If you are still applying for jobs or college, writing an application letter or cover letter is one of the most important things for you to know. It is extremely important to have this document from the same start. Additionally, a cover letter attached by job seekers can leave a lasting impression in the minds of recruiters or their recruitment systems. Applicants may also have greater chances of being called for an interview, especially in professions that follow the traditional way of hiring.
The first step in writing an application letter is to find out if you need to address a person or a group of people. If you know the name of the person who will be reading it make the application letter addressed to them. This might be the hiring manager, college admissions officer, or another relevant individual. If not, you can address it to the company itself and use phrases like “Respected ladies and gentlemen” to give respect where respect is due but also give hints that you don’t know who will be reading this in person.
Next, introduce yourself and tell why you are writing. In a few sentences, state your qualifications and explain why you are a good fit for the position or college.
Finally, conclude by thanking the reader for their time and expressing your interest in hearing from them soon. Just try to be clear, concise, and confident in your writing.
Let’s see these simple steps in more detail.
Describe yourself 🔗
Who you are
Who are you personally? Start by honestly describing yourself. Do not talk about someone you want to be. Gather all the qualities you have now which define you and be honest about them. Then write about them.
Your qualifications
Make a list of your qualifications. Highlight the ones that are most relevant to the position or college you are applying for and how you have used some of them to achieve something. Remember, people might ask for a reference for something you send them, so be simply honest.
Your motivation
What is your motivation for asking for this position? This is your chance to sell yourself, so make sure you highlight why you would excel in this role. Here mention the values you provide to a team or group of people. What makes you unique and irreplaceable? Your motivation should be more about how the team will gain from your presence there.
Example:
Ever since I was a child, I have been curious about computer science. I put a lot of energy into learning how we interact with computers and what we can do with them to improve the world around us. Today, I am a hard worker who is always willing to put in the extra effort to get the job done. I have a strong work ethic, and I am very detail-oriented. I take pride in my work, and I always strive to do my best. I am also a very team-oriented person, and I work well with others. I can take direction, and I am always open to new ideas. I am flexible and adaptable, and I am always willing to learn new things. Overall, I am a reliable and dependable person who is always looking to improve.
What position or college are you applying for 🔗
Describe the position that you are applying for in detail and express your excitement about it. A good approach is to connect your personal interest and what the organization or company that would be reading your application expects.
Example:
I am applying for the position of ___________ at ___________ college. This is the perfect job for me because ____________. I have always been interested in ___________, and I have the necessary skills to excel in this role. In addition, I have ___________ experience that will be invaluable in this position. I am confident that I can be a great asset to your team and contribute to the success of ___________ College. I look forward to discussing my qualifications in more detail, and thank you for your consideration.
Your qualifications and why you would be a good fit for the position or college 🔗
List your qualifications. What are you good for? What is your quality, and what is the irreplaceable value you can bring to that institution? Try to balance between exaggerating - not that you shouldn’t, and under-statements about yourself. If you are good at organizing people and flows, don’t shy away from saying that without you, they will still be able to organize themselves, but it’s going to be super difficult for sure. Be creative.
Example:
I am interested in the position because it emphasizes teamwork, and I enjoy working with others. I work well under pressure, and I can multitask easily. Good time management skills are essential in this job, and I have excelled in this area in previous roles. My customer service skills are excellent, as I have experience dealing with difficult customer inquiries. In addition, I have a good sense of individual responsibility, as well as an understanding of the importance of following company procedures. Overall, I believe that I have the skills and attributes that would make me a successful member of the team.
A thank you to the reader for their time 🔗
Remember: somebody spent some time reading your application. Express your gratitude about it but try to make it friendly and humane. Saying “Thanks for your time” is not enough. It’s very generic, and everybody does it. Instead, try to acknowledge that someone had spent 10 or 15 minutes of their time reading your application.
Example:
“I know you are a very busy person, and I want to express my honest gratitude for you taking the time to read my letter. I know you receive hundreds and read a good portion of them on daily basis. That is remarkable. But what makes my application and your effort to find the perfect fit easy to combine is the fact that your perfect fit might be just right here. I hope to be given the chance to prove it.”
Conclusion 🔗
Application letters are an important part of the job application process. A well-written application letter can give you a distinct advantage over other candidates. By taking the time to craft a thoughtful and insightful letter, you can increase your chances of impressing the hiring manager and landing an interview. Thanks for reading! I hope this article has been helpful in teaching you how to write an easy application letter.
With these things in mind, writing an application letter can be easy and enjoyable. Just remember to be clear, concise, honest and give the impression that you are motivated, for their own benefit.