APPLICATION LETTER

A job application letter, also known as a cover letter, should be sent or uploaded with your resume when applying for jobs. The job application letters you send explain to the employer why you are qualified for the position and why you should be selected for an interview.

Here is information on how to write job application letters, along with job application letter samples, examples, and templates to use to write application letters to apply for jobs.

Writing a cover letter often seems like a particularly daunting task. However, if you take it one step at a time, you'll soon be an expert at writing letters to send with your resume.
A cover letter typically accompanies each resume you send out. Your cover letter may make the difference between obtaining a job interview and having your resume ignored, so, it makes good sense to devote the necessary time and effort to writing effective cover letters.

A cover letter should complement, not duplicate your resume. Its purpose is to interpret the data-oriented, factual resume and add a personal touch. A cover letter is often your earliest written contact with a potential employer, creating a critical first impression.

There are three general types of cover letters:
• The application letter which responds to a known job opening (review samples)
• The prospecting letter which inquires about possible positions (review sample)
• The networking letter which requests information and assistance in your job search (review samples)

Your cover letter should be designed specifically for each purpose outlined above as well as for each position you seek. Do not design a form letter and send it to every potential employer (you know what you do with junk mail!).

Effective cover letters explain the reasons for your interest in the specific organization and identify your most relevant skills or experiences (remember, relevance is determined by the employer's self-interest). They should express a high level of interest and knowledge about the position.

Next, what to include, how to format your cover letter, and following up with prospective employers.

Do not under estimate the importance of writing a job application letter. Each job application letter should be personalized. Keep each job application letter professional & simple (no more than one page consisting of three to four paragraphs).


Sample application letter format:

Jane A. Sample

123 Main Street, New Town, NY 12345 (212) 555-1212

Application Date

Contact Name
Title
Company Name
Company Street Address
City, State, Zip Code



Dear Mr. / Ms. Contact:

I have effectively combined my (educational background) and skills in the areas of (marketing and operations) to successfully (meet all balanced scorecard targets) and (generate sales in excess of $5.0 million). I have been asked to take on increasingly more responsibility at Company XYZ.

I am bringing to your attention my skills, accomplishments, and (talent for selling in a competitive marketplace) so that we can discuss joining XYZ Company as a (senior member of your direct sales) team.

Major achievements to date include:

• Founded a small business following graduation and grew revenue over the course of eight years to nearly $3,000,000.
• Significantly upgraded workforce planning process of Large Company’s call center operations resulting in a 15% increase in service level in just one year’s time.

I look forward to meeting with you to discuss how I can add value to your company’s bottom-line results.


Sincerely,



Jane A. Sample

Source : http://jobsearch.about.com/od

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