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:
1. Speculative Letter
2. Advert-Response Letter
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DO YOU KNOW THE DIFFERENCE
BETWEEN TWO?
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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.
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FORMAT
1) 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”).
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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:
1) What prompted you to apply.
2) Which position you are applying for.
3) Why you want to work for them.
4) What you are looking for .
5) What you are offering.
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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.
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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.
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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
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
Now, examine two cover letters format on pages: 66-67 in your
books specify the parts and tell the differences between two
if any.
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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,neverthel
ess
INFORMAL
Contractions in writing
e.g. I’ll graduate
Phrasal Verbs
e.g. Put off
Informal connecting words
e.g. So
but
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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.
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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.
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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.
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 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.
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NOW YOUR TURN

CANKAYA UNIVERSITY - OFFICE OF BASIC AND ELECTIVE COURSES- ENGLISH UNIT
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
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THANK YOU
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CANKAYA UNIVERSITY - OFFICE OF BASIC AND ELECTIVE COURSES- ENGLISH UNIT
CANKAYA UNIVERSITY - OFFICE OF BASIC AND ELECTIVE COURSES- ENGLISH UNIT