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

Example 3 :

Lilis Handayani (1)
Jl. A. Yani 389
Surabaya, 65151

April 19, 2015

Mr. Frank Peterson, Personnel Manager (2)
Jeans and Co.
Jl. Raya Pandaan 186
Pandaan Pasuruan, Jawa Timur, 98502

Dear Mr. Peterson: (3)

(4) I am writing to you in response to your advertisement for a local branch manager newspaper appeared in the Jawa Pos on Sunday, June 15. As you can see from my enclosed resume, my experience and qualifications match this position's requirements.

(5) My current position, managing the local branch of a national shoe retailer, has provided the opportunity to work under a high-pressure, team environment, where it is essential to be able to work closely with my colleagues in order to meet sales deadlines. In addition to my responsibilities as manager, I also developed time management tools for staff using Access and Excel from Microsoft's Office Suite.

(6) Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to the opportunity to personally discuss why I am particularly suited for this position. Please call me after 4.00 p.m. to suggest a time we may meet. I can be reached via telephone number 031-858564 or by email at lilis@yahoo.com.

Sincerely, (7)

Lilis Handayani

Example 4

                                                            Curriculum Vitae

Name                         : Vina Safira

Place and date of birth : Surabaya, 1st August 1985

Nationality                 : Indonesia

Sex                                 : Female

Address                         : Jl. Tentara Pelajar 34, Malang

Marital Status                 : Single

Religion                         : Moslem

Education                 : Vocational school, secretary program

Work experience         : 2005-2007 Employed as a secretary to Marketing Manager of 

                                        PT Cemara Tunggal, Jakarta

Skills                         : Typing, word processor, secretarial procedure

Interests                         : Reading and writing

                    Malang, 5th November 2007

                                                                                                                Vina Savira