The Value Of An Application Letter

What is really meant by an application letter? Most of the fresh graduates of any course when applying for a job took it for granted the value of an application letter. These newly graduate professionals do not even make an application letter as cover letter of their curriculum vitae before passing it to HR or to the Personnel Officer in charge in evaluating applicants.

There are possible reasons why application letter is taken for granted. Most if not all the Educational Institution forget to discuss in the classroom how to make a good application letter or the teacher in charge of the subject related to it did not mention any of the importance of this cover letter. Another problem is that the applicant himself (most of them) does not know how to construct an application letter suited exactly for an applicant and the position they are applying.

An application letter is a formal letter intended to serve as cover letter of your curriculum vitae. This is the first page covering the entire curriculum vitae. Though this letter could be written in full block type, it could also be written on modified block type depending on the applicant's choice. It should be started with a DATE to be written on the top most right part of the typewriting pad for full block format or in the top left part if you prefer modified block format. Leave 2 spaces then write "TO:" for the name of the HR in charge or the personnel officer in charge in accepting new applicants. Do not forget to indicate below the name and the position of the person in charge. Do not use "To Whom It May Concern" because this is not appropriate for an application letter. Leave again 2 spaces then write "Sir:" or "Madam:". This indicates that your letter is formal or a business letter and therefore, it is advisable that you follow the full block format of letter. After this, you have to leave only a single space then start your letter.

Be aware that you should not indent the first paragraph and the rest of the paragraph of the letter because this is a formal letter. Start your application letter by a "Greetings!", this is optional, to be followed by "I," state your name, your course and major, the name of the College or University where you graduated and the month/year of graduation. It should be noted that the format indicated here is intended for newly graduates only.

On the next paragraph, you have to state where and when did you get the information that their company is need of additional employee. You also have to confidently state that you are fitted for the job because it is you field of interest and that you are well trained and physically fit for the position. Do not forget to mention that you are willing to be called up for an interview any time. Though this is optional, but if your prefer, you can also state in the last paragraph that you are looking forward that you will be considered in their list of applicants to be interviewed and be hired in their company.

If you prefer modified block format, your salutation should be vertically aligned with the date indicated on the above. If you are using MSWord, you can tab both the date and your salutation by 3.5" or 4" on the tab ruler. I prefer "Truly yours," and "Sincerely yours" on my salutation. Leave 2 spaces then type in your name in capital letters then cast your signature over your printed name.