A job application letter is your chance to introduce yourself and stand out to employers. It shows your skills, experience, and why you’re excited about the job. In fact, a 2023 study revealed that 45% of recruiters said they might reject applications without a cover letter. This shows how important it is to write a good, tailored one.
In this article, we’ll show you how to write an application letter that helps you get noticed and increases your chances of landing an interview.
What is an Application Letter?
An application letter, often called a cover letter, is a personalized document accompanying your resume. It introduces you to a potential employer and highlights your skills, qualifications, and motivation for applying to the role.
Unlike a resume, which provides a concise overview of your professional experience, an application letter lets you explain why you are the perfect candidate for the job. Think of it as your opportunity to tell a compelling story about your career.
Is Writing an Application Letter Necessary?
Yes, writing an application letter is essential when applying for a job. It allows you to showcase your skills, qualifications, and enthusiasm for the role while demonstrating how you align with the company’s values and requirements.
Employers also value this personalized approach. In fact, according to Resumelab, 73% of employers prefer candidates who submit a cover letter, even when it’s optional.
Furthermore, a strong application letter can boost your chances of scoring an interview by setting you apart from candidates with similar qualifications. It helps hiring managers see why you’re a great fit and makes your application stand out.
Skipping this step could suggest a lack of effort or interest, potentially harming your chances of getting hired.
Key Components of an Effective Application Letter
Every effective job application letter includes the following elements:
1. Header
The header is the first element of your application letter and serves to provide essential contact information for both you and the employer. It typically includes your name, address, phone number, and email address, followed by the employer’s details such as their name, title, company, and address.
Including a proper header ensures professionalism and makes it easy for the employer to identify and contact you.
Additionally, this is a great place to include hyperlinks to your portfolio or LinkedIn profile. This can make your application more interactive and convenient for hiring managers.
Keep the header clear and simple and ensure that your contact details are up-to-date and professional (e.g., avoid using casual email addresses like “funnygal123@gmail.com”).
2. Salutation
The salutation of your cover letter is your opportunity to address the hiring manager directly.
Whenever possible, personalize your greeting by including the hiring manager’s name (e.g., “Dear Mr. Smith”). If the name is unavailable, use a respectful, generic salutation such as “Dear Hiring Manager” or “Dear [Department] Team.” Avoid overly casual greetings or outdated terms like “To Whom It May Concern.”
If addressing a panel or group, use “Dear Members of the Selection Committee.
A personalized salutation demonstrates effort and research, which can immediately create a positive impression.
3. Introduction
The introduction is your chance to grab the reader’s attention and make a strong first impression. Clearly state the position you’re applying for and your reason for interest.
Use an engaging hook, such as referencing the company’s values or an achievement that connects to your qualifications.
A strong introduction immediately sets the tone and encourages the hiring manager to read further.
4. Body Paragraph
The body of your application letter is where you demonstrate why you’re the ideal candidate for the role.
Begin by addressing the job requirements and highlighting how your skills and experiences align with the position. Strengthen your case with specific examples and measurable results, such as, “I increased customer satisfaction ratings by 25% in one year.”
To further connect with the employer, reference their values or recent projects, like sustainability initiatives, to show your understanding of their goals.
Next, emphasize how your unique background positions you to address the company’s needs effectively.
By tying everything together, this section creates a compelling narrative that leaves a lasting impression on the hiring manager.
5. Closing
The closing of your application letter should leave a strong final impression by expressing gratitude and enthusiasm.
Start by thanking the hiring manager for taking the time to review your application.
Follow this with a brief reiteration of your interest in the role and how your skills align with the company’s goals, such as, “I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your team’s success.”
Encourage further engagement by suggesting the next steps, like scheduling an interview or discussing your qualifications in more detail.
6. Signature
For the signature, use a professional closing phrase such as “Sincerely” or “Best regards,” followed by your full name.
If submitting a printed letter, include a handwritten signature above your typed name. For emails, you can also include links to your LinkedIn profile, portfolio, or other relevant materials.
This ensures a polished and professional finish to your letter while making it easy for the employer to take the next step.
Template for a Job Application Letter
| [Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State, ZIP Code] [Your Email Address] [Your Phone Number] [Date] [Hiring Manager’s Name] [Hiring Manager’s Title] [Company Name] [Company Address] [City, State, ZIP Code] Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name], I am writing to apply for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name], as advertised on [Job Board/Company Website/Other Source]. I am particularly excited about this opportunity because [Brief Reason for Interest in the Role/Company]. My background in [Your Field/Relevant Area] and proven success in [Highlight Specific Achievement or Skill] make me an excellent fit for this role. In my previous role as [Your Previous Job Title] at [Company Name], I [Specific Accomplishment or Responsibility, e.g., “led a team to increase sales by 25%”]. My experience in [Relevant Skills/Area] allowed me to [Describe Another Achievement or Responsibility]. These experiences have equipped me with [Specific Skill/Quality] that I am eager to bring to [Company Name]. What particularly draws me to [Company Name] is [Mention a Specific Company Value, Initiative, or Project]. I am inspired by [Explain Why This Resonates With You] and am confident that my background in [Field/Skill] aligns with your goals of [Briefly Mention Company Goals]. Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to [Company Name] and would welcome the chance to discuss how my skills and experiences align with your team’s needs. I am available for an interview at your convenience and can be reached at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address]. Sincerely, [Your Full Name] |
Example of a Job Application Letter
| Anna Delgado 456 Greenfield Avenue Pasig City, Metro Manila anna.delgado@email.com +63 987 654 3210 November 28, 2024 Mr. Roberto Santos Hiring Manager NextTech Solutions 123 Innovation Drive Taguig City, Metro Manila Dear Mr. Santos, I am writing to apply for the Software Developer position at NextTech Solutions, as advertised on your company’s website. I am particularly excited about this opportunity because of your commitment to pioneering technological solutions that make a real impact. With my background in software development and a track record of creating scalable applications, I am confident I can contribute significantly to your team. In my previous role as a Junior Software Engineer at CodeCraft Inc., I developed a customer management application that streamlined processes, reducing task completion time by 30%. Additionally, I collaborated with a team to design and deploy a web-based inventory system, which improved accuracy by 40% and was adopted company-wide. These projects honed my skills in Java, Python, and cloud integration, equipping me to handle complex development tasks effectively. What particularly draws me to NextTech Solutions is your recent launch of the GreenTech Initiative, which integrates technology with sustainable practices. As someone passionate about leveraging technology for environmental impact, I am eager to bring my skills to support these efforts while continuing to deliver high-quality software solutions. Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the opportunity to bring my skills and passion to NextTech Solutions. I would welcome the chance to discuss how my experience aligns with your goals and can be reached at anna.delgado@email.com or +63 987 654 3210. Sincerely, Anna Delgado |
Tips for Making Your Application Letter Stand Out
Here are ways to ensure your application letter grabs attention:
Tailor Every Letter
Avoid sending a generic letter to every employer. Instead, take the time to research the company and tailor your letter to their specific needs and culture. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate that you understand the role and are a perfect match for it.
Quantify Your Achievements
Numbers speak louder than vague statements, so use measurable results paired with strong action verbs to highlight your accomplishments. Quantifiable achievements combined with action verbs make your letter more compelling and credible.
You can refer to Harvard Business School’s list of action verbs to find powerful words that showcase your impact effectively.
Keep It Concise
A well-written application letter should be one page or less. Focus on the most critical details, such as your relevant skills, achievements, and why you’re interested in the role. Employers appreciate concise letters because they respect their time and get straight to the point.
Leverage AI Technology
AI platforms can help customize your application letter to match the job and make it more polished.
In an interview with Newsweek, David Reed, Global Head of Talent Acquisition at Sedgwick, stated:
“A good usage of GenAI can be seen in building a strong foundation in a job search, by leveraging this technology to help identify jobs of interest and to generate and customize resumes and cover letters to have a better chance of a recruiter reviewing your application.”
Embracing AI tools can give you an edge in the competitive job market.
Avoid Common Mistakes
Check your letter carefully to fix typos, grammar mistakes, and formatting problems. Errors can make you seem careless and hurt your chances of getting the job. Tools like Grammarly, Hemingway Editor, and ProWritingAid can help you spot and fix mistakes.
You can also read your letter out loud or ask a friend to look it over to catch anything you might have missed.
Use a Professional Tone
Strike the right balance between professionalism and enthusiasm. Avoid overly casual language, but don’t sound robotic either. A tone that conveys confidence and genuine interest in the role will make a positive impression on the employer.
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