Unit 4.

Cover Letters

What do you see in the first picture? Where can you find it?
What do you see in the second picture? What are those people
doing?
What do they bring?
Have you ever applied a job? When was it? Did you use an
application letter in applying a job?
Activity 1 : Group Discussion.
Work in pairs! What do you know about this scheme?

Graduated from school Reading newspapers Choosing job

(job vacancy) vacancy that I like

Find more
Having job information
interview about the job
and the company

Being called and Writing a job

Prepare myself to
informed to have application letter
interview
an interview
Activity 2 : Vocabulary
Find the meaning of the following words! Use your dictionary!
1. employment (N) : ……………………… 6. competence (N) : …………………..
2. hire (V) : ……………………… 7. vacancy (N) : …………………..
3. prior (Adj) : ……………………. .. 8. reference (N) : …………………..
4. applicant (N) : ………………………. 9. qualification (N) : …………………..
5. resume (N) : ………………………. 10. enclose (V) : …………………..
B. Job Application Letter
A job application letter is a letter that you write to a company when you are
applying for a job. A job application letter is often called a cover letter. A good
application letter should make an employer interested enough to read your
application throroughly, and call you for an interview . A simple but well
written application cover letter introduces you to the prospective employer,
explains why you are applying for the particular job, highlights your
qualifications, demonstrates your writing and communication skills, and
allows for future contact.
The social function of application letters is to make the employer interested
and call you for an interview. The following are general format of a job
application letter.
Address and date line

The addressee
(Company name,
Company address)

Salutation (Dear, …)

Opening paragraph ( Explain the basic reason for the letter! What job
you are applying for. When and where you see the job vacancy. When
applying for a job has not been advertised, state how you heard about the
vacancy.

Content of the letter ( Write briefly the outline of your skills! It can be
the relevant qualifications you may have and recent or prior employment
experience that matches the role you are applying for. Show confidently
that your skills are suitable for the requirements of the company
Write any further skills related to the position and how they are highly suitable
to the role! Any knowledge of the company or business may be mentioned here,
if appropriate. Mention you have attached a resume.)

Closing paragraph ( Mention your personal skills enhance and support your
technical abilities and state that you are enthusiastic to the opportunity to work
for the company!
State your availability for interview)

Complimentary close
(Yours sincerely,)

Signature

Applicant’s name
Fro the format, we can conclude that the structure of the text contains expressions
of applying job explicitly, information source of the vacancy, detailed information
about the applicant’s competences as the qualification asked, and availability of
having interview.
Now look at the following example!
July 27th 2017
The Country Director,
OK Investments, 30 Mortensen Avenue, Salinas
CA 93905

Dear, Sir
I’m applying for position of Sales Executive which was advertised in the Guardian
Newspaper dated July 22nd. 2017. I would be very much love to use the experience
I gained working as sales representative to help OK Investment realize clothing
sales

I recently graduated from the Sonoma State University with a diploma in

marketing. During my final year at the university, I worked with Worth Finance as a
sales representative for a period of six months. During those months, I learnt
Valuable lessons on marketing strategies that could be very useful to your company
I developed excellent communication skills back at school, and I was used often to give
speeches in behalf of the school in important occasions.

I’m very special person and my cheerful disposition has made it easy for me to make a
good number of friends. This could be an added advantage as human interaction is what
makes the sale industry a success.
Details of my qualifications are in the enclosed CV.

I’m looking forward to meeting you as soon as I’m considered to further discuss my
qualifications and experience. You may reach me at this number :9390134567

Your Sincerely

Ray Hurt

Ray Hurt
Language Features of Job Application Letters
A typical application letter :
- Not more than one page long
- use simple present tense (past tense when we talk about education and experience)
The following are some tips in writing application letter :
- Be friendly and professional
- Be enthusiastic, but do not beg
- Use simple and natural language
- Use positive words and phrases
- Make your letter short and to the point, but interesting to read.

Activity 1 : Reading Comprehension

Answer the following questions after you understand the letter below!

1. What position does the writer want to apply?

2. How did the writer know the vacancy?
3. What is the main idea of the second paragraph?
4. What does the writer enclose?
5. What is the writer weakness?
Personal Manager July 17 2017
Go Ads & Co
PO Box 1177
Jakarta

Dear, Sir/Madam
I’m writing regarding your advertisement in Times on July 17 2017. I have given
careful consideration to the job description and believe that I have the necessary
qualifications and personal attributes to take up the position.

Although I lack practical experience in the field of advertising, my past work

experiences have shown that I’m able to learn quickly from experienced staff. In my
previous job as a teacher, it was necessary to understand the difficulties of students
and the same time, to motivate them to strive for the best in their academic works
.
I have enclosed my resume for your consideration with the copies of my certificates
and qualifications. I would relish the opportunity to work as part of an enthusiastic
office staff. I look forward to the opportunity for an interview.

Yours Sincerely
Sarah
Activity 2 : Structure of Job Application Letter
Analyze the general structure of the contents of job application letter in
activity 1!
Paragraph Structure
Paragraph 1

Paragraph 2

Paragraph 3

Paragraph 4
 Activity 3 : Using the Suitable Words
Complete the following sentences with the suitable words in the box!
1. I would like to …………. For one of the positions advertised on daily
newspapers.
2. I have recently ………. At an outlet in my hometown.
3. I’m to attend an interview at anytime convenient to you.
4. I have a current food hygiene ………..
5. I enjoyed the variety of different …….
6. I have worked as a waiter in cafes both serving the food and behind the …….
in the kitchen.
7 I have also worked at the restaurants and have much time in cleaning tables
and making sure that the area was litter ………………
8. My working ……………. At Garment Factory improved my leadership and
communication skills.
9. I’m writing to express my ……….. for the position of secretary.
10. For additional details regarding my …………. and expertise, please review my
attached resume.
 a. Available c. experience e. certificate g. worked i. free
b. scenes d. apply f. qualification h. jobs j. interest
C. Phrases used in Job Application Letters
1. Opening
 I’m writing in reply to your advertisement in …..
 With reference to your advertisement in ……
 I would like to apply for the position of ……
 In reply to your advertisement in ………
 I wish to apply for the post of …….which you advertised in …… on …..
 I’m writing in response to your advertisement posted in ………
2. Talking about Experiences and Qualifications
 I’m in charge of …….
 As you can see from my CV …..
 At present, I’m working as ……
 As you can see from my enclosed resume, my experience, and qualifications
match this position’s requirements.
 Currently I’m working as ……
 I have two years experience in this sector.
3. Reasons for applying Job
- I’m particularly interested in this position….
- I would like to work for you in order to ……
- I have a lively interest in …… and would appreciate the opportunity
to broaden my knowledge by working with you.
4. Closing
 I look forward to hearing from you.
 I will be available for interview from you.
 I’m available for interview on …….
 I would welcome the opportunity to discuss further details of the position
with you personally.

In a job application package, we usually enclose a resume or curriculum vitae.

A curriculum Vitae, commonly referred to as CV, is a longer (two or more
pages), more detailed synopsis than a resume.
CV contains: educational and academic background, working experience,
awards, honors. And other details.
Activity 1 : Grammar Understanding
Read the following letter! Then answer the questions!
September 24th . 2017
Ms. Susan Hannah
SH Language Center
Jakarta
Re : Japanese Translator

Dear Ms. Susan,

I’m writing to reply your advertisement in the Jakarta Post for position to translate Japanese to English.

At present, I’m working as a Japanese teacher. Since I’m from Japan, and I studied in London, this I
Involves me in daily use of Japanese and English. I have lived in Indonesia for four years. That’s why I
I master Indonesian also. I have recently taken the Cambridge English Examination. I’m waiting for the
result.

I would be able to take part-time work for between 9-12 hours a week, mainly in the evenings. If you
Like to meet me, I would be able to come to your office shortly.
I look forward to hearing from you

Yours Sincerely

Hanako

Hanako Tetsuya
Questions:
1. How does the writer know the job vacancy?
2. What kind of job does the writer want to apply?
3. Which paragraph shows the writer’s qualifications?
4. What does “Re” mean?
5. What does the closing mean?

Activity 2 : Curriculum Vitae

Read the following curriculum vitae, then answer the questions!
Personal Information
Name : Erni Putri Wardani
Address : Jati Street No 32, Surakarta
Telephone : (0271) 892736
Cell Phone : 089 837 9226
E-mail : [email protected]
Date of birth : January 17, 1996
Place of birth : Surakarta
Gender : Feamale
Martial Status: Single
Education :
1994-1995 : TK Pertiwi 2
1995-2001 : SD Bhakti 1
2001-2004 : SMP Negeri 1
2004-2007 : SMA negeri 1
2007-2011 : Sebelas Maret University

Employment History
2011-2013 : Accountant, PT Adi Jaya Furniture
2013-2014 : Accountant, Hills Hotel
2015- : Unemployed

Interests
Reading, travelling, and singing

Questions :
1. What is another name of CV?
2. When did the applicant graduate from the university?
3. What are the applicant’s hobbies?
4. Is the applicant still working?
5. Did the applicant work before?
Activity 3 : Arranging Sentences
Rearrange the sentences below into a good application letter!
1. Jakarta, March 23, 2017
2. I’d be glad to come for an interview at anytime convenient to you.
3. To : Human Resources Division
4. Dear, Sir,
5. I graduated from Sebelas Maret University, Surakarta, and have ever been
experienced in the similar position for two years.
6. Herewith I enclose a reference from my former employer and curriculum
vitae and my recent photos.
7. PT Andhika Jaya
Halmahera Street no 234
Jakarta
8. Yours faithfully,
9. In reply to your advertisement in Solo Post dated March 21, 2017, I would l
like to apply for the post of secretary
10. Lidya Ratmini.
D. Listening Skill
Listen and complete the following dialogue! Then identify the topic!
Elisa : Good morning, Ma’am
Manager : Good morning. Please sit down, Miss Elisa. I’m Dina Fatmawati,
the manager of the company.
Elisa : Nice to meet you, Ma’am.
Manager : Nice to meet you, too. 1) ………………… You have done well in your
academic.
Elisa : Thank you very much, Ma’am.
Manager : Well, you have done B.E. in Computer Enginering and have
proceeded to do MBA and specialized I marketing. Is any
reason for it?
Elisa : I felt a technical degree along with master in marketing would
help me move upwards in my career?
Manager : That is good thinking. Well, Elisa, 2) ………………………?
Elisa : I’m an enthusiastic dedicated person who take every responsibility seriously
3) …………….. To new situations and I’m a team player.
Manager : Good, 4) ……………….. ?
Elisa : Well, I believe that your company is well established and it will give me an
opportunity to grow as an employee.
Manager : great, I think we take you to our consideration. Now, you will have the second
interview.. Good luck, Elisa.
Elisa : Thank you, Ma’am. 5) …………………..
Activity 2 : Group discussion
Make a group of four! Then do the following instructions!
1. Find four examples of job application letters in the internet and print them!
2. Discuss the differences and the similarities of the four letters!
3. Present the result of your discussion in front of the class!

Writing skill
Activity 1:Curriculum Vitae.
Do the following instructions!
1. Write your curriculum vitae or CV based on your data!
Do it on a piece of paper!
2. Based on the following job vacancy, write a job application letter!
Do it on a piece of paper!
 GERA EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION

invited applications for the following contractual posts from qualified candidates :
1. Librarian (full time)
2. Computer Instructor (part time)
3. Computer Science Teacher (part time)
4. Drawing Teacher (part time)
5. Music Teacher (part time)
For qualifications, age, application form and other details, visit our website www.

Geraeducational. Com. Interested qualified candidates may send in their

application in the format along with copies of certificates in English and a recent
photographs to PO Box 2913, Surabaya.
The name of short listed candidates with date of interview will be displayed on
April 28 2017.