They say that you do not get a second chance to make a good first impression. This article will help you make a great impression through your job application letter.
What is a job application letter?
Job application letter is the content that accompanies your resume when you apply for a job. These days, it is generally written in the form of an email. A job application highlights your interest and reason for applying for the job in a short and crisp manner.
A well-written job application letter makes your profile stand out and increases your chance of getting selected for an interview.
The content of the job application must demonstrate your interest in the job and communicate to the recruiter why you are fit for the profile.
Step-by-step format for writing a job application letter
To understand how to write a job application, read this five-step guide.
1. Subject line
The subject line of your job application letter email should be catchy, brief, and to the point. Remember, many companies include subject line guidelines in their job alert post. If they do so, please stick to it. If not, make sure your subject line informs the reader about the job you are applying for.
Example:
RIGHT✔️
"Job Application for the Role of Business Development Manager"
If your subject line does not inform the reader of what to expect in the email or is vague, your email may not get noticed or end up in the ‘Trash’ folder.
WRONG❌
"CV for Job Application"
"Applying for Job"
"Job at ABC Company"
2. Salutation
If you know the name of the person you are writing to, always address them by their name in the salutation. This will add a personal touch to the message.
Example:
RIGHT✔️
Use "Dear Mr.(last name)/Ms.(last name)/Mrs. (last name)" or "Hi (first name)".
Avoid❌
"Dear Sir/Ma’am" or "To whoms it may concern"
In case you do not know the name of the concerned person, use "Dear Sir/Madam".
3. Introduction
In the first paragraph, start by mentioning the job role you are interested in and how you found out about it.
Example:
"This is with reference to your job vacancy for the role of {Mention Role} as posted on {Portal Name}."
If you got to know about it through a reference, then add his/her name and designation.
Example:
"I got to know about the job role through a member of your team, {Mr./Mrs. Name, Designation}."
You can also add the reference in the subject line. Make sure you take the concerned person's permission before you do so.
4. Second paragraph
This part is your main pitch. In this section, highlight your qualifications, skills, experience, and achievements that are relevant to the job you are applying for. Refer to the job requirement section of the job alert post and match your competencies with them.
Example:
"I completed my MBA in Finance from {Institute Name}. I have worked as an Accounts Assistant for 3 years at {Company Name}.
With my experience and skills in {Mention Profile-specific Skills}, I will surely be able to add value to your business."
Mention what excites you the most about the job role and why you are the perfect fit. Do not copy paste from your CV. Talk about things that aren’t mentioned in the CV.
Example:
"The challenges that the (desired position) offers are big, and I am excited to take these challenges head-on with an expert team at {Company Name}."
While talking about your achievements, mention specific details in brief along with the efforts you put in.
Example:
In my current position as (current position), I have achieved an exponential growth in the field by increasing overall (sales or marketing) statistics by at least (percentage).
You can also add links to your work if relevant. Generally, the documents to attach with the job application are - resume, cover letter, work samples, etc.
Example:
"My resume and cover letter are attached to the email. Please refer to them for more information. You can also have a look at my work samples here {Insert link}."
5. Closing paragraph
End the email with a call to action. Express that you are eager to meet and discuss the job further.
Example:
"If you find my profile suitable, please feel free to contact me at the below mentioned contact details.
I would be glad to come for an in-person interview at your office."
Thank the recruiter for taking time out to go through your application.
Sign off with 'Sincerely', 'Best', or 'Thanks and regards' followed by your name.
Add your contact details below your name.
Do's and don'ts of a job application letter
Take care of the following do's and don'ts while writing the job application letter:
-
Apply early
You will have a better chance to grab the attention of the recruiter if you are an early applicant. Apply within 2-3 days of the job posting. -
Keep it short and sweet
Keep the job application email short. You don’t want to write your autobiography here. -
Double-check for mistakes
Always proofread the content before sending the email. Do not forget to check if you have attached the correct documents. You can use Grammarly to keep a check on spelling and grammatical errors. -
Keep it original
Do not copy-paste the content. Add a personal touch to the letter. -
Match it well
Each job application letter should be customised as per the job you are applying for. So, take hints from the job description and have a look at the company page . -
Use professional email address
Make sure to use an email address that sounds professional. You can maintain a separate email account for job-related communication as it will help you keep a better track on the emails. -
Share contact details
Do not forget to mention your contact details such as mobile number, Skype Id, etc. at the end of your email.
Here are some ready-to-use job application letter samples to write that perfect job application.
