APPLICATION

LETTER
A N D C U R R I C U L U M V I TA E
 How to Write a Job Application Letter
Job Application Letter Writing Guidelines and
Format Advice

Tips for Writing a Job Application Letter

A job application letter, also known as a cover letter, should be sent or uploaded
with your resume when applying for jobs. While your resume offers a history of
your work experience and an outline of your skills and accomplishments, the job
application letter you send to an employer explains why you are qualified for the
position and should be selected for an interview.

Writing this letter can seem like a challenging task. However, if you take it one step
at a time, you'll soon be an expert at writing application letters to send with your
resume.
How to Get Started

Before you begin writing your job application letter, do some groundwork. Consider what
information you want to include (keeping in mind that space is limited).
Remember, this letter is making a case for your candidacy for the position. But you can do
better than just regurgitating your resume—instead, highlight your most relevant skills,
experiences, and abilities.
To include the most convincing, relevant details in your letter, you'll need to know what the
employer wants.
The biggest clues are within the job advertisement, so spend some time decoding the job
ad. Next, match your qualifications with the employer's wants and needs. Make a list of
your relevant experience and skills. For instance, if the job ad calls for a strong leader, think
of examples of when you've successfully led a team. Once you've jotted down some notes,
and have a sense of what you want to highlight in your letter, you're ready to get started
writing.
Writing Guidelines for Job Application Letters

Writing a job application letter is very different from a quick email to a friend or a thank-
you note to a relative. Hiring managers and potential interviewers have certain
expectations when it comes to the letter's presentation and appearance, from length
(no more than a page) to font size and style to letter spacing:

Length: A letter of application should be no more than one page long.

Format and Page Margins: A letter of application should be single-spaced with a space
between each paragraph. Use about 1" margins and align your text to the left, which is
the standard alignment for most documents.
Font: Use a traditional font such as Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri. The font size
should be between 10 and 12 points.
What to Include in Each Section of the Letter

There are also set rules for the sections included in the letter, from salutation to sign-
off, and how the letter is organized. Here's a quick lowdown on the main sections
included in a job application letter:

Heading: A letter of application should begin with both your and the employer's
contact information (name, address, phone number, email) followed by the date. If
this is an email rather than an actual letter, include your contact information at the
end of the letter, after your signature.

Salutation: This is your polite greeting. The most common salutation is "Dear
Mr./Ms." followed by the person's last name. Find out more about appropriate cover
letter salutations, including what to do if you don't know the person's name, or are
unsure of a contact's gender.
Body of the letter: Think of this section as being three distinct parts.

In the first paragraph, you'll want to mention the job you are applying for and where
you saw the job listing.

The next paragraph(s) are the most important part of your letter. Remember how
you gathered all that information about what employers were seeking, and how you
could meet their needs? This is where you'll share those relevant details on your
experience and accomplishments.

The third and last part of the body of the letter will be your thank you to the
employer; you can also offer follow-up information.

Complimentary Close: Sign off your email with a polite close, such as "Best" or
"Sincerely," followed by your name.
Signature: End with your signature, handwritten, followed by your typed name. If this is an email, simply
include your typed name, followed by your contact information.

Simple Formatting Using a Template

Overwhelmed by all these formatting and organization requirements? One way to make the process of
writing a job application easier is to use a job application letter template to create your own personalized job
application letters for applying for a job. Having a template can help save you time if you are sending a lot of
application letters.

Be sure that each letter you send is personalized to the company and position; do not send the same letter to
different companies.
Tips for Writing an Effective Letter

•Always write one. Unless a job posting specifically says not to send a letter of application or cover
letter, you should always send one. Even if the company does not request a letter of application, it
never hurts to include one. If they do ask you to send a letter, make sure to follow the directions
exactly (for example, they might ask you to send the letter as an email attachment, or type it
directly into their online application system).

•Use business letter format. Use a formal business letter format when writing your letter. Include
your contact information at the top, the date, and the employer’s contact information. Be sure to
provide a salutation at the beginning, and your signature at the end.

•Sell yourself. Throughout the letter, focus on how you would benefit the company. Provide specific
examples of times when you demonstrated skills or abilities that would be useful for the job,
especially those listed in the job posting or description. If possible, include examples of times when
you added value to a company.
Numerical values offer concrete evidence of your skills and accomplishments.
•Use keywords. Reread the job listing, circling any keywords (such as skills or
abilities that are emphasized in the listing). Try to include some of those words in
your cover letter. This will help the employer see that you are a strong fit for the
job.

•Keep it brief. Keep your letter under a page long, with no more than about four
paragraphs. An employer is more likely to read a concise letter.

•Edit, edit, edit. Employers are likely to overlook an application with a lot of
errors. Therefore, read through your cover letter, and if possible ask a friend or
career counselor to review the letter. Proofread for any grammar or spelling
errors.
Sample Job Application Letter (Text Version)
Elizabeth Johnson
12 Jones Street
Portland, Maine 04101
555-555-5555
elizabethjohnson@emailaddress.com
August 11, 2020
Mark Smith
Human Resources Manager
Veggies to Go
238 Main Street
Portland, Maine 04101
Dear Mr. Smith,
I was so excited when my former coworker, Jay Lopez, told me about your opening for an administrative assistant in your
Portland offices. A long-time Veggies to Go customer and an experienced admin, I would love to help the company achieve its
mission of making healthy produce as available as takeout.
I’ve worked for small companies for my entire career, and I relish the opportunity to wear many hats and work with the team to
succeed. In my latest role as an administrative assistant at Beauty Corp, I saved my employer thousands of dollars in temp
workers by implementing a self-scheduling system for the customer service reps that cut down on canceled shifts. I also learned
web design, time sheet coding, and perfected my Excel skills.
I’ve attached my resume for your consideration and hope to speak with you soon about your needs for the role.
Best Regards,
Elizabeth Johnson (signature hard copy letter)
Elizabeth Johnson
Sending an Email Application

When you are sending your letter via email include the reason
you are writing in the subject line of your message:

Subject: Elizabeth Johnson – Administrative Assistant Position

List your contact information in your signature, rather than in

the body of the letter:

Sincerely,
Elizabeth Johnson
12 Jones Street
Portland, Maine 04101
555-555-5555
email@emailaddress.com
 How to Write a Curriculum Vitae (CV)
If your career path includes work in academic, scientific research, or medical fields in
the United States, chances are good that you’ll be asked to provide a curriculum
vitae rather than a typical resume. In Latin, the phrase “curriculum vitae” means
“course of life.” Which is quite appropriate if, as an entry-level candidate, you feel like
you’ve spent your entire life in graduate school or medical school.
What is a CV?
In modern English, the concept behind the curriculum vitae might better be translated as
“the course of one’s professional education and career.” In short, institutions that request
these documents are most interested in one’s well-rounded credentials for the job (as
expressed through training and subsequent career experience). This differs from standard
resumes, which focus more on competencies.
Here's information on why, when, and how to use a CV, when to use a resume vs. a
curriculum vitae, CV writing, and formatting guidelines, the differences between U.S.
and international CVs, and examples.
When to Use a Curriculum Vitae

When should job seekers use a curriculum vitae, commonly

referred to as a “CV,” rather than a resume? In the United
States, a curriculum vitae is used primarily when applying for
academic, education, scientific, medical, or research positions.
It is also applicable when applying for fellowships or grants.1
When seeking a job in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, or Asia,
expect to submit a CV rather than a resume.

Keep in mind that overseas employers often expect to read the

type of personal information on a curriculum vitae that would
never be included on an American resume, such as date of
birth, nationality, marital status, and place of birth.
United States law governing what information job applicants
can be asked to provide does not apply outside the country.
What to Include in a CV
There are several differences between a curriculum vitae and a resume. A curriculum vitae is a longer (two or
more pages), more detailed synopsis of your background and skills. As with a resume, you may need different
versions of a CV for different types of positions.

Like a resume, a curriculum vitae should include:

•Your name
•Contact information
•Education
•Skills
•Experience
In addition to these basics, a CV also includes:
•Research and teaching experience
•Fellowships
•Publications
•Professional associations and licenses
•Presentations
•Awards and honors
•Grants
Also list any other information relevant to the position you are applying for. You may also
include a personal statement to make your CV stand out.
Start writing your CV by making a list of all your background information, then organize it
into categories. Make sure you include dates on all the publications and experience you
list.

Depending on the country, you may also need to provide the following in an international
CV:

•Nationality
•Marital status
•Age
•Number of children (ages optional)
•Personal interests like hobbies
•All education including high school / secondary school
•Photos are also recommended (a professional headshot is best)
Date of Birth on CVs
Some countries outside the United States expect you to include your date of birth on your CV. If
you are applying to a foreign job, research the particular country's protocol for job applications.
If you are using a curriculum vitae (CV) or resume to apply for a job in the United States, due to
current laws regarding age discrimination, you may not be required to include your date of birth on
your curriculum vitae.

Customize Your Curriculum Vitae

Once you have made a list of the information you want to include, it's a good idea to create a
custom curriculum vitae that specifically highlights the experience you have that is relevant to the
job you are applying for. It takes more time to write a custom CV, but it's worth the effort—
especially when you are applying for jobs that are a good match for your skills and experience.
•Use accomplishment-oriented bullets that start with an action verb and include a result.

•Start with a Professional Profile (also called a Summary) that highlights the best of what you
as a candidate are offering.

•Edit content to include those areas of expertise, skills, and knowledge that specifically
match the job requirements; not all the details of your education and employment history
(work, research, fellowships, etc.) may be relevant.

•Carefully rank and organize the sections of your CV according to what the institution you
are applying for is seeking. For example, if you are applying to a university where research is
emphasized, you should begin your list of publications on page one, right after your initial
professional profile. If, on the other hand, you know that teaching is valued over the
publication by the department, you’ll want to give your professional career history pride of
place on the first page.
Dorothy Doctor, M.D.
3204 Windover Way
Houston, TX 77204
dorothydoctor@email.com
000.123.4567
Curriculum Vitae
Dedicated and patient-focused M.D. positioned to excel within residency providing an opportunity to grow in knowledge and
therapeutic practice of pediatric medicine.
EDUCATION
Doctor of Medicine (M.D.), May 2018 – David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA
B.S. in Biology, summa cum laude, June 2014 – Stanford University
HONORS / AWARDS
David Geffen Medical Scholarship, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017
Stanford Department of Biology Award, 2013
Stanford Dean’s List, 2010-2014
EXAMINATIONS
USMLE Step 1, May 2016
USMLE Step 2 CK, May 2018
WORK EXPERIENCE
UCLA, Department of Oncology
Research Assistant (2015-2016)
•Assisted Joe Johnson, M.D. and Sue Sanderson, Ph.D. in research and submission of “Novel Immunotherapy
Approach to Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS).”
STANFORD UNIVERSITY
Resident Assistant (2013-2014)
•Provided leadership, companionship, and emotional support to undergraduate residents of a university
dormitory.
VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
American Medical Student Association, UCLA (September 2013 – June 2018)
•President, local chapter, May 2014 – June 2018
•Coordinated well-attended Wellness on Campus Fair, September 2017
Volunteer, Venice Family Clinic (September 2014 to June 2017)
•Helped to support the needs of underserved families at the free medical clinic.
Hospital Volunteer, Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center (September 2014 – June 2015)
•Volunteered in pediatric, ER, and surgery rotation positions
Volunteer, UCLA People-Animal Connection Program (September 2013 – June 2014)
•Provided companionship to critically ill children in the animal-assisted therapy program.
LANGUAGES

English (native)
Spanish (advanced oral and written fluency)

MEMBERSHIPS / AFFILIATIONS

American Medical Student Association, 2014 - present

American Medical Association, 2017 – present

PERSONAL INTERESTS

CrossFit, surfing, photography, and oboe performance.