Tips on Writing an Application Letter

Your mind set

 Your application letter is your first contact with an

employer.

 Get the recipient to read your resume.

 See to it that it is clear, concise and straight to
the point.
 Make it brief – no more than one page, easy to
read , and includes only the absolute
necessary information.
 Assume that your reader has limited time.
 Your application letter will be the first impression
that you make on your employer - will be used to help
decide if you are suitable for the job and if you are
worth to be given an interview.

 Your application letter is very important so take time

and care with it. Make it look good and make sure
that you use paper that is size A4.

 As you write your application letter, be sure you

complete three tasks: catch the reader's attention
favorably, convince the reader that you are a
qualified candidate for the job, and request an
interview.
Where to begin

 Reread the description of the job (for example, the

advertisement ).

 Think about your purpose and what requirements are

mentioned or implied in the description of the job.
List these requirements - can serve as an outline to
govern your writing and help you stay focused.

 Identify your qualifications, that match the

requirements you have just listed. Strive to be exact
and specific, avoiding vagueness, ambiguity.
 Use field-specific concepts or terminologies that are
relevant to the job at hand (if ever there are) in a
manner that will convey your competence and
experience.

 Avoid any language that your reader may not

understand.

 Indicate how you meet the requirements you have

listed in your letter.
ONE of the many ways to write a letter for a job – some
GUIDELINES

Addressing job application letters:

 The style you choose is not important, this comes

down to personal preference.

 However somewhere on the top, whether it is on the

right or left hand sides, there should be your address
and the date.
 Following this, on the left hand side you should
address it. Ensure you include the name of the
person, their title, company name, address and any
position, and reference number.

 Spell the name correctly, It gives a poor first

impression if you incorrectly addressed or
misspelled the name.

 Always address the letter to the person named in

the add. Write Sir/Madam or phone the company
and get the correct name, if there is no name
mentioned.
 Format the heading elements correctly.

 Indicate your address at the top (in the left-

hand corner - approximately 1 inch down from
the top of the page).

 Skip down 4 lines and enter the date.

 Skip down 4 more lines and enter the Contact

Person, then the name and address of the
company. Write to a specific person, not "To
whom it may concern", or "Dear Sir/Madam",
whenever possible.
The Introductory Paragraph:

 The first paragraph should simply state why you are

writing to them. Design your opening to get the
attention of the reader. It's unnecessary to specify
how you became aware of the position unless it's
through a mutual contact or recruiting program.

If you have been referred to a company by one of its

employees, a career counselor, a professor, or
someone else, mention that before stating your job
objective.
Example:

During the recent convention in Cebu City, one

of your sales representatives, Jason Contreras,
informed me of a possible opening for a data
programmer in your company. My extensive
background in programming and my trainings make
me highly qualified for the position.
 To save your reader time and to call attention to your
strengths as a candidate, state your objective
directly at the beginning of the letter.

 Example: I am seeking a position as an English

teacher in your school. In this teaching job, I can
use my training and expertise in helping students
become proficient in English.

 If you are "cold calling" a company then you should

specify that you are applying for any current or future
employment opportunities.
The main body of job application letters:

The main body of an application letter should be

two to three paragraphs at the most.

 In one paragraph (two at the most), outline your

qualifications and match them to the requirements
of the position. If they are asking for someone
with good co-ordination skills, then ensure you
mention something to that effect. If it is
communication or perhaps leadership skills they
value, then tell them that you have these. Use
adjectives like "demonstrated ability", "well
developed", "strong“.
This paragraph should direct the reader to your
resume and should sell you on some unique points
that you might have.

 A good way to start this paragraph is with a

statement like this: "You will see from my
enclosed resume...." then go ahead and tell them
something about your career which will
immediately get their interest.

 Show enthusiasm and a desire to help the

company reach its goals. Show the employer what
you can contribute to their bottom line, not what
you want to get out of the deal.
The Closing Paragraph:

In the final paragraph, include a positive statement

or question that will cause the employer to want to
take action. Make this closing paragraph between 2-
4 sentences.

Direct the employer to the enclosed resume and

make your availability known for an interview, You
can include things like "should you require further
information.....“.

 Provide your own contact information (phone

number, e-mail address) and welcome them to get in
touch.
It's very important to finish off by thanking the
employer for their time and consideration. Finish the
letter by adding a closing remark, either “Yours
sincerely"(if you have addressed the letter to a named
person), "Yours faithfully," (if you have used a "Dear
Sir" approach) or "Regards." or whatever you feel
comfortable with and obeying general letter writing
etiquette.

Leave four spaces for your full name and signature.

Before you mail the application letter, read it over
again, making sure that it is perfect. Special attention
should be placed to ensure the job application letter:
*Is not too long. *Answers the job requirements.
*Has no grammar or *Flows and is easy to read.
spelling errors.
3
72 Rizal Street
Binalbagan 6107
3 March 2000

The Manager
Presentations Group of Company
PO Box 782
Showtown 4321

Dear Sir/Madam:

Please accept my application for the position of Sales

Representative as advertised in the Showtown News on
14 February 2010.
I am currently working as a Sales Representative for
Homeway Productions and am keen to obtain a full time
position. I hold a certificate in Sales and am prepared
to undergo further training if necessary. Please find
enclosed my résumé in support of my application.

I am confident my skills and previous work experience

will enable me to perform the duties of the position
well. I am available for an interview at a time
convenient to you and can be contacted by telephone
on (034) 3888 616.

Yours faithfully,

Sarah Geronimo
 What to Consider When Writing Your Resume
Here are some instructions to help you:

1. Consider your previous experience in school and

outside the school. Write down what you were
responsible for in one area.
2. Define your accomplishments. Think about the things
you have done that had a significant impact for the
organization. You might review old undertakings or
your performance appraisals to help you find positive
things you have done. Employers want to know that
you are capable of problem solving.
3. Let your creativity show. Think about your achieve-
ments. These types of things on your resume will send
a strong message to a hiring employer that you have
'the stuff' to make a positive impact.
4. The numbers tell the story. Make sure you include
metrics on your resume. Numbers demonstrate
immediate value. The reader is drawn to that info.
Include budget and revenue numbers, how many
people you oversaw both directly and indirectly.

5. Awards and Honors: Have you been selected for any

achievements? Include that information on the resume
to make you stand out. Promotions due to performance
are important to note as well; that information tells the
reader that you exceeded expectations, resulting in a
position with increased responsibility. You will need
presentation and content is relevant to the opening.
The resume is not a one size fits all garments; tailor it
for your opportunities.
Resume Format

Your Contact Information

First Last Name
Street Address
City, Province, Zip
Phone (Cell/Home)
Email Address

Objective (optional)
What do you want to do? If you include this section it
should be a sentence or two about your employment
goals. A customized objective that describes why you
are the perfect candidate for the job can help your
resume stand out from the competition.
Career Highlights / Qualifications (optional)

A customized section of your resume that lists key

achievements, skills, traits, and experience relevant to
the position for which you are applying can serve dual
purposes. It highlights your relevant experience and lets
the prospective employer know that you have taken the
time to create a resume that shows how you are
qualified for the job.

Experience

This section of your resume includes your work

history. List the companies you worked for, dates of
employment, the positions you held and a bulleted list of
responsibilities and achievements.
Company #1
City, State
Dates Worked
Job Title
Responsibilities / Achievements
Responsibilities / Achievements

Company #2
City, State
Dates Worked
Job Title
Responsibilities / Achievements
Responsibilities / Achievements
Education
In the education section of your resume, list the
schools you attended, the degrees you attained, and
any special awards and honors you earned.
College, Degree
Awards, Honors

Skills
Include skills related to the position / career field that
you are applying for i.e. computer skills, language
skills.
References available upon request

There is no need to include references on your

resume. Rather, have a separate list of references to
give to employers upon request.

Customize Your Resume

In all cases, be sure to personalize and customize

your resume, so, it reflects your skills and abilities
and connects them with the jobs you are applying for.
 Sample Teacher Resume

First Name, Last Name

Street Address
City, Province, Zip
Phone (Cell/Home)
Email Address

TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Teacher
Clifton Park High School, Clifton Park, CA
September 2009 - Present
• Developed and implemented daily and unit lesson
plans for 9th grade, administered tests and
evaluations, and analyzed student performance.
• Conducted group/individual reading, math and
science activities.
• Fostered a classroom environment conducive to
learning and promoting excellent student/teacher
interaction.
• Participated in faculty and parent conferences.

Student Teacher
Jasmine Street School, Saratoga Springs, CA
Spring 2006
• Designed and taught lessons in math, science, social
studies, and reading curricula in 6th grade classroom.
• Created and implemented interdisciplinary literature
study based on international theme.
EDUCATION
Michelin College, Saratoga Springs, CA
May 2006
Bachelor of Science
Sarasota Central High School

VOLUNTEERISM AND LEADERSHIP

Town Elementary School, Philadelphia, CA
January 2006 - Present
Tutored and mentored 2nd and 3rd graders enrolled in
an after-school program.
Teacher
RS Denham Elementary School, Albany, CA
June 2006 - June 2008
• Developed and implemented daily and unit lesson
plans for 3rd grade, administered testing, tracked
and and analyzed class performance.
• Conducted group and one-on-one math, reading and
writing activities.
• Developed excellent rapport with students.
• Fostered a classroom environment conducive to
learning and promoting excellent student
engagement.
• Conducted parent conferences.
 Good luck and God bless.

Thank you for your attention.