The world we are living is a competitive one.
With the limited resources available, it has become a dog eat dog world.
And one of the areas you’ll definitely have to up your game in is the area of job hunting.
Job hunting has become one of the toughest jobs many people are failing to upgrade from. The limping economy has led to some companies to downsize while others have suffered a worse fate – total shutdown.
So how do you increase your prospects of getting employed in such a cut-throat environment?
One of the best and easiest ways to do so is to polish up your letter writing skills (or swipe an employment application template).
And that’s why we’ll be looking at how to write a letter of employment. I’ll even include an employment application template or two.
So if you are job hunting and need to learn the tips and tricks of making you stand out, or rather your letter, from the other applications clamoring for the same job.
We’ll look at what your potential employer looks for when reading the thousands of application letters they receive (so that you only include those key points).
Ready to be employed and quit your job hunting job?
Great! Let’s get to it.
The Difference between Your Employment Application and Your Resume
One of the biggest mistakes job seekers make when applying for jobs is in mistaking their employment application letter, also known as a cover letter, for a condensed resume.
So what are the major differences in the information you put in your employment application and resume?
Let’s look at these 3 critical aspects of your next employment application in light with the other components of and transform you’re your job search from fruitless to successful.
How to Write an Employment Application (with Templates)
So how do you even start writing this life-changing letter that many take casually?
Writing an employment application letter is very different from a quick email to a friend. It is something you should take seriously and invest time in mastering the different components that make up the letter.
Sure, an application for employment shouldn’t be longer than 1 page, but it takes a bit more effort than any casual communication between you or a family member or friend.
Every little aspect from font size and type, spacing, and the letter’s general appearance are considered by potential employers and will either increase your chances of landing an opportunity to take part in an interview or the dreaded rejection letter.
So how should your employment application look?
How to Format Your Employment Application
Now that you have the general presentation pat down, let’s go into the contents of the letter itself.
5 Easy Steps to Nailing Your Employment Application Letter
Unlike the casual emails you send to your friends, a job application has set for each section, from the salutation to signing off. Even the way the letter is organized is important.
Let’s break it down into 5 easy steps that you can implement immediately.
1. Get Organized
Before you put pen to paper, gather all the information you want to include in your letter. Pick the most important points that will help you sell yourself for the position. Remember, you only have a page to do so.
Next, read the job advertisement again, taking your time to fully understand what the job entails and what skills you have that make you relevant for the job. Go a step further and investigate the company and take note of some points you can include in your letter.
This is what will show initiative on your part.
I’ll show you where to use this “intel” in a moment.
2. Nail the Header
This may seem a bit too obvious but you don’t know how many times an exceptionally written header has been the deciding factor when an employer has had to cut off some applicants.
What is the header you ask?
This is the first information at the top of the letter and includes both you and your employer’s contact information, such as name, address, and the date.
Here’s an example:
Your Contact Information
Your Name
Your Address
Your City, State, Zip Code
Your Phone Number
Your Email Address
[Space]
Date
[Space]
Employer Contact Information
Name
Title
Company
Address
City, State, Zip Code
Looks simple I know, but you’ll be surprised at how many times candidates mess this up.
3. Careful With the Salutation
The salutation is your polite greeting.
In most situations, “Dear Mr./Ms.” followed by the person's last name is sufficient.
However, there are times when the job listing doesn’t tell you who to address the letter to. This is where your intel will first be put to use. If the company you are seeking employment with has an HR department, address it to the HR manager.
If not, address it to the hiring manager for the relevant department.
4. K.I.S.S the Body (of the Letter)
The body is the main part of the letter, but that doesn’t mean you should turn into a rant about yourself.
Keep it simple…
The best way to keep your body simple is by breaking it up into 3 parts and organizing them well. Let’s do that now, shall we?
The body, as you can see, is where you sell yourself and prove yourself. The reason there is an opening at the company is that there is a problem that needs to be solved. Sell yourself as the problem solver they need.
Once you’ve done that, you can sign of.
5. Sign Off Politely
This part is simple but done wrong, it can cost you your potential job.
The best way to sign off is with a polite close such as “Sincerely”, or “Best” and then followed.
One trick in nailing every application is to use an employment application template. This will save you time and keep you from making some mistakes.
Let’s look at a simple template you can use.
Employment Application Template
Here’s a template you can use. All you have to do is alter the information to fit you and the job you are applying for.
[Your Personal Information]
First and Last Name
Street Address
City, State, Zip Code
Phone Number
Email Address
[Space]
Date
[Space]
[Employer Contact Information]
Name
Title
Company
Address
City, State, Zip Code
Dear Mr/Mrs/Ms. Last name or Dear Hiring Manager
I'm writing to express my interest in the [position title] role that was advertised in [publication]. I believe I will be a great addition to your great organization.
I have [number] years of experience as a [role/title] and in that time I have [briefly outline your experience, key responsibilities, and achievements].
Because of my previous roles and experience, [outline how you specifically fit the requirements of the advertised job making sure to use the language used in the job ad].
I strongly feel I am the perfect candidate because [reinforce your unique selling proposition, what you have to offer and why you are an ideal fit].
For more information on my qualifications and achievements, kindly refer to my resume.
Thank you for taking the time to consider my application. Looking forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely,
[Your name]
Signature
Ready for that Job? Then Swipe this Employment
Application Template
Ready to knock out the competition with your exceptional employment application letter?
Then go ahead and swipe this employment application template and wow every recruiter who reads it.
Here’s to a better future.
Your future.
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