When you find yourself writing a job application letter, it is usual to try and look for examples or guides as to what it should look like. Most sources such as indeed, the muse, and even Harvard business review give a list of items to include in your letter as well as a template. This is done for a reason. A job application letter is a composition that you don’t want to get crazy with, it is better if the list of things is incorporated in your letter so that you have the best chance possible to get the job.

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When looking for a guide, find one that addresses what’s important to you, such as graphics, context, format, how to attract the hiring manager, etc. Some items that are repeatedly seen in several guides are: research first, have a strong introduction, convey why you are good for the job, show your values and qualifications, finish with a strong conclusion, revise.

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Everyone’s an Author explains “it should be relatively short and to the point, saying what you are applying for and why you are interested in it.” People hiring for a job are looking for specific information in job letters, therefore it must be concise and follow a guide. As soon as the letter becomes hard to read, too long or not to the point, the employer puts it aside; after all a letter can say a lot about a person, both explicitly and implicitly. To develop this thought further, if a job application has great narrative and storytelling skills, this does not follow the guidelines of a job application letter therefore the employer might sense that that person does not like to follow instructions and can’t write concisely. When applying for a job, make sure your letter is hitting upon all topics a hiring manager might need to know about their future employee so that they don’t have to contact you for a detail that you forgot to include. Ultimately, as indeed recommends “Use the application letter to its full potential to increase your chances of moving forward in the hiring process. Follow the steps to compose a compelling letter.” While following a set of guides, include anything and everything that your boss should know about you and will get you ahead of others competing for the same job.

 

 

References:

Lunsford, A., Brody, M., Ede, L., Moss, B. J., Papper, C. C., & Walters, K. (2017). Chapter 6 Writing and Rhetoric in the Workplace. In M. Moller (Ed.), Everyone's an Author (p. 59). W. W. Norton & Company.

Indeed Editorial Team (2022, May 18). How To Write an Application Letter (Template and Example). Retrieved from Indeed: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/how-to-write-an-application-letter