ENGLISH 10 – TERM 3, WEEK 10
I. Purpose of a Letter of Application
A letter of application is a formal letter written to apply for a job or position.
It introduces the applicant to a potential employer and explains why the applicant is qualified for the job.
What Should You Include in an Application Letter?
Skills
Achievements
Qualifications
Work experience
Reason for applying
Contact information
Why Is an Application Letter Important?
An application letter helps introduce you to an employer and demonstrates your:
Professionalism
Communication skills
Qualifications
Interest in the job
Remember: Your application letter should clearly explain who you are, what position you want, and why you are qualified.
II. Understanding Job Advertisements
A. What Is an Advertisement?
An advertisement is a public announcement about a job, product, or service.
Example:
"A company posts, 'We are hiring an English teacher.'"
B. What Are Context Clues?
Context clues are hints in a sentence that help readers understand the meaning of unfamiliar or difficult words.
Example:
"The company posted an advertisement online to announce a job opening."
The words "posted" and "announce" help explain the meaning of advertisement.
C. Important Vocabulary in Job Applications
| Term | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Advertisement | A public announcement about a job, product, or service | A company announces that it is hiring. |
| Professional | A person who is skilled and trained in a particular field | Teacher, nurse, engineer, accountant |
| Achievements | Successes or accomplishments | Winning a contest or receiving an award |
| Qualifications | Skills, experience, or background needed for a job | Education degree and teaching skills |
| Job Opening | An available position in a company or organization | Wanted: Internal Auditor |
Where Can We Find Job Advertisements?
Company websites
Newspapers
Social media
Community offices
III. Researching Potential Employers
Before applying for a job, it is important to research the company or organization.
Researching potential employers means gathering information about a company to determine whether it matches your interests, skills, qualifications, and career goals.
Important Ways to Research an Employer
1. Check the Company's Website
Look for:
Company mission
Company values
Products and services
Corporate culture
2. Explore the Company's Social Media Platforms
Check the company's:
Brand image
Updates
Customer interactions
Public reputation
3. Read Online Reviews
Look for feedback from customers and employees about the company.
4. Talk to Current or Former Employees
They may provide information about:
Work environment
Management style
Career opportunities
5. Check the Company's Financial Health
Determine whether the company is financially stable.
Why Is Employer Research Important?
Research helps job seekers:
Make informed decisions.
Choose suitable employers.
Customize their application letters.
Prepare for job interviews.
Find work that matches their career goals and values.
Important Questions Before Applying
What is the name of the company?
What position is available?
What are the job requirements?
What qualifications does the employer need?
Who should receive the application letter?
What contact information is provided?
Remember: Do not apply randomly. Choose a job that matches your interests, skills, and qualifications.
IV. Drafting a Letter of Application
After identifying a suitable job opening and researching the employer, the next step is writing your application letter.
A. Addressing the Recipient
Use a respectful and professional greeting.
Appropriate Examples:
Dear Mr. Santos:
Dear Ms. Reyes:
Dear Hiring Manager:
Avoid:
Hey!
Hi po!
Remember: Use the correct name and title of the recipient whenever available.
B. Writing a Strong Opening
The first paragraph should introduce:
Your name or background.
The position you are applying for.
Where you found the job advertisement.
Your interest in the position.
Example:
"I am writing to apply for the position of English Teacher posted on your school's page."
C. Showing Your Qualifications
The middle paragraph should explain your:
Skills
Experiences
Achievements
Qualifications
Connection to the job
Example:
"My experience in tutoring helped me develop patience and communication skills."
Important: Highlight qualifications that are relevant to the job requirements.
D. Showing Your Fit for the Company
Explain why your skills and goals match the company's needs, mission, or values.
Example:
"Your school values quality education, and I am committed to helping learners improve their English skills."
E. Writing a Strong Closing
The final paragraph should include:
A statement of thanks.
Continued interest in the position.
Interest in attending an interview.
Contact information.
A formal closing.
Example:
"Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing my qualifications with you."
V. Organizing the Information in an Application Letter
Before writing the complete letter, answer these guide questions.
A. Information from the Job Advertisement
What important keywords are found in the advertisement?
What do you know about the job?
What is the company looking for in a candidate?
To whom should you address the letter?
B. Introductory Paragraph
What is the exact title of the job?
How did you discover the job opening?
Why are you interested in this particular job?
C. Middle Paragraph
What qualifications do you have that match the requirements?
What are the company's priority areas?
What statements can demonstrate your skills and achievements?
D. Concluding Paragraph
What would you like to happen after submitting your letter?
What documents are you expected to send?
What is your contact information?
Writing Tip: Use powerful action verbs and specific examples to demonstrate your skills, experience, and accomplishments.
VI. Proper Layout and Design of an Application Letter
A professional application letter should follow a standard format.
Recommended Layout
| Element | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Paper Size | 8½ × 11 inches |
| Printing | One side only |
| Format | Standard cover letter format |
| Length | One page |
| Margins | 1 inch |
| Font Size | 10–12 points |
| Font Style | Simple and readable |
| Emphasis | Use boldface, italics, capital letters, and underlining appropriately |
Examples of Appropriate Fonts
Arial
Calibri
Times New Roman
Verdana
Courier New
Remember: Avoid excessive formatting. Your application letter should look clean, organized, and professional.
VII. Revising for Coherence and Cohesion
Revision is the process of improving the organization, clarity, and connection of ideas in your application letter.
Two important concepts are coherence and cohesion.
A. Coherence
Coherence means that ideas are clear, logical, and easy to understand.
A coherent application letter presents information in an organized manner.
Example of Paragraph Organization:
First Paragraph: Position being applied for.
Second Paragraph: Qualifications and experiences.
Final Paragraph: Appreciation and follow-up.
B. Cohesion
Cohesion refers to how sentences and paragraphs are connected.
A cohesive letter uses appropriate words, expressions, and transitions to make ideas flow smoothly.
Difference Between Coherence and Cohesion
| Coherence | Cohesion |
|---|---|
| Ideas are logically organized. | Sentences and paragraphs are connected. |
| Focuses on the overall meaning. | Focuses on the connection of ideas. |
| Makes the letter understandable. | Makes the letter flow smoothly. |
Remember:
Coherence = Ideas make sense.
Cohesion = Ideas are connected.
Diagnosis, Analysis, and Revision Procedure
This procedure helps improve coherence and cohesion.
Step 1: Diagnosis
Underline the first few words of every sentence.
Identify the beginning of each clause when possible.
Step 2: Analysis
Check whether sentences discuss related topics.
Determine whether readers can easily recognize the connections.
Identify the main idea of each paragraph.
Step 3: Revision
Place important topics at the beginning of sentences.
Make the subject of each sentence clear.
Remove unnecessary introductory phrases.
Organize sentences around one main idea.
Purpose: To make the application letter clear, organized, and connected.
VIII. Editing for Consistency
Editing involves checking and correcting errors in the application letter.
The lesson focuses on consistency in:
Diction
Style
Tone and register
Point of view
Grammar
Six Steps in Editing an Application Letter
Step 1: Review for Clarity and Structure
Check whether:
The introduction is clear.
The body paragraphs contain relevant qualifications.
The conclusion ends properly.
Ideas flow logically.
Step 2: Check Grammar and Spelling
Look for:
Subject-verb agreement.
Punctuation errors.
Spelling mistakes.
Typographical errors.
Step 3: Ensure Consistent Tone and Voice
Maintain a professional tone throughout the letter. Avoid sudden changes in language or attitude.
Step 4: Remove Unnecessary Details
Keep the application letter concise. Remove repeated or irrelevant information.
Step 5: Seek Feedback
Ask a teacher, mentor, or classmate to review your letter and provide suggestions.
Step 6: Final Proofread
Check the:
Formatting
Font consistency
Grammar
Spelling
Overall appearance
Editing Checklist
| Grammar and Spelling | Style and Organization |
|---|---|
| Check spelling. | Include a clear topic sentence. |
| Check grammar. | Support the main idea. |
| Check sentence structure. | Include a closing sentence. |
| Check subject-verb agreement. | Keep sentences focused on one idea. |
| Check verb tenses. | Make the paragraph interesting. |
| Check punctuation. | Arrange ideas logically. |
IX. Publishing a Letter of Application
Publishing means sharing or presenting the final, revised, and edited application letter through a chosen format or platform.
In this lesson, students will present their application letters using different forms of multimedia.
What Is Multimodal Presentation?
Multimodal presentation means using more than one way or mode to communicate information.
Examples include:
Video
Infographic
Podcast
Slideshow
Social media campaign
Career fair booth
Multimodal Job Application Letter Options
1. Video Application Letter
Create a two-minute video application letter highlighting your qualifications for the job.
2. Interactive Infographic
Design an infographic that visually presents your application letter, skills, and experiences.
3. Podcast Reading
Record a podcast episode discussing the components of an application letter and formally read the complete letter.
4. Slideshow Presentation
Develop a slideshow to present your application letter in an organized and interesting way.
5. Social Media Campaign
Create a professional social media campaign, such as on LinkedIn or Twitter, to promote your application for a job.
6. Virtual Career Fair Booth
Set up a virtual booth where you can introduce yourself and present your qualifications to potential employers.
Summary Table
| Mode | Description |
|---|---|
| Video Application Letter | A two-minute video presenting your qualifications |
| Interactive Infographic | A visual presentation of your application letter |
| Podcast Reading | An audio presentation and reading of your letter |
| Slideshow | A presentation using organized slides |
| Social Media Campaign | A professional online promotion of your application |
| Virtual Career Fair Booth | An online booth introducing yourself to employers |
X. Five Important Qualities in Writing an Application Letter
1. Professionalism
Use a formal tone, appropriate language, and correct letter format.
2. Effective Communication
Express ideas clearly and concisely so the employer understands your qualifications.
3. Customization
Adjust your application letter to match the specific job and company.
4. Attention to Detail
Carefully proofread the letter to avoid errors in grammar, spelling, and formatting.
5. Research Skills
Learn about the company before applying so you can write a relevant and appropriate letter.
Remember: A successful application letter combines professionalism, communication, customization, attention to detail, and research.
XI. Final Application Letter Checklist
Before submitting your application letter, check the following:
I avoided informal words and contractions.
I avoided unnecessary use of second-person pronouns such as "you."
I avoided exaggerated or overly emotional language.
I removed redundant words and phrases.
I avoided unnecessary jargon.
I presented information accurately and precisely.
I used appropriate transitions.
I organized the letter into logical paragraphs.
Each paragraph focuses on one main idea.
I supported my claims with appropriate information or evidence.
I used the correct verb tenses.
I checked grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
I used a professional and respectful tone.
XII. Key Terms to Remember
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Advertisement | Public announcement about a job, product, or service |
| Context Clues | Hints that help explain unfamiliar words |
| Professional | A person skilled or trained in a particular field |
| Achievements | Successes or accomplishments |
| Qualifications | Skills, education, or experience required for a job |
| Job Opening | An available position in a company |
| Coherence | Logical arrangement of ideas |
| Cohesion | Connection between sentences and paragraphs |
| Revision | Improving the clarity and organization of a text |
| Editing | Correcting language and writing errors |
| Diction | Choice of words |
| Style | Way of writing |
| Tone | Writer's attitude |
| Register | Level of formality |
| Point of View | Perspective of the writer |
| Multimodal | Using more than one mode of communication |
| Publishing | Sharing or presenting the final written output |
XIII. FINAL REMINDERS
When preparing your application letter, remember these seven important steps:
1. RESEARCH THE EMPLOYER.
Know the company's background, values, and job requirements.
2. IDENTIFY YOUR QUALIFICATIONS.
Highlight relevant skills, achievements, and experiences.
3. WRITE A CLEAR APPLICATION LETTER.
State your purpose, explain your qualifications, and close politely.
4. CUSTOMIZE YOUR LETTER.
Make sure your application matches the specific job and employer.
5. REVISE FOR COHERENCE AND COHESION.
Organize your ideas and connect your paragraphs.
6. EDIT CAREFULLY.
Check your diction, style, tone, point of view, grammar, and formatting.
7. PUBLISH PROFESSIONALLY.
Present your final application letter using an appropriate format or multimedia platform.
FINAL MESSAGE
YOUR APPLICATION LETTER IS YOUR FIRST OPPORTUNITY TO CONVINCE AN EMPLOYER THAT YOU ARE A SUITABLE CANDIDATE. MAKE EVERY WORD CLEAR, PROFESSIONAL, RELEVANT, AND MEANINGFUL.
Comments