While having a solid resume is important, each time you send one out to a prospective employer, you need to include an application letter. A great letter won’t help you to get the job if you’re underqualified, but it can help you to get noticed within a pile of potential applicants, encouraging a hiring manager to invite you for an interview, boosting your application to help you to stand out.
Why An Application Letter Matters
If you’ve worked with a staff agency, letter example templates are often provided, but why does it matter? After all, you’re sending your resume, which details all of your qualifications. But an application letter is not simply rehashing your job history and qualifications. While these things are important, they don’t tell your whole story.
Hiring managers look for candidates who are easy to work with and communicate well, and this can be exemplified in your covering letter. This is why it is crucial not to simply fill in the blanks in an application reference letter example, instead making it your own to show why you’re a natural fit for the role.
What You Should Include in Your Cover Letter
One of the biggest mistakes that you can make with your application letter is simply reiterating your resume. A hiring manager doesn’t need you to summarize your resume; they can easily scan your work history and qualifications on the next page.
Instead, your letter should talk about why you’re well-suited to the job. You should research the company and discuss examples of how you could benefit the organization.
For example, if you’re applying for a role that requires great organizational skills, you could discuss how you use colour-coded spreadsheets in your current role and personal life. This will showcase your attention to detail.
You could even mention compliments your previous boss or co-workers have given you. Whether this is the “most accurate data processor” or the “office problem solver,” this can provide hiring managers with incredible insight about you.
Tips for Writing a Great Application Letter
You should avoid using one letter for all your applications. While this may be time-saving, it means that you’ll miss the opportunity to showcase why you should be invited to an interview. You can tailor your letter to suit each application, but there are a few tips that can help you.
Keep the Opening Line Simple:
You don’t need to feel overwhelmed trying to come up with creative opening lines. While a catchy opening may seem eye-catching, there is a risk you’ll come across as a highly aggressive salesperson. Instead, keep the opening line simple. Some good examples include” I’m interested in X position” or “I’m writing to apply for X position.”
Ask for Clarification/Address Issues:
If there is anything confusing or unusual about the advertised role or your application, your letter is the chance to ask for clarification or address the issue. For example, if you appear overqualified for the role, but find it appealing, you can explain why you’re excited about it.
This can be especially important if you’re moving into a different field, as a hiring manager may overlook your resume if your background is not typical for the role. However, if you address the issue, you have a chance to catch the attention of the hiring manager, explaining why you’re a good match.
Adopt a Warm and Conversational Tone:
Although some industries require a formal cover letter, in most fields, your letter will showcase how you can fit into the workplace. The best tone is as if you’re writing to a coworker you like, but don’t know particularly well. You can show personality, but don’t go overboard.
Stick to Less Than One Page:
Finally, your application letter should be under one page. You want to catch the attention of a hiring manager, not make them feel like they are reading an essay.