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How to Write an Application Letter
- Oct 29, 2024
- 2,701 views
How to write an application letter? There are already so many documents you need to prepare during a job search. You have your resume and cover letter as essentials, potentially your CV or portfolio depending on your field.
Then, you should update your digital presence on LinkedIn and a personal website. Oh, and you should probably get some letters of recommendation and certifications.
So, why not add one more?
Thankfully, an application letter is more of a specialty document than one you would need to share often. However, there doesn't seem to be much information on application letters. Many articles describing them as just a synonym for a cover letter.
While the two have a great deal in common, the application letter has a very specific time, place, and style.
What is a letter of application? How do I know when to use one? Why should I write one in the first place?
All these valid questions are answered throughout this article, along with best practices, and tricks to land an interview through a stand-out letter of application.
77% of hiring managers give preference to candidates who submit a cover letter, even if they’re deemed optional on the application form. (ResumeLab)
What is an Application Letter?
There are very few personal problems that cannot be solved through a suitable application. Scott Adams
Simply put, a letter of application is a written summary of your skills, experience, and accomplishments . It's a professional document written with paragraphs and bullets. There you can convey why you want to work for a company and why your qualifications best align with the needs of the organization.
Application Letter vs Cover Letter
Well, that sounds a lot like a cover letter . And you would be very right. But there are a few key differences between the two documents, mainly:
Length Purpose Level of Detail Independence
Let's dive into each a little deeper.
Purpose of the Application Letter
A cover letter and an application letter showcase your achievements. But they differ from a resume in the sense that you can add some flavor to it.
The emphasis on bullet points and succinctness renders the resume a fairly clear-cut document that prioritizes objectivity and facts.
The paragraph-style format of the two letters allows you to leverage language in a way to invoke an ethos of what your professional personality is. And why you could easily assimilate into that specific company's culture.
But, to separate the pair, a cover letter communicates your interest in a singular position . Often one that you have found on a job board or website.
A letter of application displays your enthusiasm in working for a singular company and can be sent without prompt. But we will get more into that in a few sections.
The takeaway a cover letter tries to maximize a chance and an application letter aims to open an opportunity.
The easiest difference to spot between a cover and an application letter at a cursory glance is how long the document is .
A cover letter should never be over one page long. The more succinct you can make it, that's often for the better.
However, a letter of application gives you plenty of room to breathe as it can be two full pages and still be completely appropriate.
Level of Detail
Naturally, with all the extra space, you can go into so much more detail on an application letter than you can on a cover letter.
As we already covered, a cover letter usually targets a specific position attached to a job posting. So, you want to tailor the content of your cover letter to specific keywords. Choose a project or achievement that you can share in a paragraph that showcases two-to-three top skills applicable to the position.
An application letter laughs at such simplicity. You often have four to five paragraphs of information so you can cover career highlights, hurdles tackled, metric-based achievements, and your professional philosophy; sometimes with room to spare for your additional skills and expertise!
Independence
Finally, the letter of application can fly solo, much like a resume.
After all, you would never submit a cover letter without a resume, and you should always include a personalized cover letter with your resume.
The application letter is like a combination of a resume and a cover letter. It fuses the objective-focused bullets of a resume with the personal touch of a cover letter.
As a result, in the very rare circumstances that you would submit an application letter (which we will get to in just a moment), that's the only document you need to share with a hiring manager.
Anything more might be too much for a recruiter, causing your resume and application letter to go never seen. Stick with the 2-page document as an initial outreach method. If you have piqued their interest, then you can forward your resume or any other career documents.
Types of Application Letters
When to use an application letter.
We have covered what a letter of application is and how it differs from a cover letter. Now we have to cover when it's appropriate to send one to a company's hiring department.
As mentioned already, it's rare for an application letter to be required for a typical job posting. That role is fulfilled by the cover letter.
But there are three distinct scenarios where an application letter could work to your advantage.
1. There's No Formal Job Opening
Let's say you know what company you want to work for . It could be due to some personal significance, the company being an industry leader, or having a reputation as a great place to work. Whatever the case may be, there's a high likelihood that you aren't the only person who would love to work for that specific company.
Consequently, when a position is finally opened, hundreds, if not thousands , of applicants are sure to pile in.
If you are in this position, you need to be proactive to raise your chances of working for that company; and that's when a letter of application can help open the door for you.
But, why send an application letter and not a resume or cover letter?
It might be best to avoid sending the resume immediately could be seen as brazen, not helping you set the appropriate first impression. Additionally, due to the bulleted nature of a resume , it is much easier for the reader to scan it, miss vital details, and leave after just one job entry.
Therefore, you have to get them to read the entire document . A cover letter is better suited for this as it's much harder to skim paragraphs than it is for bullets. Also, it's easier to build a narrative structure in a cover letter, engaging the HR to read a story rather than a laundry list of action verbs and numbers.
However, a cover letter is short . You have less than 400 words to greet the reader, convey skills and accomplishments, and conclude it. There just isn't enough room for you to share your comprehensive professional experience.
An application letter fuses the positives of a resume (the fact-based bullets) and a cover letter (the narrative structure) to state your case on why they should instantly consider you for an upcoming vacancy.
The carefully chosen bullets allow the hiring manager to quickly scan the document. And become curious for more, and then read the letter from start to finish, learning the extended synopsis of your work experience. It's all in one package.
So, consider cold calling for the next step in your professional journey. You could land a spot on the shortlist of your dream company because you showed initiative.
82% of buyers say they have accepted sales meetings after a connection that began with a cold call. (Zippia)
2. Academic Programs
Creating career documents for professionals in academia proves to be a tricky task.
Often, especially for recognized experts in their field, they have numerous research papers, keynote addresses, patents, affiliations, and academic appointments that would make a typical resume extend past 2 pages.
Side reminder: Always limit your resume to two pages. Research shows only 3% of executives prefer three-page resumes. Whereas 96% prefer a one- or two-page resume.
While a comprehensive CV resolves this issue, an extended document that can be as many as 10 pages isn't very inviting.
As a result, in your resume, you have to include important academic achievements with little-to-no context.
Yet, the application letter is perfect for this task. A customized letter of application can highlight and explain critical accomplishments that could lead to a new professorship or research collaboration.
Moreover, two pages are nothing in academia. Academics regularly immerse themselves in extended, complex documents and dissertations. So the "extended" format of the application letter turns out to be a non-factor here.
3. Internships
If you're seeking an internship , chances are you have very limited work experience, especially in your target industry. While a well-crafted resume can win an HR over, something with a more personalized and proactive touch that differentiates you from your peers is vital.
A letter of application gives the space and narrative structure to outline and explain the three requirements when searching for an internship:
Passion for the Industry Passion for the Company Passion to Learn and Develop
You will still need a formal resume for the recruiting process; but an application letter can create an internship opportunity when one didn't previously exist.
Application Letter Structure
In many ways, an application letter's structure and flow are the same as that of a cover letter.
Both require a:
Introduction.
- Body with Skills and Accomplishments
The main difference comes in the "Body" section. Instead of one paragraph and some assorted attainments, it's multiple paragraphs with bullets interspersed throughout.
Due to the extended nature of this document, outline your letter of application first. This will ensure you stay on topic, communicating all the required abilities and achievements for the desired position. The outline does not have to be in-depth, but rather look something like this:
Heading Introduction State Interest Brief Career Overview Top Skills Start of Career Accomplishment Skills Demonstrated How I Can Use Them at This Company Bullets of Related Accomplishments More Recent Career Achievement Skills Demonstrated How I Can Use Them at This Company Additional Bullets from the Most Recent Position Conclusion Restate Interest and Skills Call to Action Thanks
This is the most straightforward section, as it's exactly the same as a cover letter.
Just be sure to include:
- Your Location
- Contact Information (Email & Phone Number)
- Date of Writing
For now, you can omit LinkedIn profile links and personal websites as those can be shared in a resume. Remember, in this application letter, we are engaging them to learn more , not everything about us.
This is your most important paragraph. It sets the tone for the rest of the document while either persuading or dissuading the hiring manager to read further, especially in a longer paper like a letter of application.
Let's look more closely at the introduction outline from above:
Introduction:
- State Interest
- Brief Career Overview
First, you will want to explicitly state that you are interested in working for that company and for what position or department. In this, do not say what your name is. Your name is at the top of the document and the "My name is..." start is cliche.
Then, share a one-sentence overview of your career that substantiates you have the necessary experience for that role.
Finally, connect it all with some of the top skills that you possess that are most often required in that position.
It's a simple and concise structure, but it will provide the hiring manager with enough information to encourage them to read more. Too short and there isn't enough meat on the bone to continue reading. Too much and you run the risk of boring the reader.
I'm contacting you to express my interest in a sales representative position at Company X. With over six years of biomedical sales experience, I emphasize relationship building to generate company wins. I pair this with the ability to cross-functionally collaborate, merging disparate departments to align with organizational objectives.
Just as you would in a cover letter, you want to give the hiring manager or recruiter a reason to hire you. It's time to show off a little.
If you have applicable experience, then this section should be fairly straightforward as you can just expand on some of your most relevant wins.
However, if you don't have the experience, you want your desire to learn and develop to take center stage while tying in transferrable skills you've accrued from other positions, extracurriculars, and volunteer experiences.
Referencing back to the outline we made:
Start of Career Accomplishment Skills Demonstrated How I Can Use Them at This Company 2-3 Bullets of Related Accomplishments More Recent Career Achievement Skills Demonstrated How I Can Use Them at This Company Additional Bullets from the Most Recent Position
You will want your application letter narrative to be chronological, starting with your oldest applicable experience. Then, in the next paragraph, you should share something you have recently accomplished, ideally in your most recent position.
The bullets between the paragraphs serve as highlights of your professional journey, connecting the timeline of your previous and more recent experiences. These can be simply presented as they would be on a resume.
The final bullets after the second section should be other accomplishments from your last position. This substantiates that you are a professional who can create an immediate impact at a new company.
Feel free to customize this rough outline to best encapsulate your career. Some best practices are to never have more than 3 bullets consecutively without a part to break them up.
Additionally, don't be afraid to use shorter sentences and paragraphs. White space is your friend here as recruiters will not want to read a wall of text.
Finally, leverage action verbs throughout the letter of application, just as you would on a resume or cover letter. These better engage the reader, making your achievement that much more substantial.
83% of recruiters agree that a great cover letter can land a candidate an interview, even if their resume is good enough. (ResumeLab)
You've stated your case, providing factual details and a career story, so it's time to wrap it up! Just as your introduction is very similar to one you would see on a cover letter, so is the ending.
Conclusion:
- Restate Interest and Skills
- Call to Action
You still want to butter up the company a bit. Reiterate your enthusiasm not only in the potential opportunity but in the company itself and its mission. Here, try to intersperse your interest with your stated skills to align your offered value with the needs of their organization.
Then, you must invoke action. Explicitly state that you will follow up within a reasonable time frame. Two weeks is a good standard. You can invite them to call you for an interview or some type of further discussion regarding the (potential) position.
In the end, thank them for their time and consideration. They just read two pages from an unprompted source.
I hope that my passion for innovation and emerging technologies can become a part of the continued success of Company X. I look forward to the possibility of discussing a potential position with you further. Thank you for your consideration.
Application Letter Examples
Letter of application short examples.
The simpler you say it, the more eloquent it is. August Wilson
Dear Mr. Smith, I am writing to express my interest in the Marketing Manager role at Acme Marketing Solutions. I have four years of experience in digital marketing. I'm confident that my skills and qualifications make me an ideal candidate for this role. I possess strong organizational and problem-solving skills, as well as excellent interpersonal communication abilities . During my current role as a Digital Marketing Specialist, I have demonstrated success in meeting deadlines while managing multiple tasks simultaneously. I am also familiar with a variety of software programs related to the position, including Google Analytics, Adobe Creative Suite, and HubSpot. I believe that I would be a great addition to the team at Acme Marketing Solutions. I am eager to apply my skills and knowledge towards helping the company reach its goals. Thank you for your consideration. I eagerly anticipate your response. Sincerely, Lana Peterson
Dear Hiring Committee, I am excited to apply for the Software Engineer position at TechSphere Inc. As an experienced software developer with a proven track record of developing high-quality code and solving complex technical problems. I am confident that my skills align perfectly with the requirements of this role. With my attention to detail, strong problem-solving abilities, and collaborative mindset, I believe I can contribute significantly to TechSphere Inc.'s software development team. Thank you for considering my application, and I look forward to discussing this opportunity further.
Letter of Application Long Examples
Please note that these examples are still condensed versions of long application letters. A longer application letter can include additional details about relevant experiences, accomplishments, skills, education background, certifications, etc., tailored specifically for the job requirements.
Dear Hiring Manager, I am writing to apply for the position of Marketing Coordinator at Stratagem Company. I have always been passionate about marketing and have developed a strong foundation in this field through my education and previous work experience. I graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Marketing from Idaho State University. There I gained a solid understanding of market research, consumer behavior, and strategic marketing planning. During my time at university, I actively participated in various marketing projects and internships. Those provided me with hands-on experience in implementing marketing strategies, conducting market analysis, and managing social media campaigns. Following my graduation, I worked at StrategicReach Company as a Marketing Assistant. There I was responsible for developing content for digital channels, managing social media accounts, and analyzing campaign performance. During my tenure, I successfully increased social media engagement by 30% and implemented email marketing campaigns that resulted in a 20% increase in leads. In my most recent position as a Marketing Specialist at Catalyst Corporation, I further honed my skills in project management, campaign optimization, and data analysis. I led cross-functional teams to develop integrated marketing campaigns that generated significant brand awareness and increased customer engagement. Additionally, I conducted thorough market research to identify new target segments and emerging trends, which successfully led to the development of innovative marketing strategies. I believe that my comprehensive knowledge of marketing principles, coupled with my hands-on experience in executing successful campaigns across different channels, make me an ideal candidate for the Marketing Coordinator position at Stratagem Company. I am confident that my strong analytical and creative skills, combined with my ability to collaborate effectively with diverse teams, will enable me to deliver exceptional results. Thank you for considering my application. I am eager to contribute my expertise to Stratagem's marketing initiatives. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how I can bring value to your team. Sincerely, Max Lewis
While an overall rare document, the application letter has a valuable niche in the modern job market.
It can open doors that weren't initially there for new professionals and executives alike. A letter of application also gives you the extended space necessary to dive into more of your great accomplishments.
If you're looking to create opportunities and stand out among the crowd, an application letter is a viable, and underused, tool.
Trevor Richfield
Career Coach & Professional Resume Writer
Trevor is a professional resume writer, career coach, and Nationally Certified Online Profile Expert (NCOPE) with well over 1,000 resumes under his belt. He emphasizes the importance of building an authentic professional brand you are proud to display to potential collaborators and employers. From recent graduates to executive leaders, Trevor has helped professionals land jobs at Fortune 500 companies and expand their own independent ventures.It's not only about results with Trevor, but about a continuous journey of professional and personal empowerment.
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How to Write an Effective Application Letter [with Example & Tips]
By Sheila Kravitz in Cover Letters
An application letter is a vital document in any job seeker’s arsenal, at the same level of importance as resumes and cover letters. It’s often an applicant’s first point of contact with recruiters and hiring managers .
So, how do you write an effective job application letter to highlight your skills and experience, capture the potential employer’s attention, and increase your chances of getting a job? These are the questions that we’re going to answer in this article while also giving you concrete examples and expert tips that’ll make your letter shine.
Without further ado, let’s jump right in!
Key Takeaways
An application letter is a document similar to a cover letter or a resume that job seekers submit when they are interested in a role .
The document is similar to a cover letter example , and it should follow business letter formatting .
Before writing an application letter, you should research the company and read the job ad to find out which skills and qualifications are needed.
An introductory paragraph should be attention-grabbing , highlighting the amount of work experience you have and at least one highly impressive accomplishment.
The middle portion of the document should be all about your skills and achievements relevant to the job.
A call to action toward the end of the letter increases your chances of being invited for an interview.
What is a Job Application Letter?
A job application letter is a document that’s in many ways similar to a cover letter. It’s written and sent with the purpose of applying for a job . As such, it should convey valuable information about your skills, experience, and motivation for the role that you’re applying for.
However, while a cover letter is a supplementary document to a resume , a job application letter is typically a standalone document and should be sent without additional attachments. As a result, it needs to be longer and more detailed than a cover letter.
Still, an application letter should be a concise, one-page document that serves as an elevator pitch. Use it to get in touch with potential employers and make a lasting first impression that can secure you an interview and expedite the hiring process.
The Best Way to Format Your Job Application Letter
The best way to format your job application letter is to follow the business letter format and layout . This includes organizing the information in a specific way and ensuring that your document is visually clean.
Here’s how to arrange the information in your application letter:
Job Application Letter Format
Contact information
A formal salutation
A catchy introductory paragraph
The middle portion, with your skills and achievements
A closing paragraph with a call to action
A cordial letter closing with your sign-off
This is the optimal structure to follow when writing a job application letter, as it gives hiring managers the chance to see what they want to see exactly when they want to.
Now let’s see how you can create an impeccable layout for your application letter:
Job Application Letter Layout Guidelines
Your document should be one page long .
Choose an appropriate font for your application letter, like Calibri or Helvetica.
Set the font size between 10 and 12 pt.
Adjust margins to at least 1 inch on all sides.
Use 1.0 or 1.15 line spacing and insert an additional line between paragraphs.
Align text to the left or use justified alignment.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Writing a Perfect Application Letter
Let’s learn how to write an application letter for a job with a step-by-step guide that’ll show you how to craft every part of it.
#1. Research the Company
Researching the company is the first step before you even start writing your application letter . This is crucial, as your document has the best chance of garnering attention from hiring managers if it’s tailored and relevant to the position that you’re applying for.
That’s because every job is different, and even similar roles within the same industry require different sets of skills and experiences. By looking into the organization that you want to join, examining the job ad, and paying attention to the requirements, you’ll be able to pinpoint exactly what hiring managers and employers look for in candidates .
After that, you’ll be able to lean on those experiences, as well as the hard and soft skills that you know are necessary for the job. That’ll set you apart from other candidates with generic application letters that don’t entirely match the posted requirements.
#2. Write an Introduction
Writing a strong introductory paragraph is one of the most important steps in the process of crafting an application letter. It’s your way of grabbing the reader’s attention and persuading them to check out the rest of your document.
Hiring managers are busy professionals and sometimes merely skim through application letters , spending just a couple of seconds on each. That’s why you want the first few sentences to be as captivating as possible.
Use this paragraph to mention the position that you’re applying for, emphasize how much experience you have , and highlight one or two particularly notable accomplishments.
Here’s an example:
Introduction Example
I am writing to express my interest in the architect position at Sky Vision Inc., as advertised on your website. With more than 11 years of experience in residential design and project management, as well as a Global Award for Sustainable Architecture under my belt, I am confident that I’ll be able to contribute to your esteemed organization and lead your large-scale projects.
#3. Emphasize Your Skills & Achievements
Once you have the hiring manager’s attention, it’s time to impress them with your unique skills and achievements . Remember that the goal is to be as relevant as possible, so focus on those accomplishments that indicate how you are going to perform in their company should they hire you.
One of the best ways to make this part of your application letter pop is to use numbers for quantification . They add measurable value to your accomplishments, adding credibility to them and making them stand out in the eyes of hiring managers.
Let’s see that in an example:
Emphasize Skills & Achievements Example
I have a proven track record of handling more than 50 projects from inception to completion, within budget, and with no missed deadlines. One of my biggest accomplishments was carrying out a $35 million project and achieving a delivery time 13% faster than the industry standard.
#4. Say Why You’re a Good Fit for the Role
In addition to accentuating your skills and experience, you should stress that you’re the perfect person for the role you’re applying for. This builds on the summary of qualifications that you already talked about to show potential employers how they are going to benefit from hiring you .
To achieve this goal, you can point out the moments when your previous employers prospered from your work , such as how you helped them gain new clients, boost their revenue, improve their business, and more.
Why You’re a Good Fit for the Role Example
Exceptional skills in design software like AutoCAD and Revit, coupled with a commitment to green and user-centric architecture, garnered me a 96% user satisfaction rate and an increase in the company’s repeat business by 67%.
#5. Close Your Letter With a CTA
You should take the opportunity to include a call to action (CTA) toward the end of your application letter. A CTA is a marketing term describing something created to elicit a response .
In terms of an application letter, a CTA can be an invitation for hiring managers to contact you for a job interview . This one simple sentence can vastly improve your chances and secure you the next step in the hiring process.
Close the Letter With CTA Example
Thank you for your time. I would love the opportunity to discuss my qualifications over an interview and explain further how I could contribute to your organization.
Let’s put what we’ve learned into practice and check out a complete application letter example :
Application Letter Example
3 Tips for Crafting an Effective Job Application Letter
Let’s wrap it up with a couple of expert tips that’ll help you craft the best application letter for a job vacancy:
Job Application Letter Writing Tips
Show that you’re interested in the company. Mention something specific about the organization that you want to join that compelled you to apply to them in particular. That’ll set you apart from the competition, as it shows true passion and indicates that you’re already familiar with their work.
Address the reader by their name. Greeting the reader by their name creates a connection right from the get-go. It’s a great way to build rapport and show that you went the extra mile to research the company.
Write a new job application letter for every position. Don’t submit the same application letter every time you apply for a new job. Even slight modifications can still make your document look generic. For maximum chances with recruiters, your best bet is to write a new one every time.
Final Thoughts
Writing a strong application letter is a skill in and of itself. It represents a combination of research skills, communication skills , writing skills , attention to detail, and more. However, learning this ability is crucial, as it opens doors to invaluable opportunities and helps you move your career in the right direction.
Fortunately, learning to write this document is not that difficult once you understand the basics . The format and layout remain the same, regardless of the career or role that you’re applying for. One application letter sample works for any position; you just need to adapt it to suit your needs.
That’s why we’ve provided step-by-step instructions and a complete example of an application letter, arming you with all the knowledge you need. Best of luck getting the job of your dreams!
Application Letter FAQ
#1. when do you need a job application letter.
You need a job application letter when you’re applying for a role , and you want to stand out among the competition. This document serves as a testament to your skills and experience, and its goal is to portray you as a qualified candidate who’s perfect for the job.
#2. Is a letter of application the same as a cover letter?
A letter of application is not the same as a cover letter , but they share many similarities. The two documents have the same formatting, and both convey valuable information about your competence. However, a cover letter supplements your resume, while an application letter is a standalone and more comprehensive document.
#3. How do I write an application letter that stands out?
To write an application letter that stands out, focus on the skills and accomplishments that are relevant to the job that you’re applying for . Use an attention-grabbing introductory paragraph and include a call to action toward the end. Finally, leverage numbers to add measurable value to your achievements.
Create your cover letter once, use it everywhere