Letter of Application
A letter that offers to the company for subscription to its capital is called a letter of application. The letter of application, also known as a cover letter, explains to the employer why you are qualified for the position in which you are applying and why you should be selected for an interview. Again when a job seeker writes an application to the prospective employer for getting a job, the application is known as a letter of application.
A letter of application should complement, not duplicate, your résumé. Its purpose is to interpret the résumé and add a personal touch. You may use this letter when you’re applying for a job where your personality is especially important to the role. An application letter reflects more details about you as an individual, while a resume outlines your professional skills and experience more. The letter of application is often your earliest written contact with a potential employer, creating a critical first impression. The letter should highlight your achievements and skills, helping to get the attention of the hiring manager or recruiter responsible for reviewing applications. That first glance at your letter of application is your one opportunity to make a good impression and make it to the next round in the search process. When written well, this letter explains to the reader why they should ask you in for an interview and highlights the key qualifications that make you a fit for the role.
When writing an application letter for a job, follow these steps to make sure you include information about yourself and your professional experience that will appeal to a hiring manager:
- Review information about the company and position,
- Use a professional format,
- Create the heading,
- Address the letter to the hiring manager,
- Open the letter by describing your interest,
- Outline your experience and qualifications,
- Include aspects of your personality,
- Express appreciation,
- Close the letter.
Your letter of application should be designed specifically for each position you seek. Do not design a form letter and send it to every potential employer. Writing a letter of application can seem like a challenging task. However, if you take it one step at a time, you’ll soon be an expert at writing letters of application to send with your application packet.
Letter of Application Guidelines
- Font: Use a traditional font such as Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri. The font size should be between 10 and 12 points.
- Format: 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.
- Length: A letter of application should be about one page long.
