PREFACE
Today’s job market is very competitive. Many people want to get employed. They are competing to get a job. It isn’t surprising to know that the number of unemployment is great. It is because from year to year, the numbers of job seekers grow rapidly. What should we do if you we want to apply for a job? Realizing the competitive job market today, you need to equip yourself with adequate skill and experience. It is a must in order to be competitive in tough job market today. In applying a job, you need to follow the manner and procedure of job application. You need to make preparation by composing some supporting documents. One of important documents to apply job is application letter. If you make your application letter, there are many things that you should concern. Through this article, you will know about how to write application letter in the right manner.
The competition is started from your application letter process. There will be other job applicants who write application letter for the same position as you. That is why; you need to be able to impress the employer through your application letters. Application letters is made in order to be called for interview. Write your application letter professionally. There are three important parts of application letters. There are introductions, body, and the last part is conclusion. An ideal application letter is one page. It should be consist of 3 or 4 paragraphs of maximum. Your letter should be readable and easy to understand. You need to choose easy positive tone and avoid grammatical mistake in your application letter. In introduction part, you need to state your position that you interest in and your reason to write the application letter. You also need to state about where you get the info of the job.
After finishing dealing with the introduction part, the second part is the body. In this part, you need to explain briefly about your skill and work experience. Choose the relevant skill and experiences for the position that you apply. You can state about your education background in this part. It should be written clearly and straight forward. The last part of application letter is the conclusion. It is the part where you state your desire to be called for interview. You can request an interview call via email or phone. You can state your interest in the job again in this site. Those are some guidelines to write professional application letter.
APPLICATION LETTER
A. What is application letter?
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.
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.
B. How to write an effective application letter?
Before you start, read the advert closely so that you can tailor your application to the requirements of the job and research the organization: this will show prospective employers that you really are interested in them.
General points:
· Use brief, informative sentences and short paragraphs. You don’t need to give a lot of detail. What you are aiming for is a clear and concise explanation of your suitability for the job.
· Begin your letter or email ‘Dear Mr/Mrs/Ms xxxx’ if you know the person’s name, or ‘Dear Sir or Madam’ if you don’t know their name.
· Avoid inappropriate language such as slang or technical jargon.
· Check your spelling, grammar, and punctuation carefully. Some employers routinely discard job applications that contain such mistakes.
Another points:
1. Specifically state what it is that you are applying for or interested in applying for (e.g., the position, appointment, student or other visa, extension on a deadline, loan, credit card, etc.).
2. Identify the reason that you are applying. Be as specific as possible.
3. Give the reasons that you feel you merit or qualify for the position or object/thing you are applying for, if applicable (e.g., your goals, experience, qualifications or accomplishments, positive traits, and so forth).
4. Identify what you hope to accomplish by sending your letter and the action you would like the recipient to take.
5. Indicate the date by which you would like a response to your letter or by which you would like the action to be taken.
6. Refer to any other documents you have included with your letter, such as application or other forms, letters of recommendation, resume, examples of your work, etc.
7. Include a request for any information you would like to be sent, if applicable.
8. Include your contact information, such as e-mail address or phone number where you can most easily be reached and the time(s) when you available for calls, etc.
9. Close your letter by sincerely thanking the person for his/her time or for any assistance he/she can give you.
C. Structure of Application Letter
The general structure of the letter is given below:
Example:
I would like to apply for the post of ... as advertised in today's issue of ..
With reference to your advertisement in ... on ..., I am writing to apply for the position of ...
Trainee Manager
I would like to apply for the above post (of Trainee Manager) as advertised ...
Paragraph 2 It should give a little information about your qualifications and experience. Make sure the information you give is relevant to the job that you are applying for.
1. As you can see from my enclosed CV, I have worked in my present position for five years. During this time I have gained invaluable experience in ...
2. I am currently a student at HKPU studying ........ I am due to graduate in....... Although I have been studying full time, I have had a number of summer jobs which have helped me to gain experience in ...
3. My experience over the past two years has been at the managerial level, where I have had responsibility for ...
Paragraph 3 It should say why you believe you are suited to the job and what you can offer the company. Those currently employed can state the reason for wishing to change their present job. However, you should not sound critical of your present employer.
Example :
1. I am currently working as a receptionist in ...The reason for my seeking a new position is that I wish to pursue a secretarial career. Unfortunately, there are no openings for advancement in my present employment.
2. For the last two years I have been working as a receptionist in ...Unfortunately the company is moving its main offices overseas and I have therefore decided to look for a new position. I believe that the experience I have gained in ... has given me the qualities you are looking for ...
3. I believe I would be an asset to your company. I will be able to bring with me my experience of ... which I believe would be useful in this position ...
4. I feel that my ability to ... will help/enable me to ...
This is probably the most important paragraph of the letter. It is also the hardest part to write because you need to "sell yourself" without appearing too arrogant. However, you do need to be quite forceful and direct, showing that you possess the skills for the job you are applying for.
Paragraph 4 It should tell the reader when you are available for an interview and how to contact you.
Example :
1. I would like to have the opportunity to talk to you further about my application. I am available for interview at any time and I can be contacted at/on ...
2. I am available for an interview at any time but would appreciate two days notice. I can be contacted on/at ...
I look forward to hearing from/meeting you soon.
3. As requested in the advertisement, I enclose a copy of my resume together with a recent photograph.
4. I look forward to meeting with you to discuss my application further. I am available ... and can be contacted on/at ...
Remember you might have to give a bit more detail than in the above examples. You can also combine the language in these examples. The Sample Letter of Application at the end of this module is developed from the Sample CV in a related module, Writing Resumes and Curricula Vitae. You may compare the two documents to see how you can select useful information from your CV and highlight it in your application letter.
Also, it is sometimes useful to gather information about the company so that you know more about its background and policies. This may help you present yourself in the best light.
Sample job applications (full blocked style)
California, September 27th, 2011 -----> Place & date
XYZ Company
87 Delaware Road -----> Inside Address
Hatfield, CA 08065
Apllication for the programmer position -----> Reference
Dear Sir / Madam, -----> Salutation
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. -----> Opening (Paragraph 1)
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. -----> Focus
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. -----> Convincing Point
The key strengths that I possess for success in this position include: -----> Prior Experinces
- 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
Please see my resume for additional information on my experience. -----> Action
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to speaking with you about this employment opportunity. -----> Closing
Sincerely,
Edward
26 Windmill Road -----> Complimentary
Bristol
(909) 555 555
Speculative job applications
If you know that you want to work for a particular company or organization but you haven’t seen an advert for a suitable vacancy, you could submit a speculative application. This should consist of your CV/résumé, tailored to the type of job you’re interested in, together with a covering letter of application. Keep your letter short and positive: say why you are particularly interested in working for the organization in question and outline what skills, qualifications, and personal qualities you have to offer.
If possible, address your application letter (or email) to the person in the organization who is in charge of recruiting new staff. You could find this out by phoning the organization directly or consulting its website. If you are applying by letter, rather than email, you could enclose a stamped addressed envelope to increase your chances of a response.
Addressing job application letters:
The style you choose is not important, there are many different styles of job applications and professional letters, 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 reference number. This is probably obvious, but ensure that you spell their name correctly, there is nothing worse than receiving a letter incorrectly addressed or misspelled. It gives a poor first impression.
The Introductory Paragraph:
The first paragraph should simply state why you are writing to them. If it is an advertised position, mention the position title and where it was advertised. If you are "cold calling" a company then you should specify that you are applying for any current or future employment opportunities.
An easy way to start this paragraph is with the following statement: " Please find enclosed my CV, which I am forwarding to you as an application for the position of......."
The main body of job application letters:
The main body of an application letter should be two to three paragraphs at the most, if it is too long it may be skipped. When I reader begins to skip text, it is hard to get them to re-focus. Here is where you tell them what you have to offer and why they should read your CV. This is a good time to read the job advertisement again. In one paragraph (two at the most) you need to summarise your experience and skills, at the same time, you need to respond to the position requirements as per the advertisement.
Analyse your career and summarise it in a few sentences, highlight what you specialise in, or how many years in the industry you might have, or even the level that you have reached. This paragraph should direct the reader to your CV 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 CV...." then go ahead and tell them something about your career which will immediately get their interest.
The next part of the body of the letter should be a brief description of your personal skills. Again read the advertisement and respond to their needs. 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".
Job Application Letters Closing Paragraph:
The closing paragraph should ask for some action from the recipient. This is where you ask for an interview. It should also state where and how they can reach you, and it should thank the recipient for giving you the opportunity to apply. You can include things like "should you require further information....." .
Finish the letter by adding a closing remark, either "yours sincerely", "yours faithfully' or whatever you feel comfortable with and obeying general letter writing etiquette. Leave a few spaces for your signature and then place your full name.
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.
- Has no grammar or spelling errors.
- Answers the job requirements.
- Flows and is easy to read.
- Is easy to load into recruitment software.
You might have to type and edit the letter many times before you are happy with it, but just remember that the job application letter is just as important as the CV itself. The letter should invite the recipient to read the resume, in turn the resume should raise enough interest for them to want to interview you. The Interview is where you will demonstrate your skills and abilities.
REFERENCE
Tidak ada komentar:
Posting Komentar