Application Letters: How To Write Great Cover Letters

Knowing how to write great Application Letters that get you to more job interviews is the MOST essential part of your job search and application process. The covering letter that you send with your job application is not just any old thing you send with your CV - it is a SALES letter and as such it needs your special care and attention, because it may be the only thing STOPPING you from getting a job interview. Some recruitment agencies will not read your CV unless the application letter convinces them to do so. See this simple cover letter example on this page.

Speaking as an expert recruiter and career coach, I really want you to understand this: if you are applying to anybody for a job, whether the job has been advertised or has not been advertised publicly, your covering letter is possibly more important than your CV or Resume. therefore if you want a successful job move you cannot afford to get this part of the application process wrong in any way.

Great Application Letters

On this page I'm going to show you two ways you can approach your cover letter writing: you can do it yourself and hope for the best, or you can enlist some professional help. If you do it yourself, use the example of how to write application letters so that you have the best chance, but make sure that your letter is:

• Straight to the point without wasting too many words; in other words short and simple. Keep it on one page with a beginning, a middle and an end. See below for how to end your application letters.
• Written in simple everyday language, don't go off into fits of fancy language.
• Easy to read application letters are not too long - one page is ideal at most. It just needs a beginning, a middle and an end!
• Interesting from the very first line; say you're interested and suddenly the application is interesting.
• Matched to the advertisers style and language - you can use the words and phrases from the advert you are responding to.
• Application letters should be focused on meeting their needs backed up with clear examples. Show you understand by matching their demands with real things you've done in your previous job or employment.

Great application letters should also show understanding of the employers needs by:

• Dealing with inferrals/ implications/ omissions. Easily said but what I mean is: try to read between the lines of their advert.
• Demonstrating specific achievements and skills that are relevant - be specific, be factual. Never generalize.
• Looking professional to the eye. Good quality paper and clear typeface are needed.
• Projecting enthusiasm and understanding of the job. Say why you are interested and want the job. Most don't bother.
• Voicing a desire to meet. You know you have what they need so ASSUME they will want to see you!
• Arriving on time!! Better late than never doesn't apply here.

A great application letter should also have a beginning, a middle and an end. Sounds simple; not so but you can do this if you follow my ideas through and use them in your own cover letters...

LETTERS YOU MAY NEED:

• Application letters or cover letters in response to an advertisement in the press.
• Target or Direct Approach letter when you believe there is an unmet need.
• Letter to Recruitment Agency who may handle appropriate vacancies.
• Thank you letter. Courtesies like this can go a long way.
• Request for application form.

Take a look at these cover letter examples and see how you can adapt them for your own needs.

THE BASICS OF WRITING A GREAT COVERING LETTER

1. Always address to the person named in the advertisement;

2. Use the formal style Mr, Mrs, Miss, Ms at the first contact or until you are told otherwise.

3. Quote any reference number and job title.

4. Quote where you saw the advertisement and the date.

5. Show that you meet their requirements - as above.

6. Match your language to that used in the advertisement.

7. Be positive, show interest and enthusiasm.

8. Keep it brief (KISS)

How To End Your Application Letters

You should try to end your application letters by indicating to your potential employer when you intend to follow up your application. Do not end the letter by asking the employer to call you at their convenience. Let the employer know that you want to follow up, when and how you will do so. This confirms your interest in the position, and your professional etiquette.

Say something like this at the end of your letter:

"Thank you for your time reading my application letter. I hope you will take a call from me in 10 days time, to discuss my application and the next stage of your selection process."

Note, if you say you intend to follow up, then you MUST follow up when and how you indicated in your application.

Application Letter Examples

Look at some examples then you'll see how easily you can write your own cover letters.

The basic rules are quite straightforward, yet it's surprising how some people burst into 'flowery' language as soon as they start to write a letter.

What happens to change people's vocabulary at this point is beyond me; perhaps there is some desire to display a highly tuned sense of language. If you are likely to get drawn that way just try this:

Would you say this?

"I enclose my curriculum vitae for your perusal wherein I have enumerated my expertise..."

Yet some people write it!!

Resist the temptation, keep it simple and your application letters will be great. I promise.

Simple Cover Letter Example

Mr. Stavros Kaldiki Director of Home Relations Lifetime Corporation 195 Greavy Blvd. Palmanova, PA 19085 27 August 2008 Dear Mr. Kaldiki Sales Representative - New York Times - 4th August 2010 Your advert for the above described position really interests me because the range of skills I have developed from my work experience and academic background give support to my genuine interest in a sales career and make me an ideal candidate for the role. As you will see from my resume, the internship I had with Ballifor Corporation provided a unique opportunity for me to gain practical experience with account maintenance and cold-calling new accounts. In addition, I have worked as a table-waiter for the past three years, learning at first hand how to effectively deal with customers and their demands. I have been formally rewarded several times, being named ‘Employee of the Month’ four times in total. Since I decided to pursue a sales career, Lifetime Corporation has been at the top of my list of prospective employers. The progress your company has made in the computer software market, particularly the development of packages for use by pharmacies and hospitals, makes Lifetime a leader in every sense and I would be so excited to get involved. I would very much like an opportunity to speak with you regarding the sales representative position. May I call you late next week to discuss my qualifications for the position? Alternately you can reach me in the meantime at (618) 555-1111. Thank you for considering me for this position. Yours Most Sincerely, Jack J. Kollinski Enclosure

Simple Cover Letter Ends...

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Cover Letter Secrets

Cover letter secrets are claimed by so many writers, but the results rarely live up to the claims made by people attempting to win your business. However, some authors really are experts in their field and one of these says that the only cover letter secrets that matter are ones that are proved to get you more interviews and remove the guesswork from your letter writing.

In order to find out the truth about these "cover letter secrets," Kevin Donlin, President of Guaranteed Resumes interviewed renowned career expert and author, Jimmy Sweeney. The interview is at Cover Letter Secrets

More Application Letters and Cover Letters help is on hand with an instant download of 23 Cover Letters from the author of this site.

Visit these pages for even more tips and information for writing great job applications and covering letters:

Cover Letter Examples | Cover Letter Mistakes | Cover Letter | Pack Of Cover Lettersl | Covering Letters | Sample Cover Letter | Top 10 Cover Letter Tips | Writing A Cover Letter | A Resignation Letter

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