What to Include in Your Letter
- The heading, which includes your name and contact information.
- A greeting addressed to a specific person, if possible.
- The introduction, which should include why the applicant is writing.
- The body, which discusses your relevant qualifications.
- The close, which thanks the reader and provides contact information and follow-up details.
- Your signature to end the letter.
Body of Application Letter
The body of your application letter lets the employer know what position you are applying for, why the employer should select you for an interview, and how you will follow up. See below for a paragraph-by-paragraph breakdown of the body of the letter.
The body of your application letter lets the employer know what position you are applying for, why the employer should select you for an interview, and how you will follow up. See below for a paragraph-by-paragraph breakdown of the body of the letter.
First Paragraph
The first paragraph of your letter should include information on why you are writing. Mention the job you are applying for and where you found the job listing. Include the name of a mutual contact, if you have one. You might conclude by briefly and concisely saying why you think you are an ideal candidate for the job.
The first paragraph of your letter should include information on why you are writing. Mention the job you are applying for and where you found the job listing. Include the name of a mutual contact, if you have one. You might conclude by briefly and concisely saying why you think you are an ideal candidate for the job.
Middle Paragraph(s)
The next section of your application letter should describe what you have to offer the employer.
The next section of your application letter should describe what you have to offer the employer.
It can be a single paragraph, or you can break it up into a couple of
paragraphs. If the section gets lengthy, you may use bullet points to
break up the text. Remember, you are interpreting your resume, not
repeating it.
Mention specifically
how your qualifications match the job you are applying for. In this
portion of the letter, make your case for your candidacy.
It
can be helpful to spend some time researching the company—this
knowledge and insight helps you make an informed and persuasive argument
for your candidacy.
Use specific examples whenever possible. For example, if you say that
you have lots of experience working successfully on team projects,
provide an example of a time you worked in a group and achieved success.
Final Paragraph
Conclude your application letter by thanking the employer for considering you for the position. Include information on how you will follow up.
Conclude your application letter by thanking the employer for considering you for the position. Include information on how you will follow up.
Complimentary Close (examples)
Sincerely,
Signature (for a hard copy letter)
Typed SignatureDOWNLOAD HERE SAMPLE OF