Cover Letters and Emails

Answer the following questions.

1. Have you ever written an email to apply for a job or ask for information?
2. What do you think is important to include when writing a letter to apply for a job in cooking or nursing?
3. How do you start an email when you don't know the name of the person you're writing to?
4. Has anyone ever helped you with writing emails or letters? What did they say?
5. Do you think it's a good idea to write different letters for different jobs? Why or why not?

1- I am writing to _______ for the position of Nurse at your hospital.

Reading Exercise: Inquiry about Nursing Course
Read the email below and answer the questions that follow

Subject: Inquiry about Nursing Course

Dear Sir/Madam,

My name is Joseph, and I am writing to inquire about the nursing course advertised on your website.

I am very interested in pursuing a career in nursing and would like to learn more about the course you offer. Could you please provide me with information regarding the course duration, schedule, and any prerequisites required for enrollment?

Additionally, I would appreciate it if you could let me know about the application process and any documents needed to apply.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,

Joseph

Reading Exercise: Applying for a Job

Read the cover letter below and answer the questions that follow

John Smith
123 Main Street
Anytown, USA, 12345
johnsmith@email.com
(555) 123-4567

18/03/2024

Hiring Manager
XYZ Company
456 Oak Street
Anytown, USA, 54321

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to apply for the Customer Service Representative position advertised on your company website. I am very excited about the opportunity to join XYZ Company and contribute to your team.

I recently completed my Associate Degree in Business Administration from Anytown Community College. During my studies, I developed strong communication and problem-solving skills that I believe will be valuable in this role. Additionally, I have previous experience in customer service roles, where I honed my ability to assist customers effectively and efficiently.

I am particularly drawn to this position because I am passionate about providing excellent customer service and helping people resolve their issues. I am confident that my skills and experiences make me a suitable candidate for the role.

Thank you for considering my application. I am eager to further discuss how my background, skills, and enthusiasm align with the needs of XYZ Company. Please find attached my resume for your review.

I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my application with you in more detail.

Sincerely,

John Smith

Questions:

1. What is the purpose of the letter? 
   
   
   

Watch the following video then answer the comprehension questions.

Comprehension Questions:

1. What is the purpose of the video?
2. What are the recommended formats for the cover letter and resume?
3. Describe the steps for composing an email for a job application.
4. What should the subject line of the email include?
5. How should you address the recipient in the email?
6. What information should be included in the main body of the email?
7. How should you conclude the email?
8. What should you do before sending the email?
9. How can you ensure that the attachments are properly included in the email?

Watch the video then answer the comprehension questions



Comprehension Questions:

1. What are the two main documents discussed in the video?
2. How does the cover letter complement the resume?
3. How many paragraphs does the cover letter typically consist of?
4. How long should each paragraph of the cover letter be?
5. What is the purpose of the opening paragraph of the cover letter?
6. What should you include in the middle paragraph of the cover letter?
7. How does the speaker advise avoiding repetition between the resume and the cover letter?
8. What should you do in the closing paragraph of the cover letter?
9. What kind of tone should the complimentary close and signature convey?

Task 1: Writing an Email to Apply for a Job Offer

Objective: Practice writing a simple email applying for a job offer.

Instructions:

1. Imagine you are interested in a job offer you found online.
2. Write an email applying for the job using the guidelines provided in the video transcript.
3. Include necessary details such as your name, the job title, a brief introduction, and your contact information.
4. Keep the email clear, concise, and polite.
5. Proofread your email before sending it.

Sample Email: Subject: Application for [Job Title] Position

Dear Hiring Manager,

I hope this email finds you well. My name is [Your Name], and I am writing to express my interest in the [Job Title] position advertised on [Job Portal/Website].

I am confident that my skills and experiences align well with the requirements of the position. I have [mention any relevant experience or qualifications briefly].

Please find attached my resume and cover letter for your review. I am eager to discuss further how my background, skills, and enthusiasm can contribute to your team.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my application in more detail.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]

Task 2: Writing a Cover Letter

Objective: Practice drafting a simple cover letter highlighting relevant skills and experiences for a job application.

Instructions:

1. Use the structure provided in the video transcript to write a cover letter for the job application.
2. Customize the cover letter according to the job title and your relevant skills and experiences.
3. Keep the cover letter concise and focused, highlighting your strengths that match the job requirements.
4. Use professional language and a friendly tone throughout the cover letter.
5. Proofread your cover letter before finalizing it.

Sample Cover Letter:

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]

[Recipient's Name]
[Hiring Manager/Company Name]
[Company Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]

Dear [Recipient's Name],

I am writing to apply for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name], as advertised on [Job Portal/Website]. With [mention relevant years] of experience in [relevant field or industry], I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your team.

In my previous roles, I have developed strong skills in [mention relevant skills], which I believe make me a suitable candidate for this position. I am particularly interested in [mention specific aspect of the job or company].

Please find attached my resume, which provides further details about my qualifications and experiences. I am enthusiastic about the possibility of joining [Company Name] and am available for an interview at your earliest convenience.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my background, skills, and enthusiasm can benefit your team.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]