What Is a Letter of Application A Letter

What Is a Letter of Application? A Letter of Application expresses your interest in and qualifications for a position to a prospective employer.

What Should My Letter of Application Accomplish? Your letter of application should introduce the main points of your CV. It should also help you to “sell” your qualifications to the prospective employer.

UNSOLICITED LETTERS OF APPLICATION Unsolicited application letters are written to companies that have not posted a job opening. It is important to gain the reader’s attention and persuade them that you can contribute to the company’s goals. Keep your letter short and positive: say why you are particularly interested in working for the organization in question and outline what skills, qualifications, and personal qualities you have to offer. As a member of one of the fastest growing publishing houses in the world, do you have an opening in your acquisitions department for a recent college graduate with a major in English and publishing and editing experience?

TIP Do not confuse a cover(ing) letter with a motivation letter. Although the two documents are similar in some respects, they differ in their focus. While the cover letter briefly outlines all the points that are important in an application, in a motivation letter you primarily describe your personal goals and motives that prompted you to apply. Letters of motivation also give the author even more freedom with regard to formulation and structure than cover letters.

The Letter of Application: Structure Purpose Refer to job advertisement Preview qualifications Supporting Details Prove claims with examples Tie qualifications to the requirements of the position Quantify evidence Detail your experience Goodwill Closing Offer to meet for an interview Refer to CV (résumé) Make your final pitch

EXAMPLE Dear Mr. Smith, 1. confirmation that you I am writing to apply for wish to apply and the title of the job you are the programmer applying for position advertised in position today’s issue of the Times Union 2. the date and the name of the newspaper where you saw an ad

3. your present With a BS degree in Computer situation Programming, I have a full Programming (occupation or understanding of the full life cycle course of study of a software development project. being followed) I also have experience in learning and excelling at new technologies as needed Pick up on the job requirements outlined in the advert and focus on Please see my CV any of your current skills or for additional information on my responsibilities that correspond to those requested. For example, if the experience. 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.

The opportunity presented in this ad is very interesting, and I believe that my strong technical experience and education will make me a very competitive candidate for this position. The key strengths that I possess for success in this position include: position include §I have successfully designed, developed, and supported live use applications §I provide exceptional contributions to customer service for all customers 4. relate your interests to those of the company 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.

As requested, I am enclosing a completed job application, my CV and three references. CV 5. say you are enclosing a CV I can be reached anytime via my cell phone, 555 via my cell phone 555 -5555. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to speaking with you about this employment opportunity 6. indicate your willingness to attend an interview Sincerely, First. Name Last. Name

A REFER TO THE ADVERTISEMENT With reference to your advertisement in the ‘…’ I have seen this post. the post of and I would like to apply I am interested in applying Personal Assistant Secretary to the Sales Manager for

B SUMMARISE YOUR EXPERIENCE As you can see from the enclosed CV I have had In my last jobs/positions In all my jobs In my present job long one year’s experience in many years’ the administrative organisational secretarial public relations financial different fields. banking/insurance /legal work etc. the hotel business. industry. side was aspect is extremely very worked a lot with computers. ran the office independently. important and I learnt to work under pressure. managed the bookkeeping.

C WHY THE JOB INTERESTS YOU However, I like I am happy in although I am satisfied with offering more responsibility/ more chances of promotion my present job/position, I would now prefer a post I am now looking for a post administrative skills. where I can use my knowledge of languages. financial knowledge.

USING ACTIVE LANGUAGE—DON’TS Don’t be vague in your descriptions. Don’t use weak verbs such as endeavored, tried, hoped, and attempted. Vague: I worked as a ramp agent at Comair. Weak: I attempted to attract customers.

USING ACTIVE LANGUAGE—DO’S Use concrete words to describe your experience. Vague: I worked as a ramp agent for COMAIR. Specific: As a ramp agent, I Use present tense to assisted in loading baggage, discuss current activities and oversaw fuelling the and past tense for previous aircraft. job duties or Weak: I attempted to attract accomplishments. customers. Strong: I initiated a program to attract customers to Pizza Be as specific as possible in Hut, which resulted in a 5% descriptions; list amounts increase in sales for the and figures when you can. month of June.

USEFUL TIPS: KISS principle - Keep it short and simple Don’t waffle and keep to the point – why do you want the job, why do you want to work for them, what makes you the right person? Use professional vocabulary and phrasing. Make this an interesting letter to read.

Don’t be too informal – your letter should be professional. You should try to find something memorable about yourself. End on a positive note – you would like to meet them and you look forward to hearing from them. Make sure spelling, grammar and format are consistent and accurate.