What Is A Letter Of Application?

What is a letter of application?

A letter of application is more commonly-known as a covering letter. A covering letter of application is an introduction attached to, or accompanying, another document such as a CV.

Job seekers frequently send a cover letter along with their CV or employment application, as a way of introducing themselves to potential employers, and explaining their suitability for the desired position.

Employers may look for individualized and thoughtfully-written cover letters as one method of screening out applicants who are not sufficiently interested in the job on offer, or those who lack the necessary basic skills.

Cover letters are generally one page at most in length, divided into a header, introduction, body, and closing.

• The Header of a cover letter is usually written like any other standard business letter, with the sender's address and other information, the recipient's contact information, and the date sent after either the sender's or the recipient's address.

• Following that, is an optional reference section e.g. RE: Internship British Telecom and an optional transmission note e.g. Via Email to [email protected]. The final part of the header is a salutation e.g., Dear Hiring Managers.

• The introduction briefly states the specific position desired, and should be designed to catch the employer's immediate interest.

• The body of the cover letter highlights or amplifies material in the resume or job application, and explains why the job seeker is interested in the job and would be of value to the employer. Also, matters that are discussed typically include skills, qualifications, and past experience. If there are any special things to note, such as an availability date, they may be included as well.

• A closing is used to sum up the letter, and indicates the next step the applicant expects to take. It may indicate that the applicant intends to contact the employer; although many favor the more indirect approach of simply saying that the applicant will look forward to hearing from or speaking with the employer. After the closing is a valediction, e.g. Sincerely, and then a signature line or optionally, the abbreviation ENCL may be used to indicate that there are enclosures.

What is an application letter?

An application letter, is a letter which should be accompanied by your CV and has these purposes:

• It allows you to sell yourself by pointing out key features of your CV.
• It gives you the opportunity to include material that is not in the CV, especially personal qualities that you listed when making your preparations.
• It shows a prospective employer that you know how to write a letter. While this may be of decreasing importance in an electronic age, many employers still value it highly, both as a skill in its own right and as a test of your ability to communicate clearly and effectively.

Below is a sample of an application letter:

An application letter needs to be as concise as possible.

• When the application is sent in response to an advertisement, mention the name of the source with the date and name of the post.
• When you are employed in a firm or in an office, do not use the letterhead of the firm when applying to another position.
• Mention all your qualifications and experience gained.
• Study the job requirements thoroughly, and state clearly how you are qualified to apply for the job.
• Age, hobbies and skills will be of use to the employer, and so they should be clearly stated.

Minimum salary can be mentioned, when such a statement has been asked for. The body of the application must be divided into paragraphs each containing ideas. Don't suggest you are applying for the job because you are dissatisfied with your present job.

Enclose all necessary copies of testimonials along with the application. The language must be dignified and charming. State the names of the persons to whom a reference about your conduct and character may be made if necessary. You can also make a request for an interview.

To and from addresses must be written clearly. It is customary to end the application with a brief assurance to give full satisfaction to the employer if you are selected for appointment. Carefully attach all enclosures that you have mentioned in your application.

While writing a letter of application for a job, one should consider the following points:

• A clear statement of what made you apply to the job.
• How your skills suit the job.
• A promising ending about how you are capable of handling and excelling at the job.

A letter of contact that is sent to an employer with an application form or resume.

A application letter should state why you want to work there, your skills and past experience.