Articles: Cover Letters.

 

1. How to write a cover letter: Introduction
2. How to write a cover letter: Format and Structure 

Articles: Careers/Job Hunting

 

1. A job versus a career: Why it is important to know the difference.
2. Job Market Preparation Tips just for you. Part 1
3. Job Market Preparation Tips just for you. Part 2
4. How to answer the question of salary expectations in a job interview
5. Ten things you should never do at work
6. Jobs of the future: 14 jobs that will be in demand in 2020 and beyond
7. Ten "success-filled" habits job seekers MUST have for 2020 and beyond
8. Five essential Job Hunting Tips
9. "Will work for free!" Why an internship is a good idea 

How and where to get a Police Record in Jamaica

Job seekers have you ever been asked to present a Police Record to a prospective employer? Do you know how to obtain one?  In recent times it has become more prevalent for employers to ask job candidates to produce an authorized copy of a Police Record at an interview. This article will explain how and where to go to get one, and is the beginning of our 'How to in Jamaica' article series. 

Police Records:

Here is where to go and how to obtain one:  

Persons who require a police record should visit any of the Inland Revenue Department Offices (Tax Office) and pay for the record. The receipt must be in the name of the applicant.

The fees are:
JA$3,000.00 - Regular Service- 21 working days
JA$6,000.00 - Express Service – 5 working days
JA$8,000.00 - Next Day Service (Temporarily suspended)

Fingerprinting is done at the following locations:

• 56 Duke Street, Kingston Mall (Kingston): (876) 224-1011/(876) 922-0125
• Summit Police Station (St. James): (876) 224-1012
• Area 2 Police Headquarters, Pompano Bay (St. Mary): (876) 975-5066
• May Pen Police Station (Clarendon): (876) 224-1014

Opening Hours:

Mondays - Thursdays 8:30 am - 3:00 pm

Fridays 8:30 am - 2:00 pm

A letter of authorization must be provided if the police record is to be collected by someone other than the applicant. The bearer must have valid identification

Please take along with you:

1. Taxpayer Registration Number (TRN)
2. Two passport-sized photographs (should not be certified or embossed)
3. One of the following three pieces of VALID identification- i) Passport, ii) National Identification Card, iii) Drivers License
4. If the police record is for overseas/travelling purposes, a VALID passport must be presented

Note: A letter of authorization must be provided if the police record is to be collected by someone other than the applicant. The bearer must have valid identification.

For Persons Living Abroad:

Overseas applications: (876) 348-4098

Persons living overseas must submit:
1. Finger prints (to be signed and stamped by the police or a reputable agency – the name of the person taking the fingerprints must be clearly stated on the document). 
2. Two passport-sized photographs (should not be certified or embossed)
3. Bio-data page of passport (must be certified)
4. Bank draft/money order made payable to The Commissioner of Police

If sent by FedEx or DHL, a return label must be sent if the document is to be sent back to the receiving destination via the same method.


The fees are:
JA$3,000.00 - Regular Service- 21 working days
JA$6,000.00 - Express Service – 5 working days
JA$8,000.00 - Next Day Service (Temporarily suspended)

How to send fingerprints from abroad:

• Fingerprints can be sent via courier service, regular mail or a third party.

Payment Options:

Fees may be paid in USD, CAD, Pound and any note tenable in Jamaica via money order made payable to the Commissioner of Police as well as a third party locally, who will make the payment at the tax office.

If the applicant does not have a Taxpayer Registration Number (TRN), payment must be made at the Jamaica Constabulary Force Finance Branch, Ground Floor, NCB North Tower, 2 Oxford Road, Kingston 5, then the receipt and documents taken to the Technical Services Division (Criminal Records Office), 56 Duke Street, Kingston.

If the applicant has a Taxpayer Registration Number (TRN), payment must be made at any Inland Revenue Department (Tax office) islandwide, and the receipt and documents taken to the Technical Services Division (Criminal Records Office), 56 Duke Street, Kingston.

A letter of authorization must be provided if the police record is to be collected by someone other than the applicant. The bearer must have valid identification.

NB: For Police certificates to be used abroad, the passport is the only accepted form of identification. 

After paying for your Police Certificate please take the following steps:

Step 1. Visit the JCF’s website to complete the Application Form

Visit the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s (JCF) website at https://jcf.gov.jm and click “Police Record” at the top of the page to complete the application form. You are required to upload a passport-sized photograph, TAJ receipt, and any valid government Identification.

Step 2: Select your Appointment date

After completing the online application, scroll to the bottom of the page, where you will find the calendar. After selecting a date for your appointment to visit the Criminal Records Office, you will receive an email with the completed application. You are required to download and print the application and take it with you to your appointment.

Step 3: Your Appointment at the Criminal Records Office

On the day of the appointment, you are required to take the following:
1. One of the following valid government-issued identification (local applicants):

• Driver’s License
• Elector Identification card
• Passport

2. A hard copy of the completed application form.
3. One (1) passport-sized photograph (same as uploaded)
4. Receipt obtained from TAJ

Please note, that the fingerprinting process and a brief interview will be conducted on the day of your appointment. You will also be notified of the date to collect your Police Record/Certificate.

The Police Records Office is located at 56 Duke Street, Downtown Kingston.

Step 4: Collect Police Record/Certificate

Completed police records must be collected at:

Police Officers Club, 34 Hope Road, Kingston 6 between 9:00 am and 2:00 pm, Mondays to Fridays.

For further information, please call 876-922-3221, Ext. 52157.

Important Information:

Please be advised that appointments for Express Services are scheduled for the earliest possible date available.

• Passport-sized photos submitted SHOULD NOT be certified or embossed.
• A passport is the only valid identification needed for overseas purposes requiring a Police Record/Certificate.
• Expungement and transmission fingerprints are walk-in services and do not require an appointment.

The online appointment is currently not offered for sub-sites in St. Mary, St. James, and Clarendon.

Updated March 21, 2024.

IT Technician/Administrator Needed (Kingston, Jamaica)

A Kingston based company is seeking applications for the position of IT Technician/Administrator. The incumbent should be able to assume the following:

Responsibilities:

• Monitor IT related systems for two (2) companies in two (2) locations.
• Act as a liaison between companies and external agents.
• Monitor PBX Systems to ensure functionality.
• Monitor POS Systems  and communicate issues with suppliers.
• Monitor company website and Social Media Platforms.
• Preparing website with proper coding and content pertinent to company webpage, landing pages and supporting pages.
• Maintaining working components through repair or replacement.
• Assisting employees with technical difficulties.
• Assisting staff with hardware and software challenges.
• Develop and maintain an inventory log of all IT equipment.
• Source, log and issue CUG phones to employees as directed by management.

Required Skills: 

Problem-solving: should be able to interpret a problem and determine the best way to resolve it. Should be a critical thinker.

Patience: required to work closely with other members of staff and be able to provide an explanation to issues to prevent user interference and problem recurrences.

Communication: Communicating with clients, supervisors and staff helps everyone to understand the problem and potential solutions. Clearly stating the situation, following through with emails and phone calls and sharing resolutions will make the process flow smoothly.

Endurance: will be required to work long hours with complicated projects, the ability to stay focused on the objective is key. May be involved in the relocation of servers, hardware and peripherals that are important to the operation of the business.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in computer science or related field.
• Two (2) plus years' of experience in computer networks and systems maintenance.
• Sage, Keystroke, Moaware and any Network Associate accreditation will be an asset.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Good interpersonal skills.
• Proficient in database programming and software installation.
• Pay attention to detail.

Please send applications and resumes to escl.applications@gmail.com by June 24, 2022.

A job versus a career: Why it is important to know the difference.

Believe it or not there is a difference between a job and a career! It's possible to choose a job quickly (though it may be hard to land one in this economic climate) but to find a career that's right for you, you need to take some time to think about what it is you truly love to do! It requires that you think carefully and do the research so that you can make the right choice.

The process of identifying a career that suits you is called Career Exploration. This is not the same as job searching. Job searching is a short-term pursuit of a position that temporary fits into your financial and/or career goals. Career exploration is a longer, progressive process of deliberately choosing the education and training required, and going after jobs that fit your interests and skills.

This process involves:

Choosing an occupation that is related to your discipline of study. Be sure that what you have chosen is an occupation and not a discipline. For example, Advertising is a discipline, Copywriter and Account Executive are occupations within that discipline.

Please note:

Gather as much information as possible about your options.

What are the primary work tasks?         
What are typical work hours?
What education is required?
What skills are required to do the job well?

Learn about potential employers (companies) who hire people in your chosen occupation.

Identify three specific employers who would hire someone in your occupation and research them.

How do I get this information?

The Internet
Use Search Engines such as Google, Ask and Yahoo search to find out about your options.

Employer websites- These provides lots of information about companies and their job vacancies.

O*NET-Gives you a wide range of information about careers. This is an American based website but its information is relevant in some areas of the Jamaican job market.

Websites such as Splash Jamaica, Caribbean Jobs, go-jamaica/jobsmart, Career Focus Jamaica (http://jamcareerfocus.blogspot.com supplies you with relevant career tips that can assist you in career/job search and job listings,

The Newspapers

Publish many career related articles that can be helpful in career planning.

Publish job vacancies.

The Career and Placement Department at your college or university

Provides career guidance.           

Helps with Resume and Cover Letter writing.

Provides full-time and part-time job placements as requested by companies.

Provides information on job opportunities.

Hosts developmental programmes such as Employment Empowerment Sessions, Mentoring Program and Job Fair.


Ministry of Labour and Social Security

Provides information on public sector job opportunities.

Deals with recruitment for overseas job placements.

Has information on Jamaican labour laws.

Check out their website: www.mlss.gov.jm/

Professional Organization

 Find one that is in your career field.
Jamaica Employers Federation (JEF)----Jamaica Youth Employment Network
Human Resource Management Association of Jamaica (HRMAJ)

These companies provide networking opportunities that could aid in making the right career decisions.

Thanks again for reading this interesting article, be sure to share it on social media sites and follow our blog for more articles like these!

References: http://www.utechjamaica.edu.jm/offices/Career/careerexploration.html


Revised May 15, 2020.

"Will work for free!" Why an internship is a good idea.

If you are a recent graduate of high school or a college, or maybe a final year student at university about to graduate and enter the working world, you have one thing in common: your wish to find employment quickly. For many however, there is a hindrance to quickly securing employment as planned, and that is lack of work experience.

We all know the story, the enthusiastic, newly graduated job seeker goes out there to find employment but gets his/her enthusiasm crushed because every where they apply they are told they lack experience.

If you're reading this article and you find yourself in that particular situation, read on, this blog might change your outlook and your life!

So you're looking for work and applying to almost every job advert you see, but it's the same thing "candidate must have 1 to 3 years (or even more years) experience..." What can you do? How can you put the odds in your favor? Become an Intern, volunteer and/or join various clubs and societies and network! Today we'll be focusing on Internships.


Internships

Employers want to see that new graduates have some form of experience and they most certainly accept participation in a well-structured internship as relevant experience for entry level positions. An internship is one way of overcoming the lack of experience dilemma. The benefits include:

• Gaining general work related and discipline specific knowledge
• Developing skills and competencies
• Building your confidence in relation to job performance
• Acquiring a frame of reference for evidence of your abilities
• Increasing the possibility of landing a job.

College students, if your academic programme requires or offers the option of taking an internship for academic credit please make full use of the opportunity! Alternatively, you may choose to take a not for credit internship and even go as far as getting involved with a programme that does not offer a stipend. Remember, the ultimate aim is to gain vital experience that will make you more marketable.
Here are a few strategies you should use to help you land a life-changing internship position:

1. Make a list of the organizations, large and small, at which you would like to intern.

2. Identify the specific knowledge and skills that you have to offer the organizations.

3. Determine the benefits you would like to derive from the internship experience.

4. Do your research. Find out which of these organizations do offer internship programmes. Don’t limit yourself to those companies with existing programmes. If you make a good case, your offer of service or request for accommodation could be considered by even those companies without established internship programmes.

5. Prepare a professionally appealing cover letter and résumé making sure to tailor them to match the needs and culture of each of your target organizations.

6. Begin making plans for your accommodation away from home or your current school location.

7. Engage your networking links to get doors of opportunity opened, your professors, mentors, as well as family and friends are good persons to begin with.

The search for the right internship can be just as tedious as finding an actual job, but don’t give up. You'll reap the rewards later. Use similar strategies as you would for a job search and be sure to begin your search early.

TIP: The best time to seek out an internship is during the summer months.

Happy hunting!

Looking for a job? Go here

Ten things you should never do at work.

Here are ten very inappropriate things that happen at work, but shouldn’t. Don’t be the perpetrator of any of these workplace gaffes. Your coworkers will thank you and your professional ambitions will not be blunted when you watch your business manners!

1. Participate in a loud mobile-phone conversation while walking down a hallway, thus interrupting dozens of people in their work.

2.

Chew ice or gum, slurp coffee or otherwise eat or drink loudly or obtrusively whether you’re in your cubicle, in a conference room or anywhere else.

3. Work out via a lunchtime: bike ride or run and then go back to work without washing up.

4. Get into an argument on the phone and force your teammates to listen to it.


5. Apply or remove nail polish at your desk.

Some people are allergic to the chemicals in nail polish and polish remover — and that goes for cologne, after shave and perfume, too!

6. Try to engage one co-worker in a gossip about another co-worker.

7. Walk into a meeting late and ask the other participants to bring you up to speed on the part of the meeting you missed.

8. Ask your co-workers about their financial status, or talk about your own.

9. Invite one co-worker to lunch while ignoring another co-worker who’s standing or sitting right there.

10. Push your political or religious views on your co-workers.

Hope this was helpful be sure to share!

How to dress to impress for a job interview, even on a tight budget!

Whether you're going to a job interview; offered a summer job or permanent employment, the need to dress for success (professionally) is very important! We understand that many persons reading this statement will say, "yeah I get that, but I'm on a tight budget and don't have the money to invest in a fancy business suit." Well, we hear you, with the economy these days everyone is feeling the pinch, but don't be dismayed we have the solution for you! Continue reading this article to get tips on how you can still dress professionally on a small budget!

Dress for Success on a budget:
i. Select tailored clothing: It is better to invest in a few high-quality outfits that can be interchanged than in numerous extravagant or poor quality pieces.

a. Include in your selection at least one dark-coloured suit.

b. Buy simple well-made shirts or blouses, skirts or pants.

c. Jackets and blazers, whether as suits or separates, are vital and versatile for mixing and matching.

ii. Choose colours, patterns and fabrics wisely.

a. Stick to conservative colours for suits (eg, navy blue, grey, and black).

b. Cheerful colours can be used to accentuate but should not be gaudy.

c. Simple stripes, plaids, and subtle patterns are accepted.

d. For outer garments, avoid fabrics with heavy sheen, or those that are very thin.

iii. Ensure proper fit: Your clothing should not be too loose or too tight.

a. The hem of your trousers should cover your ankle but should not sweep the floor.

b. Skirt length should be such that when you sit too much of your thigh is not revealed.

c. Blouses should not show cleavage. The sleeves should reach the wrist.

iv. Ensure that your clothing is always properly pressed.

a. Avoid the crumpled, disheveled look at all costs

v. Undergarments should be both covered and concealed. Ladies should consider investing in lined skirts rather than having visible panty lines.

vi. Avoid the tattered look: Do not wear clothing that is frayed, tattered or has visible holes.

vii. Males should always wear belts with trousers that have loops. Your belt colour should coordinate with your shoe colour.

viii. Ties are essential items for men. For a fresh look, vary the tie worn with shirts.

ix. Simple conservative hair styles and colours for both men and women are recommended. Your hair should always be well groomed.

x. Wear appropriate shoes

a. Athletic, flat-soled, and open toe shoes, and flip-flops are not appropriate. Choose pumps or stilettos with medium length heels (for women).

b. Shoe colour may coordinate with handbag, but not necessarily so.

c. Men should wear laced-up or slip-on dress shoes.

xi. Limit the number of accessories; for example, no more than one ring on each hand. Tongue and nose piercings are still frowned-on in many organisations, so play it safe and leave them at home. Special note: Also be sure to hide any tattoos!

xii. Ensure that neatness and cleanliness are always reflected in your dressing.

a. Your clothing and deportment will be viewed as a reflection of your attitude to the job, therefore plan to characterise your professional presentation with excellence.

References: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/magazines/career/How-do-I-dress-professionally-on-a-budget-_89186

5 Essential Job Hunting Tips!

Essential Tips for the Job Seeker

1. Spruce up your Resume.

It now okay to use graphics like charts and tables on your resume' to illustrate relevant facts about yourself. You can also build a personal website to act as your resume'. 

2. Do some networking. 

A referral to a new company or position is much more effective than any job search engine. Seek to build relevant contacts at industry events, job fairs and through social media. 

3. Learn how to negotiate for your salary.

If you ask for too much, employers will give you the cold shoulder but if you ask for too little you'll have difficulty earning what you're really worth for years to come. Instead do your research, know what a position is supposed to pay and negotiate accordingly, but don't get ahead of yourself at the bargaining table. Be sure to assess your own talents, qualifications, experiences before you decide on a figure.

4. Research a position

Impress your potential employer by doing a thorough background check on the company and its products. Research the position you're applying for, carefully study the job description. Make sure you can handle the role. Employers don't want to spend too much time training you.

5. Be the Total Package! 

Knowing basic computer skills and having the right attitude is fine. In fact it is expected. Being organized and able to communicate effectively will set you apart. Show off those soft skills.

Thanks so much for reading the articles each week, really appreciate it. Please be sure to look out for the next post. It promises to be interesting! :D

Tweet

Job & Career Development Advice

1. Jobs of the Future: 14 jobs that will be in demand in 2020 and beyond.

1. Solar Energy Technician

Like wind energy, solar power will continue to be a major part of humanity's transition toward a clean-energy future. The cost of solar energy keeps dropping year after year, so it's becoming much more affordable for businesses and homeowners. In cities all around the world, solar energy technicians are enjoying stable employment in a growing industry that makes a positive difference. In the U.S., about 30,000 solar technician jobs may become available over the decade from 2016 to 2026. The average yearly pay for this occupation was USD $42,680 in 2018.

2. Wind Energy Technician

With climate change threatening to severely damage the world as we know it, it will become more important to move to clean energy sources. Reducing carbon and methane emissions means transitioning away from fossil fuel sources like oil, coal, and natural gas. That means wind energy will likely be a big part of the future. It's already an industry that's grown a lot. And it will likely grow a lot more, meaning that skilled technicians will be needed to help with the installation, maintenance, and repair of giant wind turbines...

See more...


2. Ten 'success-filled' habits job seekers MUST have in 2019 and beyond.
The reality is that we live in an extremely competitive job market and while we wish there were more jobs, the truth is that employment prospects are few compared to the number of qualified persons hunting for them. So now I'm sure you're asking me...what do you do?...

See more...

Jobs of the future: 14 jobs that will be in demand in 2020 and beyond.

With advancements in robotics, machine learning and artificial intelligence, it is safe to say that many jobs will eventually become obsolete. It is believed that not enough is being done to equip the next generation with the skills they need to find gainful employment in this disruptive era of information technology and technological know-how. 

We are also aware that out of the thousands of university students who graduate each year, few find satisfying work (financial benefits, etc). More graduates are frustrated at the length of time it takes to land a job, and a small but significant number are still unemployed after three years or more of searching for work. 

The unemployment and underemployment rates among university graduates is quite concerning. No, we have not forgotten the hundreds, even thousands of persons who have left high school with a diploma but find it difficult to find even an entry-level position.

The workforce is still being trained in the old industrial model.

Below we have provided you with a list of professions that already exist that are expected to be even more in demand in the future. Salaries are quoted in US dollars and represent the average, yearly income each professional did earn last year. 

Unfortunately we could not find any recorded or official source for corresponding information for Jamaican salaries. The figures placed here are to provide a reference point for the reader. The information therefore is to provide insight into each career's financial viability and longevity.

How to write a Cover Letter: Format and Structure

A winning cover letter will be what distinguishes you from everyone else looking for employment. Previously, we gave you an introduction to the cover letter, discussing the three crucial paragraphs and the content of each. Today, we'll be focusing on the letter's structure, basically what goes where. We will also provide a link to cover letter samples, just scroll to the bottom (after you finish reading) to see the link. Yes, you're welcome!  The structure explained here is for the printed version of the letter. There is an email version that we will share with you very soon, but before we go further, we wish to explain the formatting style of the cover letter.

Cover letter Formatting

There are three ways to do it:

1. Block style
2. Indented
3. Semi-Block style 

Block style
In the block style all sections are formatted to the left of the page and there are no indented lines at the beginning of the paragraphs. Each paragraph is separated by a single space. It is a very formal style and is widely used for business letters.

Indented
In the indented format space is created between the left margin of the page and the first word of each paragraph. Your contact information, date, closing and signature are all aligned to the centre or right of the page. 

Semi-Block style
The contact information, date, closing and signature are placed from centre to the right of the page, however the paragraphs are aligned to the left.  

Now let's get to the meat of the matter!

How the Cover Letter is Structured

The cover letter consists of 6 sections:

1. Personal Contact information 
2. The Date (the date the letter was written/typed)
3. Employer's Contact Information
4. The Salutation/Greeting
5. The Body of the letter 
6. The Complimentary close 

Personal Contact Information

This section is at the top of the letter and contains relevant contact information which includes your name, address, email info and your phone number. This section is first on the page at the very top and can be formatted to the centre; the right or left of the page. There is a significance to doing all three depending on where you live or based on the cultural expectations of the company you're addressing your letter to, there is a big difference in what is expected! Look for the section near to the end of this article called cultural styles for the explanation. 

The Date 

The date displayed should be when your letter was written or typed. It's usually placed at the top of the page on the left corner, either above your contact details or one line (space) below. It can also be shown on the right below your contacts, additional formatting is involved. See cultural styles for explanation. The company's details would be next.

Employer's Contact Information

The company's contact details are after yours and always to the left of the page. You should write or type the hiring manager's name and the correct address of the company. Companies may have several locations, know which one is relevant to you and address the letter accordingly. Also, while we will agree that some companies aren't always forthcoming with sharing the names of their HR managers, you can take the initiative and search online for the HR department's phone number and ask for this information. If that is not available online, be persistent, ask an employee to share that information with you. You should be doing research on the company anyway!

The Greeting/Salutation

Ideally your greeting should be properly addressed to the person who will be making the difference in your employment status. As I mentioned above, try your hardest to get the HR manager's name so you can address them directly. Not only does it show that you did your research but also you respect their authority, and this denotes your professionalism. I recommend this approach one hundred percent. These salutations are also used:

• Dear Sir or Madam
• Dear Sirs
• To Whom It May Concern

I hasten to warn that some employers may perceive you as being lazy, unprofessional and not the kind of person they wish to work for them if you decide to use these phrases. So ask for the information please, mi a beg yuh!

The Body

Please see the details from the article: How to write a Cover Letter: Introduction

Complimentary Close

Everything has a beginning and an end, and the cover letter is no different.

You may choose to use these phrases:

• "Yours Sincerely" or its variant "Sincerely yours"
• "Yours Faithfully" or "Faithfully yours"
• "Yours Truly"

Do not use "Best Regards" or "Kind Regards" that's informal language for a business letter. Don't do it, memba seh yuh nuh know di person! After the compliment skip four (4) blank spaces and place a short line (unbroken please) for your signature, then type your name. Just below this you would indicate that you have included a copy of your resume. For example:

"Enclosure: resume" 

or

It can also be written like the example below if you wish to indicate the number of items enclosed. 

"Encl. 1"

"Encl. 2"

Cultural styles

The cover letter is influenced by two writing styles: the American English and the British English (not trying to confuse you, trust me) style. The original was the British and the Americans developed their own version of it, as they do with the English Language overall. What's the difference?

1. British version - Aligned right and can also be centred

You may opt to format your contact information close to the page's right margin at the top of the page.  For this style you would not include your name. You would only write your address, email, phone number, etc. Your name would be typed at the bottom of the page after your signature.  In the centred version however, your name is also included as part of your contact information.  A line is also used to separate that section from the rest of the letter, so it becomes a cover letter letterhead.

2. American version - Left side of page

Usually aligned to the left of the page, with contact details written according to the standard (your name, etc).

• Date

British - day/month/year

American - month/day/year

*The cover letter samples are right Here

That's it! That's the printed version of the cover letter!  I hope you have found this information useful! Here's some additional reading:

The Essential Elements of a cover letter:
https://www.thebalance.com/parts-of-a-cover-letter-2060308

Sincerely or Faithfully? How to Write a Cover Letter:
http://www.jobfox.co.uk/cover-letters/sincerely-or-faithfully-uk/

Sender's Address in a Cover Letter: Date in a Cover Letter -
https://www.ego4u.com/en/cram-up/writing/cover-letter/layout?date

---------------------------------------------