A strong application letter can make all the difference in an application, especially in the competitive job market of today. It is an effective way to introduce yourself, emphasize your qualifications that go beyond your résumé, and show that you are genuinely interested in the job. With the help of this article, you will gain the skills and information necessary to create an application letter that stands out from the competitors.
What is An Application Letter?
An application letter is an official letter. It is a document you send to potential employers to secure a placement or to get an invite for an interview. This letter provides the recruiter with essential information about the job seeker’s skills, passion, experience, and educational background.
It also informs the employer why an individual should be considered for a vacant position. When written well, the application letter gives you an edge over other applicants. However, most recruiters will not request an application letter but a cover letter and a resume.
Most people believe an application letter is the same as a cover letter since both are usually used in the same context. Every job seeker must know the difference between these two documents.
In this article, I will show you the difference between an application letter and a cover letter, the format of the application letter you should know, and what should be in an application letter.
In our corporate world, applications and cover letters are sent via email, so it is very important to familiarise yourself with the recognized writing patterns and standards to achieve the desired results.So now, I’ll discuss the difference between a job application letter and a cover letter.
Difference Between An Application Letter And Cover Letter
- An application letter contains in-depth information about the job seeker’s skills, qualities, qualifications, and experience. While cover letters are merely used to submit documents
- The application letter performs three main functions: (a)To draw the attention of the potential recruiter to consider you as the perfect fit for the job role and to secure the interview.
- An application letter highlighting your qualifications concerning the job position you seek.
- An application letter usually accompanies the resume. A cover letter can omit specific details, but most contain information such as contact details and motivation for applying for the job role, alongside stating why you feel you are qualified for the job role.
- Cover letters are short as they summarize qualifications and contain extra details outside a resume. They do not include detailed information about the applicant.
6 Cover letters are mostly associated with job applications.
- A cover letter can be used when applying for a job.
- Application letters can be used even when there is no job posting or when applying for academic programs.
Read Also: Top 10 Skills To Put On A Resume That Will Boost Your Hiring Chances
When To Use An Application Letter
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Job posting
If a job vacancy is not placed on the advert, you can consider sending an application letter to indicate your interest in the position.
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Applying for Scholarships
An application letter is necessary when applying for academic programs or scholarships. The school board expects to see the details of your personal educational growth, including your career, before deciding if you are fit to be granted the opportunity.
Read Also: 10 Nigerian Scholarship Opportunities Every Nigerian Student Should Know
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Applying for Internship
When applying for an internship, a student looking for an organization for an internship may not have enough experience to build up a CV. For this reason, an application letter will do justice by replacing a cover letter and a resume.
What Should Be in An Application Letter
Some steps must be considered when writing an application letter, such as conducting adequate research about the company, using a professional format, and writing a catchy introduction.
At the top:
- a) Name and address of the company/organization you are applying to
b)The date, eg. 26 September 2016
- c) A formal greeting using the appropriate title and name of the addressee, e.g., Dear Mr. Dan, NOT Dear Marah. It is always ideal for you to address your letter to a singular or specific person. If the name is not provided in the job advert, phone the organization and ask reception for the name and title of the addressee. You can address the recipient Using Mr/Ms if you need clarification on the title and not Mrs/Miss. Instead, use ‘Dear Sir/Madam’ only if you cannot find out.
- d) A heading concerning the job role should be provided, e.g., Application for the post of [name of position], add a reference number (if applicable)
At the bottom ↓:
An appropriate ‘sign-off,’ e.g., Yours faithfully,
Your name and phone number (full contact address)should be included.
Structure and Format of An Application Letter
An application letter can be divided into three segments such as:
Introduction
The beginning of your letter writing should always contain the following:
The position you are applying for and Where you saw the job advertisement
Body
The letter’s main body is where you market yourself, your value, and your worth. This point addresses the key requirements stated in the job advert, describing how you have the required skills, qualifications, and experience.
Conclusion
At the end of the letter, express interest in further discussing your application and the available position in an interview without leaving out your contact details.
Conclude with ‘Yours faithfully.’
Example:
(Your name)
(Your address)
(Date)
(Hiring Manager’s name)
(Hiring manager’s title)
(Company’s name)
(Company’s address)
Dear(hiring managers name)
Letter of Application for (position)
I am writing to express my interest in the position (job role) at (organization).
(Explain how you heard about the vacancy). My ( skills and qualifications) make me a better fit for the job role.
(Use the second paragraph to elaborate on your contribution to the company if you are employed.)
(In the third paragraph, summarize your qualifications and skills and elaborate on your achievements in relation to the job role.
(Use the fourth paragraph to explain why you want to work with this company. Mention the additional documents attached to the application.
Conclude by
Yours faithfully
Signature
Your name
Contact details.
Read Also: Insights on How to Write a Resignation Letter
Conclusion
Writing an effective application letter is crucial to getting a job or being placed in an academic program. Advertised employment frequently require a cover letter that enhances your resume, while unsolicited applications may require a thorough application letter highlighting your qualifications. You may set yourself up for success by knowing the differences and choosing the appropriate paper. To provide a good first impression, don’t forget to study the recipient, personalize your letters, and keep your format professional.
