How to Write a Cover Letter for a Work Experience Application

Explain your work experience section of a job application in your cover letter.

For some job openings, an employer will ask you to fill out an application detailing your work experience in lieu of a resume. While you can format a resume any way you wish, a work experience application is more structured, and will require that you disclose specific information your potential employer wants to know. As with a resume, you should submit a cover letter along with your work experience application. You can use the cover letter to explain any employment gaps in your application, but it should focus on what you can do for the company.

Instructions

1. Start a new document and create a header with your name and contact information. Double space and enter the current date, along with the recipient's name, title and company contact information. If the application does not indicate who will review your application, contact the company and ask so you can personalize your cover letter.

2. Open by addressing the recipient by name, such as "Dear Mr. Bell." Explain what job you are applying for, naming the specific job title, and explain how you learned about the job opening. If you have a reference, name him in this paragraph.

3. Write the middle paragraph of your cover letter. Choose three of the most important qualifications this job demands of the employee, and list your own accomplishments and skills that prove you worthy of fulfilling that role. Focus on pointing out those jobs listed on your work experience application that played a direct part in you developing those skills, highlighting any major projects you managed or recognition you received as proof.

4. Use this middle paragraph to also explain any employment gaps or "job hopping" in a positive way, if these issues are noticeable in your work experience application. Avoid volunteering personal information, and keep your explanation brief. For employment gaps, mention any seminars, workshops or conferences you attended to further your education in your field. For job hopping, find a unifying element -- such as "love of working with customers" or "broad range of technical skills" -- that ties several of your previous jobs together and use this as your reason for desiring a variety of work experiences.

5. Write a concluding paragraph. Explain that your completed work experience application is attached, and that you would be interested in moving ahead with an interview. Thank the recipient for taking the time to consider your letter and application.

References

• Virginia Tech: Cover Letters
• Tufts University: Effective Cover Letter Writing