employment application letter sample pdf

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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? "

Official Job Application Letter

In this fast-paced business environment, it has become very difficult for job seekers to find a job that fits their skills and qualifications. The phrase “job applicants need to stand out” has been stated and implied so many times that it has quite lost its purpose. But despite the phrase being overused, it still bears great importance for job applicants wanting to land their dream job.

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The first step to a successful job application is the creation and submission of a job application letter. Listed below are job application letter examples in PDF format to help you in creating your own application letter. We also included some tips on how to create a job application letter as well as sample job application letters.

Financial Adviser Job Application Letter Example

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Graphic Designer Job Application Letter Example

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Journalist Job Application Letter Example

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Nurse Job Application Letter Example

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Tips in Creating a Job Application Letter

A job application letter is not difficult to compose. You just need to incorporate the correct details and you will be hired by the company you are applying for in no time. Here are some tips in creating a job application letter :

Specify the recipient of the letter

It is of high importance that the job application letter should be addressed to a specific person, either to the human resource manager or any company officer. Most of the time, the job listing includes information on to whom you will be submitting your application. The full name together with the designation is usually listed down (for example: Ms. Elizabeth Olsen, Human Resource Manager, or Mr. Paul Bettany, Finance and Payroll Manager).

If a name is nowhere to be found, do research and try to locate the names of the company officers. If you are still unsuccessful, you can just address the application letter to the human resource department (for example: Human Resource Department, ABC Corporation). Take note that addressing to the human resource department is your last option, as listing down the specific recipient is more formal and will be appreciated more by the company.

Limit the content to three paragraphs max

Limit the length of your job application letter to three paragraphs maximum. The first paragraph should include information on the job position you are applying for and the reason why you are applying for the job. The second paragraph should include a short description of your skills as well as the reasons why the company should hire you. The third or closing paragraph should indicate your contact number and/or email address as well as a few sentences that you are looking forward to meeting with them in the future.

Some job application letters combine the first and second paragraphs, while the closing paragraph always closes the job application letter on a high note. Take note that the job application letter is a formal business document and you are addressing the letter to professionals who have years of experience in their respective fields. Make sure the letter is only one-page long and the content should cut directly to the point. HR managers and other company officers don’t have time to read very lengthy job application letters, and these types of letters will easily take a one-way trip to the trash bin.

Be professional

As previously mentioned, job application letters are formal business documents. You are addressing these documents to managers, officers, CEOs, or business owners. Since you are already a professional yourself, keep the job application letter professional. This includes avoiding statements that come off as desperate and hopeless. Among the statements to completely avoid are:

• “Please hire me, I need a job.”
• “Please hire me, I haven’t had a job in a long time.”
• “I have friends working in the company.”
• “My father is good friends with the CEO.”
• “I am willing to work for any job in the company.”
• “I don’t mind working 10 hours a day including Sundays.”
• “It’s hard finding a job being a fresh graduate.”

Don’t forget your signature

Never forget to affix your signature in the job application letter. It might be the easiest thing to do but most times applicants tend to forget affixing their signatures due to mostly being in a hurry to submit their application. Additionally, to make the job application letter formal, do not attach a digital signature . Use your own handwriting (and preferably a marker) instead.

Outline for Official Job Application Letter Example

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PT Job Application Letter Example

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Social Worker Job Application Letter Example

Size: 161 KB

Sample Job Application Letter with Format (for applicant with experience)

January 1, 2018 (date to be listed should be when the application letter will be submitted)

(standard format – phone number, home address, email address of applicant)

(standard format – name of HR manager or other company officer, name of company, company address) 

Dear Ms. Jones:

I am very interested with the job position your company is offering, namely the full-time Sales Executive position. The reason why I am applying for this position is due mainly to the lure and prestige that your company brings. XYZ Corporation is one of the leading retailers of computer equipment in the city, and has been so for the past decade.

My track record as a proven and effective sales person has also led me in applying for this job. I have worked previously for ABC Corporation and DEF Corporation for five years combined, both of which involved heavy sales work.

My interest in working for the company, my proven sales track record, and my desire to be the best sales person I can become will help me land this job. You can reach at this phone number, +02987443546 and I have also attached my resume for your reference.

I hope we can talk soon about my application. Thank you very much!

Chuck Taylor  

Sample Job Application Letter with Format (for fresh-graduate applicants)

July 4, 2018 (date to be listed should be when the application letter will be submitted)

Greetings, Mr. Lee!

I am submitting this application with the intent of applying as a Comic Book Artist in your company. I recently graduated with a Fine Arts degree from the University of Michigan, and working for Marvel Entertainment, Inc., will definitely start off my graphic artist career on a high note.

Despite having no work experience after only graduating last month, I believe can become a long-term asset for Marvel Entertainment, Inc., due to the skills I possess. I am very proficient in both Adobe Photoshop and CorelDRAW, as evident in the designs I attached in this application.

Aside from the designs, I also attached my resume as well as my transcript of records for your easy reference. I hope we can talk soon about my application. Thank you and have a nice day!

Wade Wilson    

Sample Job Application Letter with Format (for career-shift applicants)

February 14, 2018 (date to be listed should be when the application letter will be submitted)

Good day, Ms. Targaryen!

I hope you are having a fine day! I am very interested in the Technical Analyst vacancy which your company is hiring. This is to inform you that although I do not have any working experience as a technical analyst, I have been preparing for this day ever since I switched careers from being a registered nurse.

My passion has always involved programming and software development, in which I assisted my brother in his software business, selling and maintaining various software security systems to small businesses around the city. I resigned from my work as a nurse six months ago, and after that time I attended numerous seminars and immersed myself in an extensive self-review on software development to prepare me for this job application.

I have attached my resume, certificates from the software development seminars I attended, and various character references with mention of my programming skills for your reference.  

Thank you and I hope we can talk soon about my application.

Respectfully,

Sansa Stark         

Sample Job Application Letter (for managerial positions)

Good day, Mr. Curry!

I hope all is well with you. I am writing this application with the intent of applying as an Accounting Manager in your company, Golden State Inc. Being a manager requires lengthy relevant work experience as well as strong leadership and communication skills.

In regards to work experience, I have worked in a managerial capacity for more than four years in another accounting firm. When it comes to my leadership and communication skills, I made sure the employees in the previous company I worked in strictly adhered to company policies while meeting the required monthly and annual quota. The employees did not only barely meet the quota, but performed at high efficiency rates on a regular basis.

My long-term plan is to work with Golden State Inc. to continue my career on a successful path. I also plan to replicate the success I had with my previous company to Golden State, and make sure this company meets its goals and achieve long-term sustainability.

I have also attached my resume for your reference. I am looking forward to meeting with you soon to discuss my application. Thank you and have a great day!

Sincerely yours,

LeBron James, CPA

Store Manager Job Application Letter Example

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Storeperson Job Application Letter Example

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Survey Assistant Job Application Letter Example

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Writing a job application letter is simple. Even submitting the letter to the company is much more tiring and nerve-racking. As long as you incorporate the necessary details in writing a job application letter, then you can be assured that you will be shortlisted by the company for an interview or exam. We also included some examples (in PDF format) for your reference.

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Cover letters.

Cover letters are crucial in showcasing your strengths as an applicant. They encourage hiring managers to see you as the best candidate and demonstrate good communication and narrative skills.

In this article, you’ll find a selection of free cover template PDFs to suit you. That way, you’ll always have an attractive, editable cover letter on hand to help you to get that dream job.

What you’ll learn.

• Editable Cover Letter Templates in PDF Format.
• What to Include in Your Cover Letter PDF.
• Cover Letter PDF Template - Fillable Fields Guide.
• Benefits of Using a Cover Letter PDF.

Editable cover letter templates in PDF format.

Adobe Acrobat’s free PDF cover letter templates mean you won’t have to go back to the drawing board for every job application. But you don’t have to just send the same tired letter each time, either.

With Adobe Acrobat’s online editing tools, you can customise each cover letter to give you the best shot at each job:

• Update details.
• Add photos.
• Change fonts.
• Spell check.
• Share directly from the app .

PDFs look smarter and are shared more seamlessly than Word documents. See for yourself by checking out the cover letter templates below.

What to include in your cover letter PDF.

Stick to these four simple steps for a persuasive cover letter. Hiring managers are always busy, so choose an attractive PDF template and use Adobe Acrobat online editing tools to customise your cover letter for every job application.

1. Introduction .

Ensure that you use the proper greeting by researching the name of the person who will read your cover letter if it’s not stated in the vacancy post. It’s much more impressive for them to find an application addressed personally. If you can’t find this, address them by the title ‘Hiring Manager.’

In your introduction, clarify why you are writing, including which position you’re applying for. Then, give a succinct description of why you think the job is perfect for you and how it aligns with your career path.

Example: Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to express my interest in applying for the position of Office Assistant at The Paper Factory. The prospect of assisting fellow workers in their office activities greatly appeals to me. The Paper Company has a tremendous reputation within this industry and my aim has always been to work there. I believe my excellent organisation and project management skills make me an ideal candidate for this role.

2. Why you are the right candidate for this position.

Of course, the reader won’t just take your word for it. In the second paragraph, prove how you’re the right person for the job by listing your most relevant work experience and interests.

Your CV will probably be exhaustive, but in your cover letter, you should only use those elements that have a direct bearing on this job. You may have an excellent degree, but for a job in a pet shop, you might want to highlight your three summers spent volunteering at the zoo instead. Use your storytelling skills to illustrate a time you overcame hurdles at work, a deal you brokered or a team success.

Example: My last position was as a receptionist for a marketing start-up. It was a fast-paced and dynamic environment that helped me to strengthen my multitasking skills. Prior to this, I worked as an assistant to the regional manager at Stationery Shack, a role which introduced me to the world of office management.

3. Why you want to work at this company.

Companies aren’t interested in why you are looking for work, but they are interested in why you are looking to work for them.

Your third paragraph can drill down into what impresses you about this company and why you are qualified for this particular role. Don’t forget to match the company ethos with your skills and experiences.

Example: I’m comfortable working independently and as part of a team. My role in Stationery Shack trusted me to regularly act on my initiative. As a result, my problem-solving abilities are strong and I can keep composed in potentially tricky situations. I know that the company offers development training to help assist employees in upskilling too. Working for a company that believes in my ability to progress and climb the ladder would give me tremendous confidence and motivation.

4. Wrapping up.

Thank the hiring manager for their consideration and reiterate your desire to continue the conversation. Finally, remind them of any attachments, such as your CV and use the correct sign-off. Use ‘Yours sincerely’ if you address the hiring manager by name and ‘Yours faithfully’ if you do not.

Example: Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to hearing back from you.

Yours faithfully,

Martin Scott

Download our Cover Letter template above

Then use Adobe tools to edit in details specific to your job.

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Begin working on your Cover Letter with Adobe templates

• Cover Letters are made simple with Adobe templates.
• Adobe tools allow you to edit and personalise the doc to your liking.

Cover Letter PDF Template - Fillable Fields Guide

Adobe also has cover letter templates that only require applicants to fill in the blank fields. The missing words depend on the position, industry and company related to the job for which you are applying. In this particular example, the applicant would have little to no experience in the role they’re trying to obtain. As anyone who has been in such a position before knows, it’s a tricky situation to navigate. However, with this no-experience cover letter template and the fillable fields guide below, it’s a task that couldn’t be more straightforward.

Note: This template is editable on Acrobat once exported to PDF. You will be able to remove the lines and numbers before adding in your own information.

• Insert your name.
• Insert your email address.
• Insert your phone number.
• Insert the date on which you're applying.
• If you know the name of the hiring manager, address them directly. If not, just address them as 'Hiring Manager'.
• Insert the title of the position for which you're applying.
• Insert the name of the company advertising the vacancy.
• Insert the appropriate field of experience for this industry, i.e. marketing.
• List the first quality that make you an ideal candidate for this position.
• List the second quality that make you an ideal candidate for this position.
• List the third quality that make you an ideal candidate for this position.
• Insert the name of the company
• Insert the first quality that you admire about this company.
• Insert the second quality that you admire about this company.
• Insert the name of the sector of the company.
• Insert the job title with a preceding a or an, depending on which determiner is more appropriate.
• Insert the job title along with an appropriate preceding determiner.
• Insert a position title that's higher in the chain of command that one might hope to eventually receive following a promotion, i.e. Manager.
• Insert the name of the company.
• Insert the first quality
• Write 30-40 words explaining how you believe you exhibit this quality.
• Insert the second quality.
• Insert the third quality
• Insert a personalised sign-off, such as 'Kind regards.'
• Insert your typed name or signature.

Benefits of using a cover letter PDF.

So, why should you use a cover letter PDF?

• It shows you are a serious contender . Using a PDF looks more professional and can be read across all computers and operating systems. Serious applicants write a cover letter that seeks to persuade and impress the reader.
• You are translating the raw material of your CV into a personalised, bespoke application . If your CV is a sort of biography, your cover letter makes it a compelling story, highlighting the most important chapters. Telling a story means that you can flex your creative skills and write about relevant experiences that come alive. That being said, don’t just report dry facts.
• Demonstrate your research and communication skills . If you have shown genuine interest in the company and researched many interesting or inspiring facts, you can demonstrate this knowledge in the cover letter. Someone who has considered the company’s culture stands out as someone looking to build a career with that company. Although you should always write in a professional manner, a cover letter allows your personality and your enthusiasm to shine through.

Should my cover letter be a PDF?

It’s easy to write cover letters on Word or other word-processing documents, but the formatting, pictures, fonts and appearance may not load on the hiring manager’s operating system. Sending your cover letter and CV as a PDF will ensure that what you see is what you get and your efforts will be appreciated by whoever sees them.

What are the benefits of using PDF templates?

Businesses frequently use PDFs because they are versatile and virtually future-proof. They look consistent and feature embedded elements such as images, logos and fonts that are easily readable across all operating systems. Although PDFs are fixed for the reader, you can still edit your cover letter with Adobe Acrobat. Use password protection so only you can make changes.

Related Acrobat content.

Need more expert guides on getting the most from Adobe Acrobat? Check out these other handy pages:

How to write a cover letter

How to format a cover letter

How to email CV and cover letter

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Application Letter Template in PDF

If You are Currently Writing and Eyeing for a Job Vacancy Position to Secure Employment, You Should Check out Template.Net Which Holds Thousands of Sample Cover Letters Made Simple through PDF, Google Docs, and the Like. One Can Easily Use the Examples on the Site Free from Any Charges.

Get Access to All  Portable Documents Templates

A done and successful deal is the primary goal when you apply for something you want, whether it is jobs, admissions, or loans. A well-formatted application letter template can help get the deal done. It is essential to have a carefully carved out presentability format for easy visual impression. A sample set of general statements to establish rapport are present in our selection, and meticulously placed queues to indicate the needed respective information. You can avail of our wide variety of ready-made templates. They are available in A4 and US letter sizes and appropriate formats according to the intended purpose. All of these are available already in print and digital copies. 

What is an Application Letter

An application letter is a formal document that expresses an interest coming from the writer. Whether a person applies for loans, scholarships, employment (the letter usually comes with creative resumes), job positions, or promotions. It should contain the necessary information of the writer to warrant a reply. It needs to include contact details, but most importantly, it must politely convey intentions and solicit a response from the companies and people you are sending it to. 

How to Make an Application Letter in PDF

1. justify and apply proper spacing.

Aesthetics is the first thing that catches the attention. Having a penchant for a little bit of organization and presentability through justifications, block paragraphing, and adequate spacing helps a lot. No one would even dare to continue looking at something when spacing is unsymmetrical. The top priority is to get people to read your letter, and the first step is that the letter should be recognized at first glance. Also, having that prim and proper outlook shows the meticulousness of the writer as he or she pays attention to the fine details that matter. Who knows? You may get the appointment letter that you're hoping to receive. 

2. Create Eye Candy Borders

The human eye gets tired most times, and sometimes the application letters you sent are already part of a stacked pile together with the rest. It is also helpful to add some variety to the letter by adding borders that either directs the eyes to a particular focus and mixing it with calm and soothing colors. So that it helps the reader retain attention and relieve tired eyes. When you put this into consideration, you have already invited the reader to read through your letter.

3. Use Friendly Fonts

Just like business cards, a mixture of bubbly fonts and pointy ones creates a blend of invitation and seriousness. Again, just like the previous tips, the goal is to get first the attention of the reader. Although application letters are commonly formal, it is also essential to take note that it expresses a little of the writer's personality. 

4. Say Your Points Clearly

When you already have the interest of the reader, it is significant that his or her reading time is well spent. Thus, say your intentions clearly and straight makes it readable and easy to comprehend (similar to that of a letter of intent). No need to complicate as it is vital to relay what you need to say. Keeping it short, simple, and direct is the key to establish quick and fruitful communication. Your application letter is not an academic essay.

5. Have a Singe Idea in Every Paragraph

Although a letter shouldn't have too many paragraphs, it is vital not to create confusion by having just one idea in each paragraph. Other than saying your points clearly, they have to be well organized and appropriately given an avenue to be relayed in each section. Cramping the information will lose the interest of the reader. Imagine your bosses crafting a detailed memo. Ideas have to be clear, and if not, there will be misunderstandings, so your application must avoid being confusing.

6. Have a Polite Tone

Being outright demanding to the reader is already intimidating. That is why you must keep it courteous. Just like any gentleman or lady talking about their own intentions politely, there is a sense of respect and inviting for a further chit-chat when you establish the tone. Always open and close with a smile. Who knows, your reader might happily smile back, and you have to send a thank you letter in return.   

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