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 letteris 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.
What Is an Application Letter?
Aletter of application, also known as acover letter, is a document sent with yourresumeto 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.
Effectiveapplication lettersexplain the reasons for your interest in the specific organization and identify the most relevant skills that qualify you for the job.
Note
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.
What to Include in Your Application Letter
As with all cover letters, a job application letter is divided into sections:
- The heading includes your name and contact information.
- Agreetingaddressed to a specific person, if possible.
- Theintroduction 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.
- Yoursignature to end the letter.
Tips for Writing a Cover 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. Youcanmakeyour language a bit more personal thaninyour resume bullet points,andyoucan tell a narrative about your work experience and career.
Note
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 toemphasize 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.
Cover Letter Sample and Template
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.
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Download the Word Template
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 thatwouldsupportmy success in this position include:
- I have successfully designed, developed, and supported live-use applications.
- I strivecontinually 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 lifecycleofsoftware 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.
Sincerely,
Signature(only if a hard copy letter)
John Donaldson
Email Cover Letter Sample
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 Iamconfidentthatmy business experience will be an asset to your organization.
My responsibilities haveincluded the development and management of website editorial voice and style, editorial calendars, and the daily content programming and production forvariouswebsites.
I haveworked closely with health care professionals and medical editors toprovide the best possible information to a consumer audience of patients. Ihavealso helped physicians use their medical content to write user-friendlyand easilycomprehensible 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.
Iamconfident 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 jobtitle you are applying for in thesubject lineof the email:
Colleen Warren - Web Content Manager Position
Include your contact information in youremail signature but don't list the employer's contact information.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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.
