TOPIC 6: RESUME’: APPLICATION for ADMISSSION IN COLLEGE, APPLICATION for EMPLOYMENT & OFFICE

CORRESPONDENCE

By the end of this lesson, you are expected to

1. identify the unique features of and requirements in composing texts that are professional correspondence
a) Resume
b) Application for College Admission
c) Application for Employment
d) Various forms of Office Correspondence

Résumé Formats
When you apply for a job or for any work, hiring administrators like the managers usually require applicants to
submit a résumé. To give them an overview of yourself, you need to know the different formats in making a
résumé so that it fits their standard. Below are the three types of résumé format for you to follow.

1) Chronological Format
The chronological format is used to emphasize the applicant’s work experiences progress. It starts with the
complete work experiences, followed by the educational background. It is best used if the applicant is applying
for a job related to his previous experiences, and has ten to fifteen years work experiences.

Heading

Objective:

Work Experience:

Educational Background:

Skills/Expertise:

Voluntary Activities/Involvement:

2) Functional Format

Functional format, on the other hand, focuses on the skills, not on the work history. It is best used if the
applicant changed career or if re-entering the industry after a long absence. It is also used by the high school
or college students entering the industry.

Heading

Objective:

Professional Summary:

Work Experience:

Educational Background:

Skills/Expertise:

3) Combination or Hybrid Format

Combination or Hybrid combines the chronological and functional format. It works best if the applicant is
aiming for a career change or wants to present both skills and accomplishment.

Heading

Objective:

Professional Summary:

Expertise and Achievements

Work Experience:

Educational Background:
Writing your Resume

Below are the important features of a resume.

1) Heading

The resume heading includes the applicant’s complete name, current address and contact details such
as cell phone number or e-mail address. The heading can be written in the centre or on the left-side. Make
sure that the formatting style, especially the font type, looks professional.

 Example:
Ronan T. Kina-adman
Los-libertadores St. Comon, Mambajao, Camiguin
Phone: (088) 387-000
Mobile: (+63) 967 570 1927
e-mail: ronankinaadman@yahoo.com

 Explanation: The heading contains basic information about the applicant.

2) Objectives

An objective also referred to as job objective or career objective, reflects the applicant’s career goals and
intention for applying for the job. Remember to write a direct and specific objective that contains what you
want to achieve in your career and what the employer could expect from you.

 Example: To land a job as hotel chamberlain, making every room a home of their own.

 Explanation: The objective given as an example includes the position and its detailed description.

3) Professional Summary

Professional summary, also referred to as ‘career summary’ or ‘career profile’, showcases your knowledge
and abilities. It includes short recent job summary, together with your soft skills (e.g. problem-solving
capability, adaptability to change, etc.).

 Example: Good cleaner, a flexible and hardworking. Hotelier with one year experience in providing customer
service, preparing beds and maintaining cleanliness of the hotel rooms.

 Explanation: This highlights the most valuable and recent job experience of the applicant.

4) Expertise and Achievement

This also refers to the ‘professional skills’ and ‘qualification’ of the applicant. It includes personal and technical
skills including the certifications and recognition received.

 Example: Order Taking Skills Received recognition as best housekeeper dated October 2004 excellent in
finishing room make up on time

 Explanation: This is the part where the applicant, with or without experience, can write a detailed
description of his abilities and skills.

5) Work Experience

This is also called "employment history," "relevant experience", or "work history." Work experience is a part of
a résumé where the applicant states all previous employment. If you have no work experience yet, write first
the educational background, and include the optional part Training and Seminar Attended.

 Example: Housekeeper Camiguin Highland Resort (August 2002- October 2005)

 Explanation: The example shows the applicant’s job title, the employer and the length of service.
6) Educational Background

The educational background section can also be labelled as Academic, Academic Qualification or Education
and Certifications. Write the degree together with your major, minor or concentration (if there is any), school
and year attended.

 Example:
TESDA
Camiguin School of Arts and Trades
2022-2023

 Explanation: The inclusion of educational background from preschool to junior high school is not required in
this part. Mentioning only the details on where and when the applicant got his senior high school and college
degree would be enough.

Tips

 Pass the resume with a cover letter. A cover letter gives the employer an overview why they are receiving the
resume, job posting the applicant is applying for and the matching skills related to the position.

 A resume is used to apply for a job that contains a summary of an applicant’s personal information,
educational background, skills and work experiences while a Curriculum Vitae (CV) is used to apply for an
academic training or grant that contains a detailed description of a person’s educational background, academic
credential, and achievement.

 It is optional to include the following sections on the resume: Training and Seminars Attended, Activities and
Honors and References.
 APPLICATION LETTER

What is an employment application letter?

Employment Application Letter "is a one-page letter, also referred to as the "job application letter" or "cover
letter attached to the resume when applying for jobs. The purpose of writing the employment application
letter is to highlight the applicant’s experiences and personal qualities for him to be considered for an
interview schedule, as well as with the available job position.

Different Letter Formats

The format, including the content and tone of the employment application letter, depends on the applicant’s
preference. Employment application letter or cover letter has three different formats: full block, modified block
and semi-block format. The content in a cover letter are all the same and will vary on the format or on the
placement of each part.

1) Full Block Format

This is the most common layout used in writing cover letter. In this format, all parts are justified to the left.

Applicant’s Address

Date

Hiring Person’s Name and Company

Address

Salutation

Body

Complimentary Close

Signature

2. Modified Block

Format Another common format used is the modified block format. Modified block is a type of format where
applicant’s address, complementary close, signature and sender’s identification is shifted to the right side.
Note that the first sentence in the body or in each paragraph is not indented.

Applicant’s Address

Date

Hiring Person’s Name and Company

Address

Salutation

Body

Complimentary Close

Signature
3. Semi-Block Format

The least used format is the semi-block. It is almost the same as the modified block format; however, the
difference is that the first sentence in each paragraph is indented.

Applicant’s Address

Date

Hiring Person’s Name and Company

Address

Salutation

Body (First line is indented)

Complimentary Close

Signature

If there is no required format, it is recommended to write it in full-block with one-inch margin on all sides,
single spaced and preferably using Times New Roman font and twelve point font size.

Components of a Letter

1) Heading, Date and Inside Address

The heading includes the applicant’s address to make it easier for the employer to easily contact the applicant.
The date written below the heading indicates the date when the letter was written. The inside address refers
to where and to whom the letter is addressed. Ensure that there is a line in between heading, date and inside
address

 Example: Jerome C. Villa

Andalucia St. Lumbia
Cagayan de Oro CIty

April 03, 2002

Mr. Chris S. Lopez

Human Resource Manager
Springhills Mountain Resort
Gitago, Cagayan de Oro City

 Explanation:

Written on the first two lines of the heading is the address of the applicant. This includes the street number,
city, state and zip code. The format in writing the date is month-day-year. The inside address includes the name
of the name of the employer or the human resource manager, his job title, name of the company and address.

2) Greeting or Salutation

Greeting or salutation is written to indicate for whom the letter is. It should start with the word "Dear"
followed by the last name of the receiver. End the salutation with a colon (:). If the name has not been
obtained, address it as “Ma’am/Sir.”

 Example:
Dear Mr. Rozales: or
Dear Ma’am/Sir:

 Explanation:
The greeting or salutation addresses the person concerned with the hiring process.
3) The Body

The most important and critical part in writing the employment application letter is its body. It includes
information on the job the applicant is applying for, where the job posting was seen, and the skills and
experiences the applicant possesses. You can also highlight the reason for a career change, if there is any.
Finalize the letter in two to three sentences by including the reason why the applicant is perfect for the job and
the statement of the applicant’s desire to meet the employer or human resource person.

 Example:

I am writing to express my interest in the Managerial Position posted at Jobstreet.com last February 12, 2016.
As per the qualification posted in your advertisement, I consider myself as one of the qualified applicant for the
said position.

Aside from being a graduate of University of the Philippines, I also have fiveyear industry experience in
managing a local fast-food chain. I am applying in your good office because I am seeking for a career growth
which I believe your company can provide.

My skills and experiences are included in the resume attached on this letter. Thank you for taking time in
processing my job application papers and I look forward to meet you at your earliest convenience.

 Explanation:
The body of the letter contains information not seen in the applicant’s resume. In this example, the applicant
clearly indicates the desired position, source of information, qualification and experiences and reason of career
shift.

4) Complimentary Close

Complimentary Close is done to politely finish the letter. Note that the complementary close ends with comma
(,).

 Example:

Sincerely, or
Yours Truly,

 Explanation:
Writing the complimentary close shows that the letter has already ended.

5) Signature and Sender’s Identification

This is considered as the last part of the letter. Write your name on the first line and your title (if applicable)
on the second line. Then sign directly above the first line.

 Example:
(Signature)
Shiela J. Perez

 Explanation:
It shows the name of the job applicant

Tips

 Make sure the letter is free of errors and does not contain any slang or informal language. This should be
written in a professional manner so it to be considered as a good employment application letter.  Limit the
letter up to one page only. The employer or human resource person will not have time to read letter longer
than this.
 It is advisable to computerize the letter so that it can be read easily and print it in a good quality paper.  The
cover letter must not repeat elaborated details written in the resume.
 The applicant must not assume that he is hired after submitting the cover letter.
 The employment application letter is attached to the resume and not the curriculum vitae. Curriculum Vitae
are submitted for academic purpose and not for job application purpose.
 College Admission Letter and Essay
College Admission Letter also referred to as the "letter of intent," is a onepage letter required for
college and university admission. The sender writes a letter to briefly discuss his intention for attending the
college program. College Admission Essay, or known as "statement of purpose" or "personal statement," is an
essay written by the student applicant to answer the essay topics given by the admission office.

Pre-writing

Before you write a college admission letter and essay, you must first determine the program you want
to take, followed by a thorough research on program structure. Then reflect on your purpose in enrolling the
course, your achievements, and future goals. Decide the format to use in writing a letter. If there is no
required format, write the letter in a full-block style, meaning all parts are aligned to the left, with the format
of one-inch margin, twelve-point font size, and single-spaced paragraph.

Writing your College Admission Letter

1) Heading, Date and Inside Address

Write on the top left the heading that includes your complete address and zip code. It is the address of
the sender. The date should be fully spelled out. The inside address contains the name of the college or
university admission head, his job title (if applicable) and the address of the university. It is the address of the
receiver. Skip a line between the heading, date, and inside address.

 Example:

a) Heading:
B15 L21 Amarillo St.
Brgy. Rizal, Makati 1218

b) Date:
February 16, 2016

c) Inside Address:

Ms. Katarina Katigbak

Officer-in-Charge, Admission Section
Office of the Registrar
University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines
Lapasan, Cagayan de Oro City

 Explanation:

The heading is a receiver’s quick reference to the sender’s address and can be used if the letter has to return.
The date indicates when the letter is written, and the inside address refers to whom and where the letter is
addressed

2) Greeting or Salutation

It starts mostly with the word "Dear" followed by the last name of the receiver. End the salutation with a colon
(:). If the name has not been obtained, address it as “Ma’am/Sir”.

 Example:
Dear Ms. Katigbak:
or
Dear Ma’am/Sir:

 Explanation:

The greeting or salutation addresses the person concerned with the admission process.
3) The Body

The body is the main part of the letter which includes the course you are interested in, reason for choosing the
university, description of academic interest, the basis for them to consider your application, and plans, if any.
Last part will be your request to consider your application for admission and information on how to contact
you.

 Example:

I am writing to inform you of my interest in applying for Bachelor of Science in Biology at your prestigious
school – University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines.

I am enthusiastic to conduct researches in science. As shown in my scholastic achievements and the documents
attached, I am part of the team that ranked second in the recent National Science Investigatory Project. The
university offers the best tertiary education in the country and is at its prime in research and publication.
Because of this, studying at the university would help me improve my research skills as I deepen my knowledge
of biological science.

I plan to allot most of my time, during and after my studies, in conducting biological research. I envision myself
doing research for the benefit of my countrymen.

I hope for your kind consideration. For any questions or concern, contact me at this number 09675701927

 Explanation:

The body of the letter entails the course chose and the reason for choosing the college as part of his academic
career. The academic achievements related to the course, future goal and a contact detail of the applicant is
also included.

4) Complimentary Close

Complimentary Close is a polite way of finishing the letter. Remember that it always ends with comma (,).

 Example:
Sincerely, or
Yours Truly,

 Explanation:

Writing the complimentary close shows that the letter has already ended.

5) Signature and Sender’s Identification

This is the last part of the letter. Write your name on the first line and your title (if applicable) on the second
line. Then sign directly above the first line.
 Example:
(Signature)
Shiela A. Canillas

 Explanation:
It shows the name of the college applicant

Writing a College Admission Essay

Most admission essays have a limit of two hundred to five hundred words and usually answers assigned topic.
The challenge here is to showcase you - as the right candidate - for their university in a limited number of
words. Remember that the purpose of this essay is to know more of your personality without repeating what
is written in the profile or registration form. It should answer the question or topic clearly.

Introduction

The introduction should catch the attention of the reader. It should contain the main concept for your essay.
You can also restate the question without repeating the exact words.

 Example:
Topic: Explain why you would like to pursue a program in our college.
My goal is not just to finish a degree. It should be finishing a degree in this college.
 Explanation:
This shows the main idea of the essay. It is short, but it captures the attention of the reader.

Content

This is the part where you should answer the topic or question with clarity. Provide justification based on the
experience you have undergone. You can also incorporate the factors that drive you into finishing your studies.

 Example:

To be enriched holistically to serve the country cannot be possible if without the help of the college. It is
because the college has the best professors in the country – professors that are not only into teaching but also
in moulding the students.

 Explanation:

In this example, the applicant states the personal reason for pursuing a degree. It answers the question or
topic clearly.

Conclusion

To end the essay, write your plans after you graduate from their college. You could also include the
reinforcing statement stating that you are one of the best applicants to their college.

 Example: After finishing my degree, I am looking forward to working with a research laboratory to be of aid
to our country in adding more scientific knowledge of the world around us. All of this would be possible with
the help of the college.

 Explanation: The conclusion in this example depicts the long term goal of the college applicant.

Tips
 In writing a college admission letter, use a full-block style or the format prescribed by the college.
 In writing a college admission essay, answer the questions directly and state specific experiences and or
achievements to support your answer.
 Make sure that it is written in a positive tone, well-written and free of errors.

Sample College Application Letter Writing Tips:

 As it is a formal letter, words and phrases should be chosen carefully.
 The language should be simple and easy to understand.
 The content should be short and straightforward.

Example on the next page

Office correspondence, also known as the ‘business correspondence’, is a written exchange of internal and
external communication to support all business processes. It has three major forms including the business
letter, business memo and business e-mail that may be used for internal or external communication. Internal
correspondence means that there is a communication or agreement between departments or branches of the
same company, while external correspondence means that the communication is between the company and
another organization or firm. The purpose of the correspondence is to communicate the information in a clear
and professional way.

1) Business Letter

Business letter is the traditional way of communicating information from one company to another or used in
external correspondence. The format can either be full block, modified block and semi-block. The format used
in writing a business letter depends on the requirements set by the company. Different types of letters are
sales letter, order letter, complaint letter, inquiry letter, adjustment letter, acknowledgement letter, follow-up
letter, acknowledgement letter, cover letter, letter of recommendation and letter of resignation.

Example on the next page

Explanation: The letter of inquiry as an example includes the heading, date, inside address, salutation, body,
complimentary close, signature and sender’s information. This letter is an external correspondence between
two difference companies.

2) Business Memo

Business memo is a written communication strictly between the company’s offices to another, or used in
internal correspondence. The difference between a memo and a letter is that the memo has its title line and
series number. The employees tend to read the if the title line is related to their job description. It is also used
to implement internal guidelines or procedures that the employees must follow. Some types of memos are
operational memo, financial memo, request for action, directives, trip report, field report and dress code
memo among others.

Example on the next page

Explanation: The announcement memo includes information about the company outing of the employees. The
company also uses their own letterhead.

3) Business e-mail

Business e-mail is an office correspondence that can either be internal or external. There is no required format
in writing e-mail correspondence but it is expected that the writer maintain a professional tone. Note that the
header of the letter is written on the blank fields including the ‘from’ and ‘to’ fields. ‘From’ contains e-mail
from the sender while the field ‘to’ contains the email of the recipient.

Example on the next page

Explanation: In the above example, the e-mail correspondence is informal and external. It expresses gratitude
towards the effort made by the manpower agency.

Tips

 Make sure the office correspondence is concise and easy to understand. It is recommended for a
correspondence to have brief sentences and paragraphs for the employees tend to read it quickly.

 Controlling the tone of writing is important in any office correspondence. It should not sound too formal or
too informal.

Remember:

Office correspondence is a written exchange of internal and external communication to support all business
processes. It is also known as the business correspondence.

A business letter is a traditional way of communicating information from one company to another or used in
external correspondence.

Business letter is the traditional way of communicating information from one company to another or used in
external correspondence. The format can either be full block, modified block, and semi-block. Various types of
letters are sales letter, order letter complaint letter, inquiry letter, adjustment letter, acknowledgement letter,
follow-up letter, cover letter, letter of recommendation, and letter of resignation. Here is an example where
you can identify the different parts of a letter

Example on the next page

.
A business memo is a written communication strictly between the company’s offices to another.

Additionally, Business memorandum or memo is a written communication strictly between the company’s
offices to another or used in internal correspondence. A memo has its title line and series number. Employees
tend to read the memorandum if the title line is related to their job description. Memos are also used to
implement internal guidelines or procedures that the employees must follow.

Lastly, Business e-mail is an office correspondence that can either be internal or external. There is no required
format in writing e-mail correspondence, but it is expected that the writer maintains a professional tone. Note
that the header of the letter is written on the blank fields including the ‘from’ and ‘to’ fields. ‘From’ contains e-
mail from the sender while the field ‘to’ contains the email of the recipient.

A business e-mail is an office correspondence that can either be internal or external. There is no required
format in writing e-mail correspondence but it is expected that the writer maintains a professional tone.
Here are some reminders in completing the parts of a memorandum:

Heading – This segment follows this general format:

TO: (Identify the recipient/s)
FROM: (Your name)
DATE: (Complete and current date)
SUBJECT: (What the memo is about)

Body – Basically, the body of the memo has two parts: the purpose statement and the explanation. It is usually
presented in single-spaced paragraphs with a line skipped between each paragraph.

Special Notations – Notations at the bottom of the memo are used to indicate specific things to the reader.

• If you have an attachment on enclosure notation, type “Enclosure” or “Attachment”.

An Enclosure is something included with the memo while an Attachment is a supporting document attached by
a paper clip, staple, etc.

• If copies are being sent to others, add notation cc (carbon copies or courtesy copies) line and list of names at
the bottom of the memo.