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Application Letter

The document provides guidance on writing an application letter, including sections to include such as return information, salutation, body paragraphs, and closing. The body should be 3-4 paragraphs describing the purpose, qualifications, benefits to the company, and a request for an interview.

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Kurniawan Pramana Putera
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98 views

Application Letter

The document provides guidance on writing an application letter, including sections to include such as return information, salutation, body paragraphs, and closing. The body should be 3-4 paragraphs describing the purpose, qualifications, benefits to the company, and a request for an interview.

Uploaded by

Kurniawan Pramana Putera
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Parts of the Application Letter

If you are applying for an advertised position, have the ad in front of you
and refer to it frequently. Be sure to address all the job requirements in
the letter.

Match some of the keywords and skills from the advertisement or


company Website with the skills in your resume and letter.

Return Information

It is now permissible to only include your name, E-mail address and cell
phone number. It is acceptable to eliminate your address due to privacy
and safety issues. Be sure your E-mail address is mature and
professional. Ideally, it should contain parts of your name for ease of
use.

Inside/Letter Address

It is very important that you address your letter carefully. After spending
time making your letter perfect, you do not want it to be directed to the
wrong person or get lost in the mail.

If there is a contact name on the ad, address your letter to that


person. (Mr. John Smith)

If you are writing to a company for a job, the chances are that unless you
have contacts on the inside you will not know the name of the person you
need to use in the inside address. In this case you can address your letter
to the manager of the specific department (Sales Manager, Personnel
Manager, etc.) or use Ladies and Gentlemen.

You should also make sure that the recipient's name, department and
address details on the envelope are the same as at the top of the letter.

Salutation

This is also known as the greeting. The person’s name should be followed
by a colon (:) or left blank. Do not use a comma. (Commas are
permissible for use in personal letters; not business letters.)
Dear Mr. Smith: If you know the name of the person to whom
you are writing.
Dear Ms. Chambers: If you are not sure of the marital status of a
female recipient.
Ladies and Gentlemen: If you have no idea as to the name of the
recipient.

Body

The body of the letter contains four basic parts and should be three or
four paragraphs long. These paragraphs should attract the employer’s
attention; state your interest in the company and position; arouse the
employer’s desire to interview you; and request that the employer take
action in the form of an interview. (AIDA)

First Paragraph

Identify the purpose of the letter—why you are writing.


Be specific. Tell the reader how you learned about a job opening.
Tell the employer what job you want.

Examples:

 In response to the advertised position in The Evening Sun on July12, please consider
my résumé in your search for an office assistant.
 I was pleased to hear from Jeremy Green that you will soon have a vacancy for a
Marketing Assistant. I am very interested in this position. With the skills that I
possess, I know that I could be an asset to your company.
 I am writing to apply for the Photographic Assistant position as advertised in the
November 1 edition of The Evening Sun.

Referrals and leads from friends and family members (networking) are
the best way to learn about a job. Most employers enjoy getting
referrals. They trust the recommendation of a valued employee or friend
who states that you would be a good employee.

Examples:

Mr. Peter Lo, a programmer in the systems programming department,


suggested that I contact you regarding an opening you may soon have
for a Marketing Trainee.

 I was referred to you by Mike Thomas, who is a member of my church and a longtime
family friend.
 I am sending you my resume to you because of a referral from Mike Thomas, an
associate in your Baltimore store.

Second Paragraph

Why should an employer be interested in hiring you? Briefly describe your


professional and academic qualifications that are relevant to the position.
Relate experiences that you have had, classes you have taken or skills
you possess that satisfy the job requirements. If the job was advertised,
refer to all of the required skills mentioned.

Examples:

 As my resume indicates, I am active in theater in high school and had important roles
in two plays. My school activities include being a member of both forensics and
student government. With these experiences, I can offer you excellent communication
and interpersonal skills. During the school year, I maintain a 3.0 average and work
ten hours per week. My technical skills include familiarity with Windows, Microsoft
Office applications and Google Docs. I use the Internet regularly and can keyboard
more than 45 words per minute.

 As a computer science major with a sincere interest in................. (elaborate your


educational background)
 Interacting with people has always been one of my strongest attributes. During my
last summer job, I coordinated..........(state your work experience)
 For my senior graduation project, I built a personal computer .............. (state your
ability)

Third Paragraph

Emphasize what you can do for the company. Outline a relevant career
goal. For example, if you are applying for sales positions, do not say that
you are training to be an airline pilot. Expand on the most relevant
points of your resume.

Example:

 Because I am energetic, reliable, and resourceful, I would be an asset to your


organization. I am willing to learn new things and be the best employee that I can be.

Fourth Paragraph
Request action. For example, indicate your desire for a personal interview
and that you're able to meet with the employer at their convenience.
Include your cell phone number and when it would be a good time to call.

Some advertisements ask you to include salary requirements. You can


choose to ignore this. You can either wait until the interview to talk
about money and mention a broad salary range.

Examples:

 You can reach me on my cell phone any day after 4 p.m. E-mail is also a great way to
contact me as I check it daily. I look forward to hearing from you soon. Thank you for
your time and consideration.

 I hope that my qualifications are of interest to you and that an interview might be
arranged at your convenience. I can be reached at (717) 876-5432 or a message can
be left on my cell phone. I look forward to meeting you.

Closing the letter

Finish your letter with an appropriate Complimentary Closing (Sincerely,


or Sincerely yours,). Leave enough room to sign the letter before
keying your name. Do not forget to sign it. Remember to include an
enclosure notation at the bottom.

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