How to Write an Official Application Letter
Writing an application letter can be daunting, since the letter may be your one shot to convince a reviewer to consider the rest of your application. Whether you are applying for a grant, a job or trying to get into college, your application letter should be both personal and professional, convincing the reader that you are unique and serious about your application. Writing a catchy application letter is good, but do not go over the top. When in doubt, err on the side of professionalism.
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Instructions
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Know Your Audience
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Whenever possible, address your letter to a real person. Avoid "To Whom It May Concern." Track down the hiring director, admissions officer or proposal reviewer, who is likely to receive and read your letter.
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Match your tone in the letter to the agency or business in which you are applying. A formal tone is appropriate in most cases, but you can be more familiar, if you are applying to an organization that values edginess and creativity.
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Be specific in describing what you are applying for in the letter. Refer to particulars of the organization, and explain how it appeals to you.
Market Yourself
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Convince the reader you deserve to have your application accepted, using specific and concrete examples of your qualifications and accomplishments.
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Write confidently. Use active verbs over passive. Choose powerful adjectives.
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Keep it focused. Do not write too much; most application letters should only be one page, single-spaced. Choose your strongest examples and edit out anything vague or unnecessary.
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Tips & Warnings
The first sentence should be catchy, hooking the reader's attention.
Do not forget to cover the basics clearly: what you are applying for and why you are a good candidate.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit writing image by Petro Feketa from Fotolia.com
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Comments
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ey man this is cool......
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nyc!
