How to Write a Winning Job Application Letter
When it comes to writing Application Letters, many job seekers feel a sickening dread. It is apparently one of the hardest things they have to do. However, if you are a job seeker, let me tell you some thrilling news: you can write a winning application letter! Yes, you can write a letter that tremendously increases your chances of getting that coveted job. There is no magical formula, no, but just a few simple rules that you need to apply. Are you ready? Let's get started.
Choose the proper format It is the general view that all business letters should be typed. In fact I came across a document stating, in no uncertain terms, that business letters should never be handwritten. What is true is that the format of your job application letter depends on what your prospective employers demand. Some will demand them to be typed, whereas others will require that they be written by hand, and others still will demand soft-copies. With the rise in technology, most companies have found it easier to receive job application letters via-email. And since some handwritten job application letters turn out to be nearly illegible, most companies demand typed out job application letters. So there seems to be more points for typed out applications. However, in the end, it all depends on the employer's wishes. In almost all cases, they specify how they want you to send the applications. Failure to adhere will jeopardize all your prospects of being employed. If the employer does not specify the format the job application letter should take, but only gives you a postal address, it is entirely up to you to decide whether to type it or not. Which, do you think, will be taken more seriously: a handwritten application or a typed one? Which one, do you think shows more dedication and personal effort? It's up to you to judge.
Job Application Letter By Michael Sinkolongo
Take Care with Enclosures Details of what to add in a job application letter are specified in the ads. Don't enclose what has not been specified. The common enclosures that are required are: resumes (CVs); photocopies of results slips, National Registration Cards, certificates, referees, and other such important documents. If you insert enclosures, don't forget to make mention of these things in the body of the letter.
Write an Effective Introduction What should be included in the opening paragraph?
The job you are applying for, its title, and reference number (if given).
How you came to learn about the job.
You need to get straight to the point in the very first paragraph. You need to mention the source of information about the offer, which may be an employee, a newspaper or TV ad. It is certainly a good idea to mention, in the very first paragraph, what qualifies you for this job. This saves the reader time and builds up the interest from the very first paragraph-a good way of getting the edge over the other applicants.
Sell Yourself! In the body of the letter, you should expand on what you have already mentioned in the opening paragraph. You should not just restate your qualifications. You should sell yourself. Of course, you should not mention each and every qualification. That is why the resume or CV is there. Instead, concentrate on the ones that are pertinent to your job. Include any aspect of your experience or life that you think qualifies you better than other candidates. Remember you are trying to convince your prospective employer that you are the best one for the job! Some people decide to add information such as their age, nationality, and sex. But most of the times, such information is irrelevant to the Job. In fact, in some rare cases, it may work against you. Some are discriminated against because of age, nationality or gender. Sometimes, you may request information about the salary, or the commencement date, but I would not recommend this because it may give the wrong impression about you. The employer may think you are more concerned about yourself than the company. In fact, such information is clarified at the time of interview.
The Closing paragraph In the closing paragraph you should ask for an interview and include necessary details for contacting you. State that you are willing to be contacted in order to further discuss your qualifications for the job.
If you follow these simple rules, you are all your way to writing wining Application Letters!
Job Application Letter By Michael Sinkolongo, Article Source link: http://EzineArticles.com/2413319
Job Application Letter By Michael Sinkolongo, Article Source link: http://EzineArticles.com/2413319
