SlideShare a Scribd company logo
1 of 8
How to Write a Job
Application Letter
Presented by Imam Fauzi
Do you need to write a letter to apply for a job? Not sure what to include or how
to format your letter? What does an employer expect to read in the letters they
receive from applicants? Here's all the information you need to write a job
application letter that will help you secure a job interview.
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 offers 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 qualified for the position and should be selected
for an interview.
Writing Guidelines for Job Application
Letters
Writing a job application letter is very different from a quick email to a friend or a
thank you note to a relative. Hiring 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:
Length: A letter of application should be no more than one page long.
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-off, and how the letter is organized. Here's a quick lowdown on the main
sections included in a job application letter:
Heading: A letter of application should begin with both you and the employer's
contact information (name, address, phone number, email) followed by the date.
Salutation: This is your polite greeting. The most common salutation is "Dear
Mr./Ms." followed by the person's last name.
Body of the letter: Think of this section as being three distinct parts.
In the first 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 can also offer follow-up information.
Complimentary Close: Sign off your email with a polite close, such as "Best" or
"Sincerely," followed by your name.
Signature: 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.
Dear Sir/Madam,
In [name source here] I read about the vacancy for the position [name of position] at [name of company]. Are you
still searching for someone to fill this post? Then I think I could be the person you are looking for.
My name is [name], I am [age] years old and live in [place]. Since completing my study in [name of study] and
obtaining my degree, I have been preparing to enter the employment market. The position you are advertising
caught my eye. This job would be a perfect opportunity for me to gain new experience and at the same time prove
my worth.
I would describe myself as having a strong work ethic, as assertive and creative and in possession of a large
vocabulary and good language skills. I enjoy working independently but also work well together with others. In
addition I am highly proficient in Dutch and English, in speech and in writing. I approach most wide-ranging work
assignments with a willing mindset, a healthy dose of creativity and an academic outlook.
This position appeals to me in particular because I enjoy [list various personal motives]. What’s more the work is
similar to some of my previous work experience, [name previous work experience]. The independent character of
the work also appeals to me: I prefer working flexibly and would be happy to discuss various options.
If you think I could be of value for [name company], I would naturally be very happy to further elaborate on this
letter and the enclosed curriculum vitae in a personal interview.
I look forward to your reply.
Best regards,
[first and last name]

More Related Content

What's hot

Ppt on Business letters and its types
Ppt on Business letters and its types Ppt on Business letters and its types
Ppt on Business letters and its types Vibhor Agarwal
 
ppt on Business letter
ppt on Business letterppt on Business letter
ppt on Business letterVibhor Agarwal
 
Effective CV / Resume Writing
Effective CV / Resume Writing Effective CV / Resume Writing
Effective CV / Resume Writing The CV Workshop
 
Formal letters
Formal lettersFormal letters
Formal lettersAna Mena
 
Business letter (parts of business later)
Business letter (parts of business later)Business letter (parts of business later)
Business letter (parts of business later)ruchidalal
 
Business letter
Business letterBusiness letter
Business letterimporterss
 
How To Write A Cover Letter
How To Write A Cover LetterHow To Write A Cover Letter
How To Write A Cover LetterThriveYard
 
Tips for writing application
Tips for writing applicationTips for writing application
Tips for writing applicationpriyamphil123
 
Writing Business Letters
Writing Business LettersWriting Business Letters
Writing Business LettersDylan Blanchard
 
Curriculum vitae
Curriculum vitaeCurriculum vitae
Curriculum vitaeCiel Rampen
 

What's hot (20)

How to write a cover letter
How to write a cover letterHow to write a cover letter
How to write a cover letter
 
Resumes
ResumesResumes
Resumes
 
Ppt on Business letters and its types
Ppt on Business letters and its types Ppt on Business letters and its types
Ppt on Business letters and its types
 
ppt on Business letter
ppt on Business letterppt on Business letter
ppt on Business letter
 
Writing business letters
Writing business lettersWriting business letters
Writing business letters
 
Formal letter.
Formal letter.Formal letter.
Formal letter.
 
Effective CV / Resume Writing
Effective CV / Resume Writing Effective CV / Resume Writing
Effective CV / Resume Writing
 
Resume presentation
Resume presentationResume presentation
Resume presentation
 
Letter writing
Letter writingLetter writing
Letter writing
 
Formal letters
Formal lettersFormal letters
Formal letters
 
Business letter (parts of business later)
Business letter (parts of business later)Business letter (parts of business later)
Business letter (parts of business later)
 
Business letter
Business letterBusiness letter
Business letter
 
Letter writing (Communication Skills)
Letter writing (Communication Skills)Letter writing (Communication Skills)
Letter writing (Communication Skills)
 
How To Write A Cover Letter
How To Write A Cover LetterHow To Write A Cover Letter
How To Write A Cover Letter
 
Tips for writing application
Tips for writing applicationTips for writing application
Tips for writing application
 
Letter writing
Letter writing Letter writing
Letter writing
 
Writing Business Letters
Writing Business LettersWriting Business Letters
Writing Business Letters
 
Types of letters
Types of lettersTypes of letters
Types of letters
 
Memo writing
Memo writingMemo writing
Memo writing
 
Curriculum vitae
Curriculum vitaeCurriculum vitae
Curriculum vitae
 

Similar to Writing a job application letter

Application Letter for 12th grade Indonesia
Application Letter for 12th grade IndonesiaApplication Letter for 12th grade Indonesia
Application Letter for 12th grade Indonesiafadilbtg172
 
What is a cover letter
What is a cover letterWhat is a cover letter
What is a cover lettertalhamansab
 
Employment Communication.pptx
Employment Communication.pptxEmployment Communication.pptx
Employment Communication.pptxNehaAgrawal744616
 
Resume writing sb-for_students_
Resume writing sb-for_students_Resume writing sb-for_students_
Resume writing sb-for_students_R G Sanjay Prakash
 
How to write a cover letter complete guide for beginners
How to write a cover letter complete guide for beginnersHow to write a cover letter complete guide for beginners
How to write a cover letter complete guide for beginnersMirza Rihad Ali Sunny
 
Employment communication
Employment communication Employment communication
Employment communication 9192
 
Coverletters
CoverlettersCoverletters
Coverlettersjenmatvar
 
How to write a successful CV
How to write a successful CVHow to write a successful CV
How to write a successful CVRana Elbehery
 
Cover letters you will always need
Cover letters you will always needCover letters you will always need
Cover letters you will always needagacamano
 
Business correspondence ppt by Rayees Ahmad Ganaie (Research Scholar at D.A....
Business correspondence ppt by  Rayees Ahmad Ganaie (Research Scholar at D.A....Business correspondence ppt by  Rayees Ahmad Ganaie (Research Scholar at D.A....
Business correspondence ppt by Rayees Ahmad Ganaie (Research Scholar at D.A....Rayees Ganaie
 

Similar to Writing a job application letter (20)

application letter
application letterapplication letter
application letter
 
Letter writing
Letter writingLetter writing
Letter writing
 
Application Letter for 12th grade Indonesia
Application Letter for 12th grade IndonesiaApplication Letter for 12th grade Indonesia
Application Letter for 12th grade Indonesia
 
Letter
LetterLetter
Letter
 
Resume
ResumeResume
Resume
 
Job letter & resume writing (raw file)
Job letter & resume writing (raw file)Job letter & resume writing (raw file)
Job letter & resume writing (raw file)
 
What is a cover letter
What is a cover letterWhat is a cover letter
What is a cover letter
 
Employment Communication.pptx
Employment Communication.pptxEmployment Communication.pptx
Employment Communication.pptx
 
Resume writing sb-for_students_
Resume writing sb-for_students_Resume writing sb-for_students_
Resume writing sb-for_students_
 
How to write a cover letter complete guide for beginners
How to write a cover letter complete guide for beginnersHow to write a cover letter complete guide for beginners
How to write a cover letter complete guide for beginners
 
Employment communication
Employment communication Employment communication
Employment communication
 
EnglishHJK
EnglishHJK EnglishHJK
EnglishHJK
 
Cover letter
Cover letterCover letter
Cover letter
 
Coverletters
CoverlettersCoverletters
Coverletters
 
How to write a successful CV
How to write a successful CVHow to write a successful CV
How to write a successful CV
 
Preparing professional documents
Preparing professional documentsPreparing professional documents
Preparing professional documents
 
Cover letters you will always need
Cover letters you will always needCover letters you will always need
Cover letters you will always need
 
Business correspondence ppt by Rayees Ahmad Ganaie (Research Scholar at D.A....
Business correspondence ppt by  Rayees Ahmad Ganaie (Research Scholar at D.A....Business correspondence ppt by  Rayees Ahmad Ganaie (Research Scholar at D.A....
Business correspondence ppt by Rayees Ahmad Ganaie (Research Scholar at D.A....
 
Cover letter sb_students_
Cover letter sb_students_Cover letter sb_students_
Cover letter sb_students_
 
Resume presentation
Resume presentationResume presentation
Resume presentation
 

More from imamfauzi

What, why, how toeic test
What, why, how toeic testWhat, why, how toeic test
What, why, how toeic testimamfauzi
 
Who wants to be millionare games
Who wants to be millionare gamesWho wants to be millionare games
Who wants to be millionare gamesimamfauzi
 
Guessing game
Guessing gameGuessing game
Guessing gameimamfauzi
 
Guess the jobs
Guess the jobsGuess the jobs
Guess the jobsimamfauzi
 
Games passing the ball and answer question
Games passing the ball and answer questionGames passing the ball and answer question
Games passing the ball and answer questionimamfauzi
 
Games modal verbs
Games modal verbsGames modal verbs
Games modal verbsimamfauzi
 
Games jigsaw
Games jigsawGames jigsaw
Games jigsawimamfauzi
 
Games geussing job
Games geussing jobGames geussing job
Games geussing jobimamfauzi
 
Game modal verb
Game modal verbGame modal verb
Game modal verbimamfauzi
 
Syllabus english 5 toefl preparation
Syllabus english 5 toefl preparationSyllabus english 5 toefl preparation
Syllabus english 5 toefl preparationimamfauzi
 
Syllabus english 4
Syllabus english 4Syllabus english 4
Syllabus english 4imamfauzi
 
Syllabus english 4 latest
Syllabus english 4 latestSyllabus english 4 latest
Syllabus english 4 latestimamfauzi
 
Syllabus english 3
Syllabus english 3Syllabus english 3
Syllabus english 3imamfauzi
 
Syllabus english 2
Syllabus english 2Syllabus english 2
Syllabus english 2imamfauzi
 
Syllabus english 2 latest
Syllabus english 2 latestSyllabus english 2 latest
Syllabus english 2 latestimamfauzi
 
Syllabus english 1
Syllabus english 1Syllabus english 1
Syllabus english 1imamfauzi
 
Syllabus english 1 2017
Syllabus english 1 2017Syllabus english 1 2017
Syllabus english 1 2017imamfauzi
 
Writing an email
Writing an emailWriting an email
Writing an emailimamfauzi
 
Will, going to, present continuous
Will, going to, present continuousWill, going to, present continuous
Will, going to, present continuousimamfauzi
 

More from imamfauzi (20)

What, why, how toeic test
What, why, how toeic testWhat, why, how toeic test
What, why, how toeic test
 
Who wants to be millionare games
Who wants to be millionare gamesWho wants to be millionare games
Who wants to be millionare games
 
Guessing game
Guessing gameGuessing game
Guessing game
 
Guess the jobs
Guess the jobsGuess the jobs
Guess the jobs
 
Games passing the ball and answer question
Games passing the ball and answer questionGames passing the ball and answer question
Games passing the ball and answer question
 
Games modal verbs
Games modal verbsGames modal verbs
Games modal verbs
 
Games jobs
Games jobsGames jobs
Games jobs
 
Games jigsaw
Games jigsawGames jigsaw
Games jigsaw
 
Games geussing job
Games geussing jobGames geussing job
Games geussing job
 
Game modal verb
Game modal verbGame modal verb
Game modal verb
 
Syllabus english 5 toefl preparation
Syllabus english 5 toefl preparationSyllabus english 5 toefl preparation
Syllabus english 5 toefl preparation
 
Syllabus english 4
Syllabus english 4Syllabus english 4
Syllabus english 4
 
Syllabus english 4 latest
Syllabus english 4 latestSyllabus english 4 latest
Syllabus english 4 latest
 
Syllabus english 3
Syllabus english 3Syllabus english 3
Syllabus english 3
 
Syllabus english 2
Syllabus english 2Syllabus english 2
Syllabus english 2
 
Syllabus english 2 latest
Syllabus english 2 latestSyllabus english 2 latest
Syllabus english 2 latest
 
Syllabus english 1
Syllabus english 1Syllabus english 1
Syllabus english 1
 
Syllabus english 1 2017
Syllabus english 1 2017Syllabus english 1 2017
Syllabus english 1 2017
 
Writing an email
Writing an emailWriting an email
Writing an email
 
Will, going to, present continuous
Will, going to, present continuousWill, going to, present continuous
Will, going to, present continuous
 

Recently uploaded

FICTIONAL SALESMAN/SALESMAN SNSW 2024.pdf
FICTIONAL SALESMAN/SALESMAN SNSW 2024.pdfFICTIONAL SALESMAN/SALESMAN SNSW 2024.pdf
FICTIONAL SALESMAN/SALESMAN SNSW 2024.pdfPondicherry University
 
QUATER-1-PE-HEALTH-LC2- this is just a sample of unpacked lesson
QUATER-1-PE-HEALTH-LC2- this is just a sample of unpacked lessonQUATER-1-PE-HEALTH-LC2- this is just a sample of unpacked lesson
QUATER-1-PE-HEALTH-LC2- this is just a sample of unpacked lessonhttgc7rh9c
 
How to Add a Tool Tip to a Field in Odoo 17
How to Add a Tool Tip to a Field in Odoo 17How to Add a Tool Tip to a Field in Odoo 17
How to Add a Tool Tip to a Field in Odoo 17Celine George
 
Simple, Complex, and Compound Sentences Exercises.pdf
Simple, Complex, and Compound Sentences Exercises.pdfSimple, Complex, and Compound Sentences Exercises.pdf
Simple, Complex, and Compound Sentences Exercises.pdfstareducators107
 
Towards a code of practice for AI in AT.pptx
Towards a code of practice for AI in AT.pptxTowards a code of practice for AI in AT.pptx
Towards a code of practice for AI in AT.pptxJisc
 
UGC NET Paper 1 Unit 7 DATA INTERPRETATION.pdf
UGC NET Paper 1 Unit 7 DATA INTERPRETATION.pdfUGC NET Paper 1 Unit 7 DATA INTERPRETATION.pdf
UGC NET Paper 1 Unit 7 DATA INTERPRETATION.pdfNirmal Dwivedi
 
dusjagr & nano talk on open tools for agriculture research and learning
dusjagr & nano talk on open tools for agriculture research and learningdusjagr & nano talk on open tools for agriculture research and learning
dusjagr & nano talk on open tools for agriculture research and learningMarc Dusseiller Dusjagr
 
How to Create and Manage Wizard in Odoo 17
How to Create and Manage Wizard in Odoo 17How to Create and Manage Wizard in Odoo 17
How to Create and Manage Wizard in Odoo 17Celine George
 
COMMUNICATING NEGATIVE NEWS - APPROACHES .pptx
COMMUNICATING NEGATIVE NEWS - APPROACHES .pptxCOMMUNICATING NEGATIVE NEWS - APPROACHES .pptx
COMMUNICATING NEGATIVE NEWS - APPROACHES .pptxannathomasp01
 
HMCS Vancouver Pre-Deployment Brief - May 2024 (Web Version).pptx
HMCS Vancouver Pre-Deployment Brief - May 2024 (Web Version).pptxHMCS Vancouver Pre-Deployment Brief - May 2024 (Web Version).pptx
HMCS Vancouver Pre-Deployment Brief - May 2024 (Web Version).pptxmarlenawright1
 
Beyond_Borders_Understanding_Anime_and_Manga_Fandom_A_Comprehensive_Audience_...
Beyond_Borders_Understanding_Anime_and_Manga_Fandom_A_Comprehensive_Audience_...Beyond_Borders_Understanding_Anime_and_Manga_Fandom_A_Comprehensive_Audience_...
Beyond_Borders_Understanding_Anime_and_Manga_Fandom_A_Comprehensive_Audience_...Pooja Bhuva
 
Interdisciplinary_Insights_Data_Collection_Methods.pptx
Interdisciplinary_Insights_Data_Collection_Methods.pptxInterdisciplinary_Insights_Data_Collection_Methods.pptx
Interdisciplinary_Insights_Data_Collection_Methods.pptxPooja Bhuva
 
How to Manage Call for Tendor in Odoo 17
How to Manage Call for Tendor in Odoo 17How to Manage Call for Tendor in Odoo 17
How to Manage Call for Tendor in Odoo 17Celine George
 
On_Translating_a_Tamil_Poem_by_A_K_Ramanujan.pptx
On_Translating_a_Tamil_Poem_by_A_K_Ramanujan.pptxOn_Translating_a_Tamil_Poem_by_A_K_Ramanujan.pptx
On_Translating_a_Tamil_Poem_by_A_K_Ramanujan.pptxPooja Bhuva
 
Python Notes for mca i year students osmania university.docx
Python Notes for mca i year students osmania university.docxPython Notes for mca i year students osmania university.docx
Python Notes for mca i year students osmania university.docxRamakrishna Reddy Bijjam
 
What is 3 Way Matching Process in Odoo 17.pptx
What is 3 Way Matching Process in Odoo 17.pptxWhat is 3 Way Matching Process in Odoo 17.pptx
What is 3 Way Matching Process in Odoo 17.pptxCeline George
 
Tatlong Kwento ni Lola basyang-1.pdf arts
Tatlong Kwento ni Lola basyang-1.pdf artsTatlong Kwento ni Lola basyang-1.pdf arts
Tatlong Kwento ni Lola basyang-1.pdf artsNbelano25
 
REMIFENTANIL: An Ultra short acting opioid.pptx
REMIFENTANIL: An Ultra short acting opioid.pptxREMIFENTANIL: An Ultra short acting opioid.pptx
REMIFENTANIL: An Ultra short acting opioid.pptxDr. Ravikiran H M Gowda
 
On National Teacher Day, meet the 2024-25 Kenan Fellows
On National Teacher Day, meet the 2024-25 Kenan FellowsOn National Teacher Day, meet the 2024-25 Kenan Fellows
On National Teacher Day, meet the 2024-25 Kenan FellowsMebane Rash
 

Recently uploaded (20)

FICTIONAL SALESMAN/SALESMAN SNSW 2024.pdf
FICTIONAL SALESMAN/SALESMAN SNSW 2024.pdfFICTIONAL SALESMAN/SALESMAN SNSW 2024.pdf
FICTIONAL SALESMAN/SALESMAN SNSW 2024.pdf
 
QUATER-1-PE-HEALTH-LC2- this is just a sample of unpacked lesson
QUATER-1-PE-HEALTH-LC2- this is just a sample of unpacked lessonQUATER-1-PE-HEALTH-LC2- this is just a sample of unpacked lesson
QUATER-1-PE-HEALTH-LC2- this is just a sample of unpacked lesson
 
How to Add a Tool Tip to a Field in Odoo 17
How to Add a Tool Tip to a Field in Odoo 17How to Add a Tool Tip to a Field in Odoo 17
How to Add a Tool Tip to a Field in Odoo 17
 
Simple, Complex, and Compound Sentences Exercises.pdf
Simple, Complex, and Compound Sentences Exercises.pdfSimple, Complex, and Compound Sentences Exercises.pdf
Simple, Complex, and Compound Sentences Exercises.pdf
 
Towards a code of practice for AI in AT.pptx
Towards a code of practice for AI in AT.pptxTowards a code of practice for AI in AT.pptx
Towards a code of practice for AI in AT.pptx
 
UGC NET Paper 1 Unit 7 DATA INTERPRETATION.pdf
UGC NET Paper 1 Unit 7 DATA INTERPRETATION.pdfUGC NET Paper 1 Unit 7 DATA INTERPRETATION.pdf
UGC NET Paper 1 Unit 7 DATA INTERPRETATION.pdf
 
dusjagr & nano talk on open tools for agriculture research and learning
dusjagr & nano talk on open tools for agriculture research and learningdusjagr & nano talk on open tools for agriculture research and learning
dusjagr & nano talk on open tools for agriculture research and learning
 
How to Create and Manage Wizard in Odoo 17
How to Create and Manage Wizard in Odoo 17How to Create and Manage Wizard in Odoo 17
How to Create and Manage Wizard in Odoo 17
 
COMMUNICATING NEGATIVE NEWS - APPROACHES .pptx
COMMUNICATING NEGATIVE NEWS - APPROACHES .pptxCOMMUNICATING NEGATIVE NEWS - APPROACHES .pptx
COMMUNICATING NEGATIVE NEWS - APPROACHES .pptx
 
HMCS Vancouver Pre-Deployment Brief - May 2024 (Web Version).pptx
HMCS Vancouver Pre-Deployment Brief - May 2024 (Web Version).pptxHMCS Vancouver Pre-Deployment Brief - May 2024 (Web Version).pptx
HMCS Vancouver Pre-Deployment Brief - May 2024 (Web Version).pptx
 
Beyond_Borders_Understanding_Anime_and_Manga_Fandom_A_Comprehensive_Audience_...
Beyond_Borders_Understanding_Anime_and_Manga_Fandom_A_Comprehensive_Audience_...Beyond_Borders_Understanding_Anime_and_Manga_Fandom_A_Comprehensive_Audience_...
Beyond_Borders_Understanding_Anime_and_Manga_Fandom_A_Comprehensive_Audience_...
 
Our Environment Class 10 Science Notes pdf
Our Environment Class 10 Science Notes pdfOur Environment Class 10 Science Notes pdf
Our Environment Class 10 Science Notes pdf
 
Interdisciplinary_Insights_Data_Collection_Methods.pptx
Interdisciplinary_Insights_Data_Collection_Methods.pptxInterdisciplinary_Insights_Data_Collection_Methods.pptx
Interdisciplinary_Insights_Data_Collection_Methods.pptx
 
How to Manage Call for Tendor in Odoo 17
How to Manage Call for Tendor in Odoo 17How to Manage Call for Tendor in Odoo 17
How to Manage Call for Tendor in Odoo 17
 
On_Translating_a_Tamil_Poem_by_A_K_Ramanujan.pptx
On_Translating_a_Tamil_Poem_by_A_K_Ramanujan.pptxOn_Translating_a_Tamil_Poem_by_A_K_Ramanujan.pptx
On_Translating_a_Tamil_Poem_by_A_K_Ramanujan.pptx
 
Python Notes for mca i year students osmania university.docx
Python Notes for mca i year students osmania university.docxPython Notes for mca i year students osmania university.docx
Python Notes for mca i year students osmania university.docx
 
What is 3 Way Matching Process in Odoo 17.pptx
What is 3 Way Matching Process in Odoo 17.pptxWhat is 3 Way Matching Process in Odoo 17.pptx
What is 3 Way Matching Process in Odoo 17.pptx
 
Tatlong Kwento ni Lola basyang-1.pdf arts
Tatlong Kwento ni Lola basyang-1.pdf artsTatlong Kwento ni Lola basyang-1.pdf arts
Tatlong Kwento ni Lola basyang-1.pdf arts
 
REMIFENTANIL: An Ultra short acting opioid.pptx
REMIFENTANIL: An Ultra short acting opioid.pptxREMIFENTANIL: An Ultra short acting opioid.pptx
REMIFENTANIL: An Ultra short acting opioid.pptx
 
On National Teacher Day, meet the 2024-25 Kenan Fellows
On National Teacher Day, meet the 2024-25 Kenan FellowsOn National Teacher Day, meet the 2024-25 Kenan Fellows
On National Teacher Day, meet the 2024-25 Kenan Fellows
 

Writing a job application letter

  • 1. How to Write a Job Application Letter Presented by Imam Fauzi
  • 2. Do you need to write a letter to apply for a job? Not sure what to include or how to format your letter? What does an employer expect to read in the letters they receive from applicants? Here's all the information you need to write a job application letter that will help you secure a job interview.
  • 3. 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 offers 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 qualified for the position and should be selected for an interview.
  • 4. Writing Guidelines for Job Application Letters Writing a job application letter is very different from a quick email to a friend or a thank you note to a relative. Hiring 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: Length: A letter of application should be no more than one page long. 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.
  • 5. 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-off, and how the letter is organized. Here's a quick lowdown on the main sections included in a job application letter: Heading: A letter of application should begin with both you and the employer's contact information (name, address, phone number, email) followed by the date. Salutation: This is your polite greeting. The most common salutation is "Dear Mr./Ms." followed by the person's last name.
  • 6. Body of the letter: Think of this section as being three distinct parts. In the first 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 can also offer follow-up information. Complimentary Close: Sign off your email with a polite close, such as "Best" or "Sincerely," followed by your name.
  • 7. Signature: 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.
  • 8. Dear Sir/Madam, In [name source here] I read about the vacancy for the position [name of position] at [name of company]. Are you still searching for someone to fill this post? Then I think I could be the person you are looking for. My name is [name], I am [age] years old and live in [place]. Since completing my study in [name of study] and obtaining my degree, I have been preparing to enter the employment market. The position you are advertising caught my eye. This job would be a perfect opportunity for me to gain new experience and at the same time prove my worth. I would describe myself as having a strong work ethic, as assertive and creative and in possession of a large vocabulary and good language skills. I enjoy working independently but also work well together with others. In addition I am highly proficient in Dutch and English, in speech and in writing. I approach most wide-ranging work assignments with a willing mindset, a healthy dose of creativity and an academic outlook. This position appeals to me in particular because I enjoy [list various personal motives]. What’s more the work is similar to some of my previous work experience, [name previous work experience]. The independent character of the work also appeals to me: I prefer working flexibly and would be happy to discuss various options. If you think I could be of value for [name company], I would naturally be very happy to further elaborate on this letter and the enclosed curriculum vitae in a personal interview. I look forward to your reply. Best regards, [first and last name]