application letter format employment

Search Search Please fill out this field.
Career Planning
Finding a Job
Cover Letters

How To Write a Job Application Letter (With Examples)

Alison Doyle is one of the nation’s foremost career experts.

What is a Job Application Letter?

Tips for writing a job application letter, how to get started.

Simple Formatting Using a Template

Tips for writing an effective letter, sample job application letter, sending an email application, review more letter examples.

Do you need to write a letter to apply for a job? Most of the time, the answer is yes. Even when employers don’t require a job application letter , writing one will help you highlight your skills and achievements and get the hiring manager’s attention. The only time not to send one is when the job listing says not to do so. It can help, and it definitely won't hurt to include an application letter with your resume.

A job application letter, also known as a cover letter , should be sent or uploaded with your resume when applying for jobs. While your resume offers a history of your work experience and an outline of your skills and accomplishments, the job application letter you send to an employer explains why you are qualified for the position and should be selected for an interview.

Writing this letter can seem like a challenging task. However, if you take it one step at a time, you'll soon be an expert at writing application letters to send with your resume.

Melissa Ling / The Balance

Before you begin writing your job application letter, do some groundwork. Consider what information you want to include (keeping in mind that space is limited).

Remember, this letter is making a case for your candidacy for the position. But you can do better than just regurgitating your resume—instead, highlight your most relevant skills, experiences, and abilities.

Analyze the Job Posting

To include the most convincing, relevant details in your letter, you'll need to know what the employer wants.

The biggest clues are within the job advertisement, so spend some time decoding the job ad . Next, match your qualifications with the employer's wants and needs .

Include Your Most Relevant Qualifications

Make a list of your relevant experience and skills. For instance, if the job ad calls for a strong leader, think of examples of when you've successfully led a team. Once you've jotted down some notes, and have a sense of what you want to highlight in your letter, you're ready to get started writing.

Writing Guidelines for Job Application Letters

Writing a job application letter is very different from a quick email to a friend or a thank-you note to a relative. Hiring managers and potential interviewers have certain expectations when it comes to the letter's presentation and appearance, from length (no more than a page) to font size and style to letter spacing :

Length: A letter of application should be no more than one page long. Three to four paragraphs is typical.

Format and Page Margins: A letter of application should be single-spaced with a space between each paragraph. Use about 1" margins and align your text to the left, which is the standard alignment for most documents.

Font: Use a traditional font such as Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri. The font size should be between 10 and 12 points.

What To Include in Each Section of the Letter

There are also set rules for the sections included in the letter, from salutation to sign-off, and how the letter is organized. Here's a quick lowdown on the main sections included in a job application letter:

Heading: A letter of application should begin with both your and the employer's contact information (name, address, phone number, email) followed by the date. If this is an email rather than an actual letter, include your contact information at the end of the letter, after your signature.

Header Examples

Salutation: This is your polite greeting. The most common salutation is "Dear Mr./Ms." followed by the person's last name. Find out more about appropriate cover letter salutations , including what to do if you don't know the person's name, or are unsure of a contact's gender.

Body of the letter: Think of this section as being three distinct parts.

In the first paragraph , you'll want to mention the job you are applying for and where you saw the job listing.

The next paragraph(s) are the most important part of your letter. Remember how you gathered all that information about what employers were seeking, and how you could meet their needs? This is where you'll share those relevant details on your experience and accomplishments.

The third and last part of the body of the letter will be your thank you to the employer; you can also offer follow-up information.

Complimentary Close: Sign off your email with a polite close, such as "Best" or "Sincerely," followed by your name.

Closing Examples

Signature: When you're sending or uploading a printed letter, end with your signature, handwritten, followed by your typed name. If this is an email, simply include your typed name, followed by your contact information.

Signature Examples

Overwhelmed by all these formatting and organization requirements? One way to make the process of writing a job application easier is to use a job application letter template to create your own personalized job application letters for applying for a job. Having a template can help save you time if you are sending a lot of application letters.

Be sure that each letter you send is personalized to the company and position; do not send the same letter to different companies.

Numerical values offer concrete evidence of your skills and accomplishments.

This is a job application letter sample. Download the letter template (compatible with Google Docs or Word Online) or read the example below.

Sample Job Application Letter (Text Version)

Elizabeth Johnson 12 Jones Street Portland, Maine 04101 555-555-5555 elizabethjohnson@emailaddress.com

August 11, 2020

Mark Smith Human Resources Manager Veggies to Go 238 Main Street Portland, Maine 04101

Dear Mr. Smith,

I was so excited when my former coworker, Jay Lopez, told me about your opening for an administrative assistant in your Portland offices. A long-time Veggies to Go customer and an experienced admin, I would love to help the company achieve its mission of making healthy produce as available as takeout.

I’ve worked for small companies for my entire career, and I relish the opportunity to wear many hats and work with the team to succeed. In my latest role as an administrative assistant at Beauty Corp, I saved my employer thousands of dollars in temp workers by implementing a self-scheduling system for the customer service reps that cut down on canceled shifts. I also learned web design, time sheet coding, and perfected my Excel skills.

I’ve attached my resume for your consideration and hope to speak with you soon about your needs for the role.

Best Regards,

Elizabeth Johnson (signature hard copy letter)

Elizabeth Johnson

When you are sending your letter via email include the reason you are writing in the subject line of your message:

Subject Line Example

Subject: Elizabeth Johnson – Administrative Assistant Position

List your contact information in your signature, rather than in the body of the letter:

Email Signature Example

Elizabeth Johnson 555-555-5555 email@emailaddress.com

Review more examples of professionally written cover letters for a variety of circumstances, occupations, and types of jobs.

CareerOneStop. " How Do I Write a Cover Letter ?" Accessed July 14, 2021.

University of Maryland Global Campus. " Frequently Asked Questions ." Accessed July 14, 2021.

By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts.

Get Access to ALL Templates & Editors for Just $2 a month.

17+ Job Application Letter Templates for Employment – PDF, DOC

When applying for employment, it is important to have a comprehensive job application letter . To avoid an application decline for the employer response, you need to make sure that the application letter you will be making comprises all relevant information. You need not worry if you’re still not sure how to write a proper job application letter , as we’ve got you covered with some tips below.

Job Application Cover Letter for Employment

free job application letter for employment

Microsoft Word

Free Simple Job Application Letter for Employment

Application Letter for Primary School Teaching Job Template

Employment B usiness Consultant Job Application Letter

employment consultant job application letter

Employment Job Work Application Letter

employment job application letter in pdf

General Employment Job Application Letter

Corporate Company Re-Employment Job Application Letter

Tips on How to Write an Effective Employment Letter

Employment Contract Renewal Job Application Letter

Employment Visa Job Application Letter

Writing An Employment Application Job Letter Format

Employment Job Application Letter Sample

Employer Response Employee Job Application Letter

Professional Employment Job Application Letter

Worker Employment Job Application Letter

Employment Letter to Seek Job Application

Late Employment Job Application Letter

Employment Decline Job Email Application Letter

Tips for Writing an Application Letter for a Teaching Job

More in Letters

Get access to ALL Templates, Designs & Documents

84+ FREE & Premium Job Application Letter - Download NOW

Beautifully Designed, Easily Editable Templates to Get your Work Done Faster & Smarter.

You control your data

We use cookies to tailor the experience of creating resumes and cover letters. For these reasons, we may share your usage data with third parties. You can find more information about how we use cookies on our Cookies Policy . If you would like to set your cookies preferences, click the Settings button below. To accept all cookies, click Accept.

Cookie settings

Click on the types of cookies below to learn more about them and customize your experience on our Site. You may freely give, refuse or withdraw your consent. Keep in mind that disabling cookies may affect your experience on the Site. For more information, please visit our Cookies Policy and Privacy Policy .

Choose type of cookies to accept

These cookies allow us to analyze our performance to offer you a better experience of creating resumes and cover letters. Analytics related cookies used on our Site are not used by Us for the purpose of identifying who you are or to send you targeted advertising. For example, we may use cookies/tracking technologies for analytics related purposes to determine the number of visitors to our Site, identify how visitors move around the Site and, in particular, which pages they visit. This allows us to improve our Site and our services.

These cookies give you access to a customized experience of our products. Personalization cookies are also used to deliver content, including ads, relevant to your interests on our Site and third-party sites based on how you interact with our advertisements or content as well as track the content you access (including video viewing). We may also collect password information from you when you log in, as well as computer and/or connection information. During some visits, we may use software tools to measure and collect session information, including page response times, download errors, time spent on certain pages and page interaction information.

These cookies are placed by third-party companies to deliver targeted content based on relevant topics that are of interest to you. And allow you to better interact with social media platforms such as Facebook.

These cookies are essential for the Site's performance and for you to be able to use its features. For example, essential cookies include: cookies dropped to provide the service, maintain your account, provide builder access, payment pages, create IDs for your documents and store your consents.

To see a detailed list of cookies, click here .

This site uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. To learn more visit our Privacy Policy

Letter of Application: Job Example, Format & How-To Guide

Are you thinking about writing yet another letter for your job application? Definitely not! I’ll prove to you that a letter of application is nothing more than a cover letter.

As seen in:

Oh, come on! What is this? Another letter to get an interview?

That was your reaction to hearing a “letter of application” for the first time.

Am I wrong?

The list seems never to end: a cover letter, covering letter, motivation letter…

You’ll be happy to know that it’s the same thing.

And there’s more.

This guide will show you:

Did you know that our builder can take care of the formatting for you? No need to worry about margins and spacing: just add your text and watch the Zety builder arrange everything on the page just the way it should be. Here’s what your job application letter can look like:

You can take your pick from 20+ professional templates to make your letter of application not only formatted well but also look great!

Did you mean how to write a cover letter ? No worries! Find our guides right below:

This letter of application template proves you’re second to none:

Letter of Application Example

[Hiring Manager Name]

[Company Name]

Dear [Hiring Manager Name],

I was thrilled to hear you opened a post for an event planner. As an office assistant in Staff, I single-handedly organized a year-end party for the entire office, deemed the most entertaining and successful event the employees had a chance to attend.

It came to my attention that my position as an office assistant may seem off-track for the post you are advertising, yet let me assure you it is not. Allow my achievements to speak for the qualities you are looking for in an event planner:

The job of an event planner is not to arrange seats and tables. It is to create memories worth a lifetime. Together, we will organize events worth remembering.

Let’s schedule a meeting to discuss how my transferable skills could help your team.

Best Regards,

[Your Name], [Job Title]

PS—I will also be happy to tell you how my social media campaign for the local animal shelter’s community event boosted attendance by 20%. My methods were unconventional, and they sure worked!

Send your job application letter with a job-winning resume for synergy. See our article: Resume Writing: Your Go-To Guide

What is a Letter of Application?

A letter of application is yet another name for a cover letter or job application letter. You submit it with your resume to apply for jobs. It’s a one-page letter intended to explain why you’re a perfect fit for the advertised position.

This is what a letter of application should include:

Now, here’s how you write an application letter:

How to Write an Application Letter?

Start from the beginning, which in this case is to—

1. Create an ATS-Friendly Job Application Letter Template

You need something to write on. But instead of grabbing paper, open a text editor and adjust the format of the letter page.

No splatters guaranteed!

See how to format your job application letter:

Format of an Application Letter

Disclaimer: The Applicant Tracking Software sees your application first, so if the software can’t parse it, the recruiter won’t even have a chance to read it.

By taking care of the layout, you ensure your letter of application passes the ATS scan and lands in the candidates list you’re targeting.

Plus, with clear formatting, you’re making it easy for the recruiter to read it and quickly pick out the best bits.

That’s it in terms of your letter’s technicalities.

Let’s move on to the job letter introduction.

2. Open Your Application Letter Right

Do you know why patterns appeal to so many people?

They’re consistent. Seamless.

Later, a challenge awaits. Or not? It depends.

You’re about to address your hiring manager , and if they gave their name in the job ad, you’re lucky. But if they have not, then the hunt is on.

Look for it on the company’s LinkedIn page or website. You can even call the place and ask, yet get prepared to talk directly with that particular person.

It’s important because you don’t want to address the letter to whom it may concern . It’s heartless (and almost inhumane, as you’re not addressing a person).

To avoid that, in case you’ve searched through hills and valleys and found nada, write “ Dear Hiring Manager ” instead. But remember, it’s your last resort.

And now—

The opening.

There are several strategies you can use to start your letter. Among them are:

There can be thousands of reasons why you’re applying for a job, so first and foremost, stay true to yourself and don’t look for inspiration elsewhere. If you’re having a hard time coming up with something, the above have proved successful many times.

See the below application letter sample to see what I mean by successful job letter introduction:

Application Letter Sample [First Paragraph]

Yikes!

The second one just won’t do. It’s the opposite of success.

Your opening paragraph needs to compel the reader, make them eager to carry on with your letter, not move it aside to the boring pile.

It’s important you remember there’s no “I” in “employers must be charmed by your paragraphs,” so drawing attention from the employer and their needs only asks for ignorance. Build your sentences without much use of the “I” pronoun, and you should end up just fine.

Now, I won’t let you think that the same rules apply to inexperienced candidates writing their application letters.

Employers look for your motivation to grow and learn instead of accomplishments. However, they’re indeed helpful in convincing them of your fit.

Why don’t you see for yourself that an inexperienced candidate with a proper attitude can create the same strong argument:

Job Application Letter Example for Candidates With No Experience

And that’s impressive!

ProTip: Make sure you don’t use your high school email address ([email protected]) even if you had to create a new one only for this job application.

3. Show Off in the Middle

Now’s the time for the main dish.

It’s two-course.

In the first paragraph of the middle section, you should convince the reader that you’re perfectly qualified for the job. To do that, you can use your accomplishments and real-life examples of your skillset .

In the second paragraph, speak of your motivation and reasons for joining. You want to get your message across very clearly so that the employer believes you’re a good fit for each other.

Take a look at the below examples to see how to describe your achievements and experience in the middle section of your job application letter:

How to Write an Application Letter Sample [Middle]

Wow…

Here’s how to go about it the right way:

Now check out how you can impress recruiters in the middle paragraphs of the application letter if you don’t have much experience:

Application Letter Example for Candidates With No Experience [Middle]

It’s not so hard, is it?

Pressed for time or still not sure what to say? Good news: the Zety builder can also help you with your wording. Alongside matching job application letters and resume templates , it comes with drag & drop bullet points and other pre-written content to speed up your job application:

Just think: you could skip the boring parts and be ready to apply for your dream job in minutes!

4. Close Your Letter of Application With a CTA

The worst’s behind you.

Now it’s time to thank for consideration, time, and other clichés.

Exactly—clichés.

They’re not effective in job applications. Not really, no. So get rid of any voices in your head telling you to write “Thank you for considering my application” or “ Looking forward to hearing from you .”

Make a move and ask the recruiter directly whether they’ll invite you for an interview.

See how to write a Call to Action in the job application closing paragraph:

Simple Job Application Letter [Ending]

Not only does it make the recruiter feel obliged to reply, but you can also count on a quick response!

Plus, you created one more opportunity to sell yourself and your strengths that have the power to solve your employer’s problems. Well done!

To sign the letter, you can use “Best Regards” variations, such as “Kind Regards,” “With Kind Regards,” or “With Best Regards,” followed by your full name.

The postscript is totally optional. Still, you can use it to seal the deal by pitching a finisher-level accomplishment.

Key Takeaway

An application letter in a nutshell:

Thank you for reading my article!

Want more info on how to write a great letter of application? Wondering how your simple job application letter can get you noticed? Is there anything more you’d like to know about a job application letter?

Leave a comment. We’ll be happy to reply!

Don't miss out on exclusive stories that will supercharge your career!

Get a weekly dose of inspiration delivered to your inbox

Do I Need a Cover Letter? Are Cover Letters Necessary in 2023

Do I need a cover letter? Is it important? What if the job offer doesn’t require a cover letter? Read this guide to find out all you need to know.

Cover Letter Heading & Header Template (4+ Examples)

Creating the perfect cover letter header is easy. Actually, there are only two rules you need to follow. Here’s where you’ll learn them & see ready-to-use examples.

5 Short Cover Letter Examples for Any Job (+ Writing Guide)

Today’s hiring process is fast and furious. Don’t waste the recruiter’s time—see our 5 short cover letter examples and learn how to make every word count.

Sample Letters

FREE 13+ How to Write an Application Letter for Employment [ With Samples ]

Application letters can be stressful to think about. Just when you finished customizing your resume for each job you have applied for, you now have to customize each application you have for each of the resumes you made. However, one of the reasons why you should customize your cover letter for every employment application you make is the fact that it makes you more memorable to the employer as it gives an impression that you know how to speak their language.

Writing Employment Application Letter

Application letter - 9+ free samples , examples , format, sample recommendation letters for employment - 12+ documents ..., employment letter - 7+ free doc download.

Freshers and professionals alike may find writing a job application cover letter a challenge. Lucky you for landing on this page! We have prepared some samples for you to use as a reference. We also have a guideline to help you write a job-ready application letter.

Job Application Letter for Employment Template

Google Docs

Free Restaurant Rejection of Application for Employment Template

Simple Job Application Letter for Employment Template

Employment Application Letter Template

Sample Application Letter Template

Size: 107 KB

Application Letter for Job Posting Template

Formal Employment Letter of Application Template

Size: 158 KB

Application Letter for Employment Example

Size: 594 KB

Application Letter Preparation

Preparation is key to making a well-written application letter. There are a few things you should do during the preparation stage in order to make it easier for you to start writing your application letter.

Writing the Letter Proper

The main content of your application letter is the body. This where you will let the employer know the reasons as to why you are qualified and why you are the best person to be considered for the position. To make the meat of your letter juicier, we have a few tips we would like to share with you.

Ending on a Positive Note

How you end your letter also says a lot about you as a person. Here are a few tips you can follow in order to properly finish your application letter.

Take note: For emailed applications, you need not affix your signature, include a letterhead, and write the details of the employer. Your contact information will reflect after your typed signature if you are emailing your application.

Application Letter for Employment Outline

Size: 27 KB

Application Job Cover Letter Format

Size: 409 KB

Basic Application Cover Letter for Employment Template

Size: 182 KB

Application Letter for Teacher Job Template

Job Application Letter Template

Sample Application Cover Letter for Job Template

Size: 15 KB

Quick Tips for Your Application Letters

There you go! We hope we have helped in making your application letter-writing task a little bit easier. Do not hesitate to download our samples as they are all for free! We wish you all the best for your job search—whether you are a fresher, a career changer, or someone looking for a fresher perspective from another sample company history . Cheers!

Free 13+ sample notice to vacate letter templates in pdf | ms word | pages | google docs, free 29+ sample letter of interests in pdf | ms word, free 55+ sample invitation letter templates in pdf | ms word | apple pages | google docs, free 26+ sample hr letter templates in pdf | ms word, free 10+ sample salary negotiation letter templates in ms word, free 16+ sample job application cover letter templates in pdf | ms word, free 35+ sample reference letter templates in ms word | pdf, free 24+ sample retirement letter templates in pdf | ms word, free 10+ sample resignation letter for family reasons in apple pages | ms word | google docs, free 30+ sample quotation letter templates in pdf | ms word | google docs | pages, free 31+ sample thank you letters for appreciation in pdf | google docs | ms word | apple pages, free 16+ sample business invitation letter templates in ms word | pdf, free 12+ sample recommendation letter for colleague in ms word | pdf, free 14+ apology letters to teacher in pdf | ms word | pages | google docs, free 28+ sponsorship letter templates in ms word | pdf, casual leave application sample - 7+ examples in word, pdf, sample employment rejection letter - 7+ examples in word, pdf, sample application letter format - 5+ documents in pdf, 110+ free letters.

IMAGES

formats of application letter
General Application Letter For Any Position
HOW TO WRITE APPLICATION LETTER FOR A JOB VACANCY
Business Letter Examples: Job Application Letter
Employment Application Letters
Simple Application Letter

VIDEO

How to write job application letter#shorts
Functional Grammar and Communication in English Module-3 Unit-8 CV job application letter format
How to Apply in DME for CRRI Allotment 2022 procedure for FMG doctors
Meghalaya MBMA recruitment 2022
Writing a Compelling Application Letter
What is an Employment Verification Letter ? (Important for B1/B2 visa)

COMMENTS

Sample Cover Letter for a Job Application
The role is very appealing to me, and I believe that my strong technical experience and education make me a highly competitive candidate for
How To Write a Job Application Letter (With Examples)
Heading: A letter of application should begin with both your and the employer's contact information (name, address, phone number, email)
How To Write an Application Letter (Template and Example)
How to write an application letter · 1. Research the company and job opening · 2. Use a professional format · 3. State the position you're applying
How To Write an Application Letter (With Examples)
How to write an application letter · 1. Review information about the company and position · 2. Open the letter by describing your interest · 3.
Writing a Job Application Letter
The purpose of a job application or résumé cover letter is to improve your chances of being called for ... employment paragraph, and a concluding paragraph.
17+ Job Application Letter Templates for Employment
Be straightforward. In your first paragraph, explain simply why you are writing. Mention the job title and company name, and also where you came across the job
Letter of Application: Job Example, Format & How-To Guide
A letter of application is yet another name for a cover letter or job application letter. You submit it with your resume to apply for jobs. It's a one-page
FREE 13+ How to Write an Application Letter for Employment [ With
Application Letter Preparation · Go through the job posting a few times. Carefully read the job description. · Make sure you write down your correct contact
10 Simple job application letter ideas
See more ideas about application letters, simple job application letter, writing an ... how to write an application letter Simple Job Application Letter
Applying for Jobs Letter Luxury How to Write Application ...
30 Letter for A Job | Example Document Template. Letter for A Job - 30 Letter for A Job , Professional Resume Cover Letter Sample.