Application Letter

What is an Application Letter?

• An application letter, also known as a cover letter, is a formal document sent along with a resume to apply for a job.
• It serves to introduce yourself, highlight key qualifications, and explain why you're interested in the role.

Structure of an Application Letter

1. Header: Contact information, date, and recipient’s details.
2. Salutation: Greet the hiring manager by name if possible.
3. Introduction: State the job you're applying for and how you learned about it.
4. Body: Highlight relevant qualifications, experience, and why you’re a good fit.
5. Conclusion: Express interest, thank the reader, and mention next steps (like an interview).
6. Signature: Close the letter formally (e.g., “Sincerely”) with your name.

Tips for Writing an Effective Application Letter

• Be Concise: Keep it short and relevant (one page is ideal).
• Tailor the Letter: Customize it for each job application.
• Highlight Key Skills: Match your qualifications with the job requirements.
• Professional Tone: Use formal language, avoiding slang or casual phrasing.
• Proofread: Check for any spelling or grammatical errors.

Here are various kinds of letter styles used in writing:

1. Block Style

• Characteristics: All text is aligned to the left margin, paragraphs are not indented, and there is a double space between paragraphs. Business letters commonly use this format for its clean and professional appearance.
• Usage: Business correspondence, formal letters.

2. Modified Block Style

• Characteristics: Similar to block style, but the date, closing, and signature are aligned to the right, while the rest of the content is left-aligned.
• Usage: Semi-formal business letters, professional communication.

3. Semi-Block Style

• Characteristics: The body text is aligned to the left, but each new paragraph is indented. The date, closing, and signature are right-aligned like in the modified block style.
• Usage: Professional or semi-formal letters, offering a less rigid structure.

4. Full Block Style

• Characteristics: Every part of the letter, including the sender’s address, date, inside address, and salutation, is aligned to the left without indentations.
• Usage: Formal business communications, highly structured letters.

5. Indented Style

• Characteristics: The first line of each paragraph is indented, and elements like the date and closing may also be centered or indented. It gives a more traditional or personal tone.
• Usage: Personal letters, less formal communications.

6. Simplified Style

• Characteristics: This style eliminates the salutation and closing. All text is aligned to the left margin. The recipient’s name may be used as a subject line.
• Usage: Internal memos, very formal business letters, or when brevity is needed.

7. Hanging Indent Style

• Characteristics: The first line of each paragraph is aligned to the left margin, but subsequent lines of the same paragraph are indented.
• Usage: Business reports, formal but detailed communications.

8. Personal Style

• Characteristics: Informal tone, flexible structure, may include decorative elements or personal expressions.
• Usage: Letters to friends, family, or acquaintances.

9. Casual or Friendly Style

• Characteristics: A conversational and informal tone, where structure can be relaxed. Paragraphs are indented, and language is more expressive.
• Usage: Letters to friends or loved ones.

10. Email Style

• Characteristics: Direct, to the point, and often informal. Email format follows a standard introduction (greeting), body (main message), and closing (thanks/sign-off).
• Usage: Digital communication, work emails, casual exchanges.

Example 1 :

Malang, 30th November 2023

HRD of PT Jaya Abadi Manufacture
Jl. Maphilindo Raya 120
Surabaya 29076

Dear Sir or Madam:

I am writing to apply for the position of salesperson, which you advertised in the Indonesian Post of 23rd November 2023.

I am 18 years old. I graduated from Dwi Darma vocational high school in office management. I took an English course for Active communication and training program held by PT Cempaka Agung.

I would be very interested in working as a salesperson. I am very interested in reading books and I have always been interested in publishing business. I enjoy meeting and talking to people.

I enclose my recent photograph and curriculum vitae. I would be happy to send any further details you may require. I would be available for an interview anytime. Thank you very much for your consideration and I look forward to hearing from you in the near future.

                                                                                                                        Yours faithfully,

                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                        Vina Safira

Example 2 :

January 23, 2014

George Sebastian
Prosperous Company
25 Saint John Court
Hatfield, CA 08065

Dear Mr. Sebastian,

I am writing to apply for the programmer position advertised in the Times Union. As requested, I am enclosing a completed job application, my certification, my resume and three references.

The opportunity presented in this listing is very interesting, and I believe that my strong technical experience and education will make me a very competitive candidate for this position. The key strengths that I possess for success in this position include: I have successfully designed, developed, and supported live use applications. I strive for continued excellence, and I provide exceptional contributions to customer service for all customers. With a BS degree in Computer Programming, I have a full understanding of the full life cycle of a software development project. I also have experience in learning and excelling at new technologies as needed.

Please see my resume for additional information on my experience. I can be reached anytime via email at john.donaldsonemailexample.com or my cell phone, 909-555-5555.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to speaking with you about this employment opportunity.

Sincerely,

Signature
John Donaldson