How To Write a Job Application Letter (With Examples!) 

A well-crafted job application letter can help you stand out when applying to jobs. Whether you are pursuing an entry-level or a managerial role, an effective letter of application introduces you to the employer, highlights your skills and shows your enthusiasm for the role. 

To increase your chances of moving further in the hiring process, we’ve created the below guide with steps, examples and even a template you can customize. 

What Is a Letter of Application? 

A letter of application, sometimes also called a job application letter or a cover letter, is a one-page document that you prepare and send to prospective employers to express interest in a job opening. 

You can use this letter to introduce yourself, talk about your background and education and highlight how your particular skills or experience align with the expectations for the role you are applying for.  

Overall, your goal when writing an application letter is to convince the recruiter or hiring manager why they should strongly consider you for the opportunity (i.e., inviting you for an interview).   

While some professionals feel that an application letter is superfluous, others disagree. A recent LinkedIn survey found that although 44% of respondents consider the letter of application outdated, 43% believe that it is alive and well.  

This data suggests that nearly half of professionals still rely on the application letter when applying for jobs, making it a relevant factor in today’s competitive marketplace. 

How To Write an Application Letter in 7 Steps 

Regardless of the industry and the role you are applying for, every application letter should follow a clear structure. Here’s how you can write one in seven simple steps: 

1. Start With a Proper Heading 

At the top-left part of your letter of application, include your name, current address, phone number and email address. Make sure that your information is correct so that the recruiter or hiring manager can reach you. 

Then, indicate the date on which you are writing the letter, followed by the recipient’s name, their job title, the company name and the company address. 

2. Include a Formal Salutation 

Here, address the hiring manager by their name if you know it. If not, you can use “Dear Hiring Manager,” or “To Who It May Concern:” to maintain a formal tone. 

3. Write an Engaging Opening Paragraph 

In your opening paragraph, you want to capture the attention of the reader. Mention what role you are applying for and what makes you an ideal candidate for that role. Try to share some of your values that align with the company’s. 

4. Introduce Your Key Strengths and Qualifications 

Focus on your most relevant skills and qualifications. Briefly explain how these align with the requirements listed on the job description.  

Use language that demonstrates confidence in your abilities and provide tangible results: instead of simply stating “I am a skilled marketer,” you could say, “I successfully increased customer engagement by 30% through targeted email campaigns.” 

5. Provide Context and Background for Your Qualifications 

Provide tangible results whenever possible. Instead of simply writing, “I improved our sales” you should put something like: “The strategies I introduced increased sales by 20%.” Doing so will add measurable value to your work. 

6. Show Interest in the Position 

Include a sentence or two to express genuine enthusiasm for the job and the company. Highlight what excites you about the opportunity and how you envision contributing to the company’s success. 

When showing interest, avoid relying on generic or overused phrases like, “I’ve always dreamed of working here” or “Your company is the best.” These can come across as insincere or superficial. Instead, reference specific aspects of the company that resonate with you, such as recent achievements, core values or unique initiatives. 

7. End With a Professional Closing  

Toward the end of your letter of application, reiterate your interest in the role, thank the employer for their time and invite them to contact you for further discussions or to schedule an interview. 

Remain professional when ending the letter, say “sincerely” or “best regards” and add your name. 

Template for a Letter of Application  

Below is a customizable job application letter template that you can download for free! Simply fill out the parts in brackets, proofread and then it should be good to send. 

Job Application Letter Examples 

Below are three examples of application letters tailored to different roles and industries. 

General Example 

Below is a sample application letter for a Marketing Associate position. It demonstrates how to tailor your experience and skills to a job description while maintaining a professional and confident tone. 

Charlie Pace 

123 Marketing Avenue 

New York, NY 10001 

(555) 123-4567 

[email protected]

November 29, 2024 

BrightEdge Solutions 

456 Innovation Drive 

San Francisco, CA 94105 

To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing to express my interest in the Marketing Associate position at BrightEdge Solutions, as advertised on your website. With two years of experience in digital marketing and a proven ability to drive engagement and lead generation, I am eager to bring my skills to your innovative team. 

In my role as a Digital Marketing Coordinator at CreativeVibe, I spearheaded a social media campaign that increased follower engagement by 40% and generated 15% more leads than the previous quarter. By leveraging data-driven insights, I developed strategies that resonated with target audiences and aligned with business objectives. 

I am particularly inspired by BrightEdge’s commitment to innovation in the marketing industry. Your focus on delivering client-centered solutions aligns with my passion for creating impactful campaigns that drive measurable results.

Thank you for considering my application. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my skills can contribute to the success of BrightEdge Solutions. Attached herewith is my resume, while references are available upon request. I look forward to meeting with you soon. 

Sincerely, 

Charlie Pace 

Hospitality-Specific Example 

This sample letter below demonstrates an entry-level application for a front desk associate position in the hospitality industry. 

Desmond Hume 

789 Hospitality Lane 

Chicago, IL 60601 

(555) 987-6543 

[email protected]

November 29, 2024 

Emily Bishop 

Hotel General Manager 

LuxeStay Hotels 

123 Luxury Blvd 

Chicago, IL 60611 

Dear Ms. Bishop, 

I am excited to apply for the position of Front Desk Associate at LuxeStay Hotels, as advertised on your careers page. With a passion for customer service and six months of experience as a receptionist, I am eager to deliver exceptional experiences to your guests. 

In my previous role as a Receptionist at Comfort Suites, I mastered the art of managing check-ins and check-outs efficiently, resolving guest inquiries and coordinating with various departments to ensure seamless service. My ability to remain calm under pressure helped me resolve a high-volume booking conflict during peak season, earning positive reviews from both management and guests. 

What excites me most about working at LuxeStay Hotels is your commitment to providing luxury experiences with a personal touch. I am confident my dedication to excellence and attention to detail will make a valuable contribution to your team. 

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to bring my hospitality expertise to LuxeStay Hotels. Please feel free to contact me  to discuss my qualifications.  

Sincerely, 

Desmond Hume 

Example for Managerial-Level Roles  

In this example, the applicant is applying for a managerial-level position in the hospitality industry, specifically a Restaurant Manager role. 

Ethan Rom 

789 Hospitality Lane 

Chicago, IL 60601 

(555) 987-6543 

[email protected]

November 29, 2024 

Norman Roberts 

Director of Restaurant Operations 

Epicurean Dining Group

123 Lincoln Blvd 

Chicago, IL 60611 

Dear Mr. Roberts, 

I am thrilled to apply for the Restaurant Manager position at Epicurean Dining Group, as advertised on LinkedIn. With over eight years of experience in hospitality management and a strong track record of driving operational excellence, I am confident in my ability to lead your team to new heights. 

As the General Manager at Gourmet Haven, I successfully implemented staff training programs that reduced turnover by 25% and increased customer satisfaction scores by 30%. By streamlining operations and optimizing inventory management, I also achieved a 15% reduction in overhead costs without compromising service quality. 

Epicurean Dining Group’s reputation for culinary excellence and innovative dining experiences resonates deeply with my passion for creating memorable guest interactions. I am particularly excited about the opportunity to contribute to your mission of redefining fine dining. 

Thank you for considering my application. I would be delighted to discuss my leadership approach and vision for enhancing guest satisfaction at Epicurean Dining Group. I look forward to scheduling a conversation with you and your team soon. 

Sincerely, 

Ethan Rom

Sending Your Application Letter 

Once you’ve crafted the perfect application letter, it’s time to send it off. How you send your letter plays a key role in making a professional impression.  

Here are some tips for submitting your application letter efficiently and professionally: 

• Add a subject line: If you’re sending your application via email, make sure your subject line clearly indicates the reason for your email. A professional subject line should include your name and the job title you’re applying for. For example: “Application for Marketing Associate Position – [Your Name].”  
• Include properly labeled attachments: This is also applicable if you’re submitting your application via email. Besides the letter, make sure to attach your CV or resume in an easily accessible format, typically as PDF. Be sure to label your files clearly, such as “[Your Name] Resume” and “[Your Name] Application Letter,” so the recipient knows what they are opening. 
• Follow submission guidelines: Check the job posting to find out if you should submit your application letter via email, a company portal or another job platform. This will ensure your letter gets to the hiring manager in the best possible way. 

Final Tips for Writing Your Application Letter 

Now that you know the essential things to include in your application letter and the proper way to submit it, here are a few final reminders  to consider: 

Do Some Groundwork  

Consider the most important skills and accomplishments to include. Stay concise and focus on what matters.  

Keep It to One Page  

Hiring managers and recruiters value brevity, given that they typically go through multiple job applications in a day. Aim for a clear, professional document that gets straight to the point and avoids wasting their time.  

Format It Properly  

Use traditional fonts like Arial, Calibri or Times New Roman, and stick to a font size between 10.5 and 12 points. 

Keep paragraphs single-spaced with a blank line in between.  

Tailor It to the Role and Company 

Although it’s perfectly fine to have an application letter template on hand, you should always customize it to reflect the specific job title and company you’re applying for.  

To do this, check the job description so you know what qualifications you need to highlight and avoid simply duplicating what’s on your CV or resume.  

Additionally, research the company (such as its values and mission statement) so you can incorporate these in your letter — particularly the part where you explain why you’re excited about the opportunity. 

Proofread Everything Carefully  

A polished letter of application leaves a lasting impression, so always proofread it before sending. Check the document or email for typos, grammatical errors, incorrect formatting and generic phrases that should be replaced.