Writing a Cover Letter

Useful Language
AENG 224
Technical Report Writing
Lecture 7:
Writing Cover Letters
• Stating the purpose of your letter:
– I am writing in response to the job listing/posting I
saw on your website for a technical assistant.
– I am writing in response to the advertisement for a
computer scientist I saw on your website.
– I am responding to your ad for an architect in the
January 11, 2014 issue of the Phileleftheros.
– Dr. Costas Kyriacou suggested that I contact you
about the opening you have for computer engineer.
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Slide 2 C.Markides AENG 224: Technical Report Writing 10/02/2015
Useful Language
• Expressing your interest in a particular
position:
– With a background in programming that
includes two years as a junior programmer for
Globalsoft, I am well qualified for the position.
– As a computer engineer with over five years'
experience in computer architecture, I offer a
range of skills that would be useful to your
company.
– My training as a technical engineer makes me
well suited to the job description.
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Useful Language
• Highlight relevant work.
• Emphasize results:
– While at JCC, I designed and developed the
implementation of biometric sensors, for which I also
produced the encryption algorithms. This the new
method of making payments today.
– After receiving my B.Sc. in Computer Engineer, I
worked for two years on various independent projects
with IBM, including the design and implementation of
the Cyprus Governmental network and infrastructure.
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Useful Language
• Concluding sentences:
– I would welcome the opportunity to speak
with you personally about my qualifications and
experience. I look forward to hearing from
you.
– I look forward to speaking with you about the
possibility of putting my skills to work at the
Bank of Cyprus/IT Division. Thank you for your
consideration.
Useful Language
• Concluding sentences:
– I am planning to be in Limassol next week and
will call your office to see if we might meet. I
would welcome the opportunity to speak with
you personally about my qualifications
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Slide 6 C.Markides AENG 224: Technical Report Writing 10/02/2015
Verb Tenses
• Simple past tense for anything done in the
past (for example, for a company you no
longer work for). "While working at New
CyTech, I oversaw the implementation of
Tivoli with Oracle systems.“
• Simple past OR present perfect for that
work which you are still involved in: "For
the past two years I have taught ECDL
modules for a private company."
Useful Language
• Useful constructs/collocations:
– I have been involved in … (gerund or noun)
– I participated in …
– I have experience …
• Example:
– I participated in the Erasmus Intensive
Programme in Security in ICT, that took place
in Paris.
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Useful Language
• Useful constructs/collocations:
– My research interests include … (gerund or noun)
– I am particularly interested in …
– My work experience focuses on …
• Example:
– My research interests include the development of
nanostructures.
– My work experience focuses on designing new systems
for the production of circuits using FPGAs.
Useful Language
• Useful constructs/collocations:
– I contributed to … (noun).
– I worked as a … (noun - name of position).
– I am interested in pursuing a position as a …
• Example:
– I contributed to the development of a new
accounting system based on SQL Server and
the .NET framework.
– I worked as a software engineer at Cytanet.
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Slide 10 C.Markides AENG 224: Technical Report Writing 10/02/2015