Are you planning to submit a job application? If yes, then you need to know to write a good job application letter (A.K.A cover letter) to support your resume.
The thing is, there is a good way to write a job application letter and there is also the wrong way to do it.
But in this article, you will learn the best way to write a job application letter.
The tips and tricks that you will find here will make the hiring team fall in love with you.
And if they find you worthy, you will get the job immediately.
But what is a job application letter, and why is it necessary to write one?
Let’s find out.
What is a Job Application Letter?
A job application letter (also known as a cover letter) is a letter you send with your resume that explains how your skills and experience match your employer’s needs.
This letter is your chance to “sell” yourself to an employer, explaining why you are an ideal candidate for a position.
You can submit a job application letter when applying for a job online or when you are submitting your documents in person.
Why is a job application letter important?
Applying for a job position comes with a lot of competition.
This competition is stronger if the job is announced on-air, published in newspapers or listed on a website.
So, to stand out among the crowd, you need to sell yourself as the best candidate for the position.
Your resume alone cannot help you to sell yourself to the hiring.
A resume will only list your academic qualifications, skills and achievements.
There is no room for you to explain how your skills and academic experience suits the job position.
This is where a job application letter comes in.
A job application letter is an important way to showcase how your unique combination of skills and experience meet the key requirements of the job description.
It is your chance to show a clear link between your knowledge, experience and abilities and the needs of the employer.
And when you take the time to match your qualifications to the job opportunity, it can help you get selected for an interview.
What are the tips for writing a good job application letter?
As mentioned earlier, there is the right way of writing a job application letter and there is the wrong way.
If you write your cover letter the wrong way, it will not impress your employer.
As a result, you will not be invited for an interview and ultimately, you will lose the job opportunity.
So, what are the tips that can help you to write the most enticing jobs application letter?
Here they are;
1. Research and learn about the company:
Every company is unique.
So, you must do your research to know what the company you are applying to really wants.
Read their website, read the job description and speak to other employees of the company if possible.
2. Keep your writing professional:
Writing a cover letter is not the same as writing a letter to your mom or your best friend.
So, you must keep your writing as professional as possible.
Avoid using language that shows familiarity or else I will turn off the employer or the hiring team.
3. Write a fresh cover letter for each job:
Your job application letter is an opportunity for you to sell yourself to the employer.
You want to explain how your skills and experience suit the available position.
As a result, you can only tailor your writing to one position at a time.
The cover letter you used to apply for the position of supervisor will not serve well for the position of an accountant.
Always create a new cover letter for every job application.
4. Express your interest in applying for the job:
When you write your job application letter, you need to show some excitement in your writing.
This excitement will come from the fact that you have an interest in the job.
Employers love to hire people who are optimistic and excited about their job.
That is because most people who are excited about their job tend to be very passionate about the job.
So, sell yourself as one who is passionate, excited and optimistic as you write.
5. Carefully review your letter before submitting it:
This is very vital because some employers can be very strict when hiring.
A little oversight in your job application letter can make you appear as someone who does not pay attention to details.
As a result, employers are likely to overlook your application because of the errors.
To avoid this, always read through your cover letter to check for mistakes.
If possible, have a friend or career counsellor read the letter too.
Proofread for grammar and spelling errors.
Be particularly mindful to spell the letter recipient’s name correctly, as well as the company name.
6. Write your cover letter following business letter format:
When writing your job application letter, make sure you use the business letter format.
If you’re sending a typed hard-copy letter, then be sure to lead with a paragraph containing your address, followed by the date, followed by the address of the recipient.
On the other hand, if you’re sending an email, then you can omit the address and date sections.
7. Decide whether to send a hard copy or email:
Whether you need to send your job application letter as an email or hard copy will depend on the instructions provided.
For some job listing, you only need to upload all relevant document for assessment.
Otherwise, you can submit your application by email or as a hard copy.
Also, formating your hard copy letter is different from how you format your email cover letter.
The main difference in formatting an email application letter is that you need to include a subject line that clearly lays out your purpose for writing.
For instance, “Financial accountant—John Doe.”
Also, instead of placing your contact information at the top of the letter, as you would in a hard copy, you’ll include it below your signature.
Talking about formats, let’s see the structure of a job application letter.
What is the structure or format of a job application letter?
When writing your job application letter, you already know that it needs to be in the business letter format.
Use this guide to structure your cover letter and make sure that you only put the right information where necessary.
So, here is what the structure of your job application letter should look like;
1. Your contact information:
The first thing to include in your application letter is your contact information unless you are sending it as an email.
Include the following contact information.
- Name
- Address
- City, State Zip Code
- Phone Number
- Email Address
2. Date:
The next thing that follows is the date.
This should come under your own contact information.
3. Employer contact information:
If you have the employer’s contact, then you can address him properly in your letter.
So, information for this section will include;
- Name
- Title
- Company
- Address
- City, State Zip Code
4. Body of the job application letter
In the body of the letter, use simple terms to explain the position that you are applying for.
Also, this is the part where you will sell skills and experience.
You will make an effort here to let the employer know that you are the best fit for the position.
Remember to keep your sentences short and simple.
See the breakdown of the body of your job application letter
- First Paragraph
The first paragraph of your letter is where you explain to the employer your reason for writing this job application letter.
It should include the position that you are applying for and where you found the job listing.
If the job was recommended by someone who the employer knows, then you need to include the person’s name.
This will even make the employer give you special treatment for the sake of the mutual relationship you share with the person who recommended the job.
Immediately after writing the above, go straight to explain why you think that you are the best candidate for the job.
- Middle Paragraph(s)
In the midsection of your letter is where you will talk about what you have to offer the employer.
It can be a single paragraph, or you can break it up into a couple of paragraphs.
If you have too many things to offer, then you can use bullet points to outline each of them in short sentences.
Mention specifically how your qualifications match the job you are applying for.
In this portion of the letter, you have to prove your worth so that the employer can already imagine what you will do for the company.
Use specific examples whenever possible.
For example, if you say that you have lots of experience as a project manager, then provide an example of a project you executed with excellence.
- Final Paragraph
Conclude your application letter by thanking the employer for considering you for the position.
In the end, include your contact information and request to know how you will follow-up to get updates about your job application.
- Complimentary Close (examples)
A simple example of how to close your job application letter is given below;
Sincerely,
Your Signature (for hard copy) or Typed Signature
Your name
Conclusion
There is huge competition for every job position advertised today because of the high rate of unemployment.
So, to increase your chances of getting hired, you must make your application stand out.
A good way of achieving that is by writing a very nice cover letter for your resume.
You will have the opportunity to explain your abilities better than you would in your resume.
Share these tips with someone you know to help them write the best job application letter that will help them get the job.
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