COVER

LETTER
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 WHAT IS A COVER LETTER?

> A document sent with the resume to provide

additional information on your skills and
experience
> The letter provides information on why you are
qualified for the job you are applying for
> Creating a critical first impression for
employer

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 FORMAT OF COVER LETTER

The font should A font size of 10

A professional
match the font or 12 points
business letter
used on resume

Standard Add a space

margins are 1” between every A single page
on every corner paragraph only

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 You can reduce the font
and margin sizes to keep
your document on a single
page, but do be sure to
leave enough white space
for your letter to be easy
to read.

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How to write a Cover
Letter?
Let’s start step by step!

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 1. HEADER

Begin with both you and the employer's contact information

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 2. SALUTATION

Begin your cover letter salutation with "Dr./Mr./Ms. Last Name."

If you are unsure if your contact is male or female, you can write
out their full name

If you do not know the employer's name, simply write,

"Dear Hiring Manager."

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 3. OPENING

The first paragraph should grab the reader’s attention by:

1. Stating your interest in the job
2. Describing your qualifications in a way that sets you
apart from other applicants
3. Explaining how you found out about the job
4. Quickly summarizing your major qualifications for the
job.

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 3. OPENING

Example:
I came across your advertisement for the position of
[position] at [company name]. I am interested in applying
for this post. I hope that I have a great opportunity to
occupy this post, because I feel as though this job may help
me broaden my skills and will further help me down the
road in furthering my career.

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 4. SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS

What you have to offer the employer

Highlight examples of the work you’ve performed and the results

you’ve achieved

Draw on your key competencies from your resume, though don't

copy it word for word.

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 4. SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS

Example for second paragraph:

Possessing more than 5 years of experience of working in
diverse financial positions with multiple companies, I have
gained extensive insight within this field. My key
accounting and financial competencies include, but are
not limited to, maintaining financial records, managing
budgets, risk assessments and business strategy reviews.

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 4. SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS

Example for third paragraph:

During the course of my career, I have gained specialist’s
understanding of financial instruments and accounting
software, and have also been effective in explaining
complex information in comprehensible manner.

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 5. REQUEST FOR INTERVIEW
The last paragraph in the cover letter motivates the reader to
action by asking for an interview and making it convenient to
contact you.
Make sure you:
1. Refer to the enclosed resume.
2. Ask for an interview.
3. Tell how and when you can be reached by including your
phone number(s) and/or e-mail address.

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 5. REQUEST FOR INTERVIEW
Example:
My resume is attached to this letter for your consideration. I would
be honored to meet you for an interview session. Please do not
hesitate to contact me at [phone number/ email address). Thank
you for your consideration and for reading my application.

Sincerely,
[Applicant’s name]

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 TIPS TO WRITE AN EFFECTIVE COVER LETTER
How long should a cover letter be?

> The ideal cover letter length is:

● Less than a full page
● Longer than half a page
● Word count: About 250-300 words
● Format: 3 or 4 paragraphs

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 TIPS TO WRITE AN EFFECTIVE COVER LETTER
> When composing your cover letter, vary your sentence
structure
> For variety, consider beginning sentences with:
Prepositional phrases (By the time, in detail, for hire)
Introductory clauses (Eg: During the course of my career,...)
Transitional words (eg: As a result, further, equally
important)
> Proofread your letter

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Subject line: EMAIL COVER LETTER
HR Manager -
Shahirah Binti
Shahril
Be sure to list the job you
are applying for in the
subject line of your email
message, so the employer
is clear as to what job you
are interested in.

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JOB APPLICATION
LETTER

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 WHAT IS A JOB APPLICATION LETTER?

Description of
A specific type of Have more
applicant’s work
cover letter that sentences and a
history and
is used on an replica of the
professional
application resume
experience

Can be the only

More appropriate Same format with
requirement
for unsolicited cover letter but
sought by
interest with more details
employers

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