WRITING APPLICATION LETTER

AIM:

Knowing how to write application letter and write Curriculum Vitae.

WHAT IS APPLICATION LETTER?

A well organize application letter will trigger for you to be hired in the job you are applying.
The application letter most of the time is also called as cover letter, serving as the front page
of your resume (Fabros, 2007). This letter, since it is being passed to the HR (Human
Resource Department) or Personnel Officer of a company it is also one of the types of
business letter.

1. Introduction
We write an application letter because we wanted to know that the person the company
searching for the job is the best and perfect for the position. Therefore, it is inevitable to write
an application letter in applying for a job. But what is really the importance of an application
letter?

In writing an application letter, it should be done with an extra-ordinary attention because this
letter is not an ordinary one. It looks like you are selling yourself to the company because
they will be paying you amount if you will get hired. This is why you should take
considerable time in formulating your application letter for you to be bought by the buyer.
That your intellectual know how is almost or exactly fitted on the vacant or available
position.

In selling a product, the presentation of advertisement and other resource information about
the product should be convincing and reliable so as to be bought by buyers in the market. The
same with the application letter, since you are selling your self to the company and the
application letter serves as the advertisement and reliable information about yourself, it
should be convincing for the HR or the Personnel officer to go over your resume for further
evaluation.

In addition, since this is a letter, you should be careful on your sentence structure. The simple
subject and verb agreement should be followed accordingly not to mention other grammatical
sentences boosting your knowledge and skills you are offering. The organization and
structure should also be given attention.

Though every part of this letter is important, the employer is eying on the part where you are
stating some of your experiences relevant to the company's needs in the operation of their
businesses. You should be careful in structuring this part because in here lies if they will go
over your resume for further evaluation.

Before you create your own application letter, have sometime to ask some of your friends or
you can surf over the internet. In here lies more information on how to make an application
that could stimulate your reader and be hired for the desired position you are applying.

2. Characteristics of an Application Letter

The job application letter's sole purpose is to get the recipient to read your CV.  It should be
clear, concise and straight to the point. Here you are simply telling the employer that you are
worth having a look at. The application letter should be brief, no more than one page in
length. It should be easy to read and flow through. It should include only the absolute
necessary information. Like most other things, there is a formula that works extremely well
for preparing job application letters.

3. Components of Application Letters

a. writer’s address
b. company address (receiver’s name, position, address)
c. date
d. salutation
e. content (opening, body and close)
f. complimentary close
g. signature block
4. Opening of Application Letters
a. With reference to your advertisement in today’s Pikiran Rakyat, I would like to apply
for the position of personal assistant in your company.
b. With reference to your advertisement in Jakarta Post dated 21 January for a
management trainee, I shall be grateful if you will consider me for the position.
c. I would like to apply for the position of clerical assistant advertised in yesterday’s
Kompas.
d. I have seen your advertisement for a marketing manager in Thursday’s Koran Tempo
and would like to apply for the position.

5. Personal data of Application Letters

a. I am 20 years old and graduated from ….. in 2004. I can …. . My GPA is …
b. I am 19 years old, single, and posses … certificate in shorthand (100 words a minute)
and typing (80 words a minute). At present I am studying Mandarin.

6. Work experience of Application Letters

a. As you can see from my curriculum vitae, I have had two years experience as a …
b. For the last six years I have been working as ….. at PT ABC.
c. My first work experience was with … Mini Market as ….. I worked with them for …
years.

7. Enclosure of Application Letters

I enclose my curriculum vitae, diploma certificate, …

8. Closing of Application Letters

a. I look forward to your reply.
b. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
c. I hope you would give my application your favorable consideration.

9. Writing a Persuasive Job Application Letter

a. Opening
 • Address the letter to an individual by name.
• For advertised jobs, name the source; include job title, date, and publication.
• If someone referred you, name that person.
• Show that your qualifications fit the job specifications, show your knowledge
of the reader’s business, or show that your special talents will be assets to the
company.

b. Body
• Demonstrate that your background and training meet the job requirements.
• Summarize your principal assets from education, experience, and special
skills.
• Avoid repeating specific data from your résumé.
• Refer to your résumé.

c. Closing
• Ask for an interview. Consider hooking the request to a statement reviewing
your strongest points.
• Make it easy to respond. Tell when and where you can be reached (during
office hours). Some recruiters prefer that you call them.
 Sample Letter 1 (Email)

To: mymanager@gmailexample.com
Re: Application Letter

Dear Sir,

I have seen your advertisement for a management trainee position in sample-job@com and
would like to apply for the position.

My name is Silvy Angraeni. I am twenty years old and single. I graduated in April 2015 from
the University of Achmad Yani, Cimahi, majoring in Management. I studied English,
Management, Entrepreneurship, Human Resource Management, Principles of Accounting,
and Computer when I was in college. I graduated with GPA of 3.80.

As you can see from my curriculum vitae, I have a work experience. During the
implementation of the practice of field work in the 7th semester, I carried out internships in a
garment factory called PT Subur Makmur as a bookkeeper. I noted all the small expenses of
the company. I also wrote a report every week.

As a consideration, I attached my Curriculum Vitae, a copy of Sarjana degree certificate, a

copy of my academic transcript, 3 pieces of 4X6 cms photos, and a reference from PT Subur
Makmur.

I really hope you will give a chance for an interview. I can be reached anytime via email at
silvy.XXX@emailexample.com or my cell phone, 081X-XXX-XXX. Thank you for your
time and consideration. I look forward to speaking with you about this employment
opportunity.

Yours sincerely,
Silvy Angraeni
 Sample Letter 2

Dear Sir/Madam
Having heard that there is an excited vacancy for Sales Manager, I am interested to join at
your established organization and a copy of my curriculum vitae is enclosed.
I am currently working as a Sales Executive and completely have previous background at
Sales Department in one of Asia chain resort.  With impeccable standards of hotel and villa
experience, have an excellent eye for detail and the ability to bring out the best in your team.

Though it would be my third experience in the hospitality industry, the kind of work in which
your consulate is engaged particularly interests me and I would welcome the opportunity to
join your excellent company.
I shall be pleased to provide any further information you may need and hope I may be given
the opportunity of an interview.

Yours sincerely,

Your Name
 Sample Letter 3

XYZ Company
87 Delaware Road
Hatfield, CA 08065
(909) 555-5555
george.gillhooley@email.com
Date

Dear Mr. Gilhooley,

I am writing to apply for the programmer position advertised in the Times Union. As
requested, I am enclosing a completed job application, my certification, my resume and three
references.

The opportunity presented in this listing is very interesting, and I believe that my strong
technical experience and education will make me a very competitive candidate for this
position. The key strengths that I possess for success in this position include:
1. I have successfully designed, developed, and supported live use applications
2. I strive for continued excellence
3. I provide exceptional contributions to customer service for all customers

With a BS degree in Computer Programming, I have a full understanding of the full life cycle
of a software development project. I also have experience in learning and excelling at new
technologies as needed.

Please see my resume for additional information on my experience. I can be reached anytime
via email at george.gillhooley@email.com or my cell phone, 909-555-5555.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to speaking with you about this
employment opportunity.
Sincerely,

FirstName LastName

HOW TO WRITE CURRICULUM VITAE

Writing a Persuasive Résumé (Curriculum Vitae)
What is a resume? According to Doyle (2016) a resume is a written compilation of your
education, work experience, credentials, and accomplishments that is used to apply for jobs.
It is one of the most important pieces of any job application.

A resume (in the USA) or a Curriculum Vitae (in the United Kingdom) is the most important
tool when applying for a job. It doesn't matter how qualified you are, or how much
experience you have - if your resume is poorly presented or badly written, you're going to
have trouble getting the job you want - or even an interview.

No matter what your career field, you will likely need to prepare a resume, cover letter and
fill out an application when looking for a new job. The main purpose of your resume is to
provide the company with an overview of your professional achievements and background,
while an application will tell them the more specific information they need as it pertains to
the job (Page, 2017).

Your resume describes your qualifications and what makes you unique. To stand out among
other applicants, you need a resume that markets your strengths and match for the job. A
great resume:
a. Grabs the attention of employers and recruiters
b. Sells your strongest skills and accomplishments
c. Shows how you’re a match for a position or project
d. And most importantly, gets you a job interview!

1. Preparation
a. Research the job market.
b. Use newspapers, the Web, and other resources to learn about jobs, qualifications,
and employers.
 c. Analyze your strengths.
d. What will sell you for the job you want?
e. Study other résumés as models.
f. Experiment with formatting.

2. Heading and Objective

a. List your name, address, phone.
b. Include a career objective for a targeted job.

3. Education
c. Name your degree, date of graduation, and institution.
d. List your major and GPA.
e. Give information about your studies, but don’t inventory all your courses.

4. Work Experience
a. List your previous jobs.
b. Start with the most recent jobs. Include employer’s name and city, dates of
employment (month, year), and most significant title.

What Do Recruiters Consider Most Important in a Résumé?

1. “The objective. Plus dates when things happened and accomplishments.”
2. “Information about skills that apply to the job; less about job history and past duties.”
3. “Valid information in an easy-to-read, attractive style.”
4. “The candidate’s address and phone number. Lots of people put them only in the
cover letter!”
5. “Realizing that the employer is looking for ‘red flags’ and making sure there aren’t
any. If you have an employment gap, include a clear statement explaining it.”
6. “Meeting the qualifications for the job.”
7. “The presentation and the objective.”
8. “A clear objective, backed up with qualifying experience and continuity in the work
history.”
A Resume Sample

Asep Ridwan Muhammad

Address: Jalan Merdeka Raya 918 Bandung, Indonesia

Phone: 081X - XXX - XXXX | Email: asepridwanXXXXX@gmail.com | Date of Birth:
September 3, 1993

CAREER OBJECTIVE
Seeking a challenging career with a progressive organization that provides an opportunity to
capitalize my management skills & abilities

TECHNICAL SKILLS
● Microsoft Office (MS Word, Excel, Power point, Internet, etc)
● Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop)
● Corel Draw
● Photo and video editing skills
● Website creation skills

PERSONAL SKILLS
● Excellent written and verbal English skills
● Highly organized and efficient
● Ability to work independently or as part of a team
● Proven leadership skills and ability to motivate

EDUCATION
Sarjana Degree in Management (2011 – 2015) from Universitas Jendral Achmad Yani,
Cimahi, Indonesia

ACHIEVEMENTS/RESPONSIBILITIES
● Third winner of Unjani Speech Contest (2012)
● Speaker of Class English Seminar on Advantages and Disadvantages of Social Media
(2013)
● Vice President of BEM (2013 – 2014)

PRE-PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
● I worked part time in XXXmart (June – July 2013)
● I worked apprentice in XXX textile factory (March – June 2015)