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Thursday, 07 April 2016 09:48

Guidelines to create an application letter

It is always a good idea to write a specific application/covering letter to accompany your CV. Employers or recruitment agencies have to read through many CVs, and by including a brief, but informative application letter, you can only benefit yourself.

Guidelines when writing an application letter:

  • It should be brief, but informative
  • Make sure your name, address and contact numbers are clear and correct
  • Always sign the letter, even if you typed it out
  • Your name should appear under your signature
  • Address your letter to the correct person, or if you are not sure who the person is, address it to: 'To Whom It May Concern'
  • Pay special attention to your spelling and grammar, as well as the layout of your letter, as errors will create a very poor impression and might be the real reason for your application being unsuccessful
  • Make sure that paragraphs follow a logical order, in order for the reader to get a clear understanding
  • Do not waste the reader's time, by including unnecessary information and sweet-talk as this might only irritate the reader and create a negative impression about the applicant
  • The purpose of your letter should be included, i.e. "I am herewith applying for the position of ... which has been advertised in the ... (media) on the ... (date)"
  • Provide reasons as to why you are interested in the position
  • Include information on your availability for interviews
  • The aim of an application letter/CV, is in fact to "sell" yourself to the reader/employer, so that he/she will invite your for a personal interview
  • Your letter should be neatly and comprehensively presented in order for the reader to want to know more about you
   
 

Example of an application letter:

PO Box xxx
CAPE TOWN
8000
Tel: (021) 418-xxxx

9 January 200x

The HR/Personnel Manager
(or address it to the specific contact person, i.e. Mr. G. Smith)

Company name
PO Box xxx
Town
Postal code

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am herewith applying for the position of xxx as advertised in the xxx (media) on the xxx (date).

A paragraph containing your biographical details (age, marital status, country of which you are a citizen, languages).

A paragraph containing your educational background/qualifications, as well as the institutions where you obtained your qualifications.

A paragraph containing a summary/overview of your work experience, relevant to the position you are applying for.

Also include the reasons why you are interested in the position and/or why you are applying for this position at this particular company.

Concluding paragraph; expressing your hope that your application will be considered favourably and that you will hear from him/her shortly, as well as providing information on your availability for personal interviews.

Yours sincerely

Name, Surname (Mrs.)
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