PARK COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH
HS 8251 TECHNICAL ENGLISH
(Learning material)
COVER LETTER/RESUME/CV
COVER
LETTER
A
covering letter (or cover letter) is a formal business letter that accompanies
a CV/ resume or an application form. It sets a stage for the resume and
introduces your resume to the prospective employer.
In
Britain and North America a cover letter is usually typed on a single page.
A
good cover letter uses formal language and presents some key argument for why
your application should be taken seriously.
As
with every letter, check the spelling and grammar carefully. Typos and
carelessness in the letter can cause the receiver to stop reading and discard
your resume.
State
the purpose of the letter in the first paragraph. State the job title you seek,
the company’s name and how you heard the job opening.
In
the next paragraphs highlight the accomplishments in your work history or
education that make you especially suited for the job. Indicate your interest
in the job and show enthusiasm. Finally end the letter with a statement of your
availability for interview and willingness to provide references.
Letter
format
The
two standard formats for business letters are the blocked and the modified
block with indented paragraphs.
BLOCKED
The
blocked style is the simplest.
Here
all the elements are aligned to the left of the margin.
There
is open punctuation.
Punctuation
marks are not used for the elements of a letter.
Start
every part of the letter and every paragraph in the body of the letter at the
left margin and skip one line between parts and paragraphs. Use open
punctuation (no punctuation) for the parts. Of course punctuation marks are
essential in the body of the letter.
MODIFIED BLOCK
Heading
is aligned to the right.
Complimentary
close is again aligned to the right.
Block form (
lay out)
…………..
……………
……………heading
………….. date
……………
……………..
…………….
Inside address
…………….
Salutation
………………………………………….
………………………………………….
………….body(
first paragraph
………………………………………….
………………………………………….
………….body(
second paragraph)
…………………………………………..
………….body(
third paragraph
………….closing
………….hand
written signature
…………typed
signature
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Modified block
form( lay out)
Heading ………………..
………………..
………………….
Date …………………
………………..
…………………
…………………..
Inside address
………………….Salutation
…………………….
………………………..
…………….Body(
first word indented)
……………………………….
…………………………………. ..
……………..body(
second paragraph)
……………………………….
…………………..body
( last paragraph)
Closing ……………………
Signature …………………….
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FORMAT OF A COVER LETER (block
type)
……………….
……………….
……………….
………………. 1. Sender’s address
……………….. 2. Date line
……………….
……………….
……………….
………………. 3.’ To’ address or inside address
……………….. 4. Salutation or greeting
……………… 5. Subject line
……………….. 6. Reference line
7. Body
………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………….
……………………………………………………………………………….
…………………..
( paragraph 1)
……………………………………………………………………………….
……………………………………………………………………………….
……………………………………………………………………………….
…………………..
( paragraph 2)
…………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………..
……………….. ( paragraph 3)
…………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………
( last paragraph)
……………….
8. Closing
………………..
9. Hand written signature of the
sender
……………… 10. Typed name and title of the sender
………………..
11. Enclosure
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1. Sender’s address:
It should contain complete address of the sender such as door number, name of
the street, locality, telephone number, mobile number, and email address. All
lines should be in flush with the left margin. It should not contain your name.
2. Date line:
Type the date of the letter directly below the sender’s address. Use the
American style (March 5 2019) or the international style (5 March 2019). Don’t
write the date as 5.3.2019or 5/3/2019 or5-3-2019 as it creates confusion among
the eastern part as well as the western part of the globe. People from the
eastern part of the globe interpret 5.3.2019 as the fifth of March 2019 and at
the same time people from the western part of the globe interpret it as third
May 2019.
3. To address or inside address: Skip
one line after the date. Align the receiver’s information with the left margin.
4. Salutation or greeting: Skip
one line after the address. Align the greeting with the left margin. The most
common greeting is ‘Dear sir’ or Dear followed by the formal name. Possible
greetings are:
Dear Sir
Dear Madam
Dear
Sir/Madam
Dear
Mr. Arun
Dear
Human Resources Manager
5. Subject:
(optional) Skip one line after greeting. It can be placed even before
‘greeting’
6. Reference: Quote
the source of information
7. Body of the letter:
Skip one line after reference. The
body of the letter has three or four main divisions.
Skip lines between each paragraph.
Don’t indent the first word of each paragraph.
Paragraph
1:
State your purpose for writing. Say which job you are applying for and
how/where you heard about it.
Paragraph
2:
Outline your current job and responsibilities. Make it relevant to the post you
are applying to.
Paragraph
3:
State why you want the job and what you can bring to the company. It is
important to say what you can do for them.
Paragraph4:
Give other relevant information and when you are available for the interview.
8. Closing:
Skip one line after the last paragraph. Use suitable phrases like , yours
faithfully or yours sincerely for cordial closure. The phrase, ‘yours
sincerely’ goes with the salutation, dear + name
9. Hand written signature of the
sender: Leave four blank spaces for your signature.
10. Typed name and title of the
sender: Type your name in capital letters followed by your
title.
11. Enclosure or copy information:
Skip one line after your typed name and title
Sample cover letter: 1
Write an application for the post
of denior accounts clerk.
15/17
R G Puthur street
P
N Puthur post
Coimbatore
District
Pin:
641041
Phone:
0422 2437947
Mobile:
9443898886
5
March 2019
The
Manager Personnel
ACC
Cement Companies Private Limited
Madukkarai
Cement Works
Madukkarai
post
Coimbatore
641001
Dear
Sir/Madam
Sub:
Application for the post of senior accounts clerk
Ref:
Your advertisement published in ‘The Hindu’ dated 28 February 2019
I
write this letter to apply for the post of senior accounts clerk advertised
in ‘The Hindu’ dated 28 March 2019
As
you will see from my enclosed CV, I am currently employed as an accounts
clerk in a medium sized printing firm. In addition to my normal book keeping
duties, I am responsible for invoicing and checking up late payments. I also
deal with credit checks on potential customers.
I
am committed to pursuing a career in management accounting and am currently
studying for further professional qualification by distant learning. I am
particularly interested in your post
as it would enable me to gain experience
of working in a larger company with opportunities for professional
training and development that this brings. I addition to my skills and
experience as an account clerk, I would bring to the post a proven ability to
deal successfully and tactfully with customers and clients.
I
am available for the interview at any date of your convenience.
I
look forward to hearing from you
Yours
faithfully
(
G.ARUN)
Encl:
CV
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Sample cover letter: 2
Write an application
for the post of a computer networking assistant
13/14
Bharathiyar street
Jayalalitha
colony
Vadavalli
Coimbatore
Pin:641043
Phone:0422
2437947
Mobile:
9847832051
4
March 2019
The
HR Manager
United
international
Tidal
park
Coimbatore
643075
Dear
Sir/ Madam
Sub:
Application for the post of computer networking assistant
Ref:
Your advertisement appeared in ‘The Hindu’ dated 25 February 2019
I
am responding to the position advertised in ‘The Hindu’ dated 25 February
2019 for a computer networking specialist with Microsoft certified
professional certification. I am enclosing my resume for your consideration.
At
my previous company, I was responsible for supporting the Coimbatore and
Salem regions. This December, I will graduate with my B.E, degree in computer
net working system from the Government College of Technology, Coimbatore. I
am anxious to find a position with a large company like yours that needs the
skills I posses.
I
want to emphasise my concentration in programming languages and my versatility
between platforms. In particular, I have written several C++ programmes and
successfully posted them from a window- based to a Macintosh.
I
look forward to an interview at your convenience.
Yours
faithfully
(G.Anitha)
Encl:
Resume
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Possible opening of a
cover letter:
1.
I would like to be considered as a candidate for the assistant computer
programmer position advertised in…………..( name of the daily) dated………….. (Date)
2.
I was very much interested to see your advertisement for a technical officer in
today’s ‘Evening Mail’ and would like to be considered for the post.
3.
Your advertisement for a production manager in the December 15 Journal caught
my attention since your requirement closely parallels my working experience. I
should like to be considered for the post, which sounds interesting and
challenging.
4.
The sales position with your company advertised in yesterday’s’ POST’ sounds
just the kind of thing I have been looking for. I hope that my CV will convince
you that I am well cut out such a position.
5.
I am writing to apply for the post advertised in today’s ‘Malai Malar.
6.
I was delighted to see your add for a computer software engineer in Sunday’s
newspaper.
7.
With reference to your advertisement in ‘The Hindu’ dated…... I would like to
apply for the post of a Design Engineer in your company
A few possible phrases
for the last paragraph:
1.
My skills match your requirements and I would look forward to working in a
reputed company like yours.
2.
I look forward to hearing from you at an early date.
3.
I request you to consider my application favorably.
4.
I would be grateful if you could grant me an interview in the next few days.
5.
I would be happy to meet you and provide first hand evidence of my abilities
and attend an interview at your earliest convenience.
6.
I am available for the interview for the next three weeks. Look forward to
hearing from you.
RESUME./ CV
What is a resume?
A
resume is a French word meaning ‘summary’
A
resume is a technical specification that describes you, your education, related
skills and experience in a format that is attractive and professional and
distinguishes you from your classmates and others. A resume can run from one to
two pages. It is suitable for fresher from educational institutions It is brief
and concise. The main purpose of your resume is to help you get an interview.
Americans
use resume.
What is a CV?
CV
is the abbreviation for curriculum vitae. It is a Latin word meaning’ course of
life’. It is a brief account of a person’s qualifications and previous
occupations sent with a job application.
It
is a brief written account of one’s past history. It runs from 2 to 8 pages. It
is for experienced professionals.
British
use CV.
Biodata or bio data:
Biodata
or bio data is a short form for biographical data and is a form of resume used
when applying for certain jobs. A bio data focuses on the candidate’s personal
information such as gender, race, age, and religion, and for this reason it is
not commonly used in The United States.
Some
tips for Writing a CV/ or Resume:
A
well written, well produced appropriate CV ( British English) or Resume(
American English) is vital for getting you to the interview stage for a job.
·
Adapt your CV/ resume so that it is
appropriate for the job you are applying to.
·
Keep your CV short- no more than two
pages.
·
Present yourself positively and
accurately.
·
Make your CV attractive and easy to
read: use capitals, bold type, spacing and underlining.
·
Choose a typeface such as Times New
Roman, Arial or verdana.Use atleast 10pt.
BRITISH
STYLE CV
Name
Arun Prasanth.G
Address 40 Kamban Street Udumalpet Tirupur District Pin:664241
Telephone 0422 2437946 Mobile 9334896585
Objective To find a role in a film or TV
production company that will enable me
to acquire
And develop the
skills required for a career in film or television
Profile An
outgoing and articulate graduate with work experience in both television and
Teaching
Education and qualification
2015 MA in media studies Hindusthan College of Arts and Science
2012-1015 BA in media sciences PSG College of Arts and Science
2010-2012 HSc
Kikani Higher Sec. School, Coimbatore
2005-2010 SSLC
Corporation Boys School Coimbatore
Work experience
October 2017-June2018Language
assistant in a secondary school Vellore.
Taught English to
large classes and small groups.
Ran a film club and
a holiday dance and drama club. Assisted with school
Drama productions.
September 2015-August
2016 Production assistant at Chennai AVM studio.
Performed office and
onset duties
Skills: Languages:
French- near native-speaker fluency
German- Can speak a little
Good key board
skills
Familiarity with
word, excel and film editing packages
Clean driving
license
Interests Drama, both acting and
directing; singing; regular volunteer at a local centre for
homeless
References Attached
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Personal information
You can omit the
labels. There is no need to mention your age. religion or marital status.
Don’t send a photo unless you are asked to.
Profile and Objective
Some
people do ot include this. But they do give an employer an idea of who you
are.
Education
Put
the most recent first. Add prizes and awards. Omit primary school
Work experience
Put
this in reverse order
Experience
candidates:
Put
this before education and write more about your most recent post
Skills
Your
practical abilities
Include
exams passed
Write
more here if you are experienced
Interests
Keep
this short
Include
a sport creative and a communality activity if you can.
References
Give
the names, titles, and addresses when you sent your CV either here or on a
separate page
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American
style resume
These are similar to British style CV. But notice:
·
For new graduates your resume should be
only one page.
·
Describe your work experience in terms
of self motivation, team work. Organization, problem solving and enthusiasm
Provide your college or temporary
address if you have one
Objective:
To summarize your goals and customize
your resume for specific positions.
State a realistic short term goal
and/ or job for which you are
currently qualified
Use bold to highlight
Key information
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Arun Prasanth G
Present address
Permanent address
15/14 Elango street 89 Nethaji
Street
P.N.Puthur post
Gudimangalam post
Coimbatore 41
Udumalpet 26
Objective: To obtain an entry level position
within an an
international
hospitality organization
Education : Master’s in Business administration ( MBA)
2011-13 Anna
University, Chennai
B.A. in international
hospitality 2008-2011
Hindusthan College
of Arts and Science,
Coimbatore.
Experience: Travel agent
September 2015 to present
Hindusthan
travels Coimbatore
Organised adventure package
tours for large
Student groups. Trained and supervised
new
Staff members and
maintained partner
relationships
Camp counselor June
2014- August2015
Group leader for
children aged 10-15
Honours: Agent of the month Asian
extreme tours
March 2014
Voted most popular counselor
Youth
organisation
2014-15
Skills and Fluent in French and English, conversational
Interests: Hindi. Enjoy web design in HTML
and flash
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LANGUAGE
BANK
Action words
Use action words to describe your
achievements and make them look more dynamic.
Examples:
Achieved, administered, analysed,
advised, arranged, compiled, conducted, created, designed, devised,
distributed, evaluated, examined, executed, implemented, increased,
introduced, managed, mentored, monitored, negotiated, organized, oversaw,
prepared, recommended, reduced, etc.
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Positive
adjectives:
Use positive adjective to describe
yourself:
Examples:
Active, adoptable, committed,
competent, dynamic, experienced, effective, efficient, enthusiastic, flexible,
highly motivated, organized, professional, proficient, qualified, successful,
etc
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Other useful
phrases:
Skills
Native
French speaker
Near native command of English
Good spoken and written Hindi
Computer literate
Familiar with HTML
Experienced , trained facilitator
Personal
qualities
Work well as part of a team
Work well under pressure
Able to meet deadlines
Welcome new changes
Can- do- attitude
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