Model Business Letters, Emails and Other Business Documents, 7th Edition

19

Personnel

Letters of application

A letter of application for a job is essentially a sales letter. In such a letter you are trying to sell yourself, so your letter must:

• capture attention by using a good writing style
• arouse interest in your qualifications
• carry conviction by your past record and testimonials
• bring about the action you want the prospective employer to take – to grant an interview and eventually give you the job.

Style of application

Unless an advertisement specifies that you must apply in your own handwriting, or the post is purely clerical or bookkeeping, it’s always best to send a well-presented typewritten cover letter. A well-displayed, easy-to-read letter will attract attention at once and create a favourable ...