APPLICATION LETTER DIRECTIONS
Writing job applications
Preparation
Before you start:
o Read
the advert closely so that you can tailor your application to the requirements
of the job
o Research
the organization: this will show prospective employers that you really are
interested in them.
Composing the letter or email
General points
o Keep
it brief. You don’t need to give a lot of detail. What you are aiming for is a
clear and concise explanation of your suitability for the job.
o Begin
your letter or email ‘Dear Mr/Mrs/Ms xxxx’ if you know the person’s name, or
‘Dear Sir or Madam’ if you don’t know their name.
o Avoid
inappropriate language such as slang or technical jargon.
o Use
brief, informative sentences and short paragraphs.
o Check
your spelling, grammar, and punctuation carefully. Some employers routinely
discard job applications that contain such mistakes.
Structure
The usual order of a job application letter or email
is:
o The
position applied for: give the title of the job as a heading, or refer to it in
the first sentence of your letter, using the reference code if there is one.
This will ensure that your application goes directly to the right person in the
organization. You should also mention where you saw the job advert or where you
heard about the vacancy. If you heard about it through someone already working
for the company, mention their name and position.
o Your
current situation: if you’re working, briefly outline your current job. Pick up
on the job requirements outlined in the advert and focus on any of your current
skills or responsibilities that correspond to those requested. For example, if
the advert states that management skills are essential, then state briefly what
management experience you have. If you’re still studying, focus on the relevant
aspects or modules of your course.
o Your
reasons for wanting the job: be clear and positive about why you want the job.
You might feel that you are ready for greater challenges, more responsibility,
or a change of direction, for example. Outline the qualities and skills that
you believe you can bring to the job or organization.
o Closing
paragraph: in the final paragraph you could say when you’d be available to
start work, or suggest that the company keep your CV/résumé on file if they
decide you’re not suitable for the current job.
o Signature:
if you are sending a letter rather than an email, always remember to sign it
and to type your name underneath your signature
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