Tips for Writing a Job Application Letter
Do not copy your resume. The application letter is a promotional pitch. The purpose of this letter is to convince the hiring manager that you are a strong candidate and to highlight your relevant experience and abilities. Your application letter should demonstrate how your background makes you a good fit for the specific job. In contrast, your resume is a general record of your experience, education, and achievements.
Customize each application letter for the job. As mentioned above, focus your letter on why you are the ideal candidate for the specific position. This requires tailoring each letter to match the company and role. Match your qualifications to the job posting by emphasizing the skills, experiences, and requirements mentioned in the description.
Be professional. Application letters have a relatively strict format – hiring managers expect certain information to be included in specific areas as they read your letter. You have the freedom within the structure to be personal, but it’s important to maintain a certain level of formality. Pay special attention to the professionalism of your greeting. For example, do not refer to the recipient by their first name unless explicitly requested.
Proofread carefully. Employers are likely to discard applications that contain many mistakes. Therefore, read your application letter carefully, and you might even consider asking a friend or career advisor to read it. Check for grammatical and spelling errors. Be particularly careful to spell the recipient’s name correctly, as well as the company’s name.
Follow the business letter format. Use the business letter format when writing your letter. If you are sending a printed letter written in typeface, make sure to start with a paragraph containing your address, followed by the date, and then the recipient’s address. If you are sending an email, you can skip the address and date sections.
Decide whether to send a printed copy or an email. The main difference in the format of the email application letter is that it should include a subject line clearly stating the purpose of your writing, for example, “Graphic Designer – Joe Smith.” Instead of placing your contact information at the top of the letter, as you would in a printed version, you will include it at the bottom of your signature.
Job Application Letter Format
Use this formatting information as a guide when writing your customized application letters so you know what information goes where.
Contact Information
Name
Address
City, State, Zip Code
Phone Number
Email Address
Date
Contact Information for the Employer’s Contact (if you have it)
Name
Job Title
Company
Address
City, State, Zip Code
Greeting
Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name (leave blank if you do not have a contact)
Body of the Application Letter
The body of the application letter lets the employer know the position you are applying for, why the employer should choose you for an interview, and how you will follow up. See below for a detailed breakdown of the body of the letter.
First Paragraph
The first paragraph of your letter should include information about why you are writing. Mention the job you are applying for and where you found the job advertisement. Include a name of a mutual contact if you have one. You may conclude with a brief mention of why you think you are an ideal candidate for the job.
Middle Paragraph
The next paragraph of the application letter should describe what you have to offer the employer. This can be one paragraph, or you can break it into several paragraphs. If the paragraph is long, you may use bullet points to break up the text. Remember, you are explaining your resume, not repeating it.
Mention
Specifically, how your qualifications match the job you are applying for. In this part of the letter, make a case for your candidacy.
Final Paragraph
Conclude your cover letter by thanking the employer for considering you for the position. You may include information on how you will follow up.
Closing Salutation
Sincerely,
Signature (for printed letter)
Written Signature
Job Application Letter Template
You can download a job application letter template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online) or see more examples below.
Job Application Letter Example
Sender’s Name
Address
City, State, Zip Code
Phone Number
Email
Today’s Date
Employer’s Contact Name
Human Resources Manager
Company
Address
City, State, Zip Code
Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name (leave blank if no contact)
I was excited when my former colleague, Stephanie Taylor, informed me that you are looking for an HR specialist at Avery Solutions.
Stephanie told me how important teamwork is in your team at Avery and how you need an HR specialist who can adapt to the department and hit the ground running from day one. I believe I am the ideal candidate for your team.
In my current position at Smith Group, I created and managed our recruitment program, including organizing background checks and onboarding new employees. I also have extensive experience in:
Data reporting/data entry on HRIS software
Recruitment and hiring processes, including creating job descriptions and postings, screening resumes, and scheduling interviews
Producing company events, such as the annual company picnic (100+ employees from across the country)
I would love to discuss my qualifications and what I can bring to your team. I have attached my resume for your review. Please feel free to contact me on my mobile phone at 555-555-5555 if you have any questions or to arrange an interview.
Best regards,
Signature (for printed letter)
Sender’s Name
Email Job Application Letter Example
Subject Line: George Woo – Editorial Assistant
Dear Ms. Cortez,
I was excited when Ada Wilson informed me that you are looking for an editorial assistant with a background in copyright and research and a passion for digital media. She suggested that I apply for the position, and I would love the opportunity to tell you more about what I can bring to your team.
I have interned on Ada’s team for the past three years, during which I have developed extensive experience in the copyright and research process. Last year, I was a key player in securing the rights to include poems by Sarah Free in our digital literary collection – a first for us as an online publisher, according to Ms. Free’s estate.
I also have:
Experience with most popular content management systems, including WordPress
Analytical knowledge, including a high level of expertise in using Google Analytics
A strong work ethic and commitment to meeting deadlines
I hope to hear from you soon to learn more about your team’s goals and needs for the coming year. You can reach me on my mobile phone at 555-123-4567 or via email at George.Woo@email.com.
Best regards,
George Woo
How to Make Your Application Stand Out
Do not copy your resume: A job application letter is a promotional pitch. Do not repeat your resume; use this document to sell the hiring manager on your skills.
Customize your application letter for the job: Match your skills and qualifications to the job description, highlighting those that make you an ideal candidate.
Be
Professionally: Use a business message format and ensure grammatical and spelling checks before sending the message.
Thank you for your cooperation!
Source: https://www.thebalancemoney.com/job-application-letter-format-2061567
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