Application Letters
See general guidelines for business letters. For more on letter format and another sample, see the Quick Format Guide beginning on p. A-1.
When writing a letter applying for a job, follow all the guidelines for other business letters. As you compete against others, your letter and résumé are all the employer has to judge you on. Your immediate objective is to obtain an interview, so read any advertisement critically.
- What qualifications are listed? Ideally, you should have them all. If you lack one, try to find something in your background that compensates, some similar experience in a different form.
- What else can you tell about the organization or position from the ad? How does the organization represent itself? (Check its Web site.)
- How does the ad describe the ideal candidate? As a team player? A dynamic individual? If you feel that you are the person this organization is seeking, portray yourself this way in your letter.
Your letter should spark your readers’ interest, convince them you’re qualified, and motivate them to interview you. If possible, address your letter to the person who screens applicants and sets up interviews; you may need to call the organization to find out this person’s name. In the first paragraph, identify the job, indicate how you heard about it, and summarize your qualifications. In the second paragraph, expand on your qualifications, highlighting key information on your résumé. Add details if necessary to show that you’re a better candidate than others. In the third paragraph, restate your interest in the job, ask for an interview, and let your prospective employer know how to reach you. (See Figure 17.3.) If you get an interview, follow up with a thank-you note. The note may reemphasize your qualifications and strong interest in the position.