how to write an application letter in cameroon

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How To Write A Job Application Letter In Cameroon (Example)

A job application letter in Cameroon is the most integral part of a job application. You use this to show the employer that you are uniquely qualified for the vacancy or position you are applying for.

Therefore, a well-written job application letter is paramount to you getting shortlisted for an interview.

However, most people overlook this necessary procedure and make mistakes that cost them employment or job opportunities.

How To Write A Job Application Letter For Employment In Cameroon

Here are some mandatory tips on how to write a successful and perfect job application letter in Cameroon:

• Tailor-make the job application letter
• Give a relevant experience.
• Address the recipient
• Make it short

1. Tailor-make the Job Application letter

Most people think they can use the same generic or sample cover letter to apply for all the jobs. This is not true as every position is different. Hence, such a cover letter should also be other.

2. Give relevant experience.

For example, when applying for a Finance position, it is vital that whatever experience you put in the job application letter be related to finance. 

There is no point in giving your sales experience unless the job description asks explicitly for someone with sales experience.

Giving irrelevant experience takes up space and does not show that you are best suited for the position.

3. Address the recipient

When drafting your job application letter, you must address it to the one who will receive it by their last name.

Make sure you find out who will get your job application letter and use their name in the salutation instead of dear sir/madam. This will show that you took the time to research and are genuinely interested in the position.

4. Make it short

There is no point in having a job application letter that is 2 pages long. The hiring managers do not have time to read through all this, so your application will be thrown out.

The trick is to keep it short and cover the essential parts.

Sample Job Application Letter In Cameroon (Example)

Here is a sample Job Application Letter for a Finance Position.

Melvin Dream

P.O Box 7557- 00200

Email:[email protected]

November 2020

The Human Resources Manager

ABC Company

P.O. Box 5577-00200

Dear Mrs. Cheng,

RE: Application For A Finance Position

I am writing this application for the Finance position mentioned above. As advertised, I possess financial management experience and am pursuing a Business Management, Finance Option degree.

Currently, I am in charge of Financial Management with ABC company, where I manage accounting books.

Additionally, I have served as an Accountant with JTH Ltd Clearing and Forwarding Company, where I was in charge of accurately updating the cash book and preparing bank and general ledger reconciliations, filling finance-related documents and accounting records to ensure easy tracking and checking petty cash vouchers for proper authorization and acknowledgment of cash by recipients and providing good posting for the same.

Over and above, my approach to my work goes beyond my job description, as I am always looking for ways to improve efficiency and reduce costs. I am well-versed in leading teams and have significant expertise in training and mentoring junior staff members.

I look forward to playing a vital role in financial decision-making and adding significant value to your company. I am also looking forward to joining your organization and contributing to its financial stability and development, thereby assisting in the organization's financial growth within the market.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Yours Sincerely,

Read Also:  How to Write a Formal Letter in Cameroon?

• How To Write A Professional CV
• Legit Online Jobs In Cameroon
• How to Write a Resignation Letter in Cameroon?

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Cover letter

What is a cover letter ?

The cover letter, very often called a job application, is a means by which you come into contact with the recruiter. It should enable the company to answer two questions :

• What does this candidate bring to the table ?
• Can I trust him/her ?

It should also highlight your motivations, your strong points, allowing a link between the company, the desired position and you.

How do you present yourself ?

There are two ways to get in touch with a company when looking for a job :

• By responding to a job advertising
• By writing as part of the personal applications that you undertake.

In both cases, the structure of the letter remains the same. It has seven (07) parts :

• The preliminary information: the date on which your request is written; your full name and address; the recipient's job title and address; and finally the subject of the correspondence.
• The exact title of the addressee before going into the content of the letter: "Mr or Mrs Director" when it is a Director; "Mr or Mrs Director General" when it is a Director General.
• If it is a job offer, you should refer to it and express your interest in the position.
• If it is an application to a target company as a result of your own efforts, you should indicate the position you are applying for, and show your interest in the position.
• Your understanding of the company and its needs: present your know-how and your interpersonal skills in relation to the position offered or sought. This part aims to present your qualities and strong points in order to arouse the recruiter's interest.
• Your wish to meet the recruiter for further information on your profile. express your complete availability.
• The greeting.

Note : Never forget to sign your cover letter.

Here are two examples of cover letters:

• Sample covering letter for an unpublished job opportunity
• Sample cover letter for a response to a classified ad

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Definitive Guide to Hiring in Cameroon

Find everything you need to confidently hire in Cameroon - labor law, tax law, compliance, payroll, benefits and more.

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• 1 Hiring in Cameroon

Employee Probation Period

Annual leave in cameroon, holidays in cameroon, maternity leave cameroon, paternity leave cameroon, sick leave in cameroon, working hours in cameroon, overtime in cameroon, termination of employment in cameroon.

• Notice Period In Cameroon

Severance in Cameroon

13th/14th month salary in cameroon.

• 05 Income Tax in Cameroon
• 06 Social Security in Cameroon
• 08 Immigration Cameroon
• 09 Value Added Tax (VAT) in Cameroon

Mandatory Benefits overview

• Payments_And_Invoicing Payments And Invoicing

Country Accruals Additional Information

Payroll accruals additional information.

• 14 Accrued Benefits in Cameroon
• 15 Why use Global Expansion to hire in Cameroon

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Hiring in Cameroon

Hiring employees compliantly in Cameroon means doing it yourself or using an Employer of Record like Global Expansion. You should be careful using independent contractor agreements in Cameroon so that you don’t run afoul of employment laws. To hire an employee compliantly and offer them mandatory benefits and compliant agreements, you can:

(a) Establish your own new legal entity, banking, accounting and payroll service in Cameroon or

(b) use an Employer of Record like Global Expansion who can handle all of the details for you.

Labor Laws in Cameroon

Employment laws in Cameroon are uniquely suited to the country’s way of life, and crucial to understand if you want to employ local talent in this country. Get the details on Cameroon employment laws and Cameroon policies here.

• Probationary periods of up to 6 months are allowed, and the agreement must be in writing.
• Managerial staff are generally entitled to an 8-month probationary period.
• Employees are entitled to 1.5 days of annual leave for each month of service i.e. 18 days of annual leave after one year of service.

Cameroon celebrates ten national public holidays as well as additional public holidays that vary by state:

• Female employees are generally entitled to 14 weeks of paid maternity leave, with 4 weeks to be taken before the birth or 6 weeks if her doctor orders confinement.  
• Maternity leave is paid for by the National Social Insurance Fund.
• Fathers can use their 10 days of paid family leave for paternity leave.
• Employees are generally entitled to at least 5 days of paid sick leave per year.
• If an employee is injured or becomes ill at work, the employer is responsible for paying for medical treatment.

• In general, the work week is 40 hours.
• Overtime may occur on a temporary basis for work necessary due to exceptional or seasonal overload of work; the impossibility of finishing work within a fixed delay, and when recruitment of extra staff is not possible.
• Overtime hours cannot exceed 20 hours per week
• Overtime is paid at the following rates: -
• Overtime during the night is at 50% of the hourly salary
• 8 first hours: 20% of the hourly salary;
• following 8 hours: 30% of the hourly salary;
• for the third installment of hours, up to 20 hours per week: 40% of the hourly salary;
• for overtime work performed on Sundays: 40% of the hourly salary.
• Fixed-term contracts may only be terminated for reasons of gross misconduct, force majeure, or written consent of both parties.
• Indefinite-term contracts can be terminated at any time by either the employer or the employee. 
• Notice of termination must be given, the duration of which is set by the Minister in charge of Labor and is based on the seniority and the occupational group of the employee. 
• During the notice period, the employee is generally entitled to one day off per week to look for another job.
• Employees who have worked for at least 2 years are generally entitled to severance pay; the amount of pay is determined by the Minister in charge of Labor.

Notice Period in Cameroon

• Employees who have worked for at least 2 years are generally entitled to severance pay
• The amount of pay is determined by the Minister in charge of Labor.
• 20% of monthly wage per year during the first 5 years of service
• 25% of monthly wage per year from the 6th to the 10th year of service
• 30% of monthly wage per year from the 11th to the 15th year of service
• 35% of monthly wage per year from the 16th to the 20th year of service
• 40 % of monthly wage per year after the 21st year of service

Cameroon Salary and Wages

• There is no statutory requirement to pay the 13th or 14th month salary.
• Employees are entitled to a standard rate of holiday after one year of service.

Income Tax in Cameroon

• All persons with a fiscal domicile in Cameroon shall, in principle, be taxed on their worldwide revenue by Cameroon.
• The basis of this tax is the sum of net income from various categories of revenue earned by the taxpayer within one fiscal year.
• Subject to international conventions to the contrary, personal income tax (PIT) on salaries is calculated by applying the following progressive scale to the overall net income rounded down to the nearest thousand Communauté Financière Africaine francs (XAF):
• The net incomes from other activities are subject to income tax at 33%.

Social Security in Cameroon

• For their joint personal welfare, employees are obligated to contribute to the National Social Insurance Fund (NSIF) at a particular rate calculated on the basis of their salaries. 
• This contribution is withheld at source by the employer.
• The employee contributes only for the portion covering the old age pension, permanent and total disability pension, and survival pension. 
• The rate is 4.2% based on the taxable salary, which shall be capped at XAF 750,000 per month (i.e. XAF 9 million per year). 
• The rate for voluntary insurance for this contribution is 8.4%.

Immigration Cameroon

• All foreign nationals wishing to enter Cameroon must have passports or other valid travel documents to obtain entry visas. 
• When applying for a temporary entry visa, an individual must present a valid passport, a certificate of accommodation and payment of XAF60,000. 
• Cameroon does not have a specific quota system for the issuance of visas
• Tourist visas are granted to foreign nationals who intend to travel in Cameroon. 
• They are issued by diplomatic embassies or Cameroon consulates abroad. 
• Tourist visas are valid for 30 days, are not renewable and permit an unlimited number of entries into the country.
• Business visas are granted to foreign nationals coming to Cameroon to take up technical, industrial or commercial positions. 
• They are valid for one year, are non-renewable and permit multiple entries into the country.
• Work permits are valid for two years and are renewable for an unlimited number of times; the renewed permit is valid for two years. 
• Expatriates may obtain work permits in Cameroon.
• Following the submission of the necessary documentation, work permits are processed in approximately four to six weeks. 
• A foreign national may be self-employed if he or she obtains a residence permit. 
• No minimum amount of capital is necessary to be self-employed.

Value Added Tax (VAT) in Cameroon

• VAT shall be levied on natural persons or corporate bodies that automatically, habitually, or occasionally carry out taxable transactions consisting of provisions of services or sales of goods.
• The total VAT in Cameroon is 19.25%. 
• Exports are zero rated. 
• The VAT paid upstream is recoverable, except where otherwise stated.

Mandatory Benefits in Cameroon

• These are mandatory benefits as postulated by law
• These include probationary period, annual leave, public holidays, sick leave, maternity leave, paternity leave, overtime pay, notice period, and severance pay
• Statutory benefits also include social security benefits

Probationary period

Annual Leave

Public Holidays

Maternity Leave

Paternity Leave

Overtime Pay

Notice period

Severance Pay

Social Security Benefits

Payments And Invoicing

• The PIT year-end date is 31 December.
• The PIT return shall be declared/filed by the 15th day of the month following the payment of wages/salaries. 
• A regularization shall be declared by 15 March following the fiscal year-end, when filing the Annual Tax Return.
• The tax administration may send a pre-completed return of collected revenue or any other taxable item, with the tax amount owed, to any natural or legal person paying taxes or duties as per laws and regulations in force. 
• The taxes payable by the employee shall be withheld at source by the employer, who is responsible for payment to the tax authorities.
• PIT shall be paid by the 15th day of the month following the payment of wages/salaries. 
• A regularization of payroll taxes (including PIT) shall be declared and paid by 15 March following the fiscal year-end, when filing the Annual Tax Return.

Payroll Accrual in Cameroon

Description

For their joint personal welfare, employees are obligated to contribute to the National Social Insurance Fund (NSIF) at a particular rate calculated on the basis of their salaries. This contribution is withheld at source by the employer. The employee contributes only for the portion covering the old age pension, permanent and total disability pension, and survival pension. The rate is 4.2% based on the taxable salary, which shall be capped at XAF 750,000 per month (i.e. XAF 9 million per year). The rate for voluntary insurance for this contribution is 8.4%.

Accrued Benefits in Cameroon

Why use global expansion to hire in cameroon.

Establishing a branch office or subsidiary in Cameroon can be time-consuming, expensive and complex. With such a robust labor market in place, one must pay great attention to detail when structuring employment because Cameroon labor laws are complex.

The company also has a responsibility to comply with specific employment practices dictated by Cameroon law to maintain its good standing as an equal opportunity employer.

Global Expansion makes it easy for you to expand into Cameroon. We'll help you hire your candidate of choice, handle HR matters and payroll, and ensure that you comply with local laws without the burden of setting up a foreign branch office or subsidiary. In addition, you'll have complete control and direction over your employees.

We enable you to stay in control of everything. Our Cameroon Global Professional Employer Organization (PEO) and Employer of Record (EOR) solution provides you with peace of mind to focus on running your company and the security to enter new markets.

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Country: Cameroon

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Cameroon Jobs

Organization: Impact Santé Afrique

Added: Wednesday, 01 May 2024

Deadline: Friday, 17 May 2024

Organization: Associazione Volontari per il Servizio Internazionale

Added: Tuesday, 30 April 2024

Deadline: Tuesday, 14 May 2024

Organization: United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

Deadline: Saturday, 11 May 2024

Organization: International Medical Corps

Added: Monday, 29 April 2024

Deadline: Friday, 03 May 2024

Organization: Jesuit Refugee Service

Deadline: Friday, 31 May 2024

Added: Friday, 26 April 2024

Deadline: Friday, 10 May 2024

Organization: TDS Group

Organization: Norwegian Refugee Council

Organization: UNICEF (United Nations Children's Fund)

Added: Thursday, 25 April 2024

Deadline: Sunday, 12 May 2024

Organization: United Nations Development Programme

Added: Wednesday, 24 April 2024

Deadline: Thursday, 02 May 2024

Organization: World Wide Fund For Nature

Deadline: Wednesday, 08 May 2024

Deadline: Monday, 20 May 2024

Organization: Sightsavers

Added: Tuesday, 23 April 2024

Organization: Helen Keller International

Deadline: Wednesday, 15 May 2024

Organization: Action contre la Faim France

Deadline: Wednesday, 22 May 2024

Organization: Lutheran World Federation

Deadline: Sunday, 05 May 2024

UN Jobs : how to build a career in United nations

Getting a job in the UN is a dream for many people, as a UN job is an amazing chance to grow both professionally and personally while getting priceless experience. Working for the UN, one should expect working in a team of international experts, competitive salaries, and great career opportunities. So, let's have a more detailed look at job types offered by the UN and clarify how to become a part of this powerful organization.

But the main question is “ how to get a job at the un ” without spending 10 years to achieve this dream ?

UN Career Jobs Opportunities

The issues the UN deals with are numerous, as well as jobs offered by this organization. Due to this, a person of almost any age and qualification can find something suitable. In fact, your perspectives are great, as if you will be lucky enough to get a UN job, you will have a chance to work in a team of the best professionals, all having one noble aim: to make our planet a better place to live. Besides, specialists for many positions are usually hired internationally, so it's better to be ready for relocations, which is an amazing chance to see the world. If you are ready to work in a team, client-oriented, ready to learn and improve your skills, and a good interlocutor, you are welcome to choose one of the jobs offered by the company. According to Gilles Sereni, the strength of the UN system lies in the diversity of the people working together to add to the well-being of the entire humanity. So, there are several staff categories for those looking for a job to get acquainted with, including 

• Professional and higher categories;
• General Service and related categories;
• National Professional Officers;
• Field Service;
• Senior Appointments.

Requirements for every of those differ greatly. For instance, specialists for higher and professional categories are usually hired nationally, and it is impossible to find a position in this category that doesn't require a degree, and at least some work experience.

Speaking about the second category, one can find secretarial, administrative, or different types of trade work there. Besides, a high school diploma and good physical condition are essential. A candidate should have several years of work experience in the field he/she has chosen. Specialists for this category are usually recruited locally.

Then comes the National Professional Officers. People are hired locally as well. It is necessary for a person to have an excellent knowledge of local culture, language, and national institutions. Child protection, human rights protection, medicine, and more - that's what you'll have to deal with choosing a job from this category. Work experience is also essential.

Specialists from the Field Service category are usually hired internationally. So, if you are striving to find a job in this category, you should understand that you'll have to be super mobile and relocate a lot. Minimum requirements for positions from this category include a High School diploma and work experience (for some jobs). For some positions, a candidate should have at least six years of work experience.

As you can see, your career here will fully depend on your decisions and effort. You will have a chance to choose between various career paths, including management, science, public information, administration, telecommunication technologies, security and safety, logistics, and so on.

How to Start the UN Career

If you love our planet and people and are eager to change the world for better, you will certainly find an ideal job for yourself in the UN. This organization is a huge employer , offering numerous career opportunities not only for experienced professionals but also for those who are just looking for a dream job. Competition is usually fierce, as there are often many candidates for the same position, which is proof that UN jobs are desirable and popular. Nevertheless, it's possible to become a UN worker. But be ready to prepare for it, as it may not be as easy as people eager to start a career in the UN usually expect. Now, let's have a look at the main steps you'll have to do to start the UN career .

• Prepare . The best way to start is to browse the United Nations official website to get a better understanding of what you are offered. This may be super helpful for those who do not yet understand what they are looking for. On the website, you will have a chance to get acquainted with a list of job openings, areas, and qualifications required. Information is everything, so be prepared.
• Choose the staff category . As we have already mentioned, there are several staff categories to choose from. So, the next step is choosing the category. You should take into account your skills and interests, as well as work experience (it's essential for some jobs).
• Make sure you have enough experience and qualification for the position chosen . Understandably, each position has a set of requirements you should meet for your application to be considered. Sometimes candidates don't pay attention to the requirements relying on luck. It's completely wrong, as in this case people just waste their time applying. We'll discuss general requirements a little bit later.
• Register an account . Having selected a job, you should proceed to the next step - registration. To register a personal account, you'll have to provide some personal information (like your date of birth, your name, email, etc). You'll also have to provide some information about your qualification. And the last step is to create a user name and a password.
• Choose a job and apply. Think twice whether you meet all the requirements not to waste your time for nothing. You can apply for as many positions as you like. Instead using CV, you will need to use forms as UN p11 form (personal history form) .  The applying process is not a complicated one, you just have to follow the instructions.
• Wait for an interview invitation . Having applied for a job (or several), all you have to do is wait. You will be able to check the status of your application in your account. Be attentive, as only those selected for an interview will be informed about the result.

There are several programs designed to help young people to find a career path in the UN. One of the most popular is the Young Professionals Programme (we'll discuss it a little bit later).

Main Requirements for Candidates

As we have previously mentioned, there are different applying requirements for UN positions. But there is a list of requirements that are the same for all the jobs offered by the UN. The first and most obvious one is fluency in several languages (or at least in one). To be able to apply for any of the UN job openings, an applicant should have a good knowledge of either English or French. If you are fluent in additional languages, it will be a huge plus for you and will certainly increase your winning chances.

The next requirement is education. To apply for a better position,  one should have at least a bachelor's degree or higher. If you want to get a lwer-level position, a high school diploma and several years of experience will be enough.

And last but not least - your experience. This factor is super important, especially if there are many candidates. It completely depends on the position you have selected, but those eager to get more well-paid positions should have a few years of work experience in the corresponding field. Actually, requirements for work experience are different, you may need from one to twelve years of work in the field or even more to get a job.

What is the Young Professionals Programme (YPP)? How to Apply?

This program is certainly the best choice for young people who want to get a job in one of the biggest and most influential in the world. Having selected this option, you will start your career as an international civil servant. So, how to become a participant in this program? First of all, you should check whether your country can participate, as some countries are not allowed. Then, browse the jobs available to select the one to suit your tastes and ambitions. The applying procedure is easy in the extreme. So, if you have found the position of your dream and completely sure you meet all the requirements, you simply have to stick to the procedure we have previously described. Another thing worth mentioning is that the application is not enough to become a participant. If selected, the company will inform you about it and invite you to pass the exam. Without this part, you won't be allowed to start working.

Speaking about general requirements, an applicant shouldn't be older than thirty-two. A university degree is also required. Similarly to other UN jobs, Young Professionals Programme requires fluency in English or French. There are often many people competing for the same position, so work experience may also be taken into account. So, use all your options to increase your chances of getting a job in the UN, as this company is the one doing a great job for all the people of our planet. Although it may not seem easy from the first sight, you will be rewarded with lots of knowledge and experience difficult to be found anywhere else.

UN Jobs FAQ

Getting into the UN may be challenging, so it's better to be fully aware of all your options and understand the potential problems you may face. The first step is research. Browse the official website to get acquainted with the company's ideology and its job openings. If you are sure you want to contribute to the well-being of humanity working in the UN, you are welcome to choose a position you like the most (or several) and apply. To do this, you'll have to go through the registration and provide some information about your qualification and some personal information. Make sure you meet all the requirements of the position chosen. If you are not experienced enough, you can select one of the internship programs offered by the UN.

There are several job networks in the UN, including economic and social development, peace and security, information systems and communication technology, management and operations support, safety and security, public information and external relations, conference management. There is a huge selection of jobs for the potential candidates of various experiences and qualifications, so your possibilities are plentiful. There are different categories of workers, such as field services workers, professionals, national professional officers, general service workers, and several others.

Salaries in the UN are competitive. In fact, the sum of money you'll get depends on several factors, such as your category, qualification, type of your contract, and your duty station. For some jobs (general services, national professional officers) people are hired locally, so the salary depends on it. Use our UN salary calculator to know your future sqlqry.  Choosing a position from professional and higher categories, you'll get from 37,000$ to 123,000$ and from 31,000$ to 90,000$ if you are planning to work in field services (depending on qualification).

Getting a job at the UN is certainly not an easy task. The competition is fierce, as there are usually many people eager to get the same position. It's better to immerse yourself into this adventure being prepared and ready for any outcome. Understandably, there are many people dreaming about working in a powerful international organization, but only the best candidates are chosen. All applications are carefully reviewed and chosen candidates are invited for an interview. It will be difficult, but we can make progress only by means of difficulties, so it's certainly worth trying.

Every UN job has a set of requirements, like age, work experience, etc. Language knowledge is another requirement that can influence your success. English, French, Chinese, Spanish, Arabic, Russian are the official UN languages, but usually, candidates are required to have a good command of either French or English. The more languages you know - the bigger your chances of getting a job of your dream. Besides, if you have good language skills, you can become a UN translator, interpreter, language instructor, or a teacher.

It depends on the position you'd like to get, as there are different education and work experience requirements. For some positions, a bachelor's (or higher) degree is required, while you can apply for the others having your High School diploma only.

Those looking for chances to start a successful career can do it even while studying in the university, as the UN offers several volunteer programs and internships for young people. For example, the UN Internship Programme makes it possible for students in the final year of a Bachelor program to get into the UN and understand the core principles of its work better. There is also a United Nations Volunteers Programme, which is active in approximately 80 countries nowadays. So, if you are a student and want to get new knowledge and skills, you are welcome to choose any of the UN programs for students.

The applying procedure is not complicated at all. So, the first thing you should do is visit the career.un.org website to get acquainted with the job openings currently available. So, select the area you like and have a look at those. If you already know what types of positions you are looking for, just use filters to make the search easier. Click the "Search" button and you will have all the jobs in front of your eyes. If you have already chosen a position you'd like to apply to, the next step is registration at inspira.un.org. On this website, you'll have to provide all the necessary details about your qualification (as well as your personal information), write a cover letter and voila - you are ready to apply. Just go back to the vacancy you have selected and click the "Apply" button. 

Use the UN career Guide if you are in trouble, it actually helped more than a thousand of candidates to find the job of their dream in the UN. In our guide we offer opportunities for all countries : from France UN jobs to Somalia jobs . Last week Fred got a UN job in south Sudan thanks to our guide. 

As a rule, it takes from two weeks to four months to go through the selection process. So, you'll have to be patient and wait for the e-mail informing you that you are selected for the next step (as a rule, it's a writing test). We have many written assessment test samples for organisations such UN, UNDP, WFP, and Unicef. Our UN career Guide provides you the best and most recent UN, WFP, Unicef and UNDP written test . Then comes the interview (by Skype or personally). After an interview, you'll have to wait for the final decision from 1 week to 1 month.

The first and the most important rule you should remember - there should be no mistakes. A single little mistake or inaccuracy can reduce your chances. So, first of all, you are to provide your personal information. Then, proceed to education. Always start with the latest degree you've obtained. You should provide information about years of studying and the full names of educational institutions. Then comes a summary of your skills and proficiency. After this block of information comes professional experience, where you should try to highlight your most impressive achievements. Having done it, you are to provide some additional information (languages, additional training, etc.) and at least three references.

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Probate And Letters Of Administration In Cameroon

Probate and Letters of Administration in Cameroon. When a person dies, their estate (assets) devolves on their survivors in the following order; spouse, children, parents, siblings, or extended family. However, where such person executes a Will before his death, the assets will be distributed according to the wishes of the deceased.

This article seeks to guide readers on the steps to obtaining legal rights over the property of a deceased who died with or without executing a valid Will.

WHERE THE DECEASED EXECUTED A VALID WILL IN CAMEROON

A Will is a legal document that directs the distribution of the assets of a person (called a testator) upon his death. The testator appoints executors who administer his estate (assets and property) and ensure that debts and creditors of the deceased are paid off and the left-over money or property distributed according to the last wishes of the deceased.

For a Will to be valid, there are certain pre-requisites, namely;

The testator must have been of sound mind The Will must have been made voluntarily The Will must be in writing The Will must have been signed in the presence of at least two witnesses who must attest to same The Will must identify the assets and beneficiaries of the deceased’s estate. In the absence of one or more of the above, any interested party may challenge the legality of the Will in court. It is also important to note that the testator must have been 18years old at the time the Will was made.

Wills may be kept in the solicitor’s custody, the deceased’s home, the bank or the probate registry. It is advised to keep it in the probate registry which is located in every high court premises. Usually, the testator appoints an executor in the Will whose duty is to manage and administer the estate of the deceased until it is validly given to the beneficiary. Executors also generally carry out the wishes of the testator as stated in the Will and hold property in trust for the beneficiaries when necessary (for example, where the beneficiary is a minor).

Where the Will is kept at the registry, the solicitor is to write to the Probate Department, informing them of the death of the deceased and attaching the death certificate as proof. This must be at least 7 days after the occurrence.

Upon confirmation of the existence of the Will, the probate registrar sets a date, time and location with the solicitor and concerned parties to unseal and read the contents of the Will to the parties in Court. The parties present must confirm that the Will was sealed before its contents were read out.

The Will describes and identifies the assets of the deceased, including liabilities (if included). Probate and Letters of Administration in Cameroon .

GRANT OF PROBATE

The estate of a deceased cannot be managed or benefited from without the grant of a probate by the Court.

A probate is a letter of authority granted to a person(s) (an executor/beneficiary) directed in a Will to manage the properties/estate of a deceased. Where the Will does not provide for an executor, the Court is at liberty to appoint anyone (often times a beneficiary) to act as an executor.

Obtaining a probate involves a written application accompanied by other supporting documents including a sworn declaration on oath by the executor and a bond completed by the executor(s) to cover the assets and liabilities of the deceased.

The probate grants the executor the authority to manage, sell, share, lease, use, sue and be sued in respect of the deceased’s property where necessary. Where the executors are separate from the beneficiaries, they also have the right to devolve, share, vest, transmit or transfer the properties of the deceased to his beneficiaries as directed by the Will.

It is important to note that dealing with the property of a deceased person without written authority or a probate granted by a competent court of law provides the avenue for civil or criminal suits which may lead to family rifts and other time lapsing events.

WHERE THERE IS NO VALID WILL

A person is said to have died intestate if he died without executing a Will. In such circumstances, a competent court of law is left with the decision to determine the person(s) who may manage or benefit from the estate of the deceased.

The court will empower administrators to supervise the assets and liabilities of the deceased and will consider the interest of the applicants before the appointment. Typically, an immediate family member is appointed, most often one that stands as the next of kin in the deceased’s registration documents with the relevant financial bodies or organisations concerned, such as insurance companies, pension administrators and banks.

A letter of administration is granted to the administrator by the Court to the most suitable and competent individual(s) and it will supercede any other authority except where there exists a Will which provides for an executor.

An application for letter of administration is made at least 14 days after the death of the deceased. It is a written application accompanied by supporting documents including a sworn declaration on oath by the executor and a bond completed by the executor(s) to cover the assets and liabilities of the deceased (similar to a probate application).

The application is also to be published in any national newspaper within the area where the deceased resided. The aim of this is to put concerned members of the public on notice of the applicants, the deceased’s estate and concerned parties’ rights to object to the appointment of an administrator where necessary. Any member of the public can object within 8 days of the publication and this leaves the court to determine whether or not to appoint such a person.

Where the court decides in favour of the applicant, the letter of administration is granted and the administrator is automatically vested with the rights over the property of the deceased.

Conclusion The misappropriation of the estate of a deceased person can be avoided upon the grant of a probate or letter of administration to a person validly appointed by the court or deceased person. Prime Time Law offices is capable of providing legal services in this regard.

The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If you require specific legal advice on any of the matters covered in this article please contact We refer you to our disclaimer notice. For any further information about Probate and Letters of Administration in Cameroon, legal & advisory services relating to this article , please contact the PRIME TIME LAW OFFICES at [email protected]

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HOW TO DRAFT A CONTRACT OF EMPLOYMENT IN CAMEROON -8 EASY GUIDES

Home  >  Cameroon  >  HOW TO DRAFT A CONTRACT OF EMPLOYMENT IN CAMEROON -8 EASY GUIDES

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CONTRACT OF EMPLOYMENT IN CAMEROON

The contract of employment in Cameroon is used under the employment and labour relations to attribute rights and responsibilities between parties to a bargain. It emphasizes the power of the employer to control the work of the employee. Contract of employment is defined under section 23 of the Labour Code 1992 as  “an agreement by which a worker undertakes to put his services under the authority and management of an employer against remuneration”.

In Cameroon, with the enforcement of the laws that guide employment relationship, a contract of employment in Cameroon must be signed and agreed by parties to the contract, when signed it becomes binding on the parties. Where there is a breach of the contract, the aggrieved party can enforce his rights at the Labour Inspector or in a case of Non-Conciliation, at the High Court within the jurisdiction of the aggrieved party.

The main legislation that regulates employment and labour relations in Cameroon is the Labour Code, Law No. 92/007 of 14 August 1992  Other legislation regulating contract of employment in Cameroon include;

The constitution of the Republic of Cameroon

Law No. 016/MTPS/SG/CJ of 26 th May 1993

Order No. 015/MTPS/SG/CJ of 26 th May 1993

ELEMENT OF CONTRACT OF EMPLOYMENT

The element of the contract of employment is dependent on the right and obligations of the employer and employee. An employer must give the employee a written contract as the provisions of the contract of employment regulate the relationship between employer and employee.

In drafting a contract in Cameroon it must contain the following according to the provisions of the Code:

• It must contain the name of the employer or group of employers
• The name and address of the employee, the date and place of his engagement
• The nature of the employment
• If the contract is for a fixed term, it must state the date the contract expires.
• The appropriate period of notice to be given by the party wishing to terminate the contract.
• The rate of wages/salaries and method of calculation, the manner and periodicity of payment of wages.
• Any terms and condition relating to; hours of work; holiday and holiday pay; incapacity to work due to sickness, injury and provisions for a sick day if any and insurance etc
• And finally any special conditions of the contract.

Generally, the important provisions to be included when drafting a contract of employment as contained in the labour code entail the following;

• The position: it is fundamental that when drafting a contract of employment, the prospective employee should clearly understand the position of the job, job requirements and the essential duties the service entails. The contract must not be ambiguous but clear enough to leave no doubt as to the expectations of the employer.
• Length of the contract: the employer must bear in mind that when drafting a contract, the interest of both parties is protected and favourable. For this reason, the contract of employment must dictate and stipulate conditions applicable to the employer and employee to extend, reduce or terminate the contract term.
• Compensation and means of calculation: it is fundamental that all prospective employers ensure that a contract of employment defines the wages and compensation of employees. When salaries are negotiated by parties, the wage must be specified and dictate the method of payment either monthly, weekly or if by the commission, it must state the percentage rate.
• Performance expectation and requirements: in a standard contract of employment, the performance review of the employee is usually inserted. These are performance measures for which the employer would hold the employee accountable. The production goals and revenue enhancement of the employer should also be included.
• Benefits and Severance: Before signing the contract, the employee benefits package should also be expressly spelt out where applicable, which includes health or other insurance offered, the percentage of benefit premium to be paid by the employee. It is fundamental that benefits such as holiday, leave, vacations, profit sharing and retirement plans for the employees are enshrined in the contract of employment.
• Termination of employment: the termination of the contract must be in compliance with section 34(1) of the Labour Code. The contract must make provisions of the intention of parties to terminate the employment on expiration or otherwise. Thus, a notice of termination must be given by the party of the intention to do so. The Court may impose damages against an employer for wrongful termination of a contract of employment.

In conclusion, a contract of employment defines the relationship that exists between an employer and an employee. For a contract of employment to be binding, the parties before signing contract of employment must agree to the contract. The purpose of having a contract of employment cannot be overemphasized. A well-drafted contract, which clarifies expectations, protects the parties in event of termination, resignation or wage dispute.

Article by Barr.  Mafany Victor Ngando

Kinsmen Advocates Law Firm

“The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstance”

• Expat guide

Work in Cameroon

Do you wish to work and settle in Cameroon? Find out in this article how to proceed.

Cameroon is becoming an increasingly interesting destination for expatriates worldwide. Many of them have already settled in the country, not only to enjoy its different lifestyle and environment but also to benefit of its promising economy. In fact, the country hosts many foreign companies which have chosen to set up there especially for cheap labor. However, the local labor market requires foreign expertise in many fields. Hence, you can try your luck in finding a job there if you feel you have the right profile.

You are however advised to take the time to inquire on the local labor market, on the cost of living in the country as well as on labor conditions before proceeding.

Cameroon's economy is mainly based on the services sector which makes the greatest contribution to the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). In fact, the services sector employs nearly 29% of the total workforce, including the telecommunications, tourism, forestry and agricultural fields. As regards the primary sector, it made a 20% contribution to the country's GDP in 2013, with 61% of the total workforce.

Moreover, the petroleum field is nowadays one of the country's main economic pillars, followed by the cultivation and production of cocoa, coffee, bananas, tobacco, rubber, cotton, etc.

To be authorized to work in Cameroon, you should first obtain a work visa. Documents to be produced to apply for the visa are the following:

• a letter from your employer stating your mission or the nature of your job in Cameroon
• the employment contract as approved by the Ministry of Labor of Cameroon
• your return tickets
• proof of vaccination against yellow fever.

The visa should be issued within two months.

Labor conditions

A legal working week in Cameroon consists of 40 working hours for all sectors, except for agriculture where the working week consists of 48 hours.

Retirement age is set at 60 years.

Employment contracts are not only supported by the labor law and collective agreements but also supplemented by company agreements and negotiations between employers and employees. Terms are generally firm. However, hiring and firing terms remain quite flexible.

The minimum wage in Cameroon is set at CFA 36,270, which is equal to 55 euros. As regards the average salary, it amounts to some 80 euros.

Social contributions, for their part, are paid by employers at a rate of 16.2%. The payroll tax is paid by employees at a rate of 2.8%.

All workers and professionals residing in Cameroon have to pay income tax during the fiscal year starting as at the 1st January to end on the 31st of December. Income tax rates, including for expatriates, range between 10% and 35%. Those earning more than CFA 5 million per year will have to pay income tax at a rate of 35%.

Note that income tax can be paid in cash, by check if the amount exceeds CFA 200,000 or even by bank or E-transfer.

Tax returns have to be submitted to the nearest tax office to your place of residence not later than the 31st of March of each year.

Finding a job in Cameroon may not be as easy as it seems. Foreigners are hired according to certain criteria, particularly in terms of skills. In fact, you are more likely to be hired if you have qualifications and skills which are lacking or not available in the country. Hence, it is best to start your job search well in advance, from your home country, so that you can better be aware of Cameroon's labor requirements. Internet will be your greatest tool as you can find many specialized job websites.

You can also send spontaneous job applications to the numerous foreign companies which have been set up across the country. These often advertise existing vacancies on their websites. You may as well view job offers in classified ads in local newspapers if you are already on the spot.

On the other hand, networking and word out mouth may help if you have contacts in the country. Otherwise, you can still register with a recruitment agency to have more chances of finding a job according to your profile.

Useful links:

Expat.com - Jobs in Cameroon Ministry of Employment and Training www.minefop.gov.cm Camerjob www.camerjob.com Giga Job www.gigajob.com Job Center Cameroon jobcentrecameroon.com Linked In www.linkedin.com Tip Top Job www.tiptopjob.com Jobzella www.jobzella.com

The 30 teammates strong Expat.com squad comes from a plethora of countries.

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• Career Planning
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• Cover Letters

How to Write a Job Application Letter (With Examples)

What Is a Job Application Letter?

Tips for writing a job application letter, how to get started.

• Writing Guidelines
• What to Include in Each Section

Simple Formatting Using a Template

Tips for writing an effective letter, sample job application letter, sending an email application, review more letter examples.

Do you need to write a letter to apply for a job? Most of the time, the answer is yes. Even when employers don’t require a job application letter , writing one will help you highlight your skills and achievements and get the hiring manager’s attention. The only time not to send one is when the job listing says not to do so. It can help, and it definitely won't hurt to include an application letter with your resume.

A job application letter, also known as a cover letter , should be sent or uploaded with your resume when applying for jobs. While your resume offers a history of your work experience and an outline of your skills and accomplishments, the job application letter you send to an employer explains why you are qualified for the position and should be selected for an interview.

Writing this letter can seem like a challenging task. However, if you take it one step at a time, you'll soon be an expert at writing application letters to send with your resume.

Melissa Ling / The Balance

Before you begin writing your job application letter, do some groundwork. Consider what information you want to include, and keep in mind that space is limited.

Remember, this letter is making a case for your candidacy for the position. But you should do more than just regurgitate your resume. Instead, highlight your most relevant skills, experiences, and abilities.

Analyze the Job Posting

To include the most convincing, relevant details in your letter, you'll need to know what the employer wants.

The biggest clues are within the job advertisement, so spend some time decoding the job listing . Next, match your qualifications with the employer's wants and needs.

Include Your Most Relevant Qualifications

Make a list of your relevant experience and skills. For instance, if the job ad calls for a strong leader, think of examples of when you've successfully led a team. Once you've jotted down some notes and have a sense of what you want to highlight in your letter, you're ready to start writing.

Writing Guidelines for Job Application Letters

Writing a job application letter is very different from a quick email to a friend or a thank-you note to a relative. Hiring managers and potential interviewers have certain expectations when it comes to the letter's presentation and appearance, from length (no more than a page) and font size to style and letter spacing . Keep these general guidelines in mind, but always stick to any explicit instructions in the job listing or application portal.

Length: A letter of application should be no more than one page long. Three to four paragraphs are typical.

Format and Page Margins: A letter of application should be single-spaced with a space between each paragraph. Use 1-inch margins and align your text to the left, which is the standard alignment for most documents.

Font: Use a traditional font such as Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri. The font size should be between 10 and 12 points.

What to Include in Each Section of the Letter

There are also set rules for the sections included in the letter, from salutation to sign-off, and how the letter is organized. Here's a quick overview of the main sections included in a job application letter:

Heading: A job application letter should begin with both your and the employer's contact information (name, address, phone number, email), followed by the date. If this is an email rather than an actual letter, include your contact information at the end of the letter, after your signature.

•   Header Examples

Salutation: This is your polite greeting. The most common salutation is "Dear Mr./Ms." followed by the person's last name. Find out more about appropriate cover letter salutations , including what to do if you don't know the person's name or are unsure of a contact's gender.

Body of the letter: Think of this section as having three distinct parts.

In the first paragraph , you'll want to mention the job you are applying for and where you saw the job listing.

The next paragraph(s) are the most important part of your letter. Remember how you gathered information about what the employer was seeking, and how you could meet their needs? This is where you'll share those relevant details on your experience and accomplishments.

The third and last part of the body of the letter will be your thank you to the employer; you can also offer follow-up information.

Complimentary Close: Sign off your email or letter with a polite close, such as "Best," or "Sincerely," followed by your name.

• Closing Examples

Signature: When you're sending or uploading a printed letter, end with your handwritten signature, followed by your typed name. If this is an email, simply include your typed name, followed by your contact information.

• Signature Examples

Overwhelmed by all these formatting and organization requirements? One way to make the process of writing a job application easier is to use a template to create your own personalized letters. Having a template can help save you time if you are sending a lot of application letters.

Be sure that each letter you send is personalized to the company and position; do not send the same letter to different companies.

• Always write one. Unless a job posting explicitly says not to send a letter of application or cover letter, you should always send one. Even if the company does not request a letter of application, it never hurts to include one. If they do ask you to send a letter, make sure to follow the directions exactly (for example, they might ask you to send the letter as an email attachment or type it directly into their online application system).
• Use business letter format. Use a formal business letter format when writing your letter. Include your contact information at the top, the date, and the employer’s contact information. Be sure to provide a salutation at the beginning and your signature at the end.
• Sell yourself. Throughout the letter, focus on how you would benefit the company. Provide specific examples of times when you demonstrated skills or abilities that would be useful for the job, especially those listed in the job posting or description. If possible, include examples of times when you added value to a company.

Numerical values offer concrete evidence of your skills and accomplishments.

• Use keywords. Reread the job listing, taking note of any keywords (such as skills or abilities that are emphasized in the listing). Try to include some of those words in your cover letter. This will help the employer see that you are a strong fit for the job.
• Keep it brief. Keep your letter under a page long, with no more than about four paragraphs. An employer is more likely to read a concise letter.
• Proofread and edit. Employers are likely to overlook an application with a lot of errors. Read through your cover letter, and if possible, ask a friend or career counselor to review the letter. Proofread for any grammar or spelling errors.

This is a job application letter sample.  Download the letter template (compatible with Google Docs or Word Online) or read the example below.

Sample Job Application Letter (Text Version)

Elizabeth Johnson 12 Jones Street Portland, Maine 04101 555-555-5555 elizabethjohnson@emailaddress.com

August 11, 2024

Mark Smith Human Resources Manager Veggies to Go 238 Main Street Portland, Maine 04101

Dear Mr. Smith,

I was so excited when my former coworker, Jay Lopez, told me about your opening for an administrative assistant in your Portland offices. A long-time Veggies to Go customer and an experienced admin, I would love to help the company achieve its mission of making healthy produce as available as takeout.

I’ve worked for small companies for my entire career, and I relish the opportunity to wear many hats and work with the team to succeed. In my latest role as an administrative assistant at Beauty Corp, I saved my employer thousands of dollars in temp workers by implementing a self-scheduling system for the customer service reps that cut down on canceled shifts. I also learned web design and timesheet coding, and I perfected my Excel skills. 

I’ve attached my resume for your consideration and hope to speak with you soon about your needs for the role.

Best Regards,

Elizabeth Johnson (signature hard copy letter)

Elizabeth Johnson

When you are sending your letter via email include the reason you are writing in the subject line of your message:

Subject Line Example

Subject: Elizabeth Johnson – Administrative Assistant Position

List your contact information in your signature, rather than in the body of the letter:

Email Signature Example

Elizabeth Johnson 555-555-5555 email@emailaddress.com

Review more examples of professionally written cover letters for a variety of circumstances, occupations, and job types.

CareerOneStop. " How Do I Write a Cover Letter? "

University of Maryland Global Campus. " Cover Letters ."

How to Write a Strong Letter of Recommendation for College

If you’re a college counselor, coach, teacher, or mentor looking to support your college-bound students, chances are you’ve been asked to write a strong letter of recommendation. Stand-out letters of recommendation can give students a serious leg-up during college admissions. According to a 2024 post from Admit Report , college admissions officers will read as many as than 50,000 applications per admission cycle for a given university.

With that much competition, it can take a lot to help your student stand out. So, what catches an admissions officer’s eye? Strong letters of recommendation.

In that same survey, admissions counselors said letters of recommendation were more important to them than a student’s extracurricular activities, AP test scores, or even class rank. That means it’s worth putting a little extra effort into your next letter. Here’s how to write a college letter of recommendation that will blow the admission committee’s socks off. 

Need more help? Check out Going Merry’s high school counselor hub for email templates, how-to’s, and other resources.

Introduction

The introduction is one of the most important parts of your letter. This is your chance to hook the reader and draw them in. Here’s how to ace one common recommendation letter format. 

1. Open with a formal salutation

Your letter of recommendation should begin like any business letter. Keep in mind that, while common, “Dear Sir or Madam,” can feel gendered or outdated. “To Whom It May Concern,” is acceptable but can feel a little impersonal. If you can, find out the name of the admissions director. If you can’t find a direct contact, simply address your letter to “Dear Admissions Counselor.” Be sure to type on your official letterhead to give your letter an even more professional look.  

2. Introduce the student 

Start your first paragraph with a sentence or two explaining how long you’ve known the student and in what capacity. Were you their baseball coach, English teacher, or high school counselor ? Explain how you met. If possible, use a little descriptive detail to bring this anecdote to life, and mention your first impressions of the student. It’s usually standard to use the student’s first and last name upon first mention, then refer to them by their first name going forward.

3. Establish a personal connection 

Next, add a sentence or two demonstrating your connection to the student. This is one of the most crucial parts of writing a strong college letter of recommendation. Admissions officers are looking for endorsements from people who really know the candidate well. If you don’t have a personal connection to the student that goes beyond simply being their teacher or counselor, that’s okay. Remember, you can always say no and encourage them to ask someone else to write their letter instead.

One of the best ways to establish this connection and help a student stand out is to tell a memorable story that illustrates their character. Include an example of a time when their qualities or skills really shone. Maybe this is a story about how they stepped up in a leadership position, reacted well in a moment of success or failure, or went out of their way to help another student. Make sure it’s specific and personalized.

Use this section to paint a picture of this young person and explain what makes them stand out. 

1. Highlight the student’s achievements  

Use the next paragraph to mention the student’s top accomplishments. Keep in mind that the admissions officer will already have the student’s resume and GPA in front of them, so don’t waste time listing a bunch of achievements. 

Instead, mention a specific example or short anecdote that might add color to a prominent resume item. For example, the admissions officer probably already knows that your student is a varsity basketball player or a debate team captain. But if this is the hardest-working student-athlete you’ve ever coached or the most brilliant debater the school has ever seen, that’s worth a mention.

Another tip: While it can be helpful to use a letter template , try to avoid using the same formula for every student on your list. College admissions officers are often assigned to a particular region. That means the same person will likely end up reading the same high school teachers’ or counselors’ letters year after year. If your letters are practically the same for each student, the admissions officer will notice.

2. Speak to the student’s character 

Now that you’ve mentioned a student’s successes, it’s time to explain what personal qualities led to such success. Try to make this part of the letter flow naturally from the previous section. 

This is your chance to talk about the student’s hard work, magnetic personality, or aptitude for learning. That said, it’s best to avoid generic statements and clichés . The phrases “great work ethic,” and “strong team spirit” show up on thousands of letters each year. Instead, use concrete examples and descriptive detail to bring your student’s character traits to life. 

Instead of “He’s thoughtful,” say “He’s capable of discussing even the most complex topics with humility and nuance.” Instead of “She’s intellectually curious,” say, “She thinks like a scientist, and over the last four years, she’s turned in such thoughtful lab assessments that sometimes I worried she was teaching me more than I was teaching her.” It’s that kind of vivid description and personalization that catches the attention of college admissions counselors. 

Also be mindful of racial biases and gender biases in letter writing . If you’re not mindful, these unconscious biases can sneak into your letter and negatively color the admissions officer’s view of your student.

3. Provide context 

Praise doesn’t mean much without context. Be sure to benchmark your student’s achievements against those of their peers. This kind of context gives college admissions counselors a better understanding of the student’s abilities. It will be easier for them to make admissions decisions when they can clearly evaluate a student’s performance relative to others. 

So, for example, a weak recommendation letter might state that a student “writes well and participates often in class.” A strong recommendation letter might say something like, “I’ve taught more than 2,000 students in my time as an educator and I’ve never met someone with such a knack for the written word. Many young people struggle to describe their inner world in vivid detail, but Henry succeeded in capturing both me and his classmates with his thoughtful, relatable prose.”

Your final paragraph is your chance to remind your reader why this student is so unique and deserving of a spot at this particular school. Be sure to follow these general guidelines:  

1. End on a positive note 

Your final paragraph should provide a brief summary of your recommendation so far and express why you believe so strongly in this particular student’s likelihood of success. It’s standard to include your contact information in the conclusion in case the admissions office has any further questions for you. This could include your email or office phone number — whatever you’re comfortable providing.   

2. Use a formal closing

As with your opening, the closing of your letter should be professional and businesslike. “Best Regards,” is a common closing, though “Sincerely,” or “Respectfully,” will also work.

Guidelines to follow as you write 

Writing a strong letter of recommendation isn’t just about what you write – it’s how you write, too. Here are some guidelines to keep in mind.

• Keep it relatively brief: The audience you’re writing for has to evaluate countless recommendation letters just like the one you’re writing. Be respectful of their time and try to keep your letter to around one page in length.
• Be honest and balanced : While it’s important to emphasize the student’s positive qualities, it’s just important to be honest and balanced in your assessment. Avoid exaggerations or misleading statements.
• Tailor the recommendation to the college: Do some research on the colleges the student is applying to and customize your letter accordingly. Highlight traits or experiences that align with the particular college’s values or programs. This shows that you’ve taken the time to understand the student’s goals and aspirations.
• Avoid cliches: Steer clear of overused phrases and generic statements. Instead, provide original and thoughtful insights about the student.
• Use professional language and tone : The admissions process is serious business. Maintain a professional tone throughout the letter and use appropriate language. Avoid slang or informal expressions.
• Proofread and edit : Take the time to review and edit your letter carefully. Check for any spelling or grammatical errors, and ensure that the letter flows smoothly and is well-organized. Consider asking a colleague to proofread it when you’re done.
• Follow the guidelines : If the college or university provides specific guidelines or requirements for the letter of recommendation, make sure to follow them closely. This may include details on formatting, submission methods, or specific questions to address.
• Give yourself enough time to write: Writing a college letter of recommendation can take hours, days, or weeks depending on who you are and your relationship to the student. Give yourself plenty of time to sit down, write a draft, and revisit it to make sure it’s polished enough to submit. 

Support your students with Going Merry 

Letters of recommendation are one of the most critical parts of the college application process . That’s because the rest of a college application is pretty dry. Grades and ACT scores only say so much about a person, and colleges want to see more than just academic performance. 

The best students are born leaders with courage, drive, and personality. A good letter can bring your student to life for an admissions committee and even help sway their decision. 

As a high school counselor, you may write dozens — if not hundreds — of recommendation letters each year. Fortunately, Going Merry can help take the busywork off your plate so you focus on what matters. 

With Going Merry’s high school counselor resource hub, you can find everything from free email templates and financial aid lesson plans, to thousands of scholarships sorted by amount, location, and eligibility requirements. Sign up now or schedule a demo to find out how Going Merry can streamline your workflow. 

Disclaimer: This blog post provides personal finance educational information, and it is not intended to provide legal, financial, or tax advice.

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• How to Create the Ideal Student LinkedIn Profile - November 9, 2023
• How to Create a Student Resume That Wows Hiring Managers - November 7, 2023

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Discover business cover letter examples and more.

Tell hiring managers why you’re perfect for the job. Learn how to write a business cover letter with plenty of examples and a free downloadable template.

Your resume provides a high-level overview of your skills and experience — but a cover letter provides the hiring manager with more specific information about why you’re perfect for the job, both as a professional and as a person. A good cover letter can make or break any job application.

When to use a business cover letter.

A resume will only get you so far in a job hunt. Any time you submit a job application, you should include a business cover letter to accompany your resume. Think of it as a proposal to the hiring manager as to why you’re a good fit for the position.

Some clubs and organizations, especially mission-driven organizations, ask for cover letters from prospective members. They might want to see why you’d be a beneficial member who could further their mission before allowing you to join, which is the perfect time for a business cover letter.

Finally, you might want to include a cover letter if you plan to apply for a certification program. Some certifications have prerequisites. A business cover letter, along with your resume, is a great way to showcase your skills and that you’ve met all the requirements to earn the certification.

Download a free business cover letter template.

Not sure where to begin? Whether you’re looking for business cover letter examples for inspiration or want an outline to get started, you can download a free cover letter template online.

Once you download the template, you can convert the PDF to Word to customize the information to suit your skills and experience. You can also edit the PDF online to add text, leave sticky notes, and more.

To give you some ideas, here’s a quick business cover letter example of what you might want to make yours look like:

San Jose, CA | [email protected] | 123-555-4564

Dear Jane Doe, VP of Human Resources

I came across your job posting for an Account Executive on the Company website, and given my extensive business background, I believe I would be an asset to your organization.

For the past seven years, I have worked as an Account Executive for Big Business, LLC., handling dozens of accounts from businesses both domestic and abroad. I have a certification in Business Development from the ALCOP, and I am also proficient with all major project management software, including Jibberjab, Smile, and Wink.

In addition to my business background, I am a strong communicator with experience leading small teams to achieve set goals within projected timelines.

My schedule is flexible, and I would be interested in setting up a time to discuss the Account Executive position further. Thank you for your time, and I look forward to speaking to you.

Tips to write a business cover letter.

A business cover letter is a balancing act between covering as much information about yourself as possible while keeping it short, so it’s easy for hiring managers to read.

Always use professional language. In a business setting , efficiency is key. Hiring managers read through many applications and don’t have time for fluff. Keep your business cover letter short and straight to the point. Highlight your strong points as quickly as possible.

Be sure to proofread your cover letter for mistakes before sending it. Nothing comes off as more unprofessional than a typo in an important business letter.

Once you’re happy with the final result, remember to save your business cover letter as a PDF. PDFs maintain their formatting regardless of device. You can easily convert Word to PDF online to transform your cover letter into a sharable document that’s ready to send to hiring managers.

The best business cover letter format.

There are several differences between generic cover letters and business cover letters. Overall, business cover letters should be more professional, both in tone and layout. Similar to a standard business letter, professionalism and conciseness is key here. But rather than sell products or services, you’re selling your skills and experience.

To keep your cover letter on track, here’s an outline of the important information and sections to include in your business cover letter template:

• Personal information – Start your cover letter with your name, email, and telephone number at the top of the page in a block format. Address or city is optional.
• Date – Every business letter should be dated. Add the date under your contact information.
• Salutation – Greet the hiring manager. Include their name and perhaps even their job title, just to show you’ve done the research.
• Opening paragraph – Explain that you’re interested in the position and how you heard about the opening. Include the exact job title.
• Second paragraph – Provide a summary of your relevant experience and critical hard skills that make you the best person for the job.
• Third paragraph : Briefly discuss the soft skills that would make you an asset to the business and a good team player.
• Closing paragraph : Let the hiring manager know about your availability to discuss the job further. Thank the hiring manager for their time by name.
• Signature – End the letter with a professional signature.

You should also use a business cover letter format that’s clean and in a block format, with a highly legible font. Use single spacing and keep your margins consistent to maintain a business feel. The easier it is for a hiring manager to read your cover letter, the better.

Frequently asked questions.

Should i write a new cover letter for each application.

Each cover letter should be specific to the job you’re applying to. However, you can create a business cover letter template that covers basic information and quickly customize it before applying to a job to save time creating letters from scratch.

How long should a cover letter be?

Your cover letter should be three to four paragraphs, or approximately 250 to 400 words. Always try to keep it to one page.

Is a cover letter the same thing as a CV?

While they are both very similar, a cover letter isn’t quite the same as a CV. CV stands for curriculum vitae, which focuses mainly on academic achievements. Cover letters focus on professional experience. In the business world, cover letters are preferred.

Keep exploring

Content as a Service - acrobat-hub - Wednesday, October 4, 2023 at 08:45