Types of Job Application Letters
Applying for a job is probably not at the top of anyone's list of fun things to do. Understanding the role that application letters play gives you skills to smooth the process. Types of application letters fall into two broad categories. Letters of application address job vacancies that are posted, while letters of inquiry investigate the hidden job market, which may account for up to 60 percent of hires, according to FWF.
Letter of Application
A letter of application is used when responding to a job with a known title and details of job duties. Use how you heard about the job in your cover letter that you upload when submitting a job application online. While job postings on common job boards may account for many such opportunities, you may discover job vacancies through networking. If this is the case, include it in your letter, particularly if your network contact is a name likely known to a recruiter. This may be the edge you need, bringing attention to your resume.
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How to attach a cover letter to a resume when you have to use an employer website, characteristics of an effective application letter, proper way to write a cover letter, how to respond to a job interview meeting, how to address a blind cover letter on a website, letter of inquiry.
Indeed Career Guide suggests sending a letter of inquiry when you have no specifics about particular job openings at the company. Perhaps you've heard a preferred employer is hiring, or maybe a particular company or industry catches your interest. An inquiry letter is more difficult to target, since you cannot relate skills to match job tasks, so think in terms of the department your ideal position would fall under and direct your efforts toward highlighting your relevant skills.
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Common Elements
No matter which type of job application letter you use, there are basics to include with each type of application letter you draft. Proper business form, whether hard copy or email, is essential to present yourself professionally. Accurate contact information is critical. Diligently check the spelling and accuracy of your name, address, phone number and email address. Further, the best application letter for a job vacancy displays that you know something about the company. Recruiters want to see you are interested in jobs for which they hire. A strong resume matching an opening may get lost behind a boilerplate application letter, which is why it's so important to spend the time customizing your letter to the particular job you seek.
Follow Up Information
You can demonstrate your drive and initiative by stating it outright in your letter. For a letter of application, indicate you will call to provide further information on your qualifications. Give a time frame appropriate to the closing date of the job posting, generally within one or two weeks. In your letter of inquiry, state that your follow-up will deal with job opportunities in the future. Use a two-week period for follow-up. Schedule the date and make the call, but unless you are asked to follow up again, restrict yourself to one call.*
- FWF: The Hidden Job Market Is Concealed
- Indeed Career Guide: How to Write a Job Inquiry Letter (With Examples)
A full-time content creation freelancer for over 12 years, Scott Shpak is a writer, photographer and musician, with a past career in business with Kodak.
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