English in the Workplace Modules PDF

**ENGLISH IN THE WORKPLACE MODULES** English in the Workplace introduces you to the use of English for professional and business purposes. It begins with examining specific reading-writing and listening-speaking opportunities that typify interactions in simulated and actual professional activity....

**ENGLISH IN THE WORKPLACE MODULES** English in the Workplace introduces you to the use of English for professional and business purposes. It begins with examining specific reading-writing and listening-speaking opportunities that typify interactions in simulated and actual professional activity. Your performance in these scenarios is assessed through the Common European Framework of Reference for English language. In the end, the course hopes to equip you with necessary competencies as you advance from independent (B1) to proficient (C1) users of English in the workplace contexts. **What is the CEFR?** Watch the video and learn how the CEFR language level function in identifying your ability to use the English language. Its purpose and objective is not to gauge your knowledge of grammar but rather it put emphasis on your language capability to use English language in various real life communication events. More so, the goal of using CEFR is to promote a proficiency perspective rather than a deficiency perspective. This means that it will help you identify specifically what you have not yet acquired as regards English language use. Hence, as you perform the activities found in each level, you eventually develop your language competency and at the same time acquire communicative strategies. The idea of this framework is the use of the English language on real-world communicative needs although in this course it is contextualized around real-life workplace scenario. As a guideline this framework would have three principal dimensions: a\) language activities, b\) the areas or situation in which they occur, c\) and the competences on which you draw when you engage in them. For this course, the goal of using CEFR as an assessment is to emphasize the use of English language and acquisition of communication skills appropriate in the workplace setting. That is part of your task as a learner is to assess yourself using the CEFR as regards what you *should be able to do *at a particular level of proficiency (A1-C2) which are labelled as *can-do-statements*. The *can-do* statements simply describe those language activities that you are expected or supposed to do at each level in-terms of Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing. Level A1 --Beginner Level A2 --Upper Beginner Level B1 --Intermediate Level B2 --Upper Intermediate Level C1 --Proficiency Level C2 -Mastery Specific descriptions of what is expected to you as a language user at each level are found at the rightmost column of the table. These are what we call the *can-do* statements.  As a caution the CEFR level is not intended to imply how near are you into becoming native-English speaker or acquiring the native-English speaker competence. The descriptors in each level in the CEFR is intended to typify the degree of precision, appropriateness, and ease in using the English language (CEFR 2001 Section 3.6). **FOURTH INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION (4IR)** As a university student, you might be wondering how you prepare or become part of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) workforce. Is there such a thing as workforce readiness?  The answer is yes. The school system and its programs are created to instill some of the basic and foundational skills wherein students are taught to value school tasks through proper time management skills, to reject mediocrity by training students to always show their best presentation skills and to encourage diligence through their consistent attendance in various classes. In fact, these basic skills are the first step towards employability. The 4IR identify these skills as essential human skills coined as "soft skills" which also could also include creativity, complex problem-solving skills, relationship-building attribute, communication skills, emotional intelligence, and critical thinking skills. To ensure that you can participate in the ever-changing landscape of work, a current Human Resource expert advised that you should continue to: 1.        remain motivated despite the challenges brought by the pandemic 2.        learn to value time by giving all your tasks equal importance 3.        learn to accept change by thinking out of the box 4.        become independent by learning a new skill   **As a student how do you do self-assess yourself in relation to 4IR?** In performing various classroom tasks, the manner you respond to them somehow describes not only your intelligence but also your competencies as well as the strategies you employed to accomplish them. These day-to-day experiences actually reflect your working habits, human interaction traits, digital expertise, resilience towards difficulties, and motivation as an individual as you developed through those experiences. **What is the Fourth Industrial Revolution?**   The [Fourth Industrial Revolution](https://www.forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/2018/08/13/the-4th-industrial-revolution-is-here-are-you-ready/#59032ad4628b), also known as Industry 4.0, involves the adoption of cyber-physical systems like the Internet of Things and the Internet of Systems. - Internet of Things. Also known as IoT, the Internet of Things is a network of interconnected smart devices that allow each separate device to interact (i.e. send or receive data) with other devices on the network. - Internet of Systems. Business-owned systems that can collect data from IoT networks to make independent decisions about your business' marketing campaigns, sales, etc. As the Internet of Things becomes more mainstream, smart devices will have more access to data which could allow them to become more independent. Eventually, smart devices might have enough information to make autonomous make decisions and control key business processes like supply chains without human input. What Impact Will the Fourth Industrial Revolution Have on the Future of Work? The [4th Industrial Revolution](http://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Future_of_Jobs_2018.pdf) is largely driven by four specific technological developments: high-speed mobile Internet, AI, automation, the use of big data analytics, and cloud technology. Of these four technologies, AI and automation are expected to have the most significant impact on employment figures within the global workforce. The World Economic Forum reports that [38% of businesses](http://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Future_of_Jobs_2018.pdf) believe AI and automation technology will allow employees to carry out new productivity-enhancing jobs while over [25% of companies](http://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Future_of_Jobs_2018.pdf) think automation will result in the emergence of new roles.   Remote Working In addition to new roles and responsibilities, the 4th Industrial Revolution could also lead to more companies employing specialist contractors or remote workers. Due to new technology and changing demands, employers may also become more supportive of existing employees wanting to work remotely or have flexibility. Giving potential and current employees more freedom to work how, when and where can be very beneficial. This could mean that Employees, not having to commute means they'll have more free time, a better work-life balance, and greater flexibility leading to overall employee satisfaction and commitment.   What Jobs are the Most Likely to be Impacted? The 4th Industrial Revolution will impact nearly every industry with The Economist predicting that [50% of job](https://www.economist.com/graphic-detail/2018/04/24/a-study-finds-nearly-half-of-jobs-are-vulnerable-to-automation)s are vulnerable to automation. However, some industries are more likely to be automated than others as robots, like human employees, have a particular specific skill set. Below is a list showing the likelihood of roles, within specific industries, becoming obsolete or automated. At the top of the list are occupations within the food preparation, construction, cleaning, driving, and agricultural sectors.  **Jobs Least Likely to be Impacted** While robots may be better at quickly, efficiently, and safely completing physical, predictable tasks, robots aren't better at everything. Currently, most robots lack social and cognitive skills. They might be able to work as chatbots to answer customer questions and complaints within a given framework, but they generally lack enough empathy to adequately support or care for customers and patients. As a result, roles that involve recognizing cultural sensitivities, caring for others, creative or complex reasoning or perception, and manipulation are unlikely to be automated. So, social workers, nurses, nuclear engineers, teachers and writers can rest assured that they won't be replaced by robots any time soon **21ST-Century Skills** These are the skills considered necessary to survive and thrive in a 21st-century economy of constant change and disruption (World Economic Forum Gray, 2016). **USING ACTION VERBS IN WRITING JOB RELATED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE**   Hiring managers see the same phrases and words on resumes again and again. Good examples are "Tasked with" and "Responsible for," among other resume buzzwords. To emphasize your talents, list some of these powerful resume action verbs instead. Most job seekers' resume work experience sections are filled with words like "responsible for", "tasked with", or "handled". Passive words like these don't illustrate what you actually accomplished at work and using them is an easy way to lose the interest of anyone reading your resume. Instead, using powerful resume action verbs in your bullet points highlights what you're capable of, showcases your most notable accomplishments, and makes your resume stand out --- helping you land more interviews. Here's a list of powerful resume verbs, categorized according to when you would use them: [You increased something positive] From sales to productivity, there are tons of things that companies want to increase. Use the following action verbs to highlight a time you improved something at work: **Improvement action words** Accrue Advance ---------- ---------- Amplify Bolster Boost Enhance Enlarge Energize Expand Gain Generate Grow Improve Increase Inflate Lift Magnify Maximize Multiply Outpace Propel Raise Example Here's an example of how to work these action verbs into a resume bullet point: "Boosted website impressions by 14% through new organic SEO efforts"   [You reduced something negative] If you managed to save time or money for an employer, use one of these action words: **Reduction action verbs** Consolidate Curtail ------------- ------------ Cut Decrease Diminish Drive down Drop Eliminate Lessen Lower Minimize Reduce Save Shave down Shrink Slash Trim Turn down Example "Eliminated redundancies in the production process, cutting delivery time by 15 hours on average for new products"   [You communicated effectively with colleagues and customers] From giving a great presentation to winning over clients during a meeting, communication skills are important for nearly any job. Show employers that you're a strong communicator with one of these resume verbs: **Communication action verbs** Address Advise ------------ ------------ Brief Compose Consult Converse Convey Correspond Discuss Explain Illustrate Introduce Liaise Listen Negotiate Network Persuade Present Relay Specify Verbalize Write Example Here's an example of how to demonstrate your communication prowess with action words in a resume: "Consulted with clients at each step of the design process to develop unique branding in line with their company values and mission" [You managed projects or people] Whether you supervise a whole team or are in charge of a product, management skills are essential for many jobs. The following action verbs on your resume help show employers that you're management-ready: **Management action verbs** Administer Command ------------- ------------ Conduct Coordinate Direct Facilitate Govern Guide Head Helm Manage Mastermind Mobilize Oversee Pilot Run Shape Steer Superintend Supervise Delegate Advise Example Here's an example showing how to list these action verbs in your resume: "Supervised a team of 15 junior sales associates to organize a new Valentine's Day promotional sale, boosting sales by 70%." [You took the initiative to get something done] If you've made a difference in your workplace by taking the initiative, showcase it on your resume with one of these strong verbs: **Initiative action verbs** Anticipate Carryout ------------ ------------ Commit Deliver Endeavor Forecast Handle Improve Overhaul Shoulder Spearhead Specialize Undertake Volunteer Example Here's how to put initiative-highlighting action verbs to use in your resume: "Spearheaded a complete overhaul of our seasonal drink menu to fit modern consumer trends, ultimately improving sales by over 40% in October"   [You led people to success] Every workplace needs team members with good leadership skills. Showcase those skills on your resume with emphatic action verbs: **Leadership action verbs** Aid Appoint ------------- ------------ Champion Coach Command Delegate Designate Educate Enforce Enlighten Enlist Facilitate Foster Guide Hire Mentor Mobilize Nurture Orchestrate Oversee Supervise Train Example Here's an example demonstrating how to use strong, leadership-related action verbs in your resume: "Hired and mentored 8 new servers, making sure that each had a strong understanding of our menu and high expectations for service"   [You organized something] From keeping a calendar organized to holding projects together, organizational skills are one of the most in-demand soft skills because of their universal value in the workplace. Use descriptive action verbs on your resume to show that highlight how you can keep things organized, even in stressful situations: **Organization action verbs** Accumulate Allocate ------------ ------------- Arrange Chart Classify Collect Compile Divert Divide Document Integrate Label List Merge Officiate Organize Rank Rate Reorganize Reposition Research Standardize Example Here's an example of how to include strong verbs related to organization on your resume: "Standardized company filing procedure by compiling and relabeling three years of user data, improving efficiency across all departments"   [You brought people together] Workplaces need employees who have effective people skills. Prove you're a team player (without using a cliche like "team player") with one of the following actions verbs for your resume: **People skills action words** Assist Collaborate ------------- ------------- Contribute Cooperate Cultivate Enable Foster Guide Involve Join Meet Motivate Participate Reconcile Suggest Support Unify Unite Inspire Aid Example Here's a sample demonstrating how to put these action verbs to work in your resume and emphasize your team-player capabilities: "Cultivated lasting relationships with clients, more than doubling the number of repeat customers in 2021" [Tip] Interpersonal skills are crucial if you frequently work on projects with colleagues or clients.   [You achieved something incredible] Completed a project? Broken a sales record? Use these resume power verbs to highlight your accomplishments: **Achievement action verbs** Accomplish Debut ------------ ----------- Earn Establish Exceed Execute Outperform Overcome Produce Raise Reach Realize Revitalize Succeed Surpass Top Transform Win Example Here's a sample demonstrating how to use accomplishment-centric action verbs on your resume: "Outperformed department sales goals by over \$6,000 despite the COVID-19 pandemic"   [You created a new way of doing things] Creativity and innovation are some of the most valuable soft skills in the modern workplace. Show employers you can develop new ideas with some of these action words: **Innovation action words** Build Charter ----------- --------------- Conceive Conceptualize Create Design Devise Draft Engineer Formulate Improvise Invent Launch Mastermind Pioneer Revolutionize Spearhead Unveil Example Here's an example showing how to work action words centered on creativity and innovation into your resume: "Designed a new email outreach strategy that improved open rates by 15%"   *To effectively use action verbs in your resume, first identify places where you used passive language such as "responsible for" or generic verbs like "went" or "did" (they're probably in your resume objective or your work experience section). This kind of writing can be easily improved using action verbs.* *Then, think about what you accomplished at your job, rather than what you were responsible for. Start each bullet point or sentence with a strong verb that illustrates the actions you took to achieve that particular goal.*   **Take a look at these examples to get a better idea of how to use action words in your resume:** **[Don\'t]** "Used a customer-retention program to ensure clients returned to use our services." While it may sound impressive, this sentence doesn't actually provide much quantifiable information for a hiring manager to work with. What kind of budget objectives did this candidate handle? What types of expenditures were they overseeing? **[Do]** "Implemented a customer-retention program to ensure clients returned to use our services, boosting revenue by 12% on average."   This is a good example of using resume words in a work experience because the candidate: 1. tells you directly what they accomplished, and how they accomplished it by using numbers and percentages. 2. uses strong resume action verbs to emphasize the impact of their achievement on the company. *If you use resume action verbs to strengthen concrete examples of your accomplishments rather than to hide your weaknesses, your resume will immediately make a better case for your hireability.*   **[Tip]** You should also use compelling resume adjectives and buzzwords in your experience section to catch the attention of employers and highlight your skills. **GENERATING YOUR PERSONAL JOB RELATED SKILLS** How to find skills to put in your resume skills section? Follow these three steps, and writing the skills section of your resume will be straightforward. 1. Brainstorm your skills You have your own distinct set of marketable skills. Making a list of your skills and then deciding which of these abilities are relevant to the job you want helps you create the best possible resume skills section. Some work-related abilities are learned in school, others are mastered on the job, and sometimes they're picked up through [extracurricular activities](https://resumegenius.com/blog/resume-help/extra-curricular-activities-in-resume) or [volunteer work](https://resumegenius.com/blog/resume-help/volunteer-work-on-resume). These types of skill are known as [hard skills](https://resumegenius.com/blog/resume-help/hard-skills). [Soft skills](https://resumegenius.com/blog/resume-help/soft-skills) relate to your personality, and you can list these skills on your resume to round out your skills section. Write down every skill you possess in a [Google Doc](https://docs.new/). Then, organize these skills into [hard and soft skills](https://resumegenius.com/blog/resume-help/hard-skills-vs-soft-skills). A combination of these skills should be put in the skills section of your resume to show employers you're a well-rounded applicant. 2. Check the job ad To create a job-winning resume skills section, list skills that are: 1. relevant to the position 2. mentioned in the job description While job descriptions often explicitly mention skills that are required or preferred, job ads sometimes hint at desired skills as well. Take this certified nursing assistant job listing, for instance. Yellow highlights denote soft skills; orange signals hard skills: You can figure out what the hiring manager wants if you look close enough --- particularly when it comes to desirable soft skills. Check out these four examples: 1. "Reporting observations of the patient"  → Oral [communication skills](https://resumegenius.com/blog/resume-help/communication-skills) 2. "Completing forms, reports, logs, and records" → Written communication skills 3. "Prepare rooms" → [Organizational skills](https://resumegenius.com/blog/resume-help/organizational-skills-examples-definition-guide) 4. "Answering patients'... requests" → [People skills](https://resumegenius.com/blog/resume-help/people-skills) Some of your skills will match the ones on the job description, and others will be loosely related. So indicate how your skills can help you do the job by providing more detail in your [work history section](https://resumegenius.com/blog/resume-help/work-experience-resume). Depending on your industry, the number of hard and soft skills you list should differ. For instance, engineering roles require many [technical skills](https://resumegenius.com/blog/resume-help/technical-skills), and technical skills are hard skills. By contrast, if you're a bartender, you need well-rounded [interpersonal skills](https://resumegenius.com/blog/resume-help/interpersonal-skills) to deal with customers and colleagues. In this case, soft skills should feature in your resume skills section (except for the number of cocktails you know how to make --- definitely display that hard skill). 3. Get more ideas for skills online If you still need skills to fill up your resume's skill section, here are some more sources for ideas: - LinkedIn: Look at the [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/) page of employees working in similar roles as the job you're applying for and check whether you have skills in common. If you do, use them on your resume. - O\*Net Online and similar sites: [O\*Net Online](https://www.onetonline.org/skills/soft/) lets you view skills by occupation. Type a job into its search bar, and it shows you a list of skills to add to your resume. - Other job ads (for similar roles): You can also look at job sites for similar roles and use skill [keywords on your resume](https://resumegenius.com/blog/resume-help/resume-keywords) if they apply to you. Cut irrelevant skills Now you've listed your skills and checked the job ad, decide which skills to put on your resume. If you're writing a [bank teller resume](https://resumegenius.com/resume-samples/bank-teller-resume-example), your [time management skills](https://resumegenius.com/blog/resume-help/time-management-skills) and number skills should be emphasized. However, if you're writing a [sports coach resume](https://resumegenius.com/resume-samples/coaching-resume-example), you should instead focus on your sports certifications and teaching-related soft skills. Once you've narrowed down your list to only skills related to your target job, you're close to creating a good skills section.   Where to list skills on your resume How many skills you end up putting on your resume depends on you. If you have an impressive number of job-relevant skills, spread them across your resume in places like your work experience section and [resume introduction](https://resumegenius.com/blog/resume-help/how-to-start-a-resume). However, your resume's skills section has limited space. Each skill you list should be related to the job you're applying to, or else hiring managers will pass over your resume in favor of resumes more targeted to the position. There are three types of skills sections you can use to highlight your key skills, and the type you choose determines how many skills you list: 1. Additional skills section 2. Technical skills section 3. Relevant skills section 1. **Additional skills section** An additional skills section (or skills section) is a standard component of a resume. Hiring managers expect to see at least a basic skills section, so you'll see it on most [resume templates](https://resumegenius.com/resume-templates) you see online. On a traditional [chronological resume](https://resumegenius.com/blog/resume-help/chronological-resume), your additional skills section should be small, while your work experience section should take up the most space. Because you use your experience section to showcase your skills-based [accomplishments on your resume](https://resumegenius.com/blog/resume-help/accomplishments-for-resume), you can rely on your work history section to market your skills. However, you should still put anywhere from three to eight or nine relevant skills in your skills section, and each one can help make a strong case as to why you're the perfect hire. **Here's an example of an additional skills section on a [server resume](https://resumegenius.com/resume-samples/server-resume-example):** **Best for:** - Entry-level positions - Customer- or client-focused roles - Career change resumes 2. **Technical skills section** If your skill-set is equally as important to the job as your work experience, then having a dedicated technical skills section on your resume is an effective way to impress hiring managers by highlighting your technical prowess. **Tip** A technical skills section is paired with an additional skills section. Your technical skills section should be more prominent because hiring managers need to see you have these skills. Check out this example technical skills section from a [marketing resume](https://resumegenius.com/resume-samples/marketing-resume-example): Because marketing work demands a special set of abilities, this applicant includes their technical skills on their resume. They also break their skills down into core areas like SEO and analytical tools, which organizes an extensive list into easy-to-read chunks of skills for the hiring manager. **Best for:** - Jobs that require many technical skills - Applicants with many years of experience - Candidates in the IT, medical, marketing, and research sectors **Tip** To showcase your skill set, use a skills bar or other visual element to highlight [skill levels for your resume](https://resumegenius.com/blog/resume-help/skill-levels-for-resume). 3. **Relevant skills section** A relevant skills section is used on a [functional resume](https://resumegenius.com/blog/resume-help/functional-resume), which you can use to downplay your work experience if you have extensive work history gaps or are transferring into a new industry. Using a relevant skills section allows you to demonstrate how past achievements and work have helped you hone specific skills. If you use a relevant skills section, it should be larger than your work experience section, as you can see on these [resume samples](https://resumegenius.com/resume-samples): [Server Resume](https://resumegenius.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/server-resume-relevant-skills-section.png) [Welder Resume](https://resumegenius.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/welder-resume-relevant-skills-section.png) [Sales Clerk Resume](https://resumegenius.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/sales-clerk-resume-relevant-skills-section.png)   **Best for:** - Job seekers switching industries - Workers with gaps in their work history - Applicants with skills they want to detail in depth What to put in the skills section of a resume Still unsure how to fill out the skills section of your resume? Consider adding these skills: **Transferable skills** While some skills are specific to certain industries, many are transferable across industries. [Transferable skills](https://resumegenius.com/blog/resume-help/transferable-skills) are especially relevant on [career change resumes](https://resumegenius.com/blog/resume-help/career-change-resume) because you might not have many skills related to your new field. **Tip** Use a [career change cover letter](https://resumegenius.com/blog/cover-letter-help/career-change-cover-letter) to explain why you're changing industries and reassure the hiring manager you're prepared for the switch. **Transferable hard skills** Many people want to know [how to list Microsoft skills on their resume](https://resumegenius.com/faq/how-do-you-list-microsoft-office-skills-on-a-resume) because many companies have made using Microsoft Office Suite a fundamental part of their employees' daily routine. In addition to adding the various Microsoft skills you've mastered to your resume, you should consider listing some of these other key transferable hard skills: - [Language fluency](https://resumegenius.com/blog/resume-help/resume-language-skills) - [Computer skills](https://resumegenius.com/blog/resume-help/computer-skills-for-resume) (G Suite, Microsoft Office 365, HTML, cloud management) - Writing (technical writing, copywriting, blogging) - Spreadsheets (Excel, Google Sheets) - Marketing (search engine optimization, Google AdWords, Google Analytics) **Transferable soft skills** Most soft skills are transferable, so you should try to develop these skills during your time at every company. Time management, communication, [people skills](https://resumegenius.com/blog/resume-help/people-skills) --- all of these skills and more can be honed and developed in any job, and can be conveyed on a resume and in interviews. Some key transferable soft skills include: - [Leadership skills](https://resumegenius.com/blog/resume-help/leadership-skills) (conflict resolution, delegation, problem solving) - [Organizational skills](https://resumegenius.com/blog/resume-help/organizational-skills-examples-definition-guide) (goal setting, dependability, scheduling) - [Management skills](https://resumegenius.com/blog/resume-help/good-management-skills-for-resume) (forecasting, public speaking, mentoring) **Industry-specific skills** Depending on the field you're applying to, you need to add industry-specific skills to your resume. Most industry-specific skills are hard skills, but certain jobs require even more well-developed soft skills than others. For example, an undertaker will need perfect interpersonal skills, and the CEO of a company will need to have better leadership skills than 99% of people. Here are some resources if you're seeking skills for specific industries: - [Administrative assistant skills](https://resumegenius.com/blog/resume-help/administrative-assistant-skills) - [Project manager skills](https://resumegenius.com/blog/career-advice/project-manager-skills) - [Customer service skills](https://resumegenius.com/blog/resume-help/customer-service-skills) - [Marketing skills](https://resumegenius.com/blog/resume-help/marketing-skills) - [Nursing skills](https://resumegenius.com/blog/resume-help/nursing-skills) - [Sales skills](https://resumegenius.com/blog/resume-help/sales-skills) - [Sales associate skills](https://resumegenius.com/blog/resume-help/sales-associate-skills) - [Cashier skills](https://resumegenius.com/blog/resume-help/cashier-skills) - [Bartender skills](https://resumegenius.com/blog/resume-help/bartender-resume-skills) - [Server skills](https://resumegenius.com/blog/resume-help/server-skills) - [Accounting skills](https://resumegenius.com/blog/resume-help/accounting-resume-skills) - [Medical assistant skills](https://resumegenius.com/blog/resume-help/medical-assistant-skills) - [Graphic design skills](https://resumegenius.com/blog/resume-help/graphic-design-resume-skills) Application Letters for Fresh Graduates: See Two Samples That Work 23 June 2022 (LINK: [https://www.jobstreet.com.ph/career-resources/job-hunting/application-letter-samples-for-fresh-graduates/)](https://www.jobstreet.com.ph/career-resources/job-hunting/application-letter-samples-for-fresh-graduates/)   If you're a fresh grad looking for a job, then you know very well the challenge of writing an application letter. Together with your resume, an application letter is one of the two main documents you need to finally get a job and join the workforce.  But with no job experience, what should you include? Read these sample application letters for fresh graduates, and use them as a starting point to write yours.   Application Letters: Some Basics What's the difference between an application letter and a cover letter?   A cover letter is literally a cover sheet for your resume: "Here is my resume, please consider me for XXX job." An application letter is longer and more detailed, because it can be sent on its own, without a resume or a specific job in mind: "Hello, I am XXX, interested in a job at your company. Here are my qualifications."  That's in theory. Here in the Philippines though, the terms are interchangeable. In this article, your "application letter" is a one-pager that introduces your resume for a specific role. It describes your skills and markets your abilities. It's your brief, formal way to introduce yourself -- and make HR teams notice your resume and offer you an interview.   Why do I need an application letter, when the information is in my resume?   Your resume follows a strict format, including [keywords](https://www.jobstreet.com.ph/career-resources/job-hunting/32-keywords-and-phrases-you-can-use-for-the-best-resume/) that you've pulled from the job listing. In contrast, an application letter gives you some room to express yourself and highlight why you're different from all your batchmates applying for the same job. Most important, a letter identifies the job you're applying for. Have you ever seen a resume headlined "\[NAME\], HR Associate"?  No.   Read more: [Want To Get Hired? Follow These Sample Resume Formats For Fresh Graduates](https://www.jobstreet.com.ph/career-resources/job-hunting/sample-resume-format-for-fresh-graduates-one-page-format/)   Do resume scanning systems even read application letters?   Some job ads specify "No cover letter", but this is rare. If the listing doesn't mention a cover letter, or says "Cover letter optional", then you should write one. As with your resume, you should use keywords from the job ad in your letter to raise your application's place in the rankings. Read about keywords and automated resume systems here: [How to customize your resume and cover letter for any job](https://www.jobstreet.com.ph/career-resources/job-hunting/how-to-customize-your-resume-and-cover-letter-for-any-job) Once you're ready to write your letter, use these samples to get started.   **Application Letter Sample 1 (Hard Copy)** Use this format for a letter you will submit as a printed copy. Even if you applied online, always bring extra copies of your letter and resume to your interview. For emailed application letters, see Sample 2 below. *22 H Venture St.,\ Diliman, Quezon City\ Philippines* *June 15, 2021* *Mr. Vincent Chua\ Hiring Manager\ Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI)\ 12/F Ayala Life-FGU Center, Ayala Ave.\ Makati City 1226* *Dear Mr. Chua,* *I am writing to express my interest in the position of Recruitment Assistant in your company.* *Having obtained my Bachelor's Degree in \[XXXX\]  major in Human Resources in \[XXX\] University, I hope to bring my knowledge, skills, and commitment to excellence to BPI.* *With my major in HR management, I am familiar with standard processes for recruitment, workforce organization, training, and compensation, as well as legal provisions and labor concerns.* *My internship at San Miguel Corporation gave me the chance to work with top professionals in recruitment and HR. Being a trainee there developed my enthusiasm for human resources and convinced me that HR management is my true calling.* *For more details of my qualifications and expertise, please review my attached resume.* *Thank you for taking the time to consider this application. I look forward to hearing from you.* *Sincerely,* *(signature)* *Jessica Cenadoza\ (email address / phone number)*   [*/files/1143028/JobStreet-Sample-Application-Letter\_1(24).docx*](https://dlsud.edu20.org/files/1143028/JobStreet-Sample-Application-Letter_1(24).docx?lmsauth=48efa1b47960ac3f74584753db4caad428bce8f5)   Application Letter Tip: When submitting a hard copy, always follow the business letter format. Your letter and resume do not need expensive paper or flowery words, but they do need to be error-free and professional. Use an online program to check grammar, spelling and punctuation. Before printing, proofread again, then ask a friend to do so too.   **Application Letter Sample 2 (Email)** This application letter sample below is tailored for email. Note the subject line and the absence of mailing addresses. *Email Subject: Alvin Marfal, Marketing Associate Position\ \[Keep your subject line brief and straightforward.\]  * *Dear Ms. Castañeda,* *I would like to apply for your company's recently announced position of Marketing Associate.* *I am a recent graduate of \[XXX\], major in Marketing, from \[XXX\] University. My studies there have given me the skills to develop marketing campaigns and drive strategies, especially through the efficient use of social media.* *During my internship at XXX Corporation's Marketing Department, I learned how companies decide what products to sell, how to reach target customers, and how to react to competition. I also had the opportunity to work with seasoned professionals. They taught me how marketing concepts apply outside the classroom, how to blend with a group's culture, and strive for common goals despite setbacks.* *Finally, through active involvement in academics and extracurriculars, I developed communication and leadership skills that make me a valued member of any marketing team.* *I attach my resume for your consideration.* *Thank you for taking time to review my application. I look forward to your reply so that we can further discuss it.* *Yours sincerely,* *Alvin C. Marfal\ (email address / mobile number)*   **Application Letter Tip:** Check your subject line before pressing "Send." A typo error in your email subject won't reflect positively on you -- and could result in your mail being ignored by the resume software. Our email subject above follows the usual format (name, position). However, some recruiters require a specific subject line or number code. Check the job ad to be sure. Include your contact details on the email signature, so the recruiter can respond to you immediately. To create a cover letter that stands out, customize. Finally, remember that these are just samples to help you get started. Templates are guide that you can certainly customize. You have to change the name, position and company anyway, and of course the content of the letter as befits the job you are eyeing.  So when you follow these formats, take time to write simply and clearly about yourself. Skip the legalese ("Attached herewith") and the cliches ("out of the box", "passionate"). In addition, be specific (see Alvin's three marketing skills above) and consider the norms of your industry. Finally, don't forget to proofread! Your letter should prove that you've done your homework, understand the job requirements, and are the best person for the role. For example, this witty [sample application letter for a fresh graduate ](https://www.jobstreet.com.ph/career-resources/job-hunting/application-letter-basics-and-a-sample-for-fresh-graduates/)is great for a content manager, but not for a technical or administrative job. **BASIC PARTS OF AN APPLICATION LETTER OR COVER LETTER** Cover Letter Advice & Guidelines  () Your cover letter matters, and you need to include one in your job application. This must-follow advice will help you learn [how to write a cover letter](https://resumegenius.com/blog/cover-letter-help/how-to-write-a-cover-letter) that will earn you more interviews. Pair these tips with a thorough review of [cover letter examples](https://resumegenius.com/cover-letter-examples) in your industry to help you write a cover letter that will land you a new job. **3 Tips for Writing a Perfect Cover Letter** *For a truly great cover letter, it's essential to take the following key tips seriously.* 1. **Make it easy to read (and match it with your resume)** No matter how beautifully you write, no matter how compelling your story is, an ugly-looking cover letter will never get attention. Here's how to make sure yours is readable *and* attractive. - **Font:** Choose one of our recommended [resume fonts](https://resumegenius.com/blog/resume-help/best-font-for-resume). Don't set the font size below 12 points. Remember, [business letters](https://resumegenius.com/blog/career-advice/business-letter-format) should look conservative in general. - **Margins:** Set your [cover letter's margins](https://resumegenius.com/blog/cover-letter-help/cover-letter-spacing) to 1″ or 1½". Depending on how long or short your cover letter is, you should play with the margins. Make sure your cover letter looks filled out, but also not overly stuffed with words. Your font style, sizes, and colors should match the ones you pick for your resume, or your application is at risk of looking unprofessional. Fortunately, we make it easy for you by providing downloadable [resume templates](https://resumegenius.com/resume-templates) and matching [cover letter](https://resumegenius.com/cover-letter-templates) templates. **2. Keep it to a single page** Hiring managers are pressed for time. They won't read a multi-page cover letter --- its very length would indicate that you're a rambling, imprecise, and therefore unappealing candidate anyway. Keep yours to one page, but don't fill it up completely. The example on the left shows [how long your cover letter should be](https://resumegenius.com/blog/cover-letter-help/how-long-should-a-cover-letter-be) (which is about 300--500 words). Check out our [short cover letter examples](https://resumegenius.com/blog/cover-letter-help/short-cover-letter-examples) if you need some help keeping your cover letter brief. **3. Write unique cover letters for each company** Every company has a unique problem they're trying to solve through hiring. Even if you're sending out several applications for the same position, tailor your cover letters to individually address each company's problems. Don't just explain that you're competent at your job --- demonstrate your awareness of the company's goals, and how you can help achieve them. By doing so, your cover letter will be far more compelling, and frame you as a thoughtful and engaging candidate. **Tip** You should target your cover letter for specific jobs, but [general cover letters](https://resumegenius.com/blog/cover-letter-help/general-cover-letter) do work in some circumstances. **4 Tips for Your Cover Letter's Introduction** Here's [how to start a cover letter](https://resumegenius.com/blog/cover-letter-help/how-to-start-a-cover-letter) in a way that will grab the hiring manager's attention, and keep them reading to the end: **1. Avoid Using "To Whom It May Concern" and** **"Dear Sir or Madam"** When [addressing your cover letter](https://resumegenius.com/blog/cover-letter-help/how-to-address-a-cover-letter), don't choose the lazy salutations "[To Whom It May Concern](https://resumegenius.com/blog/cover-letter-help/to-whom-it-may-concern)," "Dear Sir/Madam," or "Dear Hiring Manager" --- unless your goal is to blend in with other boring job seekers. Find out the hiring manager's name, and address your letter to them. If it's not specified in the job posting, check the company's website or Linkedin. You should even call or email the company's human resources department to ask for the right name if necessary. Even if you get the name wrong, addressing your letter to a real person is always better than not doing so. **2. Don't write "I'm writing to apply for \[Position Name\]"** Don't open your cover letter with this overused and clichéd sentence. While it's direct, it's also boring. Using it robs you of an opportunity to be interesting and hook the hiring manager's attention --- and ultimately land a job interview. There are several interesting ways to start a cover letter. For instance, you can choose to be creative, funny, passionate, or accomplishment-focused. Here's a great cover letter intro: Good *"I'm excited to be applying for the open English teacher role at Hartford Academy. I recently read an article in the Springfield Herald about your successes implementing comprehensive support and training for underperforming students and teachers. I'd be honored to become part of a school that has a clear and strong mission, and help push it forward."* Why is this good? It shows that the applicant cares about their local community, and has taken an interest in the school's success. This type of introduction goes beyond what hiring managers are used to seeing from applicants, and will likely help this candidate land an interview. **3. Start with confidence --- but don't be arrogant** The biggest mistakes you can make when starting a cover letter are coming off as apologetic, or coming off as arrogant. Never apologize for anything, whether it's a lack of experience, or a work gap that's hard to explain. Never brag or make wild, unprovable claims about your skills and abilities. Your approach should be bold, but measured. You're here to apply for a job because you can prove you have the necessary skills and accomplishments to get the job done. Write your cover letter with that attitude. Don\'t Apologize *"Despite my 2 year work gap, I have all of the skills needed to perform well in your office manager position."* Don\'t Be Arrogant *"Managers and employees alike love my outgoing attitude and insanely strong work ethic. My boss told me I'm literally the best employee she's ever had."* **4. Mention your connection to the company** If you know anyone who works for the company and recommended you apply, your cover letter introduction is the place to mention it. This is one of the quickest ways to build rapport with a hiring manager and get them to notice your application. Seeing that a current employee considers you to be capable and a good culture fit immediately makes employers more willing to give you a chance. **8 Tips for Your Cover Letter's Body** This is where you'll convince the hiring manager that you're the perfect candidate for the job. **1. Expand on your resume --- don't repeat it** Your resume neatly lays out your work history, skills, and accomplishments in organized bullet points. Your cover letter should expand on your resume, explaining how your experience is relevant to the target company, and why hiring you is a good idea. In other words, if you simply repeat what's in your resume on your cover letter, you're only doing half of the job. Your cover letter will lack the compelling pitch necessary to make a strong impression, and your application will likely be overlooked. Try expanding on your past experience in your cover letter with these strategies: - Go into more detail about one (or more) of your accomplishments - Explain how your experience is relevant to solving the company's problems - Discuss (competently) current issues in your industry to demonstrate expertise - **Tip** Are you currently enrolled in, or fresh out of high school or college? Focus on your academic achievements and [hard and soft skills](https://resumegenius.com/blog/resume-help/hard-skills-vs-soft-skills).  **2. Quantify your accomplishments** Both your [resume and cover letter](https://resumegenius.com/blog/cover-letter-help/cover-letter-vs-resume) should show hard evidence of your [accomplishments](https://resumegenius.com/blog/resume-help/accomplishments-for-resume) (with numbers). For instance, instead of just saying that you "increased sales", you'd say that you "increased sales by 10%." Without quantifying your accomplishments, your cover letter (and resume) will make a weak impression. An employee who simply does rote tasks, without apparently accomplishing anything, won't make a strong job candidate. There are a number of ways you can quantify your accomplishments: - **Company goals:** Looking at analytics or reports generated by your department, and assessing your contribution (whether they're sales, production, expense saving, or customer service satisfaction targets) - **Management:** Numbering how many people you've managed, trained, or onboarded - **Miscellaneous:** Numbering customers handled per day, size of budgets managed, or KPIs achieved Bad Example *"As part of my duties, I handled clients' bids, filed their taxes, and found tenants for their properties."* Good Example *"My clients appreciate my services. I've accomplished the following for them:* - *Analyzed bids from contractors, leading to a 2.1% yearly decrease in expenses* - *Filed taxes competently for a 47% lower incidence of tax-related penalties* - *Converted approximately 65% of potential tenants into actual tenants"* **3. Demonstrate that you're a cultural fit** Companies increasingly prefer to hire people who fit into their corporate culture. Job seekers also care more about the values and principles that companies believe in before applying. To ensure that you're a good match for a company's culture --- and that your cover letter reflects it --- check their website and social media profiles. - **On the company's website:** look for "About" or "Hiring" pages. These pages usually have a mission statement, communicate core values, and explain exactly the types of people they're hoping to hire. - **On the company's blog and social media:** gauge its public-facing voice, image, and culture. Is it fun and quirky? Or is it serious and business-like --- or a mix of both? Tailor your cover letter's tone and language to reflect the values, principles, beliefs, and attitude that the company conveys in its materials. Think about reflecting visual cues, too --- if their website is minimally designed, consider using a [simple cover letter template](https://resumegenius.com/cover-letter-templates/basic-simple-templates). **4. Avoid clichés** Are you a "self-motivated" "go-getter" who "thinks outside the box" and works "synergistically" in teams. Do you think of yourself as "dynamic" and a "problem solver"? These are common clichés that ruin cover letters, draining them of life and meaning. Don't use them. Instead, describe your work experience in concrete terms, and provide hard evidence of your achievements. Bad Example *"I'm a self-motivated college student who thinks outside the box. In my current internship, I'm well known for being a problem solver who frequently comes up with dynamic solutions for complex problems."* **5. Choose strong action verbs to describe your experience** One way to avoid using clichés is to use strong action verbs that accurately describe your work experience and performance. The [best action verbs](https://resumegenius.com/blog/resume-help/action-verbs) can convey your leadership, talent, and initiative in the way you performed your duties at previous companies. **Compare the following examples:** **Bad Example:** *"Met with representatives of other companies to improve relationships."* **Good Example:** *"Cultivated relationships with representatives of other companies."* "Cultivated" is a better choice than "met" because it shows you had a much more active role in forming and maintaining relationships with other businesses. "Met" simply implies that you were present in meetings but doesn't reveal how you accomplished anything. **6. Clarify your abbreviations and acronyms --- use jargon sparingly** You should spell out abbreviations and acronyms on their first use for two reasons. First, it makes your cover letter easier to read. While part of becoming a professional means learning acronyms, abbreviations, and jargon associated with your industry, you should still assume your reader is a layman. Including them in your cover letter will make you seem knowledgeable --- but do so sparingly. Second, your resume and cover letter may first go through an [Applicant Tracking System (ATS)](https://resumegenius.com/blog/resume-help/ats-resume). This software scans your application for industry-relevant keywords and phrases to automatically detect if you're a good candidate or not. Spelling out acronyms and abbreviations will ensure that you're hitting relevant keywords. But don't overreact and stuff your application full of jargon and lingo. The software will detect keyword stuffing anyway (and then reject your application). Bad Example *"I used GA and GSC to analyze our content's performance, ensuring that our BR and ToS weren't at suboptimal levels."* Good Example *"I managed to drive 20% more traffic to my website by studying data from Google Analytics (GA) and Google Search Console (GSC). The GA and data showed that our bounce rate was significantly higher than average, and GSC revealed that people weren't engaging with our titles. Fixing those problems saved our business."* **7. Show a little personality** Employers don't want to just hire a list of qualifications, they want to hire an actual person they can trust and enjoy working with. Your cover letter is the place to elaborate on what makes you interested in the position, and gives employers a glimpse at what kind of employee you are. While you should always keep your cover letter professional, avoid using unnatural language like "I would like to express my sincerest interest in this stimulating position." Instead, write in formal but concise language. Additionally, explain why you're personally interested in the job, whether it's the company culture or the work itself. **8. Demonstrate your remote experience** Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, more and more businesses have moved their workforce online. If you have experience working remotely, your cover letter is a great place to show employers that you're capable of delivering results whether in-person or fully online. Simply mention something you accomplished at work despite having to move fully remote. **3 Tips for Your Cover Letter's Ending** Don't skip any steps here --- ensure that your cover letter closes professionally and convincingly. **1. Directly tell the hiring manager to contact you** Don't be shy about making a demand for an interview. In your [cover letter closing](https://resumegenius.com/blog/cover-letter-help/how-to-end-a-cover-letter), provide the hiring manager with your contact information (email and phone number), and state that you look forward to an interview (preferably in-person). **2. Finish with a common sign-off, and add a real signature** **Sign-off:** No need to get fancy here. Finish your cover letter with any of the following: - Sincerely - Best - Regards - Thank you - Respectfully - Kind regards - Best regards **Signature:** To add some professional flair, leave enough space below your sign-off and your typed full name to add a handwritten signature. Here's how to do that: - **Option 1:** Print out your cover letter, and in that space, sign your name in black or blue pen. Scan your signed cover letter onto your computer. - **Option 2:** Sign your name on a piece of paper, scan it into your computer, and make your signature into an image (saved as a.png). Simply insert this signature image into every version of your cover letter. When you're done, it should look like the example on the left. **3. (Optional) Use an eye-catching postscript (P.S.)** Over 90% of readers read the P.S. before the letter because it's short and digestible. If you can do so tactfully, use this fact to your advantage and include a P.S. that will make you stand out even more. Don't jam one in for no good reason, though. Career experts recommend only doing this if you have a message that just doesn't fit anywhere else on your cover letter, like a personal connection or common interest you want to give a shoutout to. **Here are two good cover letter P.S. examples:** Good *"P.S.: I saw on your company's blog that you attended the Content Marketing World conference last year. I attended as well --- I'd love to get your takes on the speakers if we have time during the interview."* Good *"P.S.: I couldn't help but notice from your Twitter profile that you're a hardcore Dolphins fan. I respect your grit and determination in these hard times ;)"* **3 Tips for Submitting a Cover Letter** Don't waste your hard effort by sending a cover letter with small mistakes, or failing to follow submission requirements. Do the following: **1. Proofread it first** Don't even think about submitting your cover letter until you've given it a thorough review. Run a spell check, read it over at least three times (and once out loud), and even put it into a different font before reading it again. **2. Get a second opinion** Ask someone you trust to read your cover letter. They can help you assess its clarity, effectiveness, and readability. They'll likely pick up on any missed grammar errors or typos, too. **3. Study the job listing's submission requirements** Read through all the requirements in the job description, and follow the instructions perfectly. Don't miss any small details and risk looking sloppy (or having your application rejected immediately). Keep an eye out for instructions regarding: - **Subject lines:** Is there a required format for the email subject line? e.g., \[Name --- Position\] - **Required attachments:** Have you included all necessary attachments, such as your resume, cover letter, and portfolio? Don't forget the [spelling of "resume"](https://resumegenius.com/blog/resume-help/resume-spelling) is important. If the instructions call it a "résumé," you should use accents too. - **Attachment naming conventions:** Did you include your name in the filenames for all attachments? e.g., "Naomi Smalls --- Cover Letter.pdf" - **Other:** Did you follow all other instructions? Some companies will include odd instructions that you must follow to see if you're paying attention --- like including a specific keyword on your cover letter. - **Don't Ignore Cover Letter Advice** Writing cover letters isn't particularly exciting, but it's important to spend time and energy presenting yourself as a consummate professional. Don't give recruiters any excuse to think that you're not a clear thinker, a strong writer, and a detail-oriented person. A sloppy cover letter will do the opposite --- so follow these tips, and land the job that you deserve. Impress Employers with a Killer Resume: 15 Templates You Can Download for Free! 29 July 2022 (Link: [https://www.jobstreet.com.ph/career-resources/job-hunting/resume-templates-you-can-download/)](https://www.jobstreet.com.ph/career-resources/job-hunting/resume-templates-you-can-download/)   Resumes are not just a requirement during job applications. They also offer you the opportunity to highlight your credentials and attract potential employers. To help you in your job hunting, JobStreet gives you 15 resume templates---from simple to playful formats--- which are free and downloadable! Why are resumes important? An effective resume accomplishes the following: -     Catches the eye of employers -     Markets your skills, experience, and achievements -     Convinces employers that you're the perfect candidate for the role -     Helps you land a job interview! Also read: [Why You Should Upskill for the Future](https://www.jobstreet.com.ph/career-resources/plan-your-career/why-you-should-upskill-for-the-future/) **5 Tips on Writing an Effective Resume** To craft an attention-grabbing resume, follow these pointers: 1. **Keep it short.** You don't have to mention all your credentials. Your resume should include only the best of your abilities and your most recent accomplishments. Keep your resume down to a page or two. Lengthy resumes may turn off employers, who have to sift through loads of applications. 2. **Check spelling and grammar.** This is your brief moment to impress employers, so make sure your resume has zero mistakes. Errors indicate carelessness on your part, so proofreading is a must before submission. You can even run your document through a tool like Grammarly or Ginger.  3. **Adjust your resume to match the role.** To target a particular job position, [emphasize its required skills](https://www.jobstreet.com.ph/career-resources/job-hunting/how-to-customize-your-resume-and-cover-letter-for-any-job/) on your resume. Mention past projects similar to the work involved in your preferred role. To gain more information, study the job description and the company website. 4. **Be transparent.** You have to wow employers, but not to the point of lying on your resume. This will only come back to bite you during the job interview when employers ask specific questions about your skills. Be honest about what you can offer to the company. 5. **Use numbers.** To better communicate your competence, try quantifying them. State that you handled 15 people in your previous job, or that you increased sales by 20%. This way, employers get a better picture of your accomplishments. **Resume Template \#1** This resume combines typography, color and shapes to create a simple yet elegant design. Though there are graphic elements, they don't distract the reader from the other important parts of the resume. Notice that the applicant included her nickname as a way of greeting, right beside her complete name. Despite this casual introduction, the rest of the resume remains succinct and straightforward.  **Resume Template \#2** Professional doesn't need to always be in black and white. The use of unconventional colors like gray and orange makes this resume visually appealing while maintaining a formal look. The graphical elements blend in with the colors, giving the resume a softer vibe. **Resume Template \#3** Applying for a creative role? Time to showcase the aspiring artist in you with this one-of-a-kind resume. The teal color is a great choice because it's not too bold that it takes away the focus from the content. But it still hooks the reader, making the sheet jump out from a sea of applications. **Resume Template \#4** This resume template also works well for jobseekers who are targeting creative industries such as [web design](https://www.jobstreet.com.ph/en/job-search/%22web-design%22-jobs/), [graphic design](https://www.jobstreet.com.ph/en/job-search/%22graphic-design%22-jobs/), [advertising](https://www.jobstreet.com.ph/en/job-search/%22advertising%22-jobs/) or another similar field. The splashes of color work well together, but don't crowd out the text because they're kept in the margins. Meanwhile, the black and white photo acts as a counterpoint to the colors. **Resume Template \#5** So far, we've only chosen resumes with a white background. But can you make one with a black background? You certainly can, especially if you want to introduce yourself with a bang. If you choose this design, keep your text white to make them pop. A soft yellow also works well with black, maintaining your resume's formal look.  **For Mid-Level Roles** This position level typically refers to managers who handle entry-level employees. However, mid-level managers still report to more senior managers. This level requires a few to several years of work experience. At this stage of your professional career, your resume design must be a bit more subdued, conveying that you're ready for more serious responsibilities.   Also read: [Are you updating your resume regularly? Here's why you should](https://www.jobstreet.com.ph/career-resources/job-hunting/are-you-updating-your-resume-regularly-heres-why-you-should/) ** ** **Resume Template \#6** This design uses several colors---but you really don't notice them because they're kept muted and in the background. The overall effect is a modern yet clean look that communicates professionalism. **Resume Template \#7** Black, white, and gray are all somber colors that complement a mid-level position. Notice that the yellow was used to only highlight the applicant's name, setting it apart from the rest of the text. Coupled with a minimalist font, this resume looks polished.  **Resume Template \#8** Green is often associated with nature, but is also linked to taking action (as in green means go). Try incorporating this soothing color into your resume, which manages to look both striking and professional. **Resume Template \#9** Instead of the usual one-column format, try maximizing space by creating separate columns of text. This makes reading your resume less monotonous, leading the eye to different parts of the sheet. Orange is also a bright but not overly loud color that can make your resume look more interesting.  **Resume Template \#10** Not a fan of color? For a sophisticated touch, try earth tones such as tan, saddle brown, olive green and many others. Though the color is neutral, it's still eye-catching enough to guarantee a second glance from employers. **For Senior-Level Roles** Under this level are some of the top positions in an organization. These employees have a wider range of responsibilities than those in mid-level jobs. They also have a significant amount of experience and solid management skills. Here are some resume templates that fit these roles. **Resume Template \#11** Formal, consistent and free from distracting elements -- if you want only your qualifications to stand out, then you can never go wrong with a simple, one-page resume like this.