READING AND WRITING SKILLS

RWS11.2. Text and Context Connections (Critical Reading)

Lesson 12: Purposeful Writing in the Disciplines and for Professions

Learning Competencies
The learner:
Explains how one’s purpose is a crucial consideration in academic and professional
writing (EN11/12RWS-IVdg-11).
Identifies the unique features of and requirements in composing professional
correspondence (EN11/12RWS-IVhj-13).
a. Resume (EN11/12RWS-IVhj-13.1)
b. Application for College Admission (EN11/12RWS-IVhj-13.2)
c. Application for Employment (EN11/12RWS-IVhj-13.3)
d. Various forms of Office Correspondence(EN11/12RWS-IVhj-13.4)

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 and 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 center 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 2001-2002

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.

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

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 molding 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.

__________ (Dean’s name)

__________ (College address)
__________
__________

From:
______________ (Your name)
______________ (Your address)
______________

Date __________ (date of writing letter)

Dear Sir/Madam:
I came to know through one of your college students that you are conducting a special
workshop for management students. I am studying __________ (name of course) in
__________ (name of institute) and would like to attend it. I would like to know if there is
any application to be submitted. If so, I request you to send me the application form to my
address.
The training programs you conduct are popular in the industry and I want to take
advantage of this opportunity. I understand that several big names in the industry are
associated with the program. Lot many students belonging to various colleges are
interested to participate in the training program and get benefitted.
Please inform me through email or you can contact me on my telephone
number_______. I’m looking forward to hear from you.
Yours sincerely,
___________ (Your name)

Writing an Office Correspondence

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, and cover letter,
letter of recommendation and letter of resignation.
Example of an Inquiry Letter
Andalucia St., Lumbia
Cagayan de Oro City

April 26, 2019

Mr. Dehren Jun L. Perez

 Human Resource Manager
Springhills Mountain Resort
Cagayan de Oro CIty

Dear Mr. Perez:

I am writing to ask if you have found a person to fill up the position of Operations
Manager as posted on your website. We currently have two qualified applicants
that fit the position.
Attached herewith are the resumes of the applicants, for your perusal. We look
forward to work with you again and hope to hear feedback from you.
Thank you and more power!

Sincerely,
(signature)
Flynt Verlie L. Perez

Human Resource Manager

Welcome Travel Agency

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 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 of Announcement Memo
Happy Learning Center
 Analucia St. Lumbia, Cagayan de Oro City
Series No. 17 - 261

To: All School Teachers

From: The Head Teacher
Date: February 26, 2019
Subject: School Party
In line with the approved budget for the year 2018 - 2019 is the pursuance of the
proposed company outing this coming March 21 to 22 at the San Gregorio Farms
and Leisure. We advise everyone to prepare your sports outfit and toiletries. We
look forward to see you enjoy in our two day company outing.
Thank you for your continuous support.

(signature)
Flynt Verlie L. Perez

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 of a Business e-mail
From: Flint Verlie P.
To: Jessa H. jessa@hr.heping.com
Subject: Re: Vacant Position for supervisorship

Dear Ma’am Jessa:

Good day!
In behalf of Areflor Funeral Homes, we extend our deepest gratitude for helping us
scout qualified applicants in the industry. We hope to work again with you.
 Cheers!

Best regards,
Flynt Verlie L. Perez
Human Resource Personnel
Flora Homes Caven
Cagayan de Oro City
Tel. No. (088) 123-234-345

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.

From Department of Education. Reading and Writing - Senior High School Alternative
Delivery Mode 2020 Quarter 4- Module 3: Purposeful Writing in the Disciplines and for
Professions First Edition, 2020