An Illustrated Guide to Writing Resumes
Letters of application for employment may be written in two ways.
A formal letter composed by the applicant, in which details of his name, age, qualification and experience are given.
The completion of a form provided by the employer, in which the required information is inserted under the various headings.
Guidelines:
The letter of application must conform to the basic elements of letter writing.
These are:
The address of the sender and the date.
The name and address of the receiver.
The greeting or salutation.
The body of the letter.
The complimentary close.
The following information usually forms the basis of the letter:-
Full name and address.
Age and marital status.
School and college attended.
Examinations passed with dates.
References - names of persons who will be willing to provide information about you.
Details of previous experience.
Interests.
This information may be written in paragraph form depending upon the style of the applicant. It can also be provided on a separate sheet of paper called the Curriculum Vitae. Or as is commonly known - Resume.
When using the Curriculum Vitae or Resume, you should present the information under appropriate headings. A covering letter containing the introduction to the job application should accompany the Curriculum Vitae.
Note: The lines with an asterisk(*) are to be at the right corner of your letter.
(Example 1):Cover Letter
13 Ashengrove*
Everglade*
3rd August, 1982*
R Briden & Company Ltd
24 Pierre Terrace
Everglade.
Dear Sir/ Madam
I have read your advertisement in today's Target newspaper, inviting applications for the post of clerk typist in your firm. I wish to be considered as an applicant for the position.
I have included, in the attached sheet, details of my qualification and experience, and the names of two referees who are willing to provide you with any information on my character and ability.
I have a special interest in secretarial work and I am prepared to work hard to enhance my qualification in this field.
I shall be willing to attend an interview if you find it necessary.
Yours faithfully*,
Laura Singh*.
note: information after the colon should be in the same alignment in the center of the page.
Resume(example)
Name: Laura Singh
Marital Status: Single
Address: 13 Ashengrove, Everglade
Date of Birth: 15th June, 1962
Education: Colling High School, Pitsburg. 1974 - 1979
Pitman's Technical Institute. 1980 - 1981
Qualification: G.C.E. (0 Level)
English Literature
English Language
Mathematics
Biology
Spanish
Commerce
Principles of Account
Shorthand & Typist Certificate
Hobbies: Reading, Swimming, News Reporting
Experiences: Temporary post in Telephone company as clerk -
Summer Vacation 1982.
References:
1. Mike Drayton
Principal
Pitman's Technical Institute
Hayes Street, Pitsburg
2. Mr. Carlson Jones
Manager
Telephone Company
Everglade
You would notice in this example that the applicant has used the Curriculum vitae or Resume. Observe that here are two parts, the introductory letter and the summary of the information required by the employer.
Here is another example of an application for employment.
15 Scarlet Drive*
St. James*
Devonshire*
10th July, 1983*
The Manager
Brydoune Textile Industry
Halifax
Sir/Madam
With reference to your advertisement in the Daily Gleaner, dated 6 July, 1983, I wish to apply for the post of Accounts clerk.
I am 21 years of age. I attended the Morvant Senior Secondary School during the years 1974 to 1979. I obtained Ordinary Level passes in English Language, Mathematics, Commerce, Principles of Accounts, Economics and Biology at the Cambridge G.C.E. 0 Level examination in 1979.
After my training at the Secondary School I pursued courses in Typing, Shorthand and Business Management at the Technical Institute.
I was temporarily employed at the Midway Real Estate Agency for six months, as an Accounts clerk.
I am enclosing two testimonials along with certificates of my qualifications. I shall be willing to be interviewed by you if you find it necessary. I have a special interest in Business Studies and if given the opportunity I will improve my knowledge and skills in this field.
Yours respectfully*
Thomas De freitas*
