Applying for a job in writing

Many employers ask applicants to write letters of application, especially if they are looking for someone who can spell accurately and write well for a clerical job. These letters are often the first stage in the selection process and are extremely important.

What to include

Follow any instructions given in the job advert. Those who send in badly written, untidy letters may not be offered an interview. The aim of your letter is to get an interview so if you have to write a letter of application remember the following points:

• always write a rough copy first to make sure you don’t leave anything out
• use proper writing-paper and appropriate colour of ink or have it typed, if allowed
• make sure that your writing or typing is neat and legible, that you do not make spelling mistakes and that your punctuation is correct. Don’t use a long word if a short one will do
• set out the letter accurately and make sure the addresses are in the right place.  If you start with ‘Dear Sir’ or ‘Dear Madam’ end with ‘Yours faithfully’ and if you start with ‘Dear Mrs Jones’ end with ‘Yours sincerely’
• if you are replying to an advertisement, address your letter to the person mentioned, for example, Personnel Officer or Manager
• if your letter relates to a definite vacancy, start off by mentioning this and say how you heard about it
• next, give brief details about yourself:
  • school / college / university start and leaving dates
  • details of qualifications and any courses taken since leaving school
  • employment history stating job titles, length of time in post and whether full-time or part-time
  • include your reasons for applying for the job, any relevant activities or interests and names of referees
• some employers may ask you to send a CV (Curriculum Vitae) which is a detailed summary of your past experience. If so, you should attach a short covering letter with it
• always enclose a stamped self-addressed envelope so that you will be more likely to receive a reply