COVER LETTER

All cover letters should:

--Explain why you are sending a resume.
--Don't send a resume without a cover letter.
--Don't make the reader guess what you are asking for; be specific: Do you want a summer internship opportunity, or a permanent position at graduation; are you inquiring about future employment possibilities?
--Tell specifically how you learned about the position or the organization — a flyer posted in your department, a web site, a family friend who works at the organization. It is appropriate to mention the name of someone who suggested that you write.
--Convince the reader to look at your resume.
--The cover letter will be seen first. Therefore, it must be very well written and targeted to that employer.
Call attention to elements of your background — education, leadership, experience — that are relevant to a position you are seeking. Be as specific as possible, using examples.
--Reflect your attitude, personality, motivation, enthusiasm, and communication skills.
--Provide or refer to any information specifically requested in a job advertisement that might not be covered in your resume, such as availability date, or reference to an attached writing sample.
--Indicate what you will do to follow-up.
--In a letter of application — applying for an advertised opening — applicants often say something like "I look forward to hearing from you." However, if you have further contact info (e.g. phone number) and if the employer hasn't said "no phone calls," it's better to take the initiative to follow-up, saying something like, "I will contact you in the next two weeks to see if you require any additional information regarding my qualifications."

--In a letter of inquiry — asking about the possibility of an opening — don't assume the employer will contact you. You should say something like, "I will contact you in two weeks to learn more about upcoming employment opportunities with (name of organization)." Then mark your calendar to make the call.

Page margins, font style and size
--For hard copy, left and right page margins of one to 1.5 inches generally look good. You can adjust your margins to balance how your document looks on the page.

• Use a font style that is simple, clear and commonplace, such as Times New Roman, Arial or Calibri. Font SIZES from 10-12 points are generally in the ballpark of looking appropriate. Keep in mind that different font styles in the same point size are not the same size. A 12-point Arial is larger than a 12-point Times New Roman.

• If you are having trouble fitting a document on one page, sometimes a slight margin and/or font adjustment can be the solution.

• Serif or sans serif? Sans (without) serif fonts are those like Arial and Calibri that don't have the small finishing strokes on the ends of each letter. There is a great deal of research and debate on the pros and cons of each. Short story: use what you like, within reason; note what employers use; generally sans serif fonts are used for on-monitor reading and serif fonts are used for lengthy print items (like books); serif fonts may be considered more formal.

Test: ask someone to look at a document for five seconds; take away the document; ask the person what font was on the document; see if s/he even noticed the style. A too-small or too-large font gets noticed, as does a weird style.



YOUR ADDRESS
____________________
___________________
DATE

Mr./Ms./Dr. FirstName LastName
NAME OF ORGANIZATION
ADDRESS

Dear Mr. /Ms.
Opening paragraph: State why you are writing; how you learned of the organization or position, and basic information about yourself.
2nd paragraph: Tell why you are interested in the employer or type of work the employer does (Simply stating that you are interested does not tell why, and can sound like a form letter). Demonstrate that you know enough about the employer or position to relate your background to the employer or position. Mention specific qualifications which make you a good fit for the employer’s needs. (Focus on what you can do for the employer, not what the employer can do for you.) This is an opportunity to explain in more detail relevant items in your resume. Refer to the fact that your resume is enclosed. Mention other enclosures if such are required to apply for a position.
3rd paragraph: Indicate that you would like the opportunity to interview for a position or to talk with the employer to learn more about their opportunities or hiring plans. State what you will do to follow up, such as telephone the employer within two weeks. If you will be in the employer’s location and could offer to schedule a visit, indicate when. State that you would be glad to provide the employer with any additional information needed. Thank the employer for her/his consideration.

Sincerely,
(Your handwritten signature [on hard copy]
Your name typed



EXERCISE: WRITE A COVER LETTER,BASED ON THE ADVERTISEMENT BELOW, CHOOSE FROM ONE OF THE POSTS ADVERTISED.


A not-for-profit organisation,Hospital Lam Wah Ee is fully equipped with modern and state-of-the-art medical facilities.We are looking for people with dedication and commitment to join us and play a part in our expansion plans.

Medical Officers
- Recognised Medical Degree
- Registered with the Malaysian Medical Council

Audiologist
- Degree in Audiology
- Able to develop and carry out relevant treatment prgrammes for patients with hearing and balance disorders

Nursing Tutors
- Degree in Nursing and Diploma in Nursing Education
Hosuekeeping Officer
- Supervisory experience
- Knowledge of housekeeping and computer literate
- Good command of oral & written English
- Those with nursing background are encouraged to apply

Clinical Instructors
- A registered nurse with a post-basic nursing course or Degree in Nursing is preferred

Staff Nurses (SRN)
- Registered with the Malaysian Nursing Board

*Vacancies available in all disciplines
Interested candidates are invited to submit a detailed resume with relevant certificates,current and expected salaries,contact telephone number and a recent passport-sized photograph (n.r.)no later than 16 March 2010 to:

The Human Resource Manager
Hospital Lam Wah Ee
Jalan Tan Sri Teh Ewe Lim
11600 Penang