How to Write an

Application Letter
What is an
application letter?
An application letter or cover letter is a
document that accompanies your
resume when you apply for a job. It is
used to expand upon information you
note in your resume and offers a
strong opportunity to emphasize your
most relevant qualifications and
explain why you believe you are the
best candidate for the job you are
applying for. You won’t always be
required to write an application letter,
but it is always a good idea to do so to
bring forth persuasive arguments and
to elaborate on extra information and
employment gaps.
Writing an Application Letter Step One: Research

Details to look for:

Thoroughly research the ● Recent awards the company has

received
the company your ● Major accomplishments and
distinguishers that separates the
applying to and company from others
specifications of the ● Specialized certifications, skills or
knowledge that are necessary or
open position. You can helpful for the job
● Company size
better customize your ● Company culture
● Charitable projects that the
cover letter if you know company is a part of or involved in
a lot about the job ● Name and title for the hiring
manager
you’re applying for!
 Step Two: Use a Professional Format

Your application letter should use professional formatting. It should

include your name, contact information, the date, and the company’s
information. Begin with a professional salutation, such as "Dear X,"
and address the hiring manager by name whenever possible. If you
cannot find the hiring manager’s name through research, you may
use “Dear [Department] Hiring Manager,” to address the recipient.
Steps Three, Four, and Five: State the Position You're Applying for,
Explain Why You're the Best Fit for the Job, and Summarize your
qualifications
You also want to mention the top
Open your letter with a clear statement
qualifications that make you fit for
about the position you are applying for.
the job! Provide a brief summary
Refer to the company by name. You
your background that highlights the
might also want to specify where you
most important points from your
found the job posting! If you were
resume. Think about what you want
referred by anyone at the company, be
the hiring manager to know first, as
sure to include their name and
your reader will likely read your
position.
application letter before reviewing
Additionally, in one or two impactful your application. This is your chance
sentences, explain why you are the to make a gripping argument as to
best fit for the job opening/position. why your reader should review your
Provide clear details about your resume.
experiences, skills, education and/or
Steps Six and Seven: Mention Why You Want the
Job and Include a Professional Closing

Include a personal statement For the closing, thank the reader

as to why you want the for reviewing your letter,
job/position. Since you have reference your resume and any
already detailed as to why the other attached documents, and
company should want you, offer to provide any additional or
here’s where you detail why extra information as needed. Add
you chose this specific that you are looking forward to
company and what excites you next steps in the hiring process
most about the job/position and conclude with the closing,
opportunity. “Sincerely,”
 ● Length: A letter of application should be no more than one
page long. Three to four paragraphs is typical.

Formatting ● 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.
Hiring managers and ● Font: Use traditional font such as Times New Roman, Arial, or
Calibri. The font size should be between 10 and 12 points.
potential interviewers have
● Heading: A letter of application should begin with both your
specific expectations when and the employer's contact information (name, address, phone
it comes to the letter's number, email) followed by the date. If this is an email rather
presentation and than an actual letter, include your contact information at the
end of the letter, after your signature.
appearance, from length ● Salutation: This is your polite greeting. The most common
(no more than a page) to salutation is "Dear Mr./Ms." followed by the person's last name.
font size and style to letter ● Letter Body: Think of this section as being three distinct parts.
spacing. Here are some of (Next Slide)
● Complimentary Close: If you’re sending it as an email, close
the specific formatting off your email with a polite close, such as "Best" or "Sincerely,"
details. followed by your name.
● 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.
Letter Body

In the first paragraph, 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. After you have gathered all the information on what the
employers are looking for and apply your experiences to those
needs, this is where you 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.
Application Letter Writing Tips! Sell yourself! Throughout the letter,
focus on how you would benefit the
Always write an application letter unless company. Provide specific examples of
a job posting specifically says not to times when you demonstrated skills or
send a letter of application or cover abilities that would be useful or needed
letter. Even if the company does NOT for the job, especially those listed in the
request a letter of application, it doesn’t job posting or description. If possible,
hurt to include one. If they do ask you include examples of times when you
to send a letter, make sure to follow the added value to a company or made it
directions EXACTLY (for example, they more popular.
might ask you to send the letter as an
email attachment, or type it directly into
their online application system).
Make a list of your relevant
Use a formal business letter
experience and skills. If the job ad
format when writing your letter.
calls for a specific skill, try and
think about a time you effectively
Include your contact information
utilized that skill. at the top, the date, and the
Make sure to highlight employer’s contact information.
Decode the job ad and be
your most relevant Be sure to provide a salutation
sure to match your
skills, experiences, and qualifications with the (greeting) at the beginning, and
abilities employers wants and needs. your signature at the end.