How To Write an Application Letter-Tips and Examples.
Is it necessary to prepare a cover letter when applying for a job? Yes, most of the time. Even though a job application letter isn’t required, producing one will help you highlight your skills and achievements and get the attention of the hiring manager. The only time you should not send one is if the job description specifically states not to.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps of writing an application letter, as well as provide a template and an example to help you get started.
What is an application letter?
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The first correspondence you will have with your potential boss will be an application letter.
An employer will undoubtedly assess you based on your application letter. Always keep in mind that employment competition is fierce. Because companies typically receive hundreds of job applications for a single vacant position, your application letter must stand out.
A well-written application letter will almost certainly boost your chances of landing your ideal job. While your curriculum vitae must include all of your relevant work experience, education, and detailed data about your job qualifications, your application letter should explain why you are different from the other candidates.
What You Should Do First
Do some research before you start writing your job application letter. Think about what information you’d like to include (keeping in mind that space is limited).
Remember, the purpose of this letter is to make a case for you to be considered for the position. However, rather of simply reiterating your resume, emphasize your most relevant skills, experiences, and abilities.
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Examine the Job Advertisement
You’ll need to know what the company wants in order to incorporate the most compelling, relevant information in your letter.
Spend some time decoding the job post because it contains the most important clues.
After that, align your skills to the employer’s wants and requirements.
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 get started writing.
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SEE ALSO:
How to write a perfect Statement of Purpose for Scholarship & Admission Applications
How to write an application letter
Writing Guidelines for Job Application Letters.
To write a captivating application letter, follow these steps:
A job application letter is not the same as sending a fast email to a friend or writing a thank-you message to a relative. When it comes to the letter’s presentation and appearance, hiring managers and potential interviewees have particular expectations, ranging from length (no more than a page) to font size and style to letter spacing:2
Length: A letter of application should be no more than one page long. Three to four paragraphs is typical.
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Format and Page Margins: A letter of application should be single-spaced with a space between each paragraph. Use about 1″ 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 Should Each Section of the Letter Contain?
There are also guidelines for the portions of the letter, from the salutation to the closing, as well as how the letter is organized.
Here’s a rundown of the most important components of a job application letter:
Heading: A cover letter should begin with your and the employer’s contact information (name, address, phone number, and email address), followed by the date.
If this is an email rather than a letter, provide your contact information after your signature at the bottom of the letter.
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Salutation: Please this is your polite greeting. “Dear Mr./Ms.” is the most popular salutation, followed by the person’s last name. Learn more about proper cover letter salutations, including what to do if you don’t know the person’s name or aren’t sure of the gender of a contact.
The letter’s body: Consider this section to be divided into three parts. You should specify the job you’re applying for and where you saw the job posting in the first paragraph.
The next paragraph(s) of your letter are the most crucial. Remember how you got all that data on what employers were looking for and how you could match their requirements?
This is where you’ll include any pertinent information about 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.
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Complimentary Close: Sign off your email with a polite close, such as “Best” or “Sincerely,” followed by your name.
Signature: When you’re sending or uploading a printed letter, end with your signature, handwritten, followed by your typed name. If this is an email, simply include your typed name, followed by your contact information.
Tips for Writing an Effective Application Letter
- Always write one
You should always send a letter of application or cover letter unless the job posting clearly states not to. Even if the firm does not request one, it is always a good idea to include one. If they do ask you to send a letter, make sure you follow the instructions to the letter’s letter’s letter’s letter’s letter’s letter’s letter’s letter’s (for example, they might ask you to send the letter as an email attachment, or type it directly into their online application system). [the_ad id=”2914″] - Make use of the business letter format.
When composing your letter, use a formal business letter structure. Include your contact information, the date, and the employer’s contact information at the top of the page. Make sure to include a salutation at the top and your signature at the bottom.
3. 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
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Numerical values provide concrete evidence of your skills and achievements.
4. Make use of keywords.
Reread the job description, circling any keywords that stand out (such as skills or abilities that are emphasized in the listing). In your cover letter, try to incorporate some of those words.
This will demonstrate to the company that you are a good fit for the position.
5. Keep it short.
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Keep your letter to one page and no more than four paragraphs long. A brief letter is more likely to be read by an employer.
6. Proofread and revise your work.
Employers are more likely to overlook a resume that has numerous inaccuracies. Examine your cover letter and, if possible, have a friend or a professional counselor look it over.Check for any grammatical or spelling mistakes.
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A Sample Job Application Letter
Elizabeth Johnson
12 Jones Street
Portland, Maine 04101
555-555-5555
elizabethjohnson@emailaddress.com
August 11, 2020
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, time sheet coding, and 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
Sending an Email Application
Include the reason you’re writing in the subject line of your email if you’re sending it by email:
Subject Line Example
Subject: Elizabeth Johnson – Administrative Assistant Position
