APPLICATION LETTER

Whether you have been taught to write a letter before or not, you have to write one when you first apply
for a job. As you are a total stranger to the employer, your application letter should be written to enable the
employer to have a favorable impression of you. THIS LETTER IS YOUR CHANCE TO _________
YOURSELF.

*Cover letter vs. Application letter

STRUCTURE
Use this formatting information as a guideline when writing your customized application letters, so you know
what information goes where.

Contact Information
Athena Matib (Name)
143 Mabuhay Central (Address)
Baguio City, Philippines 2600 (City, State, Zip Code)
09123456789 (Phone Number)
[email protected](Email Address)

April 20, 2017 (Date)

Employer Contact Information (if you have it)

Dr. Felerina B. Ellamil (Name)
HRD Director (Title)
Saint Louis University (Company)
A. Bonifacio Street (Address)
Baguio City, Philippines 2600 (City, State, Zip Code)

Salutation
Dear Dr. Ellamil:[Last Name, (leave out if you don't have a contact)]

Body of Application Letter

The body of your application letter lets the employer know what position you are applying for, why the
employer should select you for an interview, and how you will follow up. See below for a paragraph-by-
paragraph breakdown of the body of the letter.

First Paragraph
The first paragraph of your letter should include information on why you are writing.) Mention the job you are
applying for and where you found the job listing. Include the name of a mutual contact, if you have one. You
might conclude by briefly and concisely saying why you think you are an ideal candidate for the job.

It is with pleasure that I present my resume for consideration as an English instructor in my beloved alma
mater— an institution that still continually developed me physically, mentally, and spiritually in the short
stretch of my teaching career. The opportunity to impart to students the same teachings I have accumulated
throughout the years from my own alma mater has brought great consolation.

Middle Paragraph(s)
The next section of your application letter should describe what you have to offer the employer. It can be a
single paragraph, or you can break it up into a couple of paragraphs. Remember, you are interpreting your
resume, not repeating it. Mention specifically how your qualifications match the job you are applying for. In
this portion of the letter, make your case for your candidacy. It can be helpful to spend some time researching
the company — when you know a lot about the company, it helps you make an informed and persuasive
argument for your candidacy. Use specific examples whenever possible.

Nevertheless, I hope to deliver new knowledge, insights, and skills that I have acquainted myself within the
course of my developmental pursuits to excellence and efficiency. Having been with the School of Humanities
for more than three years, having passed the 2012 licensure examination for teachers, and having graduated
with honors in both my bachelor’s and master’s degree, I believe I can be of better service.

I am once again hoping to have continued opportunity to teach at Saint Louis University. It has been a home for
me and for a lot of contractual employees. I am secure and confident that I have already adapted to its strikingly
unique culture.

Final Paragraph
Conclude your application letter by thanking the employer for considering you for the position. Indicate that
you are available for a meeting at their earliest convenience.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I do hope to hear from you at your earliest convenience.

Complimentary Close
Sincerely,
Signature
Typed Name

Notes:
1. Do not duplicate your resume.
2. Tailor each application letter to the job.
3. Edit, edit, edit.
Writing a Resume

A resume is more than just a listing of credentials or special talents in reverse chronological order. Preparing one
is very much like planning to write a persuasive essay. Every resume has a target audience (the employer/s)
and a purpose (to convince the employer/s that you are worth interviewing).

Resume Style

Chronological Resume
 Employment history is listed in reverse chronological order, beginning with the most recent and ending
with the first relevant position held.
 Structure is dictated by one’s job history, emphasizing on dates, time and specific locations; therefore, it
gives the employers a guideline for discussing work experience.

Advantageous Disadvantageous
Work experience that is closely related to the Large gaps in work history can be easily noticed.
desired job is highlighted

Functional Resume
 Professional development, specific skills and marketable abilities are highlighted with little emphasis on
the dateline.

Advantageous Disadvantageous
Employment history that is not relevant to the Many employers want to see a more detailed work
specific position is often downplayed. history.
Combinational Resume
 Specific employment dates and positions are listed combined with the structure of a functional resume.

Advantageous Disadvantageous
Gaps in employment will not catch too much It takes longer to read.
attention allowing a focus on specialized skills and
experiences.

Skills Resume
 Extensive work abilities and work experience are emphasized.
 Skills are established through various means: courses, volunteer work, personal experiences (such as skills
learned though participation in a specific hobby) travel, etc.

Advantageous Disadvantageous
Having varied experience and backgrounds can It takes longer to plan.
be organized into a coherent whole.

Checklist for a Resume

• Objective Statement
o specific job title
o phrase describing applicants preferred working environment

• Profile
o summary of the resume

• Education
o name and location of institution
o dates of attendance
o type of degree or area of study
o special awards

• Work Experience
o name and location of company
o dates of employment
o major accomplishments on the job
o skills acquired

• Additional Training and Workshops

o titles of trainings, seminars or workshops

• Skills
o computer literacy skills, language skills, etc.

Homework:

1. Make your own customized application letter and resume

2. Submit it on NOVEMBER 25

Next discussion: INTERVIEW

REQUIREMENT: each group will be interviewed based on their application letters and resumes (further
instructions will be given after discussion)