fbpx

The Complete Guide to Writing an Application Letter for a Job Vacancy

Last Updated on 06/12/2021 by Steve Wanjie

Application letter for a job vacancy.

A job application letter is a letter that you send to a company or a recruiter when you are applying for a job opening.

In the letter, you need to tell them about yourself and why you are the right person for the position.

In this article, we will talk about what should go into your application letter and how to format it.

Introduction: Writing an application letter for a job vacancy

The search process for jobs can be an intimidating experience, but with these pointers from our experts, you can save yourself time and frustration by making sure your resume is in order before applying.

This article discusses the importance of having a cover letter and resume organized so that recruiters know where to find them quickly.

We also provide examples of each type of document so that you have some guidance on what information should be included in your cover letter.

A jobless black woman standing on brown grass - Application Letter for a Job Vacancy
A jobless woman standing on brown grass

How Can Your Application Letter Help you Get the Job?

What is in an Application Letter?

An application letter is a written document that sends a resume or curriculum vitae to an employer.

In the letter, the applicant introduces themselves and their professional experience.

They also provide information about why they are applying for a position and why they would be a good fit for the organization.

In the body of an application letter, you should include:

– An introduction paragraph where you introduce yourself and explain what position you are seeking

– A second paragraph where you share your qualifications in detail (give specific examples)

– A third paragraph where you tell the employer why you want to work there (share your motivation)

– A closing paragraph thanking them for their consideration

How to Write Short and Effective Cover Letters

Cover letters are a necessary part of the job search process.

They provide potential employers with an introduction of who you are and why you would be a good fit for the position.

A cover letter should be short and concise, while still providing enough information about your skillset and your background.

Keep in mind that employers will typically spend less than 30 seconds reading a cover letter, so it is important to get to the point quickly.

  • Avoid using overused application letter opening lines

Almost all vacancy application letters start with the line, “I’m writing to apply for the role of…”

Why?

Because every one of us uses a free online cover letter template verbatim.

Human resource managers have read this line a thousand times.

It is boring and irritating, so do not use it.

Be creative in your employment application letter writing.

An example of a creative line you could use is:

“I’m writing in hopes that I may be considered for the role of “blah blah blah”.

Thus, instead of following a cover letter template verbatim, learn how to start with your own creativity and make the opening personal.

This is sure to get you noticed by recruiters and land you an interview.

  • Cut out meaningless jargon to make your job application letter standout

When writing a cover letter, it is essential to know what kind of tone you should use.

You should also be able to write a cover letter that stands out from the rest.

One way to accomplish this is by cutting the meaningless buzzwords from your job application letter and replacing them with more compelling words.

In order to stand out from other applicants, you have to make sure that your job application letter is not just “fine” but instead, has a unique voice.

The best way to accomplish this is by cutting meaningless buzzwords and replacing them with more compelling words that will set you apart from other applicants without being too obscure or difficult for the hiring manager.

Example of buzzwords:

a) Hope you are well

b) Cohort

c) B2H – business to business

d) Hop on a call

e) Agile

f) Nice to meet you

g) Detail-oriented

h) Self-motivated

i) Self-starter

E.T.C.

  • Talk about your skills and accomplishments to impress the job application letter receipient

They can’t call every applicant for the job interview because large numbers of letters are received.

Just a view applicants are lucky to be invited for the face-to-face job suitability screening interview.

Here are the important questions to answer in your work application letter in a simple summarized form:

a) What are your skills?

b) What are some of the projects you’ve worked on?

c) Which ones did you enjoy the most, or think went especially well?

d) What types of clients have you done work for, and what type of work do you really want to do in the future?

Example:

I am a writer with strong editing skills. I have helped many clients reach their publishing goals with my attention to detail…

  • Use easy to understand short words

A job application letter is one of the most important aspects of a job application.

It is your chance to share your qualifications and abilities with a potential employer.

Use short and easy-to-understand words and phrases.

Using short and easy-to-understand words and phrases in your copy is a great way to engage readers and increase comprehension.

Readers can become bored and distracted if you use too many complicated phrases.

When writing your letter, remove any unnecessary words and combine sentences for a cleaner read.

Remember, your goal is to create an engaging job application letter that will be easy for a potential employer to follow along with.

Resources to help write a good letter:

Grammarly

Hemingway Editor

*Example of short words used in an application letter*

Short:

Many

Unnecessary long phrase:

A large number of

7 Things That Make Cover Letters Irresistible to Hiring Managers

The cover letter is the unsung hero of the job application.

It’s what you include when you don’t have a resume, or to make it clear that you are not applying for a specific job.

Cover letters are often the only thing standing between an employer and your resume.

Cover letters are one of the few tools in your arsenal for getting an interview, but they can also be one of the most difficult to write or find examples for.

The point of a cover letter is to prove that you are qualified for the position through compelling storytelling that demonstrates your skills, values, and personality in a way that is easy to skim in seconds.

  1. Introduce Yourself and Your Skills – – –

Hi, my name is Jane. I am an experienced journalist with over 10 years of experience in writing.

I have a bachelor’s degree in journalism from UF and have been working as a freelancer for the past year after being laid off from my previous company.

My skills are:

– Proficient in AP Style, Chicago Manual of Style, and MLA Stylebook

– Strong writing skills, both creative and technical

– Expertise in content strategy and SEO copywriting

– Highly skilled at ghostwriting articles for clients

I am currently looking to work as a full-time freelance writer for your company.

I am knowledgeable on many topics, including but not limited to technology, business, science fiction novels, etc.

I would be very interested in hearing more about the position you are hiring for.

2) Proofread

Why proofreading a job application letter is important:

A job application letter is your first contact with a company.

It should be well-written and persuasive, but it can often contain mistakes that make it weak.

A letter riddled with mistakes, typos, and other errors will not only turn the hiring manager off but may also demonstrate a lack of initiative.

Proofreading a job application letter is important to ensure you present yourself as a qualified candidate.

3) Be concise

Why it is important for a job application letter to be concise

Conciseness is one of the most important aspects of a job application letter.

Inconsiderate use of words or sentences can make it unclear and harder to read.

It’s important to use concise yet detailed sentences in order to get your point across and stand out from the competition.

4) Use keywords from job descriptions

5) Show how you would be a fit for the position

It is common to write about what you would bring to the company as an individual and what makes you a good fit for the company.

Example:

I am a proficient writer with a degree in English who is comfortable with a variety of formats.

I have experience as an academic writer assistant and as staff for a publishing company.

6) Include References in a job application letter

References are the people who you want to provide information about your skills and work ethic.

References should be people who can attest to your skills, work ethic, and professionalism.

They should be someone with whom you have had a previous working relationship.

References can include coworkers, supervisors, clients or vendors, or anyone else who has seen you do your job well.

7) Close the job application letter With A Strong Closing Paragraph

Conclude the job application letter with a strong closing paragraph.

This should be an opportunity to summarize why you are the best candidate for this position.

Conclusion: Writing an application letter for a job vacancy

The Do’s and Don’ts of Writing Application Letters

Application letter for a job vacancy Do’s:

  • Be honest about your skills and qualifications.

When applying for a job, be honest about your skills and qualifications.

  • Keep it short and sweet.
  • Write a personal introduction
  • Explaining why you are interested in the position.

I am eager to grow my skills and experience in a challenging environment.

I feel I would be a valuable asset to your team and look forward to hearing back from you.

  • Demonstrate how you can contribute to the company’s goals, culture, and brand.

Example:

I’m an aspiring copywriter with a passion for writing all different types of content.

I’m able to provide quality work quickly, efficiently, and at a reasonable price.

I’ve experienced in producing blog posts, social media posts, articles, emails & more.

Writing an application letter for a job vacancy Don’ts:

  • Don’t lie on your resume or in your cover letter about your work experience or qualifications.

Lying on your resume may seem like the easy way out of having to explain gaps in your work history.

But, it’s a bad idea because you’ll eventually be found out and will have a much harder time finding a job.

Writing an application letter for a job vacancy tutorial ends here.

Thanks for your gracious visit.

Welcome!

What is writing in Kenya?

The complete guide to job searching

Home

Published
Categorized as Best Jobs

By Steve Wanjie

Steve Wanjie is a digital marketing specialist, SEO Expert, expert article writer, blogger, sex educationist, and businessman. He is the founder of Dijito Marketing and Laikipo.com. He works and lives in Nairobi Kenya.

Discover more from Dijito Marketing

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading