APPLICATION LETTER

 

APPLICATION LETTER

 

 

 

·       What is meant by an Application Letter?

In English, another name for an application letter is a cover letter, which means cover letter. This document is usually submitted to the employer together with a resume or cv.

 

Quoting the Complete Guide to Writing Letters by Ali and Tanzali, an application letter is an official application letter made by a job seeker to a business entity or agency in order to obtain a job offer.

 

Thomas Means argues in the book Business Communication, an application letter is a message written by a job seeker to express interest in a job and request an interview with the employer.

 

Based on the explanation above, an application letter is an official application letter written by a job seeker to be given to a company that is opening job vacancies in order to be given an interview opportunity.

 

 

·       What is the Structure of an Application Letter?

The application letter includes an official letter that must be written according to its structure. The writing of the sentence must also use official or standard language.

To better understand, below is the structure of an application letter and examples in English, as compiled from the book Business Communication by Thomas Means.

 

1.     Letterhead

On the letterhead, job applicants need to write the date of the letter, personal address and contact, and company address. Example:

Jakarta, 22 July 2021

 

 

Chakra Hadi

 

Jl. Sukajadi No. 8 B, Yogyakarta

 

Phone : +628-0000-0000, E-mail : cakrahadi@gmail.com

 

 

Mrs. Biyana Hadikusuma

 

Human Resources Manager

 

PT. Gemilang Jaya Abadi

 

Jl. Bird of Paradise No. 12 C

 

Jakarta

 

2.     Greetings

Greetings really need to be written in the application letter to show respect. If you know the name of the HRD or personnel, then include the name. If not, use Hiring Manager or similar. Example:

·       Dear Mr. Thomas Meas

·       Dear Hiring Manager

·       Dear Mr./Mrs./Ms. …

 

3.     Opening paragraph

In opening the application letter, the applicant must attract the attention of the reader so that the entire letter is read. Include the following information in the opening paragraphs of the application letter:

·       Indicate that you wish to apply for a position.

·       Mention the position you want to apply for.

·       Tell how the applicant found out about the job opening.

·       Identify capabilities.

If the job vacancy is found in an advertisement, an example of the opening paragraph of the application letter is as follows:

Please consider me as an applicant for the management trainee position you advertised in the October 12 issue of the Daily Leader. My degree in management and my work experience as an assistant store manager qualify me for this position.

 

4.     Fill

The body of the letter is what needs to be written after the opening paragraph. The body of this letter must convince the employer that you are the right person for the job. However, don't repeat the facts presented in your resume.

However, break down those facts for the reader. Try to describe the nature or character, experience, and other qualifications but still match the job on the page in this content section.

When responding to published job vacancies, explain how the qualifications you have meet the required criteria. The following is an example of the contents of an application letter that focuses on work experience requirements:

 

As a quality control inspector, I worked closely with the plant manager to improve quality and reduce costs. During my year in this position, my department was rated number 1 in quality, and costs were down 8%.

 

If you don't have much experience, focus on other qualifications. For example, education, activities similar to job vacancies, or a desire to learn about the job. Examples as follows:

 

During my first year of college, I was awarded an academic scholarship. While working toward my associate degree in business administration, I was elected vice president of the school's Phi Beta Lambda chapter. As vice president, I organized and hosted a fundraising event that generated $8500 for leukemia research.

 

Applicants must also describe any information in the resume that might raise questions or cause a negative reaction.

For example, applicants need a long time to complete their education, the reason must be explained in the application letter. Consider the following examples:

 

While attending college, I worked full-time to support my family and pay for my school expenses. I took three courses each semester and completed my associate degree in three years.

 

5.     Cover

The closing paragraph should have a confident tone and call for an interview. Make it easier for the company to contact for interviews by providing contact applicants.

Avoid overused phrases. Note the following closing paragraphs:

 

As my enclosed resume illustrates, my education and experience qualify me for this position. May I have an interview with you to discuss my qualifications for the job? You can reach me at 555-0177 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. any weekday.

If writing to an out-of-town company, mention when the applicant will be in the area for an interview. For example:

 

Will you meet with me to discuss my qualifications while I am visiting San Antonio next week? On Monday, I will call your office to schedule an appointment.

 

 

·       What is the Purpose of an Application Letter in English?

The application letter will be better if it is written in English. This aims to show that the job seeker at least has the ability to speak English, even if only in written form.

 

Another thing that makes an application letter in English important is because it includes the applicant's way of selling himself to the company. In it, it is important to mention the things that are requested or not.

 

Usually, the content of an application letter in English is a personal identity complete with information on the education, expertise, experience, and so on of a job applicant.

 

According to the Colorado State University website, the main purpose of the application letter is for applicants to have the opportunity to interview. Therefore, a job application letter must be written well enough to attract the attention and interest of the person in authority to or grant the request.

 

Based on the explanation above, the application letter in English aims to make the company interested in inviting job applicants to the next stage of job recruitment, such as an interview or written test.

·       Sample job application letter