Writing a standout application letter can feel like a daunting task. Because it may be your only opportunity to make a positive first impression on a potential employer, the pressure of creating an impressive and eye-catching application letter can paralyze even the most qualified candidates.If you try to include too much information in the letter, you may lose the interest of the reader and risk missing out on a great opportunity. On the other hand, you don’t want to appear too unqualified or unfamiliar with the company by submitting something too short or vague. Either way, a weak letter can land your application in the bottom of a hiring manager’s pile before he or she even takes a glance at your resume.Our application letter for employment templates can simplify the writing process. Use these resources to craft an application letter that packs a punch and helps you get noticed.
ǀApplication Letter for Employment Templateǀ
Below is a letter written by Amber Scoggins. Amber wants to apply for a teaching position that recently opened up at a local elementary school. Although she has a long history of work experience, Amber does an excellent job of focusing on the experience most relevant to the position for which she is applying to give her letter greater impact.
Dear Mr. Joseph Andrews,
I am interested in applying for the first grade teaching position posted on the Rose Hill School District website. As a passionate and dedicated educator with more than 17 years of teaching experience, I am thrilled at the prospect of working alongside the team of exceptional teachers at Rose Hill Elementary School to educate, motivate, equip, and inspire young learners.
For the last five years, I have worked as an ESL teacher, encouraging diverse student populations in a lifelong love of learning through innovative and interactive instruction designed to increase reading fluency and improve academic performance. I believe this experience, along with my cumulative 12 years of teaching in second, third, and fourth grade classrooms, have prepared me to tackle the unique challenge of meeting the needs of students in a heavily urbanized area like Rose Hill.
My attached resume provides greater insight into the skills, accomplishments, and education I would bring to the Rose Hill Elementary team. I look forward to having an opportunity to interview for the position or discuss the specific the hiring process more in depth.
Thank you for your time and careful consideration.
Sincerely,
Amber Scoggins
ǀHow to Write an Application Letter for Employmentǀ
It doesn’t matter how qualified, skilled, or educated you are if employers fail to pay attention to your resume. An application or cover letter is your opportunity to impress hiring managers and entice them to want to learn more about you. As you address the company or organization’s specific goals, needs, and purpose, you can frame yourself as a promising candidate and increase your chances of getting hired.
The first step in writing a winning application letter is to do a little research. Avoid a generic greeting by finding the name of the appropriate hiring manager or company leader and address the letter specifically to him or her. Keep this audience in mind as you write your letter, and try to make it both professional and interesting. Next, use the first paragraph to state which position you are applying for and introduce a few key qualifications you possess.
In the second paragraph, demonstrate an understanding of the position and your knowledge of the employer through purposeful mention of your most relevant skills and experience. As demonstrated in our application letter for employment template, draw connections between some of the qualifications listed in your resume and the specific demands of the position to show how you can excel in the job. Maximize the impact of this section by keeping it clear, focused, and concise.
Toward the end of the letter, indicate that you have included your resume and any other required documents. End the letter on a strong note, with clearly stated interest in an interview, and be sure to thank the reader for his or her time.
ǀWhat to Avoid in Your Application Letter for Employmentǀ
The most important mistake to avoid is submitting the same letter to multiple employers. Form letters with little personalization indicate that you have limited knowledge of the company or position and may even paint you as lazy or uninterested. Even if you aren’t completely familiar with a company, a quick read through their website can help you understand their goals, culture, and purpose. Use that as the foundation for your communication.
Another mistake that can weaken your application letter is wordiness. Because you attached your resume, there is no reason to list all of your skills and experience again. Instead, touch on a few key qualities and how they specifically relate to the needs of the company. A succinct, easy-to-read letter is more likely to compel a hiring manager to give your resume a closer look.
Finally, don’t submit your cover letter without proofreading. Glaring grammatical errors and even minor typos can distract employers from the core message of your letter and deter them from taking you seriously as a candidate. You may also consider having someone else read through your letter with fresh eyes.
ǀHow to Follow Up After Sending Your Application Letter for Employmentǀ
When following up after submitting an application letter and resume, it is best to wait two full weeks. This gives the employer time to read and consider your application. If, after two weeks, you still haven’t heard anything, you may consider reaching out to them. Focus on reaching the contact person you previously communicated with, if possible.
First, you may try to follow up by e-mail. E-mail allows the company to have a record of communication and respond after they have had time to review the status of your application. If an e-mail address isn’t available, a call may be necessary. Most importantly, if the company has made their preferences for follow-up procedures known, follow them. For example, some postings and applications ask that applicants not contact them. It is best to adhere to their requests.
ǀTop 5 Application Letter for Employment Writing Takeawaysǀ
1. Do your research
Addressing the letter to a specific person and demonstrating your familiarity with the company’s vision and values can set you apart from a crowd of applicants.
2. Make the reader want to learn more
Although your application letter shouldn’t rehash everything listed in your resume, it should capture the interest of the hiring manager or other readers with your most relevant experience. Show that you are a candidate worth exploring by crafting a letter that is compelling but brief.
3. Be specific
Vague or generic statements can make even the most experienced candidates appear unqualified. Choose a few of your key attributes and focus specifically on how they make you a great fit for the company and position.
4. Focus on the needs of the company
It may be tempting to focus on your dreams, desires, and goals, but most employers want to know how you will contribute to the company and meet their current needs. Focusing on how you can fulfill or exceed the expectations of the position makes your application letter more powerful.
5. Have a call to action
The purpose of your application letter is to secure an interview with the employer. Indicating your interest in an interview at the close of the letter shows initiative and your seriousness about the position.
