How to Write a Reader-Oriented Letter of Application Presented by the UTA English Writing Center Updated 6/10/2015 SPT

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Letters of Application When the organization does not advertise job opportunities, send an unsolicited letter of application to an organization Especially if you are particularly interesting in that specific organization There are no obvious disadvantages; however, It’s important to keep in mind that they may not have any job opportunities available at the current time

Letter of Application/Cover Letter If you are sending a resume, you must attach either a cover letter or letter of application The difference between the two is a letter of application can be submitted on its own, while a cover letter needs a resume to be attached to If your application is electronic, you may not need a cover letter. Still, sending them a letter of application through email is a great way to inform the employer more about you and your experience.

How to Start Address it personally to the person most likely making the hiring decisions Make sure it is addressed to a specific person with their name spelled correctly. Avoid using phrases like, “To whom it may concern” The only exception is if the advertisement tells you to address it to the department or job title of person hiring If you are unsure of whom to address it to, call the organization for the information or write an email/letter to an executive, using that person’s name

How to Start Once the reader is able to be addressed properly, appeal directly to his or her needs within the organization. This means discussing any experience or education that relates to the job in the body of your paragraph You will want to section your letter into the three parts shown in the following slides:

Three Sections of Your Letter Introduction: the purpose for writing Body paragraphs: discussing your qualifications in education and experience related to the desired position or organization as a whole Conclusion: your goal and what you want from the employer

The Introduction This is where you inform your reader on the reason for writing a letter of application Important information to include in this paragraph: The position you are applying for – This helps the reader fully understand your purpose and differentiate you from other applicants to different positions. How you found out about the job – This gives the reader background on how you came to seek this position. Also, it informs the employer where their applicants are coming from, especially if you are writing an unsolicited letter

Qualifications Once the introduction is completely and the employer knows why and how you are seeking out this position, begin discussing your experience and education Important information to include in this paragraph: The details on your resume, going through them in order as they appear on your resume. If your work experience is first, discuss it first and education second and vice versa. Any left out information you wish to expand upon from your resume. However, avoid repeating information

Qualifications (cont.) Explain how your work and school experience makes you uniquely qualified for the position – Even if you feel like your experience does not make you qualified, figure out aspects of it that might (ex. Problem solving, team building, or computer skills).

Conclusion This paragraph clearly states to the employer what you are wanting from them With the information given in the previous paragraphs, you have set yourself up to implore the reader for an interview Important information to include in this paragraph: Directing the employer’s attention to your resume Your request for an interview Any contact information you can provide to the employer – Be sure to let them know when your available to take phone calls

Style and Tone Prevent writing in a tone that could come across apprehensive or arrogant – Instead, focusing on using positive words and phrasing, showing the reader that you are confident in your qualifications Avoid putting focus on your weaknesses but do not be overly boastful about your strengths, either While promoting your qualifications, also be sure to express your eagerness in learning the ins and outs of this new position

Be Specific You want to make sure your point is coming across clearly and concisely in order to avoid any confusion Be confident in your words and avoid words and phrases like “kind of,” “maybe,” and “sort of” Say exactly what you mean and give all the important information, especially your contacts

Follow-Up Letters This is an important part of the job application process, keeping the line of communication open between you and the employer When and how to write a follow-up letter will depend on the following circumstances:

When to Follow-Up? After three or four weeks of no response after submitting your letter of application to the employer You will need to keep track of the dates you sent your letter of application to know when to send the follow-up Be sure to politely remind the employer of your interest in the position and the letter of application you sent in Following an interview This is to thank the employer for taking the time to interview you and remind them of the position your interested in If you were interviewed by multiple people either together or separately, be sure to send each of them a follow-up letter

When to Follow-Up? Accepting the job – Confirm you will take the position and when you can begin working If you decide you no longer want the job or wish to reject the job offer Writing to the employer that you do not wish to have this position and explaining why, despite your previous interest, will keep you in good standing in case you wish to pursue the job on a later date Do not just ignore any offer and cut all lines of communication

Helpful Videos 5 Steps to an Incredible Cover Letter https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mxOli8laZos How to write an application letter https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJoFPr8M02I Application letters https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PEhd_m0JRHE

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Resources http://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Letter-of-Application-for-a-Job http://jobsearch.about.com/od/jobapplicationletters/a/job-application-letters.htm http://www.uwb.edu/careers/job-search-tools/coverletters/sample-application http://www.theguardian.com/careers/covering-letter-examples All images taken from Yahoo.com images search/clipart at https://images.search.yahoo.com/yhs/search