Formal Writing
By
Dr. Wasajja
Labor for the future 1
Cover letter/Application
letter
The cover letter accompanies your CV/Resume and its
purposes are to:
demonstrate a match between the employer's needs
and your attributes
demonstrate your knowledge of the organization and
why you would be a good "fit" if hired
showcase your communication skills, writing
ability, and writing style
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How to write a Good Cover
letter/application letter
Single space your letter and double space between
paragraphs.
Use a business letter format.
Keep your paragraphs brief and relevant.
Tailor your letter to the position and company. You are
selling yourself, so show how your qualifications
match the job duties and company goals.
Proofread your letter carefully and ask one or two
others to proofread it as well. Misspellings and
grammatical errors communicate that you are a poor
writer and/or are careless. Don’t let this happen to you!
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Structure of an Application
letter
A good cover letter is typically short, usually three-
to-five paragraphs.
The opening paragraph should catch the
employer's attention and state what position you
are applying for and why.
The middle paragraph should develop your idea
by providing specific examples of your
qualifications and experiences.
The last paragraph should close by requesting an
interview and providing contact information.
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Activity one: Writing the
opening paragraph
Employers receive hundreds of
CVs/resumes for each position. You want
your application letter/cover letter to stand
out, so start with an opening that grabs
attention immediately.
1. State how your skills and background
match the job and are a benefit to the
organization
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Activity two: Writing the Middle
paragraph
Explain about how your experiences and
education match what the employer is
looking for. You can expand on the main
point(s) you introduced in the opening
paragraph and bring up new examples.
Provide specific examples as to how your
qualities meet the employer's
qualifications.
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Activity three: Writing the
Closing paragraph
Your closing paragraph or sentence
should encourage action.
Finally, thank the employer for taking the
time to read and consider your letter and
CV/resume.
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Tone of the an Application
letter
Always consider audience and
purpose of your letter. The tone
of the letter should be:
◦ Respectful
◦ Professional
◦ Formal
◦ Firm
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Sample Application letter
lay-out
American style/Block style of letter
writing: Everything/sentences start
at the margin.
Vs British style/Indenting style of
letter writing: Leave a space from
the margin when starting a sentence.
NB: (1)Students can use either style
of letter writing.
(2) Application letter should be
written on ONE page.
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Cont…
Writer’s full Address
Date
Receiver’s full Address
Salutation (Dear Sir/madam,)
Subject line/Reference line (Summary
of the letter in one sentence)
Body (3-5 short paragraphs)
Complimentary closing
Sign the letter
Full names of the writer of the letter
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Feedback
Questions
Comments
Inquires
Etc
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