How to Write an Application Letter for Job Vacancy

Writing an application letter can be tricky.

Two different people can write an application letter. One person gets the job, while unfortunately the other person does not get it.

Why is that?

Well, one of the reasons is that what constitute a good application letter is different from what a generic application letter is.

So today, I am going to teach you how to write an application letter that can get you your desired job.

Secondly, your application letter can land you a job interview so it is important that you learn how to write a good application letter.

And guess what the good news is?

At the end of this article, you will learn:

• What an application letter?
• What an application letter should include
• Step by step guide to writing a good application letter

What is An Application Letter?

As the name implies, an application letter is a letter you write when applying for a job.

This is the definition of an application letter, in its simplest form. It is formal letters you address to the recruiter letting them know you are interested and qualified for the job role.

The application letter is the first contact the recruiter has with you besides your CV and, in fact, they might see the application letter first because some recruiters require that it be sent as the body of the mail.

Even if it wasn’t sent as the body of the mail, the recruiter might be inclined to open it first to see if there is a need to even proceed to open your CV.

The implication of this is that you have to make sure that your application letter creates a good first impression, enough to make the recruiter want to establish further contact with you. Considering that the letter is not usually lengthy, you have to master the skill of including all that is necessary with.

What Should an Application Letter Contain?

As stated above, you do not have the luxury of space to write too much, so the little space you have, make sure the following features appear;

• Sender’s Address: Your name and contact info at the top right hand of the page. In the following order, write your name, address, phone number, email address and the current date. Write like you do an address of a formal letter. If you are sending the letter as the body of the mail, write your details at the end of the mail, after the signature.
• Recipient Address: Then in the next line on the left hand of the page, write the recipient’s name and address, in the same order as yours except that of the recipient will only carry name and address (office address).
• Salutation: On the line, you address the recipient using the name and proper and title. For instance, “Dear Mr Kensington” is a good idea. Avoid addressing the letter as “To Whom It May Concern”, it gives the recruiter the impression that you have not taken the time to research the company or that you are simply sending random applications. Employers want to feel wanted as well. If you are, however, still uncertain who to address it to, then use “Dear Hiring Manager” instead. 
• Body of the Letter: There is no generally acceptable number of paragraphs per se of a standard application letter. One thing that is generally accepted is that the letter is not lengthy; anything more than a page is too much. You don’t want to bore the recruiter will unnecessary details. Your CV should carry more of those details that your application letter will highlight. Start by saying the job you are applying for, where you saw the vacancy and how excited you are to apply. Then in the next paragraph, state why you think you are qualified based on the qualifications and experience you have. State only the most relevant ones and don’t exactly go into details. Make sure everything you state is relevant to the job and how it will help you carry out your duties to bring out expected results. Close on a positive note, mentioning you are expecting a favourable response and with a thank you.
• Signature: Sign out with “Sincerely” or “Best regards” or “Yours faithfully”. Sign and write your name in full. Remember, if you are sending as the body of the mail, your details will follow the signature.

Step by Step Guide to Writing An Application Letter That Lands You Job Interviews?

• The first thing to remember is that it is a formal letter and not informal. So you go straight to the point without going into pleasantries. You should not ask after the welfare of the recruiter or that of the family. Go straight to the point of the letter.
• Make your letter engaging. The truth is that most recruiters go through a lot of letters every day and so it is important to keep them hooked from the beginning.
• Give them a picture of yourself, as it relates to the job,  that is not in your CV.
• An application should not exceed a page. Anything more than a page is lengthy, keep it simple, you are not writing a thesis or writing a letter to your best friend.
• Make sure to use legible font size and type.

Writing an application letter is not hard if you understand what a good application letter should contain.

Staff Writer

This article was written and edited by a staff writer.