HOW TO WRITE AN APPLICATION LETTER

How to Write a Job Application Cover Letter

JOB APPLICATION IDEAS INCLUDE

With the CV complete, the next stage is to send it off to prospective employers that
have been found. When doing this it is necessary to write a job application cover letter.
This cover letter will accompany the CV. Its main aim is to enable your CV to be read
rather than just being placed into the "pending" file.

With many large organizations receiving vast quantities of CVs, it is necessary to provide
as much help as possible to ensure that your CV is read. A well written job application
cover letter will explain what job you are applying for and why. It will detail some of the
salient points in the CV to provide an introduction into the CV itself.

The job application letter format should be short and succinct. It may possibly contain
four or five paragraphs which could be structured as below:

1. Opening paragraph: The opening paragraph is an introduction. It will state which job
you are applying for and possibly where you saw any job advertisement. It may also
state that the CV is enclosed.

2. Second paragraph: This section of the job application cover letter can be used to
explain why you are applying detailing what particular experience skills or reasons
you have that would make you suitable for the job.

3. Third paragraph: This paragraph can be used to explain why you would be of
particular value to the company, and give them a reason for taking your application
further.

4. Closing paragraph: This section can be used to state when you would be available to
be contacted and interviewed, detailing any times when you may not be available.

As part of the standard letter format, your address should be at the top right hand
corner of the letter. It may also be necessary to include a relevant telephone number
here.

This format for a job application cover letter is only one suggestion. It can be formatted
as required according to the particular situation.
Job application letter hints and tips

There are several useful hints and tips about writing a job application cover
letter. Most of them are very straightforward. However, one of the most
useful ideas is to put you in the place of the person receiving the letter and
asking whether it would be useful. For example receiving a job application or
CV with no covering letter would imply the person did not really care, or
know how to apply. Similarly receiving a job application cover letter that is
well thought out and well-presented will enhance and prospects of being
successful at the job interview.

Some simple pointers, hints and tips are given below:

1. Don't make the letter too long: The letter is meant to be eye catching, so
don't re-iterate the CV. Keep the letter succinct.
2. Avoid flowery language: Again the letter is meant to concise and to the
point. Flowery language will seem out of place.
3. Tailor the letter to the job and company: It is worth making sure the
letter is not seen as a "round robin" sent out to many people and
companies. If it is tailored to the company it will show professionalism.
4. Check spelling: Don't rely on the spell checker. Read the letter over very
carefully for spelling and grammatical errors. Even get someone else to
check it through as they will see it with different eyes and may have some
helpful suggestions.
5. Email and snail mail: Even if a CV is sent in by email, a covering note in
the email should contain many of the basics of a paper letter, but
obviously within the general email format.
6. Use good quality paper: While not spending out especially for any paper,
the letter should be produced on good quality office paper. It obviously
must never be lined even if submitting a handwritten letter.
7. Typed / computer generated not hand written: It is normally expected
that unless a handwritten letter is specifically requested, the letter should
 be typed or more usually these days generated on a computer. The font
chosen should normally be fairly formal in nature.

Sample application letter format

When writing a traditional (paper) letter, it is still necessary to adopt the
standard format used for letters. Although this can vary from time to time, a
standard format for one is shown below:
 Your house
Your Road
Your Town
Post or Zip Code

Today's date

Name of contact person

Their company
Their Road
Their Town
Their Post or Zip Code

Dear Mr / Mrs / Miss / Ms Contact name,

Re: Title to define what you are writing about, e.g. the job position XYZ and
any reference

This space is then used for the various paragraphs within the job application
cover letter. As mentioned above there should be four or five paragraphs to
cover the details required.

It should be remembered that the job application letter should be concise,

and it should look and sound professional. In this way it will help the job
application stand out from the others.
Further paragraphs......

Yours sincerely,

Space for your signature

Print your name

This is a fairly standard letter layout. It can obviously be tailored to meet the
individual situation, but generally this format is often used.

There are a couple of points or protocol that is worth noting:

Use of yours sincerely, and yours faithfully: It is normal that the ending
"Yours sincerely" is used when the letter is addressed to a particular person
by name, i.e. if the letter started with "Dear Mr Blogs", then the ending
would use "Yours sincerely". When using a generic addressee, i.e. "Dear Sir"
or "Dear Madam", then "Yours faithfully" should be used.

Use of Mr and Esquire: In general it is possible to use either "Mr Blogs" or "F
Blogs Esquire" but never use both together, i.e. "Mr F Blogs Esquire" should
never be used.

Although life is less formal these days, addressing the letter in the correct
way shows a professional attitude, and someone who is more likely to be
able to handle them properly if they need to represent the company on
business.
Job Application Letter Format

Use the application letter format below as a guideline to create customized application letters
to send to employers.
Contact Information
Name
Address
City, State, Zip Code
Phone Number
Email Address
Date
Employer Contact Information (if you have it)
Name
Title
Company
Address
City, State, Zip Code
Salutation
Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name, (leave out if you don't have a contact)

Body of Application Letter

The body of your application letter lets the employer know what position you are applying for,
why the employer should select you for an interview, and how you will follow-up.

First Paragraph The first paragraph of your letter should include information on why you are
writing. Mention the job you are applying for and where you found the job listing. Include the
name of a mutual contact, if you have one.

Middle Paragraph(s) The next section of your application letter should describe what you have
to offer the employer. Mention specifically how your qualifications match the job you are
applying for. Remember, you are interpreting your resume, not repeating it.

Final Paragraph Conclude your application letter by thanking the employer for considering you
for the position. Include information on how you will follow-up.

Complimentary Close
Sincerely,
Signature