The application is usually accompanied by a copy of curriculum vitae or resume. In a cover letter, mention your strengths, and point out your outstanding achievement or project. These will leave a good impression to your prospective employer, giving you a big chance to be hired.
It is also advisable to give short (but honest) praise towards the company. In writing a cover letter, be always formal and address your prospective employer by their surnames. If you do not know their names, just put “Dear Sir or Madam.” Always use the flush-left format when writing a formal business letter. State the person’s full name and title in the first and second lines of the address. If you cannot obtain their names, simply put their title.
At the opening paragraph, immediately mention your name and the reason why you are writing to them. Use short phrases that are clear and understandable. Highlight your achievements, but avoid being incoherent. The purpose of an application letter is to encourage your potential employer to consider you for the job. This is also important to make him/her to take a closer look at your credentials. When signing off, use short phrases that are short and polite.
Here is an example of an application cover letter:
1 May 2008
Mr. Edward Cruise
Director of Human Resources
Silver Line CorporationDear Mr. Cruise,
My name is Lara King and I would like to apply for the position of marketing trainee in your company. I graduated summa cum laude from a prestigious university and was the chairwoman of the school marketing organization during my junior and senior years. I feel that working in your distinguished company is the best step towards my pursuit of a successful career in marketing.
Enclosed with this letter is a copy of my curriculum vitae, school records, and references. I am hoping for your favorable response.
Thank you very much.
Sincerely yours,
Lara King
Letter-writing is not as tricky as you may think if you will also follow this guideline:
- Always keep it short and simple. State your main message by the first paragraph. Not all people have the time to read long letters, especially the employers as they are always busy with their work. So convey your thoughts clearly, briefly, and directly.
- Don’t impress your potential employer with your rich vocabulary. Use simple and direct terms. Avoid using highfalutin words that will make you appear desperate and antiquated.
- Avoid being to casual. Give proper respect to the reader, which in this case is your potential employer. Avoid using colloquialisms, slang, and text language.
- Never use fancy designs, fonts, papers, and illustrations. Avoid including anything that will just make your application letter seem unprofessional. Use a clean sheet of paper with minimal design. And don’t ever spray it with a perfume.
- Always check the grammars and punctuations. Your letter is a reflection of yourself as a potential employee. Check your letter if it has errors.
