Many jobseekers seeking part-time positions do not take the time to write an exceptional application letter. These jobs can often be competitive, and a well-written letter sets you apart from the competition. In order to write an application letter, you will need to reflect on your career trajectory and your level of interest in a particular part-time job. Applying to these positions without a letter or with a letter that does not convey a clear sense of your rationale and qualifications can diminish your prospects of getting hired. Start by looking over our application letter for a part-time job templates and writing tips for ideas about what to include in your own letter.Application Letter for a Part-Time Job Template
Application Letter for a Part-Time Job Template
Below is a letter written by Russell Hawkins. Russell is seeking part-time employment as an administrative assistant for a construction firm. He has several years of experience working in construction and is currently employed at a call center for a major home improvement retailer. His work experience gives him the qualifications necessary to field inquiries and set up consultations.
Dear Mr. Wilson,
I am writing to apply for the part-time administrative assistant position advertised on ConstructionJobs.com. I worked in construction for more than five years and now provide customer support for a home improvement retailer with locations nationwide. My work experience has given me the skills necessary to excel in the main office of the Wilson Construction Company.
My current job involves answering questions concerning products ranging from fixtures to tools and advising customers about home improvement projects. I schedule appointments for customers located across the country with affiliated contractors. Prior to this position, I worked in home and commercial construction until an injury limited my ability to lift heavy objects. I am capable of providing accurate and helpful responses to customers and scheduling consultations with prospective clients. I am also skilled at data entry and have solid written and verbal communication skills. Please see my resume for more information about my experience.
You can reach me on my cell phone, 555-123-4567, or at my email address, russhawkins@anymail.com. I am eager to bring my knowledge of construction and customer service expertise to your business. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Russell Hawkins
How To Write an Application Letter for a Part-Time Job
An application letter is an opportunity to express interest in a position and explain your qualifications to fill a role. This letter may be the first impression that you will make on a prospective employer. It should be concise and to-the-point while emphasizing the aspects of your resume related to the position you are seeking.
Begin with a salutation directed toward the appropriate recipient. Avoid the old-fashioned and vague line “to whom it may concern.” If you do not know the name of the hiring manager or head of the department, open your letter with a general greeting. In the first paragraph, you should state the position for which you are applying. You may want to explain how you found out about the position, particularly if your source sheds light on valuable connections or networks.
Over the next paragraph or two, you should explain why you are seeking part-time employment in this field and show that you have done your research on the employer. Rather than simply stating unrelated facts, try to find ways to link your experience to the position for which you are applying. See our application letter for a part-time job template for guidance.
Draw your letter to a close by revisiting your interest in the position and proceeding with the hiring process. You can offer to provide the employer with any information they might need to determine whether you are the right candidate for the job. Depending on the rest of your application materials, you may also want to provide contact information or the date on which you plan to check in on the status of your application. Express appreciation for the consideration of the hiring manager and sign off with a professional closing, as shown in the sample letter.
What To Avoid in Your Application Letter for a Part-Time Job
One of the most common mistakes in an application letter is failing to draw direct connections between a specific employer offering a position you want and your own experience. It can be easy to err on one or the other side of this approach and either focus too much on details about your prospective employer that they already know or, alternatively, personal qualifications that are not related to the position you are seeking.
As you identify factors about a company that interest you in a position, think about the experience or skills you have that can allow you to contribute to these areas. Try to briefly explain these connections in your application letter to balance your research and justification for applying. This approach can also help prevent your application letter from being too vague.
At the same time, be aware of the extent of the information provided in each part of your application materials. Your letter should not restate all of the information brought up in your resume, only the key points that are your top qualifications for a position.
How To Follow Up After Sending Your Application Letter for a Part-Time Job
Wait a week or two before following up on a job application. You have the option to write another brief and polite letter in which you inquire about the status of the position or to write an email, make a phone call, or even visit a prospective employer in person. Try to confirm receipt of your application and emphasize your continued interest in the job. A follow-up letter or email can also be a good opportunity to remind an employer about your abilities and why you are an excellent choice for a position that is still available.
Regardless of the method of following up you choose, try not to be pushy. Strive to clearly communicate your interest in the position for which you have applied, as this may help you to land the position.
Top 5 Application Letter for a Part-Time Job Writing Takeaways
1. Show interest in and knowledge about an available position
Make sure that your interest in a position is obvious from the start of your application letter. Try to show that you have done enough research to learn about an employer and have considered what you can offer to their operation.
2. Make your qualifications clear
You don’t need to cover your entire background in an application letter. Focus on the ability and training that prepare you to succeed in the position for which you are applying. You may want to bring up major criteria mentioned in a job description.
3. Explain why you are the right candidate for the job
A list of qualifications will not demonstrate that you are the best candidate for a position. It is up to you to show how your skills prepare you to excel at the position you are seeking. Find ways to relate significant parts of your experience to the requirements for a specific role.
4. Express gratitude for consideration
Take a moment to express gratitude to the person reviewing your application. There is no need to write a long thank you; a quick sentence at the conclusion of your letter will suffice.
5. State your plan to follow up
As you conclude your letter, you may want to provide a date a week or two away on which you plan to follow up on your application. Stick to your plan unless the employer contacts you in advance.
