How to Write an Application Letter

How to Write an Application Letter.

It is no news to say that many persons out there (graduates inclusive) don't know how to write a good application letter. While some pay persons to help them write it, others choose to do it recklessly. The question is, "have you ever wondered why most persons are not called for job interviews after submitting their application letters?" The reason might not only be that the organisations don't need the services of these persons but might also be as a result of their bad application letters. Yes! I have seen my employer tear and throw someone's application letter into a waste bin because of how horrible it was. It is important to note that your application letter determines whether your prospective employer will call you for an interview or not. Therefore, your application letter must always be very good except you don't want the position you are applying for.

An application letter is a formal letter; thus, must possess the features of a formal letter. These features are:

1. The Address

An application letter has two addresses: the writer's address and the receiver's address. The writer's address (which carries the date of the letter) is written on the top right of your paper while the receiver's address is written on the left side of your paper, a step below the writer's address.

2. The Salutation

The salutation is written directly under the receiver's address, with a step or two steps lower. It is usually "Dear Sir" (if the person you are writing to is a male) or "Dear Madam"(if the person you are writing to is a female). You can use "Dear Sir" or "Dear Sir/Madam" if you don't know the sex of the person.

3. The Title

The title is the heading of the letter. Since it is an application letter, the heading can take either of these forms: "Application for Employment" or "Application for the Post of an English Teacher"(if you feel like stating your position). If the title is written in uppercase, it shouldn't be underlined. You only underline the title if it is written in lowercase. While writing the title in lowercase, the initials of every word should be in uppercase except for prepositions and articles.

4. The Body

This is the lengthiest part of the application letter. If it is a detailed application letter, you state the reason for your application, the position you are applying for, your experience (if any), qualification and why you think you are fit for that position. It is important to note that you don't exchange pleasantries in a formal letter. Therefore, you are not expected to ask your receiver about his/her well-being. You go straight to the point.

5. The Conclusion.

The conclusion of an application letter (formal letter) is always "Yours faithfully," after which you append your signature and write your name in full. If you begin with your surname, use a comma after it, but if you begin with your first name, do not use a comma. In your conclusion, the "f" in "faithfully," should be in lowercase.

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