Job-Application Letters

A job-application letter (sometimes called a cover letter) is sent with a résumé when you apply for a job. The primary purpose of the job-application letter is to persuade your reader that you are a qualified candidate for employment and to introduce your résumé. For college students and recent graduates, most job-application letters (such as the one shown in Figure 29.4) consist of four paragraphs:

image
FIGURE 29.4 A Sample Job-Application Letter

  1. Paragraph 1: Identify the position you are applying for and how you became aware of its availability. If you are not applying for a particular position, the first paragraph should express your desire to work for the particular organization.

    723

    724

  2. Paragraph 2: Briefly describe your education, focusing on specific achievements, projects, and relevant coursework.

  3. Paragraph 3: Briefly describe your work experience, focusing on relevant responsibilities and accomplishments.

Note that paragraphs 2 and 3 should not merely restate what is in your résumé; rather, they should help persuade your reader that you are qualified for the job.

  1. Paragraph 4: Express your willingness to provide additional information and to be interviewed at the employer’s convenience.

When writing a printed job-application, follow the format for a business letter.