Job Application Letter

When applying for a job, you should send a job application letter, also known as a cover letter, together with your resume.

Do you know the difference between an application letter and a resume?

An application letter shows more details about you as an individual, while a resume emphasis more on your professional skills and experiences.

To get better understanding, let’s discuss about them one by one.

I. Application Letter

a. Definition

An application letter is a stand-alone document you submit to a potential employer to express your interest in an open position. The job application letter explains who you are as a professional and an individual. The letter should highlight your achievements and skills, helping to get the attention of the hiring manager or recruiter responsible for reviewing applications. When written well, this letter explains to the reader why they should ask you in for an interview and highlights the key qualifications that make you a fit for the role. (www.indeed.com)

Also known as a cover letter, an application letter is a summary of your strongest and most relevant skills and abilities that will be expanded in your resume or selection criteria. It introduces you to potential employers and highlights your suitability for the position you are applying for. (https://top-au.libguides.com)

b. Structure

An application letter consists of:

Heading

Use a formal business heading for your job application letter. The heading should include your name and contact information (phone number and email), the date and the company name and address. If you send your job application letter via email, you can eliminate your name and contact information from the header and put it at the bottom of the email after the signature instead.

Salutation

It’s your polite greeting. The most common salutation is “Dear Mr./Ms.” followed by the hiring manager’s last name. only use  Dear Sir/Madam if you’re unable to find out the appropriate person’s name).

-Introduction (Opening Paragraph)

It contains an attention-grasping opening paragraph that introduces yourself. Tell who you are, where your expertise lies, mention the job title for which you’re applying, where you found the job listing (job ads), and why you want to apply for the job.

Body Paragraphs

It consists of at least two paragraphs describing your relevant professional experience, achievements, skills, and education.

Closing paragraph

It contains a call to action (CTA), asking the hiring manager to invite you for an interview. Inform the hiring manager that you’d love to go in for an interview. Provide your email address or other contact information and tell them that you’ll reach out in a week if you don’t hear back. Thank them for spending their time reading your cover letter.

-Signature

End the application letter with your signature, handwritten, followed by your typed name. If this is an email, simply include your typed name.

c. Format

There are some aspects that you need to pay attention to when writing an application letter such as: the alignment of the document should use single spacing, one-inch (2.54 centimeters) margins and left alignment, use a professional and traditional font like Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri, in a size from 10 to 12 points, and make your job application letter to one page.

d. Example

Vanesha Suwito
21 Bougenville Street
Bandar Lampung, 35131
0815-1234-5678
suwitovanesha@gmail.com

September 9, 2020

Stephanie Del
The HRD Manager
Ste Restaurant
80 Teratai Street
Bandar Lampung, 35131

Dear Ms. Del,

I am applying for the job of cook at Ste Restaurant. You specify that you are looking for someone with cooking experience and customer service skills. My skills and experience make me an ideal candidate for the position.

I have been working in the culinary industry for seven years. For the past three years, I have served as a short-order cook at ABC Diner. I am therefore comfortable preparing meals quickly and efficiently – a necessary skill in a busy university cafeteria. I have also served in other capacities in restaurants; I began as a dishwasher, and then spent three years as a line cook at Famous fast food restaurant. I would be comfortable performing a variety of tasks in the restaurant.

You state that applicants should have strong customer service skills. As a short-order cook, I constantly interact with customers; I serve customers seated at the restaurant and know how to maintain a positive report with customers. In fact, I received the award for “Employee of the Month” four times at ABC Diner, due in large part to my customer service skills.

I am confident that my experience and skills will make me a valuable member of the Ste Restaurant culinary team. I have enclosed my resume and will call within the week to see if we might arrange a time to speak together. Thank you so much for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

(signature of hard copy letter)

Vanesha Suwito

Source:www.thebalancecareers.com

II. Resume

A resume offers a history of your work experience and an outline of your skills and accomplishments. Highlight and elaborate your qualifications: most relevant skills, experiences, and abilities.

Before writing a resume, you must figure out the job advertisement and conform your qualifications with the employer’s needs.

Source:

www.resumegenius.com

www.indeed.com

www.top-au.libguides.com