How To Write an Application Letter (Template, Tips & Format)
In this article, you will learn the proper way of writing an application letter. I will also share with you some important application letter tips, a template so you can download and a sample format you can follow in your next application.
An application letter is best described as a “standalone” document a job applicant submit alongside other required documents in an attempt to express his/her interest in a vacant job position.
Application Letter Writing Tips.
In order to successfully write an application letter, the following factors are to be considered.
- Carefully research the company and job opening.
- Draft and peruse your writing. Once done, write you application letter in a professional format.
- Outline the position you are applying for.
- State categorically why you are the best candidate for the job.
- Write a summary of your educational and professional qualifications you have attained.
- State the exact reason you want the job.
- End your application letter in a professional way.
Now that you have learn some tips on how to write an application letter, let’s move further to the profess of writing a job application letter with an example.
Job Application Letter Process.
Even though job application letters are among the most frequent letter types that we see on a daily basis, they continue to provide a significant challenge for many people, most notably job candidates.
I personally remember a situation in a cybercafé when the person who arrived to type an application letter ended up leaving the establishment ashamed because almost all of the lines of words, he entered that were intended to be typed as an application letter were underlined in red by the computer system.
What would have happened if the organization had demanded a handwritten application letter instead of using the technology to type it? Or, what if there was no mechanism in place to check errors? This question is rhetorical, so don’t bother responding.
Almost all application letters have the same structure: two addresses, a date, a salutation, a topic, a body, and a liturgical conclusion. We can choose to make the letter open-ended or closed-ended, but that isn’t really my problem. The main concern is how the body should be constructed. It constitutes the bulk of our letter. Be prepared; a well-written application letter can be as little as four lines—yes, I said four lines—and that will suffice.
Today, I’ll go into detail on how to write a brief and basic application letter using examples, stating how each line and word are interrelated.
Below is an application letter for the position of a “Secretary”.
Recommended: Learn the difference between a Curriculum Vitae and a Resume.
A Job Application Letter Format for the Position of a Secretary.
No. 40 Ruth Dawins Street,
Block 23, Zone A,
Maitama,
FCT, Abuja.
23rd December, 2022.
Human Resource,
Shawa Group of Companies,
Plot 44, Garki,
FCT, Abuja.
Dear Sir,
APPLICATION FOR THE POSITION OF A SECRETARY
I read in the Daily Times Newspaper dated 20th December, 2022 that you are in need of a secretary, I therefore apply for the position.
I hail from Karu L.G.A, Nasarawa State, a B.Sc. holder in Secretariat Studies, from the University of Maiduguri, Borno State.
Attached are copies of my credentials, for your considerations, and I look forward to your favourable response.
Thanks.
Yours faithfully,
Signature
Abraham Kuliwa
Sample of the Application Letter Explained!
Above is a simple application letter. The body of the letter is sub divided into three paragraphs, which will be briefly explain. Don’t worry about the length of the letter, yours can be more, but it shouldn’t be too lengthy.
The applicant’s objective is described in the opening paragraph. When writing an application letter, we don’t waste any time. One could begin by saying something like, “I wish to apply for the post/position of a sales representative in your reputable firm,” or, “As mentioned in your announcement placed in The Punch Newspaper that you are in need of a manager, I therefore apply for the position of a manager.” Making your application letter precise about what you want and refraining from using vague language, such as “I wish to apply for any available position in your firm,” is something to take into account. In conclusion, the opening paragraph ought to focus on getting right to the point.
In order to keep the application letter succinct, short, and simple, the second paragraph includes a brief description of the applicant. This may include the applicant’s state of origin, local government region, educational background, and work experience (in summary). As an illustration, you could write, “I am a native of Maiduguri L.G.A in Borno State, a BSc holder in Agricultural Science, and I worked with the Nigeria Ministry of Agriculture as a human resource professional throughout my industrial training year.”
The sample given above only includes three paragraphs; if this is the case with yours, the third paragraph should be the liturgical concluding paragraph. similar to the illustration given above. If there were any attachments to the application letter, such as credentials for their review and consideration, you can end your letter by informing the hiring managers of them.
On the other hand, if you want to add one more paragraph to make it four, you can still make your application letter more informative. The applicant’s information can be separated into two sections using this technique. While the second may focus on your work history and professional career, the first may be about your demographics and educational background.
Summary
No matter the position being applied for, job application letters are often short and to the point. Hiring managers may already have a large number of letters piling up in their offices and would not want you to waste their time reading a very lengthy application letter.
It is essential that you attach your Curriculum Vitae or Resume to every application letter because it contains comprehensive information on your contact information, demographic and academic background, work experiences, and more.
Application Letter Template for the Position of a Secretary.
Frequently Asked Questions.
[saswp_tiny_multiple_faq headline-0=”h4″ question-0=”How many pages should a job application letter be? ” answer-0=”It is advised that a job application letter not exceed one page in length because it must be brief and to the point.” image-0=”” headline-1=”h4″ question-1=”Is it necessary I add my demographic details to an application letter? ” answer-1=”Well, it is up to the applicant to decide whether or not to include demographic information. However, not all demographic information can be included; for example, age must be given in years rather than days and months (i.e., “I am 22 years old” rather than “I was born on August 10, 2000″); we also do not ask for information regarding marital status, religion, etc.” image-1=”” headline-2=”h4″ question-2=”Should I add my referees in an application letter?” answer-2=”No, it is not necessary and advisable for you to include your referees in an application letter.” image-2=”” headline-3=”h4″ question-3=”How many addresses should an application letter contain? ” answer-3=”A job application letter addresses shouldn’t be more than two, the applicant addresses and the hiring managers address (human resource).” image-3=”” count=”4″ html=”true”]
