𝓐𝓹𝓹𝓵𝓲𝓬𝓪𝓽𝓲𝓸𝓷 𝓛𝓮𝓽𝓽𝓮𝓻 𝓟𝓐𝓡𝓣 1 & 2

                                                             

An application letter, also known as a "cover letter," is sent with your resume during the job application process. A letter adds more personality to your application by providing more details about your background and interest in the position, while a resume outlines your professional skills and experience more. In this article, we explain how to write an effective and engaging job application letter.

What is a job application letter?

An application letter is a standalone document you submit to a potential employer to express your interest in an open position. The job application letter explains who you are as a professional and an individual. The letter should highlight your achievements and skills, helping to get the attention of the hiring manager or recruiter responsible for reviewing applications. When written well, this letter explains to the reader why they should ask you in for an interview and highlights the key qualifications that make you a fit for the role.

A job application letter can impress a potential employer and set you apart from other applicants. In your letter, you may also want to show your familiarity with the company to which you’re applying. You can talk about how your professional goals and aspirations align with the company’s goals. It’s important to use your job application letter to showcase aspects of your

Job application letter tips

When preparing a job application letter, follow these tips to make sure your letter includes the information a hiring manager needs:

1. Emphasize your skills and abilities

An application letter is your opportunity to sell yourself as an excellent candidate for the open position. Include specific examples of situations in which you applied your experience, abilities and skills to benefit the organization. It is also helpful to include data that supports your claims.

2. Stay concise

Although it may be tempting to include a lot of detailed information about yourself, it is important to be concise. If a hiring manager receives a letter that is multiple pages, they may not take the time to read it. A brief letter is more manageable and appealing.

3. Proofread the letter

Since this letter is serving as your first impression, you want to make sure It is as positive as possible. Make sure your letter does not have any grammatical or spelling errors to avoid a potentially negative first impression.

4. Review the job listing keywords

Most job postings will include certain skills and abilities that the hiring manager and supervisor want applicants to possess. Including these keywords in your application letter helps to show the person reviewing it you would be a good fit in that specific role.

5. Send a letter for every position to which you apply

Unless a job posting specifically states not to send an application letter, it is smart to send one for each job to which you apply. This letter offers the opportunity for a potential employer to learn more about you and gives you the chance to set yourself apart from other applicants

How to format an application letter

When writing an application letter for a job, follow these steps to make sure you include information about yourself and your professional experience that will appeal to a hiring manager:

Address the letter to the hiring manager.

1. Use a professional format

A job application letter should be more professional than a thank-you card or an email to a coworker or friend. The alignment of the document should include single spacing, one-inch margins and left alignment. It’s best to use a professional and traditional font, such as Times New Roman, in a size from 10 to 12 points. Try to keep your job application letter to one page. When a hiring manager reviews your job application letter, they will get their first impression of you as a potential employee, so take time to format it professionally and keep it concise.

2. Create the heading

Use a formal business heading for your job application letter. The heading should include your name and contact information, the date and the company name and address. If you send your job application letter via email, you can eliminate your name and contact information from the header and put it at the bottom of the email after the signature instead.

Example header:

Your name

Your city and ZIP code

Your phone number

Your email address

Date

Name of hiring manager or supervisor

Title of hiring manager or supervisor

Company name

Company physical address

By including a professional and detailed heading, you can make it easier for the hiring manager to follow up with you regarding the position.

Related: Q&A: Should You Put Your Address on Your Resume?

3. Address the letter to the hiring manager

In your research, try to find the name of the person reviewing applications for the job. Address your letter to this person with a common business greeting, such as “Dear Mr./Ms.” and their last name. If you’re unable to find their preferred gender pronouns (she/her, them/they) of the individual reviewing your application, you can use “Dear [first and last name]” or “Dear Hiring Manager.”

How to write an application letter

1.Review information about the company and position

2.Open the letter by describing your interest

3.Outline your experience and qualifications

4.Include aspects of your personality

5.Express appreciation

6.Close the letter

                                                                            exercises

                                                                           page 20

                                                                             Video: