Method 1: Writing a Job Application
How to Write an Application Letter
Method 1: Writing a Job Application
1. Say why you're writing and what you're applying for in the first sentences.
Ensure clarity and purposefulness in your letter's opening. Provide clear indications about the nature of the letter and how the reader should approach it. This initial guidance is crucial for preventing confusion and establishing the right context for understanding the content that follows.
2. Explain why you are the best candidate.
What's unique about you? What do you bring to the table? What will you be able to do for this company, better than any other applicant? A good application letter will stand out from the pack.
Be specific. Who are you? Where do you come from? What's your story? These details are important. HR screeners read hundreds of these.
Describe your ambitions. Where do you want to go? How will this opportunity help you get there?
What skills and experiences make you the right fit? Be as specific as possible and avoid vague language. It's better to describe a time you solved a specific problem at your last job than to just write, "I'm a good problem solver at work."
3. Keep the tone professional.
When applying for a job, maintain a focused tone highlighting your relevant skills and experiences. Emphasize how you are qualified for the position rather than recounting your life story. Utilize specific examples to differentiate yourself and demonstrate your suitability for the role.
4. Explain how both parties will benefit from your selection.
In considering this decision, it's crucial to evaluate what's at stake and articulate what you bring to the table. Focus on how your presence will benefit the business or school. Envision yourself in the role and detail the specific contributions you can make to enhance operations or learning experiences. Highlight your unique skills and capabilities that will positively impact the organization's success or academic environment.
5. Do some research.
To distinguish yourself from other applicants, conduct research on the business you're applying to. Understand their core activities, business philosophy, and future direction. This knowledge will enable you to align your application with the company's values and goals, showcasing your genuine interest and suitability for the role.
Method 2: Writing a School Application
1. Address the prompt
When writing for a college application or internship, you'll typically encounter short prompts to respond to. Despite their brevity, these prompts offer room for creativity in your responses. Use this opportunity to showcase your unique perspective and abilities within the given constraints.
2. Tell your story.
College applications provide a chance to distinguish yourself beyond mere numbers. While many aim to sound "smart," it's more impactful to showcase your uniqueness. Focus on what sets you apart and be authentic in your portrayal. This is an opportunity for admissions officers to truly understand who you are, so let your individuality shine through without worrying about sounding overly intellectual.
3. Write about your future.
Where do you want to go next? Employers and college admissions want to hire people who want to succeed and want to go places. If you're writing an application letter, it's important to stand out by describing that you're an ambitious person who'll achieve at a high level
4. Don't include stuff that's also on your resume.
Your application letter is your prime opportunity to distinguish yourself. Avoid reciting your GPA and resume achievements, as they don't capture your essence. Instead, focus on revealing your personality and unique qualities. Reserve mention of schools, GPAs, and extracurriculars for anecdotes relevant to your letter's narrative.
5. Demonstrate that you're familiar with the school you're applying to.
Lots of people carpet-bomb the same letter to a bunch of different places, because that's a lot easier than actually writing a separate letter to every place you're applying. Research a little bit about each place, and take some time to make each letter unique, even if you're going from a template.
Method 3: Formatting Application Letters
1. Keep it short.
Cover letters should not be longer than one page, single-spaced. In most cases, you should get some kind of word-count to shoot for, which may be shorter or longer, depending on the purpose of the letter. Always defer to the guidelines you receive.
2. Only address the letter if you have someone to address it to.
Addressing letters to, "All concerned" or "Sir or Madam" makes your letter look strange and like a computer wrote it. If you're applying, but don't know who is going to read it, leave off the salutation at the beginning and title the document instead, so it will be clear.
3. Use a standard font.
Cover letters should always be word processed and single-spaced. Use a normal, standard font, like Calibri or Times New Roman. Avoid childish looking or gimmicky fonts, like Comic Sans when you're applying for jobs and school applications.
4. Use a formal closing.
When you get to the end of your letter, add a space, then include a closing, like "Sincerely" and sign your name.
5. Put your contact information in the header.
The following contact information should be included in the header of the document, usually over to the right margin:
Your name
Mailing address
Telephone and/or fax number
