Writing Effective Letters of Application
A letter of application is a type of cover letter that accompanies an applicant's résumé. The primary purpose of the letter of application is to provide a detailed explanation of why you should get the position for which you are applying, why you are the ideal candidate, why you deserve an interview. The content of the letter differs from the résumé in that it provides information about your background, your knowledge of the company, your ability to communicate, and your personality, which the résumé can't possibly supply. Format Use Standard Business Letter Format Cover letters of all types should be placed on top of the document that is "covered" and should not be physically attached to the document with a paper clip or staple. Organization and Content The organization of a letter of application should follow a formal, traditional pattern. Business letters and memos should all follow the general pattern that we have already discussed: 1) statement of purpose, 2) details, 3) goodwill closing. The content of a letter of application should be tailored to the organization to which the application is addressed.
Statement of Purpose o Name the position by title. o Mention where the ad for the position was seen. o Mention any contacts in or prior experience with the company. o State the qualifications that make you an ideal candidate. Details or Evidence o Detail specific experiences that illustrate your qualifications. o Match your qualifications to the interests of the organization. o Illustrate your knowledge of the organization. Goodwill Closing o Offer contact information. o Refer to résumé. o Request an interview. o Make one last pitch, summarizing qualifications.