Writing a Job

Application Letter
.
• The preliminary application for a
professional position generally
consists of three documents: an
application letter, a cover letter and
a resume.
• While the resume is a somewhat
advertisement for yourself, the
application letter is promoting you
and selling your skills.
Purpose

• The real purpose of a letter of

application is to get a job
interview.
FORMAT
• Your application letter should be
typed.(However, it depends on the
employer's wishes).
 Enclosures
The common enclosures that are
required are:
 resumes (CVs);
 National Registration Cards,
 certificates,
 referees,
 other such important documents. If
you insert enclosures, don't forget to
make mention of these things in the
body of the letter.
The letter should (content)
1.name the position for which you are
applying;
2. make specific references to the
company;
3.indicate your knowledge of and
interest in the work the company is
currently doing;
4. your qualifications for the position.
You want the reader to know:
1.why you want to work at that
specific company,
2.why you are fit for that
company
3.how you qualify for the position
to which you applying.
In addition to tailoring your application to a
specific job with a specific company, the
letter should also
1.Highlight the most important and relevant
accomplishments, skills, and experience listed
in your resume;
2.Point to the resume in some way (as detailed
in the enclosed resume);
3.Request specific follow up, such as an
interview.
back
Format
A letter should be in paragraph form
with a conversational, though formal tone.
The first paragraph should be brief,
perhaps two or three sentences, stating
1.what job you are applying for and how
you learned about it (selective).
2. your general qualifications for the
job.
3. any personal contacts you have in or
with the company (selective).
The main body of your letter should consist of
one to three longer paragraphs in which you
expand upon your qualifications for the
position(if it is too long, it may be skipped).
• Here is where you tell them what you have to
offer and why they should read your CV. This
is a good time to read the job advertisement
again. In one paragraph (two at the most) you
need to summarize your experience and skills,
at the same time, you need to respond to the
position requirements.
 To save your reader time and
to call attention to your
strengths as a candidate, state
your objective directly at the
beginning of the letter.
Example: I am seeking a position as a
manager in your Data Center. In such
a management position, I can use my
master's degree in information
systems and my experience as a
programmer/analyst to address
business challenges in data processing.
If you have been referred to a company by one
of its employees, a career counselor, a professor,
or someone else, mention that before stating
your job objective.
Example: During the recent ARRGH convention
in Washington, one of your sales representatives,
Dusty Brown, informed me of a possible opening
for a manager in your Data Center. My extensive
background in programming and my master's
degree in information systems make me highly
qualified for the position.
 Analyze your career and
summarize it in a few sentences,
highlight what you specialize in,
or how many years in the field you
might have, or even the level that
you have reached. This paragraph
should direct the reader to your
CV and should sell you on some
unique points that you might
have.
 A good way to start this
paragraph is with a statement
like this: "You will see from
my enclosed CV...." then go
ahead and tell them something .

about your career which will

immediately get their interest.
The next part of the body of the letter should
be a brief description of your personal
skills. Again read the advertisement and
respond to their needs. If they are asking for
someone with good co-ordination skills,
then ensure you mention something to that
effect. If it is communication or perhaps
leadership skills they value, then tell them.

that you have these. Use adjectives like

"demonstrated ability", "well developed",
"strong".
• The concluding paragraph of your
letter should request an interview (or
some other response, as appropriate).
State where and when you can be
reached, and express your willingness
to come to an interview or supply
further information. Close by thanking
your reader for his or her time and
consideration.
Finish the letter by adding
a closing remark, either
"yours sincerely", "yours
faithfully”. Leave a few
spaces for your signature
and then place your full
name.
Before you mail the application
letter, read it over again, making
sure that it is perfect. Special
attention should be placed to
ensure the job application letter:
• Is not too long.
• Has no grammar or spelling errors.
• Answers the job requirements.
• Flows and is easy to read.
 Application Letter 1
34 Second Street
Troy, New York 12180

October 4, 2010

Ms. Gail Roberts

Recruiting Coordinator
Department DRR 1201
Database Corporation
Princeton, New Jersey 05876
•
 The job
Dear Ms. Roberts: he is applying
and his general qualification
Your advertisement for software
engineers in the January issue of the IEEE
Spectrum caught my attention. I was
drawn to the ad by my strong interest in
both softwareHis
design and Database.
working experience
I have worked with a CALMA system in
developing VLSI circuits, and I also have
substantial experience in the design of
interactive CAD software. Because of this
experience, I can make a direct and
immediate contribution to your
department.
 I have enclosed a copy of my resume,
which details my qualifications and suggests
point to the resume
how I might be of service to Database.
I would like very much to meet with you
to discuss your open positions for software
engineers. If you wish to arrange an
interview, please contact me at the above
address Interview
or by telephone at (518) 271-9999.
Way of contact
Thank you for your time and
and gratitude
consideration.
Sincerely yours,
Joseph Smith
• Application Letter 2
1234 15th Street
Troy, New York 12180

January 30, 2009

Mr. John M. Curtis

Recruiting Coordinator
HAL Corporation
55 Washington Avenue
New York, New York 10081
Dear Mr. Curtis:
As an experienced computer programmer who is
presently pursuing a master's degree in electrical
engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, I
His qualification and purpose
am writing to request information about possible
summer employment opportunities with HAL.
I am interested in a position that will allow me to
combine the talents I have developed in both
computer programmingHis interest and
and electrical
engineering. point to the resume
However, as you can see from the attached
resume, I have extensive experience in many
related fields, and I always enjoy new challenges.
 I feel that it is important for me to
maintain a practical, real-world perspective
while developing my academic abilities. I
am proud of the fact that Iand
His qualifications have financed
my entire education
working through scholarships
experience
and summer jobs related to my field of
study. This work experience has enhanced
my appreciation for the education I am
pursuing. I find that I learn as much from
my summer jobs as I do from my academic
studies. For example, during the summer
of 1986, while working for IBM in Boca
Raton, Florida, I gained a great deal of
practical experience in the field of electronic
circuit logic and driver design. When I
returned to school in the fall and took
Computer Hardware Design, I found that my
experience with IBM had thoroughly prepared
me forwhy
the subject.
he is fit for that company
Having said all this, I realize that your first
consideration in hiring an applicant must not
be the potential educational experience HAL
can provide, but the skills and services the
applicant has to offer. I hope the experience
and education described in my resume suggest
how I might be of service to HAL.
 I welcome the opportunity to discuss with
you how I might best assist HAL in fulfilling
its present corporate needs. I will be available
for employment from May 14 through August
31, 2002. Please let me know what summer
employment
Way of opportunities
contact and are available
interview at
HAL for someone with my education,
experience, and interests. You can reach me at
the above address or by phone at (518) 271-
0000.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely yours,
Joan Doe
Read the following letter
and give your opinion.
May 4, 2008

XYZ Corporation
Attn: Jane Doe
100 Anywhere Avenue
Anywhere, USA 00000
Dear Ms. Doe,
I am writing this letter to express my
interest in becoming part of your team by
applying for the Administrative Assistant
position with XYZ Corporation.
Currently, I am The Business Office
Manager for ABC Corporation, since August
of 2001, I have taken the business office from
a tedious time consuming triplicate paperwork
office into a neatly computerized more
efficiently run office including acting as an
information source on organization policies
and procedures. Some of my many jobs
include maintaining a budget for the
Administration and assist in the preparation of
reports, graphs and presentations using
spreadsheet and graphic software, proofread,
research and compile special reports, using
automated office equipment such as a
computer to compose and type letters, reports
and other materials during my four years that I
have been in this position. I have set up and
run a computerized payroll system and ensure
that all payrolls are approved and accurate. I
also have excellent interface skills for dealing
with customers and subcontractors, an ability
to work independently, and excellent
communication (written and verbal) skills and
am proficient in MS Word, Excel, and
PowerPoint ensuring timely and innovative
execution of these programs. My efforts
require extensive direct customer contact and
day-to-day involvement of the managing
revenues and maximizing earnings while
always maintaining positive customer
satisfaction.
 I currently continue to take classes in an
effort to transfer to Zoo Zoo College to begin
working on my Bachelor of Science - Business
and have graduated in May 2003 Phi Theta
Kappa at Rere Community College in the
Business Software Program. I also continue to
upgrade and educate myself in other fields
such as First Aid, CPR Certified and Certified
AED Technician. I am also a Notary Public. I
have excellent verbal and written
communication skills. I am also highly
motivated and dedicated to succeed. I am
extremely organized and detail oriented.
My schedule is very flexible and I have the
ability to work the hours necessary to
complete the job. I am committed to finishing
projects I start. I am capable of wearing many
hats and can also work well under stress. I am
a definite team player and work well with
others. I promise I will come through when
you need me most.
When we have the opportunity to meet, I'll
elaborate on my work experience--which I
hope would complement your needs. I have
enclosed my resume and look forward to an
interview at your earliest convenience. I can
be reached during the day at (555)
555-555 ext 45, or in the evening at
(555) 555-5555.

Sincerely,
Shirley Temple
Enclosure
 1. Too long and too much “I”.
2. The cover letter reads more like an
overview of the resume.
DO NOT repeat your entire resume on the
cover letter. 3-4 short paragraphs to get
them to read the resume and let that speak
for you.
3."(555) 555-555 ext 45" for day time”. Your
future employer is hoping NOT your work
number. Do you have a cell phone? You can
include home and cell numbers but NOT
4. There should be a strong statement that says what you
can do for them.
5. There are other terms that the applicant use that seem
negative, "which I hope would complement your
needs". The word hope shows a lack of self confidence
use "I can", "I will" or anything positive.
6.This is a little wordy. Example “I am writing this letter
to express my interest in becoming part of your team
by applying for the Administrative Assistant position
with CTM Corporation”
I am eager to work on your team as Administrative
Assistant position with CTM Corporation. I can…….
In Class Activity
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