Letter of Application

A cover letter, also known as a letter of application, is a document that is submitted with a resume to provide additional information on abilities and experience.

A letter of application normally includes thorough information on why you are qualified for the position for which you are applying. Effective application letters show why you're interested in the particular organization and highlight your most relevant talents or experiences.

The application letter should include information about the position you are seeking as well as your qualifications for it. It should be correctly arranged, formatted, and spaced so that it is readable and produces an excellent first impression on the recruiting manager.

Guidelines

Here are some suggestions to follow when drafting a job application letter:

1. Length: A cover letter should be no more than one page long.
2. Format: A cover letter should be single-spaced, with a space between each paragraph. Use a 1" margin on all sides and align text to the left, which is the normal alignment for most documents.
3. Font: Use classic typefaces like Arial and Calibri. The typeface must be between 10 and 12 points in size.

Organization of a Letter of Application

1. Header: A letter of an organization must begin with both your and the employer’s contact information (name, address, phone number, email) followed by a date.
2. Greeting: Begin a letter with Dr., Mr./Ms., or Mrs.
3. Introduction: Begin by stating what job you are applying for. Explain how you learned about it, especially if you learned about it from a company contact.
4. Briefly describe how your talents and experience complement the firm and/or position: this will give the employer a taste of what is to come in the body of the letter.
5. Body: Explain in a paragraph or two why you are interested in the job and why you are an ideal candidate for it. Mention a single requirement specified in the job posting and explain how you meet that requirement. Do not merely regurgitate your resume; instead, present unique examples of your expertise.
6. Closing: Explain how your abilities make you a good fit for the organization and/or role. Declare that you want to interview and/or discuss a job opportunity. Explain what you intend to do as a follow-up and when you intend to accomplish it. Thank the employee for his or her time.
7. Signature: Finish with your handwritten signature, followed by your typed name. If this is an email, simply type your name followed by your contact information.

Example of letter of application

Date: 20th July 2015

To,

The Managing Director,

ABC Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal

Subject: Application for the Post of Staff Nurse

Dear sir/madam,

For the position of staff nurse, I am writing in response to an advertisement published in the national daily The Kathmandu Post on July 10, 2015. Have a strong interest and enthusiasm in the field of nursing. I am writing to apply for the position of staff nurse in the pediatric unit at your hospital, which has a long history of success and a good reputation in public health. In 2014 A.D., I received a degree in PCL nursing from the nursing campus in Kathmandu in accordance with the qualification standards.

I have extensive knowledge and practical expertise in caring for children in pediatrics in a beautiful setting. I hope that my qualifications and professional experience will be very beneficial at your hospital. If I am granted the opportunity to serve, I will do my best to perform my tasks as a completely responsible nurse. I've attached my resume to this application.

I am looking forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely,

ABC

References

• sandracelly.blogspot.com/2011/10/application-letter.html
• Pathak, Sumita and Sochana Sapkota. A Textbook of Leadership and Management. Bhotahity, Kathmandu: Vidyarthi Pustak Bhandar, 2014.