APPLICATION LETTER

Application Letter

Elements
Structure
Language
Features

1. Written to apply for a job

2. Should be typed, not more than one side of A4
3. Should refer to the job title and reference
4. Should refer to the most relevant part of the resume
Speculative Letters and Cover Letters

Speculative Letters Cover Letters

 Sent as part of speculative  Accompany an application form or a

application together with a résumé résumé for a job vacancy advertised

 Sound positive and enthusiastic  A great chance to sell yourself

 Cover the kind of work you’re looking

 Cover the kind of work advertised, the
for, the reason why you want to work
reason why you are applying to them,
for that company and why you are
why the job interests you, and why you
suitable, and the relevant skills,
want to work for that company
experience, and personal qualities

 Make your résumé and application

 Tailored to the specific company
worth reading

 Addressed to a named individual  Emphasize your positive sides

 Offer a number of options and write

 Highlight your enthusiasm and
that you are open for an interview
suitability for the job
invitation
Structure of Application Letters

month/day/year
1. Date
September 20, 2018

name of the company being applied to, full name of the hiring manager,
2. Receiver
street address, city/state, zip code

Dear Mr./Mrs./Ms. + last name of the hiring manager or to whom it may

3. Salutation
concern for

First paragraph: the title of the position applied, the reasons, for being a
good fit for the position

Second paragraph and the followings: a brief description of the

4. Body Letter applicant’s background that is related to the job requirements for the
position applied for

Last paragraph: positive and polite close

Complimentary
5. closing, signature, full name of the applicant
Close

September 20, 2018

Personal Manager
Sri Ayu, Sri Ayu & Co
GPO BOX 345
Singapore

Dear Sir/Madam:

I am writing to apply for the position of accountant as advertised on Weeks last

week. I have given careful consideration to the job description and believe that I have
the necessary qualifications and personal attributions to take up the position.
Although I do not have a lot of practical experience in the field of advertising, my
past work experience shows that I am able to learn fast from experienced staff. In my
previous job as a salesgirl, it was necessary to be able to handle customers’ complaints
and, at the same time, to encourage them to appreciate the products offered.
I have enclosed my résumé for your consideration with copies of my certificates
and qualifications.
I would like the opportunity to work as part of an enthusiastic office team. I look
forward to the opportunity for an interview.

Yours sincerely,

Ninarika Ghosh
Language Features

a. Punctuation
 Open punctuation is used with no commas or full stops for date and address

September 20, 2018

Personal manager
Sri Ayu, Sri Ayu & Co
GPO BOX 345
Singapore

 Salutation with a colon

Dear Sir/Madam:

b. Tenses
 The use of the present continuous
I am writing to apply for the position of
accountant as advertised on Weeks last
week.

 The use of the present tense

Although I do not have a lot of practical
experience in the field of advertising, my
past work experience shows that I am able to
learn fast from experienced staff.

 the use of the present perfect

I have enclosed my resume for your
consideration with copies of my certificates
and qualifications.

 the use of the past tense

In my previous job as a sales girl, it was
necessary to be able to handle customers’
complaints and, at the same time, to
encourage them to appreciate the products
offered.