Application Letter Writing
An application letter plays an important role in official correspondence.It is written to apply for a job position in an organization,for admission in a college or university,loan in a bank or financial institution,etc.This letter is a platform that is used to apply for a certain thing.The application has to be short and precise.You have to mention all the adequate details in the application so that the authorities look into the matter and the process begins.
2.1 Format of an Application Letter
The letter has to start with the sender's name and address.This has to be followed with the receiver's name and address.Date has to be inserted in between the two addresses.All these things have to be aligned to the left side.
The letter of application has to have a salutation in the form of a word“Dear”followed by the name of addressee.Then you can begin with the main body of the letter.
In the first paragraph,greet the reader and write the purpose of sending the letter along with some references.The letter content depends upon the nature of the content.For example,if you are applying for a job,mention how you learned about the job opportunity and which position you are applying for.If you are seeking an admission,then mention the name of the course you wish to pursue and the reason for choosing the same university.If you are applying for a leave,write the period of leave you wish to take and the reason for the same in a few words.
The second paragraph talks about the additional details you wish to convey to the reader.For example,in case of a job application letter,give a brief introduction of your career profile.For admissions application letter,talk about the qualifications previously acquired and your plans for your future.In case of a leave application letter,give a detailed perspective of the reason for your leave and the importance of the situation.
End the letter on a positive note.Close the letter with a phrase like“thanking you”“yours truly”“sincerely yours”,etc.The complimentary closure should be followed by your name and signature.
An application letter must be effective in its presentation.Since the letter aims at fulfilling some purpose,the letter of application must be convincing and impressive enough to help you achieve what you desire.The following is the format of an application letter for reference.
Format of an Application Letter
Sender's Name
Designation
Address
Email Address
Phone Number
Date:
Recipient's Name
Designation
Address
Email Address
Phone Number
Opening line with a greeting—Dear followed by Mr./Ms.and full name
Body of the letter—The main purpose of the letter and points to support the central idea Yours Sincerely，
Signature
Type your full name
2.2 Writing Skills and Techniques
Making clear your objectives
There are various kinds of application letters.For different purposes,you should focus on different elements.For example,a job application letter is written to an organization where you are applying for a particular job position.This type of application has to begin with the designation you have applied for.Then you need to give details like your educational qualification,prior work experience,and skills and qualities that match the job profile.A well drafted job application can make a possible interview for you.All the necessary details have to be included for the recruiter's understanding.Try to make an impression on the hiring manager by drafting an effective and clear job application.Your application letter should be simple and reader friendly.
Showing the right match of you and the target post
Make certain the letter possesses strong convincing abilities.Since this is an application letter,it is obvious that you are making a request for a favor.There is an acute possibility that several others send similar applications.Hence,equip your letter with many positive points and reasoning to convince the reader as to why you deserve the favor.
Appropriate and beautiful layout
This letter has to use a soft and polite tone to introduce you to the prospective employer.Besides,it has to be short and concise.Formal language has to be used as this letter is a professional document.
Print the letter on good quality paper.A good quality paper is super white, crisp,and of A4 size.Use professional fonts like Times New Roman,Arial,and a font size that is readable.
Another important thing is to avoid language errors.The application letter has to be flawless.Proofread the letter thoroughly before dispatching it.Make sure the letter is factually and grammatically accurate.
2.3 Sample Analysis of Application Letters
The following sample is an example to show the different components of an application letter.Besides,it shows the writing techniques in detail.The objective of writing this letter is clearly stated and the supporting points to convince the recruiter are clearly listed.
Kenneth Garcia
100 South Glasgow Drive，
Dallas,TX，
United States
（972)502-4400
Date:September 10，2013
Helen Jones
Principal
St.Mary School
185 West Parkway Boulevard，
Coppell,TX，
the United States
（214)496-6100
Dear Ms.Jones:
I'm writing this letter to apply for a position of History teacher in your esteemed school.The position was advertised in“The National Herald”dated September 08.I am interested in the field of academics and love to deal with young minds.I have been in the field of teaching for the last five years teaching in schools in and around Texas.
Having honors in History from Texas University,I have completed a Diploma in Elementary Education.I use various methods to teach history to young kids.These methods are planning excursions,showing movies on historical characters,slide show,etc.This helps the students in understanding the nuances of the subject.
I can handle a class of forty students and I can work in a team as I have good interpersonal skills.I like to work in various sports and cultural committees in school which helps in overall personality development of the students.I am patient and can work under stress.I manage to finish the assigned work in tight schedules.
If given an opportunity,I will surely optimize it and help the school in progress of students.You can contact me on phone at（972)502-4400 or email:kenneth.garcia@yahoo.com.I will get back to you in a week's time to know the status of my application.
I am waiting for a positive reply from your side so that I can meet you personally for an interview.
Yours truly，
Kenneth Garcia
As is shown in this sample,clarity and brevity are the two principles that need to be applied for application writing.In the first paragraph,you have to give out the main purpose of the letter.And in this letter you have to use formal language as it is a professional document.