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Job hunting can be both exciting and challenging. If you're staring at a blank document, wondering how to craft the perfect application letter, you're not alone. Are you looking for an application letter to apply for a job? Most of the time, the answer is yes. When you’re applying for any job, it is crucial to attach it along with your resume. Even if employers don’t ask for this letter, writing one will assist you in showcasing your skills and achievements. A strong cover letter helps in capturing the recruiting manager's interest. We understand that this is an additional task on your to-do list, but believe me, it will be very helpful for you. 

In this blog, we will talk about how to write an application letter in detail with the help of examples. If you’re unaware of this term, then you have come to the right place to clear your concepts. Continue reading!

What is an application letter?

It is a document that you have to send to the employer along with your CV. It is also called a cover letter. This letter includes the information that you add to your resume. It's an excellent chance for you to highlight your most relevant work experience and justify your selection as the ideal applicant. 

Your resume provides a summary of your abilities as well as a history of your job experience. However, the letter of application you submit to an employer outlines your qualifications for the role and why you should be chosen for an interview.

It is not necessary to attach an application letter with your CV. However it's wise to do so every time. This document helps you to explain your resume further. A resume must follow a strict format, but your application can be more detailed. To increase your chances of being hired and go on in the hiring process, make the most of your application letter.

Do you need a job and are unsure about how to write a cover letter?  Don’t worry! Ask our cover letter writers to write an outstanding letter for you. 

How to write an application letter?

Are you wondering how to write application letter? We have compiled a few steps that will help you to write your letter effectively.

how to write an application letter

Make an outline

Similar to an essay, when you plan to write one, you start by creating an outline. It is also important to make an outline before writing the letter.  You can organize everything you want to write in your actual letter. It's fantastic that you are explicit about your goals and everything you would like a potential employer to know.

Application letter format or outline makes it easy for you to structure your letter because you have the structure planned out already. 

Write a draft 

After finalizing the application letter template, it is a good idea to write a rough copy of your letter before writing the final one.

As you draft your job letter, refer to your previously created plan for motivation.  Don't stress about punctuation and grammar mistakes right now. This will help you create a sample letter of application. 

Salutation

It is the obvious part of this letter. When the employer opens the letter, the first thing they’ll notice is a salutation. So, handle it carefully. Moreover, before start writing your letter, it's crucial that you are aware of these salutation guidelines:

  • Place a comma at the end of the salutation.
  • When addressing multiple people, use the salutation "Dear Sir/Madam" for each person.
  • If you’re unaware of the recipient's name, address the person as Dear Sir/Madam.
  • You should use the recipient's entire name if you are unsure about their gender. Similar to "Dear David Houston."

Letter Body 

Divide this section into three main parts.

First paragraph 

In the first paragraph, talk about the job you’re interested in and then where you saw this job. If someone referred you for this job, then you must mention their name and position. You should leave a strong lasting impression on the employer in the opening paragraph. This is the time to present yourself to a potential employer.

Second & Third Paragraph 

The next paragraph is the most important part of your letter. Share your skills and qualifications that make you the most suitable applicant for this job. Give details about your background, education, qualifications, and experience. Think about the information that you want the hiring manager to know immediately. It is likely that the reader will read your cover letter before looking over your application, so now is the time to present a strong case for why they should review your CV.

Add a personal statement about why you want this job. This section explains why you chose to work with this company and the aspects of the job opportunity that most excite you. 
If you don’t know how to write a personal statement, avail our personal statement writing service now. 

Tip: You should do some research on the business to gather information that will support your claim that you are the most qualified candidate for the job. You can research the role you want to fill to learn about the company's expectations for the position, and then tailor your application accordingly.

Also, whenever possible, use specific examples. If you claim to be an expert at product marketing, you ought to be able to provide instances that support that claim.

Last Paragraph

In the third or last paragraph, say thanks to the reader for reading your letter, make reference to your resume and any other files you've attached, and offer to provide more details if necessary. End with "Sincerely," expressing your excitement for the upcoming steps in the hiring process.
You should also include details about how the employer or company will contact you.

Signature

When sending or uploading a printed letter, sign the document by hand and then type your name at the end. If this is an email, just type your name and your contact details after that.

Application Letter Template

 

[Your Full Name]
[Your  Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]

[Date]

[Name of Hiring Manager]
[Job title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
[City, Zip Code]

Dear Manager,
I'm writing this letter to show my interest for the role of [job title] at [company]. [Describe how you found out about the job and include your contact details if
you were recommended by a company employee.] I think my [qualification and experience] make me the perfect match for this job role.

[Add a second paragraph that elaborates how you would contribute to the company's success] 

[Summarize your unique skills in the third paragraph. Extend your major achievements and include details that you were unable to provide in your resume's more concise format.]

Closing
Sincerely,
[Your Name]

 

When to write an application letter?

It's true that you should send an application letter if you're interested in a job, but there are other factors to take into account before you do.

You send your resume and cover letter in response to a job advertisement that piques your interest, right? However, these letters are not quite a good fit for this. Employers will not accept an application letter in place of a CV and cover letter.

The application letter template is different from the CV, as well as a cover letter. You have to use a different approach to write it. If an employer hasn't inquired about your interest in the job, you should write an application letter. This implies that there's currently no job advertisement or public announcement regarding a job position.

Suppose you’re looking for a job, and you have a list of top companies where you love to work. It's not necessary to wait for a job posting to express interest in a specific position. You can simply send an application to various companies via email. This is a great way to formally introduce yourself to the potential employers at the companies that you dream of working with.

Reasons for writing an application letter when applying for a Job

If you're looking for a job right now, then you should think about composing a letter of application for the following reasons. 

  • It acts as a formal introduction between you and your hiring manager.
  • It may help you to access hidden job opportunities.
  • It helps you to stay one step ahead of other job seekers.
  • When thousands of applicants express interest in a job after it is advertised, it places you in a less competitive sphere.
  • This means that by using this approach, you can skip the online job application process and crafting a cover letter, as most application letters are meant to be self-contained and independent.

How does a job application letter differ from a cover letter?

Most people think that application and resume letters have the same meanings. So they use them interchangeably. The purpose of an application letter and a cover letter differs, even though they serve almost the same purposes.

  • A cover letter is typically sent with a CV or resume, whereas an application letter is meant to stand alone.
  • A cover letter has a brief introduction that mainly consists of three to four paragraphs about the job seeker. These paragraphs include education, experience, achievements, and reasons why the employer hires you. In contrast, an application letter may contain a longer introduction because it is meant to stand alone like a CV.
  • Sometimes, instead of a resume, you can use an application letter to apply for a job. In it, you need to talk about your work history and skills. On the other hand, a cover letter is just a quick introduction to your resume and shouldn't have too much detail about your background.
  • A cover letter is similar to an elevator pitch. Its goal is to pique the reader's interest enough for the recruiter or hiring manager to want to review the CV.
  • A person looking for a job usually sends a cover letter to show they're interested in a position. It's like a short note before they send in their detailed resume. The application letter is when they express interest in a job that wasn't advertised, like reaching out about a position that might be available.

Recommended Article : “ How to write a cover letter

Best tips for writing application letter for a job

Consider the following formatting tips when writing a job application letter:

Best tips for writing application letter for a job

Use keywords

Reread the job description, circling any keywords (such as skills or abilities highlighted in the description). Incorporate a few of those terms into your cover letter. This will demonstrate to the hiring manager about your suitability for the job role.

Tone 

Employers are able to sense your tone from your writing style. You have to write your application letter with the recipient in mind. When writing, use formal language and be respectful. Take care not to use ambiguous or slang terms.

Be precise

It is crucial that you keep your cover letter as brief as possible, even though you should explain to potential employers why you believe you are the best candidate for the position.
Employers are very busy people who may not have time to read your application letter. Explain why you're writing your letter in the first paragraph because this is likely to be the first thing the employer looks at.

Customize the letter for the position and company

Applying a customized approach will convey to your potential employer that you are passionate about both the company and the job for which you are submitting an application.
Employers are eager to hire individuals who have a strong work ethic. You may only need to modify your application letter to get the job of your dreams.

Only send typed document

You should send a typed and computer-generated application letter, even if a handwritten document is required. Typing your document will help you to show a well aligned, clear, and easy-to-understand letter. 

Use good quality paper

If you are sending your letter in hard copy, use the best quality paper. Never write your letter on a piece of paper you tore out of your notepad. If you do this, your letter will appear messy and unprofessional.

Proofread your letter

Proofreading your letter will enable you to identify any mistakes that should be corrected before submitting it. To catch some mistakes, read it aloud to yourself.

Verify your letter for spelling and punctuation mistakes. To correct your spelling, you can use Grammarly.com.

Application Letter Example

Composing a job letter can be challenging, especially if it's your first time writing one. Looking at a sample of an application letter will assist you in writing your own without too much stress. You can write your  letter using this example as a guide.

 

David Morris
13 North Street
304 Town Ave.
Nashville, TN 37201
November 23, 2023

D. Sandler
Hiring Manager
Pepsico Company
3121Harlay St.
California, TM 45112

Dear Manager,

I'm writing to express my enthusiasm for the role of marketing associate at Pepsico Company. Nick Caudwell, your sales manager, introduced me to this golden opportunity. I believe I'd be a good fit for this position with my five years of working experience in food and drink marketing.

I’m currently employed at Jones Soda Co., where I managed a number of successful campaigns for novel beverage offerings. My ability to analyze markets well allowed me to pinpoint the important target demographics for these marketing campaigns. My best-performing ad of 2023:

    • Doubled sales of the product in 3 months.
    • Also included an online advertising video that received over 10M views in a week.
    • In less than a month, it brought in over 5k new Facebook likes.

I think I could help Pepciso Company achieve this kind of success and expand the audience for your next summer cold drink campaigns. I would love to talk
with you about the opportunities I see in marketing your drinks to a younger audience.

I would be happy to discuss my qualifications further and what I can contribute to your team. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

David Morris

Frequently Asked Questions 

What format should I use for my application letter? 

The format should be as follows:

  • Subject (email) or Heading (hard copy)
  • Salutation
  • Body paragraph
  • Closing
  • Signature

How much length is appropriate for my cover Letter?

A cover letter should ideally be one full page or half a page long. Divide it into paragraphs so the recruiter can quickly and easily understand the information.

How do I start my application letter?

It should begin with 'Dear' followed by the name of the person to whom you are writing. You can use either first name and surname or title and surname. If you don't know who you're writing to, use 'Dear Sir or Madam,' instead. 

Conclusion

You won't have to wait years to get the dream job if you have a polished application letter. Every day, employers receive a ton of application letters; however, by mastering the art of writing an impactful letter, job seekers can make a lasting impression.

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