How To Write a Job Application Letter (With

Examples)
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 definitely 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 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.

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.

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

Note

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 qualifications with the employer's wants and needs.

Include Your Most Relevant Qualifications

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 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: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-off,
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 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.

 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.

Note

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

Tips for Writing an Effective Letter

 Always write one. Unless a job posting specifically 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 benefit the company.
Provide specific 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.

Note

Numerical values offer 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 fit 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.