Writing an application for employment

• Employment application letter - is a one page letter, also referred to as the "job application letter" or "cover letter" attached to the resume when applying for jobs
• The purpose of writing the employment application letter is to highlight the applicants experiences and personal qualities for him to be considered for an interview
• The format, including the content and tone of the employment application letter, depends on the applicants preference
• If there is no required format, write it in full block format with 1 inch margin in all sides, single spaced, times new roman font and 12 font size
• Different letter formats

  • Full block
  • Modified Block
  • Semi-block
• Full block format - this is the most common layout used in writing a cover letter. in this format all part are justified to the left
• Modified block format - another common format used is the modified block format. it is a type of format where applicants address, complimentary close, signature and sender's identification is shifted to the right side. note that the first sentence of the body is not indented
• Semi-block format - the least used is the semi block format. it is almost the same as the modified block format; however the first sentence in each paragraph is indented
• Heading, date and inside address - the heading includes the applicants address to make it easier for the employer to easily contact the applicant, the date written below the heading indicates the date when the letter was written, the inside address refers to where and to whom the letter is addressed
• Greeting and salutation - is written to indicate for whom the letter is. it should start with the word "dear" followed by the last name of the receiver. end the salutation with a colon (:). if the name has not been obtained, address it as "maam/sir"
• Body - the most important and critical part
• complimentary close - is done to politely finish the letter. note that complimentary close ends with comma (,)
• signature and sender's identification - considered as the last part of the letter. write your name on the first line and your title (if applicable) on the second line. then sign directly above the first line