Welcome to WriteLance!

I'm Coleen, and I am a freelance writer. This is where I post samples of my work, my thoughts just about anything and writing tips from my experiences or from other writers. I am currently accepting writing jobs. To contact me, either for a writing job done or for your comments and suggestions, you can leave a comment on one of my posts or you can email me.

I am continuously working on adding more samples and articles, so keep visiting for updates.
Enjoy and hope to hear from you!

Friday, July 18, 2008

Writing an Effective Cover Letter


So here you are browsing the Internet for ways to improve or help you get started with your job hunt. You are on the right track.

Although some companies do not require a cover letter anymore, many still do, and you don't want to regret a chance of employment just because you failed to give them the information they need to know about you.

First impressions last. The same is true when you're applying for a job. The cover letter is the first document you will ever send a potential employer. With it, you will either make or break it and the risks are high.

Parts of the Cover Letter:
  • Date - The day you plan to send the letter. You may write this 2 weeks or even a month earlier, but make sure you update this information so that it will show the date the letter was actually sent out.

  • Sender's Address - This part is optional and I would not recommend it unless you are currently working in a fairly good and known company and you have a remarkable attractive position.

  • Recipient's Address - This is the name and address of the company you are sending your letter and resume to. If you know the exact name of the recipient, you can write his or her name instead, position, company name and company address.

  • Salutation - Sir/Ma'am, Mr. LastName or Ms LastName.

  • Body - This is the most important part of the letter. The body text has three (3) parts. First, a simple but brief explanation how you learned about the vacancy and that you are interested and applying for this particular position. The second part should summarize all your skills and strengths. The final and third part is a paragraph calling for an action. This is where you tell your reader that are available anytime for an interview, exam or to answer any question. Do not forget to leave your contact number/s and email address.

  • Closing - Use "Sincerely" always

  • Signature - Your full name. Your current position in your company usually follows under your full name.

Tips in Writing your Body Text:

  • Being direct and simple is the way to do it. Start by describing your main skills. Do not use complex sentences. Active verbs are also preferred over passive. Try to sound as professional as possible. Do not claim to be an expert of anything unless you are, but do not be too humble either. You can talk about your attitude towards work and other people in a second paragraph.

  • Use simple font styles. The most commonly used font styles are Times New Roman, Arial or Palatino Type, but never Papyrus, Raavi, Comic Sans and the like.

  • Use a known word processor in writing your letter like Microsoft Word or OpenOffice Writer.
  • Pay attention to details. Check all the information: names, dates, contact information; and make sure they are correct, and then check again. Before sending it, check everything for the last time.

  • Never misspell anything.

Now you're ready to write your own cover letter. Goodluck!

Sunday, February 24, 2008

Jumper Movie (2008): A Review

Warning: This article contains spoilers.

I’m no movie expert but after watching Jumper yesterday, I find it a must to leave a little note for the viewing people.

For starters, I can say that the effects were great. It started off with the story of his (David Rice) accidental discovery of his ability to jump (teleport) when he fell into an icy pond for retrieving a snow shaker (like this – snow globe - but simpler), after his love interest’s (Millie) boyfriend/suitor threw it. Trapped into the icy pond and nearing death … (Read more)