EXPERT ANSWER
Dec 18, 2018 - 02:47 PM
You write an application letter—more commonly referred to as a cover letter—by adhering to cover letter writing best practices. The letter should include detail on your relevant work history, why you are interested in the job, and how your talents can help the company succeed.
Think of your application letter/cover letter as your personal narrative. It’s what you might share with the hiring manager if you were to meet with them in person. One important thing to note is that it is okay to include word on items that are already listed on your resume when writing your application letter/cover letter. There’s no guarantee the hiring manager will read your resume. And besides—the application letter/cover letter is there to tie all of the pieces together. However, when writing about items that are already listed on your resume, don’t reiterate them word-for-word in the application letter/cover letter. Go deeper, shed new light, and reveal something that’s not readily apparent about the item on your resume.
The application letter/cover letter is also a great place to include details that are important but perhaps not listed on your resume. For example, the job you’re applying for may be in an industry that you’ve never worked in professionally before. But it might be an industry that’s tied to a hobby of yours, or perhaps one you’ve volunteered in. Write about this in your application letter/cover letter!
Just remember—if two qualified candidates apply for a job but only one submits an application letter/cover letter, then the one who wrote the letter will most likely be taken more seriously. So, don’t fall into the trap of skipping the application letter/cover letter!
For more on cover letter writing, check out LiveCareer’s cover letter writing resources, which include a Cover Letter Builder and Cover Letter Templates.
Think of your application letter/cover letter as your personal narrative. It’s what you might share with the hiring manager if you were to meet with them in person. One important thing to note is that it is okay to include word on items that are already listed on your resume when writing your application letter/cover letter. There’s no guarantee the hiring manager will read your resume. And besides—the application letter/cover letter is there to tie all of the pieces together. However, when writing about items that are already listed on your resume, don’t reiterate them word-for-word in the application letter/cover letter. Go deeper, shed new light, and reveal something that’s not readily apparent about the item on your resume.
The application letter/cover letter is also a great place to include details that are important but perhaps not listed on your resume. For example, the job you’re applying for may be in an industry that you’ve never worked in professionally before. But it might be an industry that’s tied to a hobby of yours, or perhaps one you’ve volunteered in. Write about this in your application letter/cover letter!
Just remember—if two qualified candidates apply for a job but only one submits an application letter/cover letter, then the one who wrote the letter will most likely be taken more seriously. So, don’t fall into the trap of skipping the application letter/cover letter!
For more on cover letter writing, check out LiveCareer’s cover letter writing resources, which include a Cover Letter Builder and Cover Letter Templates.
Aug 20, 2018 - 10:13 PM
If you want to bolster your application for a job, it's a good idea to include an application letter. If you're wondering how to write an application letter, you need to make sure it follows a specific format to ensure it fulfills its intended purpose.
Before you start writing your letter, do some research on the company you want to work for. You should also make sure you have the specific hiring manager's name in front of you before you start drafting your letter.
Since application letters need to be specific to an individual company or job opening, carefully delineate how your skills match the open position in the body of the letter. You should also intertwine your specific abilities with the mission of the company and what they aim to accomplish.
While you shouldn't show off, make sure you emphasize that you know about the company, but don't be afraid to tout what you have to offer. After all, the purpose of this letter is to show employers that you are the right applicant for the job thanks to your skills, experience, and expertise.
Before you start writing your letter, do some research on the company you want to work for. You should also make sure you have the specific hiring manager's name in front of you before you start drafting your letter.
Since application letters need to be specific to an individual company or job opening, carefully delineate how your skills match the open position in the body of the letter. You should also intertwine your specific abilities with the mission of the company and what they aim to accomplish.
While you shouldn't show off, make sure you emphasize that you know about the company, but don't be afraid to tout what you have to offer. After all, the purpose of this letter is to show employers that you are the right applicant for the job thanks to your skills, experience, and expertise.
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