Reading and Writing

Skills
Quarter 2 :Module 5: Week 15
Purposeful Writing in the
Disciplines and for Professions

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Lesson 7: Application Letter

What is an employment application letter?

Employment Application Letter is a one-page letter, also referred to as the "job application letter" or "cover letter” attached to
the resume when applying for jobs. The purpose of writing the employment application letter is to highlight the applicant’s experiences
and personal qualities for him to be considered for an interview schedule, as well as with the available job position.

Different Letter Formats

The format, including the content and tone of the employment application letter, depends on the applicant’s preference.
Employment application letter or cover letter has three different formats: full block, modified block and semi-block format. The content in
a cover letter are all the same and will vary on the format or on the placement of each part.

1) Full Block Format

This is the most common layout used in writing cover letter. In this format, all parts are justified to the left.

Applicant’s Address
Date Address
Applicant’s
Date
Hiring Person’s Name and Company Address
Salutation
Hiring Person’s Name and Company Address
Salutation Body

Body
Complimentary Close

Signature Close
Complimentary

Signature

2. Modified Block Format

Another common format used is the modified

block format. Modified block is a type of format
where applicant’s address, complementary close, signature and sender’s identification is shifted to the right side. Note
that the first sentence in the body or in each paragraph is not indented.

3. Semi-Block Format

The least used format is the semi-block. It is

almost the same as the modified block format;
however, the difference is that the first sentence in each
Applicant’s Address
paragraph is indented.

Date
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Hiring Person’s Name and Company
Address

Salutation
 Body (First line is indented)

If there is no required format, it is recommended to write it in full-block with one-inch margin on all sides, single spaced and
preferably using Times New Roman font and twelve point font size.

Components of a Letter

1) Heading, Date and Inside Address

The heading includes the applicant’s address to make it easier for the employer to easily contact the applicant. The date written
below the heading indicates the date when the letter was written. The inside address refers to where and to whom the letter is addressed.
Ensure that there is a line in between heading, date and inside address.

 Example:

Jerome C. Villa
Andalucia St. Lumbia
Cagayan de Oro CIty

April 03, 2002

Mr. Chris S. Lopez

Human Resource Manager
Springhills Mountain Resort
Gitago, Cagayan de Oro City

 Explanation:

Written on the first two lines of the heading is the address of the applicant. This includes the street number, city, state and
zip code. The format in writing the date is month-day-year. The inside address includes the name of the employer or the human
resource manager, his job title, name of the company and address.

2) Greeting or Salutation

Greeting or salutation is written to indicate for whom the letter is. It should start with the word "Dear" followed by the last name of
the receiver. End the salutation with a colon (:). If the name has not been obtained, address it as “Ma’am/Sir.”

 Example:

Dear Mr. Rozales:

or
Dear Ma’am/Sir:

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  Explanation:

The greeting or salutation addresses the person concerned with the hiring process.

3) The Body

The most important and critical part in writing the employment application letter is its body. It includes information on the job
the applicant is applying for, where the job posting was seen, and the skills and experiences the applicant possesses. You can
also highlight the reason for a career change, if there is any. Finalize the letter in two to three sentences by including the reason why
the applicant is perfect for the job and the statement of the applicant’s desire to meet the employer or human resource person.

 Example:

I am writing to express my interest in the Managerial Position posted at Jobstreet.com last February 12, 2016. As per the
qualification posted in your advertisement, I consider myself as one of the qualified applicant for the said position.

Aside from being a graduate of University of the Philippines, I also have five-year industry experience in managing a local fast-
food chain. I am applying in your good office because I am seeking for a career growth which I believe your company can
provide.

My skills and experiences are included in the resume attached on this letter. Thank you for taking time in processing my job
application papers and I look forward to meet you at your earliest convenience.

 Explanation:
The body of the letter contains information not seen in the applicant’s resume. In this example, the applicant clearly indicates
the desired position, source of information, qualification and experiences and reason of career shift.

4) Complimentary Close
Complimentary Close is done to politely finish the letter. Note that the complementary close ends with comma (,).

 Example:

Sincerely,
or
Yours truly,

 Explanation:

Writing the complimentary close shows that the letter has already ended.

5) Signature and Sender’s Identification

This is considered as the last part of the letter. Write your name on the first line and your title (if applicable) on the second line.
Then sign directly above the first line.

 Example:
(Signature)
Shiela J. Perez

 Explanation:
It shows the name of the job applicant

Tips

 Make sure the letter is free of errors and does not contain any slang or informal language. This should be written in a professional
manner so it would be considered as a good employment application letter.
 Limit the letter up to one page only. The employer or human resource person will not have time to read letter longer than this.
 It is advisable to computerize the letter so that it can be read easily and print it in a good quality paper.
 The cover letter must not repeat elaborated details written in the resume.
 The applicant must not assume that he is hired after submitting the cover letter.
 The employment application letter is attached to the resume and not the curriculum vitae. Curriculum Vitae are submitted for
academic purpose and not for job application purpose.

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Activity 1: Identify what format is used and label the parts of the letter.

1. _______________________________
2. _______________________________
3. _______________________________
4. _______________________________

Lesson 8: Application for College Admission

College Admission Letter and Essay

College Admission Letter also referred to as the "letter of intent," is a one-page letter required for college and university
admission. The sender writes a letter to briefly discuss his intention for attending the college program. College Admission Essay, or
known as "statement of purpose" or "personal statement," is an essay written by the student applicant to answer the essay topics given
by the admission office.

Pre-writing

Before you write a college admission letter and essay, you must first determine the program you want to take, followed by a
thorough research on program structure. Then reflect on your purpose in enrolling the course, your achievements, and future
goals. Decide the format to use in writing a letter. If there is no required format, write the letter in a full-block style, meaning all parts are
aligned to the left, with the format of one-inch margin, twelve-point font size, and single-spaced paragraph.

Writing your College Admission Letter

1) Heading, Date and Inside Address

Write on the top left the heading that includes your complete address and zip code. It is the address of the sender. The date should
be fully spelled out. The inside address contains the name of the college or university admission head, his job title (if applicable) and the
address of the university. It is the address of the receiver. Skip a line between the heading, date, and inside address.

 Example:

a) Heading:

B15 L21 Amarillo St.

Brgy. Rizal, Makati 1218

b) Date:
February 16, 2016

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c) Inside Address:
Ms. Katarina Katigbak
Officer-in-Charge, Admission Section
Office of the Registrar
University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines
Lapasan, Cagayan de Oro City

 Explanation:

The heading is a receiver’s quick reference to the sender’s address and can be used if the letter has to return. The date
indicates when the letter is written, and the inside address refers to whom and where the letter is addressed.

2) Greeting or Salutation

It starts mostly with the word "Dear" followed by the last name of the receiver. End the salutation with a colon (:). If the name has
not been obtained, address it as “Ma’am/Sir”.

 Example:

Dear Ms. Katigbak:

or
Dear Ma’am/Sir:

 Explanation:

The greeting or salutation addresses the person concerned with the admission process.

3) The Body

The body is the main part of the letter which includes the course you are interested in, reason for choosing the university,
description of academic interest, the basis for them to consider your application, and plans, if any. Last part will be your request to
consider your application for admission and information on how to contact you.

 Example:

I am writing to inform you of my interest in applying for Bachelor of Science in Biology at your prestigious school – University of
Science and Technology of Southern Philippines.

I am enthusiastic to conduct researches in science. As shown in my scholastic achievements and the documents attached, I am
part of the team that ranked second in the recent National Science Investigatory Project. The university offers the best tertiary
education in the country and is at its prime in research and publication. Because of this, studying at the university would help me
improve my research skills as I deepen my knowledge of biological science.

I plan to allot most of my time, during and after my studies, in conducting biological research. I envision myself doing research for
the benefit of my countrymen.

I hope for your kind consideration. For any questions or concern, contact me at this number 09675701927

 Explanation:

The body of the letter entails the course chosen and the reason for choosing the college as part of his academic career. The
academic achievements related to the course, future goal and a contact detail of the applicant are also included.

4) Complimentary Close

Complimentary Close is a polite way of finishing the letter. Remember that it always ends with comma (,).

 Example:

Sincerely,
or
Yours Truly,

 Explanation:

Writing the complimentary close shows that the letter has already ended.

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 5) Signature and Sender’s Identification

This is the last part of the letter. Write your name on the first line and your title (if applicable) on the second line. Then sign
directly above the first line.

 Example:

(Signature)
Shiela A. Canillas

 Explanation:

It shows the name of the college applicant.

Writing a College Admission Essay

Most admission essays have a limit of two hundred to five hundred words and usually answers assigned topic. The challenge
here is to showcase you - as the right candidate - for their university in a limited number of words. Remember that  the purpose of this
essay is to know more of your personality without repeating what is written in the profile or registration form . It should answer the
question or topic clearly.

Introduction

The introduction should catch the attention of the reader. It should contain the main concept for your essay. You can also
restate the question without repeating the exact words.

 Example:

Topic: Explain why you would like to pursue a program in our college.

My goal is not just to finish a degree. It should be finishing a degree in this college.

 Explanation:

This shows the main idea of the essay. It is short, but it captures the attention of the reader.

Content

This is the part where you should answer the topic or question with clarity. Provide justification based on the experience you
have undergone. You can also incorporate the factors that drive you into finishing your studies.

 Example:

To be enriched holistically to serve the country cannot be possible if without the help of the college. It is because the college
has the best professors in the country – professors that are not only into teaching but also in moulding the students.

 Explanation:

In this example, the applicant states the personal reason for pursuing a degree. It answers the question or topic clearly.

Conclusion

To end the essay, write your plans after you graduate from their college. You could also include the reinforcing statement
stating that you are one of the best applicants to their college.

 Example:

After finishing my degree, I am looking forward to working with a research laboratory to be of aid to our country in adding
more scientific knowledge of the world around us. All of this would be possible with the help of the college.

 Explanation:

The conclusion in this example depicts the long term goal of the college applicant.

Tips

 In writing a college admission letter, use a full-block style or the format prescribed by the college.

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 In writing a college admission essay, answer the questions directly and state specific experiences and or achievements to
support your answer.
 Make sure that it is written in a positive tone, well-written and free of errors.

 Activity 2: Write your own college admission letter. Fill out the various parts of the letter with your information. Use the
blank page provided on the next page.



 (Your address)


 (Date)

(Address of audience) 


(Salutation) Dear ____________,


(Paragraph 1: State the name of that college / universityand briefly explain why you are the best choice. You should also
state where you learned about their school.) 
(Paragraph 2: Describe in more detail what you will bring to this college / university or why you are the best choice.)

(Paragraph 3: Describe your interest in what you are applying for. Show the reader that you know what they value, why it
is important, and how you meet their criteria.)

Paragraph 4: Tell the reader to contact you if they need additional information. Provide your phone number and/or email
and the best time to reach you.)

Sincerely,

Your name

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