Quite obviously, an application letter is a formal letter you request to apply for something; a visa, a document, a job, admission into an institution etc.
Although there are different types of application letters, the format is basically the same.
An application simply states why you want whatever it is you are applying fir, if you are qualified to apply for it, and why your application should be granted.
An application letter should be brief, straight to the point and as concise as possible. Make sure all vital information about yourself as regards whatever you’re applying for is included in it (no one needs to know about your culinary skills unless you’re applying for a job as a chef).
Some types of application letters
1. Job application letter:
A job application states the reasons you’re applying for the job, and why you think you’re qualified for the role. It is usually sent along with your resume or CV.
It is meant to buttress the things contained in your CV. You should show a connection between your experiences and qualifications as stated on the CV and the relevance to the job position you’re applying for.
2. Visa application letter:
A visa application letter may be written on behalf of a friend or relative you’re inviting and sponsoring to visit you. It is to be written and signed by you and presented to the embassy before said person is scheduled to appear at the embassy for the interview.
It may also be written to request for a visa into a country you plan to visit.
3. Leave application letter:
A leave application letter is written to request a leave of absence for a certain period of time from your place of employment.
4. Scholarship application letter:
A scholarship application letter is written to indicate your interest in the scholarship grant you are applying for. It is an opportunity to tell the scholarship board why you are qualified for the scholarship and show them why they should grant it to you.
The letter should also include your reasons for applying. For example, if you’re applying for a scholarship, you should state the reason you need the scholarship and why you are qualified for it.
Records of outstanding academic achievement should be included to prove that you are a worthy student.
If you are applying for a visa, you should state the purpose of your visit to the country and how long you plan to stay for.
If you are applying to your university for deferment, you should state your reasons for wanting to defer and also state how long you want to defer for, whether a semester or a full academic session.
When applying for a job, the application letter is usually the same thing as a cover letter; it should indicate your interest in the role as well as show that you have the necessary skills.
Basically, it should provide additional information on your experience and skills, prompting the prospective employer to see why you should be selected for said role.
There are some mistakes you should avoid when writing an application letter, a lot of people don't know how to write a cover letter. Five of them are listed below.
1. Addressing the letter ‘to whom it may concern’
If you address your letter thus, then you’re probably not concerned about the subject of your application. You should find out the name or at least the title of the recipient and address your letter accordingly.
2. Allowing typos and grammatical errors in your letter
Be sure to proofread your application several times so as to reduce your chances of sending it in with mistakes. When your application is riddled by typographical and grammatical errors, you can’t blame the recipient for not taking you serious.
3. Rambling on
‘Brevity is the soul of wit’, this saying is truest when writing applications. Make suite it is as brief and concise as possible. Go starlight to the orient and address the subject of your application.
There is no need to make small talk about the weather or talk about your dog’s latest tricks.
4. Being too informal
The person you are sending your cover letter to is neither your favorite uncle nor your long lost friend. Keep the language and conversation formal, do not go ‘what’s up-ing’ your potential employer or faculty dean.
5. Forgetting to sign your letter
The beginning of your application is just as important as the closing. Remember to include a closing, your signature and your name, otherwise, you’d be sending an anonymous letter.
What to include in your application and how to write an application letter
The first part of your application letter should include your contact address as well as the prospective employer’s in this manner.
Your Contact Information
Name
Address
City, State,( Zip Code)
Date
Receiver’s Contact Information
Name
Title
Company
Address
City, State, (Zip Code)
After this comes the salutation. The salutation is the same with a formal letter salutation (an application is actually a formal letter)
Salutation
Dear Mr. /Ms. last name. In the event that you don’t know the name of the person you’re addressing the letter to, you can write your salutation as Dear (position).
After the salutation is the body of the letter. At the beginning of the body, right after the salutation just is the title.
The title must be underlined if written in lower case, but when written in upper case, there is no need to underlie, DO NOT write in upper case and still underline.
Example
'APPLICATION FOR POST OF FRONT DESK MANAGER'
'Application for a copy of my academic transcript'
First paragraph
After the title is the first paragraph. The first paragraph should include details on why you are writing and the exact thing you’re applying for.
If it is a job application, state whether you are applying in response to an advert the company put out or if you have a contact at the company.
Second paragraph or middle paragraphs
Most applications usually have three paragraphs, but sometimes, due to the nature of the application, there may be more than three.
Anyway, the second or middle paragraphs contain a description of what you want from the recipient of your letter. State your case as strongly as possible without exaggerating or out rightly lying.
State the reason you are qualified to apply for the job/visa/scholarship and why your request should be granted.
Be sure to make specific connections between your experience, qualification and skills and the subject of your application; demonstrate that you are capable of handling whatever it is you are applying for.
Final paragraph
Conclude your letter by thanking the recipient for taking time to entertain your application. Be sure to include information on how you will like to be contacted subsequently.
Also, indicate your willingness to answer any questions the organization might have promptly and if you will be readily available for a personal oral interview.
Closing
Your application letter should be cloaked with your name and signature. Like this;
Yours faithfully,
Signature
Name
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