WRITING EFFECTIVE COVER LETTERS: TO ENHANCE UNDERGRADUATE MARKETABILITY AND EMPLOYABILITY

Saadiah Kummin, Roselind Razali, Chia Loy Khim, Khaidzir. Hj Ismail, Malaysia, ID CLEaR2016-321;         This paper presents the findings of an action research project after an intervention program that aims to train undergraduates to write effective cover letters. Specifically, this paper highlights the strengths and weaknesses of the selected UKM undergraduates’ cover letters and the strategies used by them before and after the intervention program. This study is conducted on ten undergraduates who have enrolled for Workplace Communication II course with MUET (Malaysian University English Test) bands 3 and 4 and the class teachers who evaluate the cover letters produced. The method employed is a descriptive analysis of the effectiveness of the cover letters that encompasses both the content and language competency. Generally, the results of this study revealed that the effectiveness of the students’ cover letters improved after receiving extra input and feedback from their teachers. More importantly, the students indicated that their writing experiences raised greater awareness of the many aspects of cover letters and enhanced their confidence in writing cover letters.

Keywords: Cover letter, MUET, workplace communication.