 1 Opening paragraph  State why you are asking in reference to the matter mentioned before ; how you learned about the position, basic information about yourself.

14. A cover letter format guideline  7. Content 2 – Your strength / qualities / qualification  Tell why you are interested in the position.  Demonstrate your knowledge of the employer / company in relation to your background.  Mention specific qualifications which make you suitable for the company’s needs.  Refer to the fact that your resume is enclosed and other relevant enclosures.

15. A cover letter format guideline  8. Content 3 – Opportunities for interviews & contact details  Indicate that you would like the opportunity to interview for a position or to talk with the employers to further discuss opportunities.  State that you would be glad to provide the employer / company with additional information needed.  State your contact details again.

16. A cover letter format guideline  8. Closing statement  Thank the employer for his / her time and consideration. Indicate that you look forward to a reply.

17. A cover letter format guideline  10. Closing salutation  Yours sincerely  Your signature  Your name in CAPITAL LETTER

18. A cover letter format guideline  11. Enclosure  Mention your resume & other documents that are enclosed

19. Writing your resume  Here are a few things you need to know about a resume  The number one purpose of a resume  The resume is a tool with specific purpose: to win an interview. If it does what the fantasy resume did, it works. If it does not, it is not an effective resume. A resume is an advertisement, nothing more, nothing less.

20. Writing your resume  Other purpose of a resume.  To pass the employer’s screening process  To give basic facts which might favourably influence the employer  To provide contact information  To establish you as a professional person with high standards and excellent writing skills, based on the fact that the resume is so well done.