How To Write An Application Letter
By Career counseling

When submitting your resume for a job, it is important to add an application letter.. A well-written application letter includes your qualifications and convincible reasons why you want the job. If good enough, it can inspire hiring managers to call you for an interview, giving you some progress during the application process.

In this article, we’ll be showing you how to write an application letter and a template with an example for you to use when writing your own.

What is an application letter?

An application letter is a document that accompanies your resume when you’re applying for a job. Although you have necessary information in your resume, it is important to write an application letter. It gives you a chance to emphasize your most relevant qualifications and explain why you believe you’re the best candidate for the job.

Although you’re not always required to add an application letter with your resume, it’s always best to do so. If there’s a long gap in employment on your resume, reasons for this can also be explained in your application letter.

Application letters should be elaborate, but not too bulky for a hiring manager to read through. Increase your chances of getting a call for an interview by using one today.

Why should you write an application letter?

As discussed earlier, there are many reasons why people write application letters. If you are actively searching for a job, then these are reasons you should consider writing one:

  • It serves as a formal introduction between you and your prospective employer.
  • It can give you an edge over other job seekers.
  • It gives the hiring manager insight into your reasons for applying, and this can positively influence your ability to progress to the next stage of the selection process.
  • It shows the employer you have good writing skills. 
  • It also shows you understand the job requirements and the employer’s needs.

How to write an application letter

Study the job description: Going through the job description will give you almost all the information you need to write a compelling application letter. The job description includes the qualifications, skills, experience, and personality traits required for the role. It will usually also include the instructions for applying, necessary documents, and deadline for application.

Do your research: Before writing an application letter, it is important to research the role and the employer’s needs. Doing this will help you create a letter that is relevant to the job, and the company’s values and culture. Check the employer’s website, past recruitment materials, employee reviews, social media handles, and industry communication materials. This gives you knowledge on how they function, size of the company, their company expectations and all the necessary information.

State the position you’re applying for: Start the letter with a clear statement about the position you are applying for. Mention the company by name. You could also specify where you found the job posting. If you were referred by someone at the company, be sure to include their name and position.

Explain why you’re the best candidate for the job: In one or two convincing sentences, explain why you’re the best fit for this job opening. Details regarding your experience, skills, education or certifications would be a plus.

Summarize your Qualifications: It is important to mention top qualifications that make you a good fit for the job. Provide a brief summary of your background that highlights the most important points from your resume. The reader will likely read the application letter before reviewing your application, so this is your opportunity to give them reasons to check your resume.

Mention why you want the job: As you’ve  already explained why the company should want you, it’s important to add why you want the job. This section details why you have chosen this company and what fascinates you about this job opportunity. This is also a good chance to add some information from your research and why you like the company

Close the letter professionally: Thank the hiring manager for reviewing your letter, reference your resume and any other attached documents and offer to provide additional information if needed. Mention that you look forward to the next phase of the hiring process and conclude with “Sincerely,” or “Best regards” as a closing.

Proofread your letter: Proofreading and formatting before submission is very important. After writing your application letter, check for grammatical and structural errors. Check that the address of the recipient and any other information regarding the role, the employer, and your previous roles are correct. Format the document properly, using the right margins, a professionally acceptable font and font size, and the right length.

Here’s a template you can use:

[Your name]

[Your address]

[Your city, and state]

 

[Date]

 

[Hiring manager’s name]

[Hiring manager’s title]

[Company name]

[Company address]

[Company city, and state]

 

Dear [Hiring manager’s name],

I’m writing to express my interest in the position of at [company]. [Explain how you heard about the job and name your contact if you were referred by someone within the company.] I believe my [skills and qualifications] are at par with the job description.

[Use the second paragraph to elaborate on how you would help the company. It’s important to add details on projects you’ve successfully done before.]

[In the third paragraph, summarise your key qualifications. Elaborate on your most important accomplishments and include details that you were unable to provide in your resume.]

[In the fourth paragraph, briefly explain why you want to work for the company. Mention the additional documents included with your cover letter, and express your excitement about looking forward to their reply.]

Sincerely,

[Your name]

 

An example:

Daniel Jones

Greenville estate, Agungi

Lekki, Lagos.

 

May. 25th, 2023

 

Awe Williams

Hiring Manager,

Absolute Recruiters

Lagos Island.

Lagos

 

Dear Mr. Williams,

I’m writing to express my interest in the position of digital Marketing Executive for Absolute Recruiters posted on your website. I believe that my five years of experience in social media management and digital marketing makes me an excellent fit for this job opening.

In my current position at Trillionbucks Co, I spearheaded several successful campaigns for our services. My knowledge of market analysis helped me identify key demographics to target my marketing efforts. In 2022, my most successful campaign

  • Doubled website taps for over three months
  • Included a campaign video that went viral, getting more than 10 million views within three weeks.
  • Resulted in more than 2,000 following within 2 months

I believe that if hired, I would be a great asset to Absolute Recruiters and help your company reach more clients, and generate sales. 

I have a Digital Marketing Certificate from Sidehustle, Hootsuite Social Marketing Certification and Google Analytics Individual certification, and a Computer software application certificate. My experience and skills are necessary to help your company create a strong digital presence and greatly increase your social media following.

I have also worked as social media manager/content creator with various media and tech brands in the past; MixsieFunbooks, Joo 247, Zikoko mag and a host of others. I feel that I’m ready for a new challenge and ready to contribute my quota to your company’s growth. I’ve always wanted to work with an HR or Recruiting company, and this would be a great opportunity.

Thank you for taking time to review my application. Please, find my resume attached. References are available upon request. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,

Daniel Jones.

 

Now that you know how to write an application letter, go get your dream job!

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