Writing Effective Cover Letters: Do Undergraduates Have the Written Communication Skills to Achieve the Spirit of SDG4 Quality Education?
Authors: Kummin Sa’adiah , Ramachandran Devendran A. L. , JusohHussain Affifuddin Husairi Mat , Muslim Nazri 
Published: October 2024

Introduction: This study investigates the impact of English language instructors’ intervention on the cover letter writing process for job applications among specific ESL learners enrolled in a workplace communication course at a public university in Malaysia. This study adopts an action research technique, incorporating content analysis conducted before and after the intervention. The goal of this action research is to identify inaccuracies or issues in the format and content of cover letters written by the selected learners and implement instructor intervention to resolve the identified problems or errors. Generally, the results of this study revealed that the effectiveness of the learners’ cover letters improved after receiving extra input and feedback from their language instructors. A lack of learner-readiness and job knowledge resulted in some learners experiencing difficulty in writing coherent cover letters. More importantly, the learners indicated that their writing experiences raised greater awareness of the many aspects of cover letters and enhanced their confidence in writing cover letters. Overall, this study contributes the initiative to enhance learners' understanding of the ever-changing employment market and develop not only their ability to write cover letters but also their self-confidence and proficiency in the English language. Most significantly, the written communication skills will provide them with lifelong learning opportunities that are taught in higher education as stipulated in the fourth goal (SDG4) of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, which emphasizes quality education.

Objective: The objective of this study is to assess the learners' proficiency in writing cover letters by identifying their strengths and weaknesses. The aim is to evaluate the efficacy of the writing methods employed in cover letters and determine their appropriateness.

Theoretical Framework: Kolb’s experiential learning theory (ELT) serves as the primary conceptual framework to define the sequence of activities in the research procedure. David Kolb's (1984) cycle of experiential learning stages perceives learning as a dynamic interaction between learners and their environment (Kolb, 2014). The Experiential Learning Theory (ELT) underscores a cyclical learning process that includes experiencing, reflecting, thinking, and experimenting (Kolb & Kolb, 2005).

Method: This study adopts the action research methodology and employed a six-phase method, which comprises the first phase, the diagnostic test, the second phase, the evaluation of cover letters, the third phase, the pre-writing strategies, the fourth phase, the writing phase, the fifth phase, the instructor feedback phase, and the sixth phase is the re-writing phase.

Results and Discussion: The results obtained revealed the necessity for graduating learners to possess enhanced skills and knowledge prior to entering the challenging work market. There is currently a strong demand for graduates to develop more modern and thorough tactics to successfully secure employment. The results of this study confirm the need for innovative methods in language acquisition, specifically grammar mastery.

Research Implications: Learners need a helping hand with their language and should be guided closely beginning with the rudiments of writing and other integrated language skills that would help bolster their confidence in writing cover letters and improve their communication skills. They need to learn to be independent and proactive in the job-search process. As instructors empower learners with lifelong skills of writing cover letters, the learners themselves should constantly keep abreast of the changes in the dynamic job market.

Originality/Value: This study helps learners comprehend the shifting job market, prepare cover letters, and improve their English and self-confidence. Most importantly, it will offer lifelong learning, as stated in the UN's fourth Sustainable Development Goal (SDG4).