HOW TO WRITE A JOB APPLICATION

       
     A letter of application, also known as a cover letter, is a document sent with your resume to provide additional information on your skills and experience.
A letter of application typically provides detailed information on why are you are qualified for the job you are applying for. Effective application letters explain the reasons for your interest in the specific organization and identify your most relevant skills or experiences.
Your application letter should let the employer know what position you are applying for, why the employer should select you for an interview, and how you will follow-up.
When writing an application letter you should include:

• First Paragraph: Why you are writing - mention the job you are applying for and where you found the listing.      
• Middle Paragraph(s): What you have to offer the employer - mention why your skills and experience are a good fit for the job.
• Last Paragraph: Say thank you to the hiring manager for considering you and note how you will follow up. 

SAMPLE FORMAT OF A JOB APPLICATION:

 Name
Address
City, State, Zip Code
Phone Number
Email Address
Date

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.

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.

Middle Paragraph(s)
The next section of your application letter should describe what you have to offer the employer. Mention specifically how your qualifications match the job you are applying for. Remember, you are interpreting your resume, not repeating it.

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
Sincerely,
Signature


SAMPLE OF A JOB APPLICATION :

 John Donaldson
8 Sue Circle
Smithtown, CA 08067
 909-555-5555 
john.donaldson@gmail.com

Date

George Gilhooley
XYZ Company
87 Delaware Road
Hatfield, CA 08065

Dear Mr. Gilhooley,
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
• 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.donaldson@gmail.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,
John Donaldson