Application Letter

• introduces you to the employer • tells the employer why you are
interested in them
• highlights key information from your
resume • invites the employer to read further to
find out
• tells the employer why they should
consider more, and

employing you • convinces the employer that your worth

interviewing
A possible format for your letter is as follows:

Your name and address

• Include SUBURBS in CAPITAL letters

The date Marketing yourself

• Use long date, e.g. 30 January 2008 • Experience/skills developed which are
relevant
The person & address you are
writing to • Include reasons for wanting this
particular job
• Include the person’s name & title if you
know it, • Why you are interested in them

• e.g. Ms Smith, Manager • Any benefits you bring to the job or

company
• If name & title are unknown address it
to: Other documents you may include

• Human Resources Manager, or The • Resume, selection criteria, academic

Managing Director record

Salutation • Provide details on how to contact you

• e.g. Dear Sir/Madam, Dear Mr/Ms • How, when, and where you can be
contacted for an interview
Why you are writing
• Include semester, home or holiday
• In response to a job advertisement
contact and hours of contactability
which you need to quote in detail
Closure
• Seeking to be considered for any
vacant positions • Use ‘yours sincerely’ if you address the
person by
which might become available (a
‘speculative’ or ‘cold canvas’ letter) name

Who you are • Use ‘yours faithfully’ if you don’t know

 • Distil five lines from your resume the persons name

• Include your latest qualification or the • Sign the letter above your typed name
details of the degree you are currently
completing

• Mention the University and any majors

studied and a project or interest area if
relevant

Examples of application letter.

The words in these sentences are not in order, study them carefully and try to
rearrange them grammatically.
1) apply position assistant student on the to this I writing of that your saw for an
advertised website. I letter
2) WSB Warsaw both recently have Business School and Courses. grades received
Business the in from I in graduated high English my and
3) and been of general a the business. in helping administration have variety also of
clients I involved the
4) of of to This people. has the with all deal types ability experience the given me
needs
5) have enjoy diligent working in an challenges and busy environments. find I that
of the outgoing, personality I
6) school. to a I addition valuable be would believe your I

Fill in the blanks with ONE suitable word:

…………………….. 3, 2005
Paul G. Ritten
President's Office
American Institute of Biological Studies
University of Florida
Orlando, Florida 679XX
…………………….. Mr. Ritten,
…………………….. a recent issue of BioScience magazine I learned ……………………..
your institute's …………………….. in hiring marine scientists to conduct research on
your oceanic vessels. Since I will soon be completing my Master's ……………………..
in Marine Biology at Boston University, I am most interested in ……………………..
your facility to continue in the research pathways which you have started.
In my research, I have been focusing …………………….. the species diversity of
cetaceans. I understand that your organization, as well, recognizes the immense
value of our world's biodiversity. Your interdisciplinary studies reflect your
recognition of the interconnected nature of ecosystems. From my varied coursework
in Coastal Geology, Meteorology of the Oceans, and Marine Biology I have learned
that the forces of nature work …………………….. to produce the Earth we see around
us. I feel that I …………………….. learn from your organization how to manage these
forces to benefit human welfare and then, in turn, use this knowledge to further the
projects you fund.
My …………………….. as an assistant in an evolutionary botany lab at Boston
University taught me how to handle, monitor, and care for specimens, as well as
how to apply statistical analysis to obtained data. …………………….., my work as a
supervisor at a clothing store has taught me to accept responsibility …………………
….. overseeing the work of others. I believe these skills would be ……………………..
for a research position with your institute.
I would appreciate the …………………….. to discuss further with your the particulars
of my ……………………... Please don't hesitate to contact me at (814) 862-6370 at
your ……………………... Thank you for your time.
……………………..,
Heather Bertolet
Notes on Application Letter Writing
The letter is a link between your resume and the job or organisation. It is used to emphasize,
to highlight or to build on information in your resume, and to convince the organisation you have skills
and experience necessary to be the best applicant for the position. Your application should be
specifically tailored to each situation.
You should contact the company and find out additional information such as the name of the
person to whom you need to address the letter and whether they can provide you with any additional
information about the company e.g. brochures and annual reports.
Use the Library or the Internet to research additional information about the company so that
you can tailor your letter specifically to the company. As the employer might have many applications
to read the letter needs to be concise and to the point. An application letter is no more than one page
long. Four or five paragraphs will be needed however, to convey your
essential messages. If the advertisement lists a set of selection criteria then prepare a specific reason
to each of these to include with your letter and resume

1) I am writing this letter to apply for the position of student assistant that I saw advertised
on your website.
2) I have recently graduated from the WSB Business School in Warsaw and received high
grades in both my English and Business Courses.
3) I have been involved in helping a variety of clients and also the general administration of
the business.
4) This experience has given me the ability to deal with the needs of all types of people.
5) I have an outgoing, diligent personality and find that I enjoy the challenges of working in
busy environments.
6) I believe I would be a valuable addition to your school.
May 3, 2005
Paul G. Ritten
President's Office
American Institute of Biological Studies
University of Florida
Orlando, Florida 679XX
Dear Mr. Ritten:
In a recent issue of BioScience magazine I learned of your institute's interest in hiring
marine scientists to conduct research on your oceanic vessels. Since I will soon be
completing my Master's degree in Marine Biology at Boston University, I am most
interested in joining your facility to continue in the research pathways which you have
started.
In my research, I have been focusing on the species diversity of cetaceans. I understand
that your organization, as well, recognizes the immense value of our world's biodiversity.
Your interdisciplinary studies reflect your recognition of the interconnected nature of
ecosystems. From my varied coursework in Coastal Geology, Meteorology of the Oceans,
and Marine Biology I have learned that the forces of nature work together to produce the
Earth we see around us. I feel that I can learn from your organization how to manage these
forces to benefit human welfare and then, in turn, use this knowledge to further the projects
you fund.
My position as an assistant in an evolutionary botany lab at Boston University taught me
how to handle, monitor, and care for specimens, as well as how to apply statistical analysis
to obtained data. In addition, my work as a supervisor at a clothing store has taught me to
accept responsibility for overseeing the work of others. I believe these skills would be
useful for a research position with your institute.
I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss further with your the particulars of my
résumé. Please don't hesitate to contact me at (814) 862-6370 at your convenience.
Thank you for your time.
Cordially,