an application letter applying for a job

How to Write a Letter of Application with Examples

Write a compelling letter of application with our step-by-step guide and job-specific examples that improve your chances of being considered for your desired job.

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Are you embarking on the journey of job hunting? A letter of application can help you go the distance in your job search!

Often synonymous with a cover letter , this invaluable document is your introduction to potential employers. It’s not just a piece of paper; it’s your narrative, your first handshake in the professional realm.

In this article, we’ll provide clear steps, expert tips and job-specific letter of application examples to help you write a compelling cover letter — your key to unlocking fantastic professional opportunities. Ready to make your words work wonders? Let’s dive in!

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Letter of application example

How to write a letter of application.

• Formatting tips for a letter of application

Job-specific application letter examples

Do’s and don’ts for your letter of application, key takeaways.

First, this is how a letter of application should look like. You can use this example of an application letter as a starting point for your own.

Build my cover letter

There are so many job applications, yet so little time. We understand that writing new application letters for each role can be time-consuming, so we created our Cover Letter Builder ! By typing your job title and answering simple questions, our builder can generate a personalized application letter in minutes.

You can write a compelling letter of application that has recruiters calling you for an interview by following a few easy steps and some not-so-secret tips and tricks.

Before you dive into writing, let’s start with a crucial step:

Research the company you’re applying to.

It sounds redundant, but a big part of your letter of application is showing recruiters you’re genuinely excited about the role.

Doing some homework to browse the company website or LinkedIn will help you identify a pattern of values that create the company’s “ corporate culture .”

Many companies will also publicly share awards they’ve won or projects they’re embarking on. With this information, you can write an application letter showing recruiters you know what the company is working toward.

You can even demonstrate you’re ready to hit the ground running if you get the job by sharing ideas or potential solutions that align with the company’s goals.

Structure your header correctly.

Now that you have some background on what the company is looking for in a candidate, you can begin writing your letter of application.

The first section of your application is the header or letterhead. Formatting your letterhead in a business-letter style is crucial for professionalism. Ensure your header includes your contact information and the date, aligning with conventional business letter formats.

Application letterhead template

[Your Name] [City, State, ZIP Code] [Your Email Address] [Your Phone Number]

[Today’s Date]

[Recipient’s Name, Job Title] [Company Name] [Company’s Address] [City, State and ZIP Code]

Good example:

Alyssa Guadigino Newark, New Jersey 07106 [email protected] 555-555-5555

February 18, 2024

Carla Rivera, HR Manager Turin & Co., LLC 77 E 4th St New York, NY 10014

Bad Example:

Alyssa Guadigino [email protected] 555-555-5555

Greet the hiring manager.

When addressing your letter, strive to find the hiring manager’s name since this personalizes your letter and shows your attention to detail.

However, if the hiring manager’s name is unavailable, what can you do to address a cover letter without a name ?

The best option is to use a generic but appropriate greeting, such as “Dear Hiring Manager” or “To the Growth Marketing Department.”

Dear Ms. Johnson,

Bad example:

To whom it may concern,

Grab recruiters’ attention in the opening paragraph.

The opening paragraph is your chance to show recruiters those essential qualifications that make you a desirable candidate.

Highlight essential soft skills , mention required qualifications or even add a bit of personal branding to make a memorable first impression.

As an enthusiastic and adaptable marketing coordinator with six years of experience and a passion for fostering collaborative environments, I bring a unique blend of creativity and strategic thinking to your team at XYZ Corporation.

I am writing to express my interest in the position at your company. I am a hard worker and a fast learner.

A weak opening paragraph is vague and sparse. In contrast, a solid opening paragraph features the skills and qualifications the employer seeks in a candidate.

Looking for more examples and tips for nailing this part of your application letter? Check out our in-depth guide on How to Write the First Paragraph of Your Cover Letter .

Share your best qualifications in the body paragraph.

In the body of your letter, you have a golden opportunity to present a compelling case for why you are the ideal candidate for the position.

The body paragraph is the most flexible section of your letter of application because you can employ different approaches.

If you’re an applicant with a lot of relevant experience, you can focus on sharing more relevant quantifiable achievements that showcase your expertise.

Suppose you’re a job seeker with little to no experience. In that case, you should use the letter of application to target potential concerns an employer may have, such as being a recent graduate, having an employment gap or changing careers . You must face these limitations head-on and quickly pivot to the qualifications you can offer the employer, especially transferable skills from previous experiences that you can employ in the role.

Check out these body paragraph examples to identify what works and what doesn’t:

With four years in accounting, I excel in financial analysis, reporting and strategic decision-making. In my current role, I streamlined expense tracking, reducing reconciliation times by 30%, which enhaced accuracy and enabled timely decision-making. Proficient in QuickBooks and Excel, I bring efficiency, precision and a proven track record of process improvement to elevate Enco Accounting’s financial operations.

I’ve done various tasks and used different accounting software as an accountant. I’m good at financial analysis and reporting. I hope to bring my skills to your company.

Notice how the bad example looks like the applicant wrote the basics and didn’t put much effort into personalizing it for the job? In a good example, the applicant does the opposite; they choose their skills carefully and provide many details to communicate their achievements to employers effectively.

Finish your letter by encouraging next steps.

Conclude your letter by expressing eagerness for the next steps. Use a compelling closing paragraph that leaves a positive impression.

I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to ABC Company’s continued success and would welcome the chance to discuss in an interview how my skills align with your needs. Thank you for considering my application.

Thanks for reading, and I hope to hear from you soon.

A strong closing paragraph is direct yet polite and invites the reader to reach out to you with the next steps for interviewing. You can even include a summary of your primary qualifications if you’ve written a longer letter; just ensure you don’t repeat the same things.

For additional inspiration, you can explore 8 Brilliant Cover Letter Closing Paragraphs & Conclusion Examples .

Formatting tips for a great letter of application

Crafting an impressive letter of application extends beyond the content — it’s equally vital to present it professionally. Follow these essential formatting tips to ensure your letter not only captures attention but also reflects your attention to detail:

Length matters.

Mind the line spacing., choose an appropriate font., be consistent with text alignment., pick an appropriate file format and name., use an ats-friendly template..

Customer Service Representative

Assistant Manager

Administrative Assistant

Sales Representative

Software Engineer

Project Manager

Registered Nurse

Internship Student

Operations Manager

Medical Assistant

Don’t use a one-size-fits-all approach.

Tailor your letter for each job application. A generic letter won’t showcase your genuine interest in the role, nor will it pinpoint the critical skills and qualifications the employer wants to see.

Don’t focus solely on your needs.

While expressing your career goals is essential to your application letter, remember to emphasize what you bring to the table. Shift the focus from what the job can do for you to how you can contribute to the company.

Don’t repeat what’s on your resume.

Your letter is an opportunity to delve into specific experiences and achievements. Avoid duplicating your resume; instead, offer insights into your career progression.

Don’t exaggerate or falsify information.

Honesty is key. Exaggerating or providing false information can jeopardize your credibility and harm your chances of securing the position.

Don’t overuse jargon.

While industry-specific language is essential, avoid overloading your letter with jargon. Aim for clarity to ensure your message resonates with a broad audience of recruiters.

Do follow application guidelines.

Adhere to the specified format, submission method or additional requirements outlined in the job posting. Even a fantastic cover letter won’t help if you don’t follow the employer’s application instructions to a T.

Do keep your letter to the point.

Be concise and efficient with your letter of application. Hiring managers appreciate brevity, so focus on key achievements and qualifications to maintain their interest from start to finish.

Do proofread your letter.

Typos and grammatical errors are big red flags for recruiters. Before submitting, thoroughly proofread your letter to ensure clarity, accuracy and an error-free presentation.

• Tailor your approach and avoid a one-size-fits-all approach. Customize each letter to the specific job and company.
• Demonstrate genuine excitement about the role and align your values with the company’s culture.
• Emphasize transferable skills and achievements that are relevant to the job you’re applying for.
• Address employment gaps and career changes transparently, showcasing how these experiences contribute to your versatility.
• Provide specific examples and quantifiable achievements that showcase the real impact of your efforts.
• Adhere to essential formatting tips, including keeping your letter of application one page long, using a 1.15-1.5 line spacing, a professional font and consistent text alignment.
• Craft a letter that will pass applicant tracking systems (ATS) by avoiding complex formatting.
• Steer clear of common mistakes like focusing solely on your needs, repeating resume content, exaggerating information and overusing jargon in your application letter.
• Follow the application guidelines specified in the job posting to showcase your ability to follow instructions.
• Maintain a concise and focused letter, ensuring it captures the reader’s interest without unnecessary details.
• Avoid typos and grammatical errors by thoroughly proofreading your letter before submission.

What is a letter of application? Is it the same as a cover letter?

A letter of application is a document you submit alongside your resume when applying for a particular job. An application letter lets you introduce yourself professionally to employers and compel them to hire you by showcasing your qualifications. A letter of application is the same as a cover letter. This document goes by many names, such as motivation or presentation letters.

Why do you need a letter of application?

You need a letter of application if you want to be a competitive candidate and have the potential to land the job. A resume will show employers you possess all the job requirements, but a cover letter showcases more intangible qualities such as passion, motivation, work ethic and career progression.

Can you use the same letter of application for multiple jobs?

Technically, you shouldn’t. If you wanted to use the same letter of application for multiple jobs, you’d end up submitting a generic application letter. Although you might think a generic letter is “good enough,” it can severely hurt your hiring chances. Recruiters don’t want to read a letter not tailored to the employer’s unique needs.

How do I write a letter of application that stands out?

Besides tailoring the content of your letter of application to fit a specific job’s requirements, you can add a few other things to make your letter stand out. For example, use keywords from the job description, showcase how you’ve grown throughout your career or communicate ideas you’re eager to implement in the new role.

What should I avoid writing in an application letter?

Some topics you should avoid writing about in your application letter are:

• Personal issues regarding health or finances.
• Salary expectations (unless expressly required in the job application).
• Negative opinions about previous employers.
• Irrelevant hobbies or interests.

How do you format a letter of application in email?

When formatting a letter of application in an email, here are a few steps you should take:

• Write a subject line that mentions the role you are applying for. For example: Application for [Job Title] Position – [Your Full Name].
• Start with a professional salutation. If you have the recipient’s name, use it (e.g., “Dear Mr. Smith”) or “Dear Hiring Manager” if the name is unknown.
• Begin the application letter’s content with a brief introduction expressing your interest in the position. Mention where you found the job posting and any mutual connections if you have them.
• Keep your letter concise, typically within three to four paragraphs. Address your qualifications and critical skills relevant to the job.
• Finalize the letter with a strong closing statement expressing your eagerness to discuss your application further.
• Include a professional closing (e.g., “Sincerely,” “Best Regards”) followed by your full name.
• Bonus: If you include attachments, mention them in the email. Example: “Attached, please find my resume and cover letter for your consideration.”

What is a letter of interest for a job application?

A letter of interest, or a letter of inquiry, is a document you send to a prospective employer to express your interest in working for their organization, even if they have yet to advertise a specific job opening. This letter serves as a way to introduce yourself, highlight your qualifications and inquire about potential job opportunities within the company.

See more on our FAQ page

Related resources

Cover Letter Formats: Tips for 2024

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400+ Resume Examples

About the Author

Gabriela Hernandez • CPRW, Career Advice Expert

Gabriela Hernandez is one of LiveCareer's resident writers. She graduated from the University of Puerto Rico with a degree in Journalism. Throughout her career, she has tackled copywriting, blog articles, journalistic writing, academic writing, resume writing, and even prose and verse.

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• Career Planning
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• Cover Letters

Sample Cover Letter for a Job Application

What Is an Application Letter?

What to include in your application letter, tips for writing a cover letter, cover letter sample and template, email cover letter sample.

• How to Send an Email Application

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Alex Dos Diaz / The Balance

What's the best way to write a letter to apply for a job? Your letter should detail your specific qualifications for the position and the skills you would bring to the employer. What’s most important is to show the employer that you’re a perfect match for the job.

Your job application letter is an opportunity to highlight your most relevant qualifications and experience. An effective cover letter will enhance your application, showcase your achievements, and increase your chances of landing an interview.

Review what to include in a job application letter, tips for writing that will get your application noticed, and examples of cover letters and email messages to send when applying for a job.

Key Takeaways

• An application letter accompanies a resume and may be uploaded to a job portal, sent via email, or even sent by postal mail, depending on the employer’s requirements.
• Application letters are an ideal way to show your interest in a job and highlight your most relevant skills.
• It’s important to match your letter to the job description and show the employer you have the qualifications they are seeking.

A   letter of application, also known as a  cover letter , is a document sent with your resume to provide additional information about your skills and experience to an employer. Your letter of application is intended to provide detailed information on why you are an ideal candidate for the job.

Your application letter should let the employer know what position you are applying for, what makes you a strong candidate, why they should select you for an interview, and how you will follow up.

Effective application letters explain the reasons for your interest in the specific organization and identify the most relevant skills that qualify you for the job.

Unless an employer specifically requests a job application letter sent by postal mail, most cover letters today are sent by email or attached as a file in an online application tracking system.

As with all cover letters, a job application letter is divided into sections:

• The heading includes your name and contact information.
• A  greeting  addressed to a specific person, if possible.
• The introduction includes why the applicant is writing.
• The body discusses your relevant qualifications and what you have to offer the employer.
• The close thanks the reader and provides contact information and follow-up details.
• Your  signature to end the letter .

Here’s how to ensure your application supports your resume, highlights your most relevant qualifications, and impresses the hiring manager.

Get off to a direct start.  In your first paragraph, explain why you are writing. Mention the job title, company name, and where you found the job listing. While you can also briefly mention why you are a strong candidate, this section should be short and to the point.

Offer something different than what's in your resume. You can make your language a bit more personal than in your resume bullet points, and you can tell a narrative about your work experience and career.

Application letters typically accompany resumes, so your letter should showcase information that your resume doesn't.

Make a good case.  Your first goal with this letter is to progress to the next step: an interview. Your overarching goal, of course, is to get a job offer. Use your application letter to further both causes. Offer details about your experience and background that show why you are a good candidate. How have other jobs prepared you for the position? What would you bring to the role and the company? Use this space to  emphasize your strengths .

Close with all the important details.  Include a thank you at the end of your letter. You can also share your contact information and mention how you will follow up.

This is a sample cover letter.  Download the cover letter template  (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online) or see below for an email sample.

The Balance

John Donaldson 8 Sue Circle Smithtown, CA 08067 909-555-5555 john.donaldson@email.com

September 6, 2023

George Gilhooley LTC Company 87 Delaware Road Hatfield, CA 08065

Dear Mr. Gilhooley,

I am writing to apply for the programmer position advertised in the Times Union. As requested, I enclose my certification, resume, and references.

The role is very appealing to me, and I believe that my strong technical experience and education make me a highly competitive candidate for this position. My key strengths that would support my success in this position include:

• I have successfully designed, developed, and supported live-use applications.
• I strive continually for excellence.
• I provide exceptional contributions to customer service for all customers.

With a BS degree in computer programming, I have a comprehensive understanding of the full lifecycle of software development projects. I also have experience in learning and applying new technologies as appropriate. Please see my resume for additional information on my experience.

I can be reached anytime via email at john.donaldson@email.com or by phone at 909-555-5555.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to speaking with you about this employment opportunity.

Signature  (only if a hard copy letter)

John Donaldson

The following is a sample email cover letter to send as part of a job application.

Email Application Letter Example

Subject: Colleen Warren - Web Content Manager Position

Dear Hiring Manager,

I'm writing to express my interest in the Web Content Manager position listed on Monster.com. I have experience building large, consumer-focused, health-based content sites. While much of my experience has been in the business world, I understand the social value of this sector, and I am confident that my business experience will be an asset to your organization.

My responsibilities have included the development and management of website editorial voice and style, editorial calendars, and the daily content programming and production for various websites.

I have worked closely with health care professionals and medical editors to provide the best possible information to a consumer audience of patients. I have also helped physicians use their medical content to write user-friendly and easily comprehensible text.

Experience has taught me how to build strong relationships with all departments in an organization. I have the ability to work within a team, as well as cross-team. I can work with web engineers to resolve technical issues and implement technical enhancements. 

I am confident working with development departments to implement design and functional enhancements, monitor site statistics, and conduct search engine optimization.

Thank you for your consideration.

Colleen Warren colleen.warren@email.com 555-123-1234 www.linked.com/colleenwarren

How to Send an Email Application Letter

If sending your cover letter via email, list your name and the job title you are applying for in the  subject line  of the email:

Colleen Warren - Web Content Manager Position

Include your contact information in your email signature but don't list the employer's contact information.

Do you have to write a cover letter when you apply for a job?

Some employers require cover letters. If they do, it will be mentioned in the job posting. Otherwise, it’s optional but it can help your chances of securing an interview. A cover letter gives you a chance to sell yourself to the employer, showcase your qualifications, and explain why you are a perfect candidate for the job.

How can you use a cover letter to show you’re a qualified candidate?

One of the easiest ways to show an employer how you’re qualified for a job is to make a list of the requirements listed in the job posting and match them to your resume . Mention your most relevant qualifications in your cover letter, so the hiring manager can see, at a glance, that you have the credentials they are looking for.

CareerOneStop. " How Do I Write a Cover Letter? "

• Cover Letter

How to Write an Application Letter—Examples & Guide

Embarking on the job-hunting journey? A great letter of application can be your golden ticket to stand out in the competitive job market. Learn how to write one with our guide.

Here we go again… Another job posting, another letter. This time it’s a letter of application.

But don’t worry. You’ve probably written dozens of application letter already, you just don’t know it yet. After you read this article, you’ll never sigh at the sight of another letter of application.

This guide will show you:

• An application letter sample for any position that’s better than most others out there.
• Step-by-step guide on how to write an application letter for a job.
• Tips on setting the proper letter of application format.

Save hours of work and get a cover letter like this. Pick a template, fill it in. Quick and easy. Choose from 20+ cover letter templates and download your cover letter now.

Create your cover letter now

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Want to learn more about job application documents? Read our other cover letter guides:

• Cover Letter for a Career Change
• Cover Letter for Non-Profits
• Cover Letter for Retail Jobs
• Cover Letter Guide for IT Positions
• Entry-Level Cover Letter Example
• General Cover Letter Guide
• Internship Cover Letter
• Marketing Cover Letter Guide
• Recent Graduate Cover Letter Sample
• What Does a Cover Letter Look Like?

What Is a Letter of Application?

A letter of application is intended to introduce yourself and explain why you're interested in the position. Also known as a cover letter, it is sent with your resume when applying for a job. An application letter allows you to showcase your qualifications and skills alongside your enthusiasm.

Now let’s look at what a professional letter of application looks like:

Letter of Application Example

Vinícius Cunha Pinto

UX Researcher

2496 Bassell Avenue

Little Rock, AR 72201

501-626-5744

viní[email protected]

linkedin.com/in/viní-cunha-pinto

Sherwood, 1/10/2021

Mr. Antonio Strife

Hewlett-Packard Company

232 Pumice Dr

Sherwood, AR 72120

Dear Mr. Strife

I am excited to apply for the UX researcher position at Hewlett-Packard. As a UX researcher with over six years of experience in the field, I am confident that my expertise and passion for user-centered design make me an excellent candidate for this role. In my previous position at AG Group, I increased user engagement with our app by 45%.

Another one of my biggest accomplishments was leading a research project identifying several usability issues in our company's mobile app. I worked with the design team to create solutions to these issues, resulting in a 30% increase in user satisfaction. I was also responsible for conceptualizing, designing, and developing marketing pages for our company’s website and directly contributed to over 60% increase in revenue. Furthermore, I am skilled in conducting user interviews, usability tests, surveys, and data analysis and proficient in various research tools, such as Optimal Workshop, UserTesting.com, and Qualtrics.

I am particularly drawn to Hewlett-Packard because of its reputation for innovation and commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology. Your company's dedication to delivering cutting-edge solutions aligns perfectly with my passion for staying at the forefront of UX research and design. I am eager to bring my skills and insights to a dynamic organization like Hewlett-Packard, where I can contribute to pioneering advancements in user experiences. The collaborative and forward-thinking culture at Hewlett-Packard resonates with my professional values, and I am enthusiastic about the prospect of contributing to your team's success.

Working for Hewlett-Packard would be a wonderful opportunity for me. I would love to join your team and contribute to creating exceptional user experiences for your customers. Can we schedule a meeting, so I can tell you more about the UX solutions I can bring to your company?

P.S.— I’d also love to tell you about how I worked with the development team to implement design changes that reduced user errors by 75%.

Using this example, let’s now go through the entire process of writing a letter of application.

How to Write a Letter of Application

Follow the instructions below to create a professional yet simple job application letter:

1. Use the Right Format of an Application Letter for a Job

Before your job application reaches the recruiter, it’ll most likely need to go through an automated ATS scan . And to ensure everything is read correctly, your application letter requires clear and clean formatting.

To format your letter of application correctly, follow these guidelines:

• Use the same font you chose for your resume .
• Left-align all content.
• Keep your application letter length to only one page.
• Just like with your resume margins , set them to 1-inch on your job application letter as well.
• Leave ample white space by using double-spacing between paragraphs and setting line spacing to 1.15.

Also, save your letter of application for a job in a PDF format unless instructed otherwise. This will keep your formatting and the general layout of the document intact.

Expert Hint : You may think that sending just your resume is enough. But in truth, that’s a very wrong way to think. Letters of application are essential in the job market, so don’t risk losing to other candidates just because you didn’t write one.

2. Address Your Letter of Application Properly

Addressing an application letter is simple. Firstly, include your contact information in the header of the application letter : 

• Full address
• Telephone number
• LinkedIn profile (optional)
• Current date

Then, put your hiring manager’s and their company’s info underneath it. Use:

• Recruiter’s full name
• Recruiter’s job title
• Company’s name
• Company’s address

And lastly, greet your hiring manager by using an honorific (Mr. Ms.) and their full name. Take a look at the example below to visualize:

Letter of Application Example—Address

Mr. James Stipe

There is one challenge waiting for you in this first part. Finding out the name of your recruiter. If the company put it out in the job ad, you’re golden. If it didn’t, there are a couple of ways to try and discover it on your own. You can check the company’s website or LinkedIn profile for starters. If you still drew a blank, reach out to an employee of the company and ask them. LinkedIn makes it super easy.

If everything fails, you’ll have to resort to a generalized salutation. “Dear Hiring Manager” is a great solution.

Double your impact with a matching resume and cover letter combo. Use our cover letter generator and make your application documents pop out.

CREATE YOUR COVER LETTER NOW

Want to try a different look? There's 21 more. A single click will give your document a total makeover. Pick a cover letter template here .

3. Open Up With an Enticing First Paragraph

Next up, you need to capture the recruiter’s attention. So put your best foot forward in the first paragraph.

This is how the letter of application should start :

• Show you’re enthusiastic about applying for the position.
• Present your most impressive professional work achievement .
• Identify the company and the position you’re applying for by name.

Here’s what it looks like:

Sample Application Letter for a Job—First Paragraph

I am writing to apply for the UX Researcher/Developer position advertised on your website. I have over 6 years of experience and am skilled in various UX research methods. Furthermore, I have a proven track of increasing user engagement.

In theory, both of these examples present the same candidate. But the difference in said presentation makes the second sample bite the dust.

Candidate #2 doesn’t check any of the aforementioned boxes, and it shows. He has no enthusiasm, no measurable achievement to catch the eye, and he doesn’t even mention the company by name, meaning he probably sent the same letter of application to hundreds of other jobs.

But not everyone can show a work achievement straight away. If you’re applying for your first job, focus on the two other aspects of your application letter’s first paragraph. Like so:

Example of an Application Letter with No Experience—First Paragraph

As a recent graduate in Human-Computer Interaction, I am excited to apply for the Junior UX Researcher position at Hewlett-Packard. I have been following your company's work for some time now, and I am impressed with your commitment to improving the user experience through extensive research and testing. As a passionate and detail-oriented researcher, I am confident that my skills and knowledge will make me an excellent fit for your team.

And that’s a great way to introduce yourself when writing a letter of application with no experience .

Expert Hint: Job application letters build a connection with the employer by introducing yourself in a good light. One very effective tactic is to research the company’s mission and values and refer to them in your letter of application.

4. Prove Your Expertise in the Main Body

Now that you’ve hooked the recruiter, it’s time to reel them in. Metaphorically, of course.

There are a lot of different things you can include in a letter of application . But all of them must share a certain similarity. They have to be relevant to the position you’re applying for. And that’s especially true in the main body section of the job application letter. Why? Because here, you’ll list some enticing work achievements and work skills you possess.

You can see this in the following example:

How to Write an Application Letter—Main Body Section Example

I have experience working in UX research and am confident in learning and adapting quickly to new technologies and methodologies. I can use many tools, including MS Excel. Outside my many UX accomplishments, I have also worked as a sales representative, furthering my vast skills portfolio.

See what lack of relevance and quantified achievements do to a letter of application? The second candidate could best fit the position, but he will not get picked with that paragraph.

On the other hand, in the first example, relevance guides our candidate. He doesn’t bother talking about their previous job in a different field. Instead, he presents UX skills and accomplishment statements and, most of all, quantifies them for maximum impact.

Also, it’s a letter of application . So tell the recruiter why you want to apply to this specific company. Show a cultural fit, mention your values, and talk about what you can bring to the company.

But then again… How does someone without experience tackle the second paragraph of a job application letter? They should show their drive towards the specific position and the steps they have already undertaken towards their goal. Just like that:

Sample Letter of Application for a Job With No Experience—Main Body

During my studies, I worked on several UX research projects, including conducting usability testing, creating personas, and analyzing user feedback. In addition, I have completed a certification in UX Research and Design, where I learned how to conduct user interviews, design research studies, and analyze data. I am proficient in various research methodologies and tools such as surveys, A/B testing, heat maps, and user flow analysis.

And despite the lack of measured achievements, this candidate is dedicated to becoming a UX specialist. No employer is going to have any doubts about whether he will be a driven employee at their company.

Expert Hint: As tempting as it may be, never copy your resume into the letter of application. Of course, you can show one or two of the same things but focus more on presenting other achievements and skills.

5. Finish Your Application Letter With a Clear CTA

Do you know the saying, “It’s not important how you start, it’s important how you finish?” Well, in letters of application, that’s not really a good saying, as you do need a strong start, but a strong finish is just as crucial.

So don’t screw up by including a non-ending “looking forward to hearing from you” or “thank you for considering my application.” Way too many candidates finish their letters of job application this way, and it just doesn’t work.

It’s uninspiring and boring.

Instead, do it like this: 

Ending a Job Application Letter—Sample

If you have time, we could maybe schedule a meeting or something? I want to know more about the benefits your company offers

See? The first one sounds way better than one of those overused cliché lines. At the same time, example number 2 makes the candidate look like an entitled worker with no drive.

Pay special attention to the call to action. You should always nudge the recruiter into scheduling an interview with you. It may sound silly, but it’s an effective tactic. Additionally, when signing off, write “Sincerely” before your name. It’s the best way to close off a letter of application formally.

And as you’ve probably noticed, the candidate added a postscript. What’s the deal with that? It’s a completely optional thing, so don’t stress over it. If you want to add a P.S., remember to do so with a completely unique achievement you have not presented in your resume or application letter. If you don’t have anything jaw-dropping, you’re better off not adding a postscript to the end of your letter of job application .

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Here’s a summary of what’s important when writing a letter of application for a job:

• Format your application letter correctly to make it easily readable.
• Refer to the hiring manager and the company by name . Personalization earns you a lot of points in the recruiting process.
• Put information relevant to the position throughout all sections of the application letter.
• Always refer to the keywords found in the job ad and the company’s values.
• Finish off with a call to action , and add a postscript if you have more to show.

Did you enjoy reading about how to write a letter of application? Do you have any questions about job application letters? Or maybe additional tips to make one stand out even more? Leave a comment. We’ll be happy to engage in a conversation!

Mariusz is a career expert with a background in quality control & economics. With work experience in FinTech and a passion for self-development, Mariusz brings a unique perspective to his role. He’s dedicated to providing the most effective advice on resume and cover letter writing techniques to help his readers secure the jobs of their dreams.

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Writing a Winning Job Application Letter: Tips and Examples

A job application letter, also known as a cover letter, is a formal letter that accompanies your resume and introduces you to a potential employer. The purpose of a job application letter is to highlight your qualifications, experience, and skills that make you the perfect candidate for the job. It also helps employers understand your personality, work ethic, and how you plan to contribute to their organization.

Importance of Customization

One of the key factors that can make or break your job application letter is how well you customize it to the specific job you are applying for. Employers want to see that you have taken the time to research their company and understand what they are looking for in a candidate. Customizing your letter also shows that you are genuinely interested in the job and that you are willing to put in the extra effort to stand out from other applicants.

Brief Overview of Key Sections

While job application letters can vary slightly depending on the job and industry, they typically contain four key sections:

Introduction: This section should include a brief introduction, the job you are applying for, and how you found out about it.

Qualifications: In this section, you should discuss your qualifications and experience that make you a good fit for the job. Be sure to tailor this section to the specific job requirements to show that you have the skills they are looking for.

Skills: Here, you should highlight your relevant skills and how they apply to the job. Use examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your proficiency in each skill.

Closing: The closing paragraph should thank the employer for considering your application and provide contact information for them to reach you.

In this article, we will dive into each of these sections in more detail and provide tips and examples to help you write a winning job application letter.

Understand the Job Requirements

To write a winning job application letter, it is important to thoroughly understand the job requirements. This involves analyzing the job description and understanding the needs of the employer, as well as tailoring your letter to attract the specific employer.

A. Analyzing the Job Description

The job description provides you with valuable information about the position you are applying for. It outlines the required skills, qualifications, and responsibilities of the job. By analyzing the job description, you can determine if the role is a good fit for your experience and qualifications.

When analyzing the job description, it is important to pay attention to key phrases and requirements mentioned. These can give you insight into the priorities of the employer and allow you to tailor your application to meet those priorities.

B. Understanding the Needs of the Employer

To write a winning job application letter, it is also essential to understand the needs of the employer. This means researching the company and the industry to get a better understanding of the company culture, mission, and values. It also means understanding the desired outcome of the position and how you can address the employer’s needs.

One way to convey your understanding of the employer’s needs is to highlight relevant accomplishments in your application letter. By showing how you have successfully addressed similar challenges in the past, you can demonstrate your potential value to the employer.

C. Tailoring the Letter to Attract Specific Employer

Finally, to write a winning job application letter, it is important to tailor your letter to attract the specific employer. This means using language and examples that relate to the specific company and its values. It also means customizing your application letter to the specific job and its requirements.

To tailor your letter, take the time to research the company and its values. This can involve reviewing their website, social media, and other online resources. By addressing the specific needs and values of the employer, you can show that you are invested in the position and the company.

To write a winning job application letter, it is important to understand the job requirements, analyze the job description, understand the needs of the employer, and tailor the letter to attract the specific employer. By doing so, you can craft an application that stands out from the competition and showcases your value as a candidate.

Research the Company and Industry

Before writing your job application letter, it’s important to research the company and industry thoroughly to increase your chances of writing a winning letter. Here are three key areas to focus on:

A. Understanding the Mission, Vision, and Values of the Company

Make sure you take the time to research the company’s mission, vision, and values. This will help you understand the company’s goals and the qualities they look for in employees. You can find this information on the company’s website, social media pages or company annual report.

Incorporate the values and mission statement of the company into your job application letter. This highlights your alignment with the company culture, and how your beliefs and goals match that of the organization’s.

B. Identifying the Company’s Competition

Once you have an understanding of the company, you need to identify the company’s competition. Knowing who the competitors are can help you understand the industry as well as the company’s market share position.

List the company’s competitors in your job application letter and briefly explain how you see the company’s strengths overcoming the competitors’ weaknesses.

C. Industry Trends and How to Address Them

The final area to focus on when researching the company and industry is identifying current industry trends and how these trends may impact the company’s future. Use reputable sources to gather trends and predictions about the industry. This will also show the recruiter that you are not only familiar with their industry, but are engaging in informed discussion and contributing to innovative solutions.

Incorporate industry trends into your job application letter and showcase the ideas and innovations you bring, how leveraging them can enhance the company’s position and how you can contribute to any current and future challenges, for which the potential employer has yet to find a solution.

By researching and incorporating the above areas into your job application letter, you demonstrate a genuine interest in the organization and showcase clear understanding, innovative thought and how your expertise can improve the company’s performance.

Know Your Strengths and Skills

When writing a job application letter, it’s crucial to understand your unique selling proposition, relevant experience, and transferrable skills. This information will help you stand out from the other applicants and potentially land the job of your dreams.

A. Identifying Your Unique Selling Proposition

Your unique selling proposition (USP) is what sets you apart from the other candidates. It could be a specific skill, experience or personality trait that aligns with the company’s values and job requirements. Start by analyzing the job description and researching the company culture to identify what makes you an ideal candidate for the role.

Once you have identified your USP, use it as the main selling point in your job application letter. Highlight your strengths and skills and explain how they align with the job requirements and the company’s values. This will show the hiring manager that you are not just another candidate, but someone who has something valuable to offer.

B. Highlighting Your Relevant Experience and Accomplishments

Your work experience and achievements are essential in demonstrating your abilities and suitability for the job. When crafting your job application letter, focus on highlighting your relevant experience and accomplishments. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you have contributed in previous roles and how those skills could be applied to the new role you are applying for.

Be sure to use metrics whenever possible as numbers are a great way to showcase your achievements. For example, if you were able to increase sales revenue by 20% in your previous role, mention it in your letter. This will give the hiring manager a clear understanding of your capabilities and how they align with the job requirements.

C. Understanding How to Leverage Transferrable Skills

Transferrable skills are those abilities that you have gained from your previous experiences that are not necessarily related to the job you are applying for. They can be valuable in demonstrating your adaptability and ability to learn quickly.

When discussing your transferrable skills in your job application letter, highlight how they could be applied to the new role you are applying for. For example, if you have strong communication skills, explain how you could use that to effectively collaborate with team members and clients.

By understanding and leveraging your unique selling proposition, relevant experience and accomplishments, and transferrable skills, you can write a job application letter that stands out from the crowd. Remember to tailor your letter to the job requirements and company culture to increase your chances of success.

Address Gaps in Your Resume or Experience

When applying for a job, it’s important to consider any gaps in your resume or experience that might be a red flag for hiring managers. Addressing these gaps upfront can demonstrate your accountability and willingness to take ownership of your shortcomings.

A. Taking ownership of failings

If you have gaps in your work history or experience, don’t try to hide or make excuses for them. Instead, take ownership of any failings and show that you’re actively working to improve yourself. This could involve taking courses, pursuing certifications, or volunteering in relevant areas to gain hands-on experience.

B. Finding a workaround for unfilled requirements

Sometimes a job posting requires specific qualifications or experience that you don’t have. In these cases, it’s important to find a workaround that demonstrates your ability to still meet the employer’s needs. This could involve highlighting related experience or transferable skills that could compensate for the missing requirement. Alternatively, it might involve offering to take on additional training or work with a mentor to acquire the missing knowledge.

C. Highlighting transferable skills to counter an irrelevant job background

When applying for a job in a new industry or field, it’s common to have a background that might not seem directly relevant. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean you’re unqualified for the role. By highlighting transferable skills, such as leadership, problem-solving, or communication, you can demonstrate your ability to adapt to new situations and learn quickly.

Addressing gaps in your resume or experience is an important aspect of writing a winning job application letter. By taking ownership of your failings, finding workarounds for unfilled requirements, and highlighting transferable skills, you can position yourself as a strong candidate and increase your chances of landing the job you want.

Crafting an Attention-grabbing Opening Paragraph

In the competitive job market, first impressions matter. The opening paragraph of your job application letter is your opportunity to make a positive and lasting impression on potential employers. In this section, we’ll explore the importance of crafting an attention-grabbing opening paragraph and provide tips and examples on how to do so.

A. Importance of First Impressions

Studies show that it takes less than 30 seconds for a recruiter or hiring manager to form an initial impression of a job candidate. This means that your opening paragraph is a critical component of your job application letter. Your goal is to capture the employer’s interest and convince them to continue reading.

B. Creative and Engaging Opening Lines

One effective way to capture the employer’s attention is by starting your letter with a creative and engaging opening line. This can be a quote, a personal story, a relevant statistic, or a bold statement. The key is to be authentic and genuine while still standing out from other applicants.

C. Strategies for Catching the Employer’s Attention

Beyond the opening line, there are several strategies you can use to further capture the employer’s attention. These include highlighting relevant skills and experience, demonstrating enthusiasm for the position and company, and connecting your qualifications to the job requirements.

By following these tips and examples, you can craft an attention-grabbing opening paragraph that sets you apart from the competition and piques the employer’s interest.

Highlighting Your Accomplishments

When it comes to writing a winning job application letter, highlighting your accomplishments is crucial. This allows potential employers to see the proven results that you can bring to their organization. Here are a few tips on how to effectively highlight your accomplishments:

A. Demonstrating Achievements in Previous Roles

One of the most effective ways to demonstrate your achievements is by highlighting your accomplishments in your previous roles. This shows that you have a track record of success and can bring that success to your next job. When highlighting your achievements, make sure to focus on results, not just responsibilities. Instead of stating that you managed a team, highlight the specific results that you achieved as a team leader.

For example, instead of saying, “Managed a team of 10 employees,” you could say, “Led a team of 10 employees to achieve a 25% increase in sales within the first quarter.” This shows the impact you had in your previous role and gives potential employers an idea of what you can achieve in their organization.

B. Using Data to Support Accomplishments

Using data to support your accomplishments is a powerful way to illustrate the impact you had in your previous roles. This could include data such as sales figures, customer satisfaction ratings, or employee retention rates. When using data, make sure to include specific numbers and percentages.

For example, instead of saying, “Improved customer satisfaction,” you could say, “Increased customer satisfaction ratings by 15% through implementing a new customer service training program.” This demonstrates the impact you had on the organization and the value you can bring to a potential employer.

C. Highlighting Relevant Certifications and Awards

Another way to highlight your accomplishments is by showcasing any relevant certifications or awards you have received. This shows that you have taken the time to invest in your professional development and have been recognized for your achievements.

When highlighting certifications and awards, make sure to explain why they are relevant to the job you are applying for. For example, if you are applying for a marketing position, highlighting your Google Analytics certification would be relevant as it demonstrates your analytics skills.

Highlighting your accomplishments is a crucial part of writing a winning job application letter. By demonstrating your achievements in previous roles, using data to support your accomplishments, and highlighting relevant certifications and awards, you can show potential employers the value you can bring to their organization.

Showcasing Your Writing Skills

When it comes to writing a winning job application letter, showcasing your exceptional writing skills is crucial to increase your chances of getting hired. Employers often look for applicants who have a way with words, can express themselves clearly, and can craft compelling content that leaves a lasting impression. Here are several ways to showcase your writing skills:

A. Highlighting experience in writing

One of the most effective ways to showcase your writing skills is to highlight your experience as a writer. This can include previous work experience in writing-related fields such as journalism, marketing, or content creation. If you have a writing degree, mention it. You can also share published articles or blog posts that you have written to demonstrate your skills in action. Highlighting relevant experience shows that you have the skills needed to excel in the role you are applying for.

B. Incorporating keywords

Incorporating keywords relevant to the job posting can also help showcase your writing skills. Employers often use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to scan resumes and cover letters for specific keywords related to the position. By including these keywords, you can increase your chances of getting past the initial screening process and showcase your understanding of industry-specific language.

C. Proper grammar, spelling, and tone

Finally, it’s essential to ensure that your writing exhibits proper grammar, spelling, and tone. Errors in these areas can undercut the impact of your application letter and send the wrong message to your potential employer. Take the time to proofread your cover letter and resume carefully, and have someone else review them too. Double-check for proper punctuation, spelling errors, and that your tone fits the professional context.

Showcasing your writing skills is critical when applying for jobs, particularly those that require excellent communication skills. Highlighting relevant experience, incorporating keywords, and ensuring proper grammar, spelling, and tone are strategies that can help set you apart from other applicants and make a lasting impression on potential employers.

Using Power Words and Phrases

When writing a job application letter, it is essential to use powerful words and phrases that can help you stand out from the crowd. Here are some tips to help you select the right words:

A. Selecting Strong Action Words

Action words can help demonstrate your skills and experience effectively. Use verbs that showcase your achievements and contributions to your previous roles. For instance, rather than saying you “assisted” your team, use words such as “led,” “managed,” or “initiated” to emphasize your role in driving projects and initiatives forward.

B. Avoiding Common Clichés and Buzzwords

Although buzzwords and clichés may seem tempting, they could potentially undermine the impact of your letter. Instead of using cookie-cutter phrases like “I am a team player,” try to use specific examples to illustrate your ability to work collaboratively. Also, avoid jargon that may not be familiar to the reader and opt for straightforward language that can be easily understood.

C. Crafting Impactful and Persuasive Sentences

To make your letter more impactful and persuasive, use language that emphasizes your strengths and accomplishments. Start sentences with action words and focus on the results you have achieved. Also, be specific and illustrate your points with concrete examples that demonstrate your value to the prospective employer.

When writing your job application letter, make sure to choose powerful words that demonstrate your expertise and experience effectively. Avoid using clichés and buzzwords and instead focus on crafting persuasive and impactful sentences that showcase your strengths and contributions. By following these principles, you can create a compelling letter that increases your chances of landing the job you want.

Formatting and Presentation of Your Job Application Letter

When it comes to writing a winning job application letter, the presentation and formatting of the letter are just as important as the content. Here are some tips to ensure your letter looks professional and polished:

A. Ensure consistency in formatting

Make sure your letter has a consistent format throughout. This means using the same font and font size for the entire letter. Also, ensure that the margins and spacing are consistent from beginning to end.

B. Proper use of fonts, margins, and spacing

Use a standard font like Times New Roman or Arial, in a legible size (such as 11pt or 12pt). Be sure to use proper spacing between paragraphs and section headers. It’s important to have enough white space to make the letter easy to read, but not so much that it takes up unnecessary space.

C. Guidelines on length of the letter

Longer letters can seem rambling and may deter the hiring manager from reading the whole thing. Focus on the most important points and make them clear and succinct. Remember, your goal is to make a strong case for yourself as a candidate, not overwhelm the reader with information.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your job application letter looks professional, polished, and focused on what matters most – your qualifications for the job.

Sample Job Application Letter

Writing a winning job application letter is important if you’re looking to impress the hiring manager and land your dream job. In this section of the article, we’ll walk through a sample job application letter, analyze its strong points, and provide strategies to improve it.

A. Walk Through a Sample Job Application Letter

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to express my interest in the position of Marketing Manager at ABC Company, as advertised on [job board]. With over [number] years of experience in the marketing industry, I believe I have the skills and knowledge to succeed in this role and make a significant contribution to your team.

During my time at XYZ Company, I was responsible for developing and executing successful marketing campaigns that exceeded client expectations and resulted in increased ROI. My experience in digital marketing, social media management, and content creation have prepared me well for this role. I am highly adaptable, and I have a proven track record of implementing innovative strategies to achieve business objectives.

In addition, I am a strong communicator and collaborator, and I work well in cross-functional teams. I am confident that my skills and experience make me a strong candidate for the role of Marketing Manager at ABC Company.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

B. Analyzing the Strong Points in the Letter

The sample job application letter has several strong points:

• The candidate clearly expresses their interest in the position and summarizes their skills and experience in the marketing industry.
• The letter highlights the candidate’s successful track record in executing marketing campaigns and achieving business objectives.
• The candidate demonstrates their adaptability and ability to implement innovative strategies.
• The letter emphasizes the candidate’s communication and collaboration skills.

C. Strategies to Improve the Letter

To improve the sample job application letter, consider the following strategies:

• Start with a strong opening sentence that grabs the hiring manager’s attention, such as a personal anecdote or a statement about the company’s mission.
• Use specific examples of your achievements and accomplishments to demonstrate your value to the company.
• Customize your letter to the specific job and company by conducting research and referencing relevant company initiatives or values.
• Show enthusiasm and a willingness to learn by expressing interest in the company’s future projects or goals.

By implementing these strategies, you can enhance your job application letter and increase your chances of landing an interview with your dream company.

Writing a winning job application letter requires attention to detail, strong communication skills, and a clear understanding of the hiring company’s needs and values. By following these tips and analyzing examples such as the one above, you can take your job application letter to the next level and stand out from the competition.

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• Cover Letter
• Letter of Application: Job Example, Format & How-To Guide

Letter of Application: Job Example, Format & How-To Guide

Our customers have been hired by:

Oh, come on! What is this? Another letter to get an interview?

That was your reaction to hearing a “letter of application” for the first time. 

Am I wrong?

The list seems never to end: a cover letter, covering letter, motivation letter… 

You’ll be happy to know that it’s the same thing. 

And there’s more.

This guide will show you:

• Job application sample better than 9 out of 10 others.
• Workplan for how to write such a sample of an application letter for any position.
• Why the correct application letter format gets you in front of the recruiter. 

Did you know that our builder can take care of the formatting for you? No need to worry about margins and spacing: just add your text and watch the Zety builder arrange everything on the page just the way it should be. Here’s what your job application letter can look like: 

You can take your pick from 20+ professional templates to make your letter of application not only formatted well but also look great! 

Did you mean how to write a cover letter ? No worries! Find our guides right below:

• How to Write a Cover Letter
• What Should a Cover Letter Include
• What Does a Cover Letter Look Like
• Format of a Cover Letter
• Cover Letter Outline
• How Long Should a Cover Letter Be
• How to Address a Cover Letter
• How to Start a Cover Letter
• What Should a Cover Letter Say
• How to End a Cover Letter

This letter of application template proves you’re second to none:

Letter of Application Example

[Your Name] [Job Title] [Mailing Address] [Phone Number] [Email Address]

[Place, Date]

[Hiring Manager Name] [Job Title] [Company Name] [Mailing Address]

Dear [Hiring Manager Name], I was thrilled to hear you opened a post for an event planner. As an office assistant in Staff, I single-handedly organized a year-end party for the entire office, deemed the most entertaining and successful event the employees had a chance to attend. 

It came to my attention that my position as an office assistant may seem off-track for the post you are advertising, yet let me assure you it is not. Allow my achievements to speak for the qualities you are looking for in an event planner:

• Multitasking.  A one-person team successfully supervised the office’s administrative duties, from allocating contracts with vendors and suppliers to managing executives’ travel calendars to balancing the branding budget. Became a go-to person for when things need to be done.
• Research.  Pitched a new supplier profile offering better quality office supplies stock at a lower price. Reduced administrative costs by 6%.
• Planning.  Compiled and presented annual budget proposals to the management. 100% approvals so far.

The job of an event planner is not to arrange seats and tables. It is to create memories worth a lifetime. Together, we will organize events worth remembering.

Let’s schedule a meeting to discuss how my transferable skills could help your team.

Best Regards, [Your Name], [Job Title]

PS—I will also be happy to tell you how my social media campaign for the local animal shelter’s community event boosted attendance by 20%. My methods were unconventional, and they sure worked! 

Enclosure: Resume

Send your job application letter with a job-winning resume for synergy. See our article: Resume Writing: Your Go-To Guide

What is a Letter of Application?

A letter of application is yet another name for a cover letter or job application letter. You submit it with your resume to apply for jobs. It’s a one-page letter intended to explain why you’re a perfect fit for the advertised position. 

This is what a letter of application should include:

• Header with your name and contact details
• Hiring manager’s address
• Opening paragraph introducing yourself and your application
• Two body paragraphs explaining why you’re a great candidate and your motivation behind the application
• Closing paragraph with a call to action directed at the employer
• Your signature and attachments list

Now, here’s how you write an application letter:

How to Write an Application Letter? 

Start from the beginning, which in this case is to—

1. Create an ATS-Friendly Job Application Letter Template

You need something to write on. But instead of grabbing paper, open a text editor and adjust the format of the letter page.

No splatters guaranteed!

See how to format your job application letter:

Format of an Application Letter

• Create enough spacing: 1–1.15 between lines, 1-inch margins, double space between paragraphs
• Choose the font: Garamond, Helvetica, or Arial in 11–12 points in a font size
• Align the content to the left
• Pick the file format: PDF, unless the recruiter requested a Word file specifically
• Name the file: JobTitle_YourName_ApplicationLetter.pdf, which in a real example would look like this, AdministrativeAssistant_OliviaRibush_ApplicationLetter.pdf

Disclaimer: The Applicant Tracking Software sees your application first, so if the software can’t parse it, the recruiter won’t even have a chance to read it.

By taking care of the layout, you ensure your letter of application passes the ATS scan and lands in the candidates list you’re targeting. 

Plus, with clear formatting, you’re making it easy for the recruiter to read it and quickly pick out the best bits.

That’s it in terms of your letter’s technicalities.

Let’s move on to the job letter introduction.

2. Open Your Application Letter Right

Do you know why patterns appeal to so many people?

They’re consistent. Seamless.

To achieve a similar effect with your letter, mirror the design of your resume in the header section. That way, you’ll make your application more memorable and cohesive. (And simultaneously, you won’t risk making a mistake in your contact information.)

Later, a challenge awaits. Or not? It depends.

You’re about to address your hiring manager , and if they gave their name in the job ad, you’re lucky. But if they have not, then the hunt is on.

Look for it on the company’s LinkedIn page or website. You can even call the place and ask, yet get prepared to talk directly with that particular person.

It’s important because you don’t want to address the letter to whom it may concern . It’s heartless (and almost inhumane, as you’re not addressing a person).

To avoid that, in case you’ve searched through hills and valleys and found nada, write “ Dear Hiring Manager ” instead. But remember, it’s your last resort.

And now—

The opening.

There are several strategies you can use to start your letter. Among them are:

• Boasting about your most significant yet relevant achievement
• Expressing enthusiasm towards joining
• Commenting on the recent company’s development.

There can be thousands of reasons why you’re applying for a job, so first and foremost, stay true to yourself and don’t look for inspiration elsewhere. If you’re having a hard time coming up with something, the above have proved successful many times.

See the below application letter sample to see what I mean by successful job letter introduction:

Application Letter Sample [First Paragraph]

Yikes! 

The second one just won’t do. It’s the opposite of success. 

Your opening paragraph needs to compel the reader, make them eager to carry on with your letter, not move it aside to the boring pile.

It’s important you remember there’s no “I” in “employers must be charmed by your paragraphs,” so drawing attention from the employer and their needs only asks for ignorance. Build your sentences without much use of the “I” pronoun, and you should end up just fine.

Now, I won’t let you think that the same rules apply to inexperienced candidates writing their application letters.

Employers look for your motivation to grow and learn instead of accomplishments. However, they’re indeed helpful in convincing them of your fit. 

Why don’t you see for yourself that an inexperienced candidate with a proper attitude can create the same strong argument:

Job Application Letter Example for Candidates With No Experience

And that’s impressive!

ProTip: Make sure you don’t use your high school email address ([email protected]) even if you had to create a new one only for this job application.

3. Show Off in the Middle

Now’s the time for the main dish. 

It’s two-course.

In the first paragraph of the middle section, you should convince the reader that you’re perfectly qualified for the job. To do that, you can use your accomplishments and real-life examples of your skillset . 

In the second paragraph, speak of your motivation and reasons for joining. You want to get your message across very clearly so that the employer believes you’re a good fit for each other.

Take a look at the below examples to see how to describe your achievements and experience in the middle section of your job application letter:

How to Write an Application Letter Sample [Middle]

Wow…

Here’s how to go about it the right way: 

• Stick to the requirements listed in the job description. You want to target keywords mentioned explicitly to pass the screening process and the recruiter’s scrutiny later.
• Write three to four bullet points, starting with a power word followed by an accomplishment statement .
• Quantify your accomplishments to draw attention to the most important information. Numbers pop and evidence you had actual results at previous jobs.
• Speak to the company’s mission or vision to build a connection.
• Never, and I mean never, copy your resume into your letter of application. It’s better to elaborate on one or two of the accomplishments instead of copying and pasting the dry facts.

We reviewed 11 million resumes generated with our builder and identified the top 10 most commonly listed skills:

• Teamwork and Collaboration
• Problem-solving
• Excellent Communication
• Multitasking
• Attention to Detail
• Analytical and Critical Thinking
• Project Management
• Team Management

Now check out how you can impress recruiters in the middle paragraphs of the application letter if you don’t have much experience:

Application Letter Example for Candidates With No Experience [Middle]

It’s not so hard, is it?

Pressed for time or still not sure what to say? Good news: the Zety builder can also help you with your wording. Alongside matching job application letters and resume templates , it comes with drag & drop bullet points and other pre-written content to speed up your job application: 

Just think: you could skip the boring parts and be ready to apply for your dream job in minutes! 

4. Close Your Letter of Application With a CTA

The worst’s behind you.

Now it’s time to thank for consideration, time, and other clichés.

Exactly—clichés.

They’re not effective in job applications. Not really, no. So get rid of any voices in your head telling you to write “Thank you for considering my application” or “ Looking forward to hearing from you .”

Make a move and ask the recruiter directly whether they’ll invite you for an interview. 

See how to write a Call to Action in the job application closing paragraph:

Simple Job Application Letter [Ending]

Not only does it make the recruiter feel obliged to reply, but you can also count on a quick response!

Plus, you created one more opportunity to sell yourself and your strengths that have the power to solve your employer’s problems. Well done!

To sign the letter, you can use “Best Regards” variations, such as “Kind Regards,” “With Kind Regards,” or “With Best Regards,” followed by your full name.

The postscript is totally optional. Still, you can use it to seal the deal by pitching a finisher-level accomplishment.

Key Takeaway

An application letter in a nutshell:

• Format your letter of application to create structure and a clean layout.
• Find the hiring manager’s name and use it in the address. 
• Use the relevant keywords throughout your application letter.
• Build connection with the company by referring to the mission statement or values.
• Finish with a call to action, and remember you have an option to add a postscript for a knock-out punch.
• Sign the job application letter with a formal sentiment.

Thank you for reading my article!

Want more info on how to write a great letter of application? Wondering how your simple job application letter can get you noticed? Is there anything more you’d like to know about a job application letter? 

Leave a comment. We’ll be happy to reply!

About Zety’s Editorial Process

This article has been reviewed by our editorial team to make sure it follows Zety's editorial guidelines . We’re committed to sharing our expertise and giving you trustworthy career advice tailored to your needs. High-quality content is what brings over 40 million readers to our site every year. But we don't stop there. Our team conducts original research to understand the job market better, and we pride ourselves on being quoted by top universities and prime media outlets from around the world.

• https://www.careereducation.columbia.edu/resources/optimizing-your-resume-applicant-tracking-systems
• https://www.herzing.edu/blog/5-cover-letter-mistakes-avoid
• https://career.ucsd.edu/succeed-search/cover-letter/index.html

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No matter where you are in your career, or what job you’re applying for, submitting a cover letter with your resume is a must . 

Done right, a cover letter will effectively complement your resume and explain to the hiring manager in more detail why you’re the right person for the job.

Writing a cover letter, however, is easier said than done. 

You have to effectively demonstrate that you’ll be able to perform the responsibilities listed in the job description and that you’d be a better fit for the company compared to other candidates. 

And unless you’re a professional writer, this can be a very hard task.

Fortunately, we created these cover letter examples to inspire you and help you get started with your own cover letter!

Let’s dive in!

21 Cover Letter Examples 

#1. career change cover letter example .

Here’s what this cover letter does right:

• Has an ideal length. This cover letter includes all the relevant information for the hiring manager without getting into too much detail.
• Relevant introduction. The candidate explains that they’re changing careers and why they want to work in this new field from the get-go.
• Explains their related experience. The candidate explains how their previous experience in retail sales can help them succeed in PR.

Check out our guide video guide to learn how to write a Cover Letter that gets you HIRED!

#2. Recent Graduate Cover Letter Example 

• Personally greets the hiring manager. The candidate has taken the time to find the hiring manager’s name and address them by it, which makes the opening of the cover letter much more personal.
• Wraps up with a call to action. The candidate wraps up the cover letter by suggesting a meeting with the hiring manager, which makes them more memorable.
• Explains why the candidate is the right person for the internship. In this cover letter for an internship , the candidate explains how they’ve previously interned in a different firm, which gives them the experience to succeed in this role.

Have you just graduated from college? Make sure to check out our guide on writing an entry-level cover letter from start to finish! 

#3. Middle Management Cover Letter Example

• Use of bullet points. The candidate presents the information in a concise and reader-friendly way, making it easy for the hiring manager to find their key achievements. 
• Formal closing. The candidate has used a formal and polite tone to conclude their cover letter, which combined with a call to action makes them look professional and passionate about getting the job. 
• Explains how the company would benefit from hiring them. The candidate outlines exactly what they could do for the company, which not only highlights their skills but also shows they’ve done their research on the company’s needs. 

#4. Business Manager Cover Letter Example

• Detailed header. In addition to the must-have contact details, this candidate has also included their professional Twitter and LinkedIn profiles, making it easy for the hiring manager to look more closely into their career. 
• Concise and to the point. This candidate has used short paragraphs and bullet points to make the cover letter easy to skim through. 
• Wraps up with a call to action. By letting the hiring manager know they’ll be contacting them soon, they’re more likely to make an impression.

Check out this article for a complete writing guide and an inspiring business manager resume sample. 

#5. Ph.D. Cover Letter Example

Here’s what this cover letter does right: 

• Attention-grabbing introduction. In the opening paragraph, this candidate explains why they’re passionate about pursuing a Ph.D. in great detail. 
• Explains the candidate’s qualifications in detail. The candidate builds on their passion by explaining how they’re also qualified for the degree because of their education history and academic achievements. 

#6. Senior Executive Cover Letter Example

• Professional and minimalistic template. This senior executive has used a professional but minimalistic template that lets their work experience do the talking. 
• Achievement-oriented opening paragraph. Right from the get-go, this candidate explains what makes them so good at their job, effectively grabbing the hiring manager’s attention.  
• Wraps up with a call to action. By suggesting to have a meeting and discussing how they can help the company meet its goals, the candidate stands more chance to make a positive lasting impression. 

#7. Architect Cover Letter Example 

• Modern resume template. This architect has picked a template that perfectly matches his industry, as it is professional and modern at the same time. 
• A personal greeting to the HR. They address the hiring manager by their first name, which helps make a better first impression. 
• Measurable achievements. By quantifying their achievements, the candidate proves their achievements instead of just claiming them.

Struggling with your architect resume ? Check out our full guide!

#8. Business Analyst Cover Letter Example 

• Detailed contact information. The candidate has listed both their LinkedIn and Twitter profiles, providing the HR manager an opportunity to learn more about the candidate.  
• Mentions what the candidate can do for the company. This cover letter doesn’t just explain why the job would be great for the candidate, but also how the candidate would benefit the company. Win-win, right? 
• Error-free and reader-friendly. It’s super important for the cover letter to have no spelling or grammatical errors and be reader-friendly. This candidate made sure they did both.

Need a resume alongside your cover letter? Check out our guide on how to write a business analyst resume . 

#9. Consultant Cover Letter Example 

• Professional cover letter template. Being an experienced consultant, this candidate has picked a professional template that doesn’t steal the spotlight from their achievements. 
• Experience and achievement-oriented. The candidate has effectively elaborated on their top achievements relevant to the job. 
• Highlights the candidate’s passion. To show they want the job, this candidate has also explained how passionate they are about their profession.

For more advice on landing a job as a consultant, check out our guide to writing a consultant resume .

#10. Digital Marketing Cover Letter Example

• Creative cover letter template. This digital marketer highlights their originality by picking a creative cover letter template. 
• Lists the candidate’s awards. The candidate has taken advantage of the cover letter to list their most noteworthy awards in the industry. 
• Concludes with a call to action. As they used a call to action to conclude their cover letter, the HR manager will be more likely to remember them.

Want to take your digital marketing resume to the next level? Check out our guide!

#11. Graphic Designer Cover Letter Example 

• Detailed contact information. The candidate has included additional contact information such as their website link, as well as their LinkedIn and Twitter profiles.  
• Ideal length. This cover letter is concise, which means that the HR manager is more likely to read it from start to finish.  
• Draws attention to the candidate’s strong points. Although this candidate is a recent college graduate, they’ve managed to effectively show that they have enough knowledge and experience to do the job right.

Read this guide to write a graphic designer resume that’s just as good as your cover letter!

#12. Administrative Assistant Cover Letter Example

• Minimalistic cover letter template. The candidate picked a well-designed but minimalistic template for their cover letter. 
• Focused on skills and achievements. This cover letter is packed with the candidate’s skills and achievements, proving he can be an excellent employee. 
• Formal closing. Politeness can go a long way and the candidate has used this to their advantage to make an impression. 

Our article on how to write an administrative assistant resume can help you take your job application to the next level.

#13. Front Desk Cover Letter Example

• Modern cover letter template. This template incorporates memorable colors and clear lines, which make the cover letter very visually appealing. 
• Attention-grabbing introduction. Using an attention-grabbing intro, the candidate is more likely to make an impression. 
• Calls the HR to action. By including a call to action, the candidate is reminding the HR of their immediate availability. 

#14. Human Resources Cover Letter Example

• It is concise and to the point. The candidate doesn’t dwell on unimportant details the HR won’t be interested in. 
• Uses a traditional cover letter template. The cover letter design is more on the conventional side, which fits the industry better. 
• Highlights the candidate’s strong points. The candidate has rich work experience and they use the cover letter to elaborate on it. 

This HR resume guide can help you get your resume just right.

#15. Sales Agent Cover Letter Example 

• Attention-grabbing cover letter template. As a salesperson, this candidate knows how important first impressions are, so they’ve picked a catchy cover letter template. 
• Has an ideal length. At the same time, they’ve also made sure to keep their cover letter at just the right length. 
• Lists the candidate’s career highlights. The candidate has made perfect use of the space by mentioning their most impressive professional achievements. 

Check out this sales agent resume guide to create an attention-grabbing sales resume .

#16. Receptionist Cover Letter Example

• Modern but minimalistic cover letter template. The template’s design hints the candidate is creative but professional at the same time. 
• Uses a catchy introduction. The candidate has used an attention-grabbing opening paragraph to catch HR’s attention. 
• Concludes the cover letter formally. The candidate proves that they’re polite and well-spoken, a quality very much important for the role they’re applying for. 

Take your receptionist resume to the next level with this receptionist resume guide .

#17. Information Technology Cover Letter Example

• Mentions measurable achievements. Numbers make an impact, which is why this candidate has included measurable achievements. 
• Lists both soft and hard skills. The candidate has mentioned a great mix of soft and hard skills, showing how well-rounded they are. 
• Contains relevant contact information. The candidate’s GitHub, website name, LinkedIn, and Twitter profiles are all great additions to the resume. 

Looking for tips to help you write a great IT resume ? Check out our guide!

#18. Real Estate Cover Letter Example

• Ideal length. Short and to the point, this cover letter is bound to get noticed by the HR manager. 
• Wraps up with a call to action. This candidate reinforces the HR to call them back through a final call to action. 
• Mentions the right skills. On top of their sales accomplishments, the candidate touch upon important soft skills such as customer service and communication . 

This real estate resume guide will help you take your resume from good to great.

#19. Teacher Cover Letter Example

• Mentions relevant contact information details. This candidate has included optional (but relevant) contact information details, such as their LinkedIn, Quora, and Medium profiles. 
• Achievement-oriented. The candidate has elaborated on their achievements in more detail throughout their cover letter. 
• Highlights the candidate’s passion. For some jobs, being passionate is much more important than for others. Teaching is one of these jobs, which is why this candidate explains their passion for the job. 

Our guide on how to write a teacher resume has all the tips you need to land the job.

#20. Project Manager Cover Letter Example

• Leverages a catchy introduction. Through a catchy introductory paragraph, this candidate is sure to grab the HR’s attention and get them to read the rest of their cover letter.
• Lists measurable accomplishments. This candidate explains exactly what they’ve achieved using numbers and hard data. 
• Personally greets the HR. A personal greeting sounds much better than “Dear Sir/Madam,” and the candidate knows this. 

This guide on how to write a project manager resume can help you perfect your appication.

#21. Paralegal Cover Letter Example

• Minimalistic cover letter template. This cover letter design looks good but doesn’t steal the show from the candidate’s abilities.
• Mentions the candidate’s academic achievements and extracurricular activities. Although the candidate is a recent graduate, they’ve used the cover letter to explain they have enough skills and achievements to do the job.
• Lists measurable achievements. The candidate proves they did well in their internship by mentioning quantifiable achievements.

Check out this paralegal resume guide to perfect yours.

40+ More Cover Letter Examples and Guides 

Couldn’t find a cover letter example for your field? Do not worry.

Below you can find a number of other cover letter examples for different fields and industries:

• Acting Cover Letter Examples
• Accounting Cover Letter Examples
• Administrative Assistant Cover Letter Examples
• Architecture Cover Letter Examples
• Attorney Cover Letter Examples
• Barista Cover Letter Examples
• Bartender Cover Letter Examples
• Business Cover Letter Examples
• Business Analyst Cover Letter Examples
• College Student Cover Letter Examples
• Computer Science Cover Letter Examples
• Construction Cover Letter Examples
• Consultant Cover Letter Examples
• Customer Service Cover Letter Examples
• Data Analyst Cover Letter Examples
• Data Entry Cover Letter Examples
• Dental Assistant Cover Letter Examples
• Digital Marketing Cover Letter Examples
• Elementary Teacher Cover Letter Examples
• Engineering Cover Letter Examples
• Executive Assistant Cover Letter Examples
• Finance Cover Letter Examples
• Graphic Design Cover Letter Examples
• Healthcare Cover Letter Examples
• Human Resources Cover Letter Examples
• IT Cover Letter Examples
• Law Cover Letter Examples
• Management Cover Letter Examples
• Marketing Cover Letter Examples
• Mechanical Engineering Cover Letter Examples
• Medical Assistant Cover Letter Examples
• Nurse Practitioner Cover Letter Examples
• Physician Cover Letter Examples
• Project Manager Cover Letter Examples
• Receptionist Cover Letter Examples
• Retail Cover Letter Examples
• Sales Cover Letter Examples
• Social Work Cover Letter Examples
• Software Engineer Cover Letter Examples
• Substitute Teacher Cover Letter Examples
• Teacher Assistant Cover Letter Examples
• Team Leader Cover Letter Example

What is a Cover Letter? 

A cover letter is a one-page document that you submit as part of your job application, alongside your resume . 

Its purpose is to introduce you and briefly summarize your professional background. On average, your cover letter should be from 250 to 400 words long .

A good cover letter can give the hiring manager more insight into what makes you a good candidate and help them make up their mind about whether they should invite you for an interview. A bad cover letter, though, will get ignored (at best) and lose you the job (at worst).

So, to make sure this doesn’t happen, it’s essential to know how to write a convincing cover letter.

The first thing to remember is that a cover letter is a supplement to your resume, not a replacement. Meaning, you shouldn’t just repeat whatever is mentioned in your resume and call it a day. 

Optimally, you should use your cover letter to shed more light on your skills and qualifications, as well as explain anything you didn’t have space for in your resume (e.g. a career gap or why you’re changing careers).

If you’re writing a cover letter for the first time, though, putting all this together might seem pretty tough. 

Fortunately, you can follow our tried-and-tested format to make the experience much easier:

• Header - Input your contact information.
• Greeting the hiring manager - Open the cover letter with a “Dear Sir or Madam,” or use the hiring manager’s name if you know what that is.
• Opening paragraph - Grab the hiring manager’s attention by getting straight to the point. Mention what your professional experiences are, and what role you’re applying for.
• The second paragraph - Explain why you’re the perfect candidate for the job. Mention your top 2-3 achievements, your top skills, why you want to work in that specific industry, and whatever else is relevant.
• The third paragraph - End your cover letter with a call to action. E.g. “I would love to meet personally and discuss how I can help Company X.”
• Formal closing - Something like this: “Thank you for your consideration. Best, John Doe.”

Here’s what this looks like in practice:

9 Tips to Write a Cover Letter (the Right Way)

Now that we've covered the basics, let's talk about cover letter tips . Below, we'll give you all the knowledge you need to take your cover letter from "OK" to "great."

#1. Pick the right template

A good cover letter is all about leaving the right first impression.

And what’s a better way to leave a good impression than through a professional, well-formatted, and visual template?

You can simply pick one of our tried-and-tested cover letter templates and you’ll be all set!

#2. Add your contact details on the header

The best way to start your cover letter is through a header. 

Here’s what you want to include there:

• Phone Number
• Name of the hiring manager / their professional title
• Name of the company you’re applying to

Optionally, you can also include the following:

• Social Media Profiles - Any type of profile that’s relevant to your field. Social Profiles on websites like LinkedIn, GitHub (for developers), Medium (for writers), etc.
• Personal Website - If you have a personal website that somehow adds value to your application, you can mention it. Let’s say you’re a professional writer. In that case, you’d want to link to your content portfolio site or blog.

#3. Greet the hiring manager the right way

Once you’ve listed all your relevant contact information, it’s time to address the hiring manager reading your cover letter. 

A good practice here is to find the hiring manager’s name and address them directly instead of using the traditional “dear sir or madam.” This shows that you’re really invested in the company and that you took your time to do some research about the job.

So, how can you find out the hiring manager’s name?

One way to do this is by looking up the head of the company’s relevant department on LinkedIn. Let’s say you’re applying for the position of Communication Specialist at Novoresume. The hiring manager is probably the Head of Communications or the Chief Communications Office.

Or let’s say you’re applying for the position of server at a restaurant. In that case, you’d be looking to find out who the restaurant manager is.

If this doesn’t work, you can also check out the “Team” page on the company website; there’s a good chance you’ll at least find the right person there.

If you still can’t find out the hiring manager’s name, here are several other greetings you can use:

• Dear [Department] Hiring Manager
• Dear Hiring Manager
• To whom it may concern
• Dear [Department] Team

#4. Create an attention-grabbing introduction

Recruiters get hundreds, sometimes even thousands, of applications. Chances are, they’re not going to be reading every single cover letter end-to-end.

So, it’s essential to catch their attention from the very first paragraph.

The problem with most cover letter opening paragraphs, though, is that they’re usually extremely generic, often looking something like this: 

Hey, my name is Jonathan and I’d like to work as a Sales Manager at XYZ Inc. I’ve worked as a sales manager at MadeUpCompany Inc. for 5+ years, so I believe that I’d be a good fit for the position.

As you can probably tell, this opening paragraph doesn’t tell the hiring manager anything other than that you’ve worked the job before - and that’s not really helpful in setting you apart from other candidates. 

What you want to do, instead, is start off with 2-3 of your top achievements to really grab the reader’s attention. Preferably, the achievements should be as relevant as possible to the position. 

For example:

My name’s Michael and I’d like to help XYZ Inc. hit and exceed its sales goals as a Sales Manager. I’ve worked with Company X, a fin-tech company, for 3+ years. As a Sales Representative, I generated an average of $30,000+ in sales per month (beating the KPIs by around 40%). I believe that my previous industry experience, as well as my excellence in sales, makes me the right candidate for the role of X at Company Y.

The second example shows how the candidate is a top performer. The first just shows that they’ve worked a sales job before.

Which one are YOU more likely to invite for an interview?

#5. Show you’re the perfect person for the job

One great thing about cover letters is that they allow you to expand more on the top achievements from your resume and really show the hiring manager that you’re the right person for the job. 

A good way to do that is to first read the job ad and really understand what skills/experiences are required, and then to ensure that your cover letter touches upon the said skills or experiences.

In my previous role as a Facebook Marketing Expert at XYZ Inc. I handled customer acquisition through ads, managing a monthly Facebook ad budget of $20,000+. As the sole digital marketer at the company, I managed the ad creation and management process end-to-end. This means I created the ad copy and images, as well as picked the targeting, ran optimization trials, and so on.

Other than Facebook advertising, I’ve also delved into other online PPC channels, including:

• Google Search

#6. Explain why you’re a great company fit

The HR manager doesn’t only look at whether you’ll be good at the job or not. They’re looking for someone that’s also a good fit for the company culture.

After all, employees that don’t fit in are bound to quit, sooner or later. This ends up costing the company a ton of money, up to 50% of the employee’s annual salary . 

To convince the hiring manager that you’re a great company fit, do some research on the company and find out what it is you like about them, or about working there. You want to know things like:

• What’s the company’s business model?
• What’s the company's product or service? Have you used it?
• What’s the culture like? Will someone micro-manage your work, or will you have autonomy on how you get things done?

Then, turn your top reasons for liking to work there into text and add them to your cover letter! 

#7. Wrap up with a call to action

To make the end of your cover letter as memorable as possible, you want to:

• Wrap up any points you couldn't in the previous paragraphs. Mention anything you’ve left out that you think could help the hiring manager make up your mind.
• Thank the hiring manager for their time. After all, it never hurts to be polite. 
• Finish the cover letter with a call to action. A call to action is a great way to make your cover letter ending as memorable as possible. 

#8. Write a formal closing

Once you’re done with the final paragraph, all you have to do is write down a formal “goodbye” and you’re good to go.

Feel free to use one of the most popular conclusions in a cover letter:

• Best Regards,
• Kind Regards,

#9. Proofread your cover letter

Last but not least, make sure to always proofread each and every document that you’ll be including in your job application - cover letter included. 

The last thing you want is to be claiming you’re a great candidate for the job with a cover letter full of typos! 

For an even more comprehensive guide on how to write an impactful cover letter , check out our article ! 

Cover Letter Writing Checklist 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you still have some questions about cover letters? Check out the answers below:

1. How do I write a simple cover letter? 

To write a cover letter that’s simple but also professional, make sure to include a header with your personal information, a formal greeting to the hiring manager, an attention-grabbing opening paragraph, a second paragraph explaining why you’re a good candidate for the job, and a formal closing (preferably with a call to action). 

2. What are the 3 parts of a cover letter? 

The three parts of a cover letter are: 

• The introduction , namely the header, the greeting to the hiring manager, and the opening paragraph. 
• The sales pitch is usually the body of the cover letter. 
• The conclusion involves a formal closing and a signature line.

3. What makes a great cover letter?

A great cover letter should be personalized for each job you’re applying for, instead of being overly generic. It’s also preferable to address the hiring manager by their name and not use the overly-used “Dear Sir/Madam.”

To make a great first impression, you should mention 1-2 of your top achievements in your opening paragraph - the more job-specific they are, the better. Also, don’t stop at showing the hiring manager why you’re a great candidate for the job. Make sure to also talk about how you’re a good culture fit for the company.

Last but not least, wrap up your closing paragraph with a call to action to give the hiring manager a little extra something to remember you by. 

4. When is a cover letter necessary?

Unless the job ad specifically states otherwise, you should always include a cover letter with your job application .

Even if the hiring manager doesn’t read it, you will look more professional simply by including one.

And that’s a wrap! We hope our cover letter examples and writing tips will inspire you to write a cover letter that will land you your next job.

If you’re looking for more invaluable career advice and articles, make sure to check out our career blog , or any of these related articles: 

• How to Write a Resume
• Cover Letter Mistakes to Avoid at All Costs
• Cover Letter Format (w/ Examples & Free Templates)

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• Job Application Documents

How to Write a Job Application Letter (with Examples)

Last Updated: May 30, 2024 Fact Checked

Sample Letters

Introduction, body paragraphs, closing your letter, expert q&a.

This article was written by Shannon O'Brien, MA, EdM and by wikiHow staff writer, Aly Rusciano . Shannon O'Brien is the Founder and Principal Advisor of Whole U. (a career and life strategy consultancy based in Boston, MA). Through advising, workshops and e-learning Whole U. empowers people to pursue their life's work and live a balanced, purposeful life. Shannon has been ranked as the #1 Career Coach and #1 Life Coach in Boston, MA by Yelp reviewers. She has been featured on Boston.com, Boldfacers, and the UR Business Network. She received a Master's of Technology, Innovation, & Education from Harvard University. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 10,677,200 times.

So, you’ve found your dream job and want to make sure you nail the job application process. You double- and triple-check the criteria—they’re asking for a cover letter. What does that mean, and how do you write it? A cover letter or letter of application is a single page that sums up why you want and deserve the job. Think of it as an extension of your resume; a sales pitch for why you’re the perfect candidate. We’ve put together a step-by-step guide full of examples and tips on how to write a letter of application for a job. With our help and a little finesse, you may soon be calling that dream job your own.

Things You Should Know

• Format your application letter single-spaced and in Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri font that’s 10- to 12-point in size.
• Open your letter with an engaging and confident first paragraph that briefly includes your qualifications, where you found the job, and your overall interest in the position.
• Show your personality in the body paragraphs by describing the passions that relate to the position in 1 or 2 sentences.
• Use keywords (like leadership, communication, and detail-oriented) from the job description throughout your letter to show that you’ve done your research.

• First and last name
• Phone number
• Email address
• Personal website and/or portfolio link (if you have one)

• If you don’t know the hiring manager's name, search the company’s website or refer to the name of the individual who originally posted the job opening.
• If you’re in doubt about who to address your letter to, use “[Department] Hiring Manager.”

• If you don’t have the employer or hiring manager’s name, use a general but professional opening, “To Whom It May Concern” or “Dear [Department] Hiring Manager.”

• Be short and specific in this opening paragraph—save those details for later.
• Think of your first paragraph as a sales pitch. What can you say that’ll grab their attention immediately? Is there something you have that other candidates don’t that make you more qualified for the position?
• Show the employer that you’re familiar with the company and job application by noting keywords and characteristics valued by the company.
• For example: “I write to apply for the Office Manager position at Acme Investments, Inc. I am an excellent fit for this position, as demonstrated by my extensive background in management and proven success as a corporate administrator.”

• Companies appreciate when job candidates include this information because it lets them know where people are searching for jobs.
• Only include a company contact or friend’s name if you have their permission. This way, they’ll be ready to answer any questions about you and your character later.
• You may write something like: “John Smith recommended that I get in touch with you about the general manager position at EnviroRent,” or “I came across the available position on LinkedIn and believe I am a strong candidate.”

• For instance, if the company needs someone who can lead a team and handle multiple projects at once, note what team projects you’ve led in previous positions and how you improved overall productivity.
• If you have numerical data or stats to back up your accomplishments, include them! This is your time to brag about your achievements and show how you’ve excelled in the workplace.

• Scan the job application for keywords like leadership, communication, management, and detail-oriented. Then, highlight in your letter how you have these characteristics or skills.
• Avoid embellishing any of your qualifications. Remember, an employer can always double-check the facts.
• If you’re not sure what to write, refer to your resume or CV. What have you done that matches the job description best, and how can you elaborate on it?
• For example: “In my previous role, I successfully supported an office of 100 personnel and honed my management and interpersonal skills through customer service and clerical responsibilities.”

• For instance, you could express how the company has impacted you personally and why that’s driven you to apply for the position.
• Although you want to provide details, keep it short. Stick to a 1 to 2-sentence description rather than a full-length story. Your letter should stay under 3 paragraphs.
• Here’s an example: “My passion for teaching began the summer of my sophomore year of high school when I was a camp counselor. I was given the opportunity to teach a class focusing on local plant life, and the campers’ enthusiasm cultivated my love for teaching and conservation.

• For instance, you could write, “I am excited about the possibility of working for you and your company. I would be more than happy to discuss my qualifications and Acme’s future direction in person or via video conference.”
• Keep your call to action brief and open, or provide specific dates you’d be available to meet with the employer.

• For instance, sign off with, “Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you,” or “Thank you for considering me for this position. If you have any further questions or require additional documentation, please don’t hesitate to contact me.” [12] X Research source

• If you’re sending your letter via email, import your signature into the document as an image or .png file.

• Always proofread and ask someone else to read over your application letter before you send it. This way, you can make sure it’s absolutely perfect and error-free. [14] X Trustworthy Source Purdue Online Writing Lab Trusted resource for writing and citation guidelines Go to source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Keep the overall tone of the company or employer in mind while writing your letter. For instance, if you’re applying to be a journalist for a prestigious news website, match their word choice and writing style. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Be sure to customize your application letter for every job you apply to, even if they have the same qualifications. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.ferrum.edu/downloads/careers/cover-letters.pdf
• ↑ https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/job_search_writing/job_search_letters/cover_letters_workshop/formatting_and_organization.html
• ↑ https://icc.ucdavis.edu/materials/cover-letters
• ↑ https://hbr.org/2016/05/learn-to-love-networking
• ↑ https://hbr.org/2014/02/how-to-write-a-cover-letter
• ↑ https://www.astate.edu/dotAsset/54eb42cc-33a3-4237-a46e-3f4aaac79389.pdf
• ↑ https://career.gatech.edu/writing-effective-cover-letter

About This Article

The best way to start an application letter is to mention where you found the job opportunity and how your strengths can benefit the employer. Devote time in the body paragraphs to tell the employer more about your experience and qualifications. Explain why you’re the best candidate and finish by inviting the hiring manager to contact you. For suggestions on how to prepare your letter, and examples of what to write, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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How to Write a Cover Letter for a Job Application

Including a cover letter with you job application takes a little extra time, but it can mean the difference between getting an interview and your CV being discarded.

Learn how to write an effective cover letter as part of your job application to maximise your chances of getting an interview.

When applying for a job, more often than not, you will need to include a cover letter. Consider your cover letter your sales page, giving an introduction to yourself and an invitation to the recruiter to read your CV or application. It’s not always clear whether you need a cover letter or not when studying a job advert, so if you’re unsure, always include one. A good cover letter could be the difference between the hiring manager reading your CV, or discarding your application and moving on. 

Get your facts together

Writing a cover letter for the first time can seem a daunting prospect. With so much that could be included, it’s hard to know where to start. The best place is by getting your facts together and deciding what you want to include. 

Think of all your accomplishments to date that are relevant to the role and make a list. Try not to use anything that comes directly from your CV. Your cover letter is the place to elaborate on the points in your CV to provide more detail and to really highlight what you can do, rather than repeating points.

Also do some research on the company. Find out what its values are, its mission, and any defining features. This will help you tailor your experience and skills to the company culture and give you some background to explain why you are a good fit. 

Address the criteria

It’s important that you don’t include anything and everything. Less is more with a job application cover letter. You will be scored on how well you meet the selection criteria, so use that as a guide for what to include. Link everything you write back to the criteria, and try to find relevant examples where possible. 

If you don’t have an industry related example to hit a criterium, use something else, but make it very clear what it is demonstrating. There are many ways to demonstrate soft skills. For example, learning a language can demonstrate your communication skills, and being part of a sports team can show that you know how to work well with others.

When you know what you want to include, put a plan in place for the structure of the letter, and writing it will be much easier. 

Start with a strong opening

If you want a recruiter to read the entirety of your cover letter and consequently move on to your CV, the opening is what you need to focus on. You want to draw the reader in and impress them enough to keep their attention. This means addressing the letter properly and giving a clear reason for writing. 

In the case of a job application cover letter, you will need to state what you are applying for and what makes you the ideal candidate. This will be covered further in the bulk of the letter, but the first paragraph can be a summary of your experience, skills, and accomplishments, linked clearly to why this makes you the ideal candidate and giving a taste of what’s to come in the rest of the letter.

Make connections

Your research on the company will be beneficial in helping you to tailor the cover letter for a job application. Generic cover letters don’t do well. Job application cover letters that have been tailored to the role perform best. Aside from ensuring you evidence how you meet the job criteria, you can also make it clear that you know the company you’re applying to and value what it does. 

Mention something in your cover letter that particularly draws you to the position or company and aligns with your values, experience, or way of working to show that you have done your research and have picked this company specifically as a result. 

Be confident about your achievements

The body of your cover letter is where you highlight your relevant achievements in relation to the role you’re applying for. Don’t be vague here. Clear, evidence-based examples do best when communicating your value, so be confident in citing what you’ve accomplished throughout your career and how that relates to what you can do in the role in question. 

Use numbers 

To back up your accomplishments, use numbers to really highlight your results. Rather than stating you increased a company’s ROI, how much did you increase it by? If you have a percentage value, this adds clout to your examples. Similarly, use figures when talking about how many people you manage or how many delegates you got through the door at an event you organised. Adding a measurable gives your achievements more weight. 

Use keywords

To ensure that you're really tailoring your job application cover letter, it’s helpful to use the job description to pick out keywords. Using the exact wording used in the advert, job description, and person specification, will mean you have the best chance of passing ATS screening systems, which scan your application for keywords to determine whether you are a good match. 

Be positive and enthusiastic

Give your cover letter for a job a positive, enthusiastic tone. Use future tense to show how you will use your skills and experience to benefit the company you’re applying to and show how keen you are to take on a new role and new challenges. 

If you are lacking experience in some areas, don’t highlight it. Always find a way to compensate for it, without implying it is a negative factor. For example, if you don’t have experience in project management, but you have a qualification in Scrum, write about your qualification and all the benefits that brings, without pointing out your lack of experience. 

Call to action

Your cover letter should always end with a clear call to action. In your last paragraph, sum up your skills and experience and make it apparent that you would welcome discussion around your application and the role. You can be bold and propose your availability or simply tell the reader that you will look forward to hearing from them regarding an interview. 

Cover letter structure

Taking on board all of the advice above, you can consider the following structure for your cover letter for a job application. This can of course be varied to suit your needs but is a great outline. Look to write no more than a page, unless you are writing a cover letter that is a part of the application process and you need to address all of the essential criteria. In this case, take the space you need.

Dear …………………………………

I’m writing in application of the role of XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX which I saw advertised on XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX. - Approx 10-20 words.

Opening paragraph: Cover why you are writing (what you are applying for), why you are interested in this company and role, and why you are a great fit (giving an overview of your relevant skills and experience). - Approx70-100 words

Middle paragraphs: Depending on what you need to cover, this could vary between one and three paragraphs. This is essentially the most important part of the cover letter, where you detail your skills, experience and accomplishments, in evidence of the selection criteria. Pick out the most important requirements from the person specification and evidence your ability to meet them. - 100 - 250 words in total.

Closing paragraph: Include a brief summary of why you are the ideal candidate for the role and include a strong call to action. - Approx 25- 50 words

Get started

Use this guide to write a cover letter for a job that can help you get you noticed and land an interview. For advice on how to write cover letters for specific roles, you can take a look at these articles. If you are looking for further support, you can take a look at cover letter courses on Coursera as a starting point.

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Editorial Team

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This content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

• Letter Writing
• Formal Letter Writing In English
• Job Application Letter Format

Job Application Letter Format - Check Out How to Write and Sample Letters

Are you a person who has completed their degree and is looking for a job? Have you been sending out job applications but have not heard back from the employer? If so, going through this article on job application letter writing format is what you should do now. Read through the following topics to understand the areas you are missing out on and what recruiters are looking for in a job application.

Table of Contents

Writing a job application letter – what recruiters expect.

• Formal Letter for Job Application for the Position of Cryptographer

Sample Job Application Letter for the Post of High School English Teacher

Sample job application mail template.

• FAQs on Job Application Letter Format

Every individual needs a job that pays them well so as to be able to live a comfortable life. In this competitive world, people find it really hard to get themselves placed in a good company due to the little things they thought were not that important and did not take into consideration. According to many, how you perform at the interview is all that matters, but that is not true. The employer builds an opinion about you from the very beginning. From the time you send in your job application, or your profile gets noticed on an online platform, the employer notices each and every little detail. Your job application letter is one of the first things that creates an impression about you in the eyes of the recruiter, so it is vital that you understand how to write a job application letter and draft a good one.

There are a few main aspects that recruiters look for when going through a job application letter. They try to analyse how passionate you are about taking up the particular job. Being genuine is one of the qualities that they look for in a potential candidate. How your skills and experience would add value to the company or organisation is one of the most important pointers they would be interested to know. You have got to convince the recruiter that you are the right person for the job in the way you present the job application letter.

Sample Job Application Letters for You

When you start writing your job application letter, keep in mind that a job application letter is not something casual. It has to be written in the format of a formal letter . Know how exactly you should write a job application letter by going through the sample job application letters given below.

Formal Letter of Job Application for the Position of Cryptographer

589/22, Srilakshmi Nagar Block 3

Subbanna Palya Extension

Banaswadi, Bangalore North

January 7, 2022

The HR Manager

Anton Technologies

Electronic City

Bangalore – 560012

Subject: Job application letter for the position of Cryptographer

Respected Sir,

This is with reference to the job posting on LinkedIn for the position of Cryptographer in your esteemed organisation. I have carefully read the job description. I have also browsed through your official website to understand the kind of work you do, and I am interested in working with you.

I am an MSc Electronics graduate, and I have completed multiple diploma courses in Cyber Security. I have hands-on experience of working in the field of cyber security for five years. Planning and executing various security means, analysing and documenting security systems, rebuilding and making arrangements for the safety of the security system, writing and developing security codes are some of the areas I have good experience with. I believe that I will be a good fit for the role in your company and that I can do justice to the responsibilities I will have to take up.

I have enclosed my resume and work samples for your kind review.

Thank you for your time and consideration. Hoping to hear from you.

Yours sincerely,

28 C, K K Nagar

Avarampalayam

Coimbatore – 641045

12 th January, 2022

The Principal

D A V Matriculation Higher Secondary School

Chennai – 600012

Subject: Job application letter for the post of High School English Teacher

Dear Mr. Sishir Kumar,

I am writing to you to express my interest in the job opening for the post of High School English Teacher in your prestigious institution. I have reviewed the roles and responsibilities in the job description you have posted on the Naukri employment portal dated 09/01/2022.

I am an MA English graduate. I have also completed my Masters in Education. I have a teaching experience of three years at the Indian Public School, Coimbatore. I have handled students from Class VI to X. I have experience in teaching the IGCSE syllabus. I have also been a part of the curriculum development team. I am looking for better opportunities where I can use my skills and expertise to help and mould students and their communication skills. I believe that I can do well and play a good role in providing quality education.

I have attached my resume and experience certificate for your kind perusal. Looking forward to hearing from you.

Thank you for taking the time to review my application.

LINDA RODRIGUES

Receiver’s mail id: [email protected]

Subject: Job Application for the Role of (Mention the job role you are applying for)

Respected Sir/Ma’am,

I am (Mention your full name) and I would like to apply for the role of (Job role) at your prestigious company.

I have completed my (Mention your degree) in (Mention the subject/specialisation). I have (Mention the years of experience) years of experience in the field of (Mention the field of work) at (Mention the name of your previous company). I have an in depth knowledge of the duties that I will have to perform and expertise in the particular field of work that would help me accomplish all the assigned tasks in the event of me being placed in your company.

I have enclosed herewith my resume, my detailed profile and a certificate of experience for your reference and review. I have also provided my contact information. Please feel free to contact me in case of any questions. I am looking forward to meeting with you in person for an interview.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Your full name

Contact number : 123456

Email id: [email protected]

Frequently Asked Questions on Job Application Letter Format

How do i write an application letter for a job.

Tips to write a job application letter:

• Mention the job position you are applying for and where you found the information about the job opening.
• Introduce yourself and highlight your skills and qualifications.
• State strongly why you would be right for the job.
• Use a polite tone throughout your letter.
• Stay genuine and professional.
• End the letter on a positive note.
• Proofread the letter before you send it to the concerned hiring manager/employer.

What is a job application letter?

A job application letter is a cover letter that is written to the potential employer to provide them with information about your qualifications, skills and experience. It is sent along with your resume and other necessary documents.

How do you end a job application letter?

You can end your job application letter by thanking the employer for the time and consideration in going through your job application. You can use a complimentary closing such as ‘Yours sincerely’, ‘Sincerely’, ‘Best regards’, etc.

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Nov 9, 2022

How to write a professional job application email with 6 samples and templates

Your email can make or break your job application. Here we explain the process for writing an effective email for a job application.

Lawrie Jones

Table of contents

So, you’re looking for a job and you know that a critical part of your success will be your email application.

In this guide, we explain the process for writing an effective email for a job application. We don’t stop at the first application but provide examples of several follow-up emails for job applications after no response here .

Follow the advice, and you’ll stand the best chance of getting the job of your dreams (or something to fill the time until that comes along).

How to write an email for a job application

The average recruiter receives 250 applications for each post and spends no more than 7 seconds scanning your message (about the same time it takes to tie your shoes).

The key to success is standing out. That doesn’t mean trying to be witty or wacky, but being a pro is the same process you must use through all job application follow-up emails.

What you need to apply to a job via email

Let’s clarify what a job email is. It’s not a cover letter or a CV but a mechanism to deliver them.

Some people don’t bother to spend much time on an application email but get your application email wrong, and the recruiter may not even bother to read your resume or open your application letter.

Why? Because if they’re dealing with 250 responses, they’re actively looking for reasoning to exclude applications – so don’t let that be you!

Each recruiter has their own application process, but there are some pretty standard things that you’ll need to include with every application, including:

• Cover letter
• Work samples (optional, but a nice extra!)

Here's a brief explainer if you don’t know what these are.

1. Cover letter

Your cover letter is a formal part of the application process where you introduce yourself, describe your skills, why you want the job, and what value you can add for the business. 

We’re not going to walk you through how to write a cover letter. However, there are some amazing online resources , so start there. 

You can attach your cover letter as a Word document or PDF. It’s essential to use a file that can be downloaded, printed, and shared – so avoid using Google Docs or cloud software.

2. CV (resume)

Your CV is the story of your working life, a snapshot of your skills, and a chance to highlight your achievements. Again, we’re not going to explain how to create a compelling CV , but we recommend using a simple, easy-to-read, and understandable template.

Again, don’t try to be fancy with formats – create a document that can be downloaded, printed, and shared. 

3. Samples of work (optional)

As the experts say, “show, don’t tell.” You can use your application email to showcase your skills and previous results. You can attach a portfolio, photos, or videos or provide a link to your website or social media in your email.

Some tips from us are to introduce examples and explain the impact. Who cares if you designed a great-looking poster? But if that poster boosted sales by 50%, that’s a different matter.

The second piece of advice is only to include a few examples (3 is a great number). Too many appear desperate.

Thirdly, only share work that’s 100% yours. If you worked as part of a team or an organization, make your role clear. Never claim other people’s work as your own.

Finally, be prepared to answer questions on these examples at your interview – including what you did in the process.

Best job application email tips

We’re all about providing information, advice, and terrific tips to help you get ahead of the competition and secure that essential interview.

Here are 7 job application email tips. (Why 7? Because that’s the world’s favorite number , and we couldn’t think of 10.)

1. Send your application email and CV for review

Tip number 1 is the most critical. After proofreading at least twice (or eight times), send your job application email and CV to a friend, colleague, parent, or mentor – or all of them – and ask for feedback, comments, and suggestions.

Your email will give the first impression, so make sure it’s personal, professional, formal, friendly, and favorable.

2. Make a convincing pitch in the email body

Remember that hiring managers, executives, and founders are busy and will not often open or read your full CV. So you’ll need to convince them in the email body that it’s worth their time to read further.

Think of your email as an advert for you:

• A persuasive subject line gets the attention (and may result in opened email)
• A compelling email body makes the recipient want to learn more (and may result in opened CV)
• Convincing CV makes the recipient want to contact you (and may result in an interview)

The most important thing is to reflect the language in the job spec. The recruiter has been straightforward about what they want and who they’re looking for. Using their language can help to establish that the person to fit the slot is you!

3. Make it easy to contact you

Even though you might have all the necessary contact information in your CV, please include them in the email. This reduces the steps between clicks and contact.

Here are some of the things you should include in every job application email: Use this 

• phone number
• social media links (LinkedIn and Twitter)
• portfolio links (optional)

4. Use a professional email address

Sure, the email address you created when you were 12 or first started college was funny then but is it today? Unfortunately, the chances are it isn’t!

Make sure you have an appropriate email address for a job application. Creating a new email address doesn’t cost anything, and setting up alerts on your phone is simple, so why jeopardize your chances with [email protected] ?

(Don’t email this, we don’t know who owns it!)

5. Check the name of your resume file name

We’ve touched on the importance of using the correct formats for cover letters and CVs.

When you create your CV, give the file (Word document, PDF, or whatever) a professional name that can also be identified with you.

You never know where it might end up.

Here’s a formal naming convention: “Name - CV - Position,” for example:

• Arthur Shelby - CV - Binman at Shelby Company Ltd.

6. Use references if you can

Do you know someone who works or used to work at the company? Or do you know someone who knows someone who works or used to work at the company?

Warm connections are always better than cold emailing (even if it’s unfair). As the saying goes, your network is your net worth, so try to leverage it to your advantage.

7. Include social proof

Have you already done similar work for someone else? Show it!

Social proof is powerful and backs up the statements you may have made in your application email, cover letter, and resume.

Social proof also includes social channels. LinkedIn is used worldwide, so don’t be afraid to drop in a link to your profile. It also creates a connection, so even if you don’t get this job, you’ll be the first to know of the latest opportunities.

Job application email format

Job application emails aren’t the time to get creative or buck the trend. However, there’s an accepted format for all job application emails, which we break down below. 

1. Subject line for job application email

What’s a suitable email title for a job application? You could go crazy and say, “I’m perfect for this job!!!” but that would be silly. Instead, the subject line for your job application email should be simple to read and easy to understand.

The traditional (and still best) approach is to state your name and the job you’re applying for (or a combination of that). Here are a few examples:

Applying for a job probably is the best place to get creative, so stick to a simple subject line for your job application emails. 

2. Email greeting for job application

Your email greeting should be polite and professional. Examples of that include:

• Dear (an oldie, but a goodie!)

If you know the recruiter's name, then use it. People always love to receive emails addressed to them. One thing to avoid is the phrase “Dear Sir/Madam” or using formal titles such as Mr, Mrs, or Ms. We’ve got a whole world of possibilities, so it’s time we all moved on from traditional (old-fashioned) titles.

3. How to start a job application email

First up, state the purpose of your email. 

• I am applying for the post of (job name)

Doing this means the person understands what the message is about – which will save them time. Also, in many cases, the person receiving the email won’t be the recruiter, so they can file it away and share it with the person (or persons) who need to see it. 

After that, you’ll need to explain what you’ve included with the email (your resume, cover letter, and examples). It’s always worth providing at least a few positive sentences on the opportunity. Finally, you’ll need to include any requested information, such as salary expectations. 

4. How to end an email job application

There are conflicting opinions on how to end an email job application. We recommend asking for information on the next steps. Here’s how this can work:

• Please can you provide me with details on the next steps in the process?

This leaves the recipient in no doubt that you’re serious about your application. If they reply, you’ll be reassured that they’ve received your application. Finally, you’ll know the timescales for decision-making, which removes the need to send a follow-up. 

Always ask for the next steps in the process at the end of every email job application. 

5. Email signature for job application

Sign off with your full name, phone number, and social media links (LinkedIn and Twitter), and attach your CV. Provide all information the recipient will need to contact and connect with you. 

Job application email samples

We’ve talked a lot about the process; now, let’s put it into practice! These job application email samples cover 7 common situations you might experience when searching for a job. You’ll get a simple job application email sample, some application follow-up emails, and even how to withdraw an application if needed. 

Use these job application email examples to start your job search, but edit and update them to suit your specific circumstances.

1. Simple job application email sample

This simple job application email sample can be cut, pasted, edited, and amended for pretty much any opportunity. It’s not exciting or innovative, but it provides a structured way to communicate the critical points you need to. 

2. Email introduction for job application sample

The previous email sample covered how to apply for a job, this one is similar, but it’s about introducing yourself to the recruiter. This introduction approach is a great way to make a personal connection and can work well for several situations. 

3. Job application status email sample

We’re clear that you should always ask for details on the next steps in the recruitment process, but as we all know, real life doesn’t always follow rigid plans. This job application status email sample is a way to politely push the recruiter to let you know what’s happening in the recruitment process. 

4. Withdraw the job application email sample

Yes, there are some occasions when you might need to withdraw a job application, in most cases because you’ve got another job.

You don’t need to explain why you’re removing yourself from a recruitment process, but most people usually do (and we have in this withdraw job application email sample). 

5. How to email HR for a job application update

When emailing the recruiting managers, you’ll need to be formal as they decide your destiny. On the other hand, HR teams deal with large volumes of applications, so this short message is fine. Here’s how to email HR for a job application update. 

6. How to write an email to accept a job offer

Hooray, you’ve been offered a job; now it’s time to say yes. Here’s how to write an email to accept a job offer.

Job application email template

Flowrite's email template for job application.

There is no 100% right or wrong way to send a job application. But having an effective email template, using proper grammar, and email format will help, as you need to most likely send many, many emails to land your dream job.

This is where Flowrite comes in. Flowrite's AI-powered smart templates can help you craft better emails.

Our tool turns your words into ready-to-send emails, like this:

Final words on job application emails

In reality, you’ll need to send many job emails, follow-ups , and reminders to get a position.

It’s the way the world of recruitment works, and we know it can be frustrating.

But trust us, by investing some time crafting high-quality job application emails and persuasive follow-ups, you’ll stand the best chance of getting a perfect position.

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Here we help you draft professional, respectful emails to companies in easy-to-follow steps

How to follow up on a job application with sample and template

Following up on a job application after no response is a must. Here's how you do it.

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How to write a job application email that gets a reply

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First things first: Collect your candidate information

How to write a job application email in 6 steps, 5 email templates for job applications, your email’s first impression.

Imagine you're surfing a job board and you finally see it: your dream job. 

The adrenaline kicks in, but so does the realization that your first contact with the company sets the stage for your professional relationship. This is your initial greeting, and you need to draft a convincing job application email that shows off your experience and ultimately secures that all-important interview.

In the digital age, a simple email carries the weight of a first impression . Think of it as your digital handshake — firm, confident, and memorable. Crafting that perfect email is an art that opens doors to opportunities and sets the stage for your next career move . 

Your email for job applications isn’t just a platform to showcase your professional development . It’s about giving a holistic view of who you are and how that aligns with a company's core values , even though you have limited space. 

But the ultimate goal is to send in your application, and that means collecting all necessary documents and information the job posting asks for. Before penning your thoughts, make sure you have these essentials:

Cover letter: According to a survey from recruiting software Jobvite, 31% of job seekers want companies to remove cover letters from the hiring process . But even if you fall into this group, cover letters are an important step. Consider them your elevator pitch in document form. 

You’ll accentuate your strengths while expressing your enthusiasm for the role. Double-check your cover letter to tailor it to the job description, highlight your accomplishments, and make it more than a regurgitation of your resume.

• Resume: Your resume represents your professional journey, showcasing your work experience, skills, and educational background. Make sure it’s free from typos and informative without including too much. Remember to choose the right type of resume and rename the file when you attach it, preferably with your full name and the position title.
• Portfolio or work samples: If you're venturing into fields like graphic design, writing, or any other creative domain, make a portfolio that speaks louder than words. It should encapsulate your style, versatility, and expertise. Make sure it’s up-to-date and mirrors the requirements of the job listing. A website-based portfolio might work for some positions, but others could ask for a PDF.
• Additional information: Job postings sometimes come with unique demands. They may want to know about certifications, years of experience, or even niche skills. If the job posting lists any specific asks, provide them. This showcases that you’ve read, understood, and met the criteria, demonstrating attention to detail .

According to an eye-tracking study from job aggregate Ladders, recruiters only spend 7.4 seconds looking at each resume . If you want to make a lasting impression and stand out in the job search , every detail counts. Here’s a guide to ensuring recruiters and hiring managers notice you:

1. Include a clear and concise subject line

Your subject line sets the tone. It's the first thing a recruiter sees and often determines whether they’ll even open the email at all. Make it concise and relevant, incorporating the job title and your name, like “Graphic Designer Role — Alex Smith.” This straightforward approach shows you respect the hiring manager's time and helps you stand out in a sea of vague “job application” subject lines.

Beyond the basic info, consider the things that make the role unique. If the job posting emphasizes a specific skill or requirement, try incorporating it, like “Digital Marketing Expert with SEO Specialization — Jamie Carter.” Remember, clarity trumps creativity in this space, so when in doubt, keep it simple.

2. Write the body of your email

Kick off with a professional yet approachable salutation. “To whom it may concern” works if you don’t have the hiring manager or recruiter’s name. But if you do, personalize it to let them know you’re paying attention. 

The opening paragraph should be your hook. Instead of a generic introduction, dive straight into the reasons why you're the candidate they’ve been searching for. Link your experience and skills with the job description to show you've done your homework. Something like “I am a growth expert with 10+ years of experience” is much more effective than “I am interested in the job you posted.”

After the salutation, it's all about engaging the reader. Share a short, relevant anecdote that connects you to the company's mission or the specific role. If it emphasizes innovation , talk about a time you thought outside the box to pioneer a new method or strategy. Prove you’re not looking for any job: you’re looking for this job.

3. Make a pitch

A pitch isn’t about bragging. It’s about succinctly conveying what makes you unique. Use the body of your email to highlight a couple of key achievements or experiences that align with the role. Maybe you boosted sales by 30% in your last job or led a team that executed a successful project. 

After your initial pitch, tie it back to the company. Explain how your work accomplishments will directly benefit the team. If you boosted those sales by 30%, explain how that experience will transfer over to this new position. Connect your past victories to their future successes. 

You don’t have to write a full cover letter in the body of your email (unless that’s what the posting asks for). Just use the space to further explain your candidacy and motivation .

4. Provide your contact information

Ensure potential employers can easily reach you. Even if you’ve included your contact information in your resume, your email should have your phone number, professional email address, and your LinkedIn profile .

Beyond the basics, make yourself available for follow-up questions or discussions. Offer a time frame when you’re most reachable, like “Available for calls between 2 PM and 4 PM on weekdays.” It not only shows initiative but subtly communicates respect for their time by eliminating back-and-forth scheduling.

5. Rename your resume files

This might sound like a minor detail, but your file names are more important than you think. A resume with a title like “Resume1” or “MarketingCV_final” doesn’t scream professionalism and makes it harder for recruiters to keep track of your docs. Keep it simple with a format like “AlinaJones_ProjectManager” to make your resume stand out .

If you're submitting multiple documents, like a cover letter or a list of references , ensure they all follow a consistent naming pattern. This looks more professional and helps recruiters organize your materials. Think “AlinaJones_CoverLetter” and “AlinaJones_References.” It’s clean and shows attention to detail.

6. Add your portfolio

For jobs where showing beats telling, the quality of your portfolio is critical. Include your portfolio as an attachment or as a link, depending on your preference and what the job posting asks for. Just ensure that whatever you share represents your best work.

In a 2019 study, Mailchimp found that the average email open rate is only 21% — meaning recruiters might not read your email at all. That’s why your application needs to rise above the noise. Save time and write the best application possible with these tailor-made job application templates:

1. Entry-level job application example

You're at the starting line of your professional journey, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have value as an applicant. Your motivation and educational experience can still be enough to show employers you’re a good candidate.

This sample letter can help you express your enthusiasm for the role you’re applying for and showcase the skills and experiences that make you the perfect fit:

Subject line: [Full name] – [Position]

To whom it may concern,

I’m [full name], a passionate [field of interest], writing to express my interest in the entry-level [position] at [company name]. I discovered the role on [job board/company website] and am drawn to it because of [company's mission/vision/reputation].

My educational journey equipped me with [relevant skills], further enhanced by my [previous job] at [other company name]. This experience instilled a passion for crafting innovative solutions that align with [company mission].

I am attaching my resume detailing my qualifications. Thank you for considering my application. 

Sincerely, 

[Full name]

[Contact information]

2. Mid-career job application example

You have a wealth of experience under your belt and are ready for a new challenge. This sample letter will help you articulate your accomplishments and how they align with the new role you’re seeking:

Dear [hiring manager’s name],

I am an accomplished [job title] with [number] years of professional experience. I came across the position at [company name] on [job board/company website], and I'm excited about the possibility of contributing to [company’s project or goal].

My journey in [industry] involves [relevant skills and responsibilities], with significant contributions to companies like [other company names]. I feel confident that my expertise can bring valuable insights to your team.

My resume, attached for your review, provides more detailed information about my qualifications and achievements. I look forward to discussing our mutual goals and aspirations.

[Full name] 

3. Change of field sample job application

Making a career change is daunting, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. Your diverse background brings a unique perspective to the table, so use this chance to explain your transferable skills and experience. This sample email will help you highlight your expertise and express your eagerness to enter a new field:

Subject line: [Full Name] – [Position]

Hello [hiring manager’s name]

My name is [full name], and I’m applying for the [job title] opening at [company name]. I saw this role on [job board/company website] and it immediately stood out to me because [company or position details].

Having served as a [previous role], I deeply understand [relevant skill or specialty]. This foundation, combined with my recent experience with [relevant skill or specialty], equips me to [listed job requirement]. I’m ready to offer a unique perspective to your team.

Please refer to the attached documents for a comprehensive look at my qualifications. I'm available for a call this week or next to delve deeper into how my background can be an asset to your projects.

4. Return to workforce

Taking a break from your career is sometimes necessary, and that doesn’t make you a lesser candidate when you decide to return. You don’t have to go into detail about your career break in your application, but it is good to mention so hiring managers know you’re honest and transparent . 

This sample letter will help you communicate your readiness to get back to work and your enthusiasm for the role or industry you’re re-entering:

Subject line: [Full Name] – [Position] Re-entering the [Industry] Scene

I’m an experienced [job title] interested in the open role at [company name]. With a decade's worth of experience with [skill], notably at [other company name], I have a proven track record in executing, delegating, and prioritizing tasks efficiently. I'm prepared to merge my prior expertise with fresh insights for your upcoming projects.

Over the past few years, I took a break in my career, and I’m eager to re-enter the workforce. During this time, I stayed up-to-date on the industry, [subject] in particular, and I’m also [note any accomplishments from your break].

I've attached my resume detailing my journey and accomplishments. Please let me know if you need further information.

5. Recent graduate application letter example

If you've recently graduated and are ready to embark on your career journey, don’t be afraid to state that in your application. Your knowledge is fresh, and that’s an asset. This sample letter will help you highlight your academic achievements and relevant experiences as you express your excitement for the role:

Subject line: [Full Name] – [Degree]

I am [full name], a [year] [degree] graduate, and I’m reaching out regarding the role at [company name], which I found on [job board/company website].

My academic achievements and internship at [previous company] gave me a robust foundation in [relevant skill or specialty]. I'm eager to apply these skills to enhance brand engagement at [company name] while continuing to grow my expertise.

Enclosed, please find my resume and relevant documents. I look forward to discussing how I can contribute to [company project/goal].

Navigating the job market is no easy task, but a compelling job application email can be your ticket to standing out. Remember, it's all about showcasing your strengths, experiences, and passion — so, put your best foot forward and make every word count.

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• May 31, 2024

The Short Cover Letter: What to Include & Why (with Examples)

Short and sweet (and effective)

This article is part of InHerSight's Finding a Job series . Discover our most popular and relevant resources for finding a job fast—at a company that cares as much about your career as you do.

Cover letters, short or long, are increasingly unpopular among job seekers. However, a 2023 survey of 625 hiring managers across the nation found that 60 percent of companies still require cover letters, writes Rebecca Tay, Ph.D. at ResumeGenius. 

While medium and large companies are more likely to require cover letters (72 percent and 69 percent, respectively), nearly half of small businesses (49 percent) do too.

Because hiring managers use those letters to decide which applicants to interview, Tay writes:

49 percent say a strong cover letter can convince them to interview an otherwise weak candidate.

18 percent say a weak cover letter can cause them to throw out the application of an otherwise strong candidate.

33 percent say a good letter can elevate a weak applicant, and a bad letter can hurt a strong applicant.

Read more: 15 Good Character Traits Hiring Managers Love

What’s so great about cover letters?

A cover letter allows you to explain yourself.

In a LinkedIn post, Rachel Bradley , executive director at Sisu Youth Services in Oklahoma City, writes: “When your resume shows no direct or even indirect experience with the job to which you are applying, use that short cover letter to simply tell me why you are qualified or even interested. With no experience or explanation, you're wasting my time and yours.”

It’s in your cover letter that you can include referrals, explain resume gaps, or let the recruiter know you’ve done your research on the company you’re applying to.

A cover letter tells the hiring manager why you want to join the company

Ian Siegel , CEO and cofounder of ZipRecruiter, estimates hiring managers spend an average of 20 seconds reviewing a cover letter. They’re looking for the applicant’s reason for wanting to join the company.

“The golden rule of applying to a job is showing specific interest,” he says. “A lot of people write cover letters to describe their background and explain why they’re a fit for the role. But I would start my cover letter with the sentence, ‘I’m so excited to apply to this job because ... ’ and fill in the blank about the business.”

Read more: What to Write to a Hiring Manager: Example Messages & Tips to Help You Get a Response

Benefits of a short cover letter

Executive career strategist, business brand promoter and CEO of Career Trend, Jacqui Barrett-Poindexter , tells InHerSight that “in today’s attention-deprived job market, a short(er) cover letter often is the default.” She notes that “recruiters and resume screeners regularly lament the burden of cover letters.”

“An energy-filled and targeted letter aimed at the reader’s needs can serve to bring your story from being stuck at the virtual bottom of a digital resume pile to the top.” 

Of course, “brevity shouldn't be the primary goal when learning how to write a cover letter,” Kellie Hanna , a career advice expert, says. 

“Instead, you should focus on making a case to an employer that you are the right person for the role. A cover letter allows you to highlight your most relevant skills and experience, showcase your communication skills, and prove to an employer that you are willing to go the extra mile.”

Read more: Ask a Recruiter: How Can I Apply to Jobs More Efficiently?

Must-haves in your short cover letter

Each cover letter you write must be unique, tailored for the company and position. Include keywords from the job ad, which can be helpful if the recruiter is using applicant tracking software. Make the letter skimmable by writing concise, focused paragraphs, and be sure to include at least one achievement relevant to the role you’re applying for.

Hanna says that all cover letters—whether long or short—should be written using a professional tone and must contain the following elements:

A header that contains your name and contact information. This information should match that on your resume.

A salutation , ideally with the hiring manager’s name.

An opening paragraph that introduces you and concisely tells the hiring manager why you are the best fit for the job.

A paragraph that explains why you’re interested in the job and which of your past achievements are most relevant to the role.

A closing paragraph in which you reiterate your interest, thank the hiring manager for reviewing your credentials and invite them to contact you.

A professional sign-off, such as “Sincerely” or “Thank you.”  

Read more: How to Name Drop in a Cover Letter

Barrett-Poindexter explains that “with hundreds of applicants vying for a single position, setting yourself apart with crisp messaging that underlines your value can kindle the right, interview-generating reaction. It can also bring forward one to two key points that match you to the recruiter’s or screener’s needs, either before or after they have scanned your resume.”

She adds that the well-researched and written short cover letter will include these must-have absolutes:

Salutation addressed to the name of the recruiter , influential gate-keeper, or decision-maker in the hiring process.

A strong hint of proof that you know what the industry and company to which you are applying struggles with and how you will help solve their problems.

Evidence that you understand the hiring company's mission and values and how you align with both.

Link to your LinkedIn profile and any related portfolios (including your own personally branded website).

Enough content to provide value, but not so much that you exceed two to three paragraphs, or one-half of a page.

Read more: 21 Cover Letter Tips to Make Writing Quick & Easy

Samples of short cover letters

Hanna provides the following sample of a short cover letter, saying it’s “concise, focusing on key achievements and skills relevant to the job. It invites the reader to consider the applicant's qualifications without going into excessive detail, which is perfect for situations where brevity is appreciated.”

Dear [name of hiring manager],

I am writing to express my interest in the Social Media Coordinator position at [Company Name], as advertised on [where you found the job listing]. With over two years of experience in social media management and content creation, I have developed a keen understanding of digital marketing trends and effective communication strategies, specifically within the tech industry.

At my previous position with [Previous Company], I increased our social media engagement by over 50% within six months through targeted content campaigns and analytics-driven strategy adjustments. My graphic design background and my digital marketing certification from [Institution or Course] enhance my ability to produce visually appealing and impactful content.

I am excited about the opportunity to bring my unique talents to the innovative team at [Company Name]. I am eager to contribute to your success by increasing engagement and building a strong community presence online.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing how I can contribute to your team. I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience and can be reached by telephone or email.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Read more: 7 Ways to Start a Cover Letter That Will Set You Apart

Barrett-Poindexter explains that “a one- or two-line cover letter will only serve to introduce the role you are applying for and maybe provide one hook as to your value, but will fall short of providing any kind of meaningfully tailored message. Conversely, anything written longer than a half page likely will bog down the hurried reader.” 

She provides this sample of a short cover letter:

Dear [Name]:

My passion for marketing energized a seven-year career at ABC Company where unrelenting deadlines melded with premier digital, social and product collaborations that contributed to millions in new revenue and profit.

With the wind-down of ABC, I am excited to explore how my exposure to the latest marketing trends can benefit your company. As you can see from the attached resume, my experiences as a strategic marketing leader mirror many of the requirements of the Marketing Communications Manager role, including integrating AI technologies that bolster marketing efficiencies and ROI. 

As well, I love the mission underpinning your objectives and operations and am intrigued by the possibility of helping you navigate your next evolution.

Please feel free to contact me at [phone number] or [email address].

PS – You may find a portfolio of my digital marketing impact at [link].

Read more: Didn’t Get the Job? Here's How to Stay on Their Radar (& When to Reapply)

So, how do you know if you need to write a short cover letter instead of a longer one?

“The decision to submit a short cover letter versus a regular-length one often depends on the specific application, industry norms, specific requests for information in the job ad, and the complexity of your background as it relates to the job position,” says Hanna. 

If a cover letter is optional, you may wish to submit one anyway. Even a short cover letter will let you highlight a skill specific to the role which isn’t sufficiently emphasized in your resume. You’ll also be able to mention a distinct point about the company you’re applying to, showing the hiring manager you’ve spent time researching the organization. The few extra minutes it takes you to write a short cover letter could prove extremely valuable.

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To get started on your ROTC scholarship application, create an account and log in to the Scholarship Application. From there, you’ll locate and contact the Recruiting Operations Officer at the school you plan to attend. Most of them have served before and understand the process you’re going through.

Important dates to remember

ROTC scholarship applications opened on June 12, 2023. Applications must be started no later than March 4, 2024 to be eligible for review by the Army ROTC National Scholarship Board for the 2024 – 2025 school year.

Due October 9, 2023

Applications will be reviewed from October 16 – 20, 2023.

Due January 15, 2024

Applications will be reviewed from January 22 – 26, 2024.

Due March 11, 2024

Applications will be reviewed from March 18 – 22, 2024.

Your obligation with an ROTC scholarship

Your acceptance of the ROTC scholarship means a future service obligation of eight years in the Army, with requirements for active duty and/or the Army Reserve or Army National Guard depending on the scholarship. You may be eligible to serve part time in the Army Reserve or Army National Guard while pursuing a civilian career immediately after graduation.

Scholarship recipients who wish to exit the ROTC program may do so after their freshman year of college without any obligation. 

Here’s what to know when applying for an ROTC scholarship in college.

Types of scholarships available.

You’ll have access to four-year, three-year, or two-year scholarships if you decide to join Army ROTC as a college student. Four-year scholarships are most common for students who are on a five-year college plan, while two-year scholarships are more common for those who attend certain participating two-year community colleges before transferring to a four-year university.

To get started on your ROTC scholarship application, locate and contact the Recruiting Operations Officer at your school to discuss how to apply. Most of them have served before and understand the process you’re going through. Their years of experience will help the process.

Scholarship recipients who wish to exit the ROTC program may do so after their freshman year of college without any obligation.

Requirements to be eligible for an ROTC scholarship.

To be accepted for any ROTC scholarship, you must meet these standards.

Be a U.S. citizen.

Be at least 17 and under 31 in year of commissioning.

Have a high school diploma or equivalent.

Have an unweighted high school GPA of at least 2.50 if you’re in high school while applying.

Have taken the SAT or ACT.

Take the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) .

Meet the physical weight and height requirements .

Agree to accept a commission and serve in the Army , Army Reserve , or Army National Guard .

Career-building scholarship programs

Nursing scholarships.

Nursing students can apply for any Army ROTC scholarship by following the directions above. Being a nurse in the Army provides you with opportunities not found in the civilian world, including a three-week paid Nurse Summer Training Program, which introduces students to the Army Medical Department and the roles and responsibilities of an Army Nurse Corps Officer .

Enlisted Soldier Scholarships

As an enlisted Soldier, you have access to the Green to Gold program and scholarship opportunities to cover costs for tuition or room and board, while you earn your undergraduate or graduate degree.

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How to Apply for a Job in Germany

Moving to Germany can be an exciting adventure but finding a suitable job there can feel a bit overwhelming, especially if you're not familiar with the local job market. Whether you're fresh off the plane or have been in Germany for a while – it's important to understand how to apply for jobs. Getting the applications right can make a big difference in the success of your job search.

Stand out with your CV to get a job in Germany

A well-structured CV is your ticket to catching the eye of German employers. German CVs have a specific format and structure that you should follow to increase your chances of making a positive impression. They're usually 1-2 pages long and follow a reverse chronological order , meaning your most recent experience is listed first.

German CV format – what to include and what not

1. Personal information Include your full name, address, phone number and email address and place this information prominently on your CV.

While it used to be common in Germany to include a photo, date of birth, gender, and nationality, these requirements are becoming increasingly rare in the wake of anti-discrimination legislation within German labor and employment laws . Check the company's preference or guidelines to be sure of what personal information to provide.

A summary of your career and professional goals. Adapt it to the job you're applying for, highlighting your most relevant experience and skills.

List the positions you've worked for, from the most recent to the least. For each position include the job title, company name, location, and dates of employment. Provide a brief description of your responsibilities, achievements, and key tasks. Use bullet points for clarity.

Just like your work experience, list your education in reverse chronological order. Include the name of the institution, location, degree obtained and dates attended. Specify the field of study and, if applicable, your thesis topic or major projects. Mention any honors or distinctions, relevant coursework or projects that are relevant to the position.

Emphasize both professional and social skills in your CV. Tailor them to match the job description, highlighting those most pertinent to the role. Be specific (e.g., "advanced in Microsoft Excel") and provide examples of how you have used these skills in past positions to add credibility (e.g. “project management: successfully led a cross-functional team to deliver a major software upgrade, completing the project on time and under budget”). Use clear, concise language and avoid jargon.

Use the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) to indicate your proficiency levels, such as A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2. Specify your abilities in speaking, reading, writing, and listening, and include any relevant certifications or tests, such as TestDaF, Goethe-Zertifikat, or TOEFL for English.

Include any additional certifications, courses or training that are relevant to the position They might enhance your candidacy for the job. For certifications obtained outside Germany, provide context or the equivalent German qualification if relevant, to help employers understand their value.

This section is optional but can help you stand out. If you choose stating interests and hobbies in a German CV, be selective and relevant. Pick activities that showcase valuable skills or qualities related to the job, such as teamwork, leadership, or creativity. Be specific rather than general (e.g. sate "member of a local soccer team" instead of just "sports").

Tips on formatting

Clarity: Use clear headings and bullet points to organize information.

Font choice: Use professional fonts such as Arial, Times New Roman or Calibri.

Consistency: Ensure consistent formatting, including font size, margins and spacing throughout the resume.

There are many online resources for European or German CV templates. Websites like Europass offer templates that are widely recognized and accepted. Canva has customizable CV and cover letter templates as well.

How to create a CV to apply for a job seeker visa for Germany?

When you apply for your visa, the format is very similar to the job application CV. Thus, it makes sense to write both at the same time. Here's what you need to know:

• The visa application CV should be just one page long. It doesn't need to be as detailed as a resume for a regular job application.
• Write about the length of your stay, the type of work you are looking for and your professional qualifications.
• Consider having a native speaker or professional review your CV to check for spelling and grammatical errors.

How to write the cover letter when you apply for a job in Germany

A cover letter is your chance to make a great first impression and to show why you're the perfect fit for the job. In Germany cover letters are a big part of the job application process, so make sure you tailor them to each position you apply for.

• Introduce yourself and explain your motivation for applying.
• Highlight your most important skills and experience .
• Show your enthusiasm for the position and the company.
• Make a connection between your CV and the position you are applying for.

German cover letter format

• Contact information at the top: name, address, phone number and email
• Below: date of writing
• Recipient's contact information: name, position, company and address

If possible, address the recipient by name (e. g. “Dear Ms. Müller”). If you can't find a specific name, use a general form such as “Dear Sir/Madam”.

Start with a strong, attention-grabbing opening. Mention the job you’re applying for and where you found the job listing. Then, briefly introduce yourself and explain why you’re interested in the position and the company.

Paragraph 1: Highlight your relevant experiences and skills. Focus on why you're a strong candidate for this role.

Paragraph 2: Provide examples of your achievements and how they align with the job requirements. Use this space to expand on key points from your CV.

Paragraph 3: Explain why you're interested in this company. Demonstrate that you've researched the company and understand its values, culture and goals.

Let them know you're excited about the role and that you'd love to chat more about your application during an interview. Mention any additional documents you've attached like your CV and certificates. Then, politely suggest that you'd like to set up a time for an interview when it's convenient for them.

Finish with a professional closing such as "Sincerely". If you're sending a hard copy, add your handwritten signature and write your name underneath.

Each cover letter should be tailored to the specific job and company. Don't use a generic template, personalize each letter to show how your skills and experiences make you the ideal candidate for that particular role.

Find your dream job in Germany

Make it happen with the new 18 month job search visa.

Got an answer on your application? Well done! Now prepare for the job interview

A job interview can be a make-or-break experience when it comes to getting a job in Germany. With thorough preparation, cultural awareness and confidence, you'll nail your interview.

Learn about the company’s products, services, mission and values. Check out their website and recent news articles. Make sure you understand the job description and how your skills match the role. Be ready to explain why you’re a good fit.

Be ready to answer questions about your experience, strengths, weaknesses and why you want to work there. Practice answering questions such as:

• Tell me about yourself.
• Why do you want this job?
• What are your strengths and weaknesses?
• Describe a challenge you’ve faced and how you dealt with it.

Also be ready for behavioral questions that start with “Tell me about a time when…” These are to see how you’ve handled situations in the past.

Read on here to find out what to consider when it comes to negotiating your salary.

Think of some good questions to ask about the company and the role.

• Can you describe a typical day in this role?
• What are the biggest challenges facing the team?
• What opportunities are there for professional development?
• Plan your arrival

Make sure you plan your route to the interview location. Aim to be there about 10 to 15 minutes early, just to show that you're punctual. As you may have heard, this is a very German virtue.

Common Mistakes when applying for a job in Germany

Avoid these common mistakes and you’ll be well on your way to creating a polished and professional job application that stands out to German employers. Watch out for these pitfalls:

• Keep It Short and Sweet: Your CV should be one or two pages and your cover letter should be one page.
• Be Selective: Focus on the most relevant experiences and achievements.
• Proofread: Use tools like Grammarly or LanguageTool to catch mistakes.
• Get a second opinion: Ask a friend or professional to review your CV and cover letter. Fresh eyes can spot errors you might have missed.
• Personalize each application: Mention the company by name and explain why you're a good fit for the position.
• Consistent formatting: Use the same font style and size for headings and text.
• Submit all required documents: Include all requested materials such as cover letters, certificates and references.
• Avoid repetition: Don’t repeat information that’s already in your CV. Use the cover letter to provide additional context and detail.
• Punctuality: Show up on time for your interview. It's a sign of respect and reliability in Germany.

Tip: Previous employers can be a great way to show your credibility by providing references.

How to become a Nurse in Germany: Licensing & Salary

How to Work as a Foreign Doctor in Germany

10 steps for a successful application at German universities for Indian Applicants | expatrio.com

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Canada announces new pilot programs to support caregivers and Canadian families, intends to make the caregivers program permanent

From: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

News release

Caregivers from abroad are invaluable to Canadian families. Their hard work makes a difference in the lives of those they care for, including children, seniors and persons with disabilities.

June 3, 2024—Toronto— Caregivers from abroad are invaluable to Canadian families. Their hard work makes a difference in the lives of those they care for, including children, seniors and persons with disabilities.

As the Home Child Care Provider Pilot and the Home Support Worker Pilot come to a close later this month, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, today announced new, enhanced caregiver pilots. This will allow caregivers to continue to come to Canada, as we work toward making the caregiver pilot programs permanent.

The new pilot programs will provide home care workers with permanent residence (PR) on arrival in Canada. They will also be allowed to work for organizations that provide temporary or part­time care for people who are semi-independent or recovering from an injury or illness. This new pathway means that caregivers can more easily find proper work with reliable employers and have clear, straightforward access to permanent resident status as soon as they arrive in Canada.

Through these new pilot programs, candidates interested in working in Canada’s home care sector will be eligible to apply if they meet the following criteria:

• attain a minimum of level 4 based on the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB)
• hold the equivalent of a Canadian high school diploma
• have recent and relevant work experience
• receive an offer for a full-time home care job

These new PR on arrival pilot programs mark an important step forward in Canada’s efforts to meet the evolving home care needs of its diverse population. More information will be available before the full launch of the pilots, including full eligibility criteria and details on how to apply.

“Caregivers play a critical role in supporting Canadian families, and our programs need to reflect their invaluable contributions. As we work to implement a permanent caregivers program, these two new pilots will not only improve support for caregivers, but also provide families with the quality care they deserve.” – The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

“After hearing stories and feedback from caregivers across Canada, I am proud that we are taking concrete action to create policies to support the caregiver community. Generations of women and men have advocated for this important pathway and have cared for our families and loved ones here in Canada. Now is the time to return the care they deserve." – The Honourable Rechie Valdez, Minister of Small Business

Quick facts

In June 2014, there was an inventory of over 60,000 persons for the Live-in Caregiver Program. Today, less than 1% of that Live-in Caregiver Program inventory remains.

As part of the 2024–2026 Immigration Levels Plan, Canada will admit over 15,000 caregivers as permanent residents.

As of April 30, 2024, nearly 5,700  caregivers and their family members have become permanent residents since the launch of the Home Child Care Provider Pilot and the Home Support Worker Pilot in 2019.

Associated links

• Existing Canadian caregiver programs

Contacts for media only:

Bahoz Dara Aziz Press Secretary Minister’s Office Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada [email protected] Media Relations Communications Sector Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada 613-952-1650 [email protected]

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