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 If you've already filled out a job application or you're thinking about applying for a job, then you might want to send a job application letter back to the hiring company along with the job application itself. Just like a resume cover letter, a job application letter gives you a chance to introduce yourself to a potential employer.
In fact, as we begin to explain how to write a job application letter, you'll see that we are using a format that is very similar to our prescribed cover letter format. That's because a job application letter serves the same purpose as a cover letter - they both give you the opportunity to summarize your talents for the reader without having to look through the entire job application.
Writing a Job Application Letter
Since the objective of the letter is to summarize the important information you've already included in the job application, you want to make sure it is concise and focused. The best way to consistently achieve that objective is to use the same format, regardless of the employer, while tailoring the letter to each position for which you're applying.
The format for oOur job application letter consists of a four paragraph formula:
- Introductory Paragraph
- Objective Statement
- Achievements
- Closing Statement
We talk about each of these paragraphs in the sections that follow and provide an example of how this paragraph would appear in a letter that accompanies a job application.
Introductory Paragraphs for Job Application Letters
The introductory paragraph is going to be the single most important part of your letter. That means it needs to a fact-filled overview of your skills and achievements that later appear in the application. The best way to show how this is done is through an example.
Example of an Introductory Paragraph
I have effectively combined my (educational background) and skills in the areas of (marketing and operations) to successfully (meet all balanced scorecard targets) and (generate sales in excess of $5.0 million). I have been asked to take on increasingly more responsibility at Company XYZ.
Objective Statements for Job Application Letters
In the second paragraph of your letter you're going to do something that is relatively simple, but often left out when writing job application letters. You're going to tell the reader why you're applying for a job at their company. The key element in this second paragraph is your objective statement.
Your objective statement is summary of the job opportunities that you want to pursue with a particular company. If you're applying for a particular job, then you want this statement to be focused. If you're applying for several types of jobs at this company, you should be somewhat vague with your objective statement.
Example of an Objective Statement
I am bringing to your attention my skills, accomplishments, and (talent for selling in a competitive marketplace) so that we can discuss joining XYZ Company as a (senior member of your direct sales) team.
Achievements in a Job Application Letter
The third paragraph of your job application letter will contain bulleted achievements which may be pulled directly from your job application or can be found in your resume. By putting this important information in the letter, you're hopefully motivating the reader to take a closer look at your job application.
Examples of Achievements Section
Major achievements to date include:
- Founded a small business following graduation and grew revenue over the course of eight years to nearly $3,000,000.
- Significantly upgraded workforce planning process of Large Company's call center operations resulting in a 15% increase in service level in just one year's time.
Closing Statements for Job Application Letters
The last paragraph of your job application letter is a simple statement of your optimism. You want to tell the reader that you're interested in speaking with them about how you can add value to their company. Here are a couple of examples of how you might want to structure your closing statement for your application letter.
Examples of a Closing Statement
- I look forward to meeting with you to discuss how I can add value to your company's bottom-line results.
- I am eager to discuss with you how I can help turn your company's operations around and increase your shareholder's value.
Example of Job Application Letter
Now that you have a better understanding of how to write a job application letter, it's time to put it all together in one place. And we've already put together an example for you to download and use as a template when writing your own job application letters. Just follow this link and download the document: Job Application Letter Sample.
If you're looking for more ideas on how to put an application letter together, you might want to take a look at our cover letter samples and resources including:
Each of these resources talk about cover letter, but the samples / examples provided in those documents can be easily modified to apply to job application letters.
About the Author - Job Application Letters
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