simple job application letter for employment

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

Sample Cover Letter for a Job Application

What Is an Application Letter?

What to include in your application letter, tips for writing a cover letter, cover letter sample and template, email cover letter sample.

• How to Send an Email Application

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Alex Dos Diaz / The Balance

What's the best way to write a letter to apply for a job? Your letter should detail your specific qualifications for the position and the skills you would bring to the employer. What’s most important is to show the employer that you’re a perfect match for the job.

Your job application letter is an opportunity to highlight your most relevant qualifications and experience. An effective cover letter will enhance your application, showcase your achievements, and increase your chances of landing an interview.

Review what to include in a job application letter, tips for writing that will get your application noticed, and examples of cover letters and email messages to send when applying for a job.

Key Takeaways

• An application letter accompanies a resume and may be uploaded to a job portal, sent via email, or even sent by postal mail, depending on the employer’s requirements.
• Application letters are an ideal way to show your interest in a job and highlight your most relevant skills.
• It’s important to match your letter to the job description and show the employer you have the qualifications they are seeking.

A   letter of application, also known as a  cover letter , is a document sent with your resume to provide additional information about your skills and experience to an employer. Your letter of application is intended to provide detailed information on why you are an ideal candidate for the job.

Your application letter should let the employer know what position you are applying for, what makes you a strong candidate, why they should select you for an interview, and how you will follow up.

Effective application letters explain the reasons for your interest in the specific organization and identify the most relevant skills that qualify you for the job.

Unless an employer specifically requests a job application letter sent by postal mail, most cover letters today are sent by email or attached as a file in an online application tracking system.

As with all cover letters, a job application letter is divided into sections:

• The heading includes your name and contact information.
• A  greeting  addressed to a specific person, if possible.
• The introduction includes why the applicant is writing.
• The body discusses your relevant qualifications and what you have to offer the employer.
• The close thanks the reader and provides contact information and follow-up details.
• Your  signature to end the letter .

Here’s how to ensure your application supports your resume, highlights your most relevant qualifications, and impresses the hiring manager.

Get off to a direct start.  In your first paragraph, explain why you are writing. Mention the job title, company name, and where you found the job listing. While you can also briefly mention why you are a strong candidate, this section should be short and to the point.

Offer something different than what's in your resume. You can make your language a bit more personal than in your resume bullet points, and you can tell a narrative about your work experience and career.

Application letters typically accompany resumes, so your letter should showcase information that your resume doesn't.

Make a good case.  Your first goal with this letter is to progress to the next step: an interview. Your overarching goal, of course, is to get a job offer. Use your application letter to further both causes. Offer details about your experience and background that show why you are a good candidate. How have other jobs prepared you for the position? What would you bring to the role and the company? Use this space to  emphasize your strengths .

Close with all the important details.  Include a thank you at the end of your letter. You can also share your contact information and mention how you will follow up.

This is a sample cover letter.  Download the cover letter template  (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online) or see below for an email sample.

The Balance

John Donaldson 8 Sue Circle Smithtown, CA 08067 909-555-5555 john.donaldson@email.com

September 6, 2023

George Gilhooley LTC Company 87 Delaware Road Hatfield, CA 08065

Dear Mr. Gilhooley,

I am writing to apply for the programmer position advertised in the Times Union. As requested, I enclose my certification, resume, and references.

The role is very appealing to me, and I believe that my strong technical experience and education make me a highly competitive candidate for this position. My key strengths that would support my success in this position include:

• I have successfully designed, developed, and supported live-use applications.
• I strive continually for excellence.
• I provide exceptional contributions to customer service for all customers.

With a BS degree in computer programming, I have a comprehensive understanding of the full lifecycle of software development projects. I also have experience in learning and applying new technologies as appropriate. Please see my resume for additional information on my experience.

I can be reached anytime via email at john.donaldson@email.com or by phone at 909-555-5555.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to speaking with you about this employment opportunity.

Signature  (only if a hard copy letter)

John Donaldson

The following is a sample email cover letter to send as part of a job application.

Email Application Letter Example

Subject: Colleen Warren - Web Content Manager Position

Dear Hiring Manager,

I'm writing to express my interest in the Web Content Manager position listed on Monster.com. I have experience building large, consumer-focused, health-based content sites. While much of my experience has been in the business world, I understand the social value of this sector, and I am confident that my business experience will be an asset to your organization.

My responsibilities have included the development and management of website editorial voice and style, editorial calendars, and the daily content programming and production for various websites.

I have worked closely with health care professionals and medical editors to provide the best possible information to a consumer audience of patients. I have also helped physicians use their medical content to write user-friendly and easily comprehensible text.

Experience has taught me how to build strong relationships with all departments in an organization. I have the ability to work within a team, as well as cross-team. I can work with web engineers to resolve technical issues and implement technical enhancements. 

I am confident working with development departments to implement design and functional enhancements, monitor site statistics, and conduct search engine optimization.

Thank you for your consideration.

Colleen Warren colleen.warren@email.com 555-123-1234 www.linked.com/colleenwarren

How to Send an Email Application Letter

If sending your cover letter via email, list your name and the job title you are applying for in the  subject line  of the email:

Colleen Warren - Web Content Manager Position

Include your contact information in your email signature but don't list the employer's contact information.

Do you have to write a cover letter when you apply for a job?

Some employers require cover letters. If they do, it will be mentioned in the job posting. Otherwise, it’s optional but it can help your chances of securing an interview. A cover letter gives you a chance to sell yourself to the employer, showcase your qualifications, and explain why you are a perfect candidate for the job.

How can you use a cover letter to show you’re a qualified candidate?

One of the easiest ways to show an employer how you’re qualified for a job is to make a list of the requirements listed in the job posting and match them to your resume . Mention your most relevant qualifications in your cover letter, so the hiring manager can see, at a glance, that you have the credentials they are looking for.

CareerOneStop. " How Do I Write a Cover Letter? "

Explore Jobs

• Jobs Near Me
• Remote Jobs
• Full Time Jobs
• Part Time Jobs
• Entry Level Jobs
• Work From Home Jobs

Find Specific Jobs

• $15 Per Hour Jobs
• $20 Per Hour Jobs
• Hiring Immediately Jobs
• High School Jobs
• H1b Visa Jobs

Explore Careers

• Business And Financial
• Architecture And Engineering
• Computer And Mathematical

Explore Professions

• What They Do
• Certifications
• Demographics

Best Companies

• Health Care
• Fortune 500

Explore Companies

• CEO And Executies
• Resume Builder
• Career Advice
• Explore Majors
• Questions And Answers
• Interview Questions

How To Write A Job Application Letter (With Examples)

• Best Business Salutations
• Letter of Introduction
• Close a Business Letter
• Job Application Letter
• Business Letter Layout
• To Whom It May Concern
• Letter Of Interest
• Letter Envelope
• Experience Letter
• How To Write A Letter

Find a Job You Really Want In

While applying to jobs, you might be asked to provide a job application letter (sometimes referred to as a cover letter) along with your resume. A resume outlines your professional skills and experience, and a job application letter explains why you are an ideal candidate for the position you’re applying to.

You can think of this as a strictly formatted professional letter that gives hiring managers a sense of your individual qualities prior to a job interview.

This article outlines the essential details and formatting for a job application letter. You’ll learn how to write a concise and engaging letter that will increase your chances of being selected for an interview.

Key Takeaways:

A job application letter can also be known as a cover letter. It is a way to introduce how your skills and experience are a good match for the job.

A job application letter should have your contact information, employer contact information, and a salutation,

A job application application letter should have an introductory paragraph, middle paragraphs that explain your qualifications, and a closing paragraph.

Use specific experiences with quantifiable results to show how your skills were successfully put into action.

Make sure to do your research and edit your letter before submitting.

Tips for writing a job application letter

Job application letter format, what’s the difference between a cover letter and a job application letter, dos and don’ts for writing a job application letter.

• Sign Up For More Advice and Jobs

If you’ve ever asked for advice on the job application process, you’ve likely heard the phrase “sell yourself” a million times over. This means that you should highlight your skills and achievements in a way that will pique a hiring manager ’s interest and make them pause over your application.

You might feel overwhelmed in the grand scheme of online applications, application/ cover letters , letters of intent , and interviews. It’s a lot to balance, especially if you have no experience with any of the things listed.

Remember to take everything one step at a time and review some helpful tips for writing a polished and engaging job application letter:

Tailor the application letter to each job. Your letter should address key points in the job description from the listing, as well as how you can apply your knowledge and experience to the position. You want to emphasize why you are the best candidate for this specific job.

Don’t copy information straight from your resume. Your resume is meant to act as a formal record of your professional experience, education, and accomplishments. The job application letter is where you highlight a few particular details from your resume, and use them to demonstrate how your experience can apply to the job.

Follow the business letter format. These letters have very strict formatting rules, to ensure that they appear as professional to hiring managers. A poorly formatted letter could prevent employers from taking your application seriously.

Proofread. Hiring managers will definitely overlook letters riddled with proofreading mistakes. Read your letter several times over to fix any grammar, punctuation, or spelling errors. You could ask someone else to look over it afterwards or run it through any number of online grammar check programs.

Decide on printing and mailing your letter or sending it in an email. An application letter sent through email requires a subject line that details your purpose for writing— consider “[job title], [your name].” The placement of your contact information is also different depending on the medium . In a hard copy, this goes at the top of your letter, as a header. In an email, it goes below your signature.

The following formatting information can be used as a guideline while drafting your own job application letter, with an example for both a printed/mailed letter and a letter sent through email.

Your contact information

Name Address City, State Zip Code Phone Number Email Address

Employer contact information

First paragraph

Middle paragraphs

This section should be about one to three paragraphs, discussing your various qualifications for the job. This is where you really emphasize what you could bring to the company and how you might fit into the work environment. It might be necessary to do some additional research about the company, to lend more specificity to your letter.

Final paragraph

Ending a cover letter might be a challenge, as you try to wrap up all the details about why you’re the most well-qualified employee on the planet. Let that confidence carry over into your concluding paragraph.

Sincerely/Best,

Job application letter example – printed and mailed

Robin Gomez 37 Southwest Avenue Gainesville, FL 12345 365-123-4567 [email protected] October 20, 2020 Ms. Martha Waters Hiring Manager Blue Swamp Publishing 27 Archer Street Gainesville, FL 67890 Dear Ms. Waters, My resume is attached in response to your advertisement for an editorial assistant . The job description aligns with my interest in editing short fiction, and I believe my experience and skills match what you’re looking for. This past year, I interned with the Editing, Design and Production department at Gator University Press. Over the course of two semesters, I interacted with academic texts at various stages before publication. I’m comfortable proofreading and copyediting manuscripts, as well as adding typesetting codes in Microsoft Word. I have also previously worked on the staff of Writers Student Literary Magazine in Jacksonville, FL , as the Fiction and Website Editor, as well as the head of the Proofreading Team. I played a significant role in the publication of six issues of the magazine, across a two year period (including print and online editions). My qualifications beyond this include experience in team-oriented settings and proficiency in creative and academic writing. I would love the opportunity to speak with you about how I can further contribute to Blue Swamp Publishing! Please feel free to contact me on my cell at 365-123-4567 if you have questions or to set up an interview. Sincerely, Robin Gomez

Job application letter example – emailed

Subject Line: Victoria Caruso – Public Relations Assistant Dear Ms. Janet Wang, I was excited when my colleague Rachel Smith told me that you were looking for a public relations assistant with a background in graphic design. She suggested that I reach out to you about the position, since I believe that my experience aligns well with what you are seeking at Trademark Agency. I worked alongside Rachel as a brand ambassador at a small graphic design company for three years, where I excelled in project management, strategy development, and client communication. This past spring, I played a significant role in designing the website for an up-and-coming multicultural women’s organization and publicizing their first few public events. Along with my experience and personal qualities, I prioritize: Expanding company recognition and designing unique brand details Managing media, press, and public relations issues for companies Developing company communication strategies Please see my attached resume for additional details about my career achievements. I hope to learn more about Trademark Agency’s goals for the coming year. You can contact me on my cell at 319-333-3333 or via email at [email protected]. Sincerely, Victoria Caruso 15th Avenue N Iowa City, Iowa 52240 319-333-3333 [email protected]

A cover letter normally is attached with a resume for a specific job opening, whereas a job application letter can be submitted independently. As already stated, a job application letter can also be known as a cover letter. Format wise, there are a lot of similarities.

However, a job application letter can also be more detailed than a cover a letter. Usually a cover letter acts a quick introduction to a resume when a candidate applies for a specific job opening.

Meanwhile, you can submit a job application letter to a company even if there are no job openings. In this case, you would provide more detail about yourself and your qualifications. Due to this, job application letters tend to be a little longer than the average cover letter.

Now that we’ve gone through the basic formatting for a job application letter and a few examples of what one might look like, how can we condense all that information into digestible pieces?

Refer to these lists of “dos” and “don’ts” to help you through your drafting process:

Explain what you can bring to the company. Consider: how is your experience relevant to what the hiring manager is looking for?

Discuss your skills. Pick out a few skills listed in your resume and describe how you have utilized them in the workplace.

Give specific examples to support your experience. Is there a major project you worked on at your last job ? Did you accomplish something significant in your previous position? Including examples of these things in your letter will add new, specific content to your application and make you more interesting.

Edit your letter thoroughly. Read your letter a couple times, pass it off to someone to look over, run it through an online grammar check. Make sure it’s free of any errors.

Don’t focus on what the job can do for you. While it might seem nice to write that a job is your dream job or that you’ve always wanted to work with a company, it can read as vague flattery. Remember, this letter is about your qualifications.

Don’t list your current or previous job description. Your education and work experience certainly have value, but don’t just list your degrees and places you’ve worked at. Explained what you learned from those experiences and how they’ve made you a strong employee.

Don’t paste directly from your resume. A job application letter is meant to add to your value as a candidate, not just reiterate the same information repeatedly. Use your resume as a guide , but expand on especially relevant details.

Don’t submit an unedited letter. Before an employer ever meets you, they see your application and your job application letter. You don’t want grammar errors and misspelled words to make a bad first impression, so make sure to edit your draft multiple times.

Armed with these tips, guidelines, and examples, you’ll be able to draft your job application letter more confidently and send them off to potential employers knowing that you’re one step closer to employment.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating / 5. Vote count:

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.

Recent Job Searches

• Registered Nurse Jobs Resume Location
• Truck Driver Jobs Resume Location
• Call Center Representative Jobs Resume Location
• Customer Service Representative Jobs Resume
• Delivery Driver Jobs Resume Location
• Warehouse Worker Jobs Resume Location
• Account Executive Jobs Resume Location
• Sales Associate Jobs Resume Location
• Licensed Practical Nurse Jobs Resume Location
• Company Driver Jobs Resume

Related posts

Questions To Ask Before Accepting A Job Offer

How To Write A Follow Up Email After A Career Fair

Why Some Jobs Are Internal Applicants Only

How To Submit A Writing Sample

• Career Advice >
• Apply For Jobs >

Simple Application Letter

Nowadays, there are already a lot of highly-skilled and qualified individuals that may take the work position away from you in a blink of an eye. You can get higher chances of being considered for the next levels of recruitment or even for actual employment if you will ensure that all the documents and other requirements asked by the employer are already prepared even before the actual date of your application. One of the things that you need to write is an application letter. If you have no idea on how you can come up with a simple yet impressive job application letter , browse through the downloadable examples that we have collected for you.

Simple Application Letter Template

• Google Docs
• Apple Pages

Free Download

Application Letter Sample

Application Letter Format

Professional Application Letter Template

Simple Application Letter for Teacher Job Template

Size: 48 KB

Simple Job Application Letter for Employment Template

Size: 47 KB

Application Letter for a Teaching Job Template

Size: 42 KB

Application letter for a Company Job Template

Size: 28 KB

Application Letter for a Primary School Teaching Job Template

Application Letter for Scholarship Request Template

Application Letter for Scholarship Financial Assistance Template

Application Letter for Teacher Template

Size: 52 KB

Application Letter Template For Student

Size: 53 KB

Application Letter Template Sample For Any Position

Size: 36 KB

Application Letter Template For Any Position

Size: 37 KB

Simple Application Gantt Chart Template

Size: 33 KB

Simple Application Roadmap Template

• Google Slides
• Google Sheets
• Apple Keynote

Size: 56 KB

Application Letter For Any Position Template

Size: 38 KB

Job Application Letter for Undergraduate Student Template

Writing an Application Letter Example

Solicited Application Letter Example

Size: 203 KB

Covering Letter of Application Example

Size: 49 KB

New Application Letter Example

Size: 107 KB

Cover Letter for Work Application Example

Size: 160 KB

Writing Suggestions That Can Help You Get the Attention of Employers

Job application letters in PDF or in any other software should be created in a business-appropriate and formal manner. As one of the application requirements that are thoroughly reviewed by employers, you should make sure that you can create an outstanding application letter. Listed below are a few writing suggestions that will allow you to positively get the attention and approval of employers.

1. Ensure that the first paragraph of your application letter is already impressive and engaging. Be straight to the point when discussing your desire to apply for a particular work post. A specific discussion of the purpose of the application letter is important to be a part of your opening paragraph. Also, the first paragraph may contain the details on where you found the hiring opportunity. You may also see email cover letter examples .

2. Start gathering proofs and evidences that you can discuss on your second paragraph. Supporting details that can further make you desirable as a candidate can help you a lot when it comes to taking a step ahead from your competitors.

3. If there is a need for a third paragraph, come up with a summarized discussion of your deliverable. You can present your strengths that are usable for the job position that you are applying for. These items include your technical skills, communication skills, talents, abilities, and strengths. Within this discussion, make sure that you will not repeat the information that you have already included in your professional resume .

4. Discuss how the application can be mutually beneficial. Do not just state what you can get from the business like potential professional growth and additional work experiences. You also have to identify the ways on how the business can utilize and maximize your deliverable for their advantage. You may also like business proposal letter examples .

5. Finish the body of your application letter with a memorable conclusion. Your ending should be as strong as your introduction. Conclude the entirety of the document and convince the employer that you truly are the best option for the work post that they have opened for employment. Do not cross the line when persuading employers as it can already be translated as bragging, over confidence and/or having too much self assurance. Remember that the specified items can negatively affect the overall tone of the letter. You may also check out offer letter examples .

Resumes, Application and Cover Letter Example

Size: 400 KB

Resume with Cover Letter Example

Size: 981 KB

How Can an Application Letter Affect Your Work Application

Aside from employment, application letters can also be used in different purposes. You can use this letter if you want to be a member of a club or an organization. You can also be tasked to create an application letter if you want to be considered for a scholarship grant. There are different examples of writing a simple application letter  depending on the purpose that the document will serve.

In the professional and corporate industry, application letters play a vital role in the processes of work application as it allows the candidate or an applicant to provide more information about him or her. These added information can also improve the chances of getting hired. Here’s how having a well-formatted, precise and properly planned application letter impact your work application:

1. An application letter can further explain the details that you have included in your professional profile. Even if it is not suggested to write the same details that you have already presented in your resume, explaining why these details are essential to be considered by employers can also be of help. Rather than copying your resume content, you can illustrate instances and activities where your skills and other deliverable served as an additional value to your previous employers or to the community. You may also see formal letter writing examples in pdf .

2. An application letter can make it easier for you to provide more information in a less structured manner. Other application requirements like application forms and resumes are very strict when it comes to format. If you will only submit these documents, then it is most likely that other candidates can present the same level of qualifications and potential. Application letters make you more different as you can freely write items which you think can give you an advantage from other applicants. You may also like reference letter examples .

3. An application letter can allow you to present positive aspects of your professional life while answering potential questions about your weaknesses. As an example, the reasons for short employment duration from your previous employers can be discussed in a formal manner with the help of your application letter. You may also check out notice letter examples .

4. An application letter can help you support the content of all your application documents and forms. The consistency of the information that you will disclose to the employer is of utmost important. Any irregularities can actually lessen your credibility which can open doors to new applicants to be considered for hiring. You might be interested in complaint letter examples & samples .

Very Basic Cover Letter Example

Size: 23 KB

Simple Cover Letter/Application Letter Example

Size: 16 KB

Employment Application/Cover Letter Example

Size: 333 KB

Tips in Making an Application Letter

Even if you can easily create an application letter all by yourself, you still have to be aware of a few guidelines that can make the application letter more relevant and effective. Some of the tips that you can incorporate in the processes that you will implement when writing an application letter are as follows:

1. Make it a conscious effort to have a short but meaningful discussion. Be professional when selecting the language and tone of the application letter as this will help you to reflect a refined professional character. You may also see appointment letter examples & samples .

2. Allow your application letter to be fully-packed as possible. However, there should still be organization with all the details of your discussion. Try to break down the information that you will write so that all the sentences that you will come up with can be interesting, relevant and necessary. You may also like two weeks notice letter examples & samples .

3. Evaluate the final application letter. Review all the areas of the formal letter from your grammar, the formulation of your discussion, the details that you have put together, and the appeal of the format or layout that you have selected.

4. If possible, let others assess your application letter. You can present the document to your life adviser or to any people that you trust. From there, you can take constructive criticisms, comments and suggestions that can help you improve the application letter. You may also check out acknowledgement letter examples & samples .

• Always depend the content of the application letter to the job position that you want to be hired for. Irrelevant information can negate the purpose of having an application letter.
• Browse through application letter examples in PDF, DOC  or Excel. Having these as guides can help you create an application letter that can be highly-beneficial for your application.

Job Application/Cover Letter Template Example

Size: 177 KB

Cover Letter Template Example

Size: 140 KB

Create Your Application Letter Now

Look into your purpose and objective within the entire processes of developing an application letter. Always stick to the fact that an application letter is created for reasons that are related to the improvement of your application. At the end of the day, your application letter should be able to do the following:

• Properly introduce you and your potential to your employer
• Answer the question on why the employer should hire you
• Give the exact details that is necessary to be known within the initial phases of the application

Having an end goal in mind, which is to be hired, can give you the drive to develop a great application letter. Even if this document will not assure that you will be employed in your target company, creating an application letter in the best possible way that you know how can make you more prepared and more confident for your application. You may also see reference letter examples .

Make an application letter now and see how our examples and tips can be helpful in your undertaking. May it be an email cover letter or any other kinds of application letters for specific work positions, having the basic knowledge and references about application letter writing can already give you the lead advantage.

Letter Maker

Text prompt

• Instructive
• Professional

Write a letter to parents informing them about the upcoming parent-teacher conference at school

Compose a letter to students congratulating them on their achievements in the recent science fair.

Free Employment Application Templates

By Becky Simon | April 16, 2018

• Share on Facebook
• Share on LinkedIn

Link copied

If you are involved in recruiting and hiring employees, chances are you spend a significant amount of time reviewing resumes. But a sound hiring process doesn’t start with the applicant’s resume — it begins with an efficient employment application form that captures essential information for modern, applicant-tracking databases. These employment applications must be structured in a way that doesn’t turn away the best talent or violate employment laws; therefore, it’s critical that you understand the essential elements and questions to ask.

This article is a one-stop shop for free, customizable employment application templates for a variety of uses, including a standard outline, a minimal form for the two-stage application process, and a letter template to use to stand out in a competitive hiring market. The templates are available in Microsoft Word, Google Docs, Excel, Smartsheet, and PDF formats.

Generic Employment Application Template

This template is a generic employment application PDF form designed with the standard sections to collect applicant data. There are no sections for an applicant signature or legal disclaimers and voluntary statements.

Download Generic Employment Application Template

Excel | Word | PDF | Smartsheet

Printable Job Application Template

If you’re looking for a simplified, ready-to-use job application, use this printable PDF application template. You can repurpose the form to suit your hiring policy and customize the PDF if you need to make adjustments based on the employment and personal data laws and regulations in your state or region.

‌ Download Printable Job Application Template - PDF

Two-Stage Online Employment Application Template

Use a two-stage employment application form to short-list qualified applicants, store their contact information, and schedule phone-screen interviews for an open position. This customizable template is designed to collect only the necessary information to track online applicants and streamline your application process.

‌ Download Two-Stage Online Employment Application Template - Word

Job Application Template Spreadsheet

If you prefer to format your hiring documents as a spreadsheet, use this job application template. This form is designed as an outline for use with Excel or Google Sheets and features customizable subsections to collect applicant data specific to your hiring policy and process.

‌ Download Job Application Template

Blank Standard Employment Application Template

Use this free template as a basic application form.The customizable Word document features the standard outline to collect applicant information, such as contact info, employment history, education, and more.

‌ Download Blank Standard Employment Application Template - Word

Application Acknowledgment Letter Template

In a competitive job market, winning the battle for talented candidates depends on a number of factors applicants are considering, including your recruiting and hiring process. Make a great first impression on every applicant by using a formal application acknowledgment letter. Use this template to craft your letter and add a personal touch. Create an email version of the acknowledgement letter for your applicant tracking system in order to automate a response when an application is submitted online.

‌ Download Application Acknowledgment Letter Template - Word 

Application Rejection Letter Template

If you want to stay in touch with qualified applicants regarding future job openings or if you simply wish to professionally decline every qualified applicant when they are not moving forward in the hiring process, consider sending a formal application rejection letter. Use this template to differentiate yourself from your competitors, make a professional impression on future candidates for employment, and keep your applicants informed.

‌ Download Application Rejection Letter Template - Word

What Is the Purpose of an Employment Application?

The purpose of an employment application is to collect the necessary and legally requestable information, to the extent that the employer needs to track, respond to, and manage each job applicant. A signed application form provides the employer with additional legal verification that the information supplied by the applicant is accurate. The form also confirms that the applicant is submitting it for employment purposes.

This form is used to collect necessary information about candidates applying for a job, but it is more than a tool to organize and track applicants: It often becomes the candidate’s first impression of an organization. In an age of data protection laws and heightened awareness around ethical hiring practices, this is especially important. Additionally, the employment application form should be formatted to include information that job seekers wouldn’t necessarily include on their resume. Because applicants spend time updating and perfecting their resume, an employment application form that asks for this information without providing the necessary context might frustrate the best candidates — to the point of not applying at all.

Why Should You Update Your Application Form?

The decision to update an employment application form comes down to asking a few essential questions about your current document and application process:

• Is there a standardized employment application form that your company, business, or team uses in the hiring process, or are there specialized (or outdated forms) that different departments, locations, states, etc. use?
• Is the current employment application form used for high-volume, large-scale hiring processes in industries like retail, hospitality, or restaurants?
• Is the information requested in the employment application form up to date with your current hiring process? For example, do you collect the necessary information for your tracking software?
• Does your current employment application form comply with your state and federal employment and data protection laws?
• Is the information you request on the employment application form necessary to offer an interview, reject a candidate, or make a job offer? For example, do you prefer to review the candidate’s employment history on a resume, where they can elaborate in detail?
• Do you prefer a multi-stage application process that initially collects only basic contact information?
• Do you require an applicant’s signature on the application in order to obtain their legal consent because a resume cannot provide such an agreement?

Use these questions to determine your reasons for updating the employment application. Decide what to add or delete from your employment application based on your state laws, and on the information you deem necessary to your hiring process. Seek legal advice and counsel if you are unsure of the laws that govern your use of employment application data. For more information on U.S. employment practices, visit the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) website, or contact an attorney.

The Essential Elements of Employment Application Forms

The content found on employment application forms varies according to a range of factors including company policy, industry type, legal regulation, employer location, etc. Decide on the different elements to include in the employment application form, but make sure the form always provides a snapshot of the applicant. Relying on resumes alone to help you differentiate among applicant credentials is not a quick or efficient method to track candidates or organize the hiring process. The sections and type of information commonly requested on standard employment application forms include the following:

• Instructions: This includes the mandatory information the applicant must complete to be considered for a position. For example, this could be a notice to complete the application in its entirety or an instruction to disregard requested information if it is included on an attached resume.
• Personal Information: This includes the applicant’s legal name, preferred name, and contact information. This section comprises subsections to collect information, such as mailing address, date of birth, phone number, and email address.
• Position: This includes information requested about the specific job the applicant is applying for, available start dates, desired compensation, etc.
• Education: The information collected in this section varies, but often includes the school name, type of degree(s) obtained, area of study, and graduation dates. In this section, you might request information on specific licenses or certifications that the employer requires or prefers.  
• Employment History: This section includes the name of the employer, the supervisor contact information, the address, the dates employed, the job title, a summary of the job, details on the skills used or qualifications obtained, and the reason for leaving.
• References: This includes contact information and the nature of the relationship (e.g., professional or character reference, colleague or supervisor, etc.). It is common for employers to leave this information off of the employment application form and ask for the information at the interview phase of the hiring process.
• Signature: For legal purposes, employers might prefer that the applicant sign the application to attest to its accuracy.
• Legal Disclaimers: This includes employment law and regulation information, such as equal opportunity employer (EEO) statements, criminal conviction inquiries, voluntary questions regarding affirmative action requests, military or veteran status, disability accommodations, and “at will” employment disclaimers (for example, “application does not guarantee employment”).
• Additional Information: This includes information requests and questions used to screen the applicants. You might ask the applicant to describe the professional skills that qualify them for the job, probe with behavioral questions to determine problem-solving aptitude and screen for culture fit (i.e., “describe a time when...”), or request information designed to produce a first impression about your company's culture.

It is also essential to understand what not to include on the employment application form. The employment application form is a professional business document void of jargon, vague information, or opinion. Employment regulations protect the employer and the applicant's legal rights. Avoid eliciting the following information on your employment application form without first consulting legal counsel and checking existing federal laws, state laws, or employment regulations:

• Marital and family status
• Citizenship or visa status
• Religious affiliation
• Sexual orientation
• Gender identification
• Age identification questions
• Schedule availability
• Creditworthiness or financial status
• Physical information, such as height, weight, or general statements on physical requirements
• Medical conditions, disability-related questions, or reasonable accommodation statements
• Non-discrimination statements
• Graduation dates (in the education section)
• Criminal arrests and convictions
• Background check information or consent
• Photo requests

Review the information you request on the form and determine what is essential for your specific hiring process, based on the applicant’s merit and the job requirements. Seek legal counsel or work with professional documentation consultants, and check local and state laws that prohibit the collection of certain personal data or questions that violate employment law (e.g., date of birth, social security number, questions that inadvertently discriminate, etc.) if you are unsure of what to include or exclude on the form.

Tips for Using the Two-Stage Employment Application Process

In a two-stage employment application process, the employer gathers information from applicants in two phases. Instead of using a single form (sometimes multiple pages long) to collect all of the information required to make a hiring decision, the applicant provides basic contact information on the online application form. In the case of companies like Netflix , the applicant can apply by simply using their LinkedIn profile and uploading a resume. The next phase of the hiring process involves gathering the additional documentation, including the appropriate legal consent, a request for references, or any other information required to form the employment relationship.

Streamline your hiring process and make it easier to track and contact candidates with a simplified two-stage job application form. To get the most out the process, consider the following tips:

• For the first stage, use a generic application form that requests minimal information (no longer than half a page).
• Use a standardized format that is easy to download, save, fill out, email, and print.
• Make online forms mobile-friendly.
• Include a section to upload a resume on online forms.
• Only elicit candidate information that is essential to track or contact the applicant. Use the next stage to gather additional information and consent.
• Store contact information and track strong candidates for future recruiting efforts.
• Ask for information that is easy to compare across the candidate pool.
• Design the form so it is easy to scan quickly.

You can streamline the process and ensure consistency by using an employment application template. In the next section, you’ll find a variety of free, downloadable template to help you jumpstart your hiring efforts.

Improve Your Hiring Process with Smartsheet for Human Resources

Attracting and hiring the right people is crucial to your organization’s survival. That’s why using a tool to organize, track, and manage the many aspects of the hiring and recruitment processes is essential to your success.

Smartsheet is a work management and automation platform that enables enterprises and teams to get from idea to impact fast. Leading HR professionals rely on Smartsheet to help manage everything from simple onboarding tasks to complex change management, recruiting, and benefits and retirement tracking.

Use Smartsheet to maximize ROI on recruiting activities, stay on top of budget, and streamline internal planning and coordination. Streamline process and paperwork, maintain an auditable database without added effort, and grow your business with better informed, more productive employees.

Discover how Smartsheet can help maximize your recruiting efforts, today.

Try Smartsheet for Free

Streamline processes and maximize efficiency with Smartsheet.

Free Simple Application Letter

Free Download this Simple Application Letter Design in Word, Google Docs, PDF Format. Easily Editable, Printable, Downloadable.

Accompany your resume with this simple application letter that you can download for free. This template allows you to create a letter that highlights your various strengths and experiences. It is easy to edit and printable.

Good Day!   I am writing this letter to apply for the position of Content Editor at your company.

I graduated with a degree from XYZ University. I am currently employed as a Content Writer at  The Elite Co.   I firmly believe that the skills and experiences that I have gained make me an ideal candidate for Walden Publishers.    Please review my resume for an in-depth view of my work experience and let me know if you need any additional detail. I will furnish it at the earliest.   Thank you for considering my candidature. I hope to hear from you soon.

Shania Lewis

No  template.net  attribution required

You may also like