Explore Jobs

  • Jobs Near Me
  • Remote Jobs
  • Full Time Jobs
  • Part Time Jobs
  • Entry Level Jobs
  • Work From Home Jobs

Find Specific Jobs

  • $15 Per Hour Jobs
  • $20 Per Hour Jobs
  • Hiring Immediately Jobs
  • High School Jobs
  • H1b Visa Jobs

Explore Careers

  • Business And Financial
  • Architecture And Engineering
  • Computer And Mathematical

Explore Professions

  • What They Do
  • Certifications
  • Demographics

Best Companies

  • Health Care
  • Fortune 500

Explore Companies

  • CEO And Executies
  • Resume Builder
  • Career Advice
  • Explore Majors
  • Questions And Answers
  • Interview Questions

How To Write A Job Application Letter (With Examples)

  • Best Business Salutations
  • Letter of Introduction
  • Close a Business Letter
  • Job Application Letter
  • Business Letter Layout
  • To Whom It May Concern
  • Letter Of Interest
  • Letter Envelope
  • Experience Letter
  • How To Write A Letter

Find a Job You Really Want In

While applying to jobs, you might be asked to provide a job application letter (sometimes referred to as a cover letter) along with your resume. A resume outlines your professional skills and experience, and a job application letter explains why you are an ideal candidate for the position you’re applying to.

You can think of this as a strictly formatted professional letter that gives hiring managers a sense of your individual qualities prior to a job interview.

This article outlines the essential details and formatting for a job application letter. You’ll learn how to write a concise and engaging letter that will increase your chances of being selected for an interview.

Key Takeaways:

A job application letter can also be known as a cover letter. It is a way to introduce how your skills and experience are a good match for the job.

A job application letter should have your contact information, employer contact information, and a salutation,

A job application application letter should have an introductory paragraph, middle paragraphs that explain your qualifications, and a closing paragraph.

Use specific experiences with quantifiable results to show how your skills were successfully put into action.

Make sure to do your research and edit your letter before submitting.

How To Write A Job Application Letter (With Examples)

Tips for writing a job application letter

Job application letter format, what’s the difference between a cover letter and a job application letter, dos and don’ts for writing a job application letter.

  • Sign Up For More Advice and Jobs

If you’ve ever asked for advice on the job application process, you’ve likely heard the phrase “sell yourself” a million times over. This means that you should highlight your skills and achievements in a way that will pique a hiring manager ’s interest and make them pause over your application.

You might feel overwhelmed in the grand scheme of online applications, application/ cover letters , letters of intent , and interviews. It’s a lot to balance, especially if you have no experience with any of the things listed.

Remember to take everything one step at a time and review some helpful tips for writing a polished and engaging job application letter:

Tailor the application letter to each job. Your letter should address key points in the job description from the listing, as well as how you can apply your knowledge and experience to the position. You want to emphasize why you are the best candidate for this specific job.

Don’t copy information straight from your resume. Your resume is meant to act as a formal record of your professional experience, education, and accomplishments. The job application letter is where you highlight a few particular details from your resume, and use them to demonstrate how your experience can apply to the job.

Follow the business letter format. These letters have very strict formatting rules, to ensure that they appear as professional to hiring managers. A poorly formatted letter could prevent employers from taking your application seriously.

Proofread. Hiring managers will definitely overlook letters riddled with proofreading mistakes. Read your letter several times over to fix any grammar, punctuation, or spelling errors. You could ask someone else to look over it afterwards or run it through any number of online grammar check programs.

Decide on printing and mailing your letter or sending it in an email. An application letter sent through email requires a subject line that details your purpose for writing— consider “[job title], [your name].” The placement of your contact information is also different depending on the medium . In a hard copy, this goes at the top of your letter, as a header. In an email, it goes below your signature.

The following formatting information can be used as a guideline while drafting your own job application letter, with an example for both a printed/mailed letter and a letter sent through email.

Your contact information

Name Address City, State Zip Code Phone Number Email Address

Employer contact information

First paragraph

Middle paragraphs

This section should be about one to three paragraphs, discussing your various qualifications for the job. This is where you really emphasize what you could bring to the company and how you might fit into the work environment. It might be necessary to do some additional research about the company, to lend more specificity to your letter.

Final paragraph

Ending a cover letter might be a challenge, as you try to wrap up all the details about why you’re the most well-qualified employee on the planet. Let that confidence carry over into your concluding paragraph.

Sincerely/Best,

Job application letter example – printed and mailed

Robin Gomez 37 Southwest Avenue Gainesville, FL 12345 365-123-4567 [email protected] October 20, 2020 Ms. Martha Waters Hiring Manager Blue Swamp Publishing 27 Archer Street Gainesville, FL 67890 Dear Ms. Waters, My resume is attached in response to your advertisement for an editorial assistant . The job description aligns with my interest in editing short fiction, and I believe my experience and skills match what you’re looking for. This past year, I interned with the Editing, Design and Production department at Gator University Press. Over the course of two semesters, I interacted with academic texts at various stages before publication. I’m comfortable proofreading and copyediting manuscripts, as well as adding typesetting codes in Microsoft Word. I have also previously worked on the staff of Writers Student Literary Magazine in Jacksonville, FL , as the Fiction and Website Editor, as well as the head of the Proofreading Team. I played a significant role in the publication of six issues of the magazine, across a two year period (including print and online editions). My qualifications beyond this include experience in team-oriented settings and proficiency in creative and academic writing. I would love the opportunity to speak with you about how I can further contribute to Blue Swamp Publishing! Please feel free to contact me on my cell at 365-123-4567 if you have questions or to set up an interview. Sincerely, Robin Gomez

Job application letter example – emailed

Subject Line: Victoria Caruso – Public Relations Assistant Dear Ms. Janet Wang, I was excited when my colleague Rachel Smith told me that you were looking for a public relations assistant with a background in graphic design. She suggested that I reach out to you about the position, since I believe that my experience aligns well with what you are seeking at Trademark Agency. I worked alongside Rachel as a brand ambassador at a small graphic design company for three years, where I excelled in project management, strategy development, and client communication. This past spring, I played a significant role in designing the website for an up-and-coming multicultural women’s organization and publicizing their first few public events. Along with my experience and personal qualities, I prioritize: Expanding company recognition and designing unique brand details Managing media, press, and public relations issues for companies Developing company communication strategies Please see my attached resume for additional details about my career achievements. I hope to learn more about Trademark Agency’s goals for the coming year. You can contact me on my cell at 319-333-3333 or via email at [email protected]. Sincerely, Victoria Caruso 15th Avenue N Iowa City, Iowa 52240 319-333-3333 [email protected]

A cover letter normally is attached with a resume for a specific job opening, whereas a job application letter can be submitted independently. As already stated, a job application letter can also be known as a cover letter. Format wise, there are a lot of similarities.

However, a job application letter can also be more detailed than a cover a letter. Usually a cover letter acts a quick introduction to a resume when a candidate applies for a specific job opening.

Meanwhile, you can submit a job application letter to a company even if there are no job openings. In this case, you would provide more detail about yourself and your qualifications. Due to this, job application letters tend to be a little longer than the average cover letter.

Now that we’ve gone through the basic formatting for a job application letter and a few examples of what one might look like, how can we condense all that information into digestible pieces?

Refer to these lists of “dos” and “don’ts” to help you through your drafting process:

Explain what you can bring to the company. Consider: how is your experience relevant to what the hiring manager is looking for?

Discuss your skills. Pick out a few skills listed in your resume and describe how you have utilized them in the workplace.

Give specific examples to support your experience. Is there a major project you worked on at your last job ? Did you accomplish something significant in your previous position? Including examples of these things in your letter will add new, specific content to your application and make you more interesting.

Edit your letter thoroughly. Read your letter a couple times, pass it off to someone to look over, run it through an online grammar check. Make sure it’s free of any errors.

Don’t focus on what the job can do for you. While it might seem nice to write that a job is your dream job or that you’ve always wanted to work with a company, it can read as vague flattery. Remember, this letter is about your qualifications.

Don’t list your current or previous job description. Your education and work experience certainly have value, but don’t just list your degrees and places you’ve worked at. Explained what you learned from those experiences and how they’ve made you a strong employee.

Don’t paste directly from your resume. A job application letter is meant to add to your value as a candidate, not just reiterate the same information repeatedly. Use your resume as a guide , but expand on especially relevant details.

Don’t submit an unedited letter. Before an employer ever meets you, they see your application and your job application letter. You don’t want grammar errors and misspelled words to make a bad first impression, so make sure to edit your draft multiple times.

Armed with these tips, guidelines, and examples, you’ll be able to draft your job application letter more confidently and send them off to potential employers knowing that you’re one step closer to employment.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating / 5. Vote count:

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

' src=

Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.

Recent Job Searches

  • Registered Nurse Jobs Resume Location
  • Truck Driver Jobs Resume Location
  • Call Center Representative Jobs Resume Location
  • Customer Service Representative Jobs Resume
  • Delivery Driver Jobs Resume Location
  • Warehouse Worker Jobs Resume Location
  • Account Executive Jobs Resume Location
  • Sales Associate Jobs Resume Location
  • Licensed Practical Nurse Jobs Resume Location
  • Company Driver Jobs Resume

Related posts

application letter for job purpose

10 Tips To Get A Job Fast

application letter for job purpose

Business Letter Layout (With Examples)

application letter for job purpose

How To Get A Job You’re Not Qualified For In 5 Easy Steps

Why Some Jobs Are Internal Applicants Only

Why Some Jobs Are Internal Applicants Only

  • Career Advice >
  • Apply For Jobs >
  • Search Search Please fill out this field.
  • Career Planning
  • Finding a Job
  • Cover Letters

Job Application Letter Format and Writing Tips

application letter for job purpose

  • Tips for Writing an Application Letter

Job Application Letter Format

Job application letter template, job application letter example.

  • Job Application Email Example

A job application letter (also known as a cover letter) is a letter you send with your resume to provide information on your skills and experience. This letter is your chance to “sell” yourself to an employer, explaining why you are an ideal candidate for a position.

When you write your job application letter, it’s essential to pay close attention to formatting . There’s a right way to format a cover letter; deviate from the standard guidelines and hiring managers may drop you from consideration.

In fact, anything that makes your job application letter appear less than professional can prevent hiring managers from taking you seriously as a candidate. Make sure your cover letter is formatted properly and is free from errors before you send. 

Tips for Writing a Job Application Letter

Do not copy your resume. A cover letter is a sales pitch. The purpose of this letter is to convince the hiring manager that you’re a strong candidate and to highlight your relevant experience and abilities. Your application letter should show how exactly your background makes you a good fit for a particular position. In contrast, your resume is a general record of your experience, education, and accomplishments.

Tailor each application letter to the job. As mentioned above, emphasize in your letter why you are an ideal candidate for the specific job. This requires that you personalize each letter to fit the company and position. Match your qualifications to the job posting by highlighting the skills, experience, and requirements listed in the description.

Be professional. Application letters have a fairly rigid format—as hiring managers read your letter, they will expect to see certain information included in set areas. You have freedom within the structure to be personable, but it is important to stick to a certain level of formality. Pay particular attention to the professionalism of your salutation . You wouldn't, for instance, want to refer to the letter's recipient by their first name unless specifically requested.

Carefully proofread. Employers are likely to overlook an application with a lot of errors. Therefore, read through your cover letter, and even consider asking a friend or career counselor to read the letter. Proofread for grammar and spelling errors. Be particularly mindful to spell the letter recipient's name correctly, as well as the company name.

Follow business letter format. Use business letter format when writing your letter. If you’re sending a typed hard-copy letter, be sure to lead with a paragraph containing your address, followed by the date, followed by the address of the recipient. If you’re sending an email, you can omit the address and date sections.  

Decide whether to send a hard copy or email. The main difference in formatting an email application letter is that you need to include a subject line that clearly lays out your purpose for writing, e.g. “Graphic Designer—Joe Smith.” And, instead of placing your contact information at the top of the letter, as you would in a hard copy, you'll include it below your signature.

Since your application letter will be accompanied by your resume, make sure the letter does not duplicate your resume exactly.

Use this formatting information as a guideline when writing your customized application letters , so you know what information goes where.  

Contact Information Name Address City, State Zip Code Phone Number Email Address

Employer Contact Information (if you have it) Name Title Company Address City, State Zip Code

Salutation Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name, (leave out if you don't have a contact)

Body of Application Letter The body of your application letter lets the employer know what position you are applying for, why the employer should select you for an interview, and how you will follow up. See below for a paragraph-by-paragraph breakdown of the body of the letter.

First Paragraph The  first paragraph  of your letter should include information on why you are writing. Mention the job you are applying for and where you found the job listing. Include the name of a mutual contact, if you have one. You might conclude by briefly and concisely saying why you think you are an ideal candidate for the job.

Middle Paragraph(s) The next section of your application letter should describe what you have to offer the employer.

It can be a single paragraph, or you can break it up into a couple of paragraphs. If the section gets lengthy, you may use bullet points to break up the text. Remember, you are interpreting your resume, not repeating it.

Mention specifically how  your qualifications match the job  you are applying for. In this portion of the letter, make your case for your candidacy.

It can be helpful to spend some time researching the company —this knowledge and insight helps you make an informed and persuasive argument for your candidacy.

Use specific examples whenever possible. For example, if you say that you have lots of experience working successfully on team projects, provide an example of a time you worked in a group and achieved success.

Final Paragraph Conclude your application letter by thanking the employer for considering you for the position. Include information on how you will follow up.

Complimentary Close (examples)

Signature (for a hard copy letter)

Typed Signature

Download the job application letter template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online) or see below for more examples.

Melissa Brown 11 South Street Harbor View, Maine 04005 555-555-5555 melissa.brown@email.com

July 14, 2021

Jason Rivera Human Resources Director Avery Solutions, Inc. 700 Commerce Way Harbor View, Maine 04005

Dear Mr. Rivera,

I was excited when my former colleague, Stephanie Taylor, told me that you were hiring for a Human Resources Specialist at Avery Solutions.

Stephanie has told me how important teamwork is to your group at Avery, and how much you need an HR Specialist who can fit in with the department and hit the ground running on day one. I believe that I am the ideal candidate for your team.

In my current job at Smith Group, I created and run our onboarding program, including organizing background checks and new hire orientation. I also have extensive experience in:

  • Data reporting/data entry on HRIS software
  • Recruiting and hiring processes, including creating job descriptions and postings, screening resumes, and scheduling interviews
  • Producing company events, such as the annual company-wide picnic (100+ employees from across the country)

I’d love to speak with you about my qualifications and what I can do for your team. I’ve attached my resume for your consideration. Please don’t hesitate to contact me on my cell at 555-555-5555 with questions or to arrange an interview.

Best regards,

Signature (hard copy letter)

Melissa Brown

Job Application Email Example 

Subject Line: George Woo – Editorial Assistant

Dear Ms. Cortez,

I was excited when Ada Wilson told me that you were looking for an editorial assistant with a background in rights and research and a passion for digital media. She suggested that I throw my hat in the ring, and I’d love the opportunity to tell you more about what I can offer your team.

I’ve interned for Ada’s team for the past three summers, developing extensive experience with the rights and research process. Last year, I was instrumental in securing the rights to include Sara Frey’s poems in our digital anthology – a first for an online publisher, according to Ms. Frey’s estate.

I also have:

  • Expertise with most popular content management systems, including WordPress
  • Analytics knowledge, including expert-level facility with Google Analytics
  • A strong work ethic and commitment to meeting deadlines

I hope you’ll reach out at your convenience to tell me more about your team’s goals and needs for the coming year. You can reach me on my cell at 555-123-4567 or via email at George.Woo@email.com.

How to Get Your Application Noticed

Don’t copy your resume: Your job application letter is a sales pitch. Don’t regurgitate your resume; instead, use this document to sell the hiring manager on your skills.

Tailor your application letter to the job: Match your skills and qualifications to the job description, highlighting those that make you an ideal candidate.

Be professional: Use business letter format and be sure to proofread your letter before you send.

CareerOneStop. " How Do I Write a Cover Letter ?" Accessed July 14, 2021.

CareerOneStop. " Write Effective Cover Letters ." Accessed July 14, 2021.

Purdue University. " Writing the Basic Business Letter ." Accessed July 14, 2021.

  • PRO Courses Guides New Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade Sign In
  • EDIT Edit this Article
  • EXPLORE Tech Help Pro About Us Random Article Quizzes Request a New Article Community Dashboard This Or That Game Popular Categories Arts and Entertainment Artwork Books Movies Computers and Electronics Computers Phone Skills Technology Hacks Health Men's Health Mental Health Women's Health Relationships Dating Love Relationship Issues Hobbies and Crafts Crafts Drawing Games Education & Communication Communication Skills Personal Development Studying Personal Care and Style Fashion Hair Care Personal Hygiene Youth Personal Care School Stuff Dating All Categories Arts and Entertainment Finance and Business Home and Garden Relationship Quizzes Cars & Other Vehicles Food and Entertaining Personal Care and Style Sports and Fitness Computers and Electronics Health Pets and Animals Travel Education & Communication Hobbies and Crafts Philosophy and Religion Work World Family Life Holidays and Traditions Relationships Youth
  • RANDOM QUIZ
  • Browse Articles
  • Learn Something New
  • Quizzes Hot
  • This Or That Game New
  • Train Your Brain
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
  • Job Application Documents
  • Cover Letters

How to Write an Application Letter

Last Updated: June 29, 2023 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Alexander Ruiz, M.Ed. . Alexander Ruiz is an Educational Consultant and the Educational Director of Link Educational Institute, a tutoring business based in Claremont, California that provides customizable educational plans, subject and test prep tutoring, and college application consulting. With over a decade and a half of experience in the education industry, Alexander coaches students to increase their self-awareness and emotional intelligence while achieving skills and the goal of achieving skills and higher education. He holds a BA in Psychology from Florida International University and an MA in Education from Georgia Southern University. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 165,121 times.

Application letters are typically written to accompany school or job applications. The purpose of the letter is to introduce yourself to the decision committee, and to outline your qualifications in a specific way. It can be the only time other than an interview that you have a chance to really stand out in an application, so it's important to get it right. You can learn what to include in your letter, how to style it, and how to format it to give yourself the best chance.

Application Letter Templates

application letter for job purpose

Writing a Job Application

Step 1 Say why you're writing and what you're applying for in the first sentences.

  • A good example would be: "I'm writing to apply for the Chimney Sweep position advertised in Rolling Stone. I think my experience in the heating industry makes me uniquely qualified for this position. Please find my application materials and a brief description of my qualifications below."
  • Don't write your name until the signature. It'll be in the header and in the sign-off, so there's no reason to put it in the body of the letter itself.

Step 2 Explain why you are the best candidate.

  • Be specific. Who are you? Where do you come from? What's your story? These details are important. HR screeners read hundreds of these.
  • Describe your ambitions. Where do you want to go? How will this opportunity help you get there?
  • What skills and experiences make you the right fit? Be as specific as possible and avoid vague language. It's better to describe a time you solved a specific problem at your last job than to just write, "I'm a good problem solver at work."

Step 3 Keep the tone professional.

  • Tailor it to the business. If you're applying to work at a record store, you need to talk about music. If you're applying to work at a tech company that writes, "Tell us something totally rad about yourself!" it's probably ok to be a little more informal.

Step 4 Explain how both parties will benefit from your selection.

  • Don't over-promise. Telling someone that you can guarantee that you'll be able to turn around their sales figures in six months or less is a good way to get fired in six months.

Step 5 Do some research.

  • Any kind of job requires this type of research. If you apply to a restaurant, you need to be familiar with the menu and the kind of customers the restaurant attracts. Consider eating there a few times before you apply.
  • Don't show you're familiar by criticizing a business and telling them what you can do better. Not the time to offer a harsh criticism of a business plan that you don't really know anything about.

Writing a School Application

Step 1 Address the prompt.

  • Common prompts include things like, "Outline your qualifications for this position" or "In writing, explain how this position would affect your career goals." Sometimes, the prompt will be as short as, "Tell us something interesting about yourself."
  • If there is no prompt, but you still feel the need to introduce your application with a letter, it's usually best to keep it as short as possible. Explain what you're applying for, why you're applying, and thank the contact for their consideration. That's it.

Step 2 Tell your story.

  • Often, college prompts will ask you to describe a time you struggled, or a time you overcame some obstacle. Write about something unique, a time that you actually failed and dealt with the consequences.
  • The board will get thousands–literally, thousands–of letters about someone's first mission trip, and letters about the time someone's sports team was beaten, then overcame the odds, and won again. Avoid these topics.

Step 3 Write about your future.

  • Be specific. If you're writing to a college board, don't say, "I want to go to this college because I need a degree." That's obvious. What do you want to do with it? Why? If you're applying to a business, don't say, "I just need a job." That's obvious. Why this specific job?

Step 4 Don't include stuff that's also on your resume.

  • If you're applying to schools, what do you like about the school? What faculty are you interested in? Why this school, instead of another?

Formatting Application Letters

Step 1 Keep it short.

  • If you don't get a word-count guideline, just focus on making one or two good points about yourself, and keeping it at that. No need to drone on four several pages.

Step 2 Only address the letter if you have someone to address it to.

  • Instead of a salutation, write, "Letter of Application" at the top left corner of the page, or put it in the header on the left side at the top.
  • If you do have a contact, address it to them, making sure the name is spelled correctly. Then space down and start the body of the letter. [10] X Research source

Step 3 Use a standard font.

  • Sometimes, it's appropriate to type your name, then print out the letter and sign it in pen. That can be a nice touch.

Step 5 Put your contact information in the header.

  • Mailing address
  • Telephone and/or fax number

Expert Q&A

Alexander Ruiz, M.Ed.

  • Remember to be formal at all times. Do not use abbreviations anywhere. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1

application letter for job purpose

You Might Also Like

Write a Letter

  • ↑ https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/how-to-write-an-application-letter
  • ↑ https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/subject_specific_writing/professional_technical_writing/tone_in_business_writing.html
  • ↑ Alexander Ruiz, M.Ed.. Educational Consultant. Expert Interview. 18 June 2020.
  • ↑ https://advice.writing.utoronto.ca/types-of-writing/admission-letters/
  • ↑ https://wts.indiana.edu/writing-guides/personal-statements-and-application-letters.html
  • ↑ https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/job_search_writing/job_search_letters/cover_letters_1_quick_tips/quick_formatting_tips.html
  • ↑ https://writing.wisc.edu/handbook/assignments/coverletters/

About This Article

Alexander Ruiz, M.Ed.

To format an application letter, start by including your name and contact details in the document header. When choosing a greeting, only use one if you know the person's name your writing to. Otherwise, give the document a title, like "Letter of application" at the top of the page. For the body of the letter, aim to write no more than 1 page of single-spaced paragraphs using a standard font. Finally, conclude your letter with a formal greeting like "Sincerely yours." For tips on how to write a job application letter, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

  • Send fan mail to authors

Did this article help you?

application letter for job purpose

Featured Articles

Make Your School More Period Friendly

Trending Articles

8 Reasons Why Life Sucks & 15 Ways to Deal With It

Watch Articles

Fold Boxer Briefs

  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info

wikiHow Tech Help Pro:

Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve

  • Get the Job
  • Resumes and CVs
  • Applications
  • Cover Letters
  • Professional References

Professional Licenses and Exams

  • Get a Promotion
  • Negotiation
  • Professional Ethics
  • Professionalism
  • Dealing with Coworkers
  • Dealing with Bosses

Communication Skills

Managing the office, disabilities, harassment and discrimination, unemployment.

  • Career Paths
  • Compare Careers
  • Switching Careers
  • Training and Certifications
  • Start a Company
  • Internships and Apprenticeships
  • Entry Level Jobs
  • College Degrees

Growth Trends for Related Jobs

Purpose of a job application.

careertrend article image

Well-crafted job applications effectively match job seekers with employers eager to fill jobs with carefully screened, highly qualified people. Gone are the days when mailing an attractive resume and cover letter will suffice. Most job applications are submitted online and screened by computers for keywords before a human being ever takes a look. Insider information can help you understand the purpose of a job application and come out on top.

Main Purpose of a Job Application

The importance of a job application cannot be overstated. For most employers, the main purpose of the application is to obtain verifiable information about job seekers, such as their contact information, eligibility to work in the U.S., degrees, licenses, skills, qualifications, employment history and a list of references. A job application acts as a fair and consistent screening tool to narrow down the applicant pool to a few qualified finalists who may be invited to interview. Completing lengthy job applications and uploading supporting documents, like a cover letter and resume, may feel tedious, but thoroughly answering all the questions presents an opportunity to explain why you’re the perfect candidate.

Secondary Purpose of a Job Application

Employers look for red flags on job applications that may warrant further scrutiny. For example, _gaps in employmen_t may be perfectly understandable or an indicator of a person who can’t hold down a job. _Discrepancie_s between what is written on the job application and what is claimed on an uploaded cover letter or resume can also set off alarms, such as inflated titles or job duties. For instance, employers might sigh and roll their eyes if your cover letter states you are an experienced public relations expert when your job application only lists employment as a hostess and bartender.

Job Application Minefields

Another purpose of a job application is to ensure that all qualified applicants are given fair consideration . According to the SHRM organization, job applications must not contain discriminatory questions that run afoul of federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission regulations or state anti-discrimination laws. Hiring decisions cannot be based on marital status, sexual orientation, religion, race, ethnicity, medical conditions or disabilities, for instance.

Job applications that include discriminatory questions can get an employer in legal hot water. You may wish to leave personal questions blank if an employer inquires without a legitimate business reason. For instance, an employer can ask for documentation of military service for affirmative hiring purposes. However, it would be illegal to ask a returning military veteran about any problems with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) if other applicants seeking that job category are not asked about PTSD.

Understanding Types of Job Applications

Job applications can range from a one-page form you fill out at a store to an in-depth online application that tests your career aptitude and reasons for applying to that company. Applying for temporary, seasonal positions is typically faster and easier than applications for full-time staff roles. Certain types of job applications require a background check , especially jobs working with children. The job application may also ask how you would handle provided hypothetical situations as a way of assessing boundaries, judgment and problem-solving abilities.

Evaluation of Applicant’s Work Ethic

Another purpose of a job application is to assess the candidate's work ethic and conscientiousness . Employers expect serious job seekers to read each question and answer thoroughly instead of racing through the form. Top-notch applicants fix spelling and grammar errors before hitting the submit button. Obvious mistakes that should have been caught can trigger automatic rejection.

Importance of Job Application Accuracy

Although it may be tempting to skip over questions or guess at dates, GPA and past salary data, such errors and omissions can cost you a job before or after you get hired. Falsifying a job application is even more serious. Employers request official academic transcripts and may contact past employers to verify information on the job application. You will likely be required to sign a statement at the end of the application attesting that all the information provided is accurate.

Using Keywords on Job Applications

The purpose of the job application is to objectively identify qualified applicants. Keywords embedded in job ads give clues to the education, skills and experience required or preferred. Because of the sheer volume of applications received, large corporations, educational institutions and government agencies use software to identify qualified applicants via keyword identification in job applications.

Examples of keywords:

  • Outside sales experience
  • Social media management
  • Exceptional communication skills
  • Associate degree in business
  • Two years of graphic design
  • Willing to relocate

Applications that do not contain keywords mentioned in the job posting are often taken out of the running by tracking and screening software. For that reason, pick out the keywords in the job ad and repeat those keywords verbatim in your job application, if they apply to you. In other words, specifically state that you have the required First Aid and CPR certification mentioned in the ad, instead of simply noting that you passed Red Cross training.

Tackling Supplemental Questions

Another way of weeding out applicants is the use of supplemental essay questions on job applications. For instance, a supplemental question on a job application may ask you to describe your leadership style or commitment to diversity . You can make a favorable impression by relating your answers back to the goals, values and mission of the organization. Use these questions to your advantage by articulating what you could contribute as a team member.

Reasons for Pre-Employment Screening

In addition to the actual job application, you may be asked or required to fill out separate forms prior to hire. Additional forms are part of the pre-employment screening process. Some types of job applications require applicants to pass a drug test , undergo a criminal background check or consent to a credit check . Pre-employment screening is common for jobs in transportation, public safety, banking and working with vulnerable populations.

Filling Out Job Applications

Most applications are submitted online, which starts with creating an account by entering your email, then selecting a password that you can remember. The advantage of online applications is that you can often apply to more than one position within the organization and check on the status of your application in the hiring process.

Save time by keeping a generic sample job application handy that lists the beginning and ending dates of jobs held, for example. Most in-progress applications allow you to save your responses and return later if you need to look through all your files and pay stubs for details such as the starting and ending salary of previous positions. Save time by keeping a completed application for employment example handy that contains details on positions held over the last 10 years.

Application for Employment Example

Personal Data:

  • Phone Number

Type of Job Desired:

  • Full-time or Part-time
  • Days and Hours of Availability

Education and Training:

  • Degrees/Majors and Schools Attended
  • Licenses or Certifications

Employment History:

  • Previous employers, employer addresses and contact information for supervisor; specify starting and ending dates; salary; reason for leaving.
  • List of job titles and duties performed.

References:

  • Name, address and contact information of individuals who have agreed to serve as a reference.
  • Specify whether the reference is personal or professional.

Statement of Certification:

  • Read and sign the following statement:
  • "I attest that that all information on this application is correct to the best of my knowledge. I understand that false statements can result in a rejection of my application or job termination if discovered after hire."

Related Articles

Purpose of an application form for a job →.

careertrend related article image

How to Get Hired by Exxon Mobil →

careertrend related article image

What to Put on a Job Application if You're Forced to Resign →

careertrend related article image

What Can You Say on Your Application for When a Business Closed Down? →

careertrend related article image

The Best Resumes for People Over 50 →

careertrend related article image

What Do You Put on a Resume if You Are Laid Off? →

careertrend related article image

  • CareerOneStop: Are You Ready to Apply for a Job?
  • Loma Linda University Health: Tips to Improve Your Application
  • Minnesota State: Make Resume Keywords Work for You
  • SHRM: Top 10 Mistakes Employers Make in Job Applications
  • U.S. EEOC Commission: Depression, PTSD, & Other Mental Health Conditions in the Workplace

Dr. Mary Dowd brings decades of hands-on experience to her writing endeavors. Along with general knowledge of human resources, she has specialized training in affirmative action, investigations and equal opportunity. While working as a dean of students, she advised college students on emerging career trends and job seeking strategies. As director of equal opportunity, she led efforts to diversify the workforce and the student body.

noipornpan/iStock/GettyImages

  • Job Descriptions
  • Law Enforcement Job Descriptions
  • Administrative Job Descriptions
  • Healthcare Job Descriptions
  • Sales Job Descriptions
  • Fashion Job Descriptions
  • Education Job Descriptions
  • Salary Insights
  • Journalism Salaries
  • Healthcare Salaries
  • Military Salaries
  • Engineering Salaries
  • Teaching Salaries
  • Accessibility
  • Privacy Notice
  • Cookie Notice
  • Copyright Policy
  • Contact Us
  • Find a Job
  • Manage Preferences
  • California Notice of Collection
  • Terms of Use

Geeks Help | A Educational Portal for Computer Science Students

  • Web Development
  • Free Registration

What is Job Application Letter, Purpose, How to Write, etc.

application letter for job purpose

What is Job Application

A Job Application is also known as Cover Letter or an application letter. It helps job manager to provide your details for which you are applying. And also it gives the reason to the job manger why you are good person for the job and they hire you. And overall a good letter takes a good impression on the job manager.

Purpose of Job Application

i) Main purpose of job application or job letter is to grab the reliable information about job seeker.

ii) A job application provides additional information about your skills, experience, and expertise.

iii) It is used to provide the information, why or how a job seeker is eligible for the job.

How to Write a Job Application or Letter

Writing a good job letter it express your interest for a position in the company.  As we mentioned that include your skills, experience, expertise, etc. which describe that for which position you are eligible to hire in the company.

Some of the important topic which you should include in your application letter:

Read Job Details

Firstly read all the details about the Job, Company, Location, Position, etc. Which gives you clear idea that what about the company and location or for which position they are hiring an employee.

Use Good Heading

While writing a job application use good and clear headings which took a good impression on the job manager and will provide the clear idea about your skills and experience.

Express Your Interest

In job letter a job seeker keep in mind that in which filed jave interest and explain it in job letter which helps job manager to easily find in which position they can hire.

Describe Eligibility & Projects

While writing a job application a job seeker keep in mind that he/she is eligible for apply in the company for a specific position.

Or if include projects is makes easy for the job manager that you are the person who is eligible for the specific position in the company and created some real-world projects related to your filed.

Search About Company & Hiring Manager

Ending with thank you.

And finally at the end of the application letter "Thank You" the hiring manager about giving the time to read you application/letter.

And express you appreciation in a polite tone that "I will waiting for your answer" or something like that.

Main Target of Job Application

i) Main target of job application of letter is to impress the job manager to get hire you for their company.

ii) It is write to take a good impression on job manager.

iii) Everyone wants the job in their first attempt, So, main target is to grab the job.

Tips for writing Job Application

Hey, there here we are providing some tips to write a good or impressive Job Application. We hope if you follow these tips you can easily improve the chance to get the job.

i) Make it Easy and Impression

The font size or font-family should be match your resume or cover letter's font-size or font-family it make your application letter  relevant.

ii) Don't use Multi-Page

Keep in mind that the job managers don't have much time to read multiple page for the single job seeker. So keep your Job Application or Job Letter in single page.

iii) Highlight you Skills

You must have to include your skills in your job application and Highlight them because it makes easy for the job manager that for which position or in which field you are master or more skilled.

iv) Use Bullets and Numbers

Using bullets and numbers you can make your job letter more attractive. Because if we write any topic in bullets it is easy to read and understand other-than a massive paragraph.

v) Use Easy words and Sentences

Use easy words and sentences while writing a Job Application or Job Letter because using easy words it makes is to understand your Job Letter for the job manager.

Format of Job Application

Sender's Address :

Date : 

Receiver Address : 

Subject : 

In this first paragraph write about the job where from you get the information and describe your interest or working role.

In second paragraph describe about your qualification which match to the job requirement.

And in this paragraph describe about your skills, experience, expertise, etc. If you have created any real life project describe about it. 

Or if you have any other specific information about your job which you want to include and which is related to the job include it.

Job Application Notes PDF ( Download Now )

Geeks Help

Post a Comment

Top post ad, below post ad, ads section, popular articles, computer fundamentals notes for bca 1st sem pdf download[part-1/4], computer fundamentals notes for bca 1st sem pdf 2022-23 download [part-4/4], responsive navbar using html and css, how to create a user profile card using html css and javascript with source code, frontend developer roadmap with resources 2024 [ updated ], computer fundamentals notes for bca 1st sem pdf download [part 3/4], random numbers in modeling and simulation, 10 popular programming languages in september 2021, computer fundamentals notes for bca 1st sem pdf download [part-2/4], characteristics of information, need & more, social plugin, quick links.

  • artificial-intelligence 1
  • backend-development 1
  • bootstrap 1
  • c programming 1
  • cheatsheet 3
  • communication-skills 12
  • complete-web-development-course-free 22
  • computer network 1
  • computer-fundamentals 24
  • css-master-series 28
  • css-tutorials 7
  • discussion 47
  • Fundamental 18
  • html-css-javascript-projects 3
  • html-css-projects 92
  • html-quiz 5
  • html-simplified 18
  • html-tutorials 15
  • information 1
  • interview-questions-answers 8
  • javascript 31
  • modeling-and-simulation 10
  • optimization 3
  • programming 2
  • projects 98
  • software-engineering 1
  • web-developmet 1
  • artificial-intelligence
  • backend-development
  • c programming
  • communication-skills
  • complete-web-development-course-free
  • computer network
  • computer-fundamentals
  • css-master-series
  • css-tutorials
  • Fundamental
  • html-css-javascript-projects
  • html-css-projects
  • html-simplified
  • html-tutorials
  • information
  • interview-questions-answers
  • modeling-and-simulation
  • optimization
  • programming
  • software-engineering
  • web-developmet

Geeks Help | A Educational Portal for Computer Science Students

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Jobs and Internships

Footer Copyright

Contact form.

COMMENTS

  1. How To Write an Application Letter (With Template and Example)

    Follow these steps to compose a compelling application letter: 1. Research the company and job opening. Thoroughly research the company you're applying to and the specifications of the open position. The more you know about the job, the better you can customize your application letter. Look for details like:

  2. How To Write a Job Application Letter (With Examples)

    Heading: A letter of application should begin with both your and the employer's contact information (name, address, phone number, email) followed by the date. If this is an email rather than an actual letter, include your contact information at the end of the letter, after your signature. Header Examples.

  3. How To Write A Job Application Letter (With Examples)

    An application letter sent through email requires a subject line that details your purpose for writing— consider " [job title], [your name].". The placement of your contact information is also different depending on the medium. In a hard copy, this goes at the top of your letter, as a header.

  4. How to Write a Letter of Application (Example & Tips)

    No hard numbers. "I worked in a team and provided customer service to elderly residents". 5. Choose engaging words for your application letter. Your letter of application's length should be 250 to 400 words or 3 to 4 paragraphs — long enough to get your point across but short enough that the reader won't lose interest.

  5. Job Application Letter: Examples, What to Include & Writing Tips

    It means that you need to provide the following information: Your personal info (name, email, phone number/LinkedIn) Date written. The recipient's info (name, job title, email, company address) Example of an application letter header: Kaylee Tran. 9215 Fremontia Ave, Fontana, CA 92335.

  6. How to Write an Effective Application Letter [with Example & Tips]

    Choose an appropriate font for your application letter, like Calibri or Helvetica. Set the font size between 10 and 12 pt. Adjust margins to at least 1 inch on all sides. Use 1.0 or 1.15 line spacing and insert an additional line between paragraphs. Align text to the left or use justified alignment.

  7. Job Application Letter Examples for 9 Jobs and Formats

    2. Date: Write the date you're writing the letter underneath your header (right-aligned) — for example, '14 October 2021' or '14/10/2021'. 3. Employer's name and contact details: If you know the employer's name, state it in this section, including the company's name and address.

  8. Job Application Letter Format and Writing Tips

    See below for a paragraph-by-paragraph breakdown of the body of the letter. First Paragraph. The first paragraph of your letter should include information on why you are writing. Mention the job you are applying for and where you found the job listing. Include the name of a mutual contact, if you have one.

  9. How to Write a Job Application Letter (+ Samples)

    Date: As with any official letter, include the date of your letter a few lines below the address. Subject line: The subject of your email should make the manager want to read more and not automatically press the 'delete' button. It could be something like: 'Social Media Expert with over 5 Years of Experience'.

  10. PDF Writing Job Application Letters

    Writing Job Application Letters The purpose of a job application or résumé cover letter is to improve your chances of being called for an interview, by convincing the reader that you would be the best person for the job. If your letter is poorly written, the reader will not likely take the time to look at your résumé.

  11. The Purpose of a Cover Letter

    The primary purpose of a cover letter is to motivate the hiring agent to consider your job application by reading your resume and any other supporting documents. There are several advantages in writing a cover letter, such as: It can generate a positive impression on the hiring manager. A properly structured and well-written cover letter can ...

  12. Letter of Application: Job Example, Format & How-To Guide

    Format of an Application Letter. Create enough spacing: 1-1.15 between lines, 1-inch margins, double space between paragraphs. Choose the font: Garamond, Helvetica, or Arial in 11-12 points in a font size. Align the content to the left. Pick the file format: PDF, unless the recruiter requested a Word file specifically.

  13. How to Write a Job Application Letter? (30 Best Examples)

    Purpose of the letter. A job application letter covers every detail of your professional qualifications, including years of experience and expert skills. It conveys your capacity to the potential employer and convinces the employer to interview and employ you. This is quite different from a cover letter, which only defines your qualifications ...

  14. 4 Ways to Write an Application Letter

    Avoid childish looking or gimmicky fonts, like Comic Sans when you're applying for jobs and school applications. 4. Use a formal closing. When you get to the end of your letter, add a space, then include a closing, like "Sincerely" and sign your name.

  15. What Is the Purpose of a Cover Letter?

    The main purpose of a cover letter is to fill in the gaps in your resume, and give hiring managers a deeper insight into your professional background. The best cover letters act as an effective marketing tool, and the product being marketed is you. According to a recent Resume Genius survey, 68% of hiring managers view cover letters as ...

  16. 24 Job Application Letter Samples and Templates

    Purpose of the Job Application Letter. This letter serves the following major purposes: Respond to a call for application. Most of the time, it is the recruiter who initiates the job hunting exercise. In this sense, it is he who, in fact, issues a call for application. The job application letter drafted in this sense merely serves to respond to ...

  17. Purpose of a Job Application

    For most employers, the main purpose of the application is to obtain verifiable information about job seekers, such as their contact information, eligibility to work in the U.S., degrees, licenses, skills, qualifications, employment history and a list of references. A job application acts as a fair and consistent screening tool to narrow down ...

  18. What is Job Application Letter, Purpose, How to Write, etc.

    Purpose of Job Application. i) Main purpose of job application or job letter is to grab the reliable information about job seeker. ii) A job application provides additional information about your skills, experience, and expertise. iii) It is used to provide the information, why or how a job seeker is eligible for the job.