Application Letter

A. Definition
• A letter that you write to accompany when you are applying for a job.
(Cambridge Dictionary)

• An application letter generally contains a brief description of the job

seeker's work history or professional experience. An application letter
often can substitute for a resume and, therefore, requires that the job
seeker include specific information about her work history and
professional competencies.
(Adopted from: https://work.chron.com/application-letter-vs-cover-
letter-5451.html )
B. Social Function
To build positive image of applicant for the suitability
of a job being applied with the qualifications someone
possesses.
C. Generic Structures
• Date
• Recipient and inside address
• Salutation
• Content (statement of purpose, qualifications, experiences)
• Closure
• Signature block
D. Language Features

• Use of personal pronoun (I, you, we, they, me, you, your, etc.)
• Use of simple past tense to describe experience
• Use of special expression (e.g., Dear Sir, Sincerely, Best regards, etc.)
The Example of An Application Letter
To whom / address Remi Monoco, Executive Assistant
The Metropolitan Waterfront Alliance
457 Madison Avenue
New York, NY
10022
Salutations Dear Mr. Monoco:
Statement of I am applying for the position of Office Associate with the Metropolitan Waterfront Alliance (MWA)
purpose based on the recommendation of a mutual friend, Kim Power.

Qualification I will graduate in May 2016 from the University of Virginia (U.Va.) with a Bachelor of Urban and
Content

Environmental Planning, a Bachelor of Arts in French and a minor in Architecture

Experience I currently intern with Piedmont Council of the Arts which shares similar responsibilities to the position
at MWA. I interned at KPMG Audit Form, a corporate environment. I handled event logistics and
publicized events to serve as publicity chair of the Taiwanese Student Association at U.Va

Closure Kim Power is sending you a letter in regards to my qualifications, and I look forward to discussing
my candidacy for this position with you as well. Thank you for your time and thoughtful consideration.
I hope to hear back from you soon.

Signature block Sincerely yours,

Tony Stark
Thank You.
You are great!