JOB SEARCHING JOB APPLICATION TIPS

How to Write a Job Application Letter (With

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Examples)

•••
BY ALISON DOYLE Updated July 16, 2021

Do you need to write a letter to apply for a job? Most of the time, the answer is yes. Even
when employers don’t require a job application letter, writing one will help you highlight your
skills and achievements and get the hiring manager’s attention. The only time not to send one
is when the job listing says not to do so. [1] It can help, and it de nitely won't hurt to include an
application letter with your resume.

What is 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 o ers 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 quali ed for the position and should be selected for an
interview.

Tips for Writing a Job Application Letter

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.
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Melissa Ling / The Balance

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.

Analyze the Job Posting

Important: 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 quali cations with the employer's wants and needs.

Include Your Most Relevant Quali cations

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 di erent from a quick email to a friend or a thank-you
TABLE
note to aOFrelative.
CONTENTSHiring 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: [2]

Length: A letter of application should be no more than one page long. Three to four
paragraphs is typical.

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-o , and
how the letter is organized. Here's a quick lowdown on the main sections included in a job
application letter: [1]

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.

•  Header Examples

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 rst 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
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can alsoOF
o CONTENTS
er follow-up information.

Complimentary Close: Sign o your email with a polite close, such as "Best" or "Sincerely,"
followed by your name.

• Closing Examples

Signature: When you're sending or uploading a printed letter, 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.

• Signature Examples

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.

Important: Be sure that each letter you send is personalized to the company and
position; do not send the same letter to di erent companies.

Tips for Writing an Effective Letter

• Always write one. Unless a job posting speci cally 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 bene t the company.
Provide speci c 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.

Tip: Numerical values o er 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 t 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.

• Proofread and edit. Employers are likely to overlook an application with a lot of errors.
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

This is a job application letter sample. Download the letter template (compatible with Google
Docs or Word Online) or read the example below.
 @ The Balance 2020

Download the Word Template

SAMPLE

Sample Job Application Letter (Text Version)

Elizabeth Johnson
12 Jones Street
Portland, Maine 04101
 555-555-5555
[email protected]

August 11, 2020

Mark Smith
Human Resources Manager
Veggies to Go
238 Main Street
Portland, Maine 04101

Dear Mr. Smith,

EXPAND +

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:

SAMPLE

Subject Line Example

Subject: Elizabeth Johnson – Administrative Assistant Position

EXPAND +

List your contact information in your signature, rather than in the body of the letter:

SAMPLE

Email Signature Example

Sincerely,

Elizabeth Johnson
555-555-5555
[email protected]

EXPAND +
Review More Letter Examples
Review more examples of professionally written cover letters for a variety of circumstances,
occupations, and types of jobs.

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