The document provides tips for writing an effective application letter. It outlines that the purpose is to get an interview and should entice the employer to read the resume. It recommends researching the position and company, identifying relevant qualifications and experiences to address the selection criteria, and keeping the letter to one page with a business letter format and structure. The letter should highlight relevant skills and qualifications while demonstrating enthusiasm for the role. Career services are available to assist with writing and reviewing application letters.

1. Quick Tips
CAREER DEVELOPMENT AND EMPLOYMENT
APPLICATION
LETTERS
The purpose of an application ÔÔ In cases where you are writing an unsolicited
letter, you must still target your letter to the needs
letter is to get you a job interview of employers. Check job advertisements in the
and is often the first contact same or similar field to identify common qualities/
an employer has with you. It abilities that are sought after.
accompanies your resume and Find out about the employing
should entice the employer to organisation
read your resume for further ÔÔ Your letter will stand out if you target your
information so that you will be application to the employing organisation.
short-listed for a job interview. Information that is likely to be helpful includes
background and history, client profile and so forth.
Before you can write a letter of application you need
to undertake the following preparation. ÔÔ Details of the activities of companies/organisations
can be found on their website, in annual reports,
Obtain details of the position publicity material and employer directories.
Other sources are the stock exchange, internet,
ÔÔ If a position is advertised, you need to obtain relevant human resource departments, state or
a position description. Most jobs have local libraries, professional associations, business
downloadable ‘Position Descriptions’ or you magazines or trade journals.
may ring to ask for a job description, even if not
mentioned in the advertisement. Identify what you have to offer
ÔÔ Most job advertisements and job descriptions ÔÔ It is essential that you try to address all of the
usually contain two sections. The first describes selection criteria. Prepare by making a list of the
the duties you would be expected to carry out. criteria and beside each point write examples
The second describes the selection criteria and from your experience.
outlines the skills, experience and qualifications
that are required to do the job. ÔÔ Consider your skills and experiences gained
through study, paid or voluntary work, sport and
ÔÔ If you lack a preferred quality you may still be able leisure activities. After compiling a thorough listing
to apply for the position, providing that you can of examples, carefully select those that are most
persuade the employer that your experience is relevant.
relevant.
The look
Unadvertised positions
ÔÔ A letter of application is a business letter and
ÔÔ Where positions are not advertised you may have should adhere to that style and format. The
to write an unsolicited letter to an employer. For following points should be noted:
example, students requiring fieldwork experience
or course related vacation work will often need to ÔÔ One page – start to finish – is the correct length
write directly to employers who may be able to for a letter of application.
offer placements. ÔÔ It should be typed on plain white paper if being
sent via mail.

2. ÔÔ The letter should be blocked on the left-hand The next step
margin, without indenting.
ÔÔ If you need assistance with writing an application
ÔÔ The letter needs to contain structured paragraphs letter, undertake the online tutorial Application
with a double space between all paragraphs. Express
ÔÔ If sent via email, the letter should be in word www.rmit.edu.au/careers/applicationexpress
document or PDF format and will need to be ÔÔ Career Development and Employment offers all
attached as a separate document; not in the body RMIT students an application checking service.
of the email. Go to
www.rmit.edu.au/careers/applicationcheck for
The contents
further information.
The letter should flow in a way that takes the reader ÔÔ More information on applying for jobs can
from one point to another naturally. Avoid long, found on our website www.rmit.edu.au/careers
complicated sentences where points can get lost. Students/Get that job
ÔÔ Avoid starting every sentence with ‘I’. ÔÔ If you need further help visit the Careers Library
ÔÔ Use concise and simple language. at our office– it contains a range of books/leaflets
on writing successful job applications. Also try the
ÔÔ Use a conversational style of speech. RMIT library for books on this subject.
ÔÔ Avoid impersonal phrases such as: as per your
advertisement.
ÔÔ Use active verbs.
ÔÔ Make that first paragraph interesting to read.
ÔÔ Incorporate some enthusiasm you feel for the job
in the letter.
ÔÔ Give the employer an insight into your personality.
ÔÔ Check your spelling and grammar.
Quick Tips / Application Letters rmit.edu.au/careers