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How to Write Application: Simple Tips, Recruiters Expectation and Samples

Kasturi Talukdar

Updated on 13th July, 2023 , 11 min read

How to Write Application Overview

Do you need to write a letter when applying for a job? In most cases, the answer is yes. Even if employers don't explicitly require a job application letter, writing one can be beneficial for showcasing your skills and accomplishments and capturing the attention of hiring managers. The only time you shouldn't send one is if the job listing specifically states not to include it.

Including an application letter with your resume can be helpful and will not have any negative impact.

What is a job application letter? 

A job application letter serves as a detailed pitch to persuade a prospective employer of your suitability for the position you're applying for. It expresses your interest in the job while highlighting your qualifications, skills, experience, and achievements. The purpose is to demonstrate why you would be the ideal candidate for the job and convince the recruiter to consider you for an interview. A well-written application letter presents a professional and credible image of you as an individual and can leave a positive impression on employers.

How to write Application? 

Writing an effective job application letter involves demonstrating your interest in the position and explaining why you are the best candidate for the job. It is important to include your educational qualifications, professional skills, and work experience. Follow these steps to create a compelling letter that can persuade a hiring manager to consider you:

  1. Read the job advertisement carefully: After reviewing the job advertisement, take note of the specific requirements outlined by the company and compare them with your own qualifications, skills, and work experience. Highlight the keywords and key phrases used in the advertisement and incorporate them into your job application letter. This will indicate to the employer that you have thoroughly read the job posting and understand their expectations. It is also beneficial to research the company and mention your knowledge of their business.
  2. Familiarize yourself with professional letter formats: It is helpful to review accepted professional formats for job application letters and adapt one that suits your purpose. For instance, you can use left alignment with single spacing, one-inch margins, and a professional font size of 10 to 12 points. The letter format should appear clean and be easy to skim through. Keep the information concise and focused on the relevant points.
  3. Write a clear heading: If you are sending a physical copy of the job application letter, include a heading with your name, address, email, phone number, and the date. You can also mention the name of the recruiter or hiring manager, the company name, and its physical address. If you are applying via email, it is not necessary to include a header with your personal information. However, if you want the employer to have that information, you can include it below your signature.
  4. Address the letter to the appropriate person: Find out the name of the recruiter or hiring manager and address the application letter directly to them. Begin with "Hello, Mr./Mrs./Ms." or "Dear Mr./Mrs./Ms." followed by their surname. If you are unable to find their name, use "To the Hiring Manager" or "Sir/Madam." Maintain a professional and courteous tone. Addressing the right person with their name or title and approaching the letter professionally and courteously will help capture their attention and encourage them to continue reading.
  5. Start by expressing your interest in the job: In the opening paragraph, mention your professional title, the specific job position you are applying for, and where you came across the job advertisement. Within the same paragraph, detail the qualifications, skills, and work experiences that make you suitable for the position. Keep your writing clear and concise.
  6. Example: "I recently came across your job advertisement for a marketing manager on the Indeed job board, and I am highly interested in joining your organization. As a seasoned marketer with a first-class MBA and seven years of experience at Cody Cola drinks company, I possess extensive knowledge of strategic planning, budget management, and successful implementation of marketing campaigns. I am confident that I can seamlessly fit in and exceed the high expectations of your marketing department."
  1. Elaborate on your eligibility for the job: In the following paragraphs, provide further details about your skills and work experience to demonstrate how they align with the job requirements. Discuss specific work projects where you have successfully carried out similar responsibilities. By elaborating on your work experience in this manner, the recruiter or hiring manager can assess your suitability for the position without needing to review a separate resume.
  2. Highlight your qualities:  To emphasize your eligibility for the job, mention specific personal attributes that align with the position. For example, discuss how your outgoing personality facilitates effective collaboration with diverse groups of people. Explain how your decisiveness and strong communication skills contribute to your ability to be a valuable team player.
  3. Conclude the letter with gratitude: Express your appreciation to the recruiter for considering your job application letter. Use a polite and professional tone to convey your gratitude. Conclude the letter with a statement such as "I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to your organization" followed by "Sincerely" or "Best Regards" and your full name. If you are submitting a physical copy of the job application letter, sign it above your name. Alternatively, if you are sending a PDF copy, you can insert a digital signature. In email application letters, include your contact details beneath your name.

How can you send a job application letter? 

You have the option to send a job application letter either by mail or email, depending on the company's preferred method of contact as indicated in the job description. It's important to follow the instructions provided by the company. When sending a printed letter, make sure to adhere to the accepted formats for print correspondence, including a formal business heading. For email applications, a relevant and concise subject line mentioning the job title is necessary. In both cases, be mindful of any application deadlines and ensure that your job application letter is sent before the specified date.

What are some helpful tips for job applications?

Here are some valuable tips to enhance your job application:

  1. Keep it concise: Given the busy schedules of recruiters and hiring managers, who often receive numerous applications, it's crucial to keep your letter concise and avoid excessive length or multiple pages.
  2. Highlight your abilities: Include specific and verifiable examples of your relevant work experience to showcase your skills and qualifications effectively.
  3. Incorporate keywords: Integrate keywords from the job advertisement into your application letter to reinforce your understanding of the job requirements and demonstrate your suitability for the role.
  4. Review for errors: Take the time to proofread your letter carefully, as grammatical and spelling mistakes can create a negative impression of carelessness and a lack of attention to detail. Ensure your letter is error-free before sending it.
  5. Customize for each application: Tailor your letter to fit each specific job you apply for. Employers are more likely to review and consider well-customized letters over generic ones, as they demonstrate your genuine interest and effort in the position.

Tips on How to Write Application Letter

By following these helpful tips for job applications, you can increase the chances that the recruiter or hiring manager will read and choose your job application letter, improving your chances of getting the job: 

How to get started

Before you begin writing your job application letter, it's important to lay the groundwork and consider the information you want to include, keeping in mind the limited space available.

Keep in mind that this letter serves as a persuasive argument for your candidacy for the position. Rather than simply regurgitating your resume, aim to highlight your most relevant skills, experiences, and abilities.

  • Analyze the job posting: Take the time to carefully analyze the job advertisement. By doing so, you can identify the most compelling and relevant details to include in your letter. The job advertisement provides valuable clues about the employer's requirements and preferences. Align your qualifications with their specific wants and needs.
  • Include your most relevant qualifications: Create a list of your relevant experiences and skills. For example, if the job ad emphasizes strong leadership, think of instances where you have successfully led a team. Once you have made some notes and identified what you want to emphasize in your letter, you can begin the writing process.

Writing guidelines for job application letters

Writing a job application letter differs significantly from writing a casual email to a friend or a thank-you note to a relative. Hiring managers and potential interviewers have certain expectations regarding the letter's presentation and appearance, including factors like length (usually no more than one page), font size and style, and letter spacing.

  1. Format and page margins: A job application letter should be single-spaced, with a space between each paragraph. Use approximately 1" margins and left-align your text, which is the standard alignment for most documents.
  2. Font: Opt for a traditional font such as Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri. The font size should range between 10 and 12 points.
  3. What to include in each section of the letter: The letter should consist of specific sections, follow established rules from salutation to sign-off, and be organized in a particular manner. 

Here's a brief overview of the main sections typically included in a job application letter:

  1. Heading: The letter should begin with the contact information of both you and the employer (name, address, phone number, email), followed by the date. If it's an email, include your contact information at the end of the letter, after your signature.
  2. Salutation: Start with a polite greeting, such as "Dear Mr./Ms." followed by the person's last name. If you're unsure of the person's name or gender, refer to the appropriate cover letter salutations.
  3. Body of the letter: This section can be divided into three distinct parts. In the first paragraph, mention the specific job you are applying for and where you saw the job listing. The subsequent paragraph(s) hold the most importance, where you can share relevant details about your experience and accomplishments that align with the employer's needs. The final part of the body should express gratitude to the employer and may include follow-up information.
  4. Complimentary close: End your letter with a polite closing, such as "Best" or "Sincerely," followed by your name.
  5. Signature: If you're sending or uploading a printed letter, conclude with your handwritten signature followed by your typed name. In the case of an email, include your typed name and contact information.

How to Write Application – What Recruiters Expect

In today's competitive world, finding a well-paying job is important for a comfortable life. However, many people struggle to secure positions in good companies because they overlook seemingly minor details. While some believe that interview performance is the sole determining factor, the truth is that employers form opinions about candidates right from the start. From the moment you submit your job application, or your online profile catches their attention, employers pay close attention to every detail. Your job application letter, in particular, creates an initial impression that matters to recruiters. Therefore, it is crucial to understand how to write an effective job application letter.

Recruiters focus on several key aspects when reviewing job application letters. They assess your level of passion and genuine interest in the specific job. Being authentic is highly valued by recruiters when evaluating potential candidates. Additionally, they are interested in how your skills and experience can add value to the company or organization. You need to effectively demonstrate through your job application letter because you are the right fit for the position and convince the recruiter of your suitability.

How to Write Application for Jobs: Sample

Here are some sample job application letters for your reference. When you begin writing your own job application letter, remember that it should not be treated casually. It needs to follow the format of a formal letter. To understand the proper way to write a job application letter, you can review the samples provided below:

Formal Letter of Job Application for the Position of Cryptographer

589/22, Srilakshmi Nagar Block 3

Subbanna Palya Extension

Banaswadi, Bangalore North

560023

January 7, 2022

 

The HR Manager

Anton Technologies

Electronic City

Bangalore – 560012

 

Subject: Job application letter for the position of Cryptographer

Respected Sir,

This is with reference to the job posting on LinkedIn for the position of Cryptographer in your esteemed organisation. I have carefully read the job description. I have also browsed through your official website to understand the kind of work you do, and I am interested in working with you.

I am an MSc Electronics graduate, and I have completed multiple diploma courses in Cyber Security. I have hands-on experience of working in the field of cyber security for five years. Planning and executing various security means, analysing and documenting security systems, rebuilding and making arrangements for the safety of the security system, writing and developing security codes are some of the areas I have good experience with. I believe that I will be a good fit for the role in your company and that I can do justice to the responsibilities I will have to take up.

I have enclosed my resume and work samples for your kind review.

Thank you for your time and consideration. Hoping to hear from you.

Yours sincerely,

Signature

BIPIN DAS

Sample Job Application Letter for the Post of High School English Teacher

28 C, K K Nagar

Avarampalayam

Coimbatore – 641045

12th January, 2022

 

The Principal

D A V Matriculation Higher Secondary School

Ambattur

Chennai – 600012

 

Subject: Job application letter for the post of High School English Teacher

 

Dear Mr. Sishir Kumar,

I am writing to you to express my interest in the job opening for the post of High School English Teacher in your prestigious institution. I have reviewed the roles and responsibilities in the job description you have posted on the Naukri employment portal dated 09/01/2022.

I am an MA English graduate. I have also completed my master’s in education. I have a teaching experience of three years at the Indian Public School, Coimbatore. I have handled students from Class VI to X. I have experience in teaching the IGCSE syllabus. I have also been a part of the curriculum development team. I am looking for better opportunities where I can use my skills and expertise to help and mould students and their communication skills. I believe that I can do well and play a good role in providing quality education.

I have attached my resume and experience certificate for your kind perusal. Looking forward to hearing from you.

Thank you for taking the time to review my application.

Yours sincerely,

Signature

LINDA RODRIGUES

Sample Job Application Mail Template

Receiver’s mail id: name.234@email.com

Subject: Job Application for the Role of (Mention the job role you are applying for)

Respected Sir/Ma’am,

I am (Mention your full name) and I would like to apply for the role of (Job role) at your prestigious company.

I have completed my (Mention your degree) in (Mention the subject/specialisation). I have (Mention the years of experience) years of experience in the field of (Mention the field of work) at (Mention the name of your previous company). I have an in depth knowledge of the duties that I will have to perform and expertise in the particular field of work that would help me accomplish all the assigned tasks in the event of me being placed in your company.

I have enclosed herewith my resume, my detailed profile and a certificate of experience for your reference and review. I have also provided my contact information. Please feel free to contact me in case of any questions. I am looking forward to meeting with you in person for an interview.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Yours sincerely,

Your full name

Contact number : 123456

Email id: name.name@email.com

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I start writing an application?

To start writing an application, gather all the necessary information, including the recipient's details and the purpose of the application. Begin with a formal salutation and a concise introduction.

What is the recommended length for an application?

An application should be concise and focused. Ideally, it should be kept to one page, with three to four paragraphs covering the necessary information.

What should I include in the body of the application?

In the body of the application, provide relevant details about your qualifications, skills, and experiences that align with the requirements of the position or purpose of the application.

How do I format an application letter?

Format your application letter using a professional font and standard formatting guidelines. Use one-inch margins, single spacing, and align your text to the left. Include a clear heading with your contact information.

Should I customize my application for each job?

Yes, it's highly recommended to customize your application for each job you apply for. Tailor your skills, experiences, and achievements to match the specific requirements mentioned in the job description.

What should I avoid in an application?

Avoid using generic and cliché phrases, grammatical errors, and excessive personal information. Also, refrain from including irrelevant experiences that are not related to the application.

How important is proofreading my application?

Proofreading is crucial in ensuring your application is error-free and professional. It helps you identify and correct any spelling, grammar, or formatting mistakes that could negatively impact your application.

Should I include references in my application?

Unless specifically requested, it is not necessary to include references in your application. Instead, mention that references are available upon request, and have them prepared separately to provide when asked.

Can I follow up after submitting an application?

Yes, it is generally acceptable to follow up after submitting an application. Wait for an appropriate period (usually a week or two) and send a polite email expressing your continued interest in the position.

What should I do if I have no prior work experience?

If you lack work experience, focus on highlighting your relevant skills, educational achievements, internships, volunteer work, or any transferable experiences that demonstrate your potential for the desired position.

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