Application Letters

What is an application letter? Application letter are used as a means to seek employment. Your application is the first contact you will have with an employer.  The employer will use it to help decide if you are suitable for the job and if they would like to give you an interview. It is most important to take time and care with your application.  Make it look good and make sure all the information is clear and easy to read.

What is an application letter? You should use an application letter to introduce yourself, and highlight relevant skills, qualifications and experience so you will be considered for a job interview. For speculative letters, where you are enquiring whether positions are available now or in the future, ensure you are specific about the kind of work you are looking for – not just any available position and emphasise your key selling points.

What is an application letter? Employers use an application letter to quickly decide if an applicant meets the minimum selection criteria and demonstrates an appropriate background to be competitive for the position. Your application letter should provide an active incentive for an employer to find out more about you in your resume. Remember, your application letter may be one of tens or hundreds the employer receives. If you are writing an unsolicited application letter in which you enquire about possible job openings, it is even more important to capture the employer’s attention.

What should I do when writing an application letter? Keys ideas to keep in mind are: Be specific-avoid general objectives, show that you are clear about the task involved by picking out key points mentioned in the job ad. never discuss salary in your letter keep it short-convey how your strengths and character would fit the position

What should I do when writing an application letter? show some personality: reveal excellent communication skills while showing a bit of personality. Keep it professional of course. aim for high quality- meticulously check spelling , mechanics and grammar. Application letters usually have this outline: letter head or personal address, business place to which you are applying address, Date, salutation, message in the body, complimentary close, signature block.

WHAT TO SAY The content and style is up to you, but you will need a solid structure to have the best chance of success. Here are some guidelines:

Format and style One A4 or Letter size typed page with margins not too narrow 10-12 point standard fonts (eg Times New Roman, Arial) Plain business English (avoid abbreviations, jargon and slang) 100% accurate spelling and grammar Short sentences Clear structure - one main idea per paragraph White space between paragraphs A positive tone (do not include your weaknesses)

INTRODUCTION Introduce yourself. Explain why you are writing. If you are responding to an advert, say where you saw it.

WHY THIS JOB? Explain why you’re interested in the job and the organisation. Target the letter at the organisation. Check the company’s website and career sites for company information. Make it implicit that you have not simply sent out multiple copies of the same letter to different employers. If you can, say something original about the organisation. Explain what factors attract you to them – don’t just repeat text from their publicity material.

WHY ME? Use the third paragraph to explain why you are well-suited to the position. Refer to relevant skills, experience and knowledge that you have. Try to avoid using exactly the same phrases which appear on your CV. Match what you say to the requirements given in the job advertisement.

CONCLUSION Reiterate your desire to join the organisation. Add a ‘look forward to hearing from you’- type statement. End “Yours sincerely”, and type your name and title – don’t forget to sign the letter if you’re printing it out!

TOP TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL COVERING LETTER Don’t exceed one page. Write to a named person if you possibly can – rather than Dear Sir/Madam. Check your spelling and get someone else to read it over. Don’t start every sentence with “I”. Give evidence for all your claims. Be enthusiastic! Don’t repeat your whole CV.

Employability skills Employability is improved by a good academic record plus skills and attributes that enable you to adapt and manage the constantly changing work environment. Employability skills include hard skills (technical or discipline-specific) and generic or soft skills, such as: Communication ,teamwork, problem solving , initiative and enterprise, planning and organising, self management, learning, technology.