Reading and Writing Skills: Quarter 4 - Module 2 Purposeful Writing For Professions
Reading and Writing Skills: Quarter 4 - Module 2 Purposeful Writing For Professions
What’s New
This part of the module discusses about the unique features of composing
professional correspondence. It helps you to learn the purpose, guidelines and
different parts in writing resume, application letter both for employment and college
admission, and office correspondence. Each professional correspondence is
followed by writing activities to practice and enhance your writing skills.
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What I Know
Instruction: Read each sentence carefully. Choose your answer by writing the
letter of your choice on the space before each number.
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_____8. Referred to as ‘career summary’ or ‘career profile’, it is one of the features
in writing a resume.
A. Professional summary C. Work Experience
B. Body D. Objective
_____9. This is considered to be the last part of the letter. The name is written on the
first line (also the title if applicable) on the second line then, a signature
above the first line.
A. Heading C. Body
B. Signature D. Date
_____10. It is the traditional way of communicating information from one company to
another or used external correspondence.
A. Business Letter C. Business Email
B. Business Memo D. Friendly Letter
Resume
College Admission
Office Correspondence - Memo
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What comes to your mind when you hear the word résumé? Do you think it is
important for you to learn how to write a résumé? Why?
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
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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:
Heading
-----------------------------------------------
---
Objective:
Professional Summary:
Work Experience:
Educational Background:
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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: [email protected]
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.).
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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.
Example:
Order Taking Skills
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.
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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.
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What is it?
Activity 14: Write ( ) if the statement is true and ( ) if false on the space
provided before the number.
Great job!
You are done with the first activity, have a break! You deserve one.
Then let’s take off to more fun activities!
So, read on!
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Here’s a sample resume you can refer to:
Ima J. Gaudia
Andalucia Street, Opol, Misamis Oriental
home: 904.555.5555
cell: 566.486.2222
email: [email protected]
Education
Currently enrolled in My Town Middle School
My Town, Florida
Work Experience
Pet Sitter
2005 – Present
• Provide pet sitting services including dog walking, feeding, and yard care.
Child Care
2005 – Present
• Provide child care for several families after school, weekends and during
school vacations.
Achievements
• National Honor Society: 2005, 2006, 2007
• Academic Honor Roll: 2005-2007
Volunteer Experience
• Big Brother / Big Sisters
• Food Drives
• Run for Life
Interests / Activities
• Member of My Town Tennis Team
• Girl Scout
• Piano
Computer Skills
• Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
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What is it?
Activity 15: Fill in the following tables of your own data. After filling in the
desired information, make a formal resume based on your details.
FUNCTIONAL FORMAT
Heading
Objective:
Professional Summary:
Work Experience:
Educational Background:
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CHRONOLOGICAL FORMAT
Heading
Objective:
Work Experience:
Educational Background:
Skills/Expertise:
Voluntary Activities/Involvement:
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COMBINATION or HYBRID
Heading
Objective:
Professional Summary:
Work Experience:
Educational Background:
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What I Have Learned
Great job!
You are done with Lesson 1, have a break! You deserve one.
Then let’s take off to Lesson 2!
So, read on!
1) Full Block
Format Applicant’s Address
Date
This is the most
common layout used in Hiring Person’s Name and Company Address
Salutation
writing cover letter. In this
format, all parts are Body
justified to the left.
Complimentary Close
Signature
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Applicant’s Address
2. Modified Block Format
Date
Another common format
Hiring Person’s Name and Company used is the modified
Address block format. Modified block
Salutation is a type of format where
applicant’s address,
Body
complementary close,
signature and sender’s
Complimentary Close identification is shifted to the
right side. Note that the first
Signature
sentence in the body or in
each paragraph is not
indented.
Complimentary Close
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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
Example:
Jerome C. Villa
Andalucia St. Lumbia
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
employer or the human resource manager, his job title, name of the company
and address.
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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 five-
year 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.
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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.
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 would
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.
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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.
What is it?
Activity 16: Identify and label the parts of the letter Write your answers on the
blanks provided below the figure.
1. _______________________________
2. _______________________________
3. _______________________________
4. _______________________________
5. _______________________________
6. _______________________________
7. What is the format used in the sample above?
_______________________________
Great job!
You are done with the first activity, have a break! You deserve one.
Then let’s take off to more fun activities!
21 on!
So, read
What is it?
Activity 17-A: Write T if the statement is true and F if false on the space
provided before the number.
_______ 1. The effectiveness of taking risks with the opening paragraph of your
letter depends greatly on the field in which you are seeking a job.
_______ 3. If you are not fully qualified, it's always best to discuss the reasons why
you aren't fully qualified in the letter.
_______ 4. It's okay to mention skills gained in school even if they have nothing to
do with the job sought.
_______ 5. Transferable skills should be portrayed both in the resume and in the
cover letter.
Source: https://www.livecareer.com/resources/cover-letters/basics/cover-letter-quiz
Activity 17-B: Read each item carefully. Write the letter of the correct answer
on the space provided before the number.
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B. all employers D. only large firm
Source: https://wps.prenhall.com/chet_lamarre_career_1/31/8105/2075107.cw/content/index.html
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What is it?
Activity 18: Visualize your cover letter. Fill in the graphic organizer. After
filling in the desired information, make a formal cover letter.
Source:http://www.readwritethink.org/files/resources/30847_cover.pdf
Step 2: Paragraph 1:
Step 1:
Who is my audience? Why am I writing?
What kind of
letter am I
creating?
(Job)
Step 3:
What are the 3 Fs?
Paragraph 2:
What I have to offer?
Function:
Format: Effectiveness
My
I will use… :
purpose is
To make this
to…
effective I
need to do
the
Paragraph 3:
following…
How I meet their criteria?
Paragraph 4:
How am I going to follow up?
Step 4:
What should I include in my letter?
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What I Have Learned
Great job!
You are done with Lesson9. 2, have a break! You deserve one.
Then let’s take off to Lesson 9.3!
So, read on!
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Lesson Purposeful Writing for Professions:
Writing an Application for College
9.3 Admission
What’s New
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.
Example:
a) Heading:
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B15 L21 Amarillo St.
Brgy. Rizal, Makati 1218
b) Date:
c) Inside Address:
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.
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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 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 chosen 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 are 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.
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Example:
(Signature)
Shiela A. Canillas
Explanation:
It shows the name of the college applicant.
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.
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.
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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
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Sample College Application Letter Writing Tips:
From:
______________ (Your name)
______________ (Your address)
______________
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. 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)
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What is it?
Activity 19: Draw a ( ) if the statement is true and draw a ( ) if false on the
space provided before the number.
_______ 1. Visiting a school and applying is really all I need to do to make myself
known to the admissions office.
_______ 2. Most of the country’s top-tier schools are very expensive and
unaffordable for the average person.
_______ 3. Your essay should highlight something about you that the admissions
office couldn’t learn anywhere else on your application.
_______ 4. College admissions officers are looking up applicants online and on
social media.
_______ 5. Extracurricular activities only matter during the school year.
Source: https://www.ivywise.com/ivywise-knowledgebase/resources/article/quiz-do-you-know-the-truth-about-college-admissions/
Great job!
You are done with the first activity, have a break! You deserve one.
Then let’s take off to more fun activities!
So, read on!
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What is it?
Activity 20: Write your own college admission letter. Fill out the various parts
of the letter with your information. Use the blank page provided on the next
page.
(Your address)
(Date)
(Address of audience)
(Paragraph 1: State the name of that college / university and briefly explain why you are
the best choice. You should also state where you learned about their school.)
(Paragraph 2: Describe in more detail what you will bring to this college / university or
why you are the best choice.)
(Paragraph 3: Describe your interest in what you are applying for. Show the reader that
you know what they value, why it is important, and how you meet their criteria.)
Paragraph 4: Tell the reader to contact you if they need additional information. Provide
your phone number and/or email and the best time to reach you.)
Sincerely,
Your name
Source: http://www.readwritethink.org/files/resources/30847_steps.pdf
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Rubric College Admission Letter Writing
Needs
Excellent Very Good Satisfactory
Improvement
4 pts. 3 pts. 2 pts.
1 pt.
Format is One of the Two of the Three of the
correct, following parts is following parts are following parts are
including your incorrectly incorrectly incorrectly
Format address, date, formatted: your formatted: your formatted: your
inside address, address, date, address, date, address, date,
salutation, body, inside address, inside address, inside address,
closing, and salutation, body, salutation, body, salutation, body,
signature. closing, and closing, and closing, and
signature. signature. signature.
Language/ The language is One word is not Two words are More than three
Audience appropriate for appropriate for the not appropriate for words are not
Language is the audience. audience. the audience. appropriate for the
formal and audience.
appropriate.
https://www.rcampus.com/rubricshowc.cfm?sp=yes&code=T5478C&
What I Have
34 Learned
College Admission Letter also referred to as the "letter of intent," is a one-
page 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.
Great job!
You are done with Lesson 3, have a break! You deserve one.
Then let’s take off to Lesson 4!
So, read on!
1) Business Letter
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Example of an Inquiry Letter
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.
Sincerely,
(signature)
Flynt Verlie L. Perez
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.
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2) Business Memo
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.
(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.
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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.
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
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What is it?
Activity 21: Rearrange the memo accordingly. Use the space provided below.
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What I Have Learned
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Assessment
Directions: Read each sentence carefully. Choose your answer by writing the
writing the letter of your choice on the space before each number.
_____3. This is the most common layout used in writing cover letter. In this format,
all parts are justified to the left.
A. Full block C. Semi-block
B. Modified Block D. Normal
_____4. This is the least used format in writing an application letter. It is almost the
same as the modified block format; however, the difference is that the first
sentence in each paragraph is indented.
A. Full block C. Semi-block
B. Modified block D. Normal
_____6. The most important and critical part in the components of a letter. It includes
the information on the job the applicant is applying for, where the job posting
was seen, and the skills and experiences the applicant possesses.
A. Heading C. Complimentary Close
B. Body D. Date
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_____7. It is referred to as the “letter of intent”, and is a one page letter required for
college and university admission. The sender writes a letter to briefly
discuss his intention for attending the college program.
A. College Admission Letter C. Business Letter
B. Application Letter D. Letter of plea
_____8. Referred to as ‘career summary’ or ‘career profile’, it is one of the features
in writing a resume.
A. Professional summary C. Work Experience
B. Body D. Objective
_____9. This is considered to be the last part of the letter. The name is written on the
first line (also the title if applicable) on the second line then, a signature
above the first line.
A. Heading C. Body
B. Signature D. Date
Congratulations!
You have completed your journey in this module.
You did a great job!
It’s now time to go on the next adventure.
Good luck!
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