PURPOSIVE COMMUNICATION

CHAPTER VII
THE COMMUNICATION
MATERIALS

Learning Outcomes:
1. Identify the parts and characteristics of business letters
2. Acquire knowledge on format and font of business letter
3. Give sample of business letter
4. Develop resume and application letter

The Basic Business Letter

Parts of a Business Letter

This resource is organized in the order in which you should write a business letter,
starting with the sender's address if the letter is not written on letterhead.
 Sender's Address
The sender's address usually is included in letterhead. If you are not using letterhead,
include the sender's address at the top of the letter one line above the date. Do not write the
sender's name or title, as it is included in the letter's closing. Include only the street address,
city, and zip code.
 Date
The date line is used to indicate the date the letter was written. However, if your letter is
completed over a number of days, use the date it was finished in the date line. When writing to
companies within the United States, use the American date format. (The United States-based
convention for formatting a date places the month before the day. For example: June 11,
2001. ) Write out the month, day and year two inches from the top of the page. Depending
which format you are using for your letter, either left justify the date or tab to the center point
and type the date. In the latter case, include the sender's address in letterhead, rather than left-
justified.
 Inside Address
The inside address is the recipient's address. It is always best to write to a specific
individual at the firm to which you are writing. If you do not have the person's name, do some
research by calling the company or speaking with employees from the company. Include a
personal title such as Ms., Mrs., Mr., or Dr. Follow a woman's preference in being addressed as
Miss, Mrs., or Ms. If you are unsure of a woman's preference in being addressed, use Ms. If
there is a possibility that the person to whom you are writing is a Dr. or has some other title,
use that title. Usually, people will not mind being addressed by a higher title than they actually
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possess. For international addresses, type the name of the country in all-capital letters on the
last line. The inside address begins one line below the date. It should be left justified, no matter
which format you are using.

 Salutation
Use the same name as the inside address, including the personal title. If you know
the person and typically address them by their first name, it is acceptable to use only the first
name in the salutation (for example: Dear Lucy:). In all other cases, however, use the personal
title and last/family name followed by a colon. Leave one line blank after the salutation.
If you don't know a reader's gender, use a nonsexist salutation, such as their job title
followed by the receiver's name. It is also acceptable to use the full name in a salutation if you
cannot determine gender. For example, you might write Dear Chris Harmon: if you were
unsure of Chris's gender.
 Body
For block and modified block formats, single space and left justify each paragraph
within the body of the letter. Leave a blank line between each paragraph. When writing a
business letter, be careful to remember that conciseness is very important. In the first
paragraph, consider a friendly opening and then a statement of the main point. The next
paragraph should begin justifying the importance of the main point. In the next few paragraphs,
continue justification with background information and supporting details. The closing
paragraph should restate the purpose of the letter and, in some cases, request some type of
action.
 Closing
The closing begins at the same vertical point as your date and one line after the
last body paragraph. Capitalize the first word only (for example: Thank you) and leave four
lines between the closing and the sender's name for a signature. If a colon follows the
salutation, a comma should follow the closing; otherwise, there is no punctuation after the
closing.
 Enclosures
If you have enclosed any documents along with the letter, such as a resume, you indicate
this simply by typing Enclosures below the closing. As an option, you may list the name of
each document you are including in the envelope. For instance, if you have included many
documents and need to ensure that the recipient is aware of each document, it may be a good
idea to list the names.
 Typist initials
Typist initials are used to indicate the person who typed the letter. If you
typed the letter yourself, omit the typist initials.

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The Job Application Process

When you’re in the middle of it, the job application process can seem both mysterious and
frustrating. What should you include in a job application, resume, or cover letter? How many
interviews should you expect to participate in – and how many interviewers will be at each one?
And finally, how can you know when you’re approaching the end of the process and a possible
job offer?
It’s easier to deal with the waiting – and the possible anxiety – when you know how the job
application process works. While every company does things a little differently, most employers
use some variation on the standard. This step-by-step guide will tell you everything you need to
know about the job application process, including:
 How to apply for jobs
 How customize your resume and cover letter for each opportunity
 How to complete a job application
 How to cope with pre-employment screening, testing, and background checks
 How to ace your interview

Follow these steps to help organize your job search:

1. Get Your Resume Ready

Many companies require a resume and a cover letter in addition to a job application. When
you submit a resume with your job application, it is important that your resume is well-organized
and polished.You also want to be sure that your resume is a match for the job you are applying
for. Personalize your resume for every job application.

2. Write a cover letter

A cover letter is a document that explains why your skills and experiences make a good fit
for a job. This document may be required as part of the job application process. If it's
optional, including a cover letter is the best way to pitch your case for an interview.
Again, make sure that your cover letter is tailored to the specific job listing. Learn how to
write a cover letter and what to include, plus review cover letter examples and templates.

3. Job Application
You can apply for jobs online, via email, or in person. No matter what job you are
applying for, be sure to follow the company's specific directions for filling out the application.
Learn how to write a job application letter, how to apply for a job online, how to fill out a
job application, and tips and advice for applying for jobs. Plus, see a job application sample
letter to use when you’re writing your own customized document.

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4. Job Application Training

Companies often use applicant tracking software (ATS) to recruit, screen, hire, track, and
manage applicants for employment. Therefore, your application is likely to be screened to
determine if you are a match for the job.
The software will match up the information in the job applications that are submitted with
the position requirements for the job. Those candidates who are the closest match will be
interviewed.

5. Employment Tests
Employers often use pre-employment tests and other selection procedures to screen
applicants for hire. The types of tests and selection procedures utilized include talent assessment
tests, cognitive tests, personality tests, medical examinations, credit checks, and background
checks.
Some tests are conducted as part of the job application process, and others will take place
further along in the hiring process, after the interview and prior to a job offer.

6. Interview Process
If you are selected for an interview, you will be invited to talk to a recruiter, hiring
manager, or employer on the phone or in person (or both). The company may conduct several
interviews prior to offering the leading candidate the job.
Some interviews are one-on-one, while others are in small groups. Learn more about
how the interview process works at most companies

7. Hiring Process
From the time you apply for a job until the time you accept a job offer, you will go through
a series of steps as you progress through the hiring process. Learn more about each step in the
hiring process, including what happens after the job interview if you're a contender for the
position.

8. Job Offers
When you receive a job offer, you're close to the end of the process. However, you don't
need to accept the job, at least right away, if you're not sure whether it is the best opportunity for
you.
It's important to take the time to evaluate the offer carefully, so you are making an
educated decision to accept, decline, or renegotiate the offer.

9. New Hire Paperwork

Once you have accepted a job offer, it's time for the new hire paperwork you'll need to
complete to get on the payroll, which may include eligibility to work forms, tax withholding

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forms, and company-specific paperwork. Learn what information you'll need to provide to your
new employer, so that you can have your materials ready to go.

The Application Documents

What is a job application letter?

An application letter is a standalone document you submit to a potential employer to express
your interest in an open position. The job application letter explains who you are as a
professional and an individual. The letter should highlight your achievements and skills, helping
to get the attention of the hiring manager or recruiter responsible for reviewing applications.
When written well, this letter explains to the reader why they should ask you in for an interview
and highlights the key qualifications that make you a fit for the role.
A job application letter can impress a potential employer and set you apart from other applicants.
In your letter, you may also want to show your familiarity with the company to which you’re
applying. You can talk about how your professional goals and aspirations align with the
company’s goals. It’s important to use your job application letter to showcase aspects of your
personality.

How to write an application letter

When writing an application letter for a job, follow these steps to make sure you include
information about yourself and your professional experience that will appeal to a hiring manager:

1. Review information about the company and position

It’s best to write a new application letter for each position you’re applying for, so you can
include pertinent details and show your interest in the particular open role. Spend some time
reviewing the company information, which you can likely find on the website, as well as the
position listing. Compare your qualifications and experience with the list of skills in that posting.
You may also want to think about specific experiences that have prepared you for the role, such
as leading a team or managing a major event.

2. Use a professional format

A job application letter should be more professional than a thank-you card or an email to a
coworker or friend. The alignment of the document should include single spacing, one-inch
margins and left alignment. It’s best to use a professional and traditional font, such as Times
New Roman, in a size from 10 to 12 points. Try to keep your job application letter to one page.
When a hiring manager reviews your job application letter, they will get their first impression of
you as a potential employee, so take time to format it professionally and keep it concise.

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3. Create the heading

Use a formal business heading for your job application letter. The heading should include your
name and contact information, the date and the company name and address. If you send your job
application letter via email, you can eliminate your name and contact information from the
header and put it at the bottom of the email after the signature instead.

Example header:

Your name
Your physical address
Your phone number
Your email address

Date

Name of hiring manager or supervisor

Title of hiring manager of supervisor
Company name
Company physical address

By including a professional and detailed heading, you can make it easier for the hiring manager
to follow up with you regarding the position.

4. Address the letter to the hiring manager

In your research, try to find the name of the person reviewing applications for the job. Address
your letter to this person with a common business greeting, such as “Dear Mr./Ms.” and their last
name. If you’re not sure of the name or gender of the individual reviewing your application, you
can use the generic “To Whom It May Concern” or “Dear Hiring Manager.”

5. Open the letter by describing your interest

In the first paragraph of your letter, mention the job title for which you’re applying and where
you saw the position posting. Include your interest in the role and briefly state the main
experience or qualification you have that makes you a good fit. This is the section that will draw
in the hiring manager as the reader of your application letter, so it is important to appeal to that
person quickly and succinctly.
Example:
“I saw the posting for the Marketing Intern role on my university’s online job board and I am
very interested in the role. I am in my final year of earning my bachelor’s degree in marketing

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with a minor in communications, so I feel my educational experience has prepared me to work in

a fast-paced marketing department like the one within your organization.”

6. Outline your experience and qualifications

The next few paragraphs of your letter should highlight your experience, qualifications and
skills, positioned in a way that aligns with the company’s goals and mission. For example, if you
are applying for a job with a non-profit organization that provides educational opportunities to
underserved community members, you could talk about your experience with non-profit
organizations or educational offerings. Since a job application letter should stand on its own
without a resume, it’s helpful to include details about your experience that relate to the position
to which you’re applying.

7. Include aspects of your personality

As you’re writing your job application letter, consider how you can incorporate aspects of your
personality. A friendly and engaging letter is likely to appeal to the reader, especially when they
can get an idea of how well you might fit with the team.

For example, in the situation mentioned above, explain in your letter you are good at connecting
with children or how you value community spirit.

8. Express appreciation
Before you sign off on your letter, express your appreciation to the hiring manager for reviewing
your letter and considering you for the position. The hiring manager is taking time out of their
day to read what you have written, so expressing your gratitude for that time spent is a polite and
professional way to close the document.
Example:
“I appreciate the time you have taken to review my application letter. Since you likely received a
number of applications and letters for this open position, I am extremely grateful for the time you
have spent reading about me and what would make me a good fit for this role.”

9. Close the letter

Many people use “Sincerely” or “Best” to close the letter, although any professional sign-off is
fine to include. The final line of the letter should be your full name. If you submit a hard copy of
the letter, include your signature above your typed name. When submitting an application letter
via email, you should include your contact information beneath your name, rather than including
it in the header.

Resumé and Its Type

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Resumes are like advertisements. As such, it’s important to decide which type of "ad" – in this
case, format – you will use before you begin the resume writing process. Depending on the type
of job you are applying to, different resume formats may apply. The four standard types of
resumes include 1) chronological, 2) functional, 3) combination, or 4) targeted. Below are
definitions of each type and recommendations on which format works best.
1. Chronological Resumé
What is it - Chronological resumes are the most commonly used format. They list work history
in chronological order, starting with your most recent job down to your earliest. This resume is
preferred by most employers because it provides a quick snapshot of work history, with most
recent positions up front.
Who should use - If you have a solid work history, your experience is aligned with the job you
are applying to, and you have no lapses between employments use this format.

2. Functional Resumé
What is it - Unlike chronological resumes, functional resumes focus on your skills and
experience first. This type of resume de-emphasizes the dates in which you have worked.
Employment history is secondary, and is listed under the details of your skills.
Who should use - If you have lapses in employment, are in the middle of a career transition, are a
recent college grad with limited work experience, or have a diverse background with no clear
career path, this is the most effective type of resume.

3. Combination Resumé
What is it - Combination resumes let you detail both your skills and experience, while also
backing this up with a chronological listing of work history. Flexible in nature, the combination
resume lets you tailor to the prospective job opening and tell hiring managers a story.
Who should use - Use this resume if you want to detail work experience to show hiring managers
the type of employee you are.

4. Targeted Resumé
What is it - Targeted resumes are customized in detail to the prospective job you are seeking.
Everything from your objective, your qualifications to educational experience mirrors the job
requirements.
Who should use - These resumes are the most time-consuming, but can generate the best results
as the qualifications and experience you outline mirror the prospective job opening closely. Be
careful, however When you develop a targeted resume you need to be as accurate as possible and
not embellish career highlights simply to mirror the job.

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CHAPTER VIII
JOB
INTERVIEW

Learning Outcomes:
1.Value the importance of job interview
2.List down the important points/tips to remember before, during and after the interview
3.Acquire knowledge how to answer interview
4. Participate in mock interview

The job interview is probably the most important step you will take
in your job search journey - it’s your best chance to show to the hiring manager or
recruitment company that you’re the best person for their job.

Job Interview Tips

 How to prepare for a job interview?

You never get a second chance to make a great first impression during your job
interview, so knowing how to prepare for a job interview and having a well-
prepared plan is vitally important to increase your chances of landing that dream
job.
Interview preparation is the key to success and a well-polished presentation
can give you an edge over others whose credentials might just be better than
yours.

 Read and review the job description

You’ve received a call for that dream job, so how do you prepare for the
interview? The first step in the preparation process should be to go back and
review the job description. Most job descriptions follow a similar pattern and are
usually categorised by the following points:
o Job title/Department
o Duties and tasks
o Skills required

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The job title and department will give you an understanding of the major
purpose of the position and where the role fits into the organisation, allowing you
to discover who your potential line manager could be.
Read and review the job description very thoroughly and be sure to align your
competencies with the skills required for the job. You will consequently ready
yourself for questions around your previous experiences, performing similar
duties in other organisations.

 Research the company

Organisations look to hire people with similar values to those of the company
culture. Researching the company before an interview will give you an insight
into the organisation's future goals and plans and being able to discuss these
points will make you seem like a long-term investment to your future employer.
The following interview preparation tips will give you a guide as to which aspect
of the company should be researched:
o Company financials: Check the company website. Doing a Google search
can also uncover the current state of the company. Have they gone through a
merger? - or have they expanded recently? LinkedIn is also a good source of
information.
o Culture: Look at LinkedIn and Facebook or check Google reviews for
comments by current or former employees.
o Executive team: Look through the company website to research the
company hierarchy and find out who the executives are.
o Competitors: Find out who the company’s main competitors are and look
into the websites of organisations in the same industry.

 What to wear to a job interview

If you're wondering how to dress for an interview, you're not alone. Wearing
the right clothes to the interview won’t get you the job, but wearing the wrong
clothes will sink any chances of impressing the interviewer.
There is one rule that stands above all: Dress professionally. Wear business
attire appropriate for the role, while still making sure you feel comfortable.

 Plan your journey to the job interview

When preparing for a job interview one of the most important things to
consider is how you are going to get there. A failure to plan is a plan to fail. If you
are planning on driving to the interview, make sure you fill your car with fuel the
night before. You don’t want to be filling up on the way dressed in your suit.

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Make sure you arrive on time, or better yet, at least 15 minutes early. Ensure
this by knowing the address and if you can, have a trial run a couple of days
before. The morning of the interview, check the traffic reports and have a backup
route planned just in case. If you are travelling by train or bus, make sure you
check the weather report the night before and keep an eye on the public transport
websites for any delays. Look out for track works or traffic conditions that can
potentially delay your train or bus trip.
Go to bed early the night before and wake up early to give yourself plenty of
time.

 How to prepare for a phone interview

In today’s digital world some hiring managers choose to conduct preliminary
interviews by phone. Phone interviews can be challenging as you're not physically
in the room with your interviewer and in some cases, you have to work even
harder to stand out.
Take phone interviews seriously. Dressing as you would for any other
interview will put you in the right mindset. Also, sit at a desk or table. It is
important to create a setting similar to as you would be sitting in front of the
hiring manager.

 How to prepare for a video interview

As with phone calls, video interviews can be tricky - the good news is, at least
during a video interview, the hiring manager can see you.
Video interviews are a great way to connect and can save both parties the
hassle of travel. Before your video interview make sure your technology is up to
date and working. Take the time to also check that your surroundings are clean
and tidy. It may seem obvious, but in the midst of delivering an answer, it can be
easy to forget that you're sitting in front of a camera.

 How to act in an interview

Once you've completed your interview preparation, the next step is to ace the
job interview itself. Whether you get offered the job depends largely on how you
perform during the interview, so its imperative to make a great first impression on
your hiring manager.
It's not just what you do, it's also what you say, and how you say it.

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 Job interview tips: dos and don'ts

Do:
o Dress to impress. Make sure your clothes are clean, ironed and
presentable.
o Make eye contact, and begin with a strong handshake. This will signal
your confidence when you meet your interviewer for the first time.
o Sit still, with your feet firmly on the ground. This will help you maintain
your posture and avoid fidgeting.
o Remember your CV details. In particular the experience most relevant to
the role you're interviewing for.
o Make a note of your questions. Bring a note-pad if you feel you might
forget important points.
o Remember. It's just as important for the interviewer to sell the benefits of
working at their business, as it is for you to impress your next potential employer.

Don't:
o Turn up late to the interview. If for some reason on the day it's
unavoidable, call ahead to let your interviewer know your expected time of
arrival.
o Dress sloppily or inappropriately. Not sure what to wear? Read our
guidelines.
o Smoke before your interview. Whilst a quick cigarette might seem like a
good idea to calm your nerves, the smell will be noticeable and unpleasant for
your interviewer.
o Volunteer your weaknesses. Whilst honesty is always the best policy,
there is no need to volunteer your shortfalls unless asked directly.
o Criticise your current or previous employer. Doing so could give your
interviewer the impression you're difficult to work with.

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CHAPTER IX
What is academic writing?

Learning Outcome:
1. define academic writing
2.identify the concepts of academic writing
3. list down the principles of academic writing
4. identify parts of research proposal
5.. do a research proposal
6. cite references/sources in works correctly
7. present research proposal

What is an Academic Paper?

The most important characteristic of an academic or scholarly paper is that it has to
pass an academic quality assessment before it can be published in an academic journal (the
DEFSA website is an authorised ePublication). Before an article is accepted for publication, it
has to be reviewed by researchers working in the same field (referees). This control process is
called peer-reviewing and is designed to guarantee the academic standard of an article.

 What is an academic research paper?

An academic paper is not a social commentary, an opinion or a "blog". An academic
paper begins with a thesis - the writer of the academic paper aims to persuade readers of an idea
or solution to a problem based on EVIDENCE - not personal opinion.
Academic writing should present the reader with an informed argument. To construct
an informed argument, you must first try to sort out what you know about a subject from what
you think or feel about a subject. You can begin by posing a question that will lead to your idea
(in which case, your idea will be the answer to your question), or you can make a thesis

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statement. Or you can do both: you can ask a question and immediately suggest the answer that
your essay will argue.
The research process is not simply collecting data, evidence, or "facts," then copy-and-
pasting" this preexisting information into a paper. Instead, the research process is about
investigation —asking questions and developing answers through serious critical thinking and
thoughtful reflection. Most research involve at least a survey or questionnaire soliciting opinions
from a reasonably-sized sample of
relevant participants.

Elements of an Academic Paper

 Abstract
The abstract contains a short summary of the article as well as a description of the objective,
method, result and conclusion of the study. Keywords (or subject words), which identify the
contents of the article, are also given in the abstract. An abstract is between 300 and 500 words.

 Full Paper
A Full Paper can contain up to 5 000 words, and consists of the following:

 Introduction
 Briefly describe the focus of the overall paper and its main points
 Highlight background information or issues necessary to understand the direction of the
paper. The evaluator might not be from your field of design.
 Define any key terminology need to understand the topic
 Finish with your thesis statement

 Research Method and material

 The methodology and methods ought to be reasonable for and appropriate to that which
is being studied.
 Identify the methods used to identify and locate sources and the rationale used for
selecting the sources to analyse. The detail should be sufficient so that the research process can
be assessed, and reproduced by future researchers.
 Explain the procedures used for analysing the data and arriving at findings.

 Results
 Important data is given textual form preferably using tables and figures. Even
unexpected or negative results are presented.

 Discussion

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 The discussion is an assessment of the results. Methodological considerations as well as

the way in which the results compare to earlier research in the field are discussed.

 Conclusion
 Restate your thesis from the introduction in different words
 Briefly summarise each main point found in the body of the paper (1-2 sentences for
each point). Give a statement of the consequences of not embracing the position (argumentative
paper only)
 End with a strong clincher statement: an appropriate, meaningful final sentence that ties
the whole point of the paper together

 References
 All documents mentioned in the article should be included in the bibliography so that
the reader is able to refer to the original sources.

 Referencing and citation

If you make judgments about something in academic writing, there is an expectation
that you will support your opinion by linking it to what a published author has previously written
about the issue.
Citing the work of other authors is central to academic writing because it shows you have read
the literature, understood the ideas, and have integrated these issues and varying perspectives
into the assignment task.
The importance placed on referring to other authors in your work can be reflected in the
elaborate referencing conventions.
The abbreviated Harvard system of citation should be used. References should be
published materials accessible to the public. Internal technical reports may be cited only if they
are easily accessible (i.e. you give an Internet address within your citation). Proprietary
information may not be cited.
http://www.usq.edu.au/library/referencing/harvard-agps-referencing-guide

Activity/Exercises

Directions:
Make your Application Letter attached with the Resumé.

Evaluation:
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Directions:
Write a Research Proposal consisting of chapters 1 to 3.

Prepared by:

ARLYN A. LAGUDA
Course Facilitator

Approved:

LOIDA L. BARRERA ERLYN F. LAURON

Member English Critique

MA. JULLIE S. LADEMORA, PhD MARY JOY J. SILVINO

Program Chair Quality Assurance

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