Elements of Job Application Letters and Cover Letters
A job application letter and a cover letter are important documents when it comes to application processes. These letters help an individual have higher chances of being considered for a professional work position. Some job advert will require the applicant to submit a cover letter, while others require them to an application letter. Whether the job advert states that you need to send a cover letter or an application letter, they are basically just asking the same item.
Though there are times where the two letters are considered the same, there are actually some differences that can be noted between them. However, a cover letter is a short introduction of the applicant, skills, and qualifications; while a job application letter contains a more extensive description of the applicant’s professional experiences.
Elements to Include in a Cover Letter and Job Application Letter
If a cover letter and job application letter are basically the same document, then do they contain the same elements? The answer to that question is yes.
- The applicant’s personal and contact information – When writing your personal and contact information, it is important to follow the standard business letter format.
- Proper salutation or greetings – Writing the salutation or greeting can be a tricky, especially if the job advert does not include the name of the contact person. When you are not sure whom to address the letter, choose to go with “Dear Hiring Manager,” rather than writing “To Whom It May Concern,” which sounds too generic.
- Body of the letter – No matter if you are writing a cover letter or a job application letter, the body of your letter should immediately grab the attention of a potential employer.
- Signature – This is for verification that the contents of the cover letter or the job application letter is truthful (to the applicant’s knowledge, of course).
They may be considered similar documents, but the only thing that sets them apart is the body of the letter. A cover letter is used to grab the employer’s attention by highlighting the skills and qualifications relevant to the position. An application letter contains a specific and detailed information about the applicant’s employment history and professional proficiency.
Check out the tips for writing a cover letter for resume or download highly editable templates from the collections of simple cover letters and job application letter examples from our website.
Tips for Writing
What are the things to keep in mind when writing either a cover letter or an application letter? We’ve got the rundown of writing tips in writing it successfully:
- Know the contact person – Salutations or greeting such as “Dear Sir/Madam” or “To Whom It May Concern” shows the employer that you didn’t care to research about the company you’re applying to. If the contact person isn’t specified in the job advert, there are a lot of ways to find out who to address your letter to. Visit their website or try calling the HR department to get the name of the contact person.
- Talk about your skills and qualifications – Convince them why you are the best candidate for the job. This is the part where you sell yourself to your future employers.
- Keep your letter brief and direct to the point – There is no use in impressing the employer with your impeccable writing skills if you don’t go straight to the point why you should get hired.
Make sure to take a look through our job application letter samples and job application letter formats before leaving our website.
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