1. THE LETTER OF APPLICATION

2. What Is a Letter of Application?
A Letter of Application expresses your interest in and qualifications for a position to a prospective employer.

3. What Should My Letter of Application Accomplish?
Your letter of application should introduce the main points of your CV.
It should also help you to “sell” your qualifications to the prospective employer.

4. The Letter of Application: Structure
Purpose
Refer to job advertisement
Preview qualifications
Supporting Details
Prove claims with examples
Tie qualifications to the requirements of the position
Quantify evidence
Detail your experience
Goodwill Closing
Offer to meet for an interview
Refer to CV (résumé)
Make your final pitch

5. EXAMPLE
Dear Mr. Smith,
I am writing to apply for the programmer position advertised in today’s issue of the Times Union.
confirmation that you wish to apply and the title of the job you are applying for
2. the date and the name of the newspaper where you saw an ad

6. With a BS degree in Computer Programming, I have a full understanding of the full life cycle of a software development project.
I also have experience in learning and excelling at
new technologies as needed. Please see my CV
for additional information on my experience.
3. your present situation (occupation or course of study being followed)

7. The opportunity presented in this ad is very interesting, and I believe that my strong technical experience and education will make me a very competitive candidate for this position. The key strengths that I possess for success in this position include:
I have successfully designed, developed, and supported live use applications
I strive for continued excellence
I provide exceptional contributions to customer service for all customers
4. relate your interests to those of the company

8. 5. say you are enclosing a CV
As requested, I am enclosing a completed job application, my CV and three references.
5. say you are enclosing a CV
I can be reached anytime via my cell phone, Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to speaking with you about this employment opportunity.
6. indicate your willingness to attend an interview
Sincerely,
FirstName LastName

9. A Refer to the advertisement
I would like to apply
I am interested in applying
With reference to
I have seen
your advertisement in the ‘…’
and
for
Personal Assistant
Secretary to the Sales Manager
this post.
the post of

10. B Summarise your experience
different fields.
banking/insurance/legal work etc.
the hotel business.
industry.
As you can see from the enclosed CV I have had
long
one year’s
many years’
experience in
In my last jobs/positions
In all my jobs
In my present job
the administrative
organisational
secretarial
public relations
financial
side
aspect
was is
extremely
very
worked a lot with computers.
ran the office independently.
learnt to work under pressure.
managed the bookkeeping.
important and I

11. C Why the job interests you
I would now prefer a post
I am now looking for a post
I like
I am happy in
I am satisfied with
However, although
my present job/position,
administrative skills.
knowledge of languages.
financial knowledge.
offering more responsibility/
more chances of promotion
where I can use my

12. Using Active Language—Don’ts
Vague: I worked as a ramp agent at Comair.
Weak: I attempted to attract customers.
Don’t be vague in your descriptions.
Don’t use weak verbs such as endeavored, tried, hoped, and attempted.
Key Concept: The facilitator should stress that writers want their readers to get a clear sense of what they have done and are capable of doing from their cover letters. The writer’s language should help, and not hinder, the employer’s understanding. Using language that is unprofessional, offensive, or vague creates obstacles in the reader’s understanding and therefore considerably weakens the cover letter and the writer’s chances of success.
Click mouse to reveal each example.

13. Using Active Language—Do’s
Use concrete words to describe your experience.
Use present tense to discuss current activities and past tense for previous job duties or accomplishments.
Be as specific as possible in descriptions; list amounts and figures when you can.
Vague: I worked as a ramp agent for COMAIR.
 Specific: As a ramp agent, I assisted in loading baggage, and oversaw fuelling the aircraft.
Weak: I attempted to attract customers.
Strong: I initiated a program to attract customers to Pizza Hut, which resulted in a 5% increase in sales for the month of June.
Examples: The facilitator might point out that when the vague and weak sentences are rewritten, they become much longer. This is due to the additional information added to convey meaning more clearly. If applicants find themselves writing very short sentences throughout the letter, it may be one sign that they are not including enough detail.
Click mouse to reveal each example.

14. USEFUL TIPS: Keep it short.
Don’t waffle and keep to the point – why do you want the job, why do you want to work for them, what makes you the right person?
Use professional vocabulary and phrasing. Make this an interesting letter to read. 

15. You should try to find something memorable about yourself.
Don’t be too informal – your letter should be professional. 
You should try to find something memorable about yourself.
End on a positive note – you would like to meet them and you look forward to hearing from them.
(Make sure spelling, grammar and format are consistent and accurate.)