application letters

1. what is an application letter?

A letter of application, also known as a cover letter, is a document sent with your resume to provide additional information on your skills and experience.

A letter of application typically provides detailed information on why are you are qualified for the job you are applying for. Effective application letters explain the reasons for your interest in the specific organization and identify your most relevant skills or experiences.

A letter of application should create enough interest to make the potential employer want to look at your application in greater detail by reading your CV and hopefully invite you for an interview.  Your application letter, however, should not contain too much detail about your experience and qualifications because that is the job of the CV (see the module on Writing Resumes/Curricula Vitae).

2. when do you write an application letter?

we should write this kind of letter when we are looking applied for a job.

• Refer to the job and where and when you saw it advertised. 

• Put in any information about work you have done before. 

• Give your telephone number in the letter. 

• Close your letter by saying how suitable you are for the job.

Preparation

Before you start:

• Read the advert closely so that you can tailor your application to the requirements of the job
• Research the organization: this will show prospective employers that you really are interested in them.

Composing the letter or email

General points

• Keep it brief. You don’t need to give a lot of detail. What you are aiming for is a clear and concise explanation of your suitability for the job.
• Begin your letter or email ‘Dear Mr/Mrs/Ms xxxx’ if you know the person’s name, or ‘Dear Sir or Madam’ if you don’t know their name.
• Avoid inappropriate language such as slang or technical jargon.
• Use brief, informative sentences and short paragraphs.
• Check your spelling, grammar, and punctuation carefully. Some employers routinely discard job applications that contain such mistakes.

3. what is the structure of an application letter?


Structure

The usual order of a job application letter or email is:

• The position applied for: give the title of the job as a heading, or refer to it in the first sentence of your letter, using the reference code if there is one. This will ensure that your application goes directly to the right person in the organization. You should also mention where you saw the job advert or where you heard about the vacancy. If you heard about it through someone already working for the company, mention their name and position.

• Your current situation: if you’re working, briefly outline your current job. Pick up on the job requirements outlined in the advert and focus on any of your current skills or responsibilities that correspond to those requested. For example, if the advert states that management skills are essential, then state briefly what management experience you have. If you’re still studying, focus on the relevant aspects or modules of your course.

• Your reasons for wanting the job: be clear and positive about why you want the job. You might feel that you are ready for greater challenges, more responsibility, or a change of direction, for example. Outline the qualities and skills that you believe you can bring to the job or organization.

• Closing paragraph: in the final paragraph you could say when you’d be available to start work, or suggest that the company keep your CV/résumé on file if they decide you’re not suitable for the current job.

• Signature: if you are sending a letter rather than an email, always remember to sign it and to type your name underneath your signature.

4. write 5 important TIPS for writing application letters

a. searching for information about the company in internet and say something positive about the same place

You should contact the company and find out additional information  such as the name of the person to whom you need to address the  letter and whether they can provide you with any additional 

information about the company e.g. brochures and annual reports. 

b. As the employer might have many applications to read the letter 

needs to be concise and to the point.  An application letter is no 

more than one page long.  Four or five paragraphs will be needed 

however, to convey your essential messages (see format on the next 

page).

c. If the advertisement lists a set of selection criteria then prepare a 

specific reason to each of these to include with your letter and 

resume.  

d. Your application should be specifically tailored to each situation.

e. The letter is a link between your resume and the job or organisation.  

It is used to emphasise, to highlight or to build on information in 

your resume, and to convince the organisation you have skills and 

experience necessary to be the best applicant for the position.