How to Write a good Application letter and Resume?
How to Write a Job Application Letter (Cover Letter)
A job application letter, more commonly known as a cover letter, is a formal letter you send with your resume. This letter is your chance to “sell” yourself to an employer. Its purpose is to provide information on your skills and experience and explain why you are the ideal candidate for a specific position.
A professional, well-formatted cover letter is essential. Anything that appears unprofessional can prevent a hiring manager from taking you seriously.
6 Essential Tips for Writing Your Application Letter
Do Not Just Copy Your Resume: Your resume is a general record of your experience. Your cover letter is a sales pitch. It should convince the hiring manager to read your resume by highlighting your most relevant experience.
Tailor Each Letter to the Job: This is the most important rule. You must personalize each letter to fit the company and the position. Match your qualifications to the job posting by highlighting the specific skills and requirements from the job description.
Be Professional: Application letters have a rigid format. Stick to a formal level of professionalism. Always use a proper salutation (e.g., “Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name,”) and avoid casual language.
Carefully Proofread: Employers are likely to ignore an application with a lot of errors. Read through your letter multiple times. Ask a friend or career counselor to read it. Pay special attention to spelling the company’s name and the hiring manager’s name correctly.
Follow Business Letter Format: Always use the standard business letter format. (See the format breakdown below).
Hard Copy vs. Email:
Email: You must have a clear subject line (e.g., “Graphic Designer—Your Name”). Your contact information goes below your signature.
Hard Copy: Your contact information and the date go at the top of the letter.
The Correct Job Application Letter Format
Use this structure as your guideline.
1. Contact Information (Your Info)
Your Name Your Address Your City, State, Zip Code Your Phone Number Your Email Address
2. Date
The date you are writing the letter.
3. Employer Contact Information (Their Info)
Name (if you have it) Title (e.g., Human Resources Director) Company Name Company Address Company City, State, Zip Code
4. Salutation (Greeting)
Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name, (Note: Try your best to find the hiring manager’s name. If you cannot, “Dear Hiring Manager,” is an acceptable last resort.)
5. Body of the Letter
This is where you make your case.
First Paragraph: State why you are writing. Mention the exact job you are applying for and where you found the job listing. If you were referred by someone, mention their name here (e.g., “My former colleague, Stephanie Taylor, told me…”).
Middle Paragraph(s): This is the most important section. Describe what you have to offer. Explain how your qualifications match the job description. Do not repeat your resume; interpret it. Use specific examples. If you say you have “team experience,” give an example of a team project you succeeded on. (You can use bullet points here to break up the text if you are listing several key qualifications).
Final Paragraph: Conclude your letter by thanking the employer for their time. State that you are available for an interview and include information on how you will follow up.
6. Complimentary Close
Sincerely,
7. Signature
(For a hard copy, leave space to sign your name by hand) Your Typed Signature
Job Application Letter Example
Theintactone 11 South Street Harbor View, Maine 04005 555-555-5555 theintactone@email.com
March 5, 2020
Jason Rivera Human Resources Director Avery Solutions, Inc. 700 Commerce Way Harbor View, Maine 04005
Dear Mr. Rivera,
I was excited when my former colleague, Stephanie Taylor, told me that you were hiring for a Human Resources Specialist at Avery Solutions.
Stephanie has told me how important teamwork is to your group at Avery, and how much you need an HR Specialist who can fit in with the department and hit the ground running on day one. I believe that I am the ideal candidate for your team.
s> In my current job at Smith Group, I created and run our onboarding program, including organizing background checks and new hire orientation. I also have extensive experience in:
Data reporting/data entry on HRIS software
Recruiting and hiring processes, including creating job descriptions and postings, screening resumes, and scheduling interviews
Producing company events, such as the annual company-wide picnic (100+ employees from across the country)
I’d love to speak with you about my qualifications and what I can do for your team. I’ve attached my resume for your consideration. Please don’t hesitate to contact me on my cell at 555-555-5555 with questions or to arrange an interview.
Sincerely,
Theintactone