application letter the meaning

• Cover Letter

How to Write an Application Letter—Examples & Guide

Embarking on the job-hunting journey? A great letter of application can be your golden ticket to stand out in the competitive job market. Learn how to write one with our guide.

Here we go again… Another job posting, another letter. This time it’s a letter of application.

But don’t worry. You’ve probably written dozens of application letter already, you just don’t know it yet. After you read this article, you’ll never sigh at the sight of another letter of application.

This guide will show you:

• An application letter sample for any position that’s better than most others out there.
• Step-by-step guide on how to write an application letter for a job.
• Tips on setting the proper letter of application format.

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I had an interview yesterday and the first thing they said on the phone was: “Wow! I love your cover letter.” Patrick I love the variety of templates. Good job guys, keep up the good work! Dylan  My previous cover letter was really weak and I used to spend hours adjusting it in Word. Now, I can introduce any changes within minutes. Absolutely wonderful! George

Want to learn more about job application documents? Read our other cover letter guides:

• Cover Letter for a Career Change
• Cover Letter for Non-Profits
• Cover Letter for Retail Jobs
• Cover Letter Guide for IT Positions
• Entry-Level Cover Letter Example
• General Cover Letter Guide
• Internship Cover Letter
• Marketing Cover Letter Guide
• Recent Graduate Cover Letter Sample
• What Does a Cover Letter Look Like?

What Is a Letter of Application?

A letter of application is intended to introduce yourself and explain why you're interested in the position. Also known as a cover letter, it is sent with your resume when applying for a job. An application letter allows you to showcase your qualifications and skills alongside your enthusiasm.

Now let’s look at what a professional letter of application looks like:

Letter of Application Example

Vinícius Cunha Pinto

UX Researcher

2496 Bassell Avenue

Little Rock, AR 72201

501-626-5744

viní[email protected]

linkedin.com/in/viní-cunha-pinto

Sherwood, 1/10/2021

Mr. Antonio Strife

Hewlett-Packard Company

232 Pumice Dr

Sherwood, AR 72120

Dear Mr. Strife

I am excited to apply for the UX researcher position at Hewlett-Packard. As a UX researcher with over six years of experience in the field, I am confident that my expertise and passion for user-centered design make me an excellent candidate for this role. In my previous position at AG Group, I increased user engagement with our app by 45%.

Another one of my biggest accomplishments was leading a research project identifying several usability issues in our company's mobile app. I worked with the design team to create solutions to these issues, resulting in a 30% increase in user satisfaction. I was also responsible for conceptualizing, designing, and developing marketing pages for our company’s website and directly contributed to over 60% increase in revenue. Furthermore, I am skilled in conducting user interviews, usability tests, surveys, and data analysis and proficient in various research tools, such as Optimal Workshop, UserTesting.com, and Qualtrics.

I am particularly drawn to Hewlett-Packard because of its reputation for innovation and commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology. Your company's dedication to delivering cutting-edge solutions aligns perfectly with my passion for staying at the forefront of UX research and design. I am eager to bring my skills and insights to a dynamic organization like Hewlett-Packard, where I can contribute to pioneering advancements in user experiences. The collaborative and forward-thinking culture at Hewlett-Packard resonates with my professional values, and I am enthusiastic about the prospect of contributing to your team's success.

Working for Hewlett-Packard would be a wonderful opportunity for me. I would love to join your team and contribute to creating exceptional user experiences for your customers. Can we schedule a meeting, so I can tell you more about the UX solutions I can bring to your company?

P.S.— I’d also love to tell you about how I worked with the development team to implement design changes that reduced user errors by 75%.

Using this example, let’s now go through the entire process of writing a letter of application.

How to Write a Letter of Application

Follow the instructions below to create a professional yet simple job application letter:

1. Use the Right Format of an Application Letter for a Job

Before your job application reaches the recruiter, it’ll most likely need to go through an automated ATS scan . And to ensure everything is read correctly, your application letter requires clear and clean formatting.

To format your letter of application correctly, follow these guidelines:

• Use the same font you chose for your resume .
• Left-align all content.
• Keep your application letter length to only one page.
• Just like with your resume margins , set them to 1-inch on your job application letter as well.
• Leave ample white space by using double-spacing between paragraphs and setting line spacing to 1.15.

Also, save your letter of application for a job in a PDF format unless instructed otherwise. This will keep your formatting and the general layout of the document intact.

Expert Hint : You may think that sending just your resume is enough. But in truth, that’s a very wrong way to think. Letters of application are essential in the job market, so don’t risk losing to other candidates just because you didn’t write one.

2. Address Your Letter of Application Properly

Addressing an application letter is simple. Firstly, include your contact information in the header of the application letter : 

• Full address
• Telephone number
• LinkedIn profile (optional)
• Current date

Then, put your hiring manager’s and their company’s info underneath it. Use:

• Recruiter’s full name
• Recruiter’s job title
• Company’s name
• Company’s address

And lastly, greet your hiring manager by using an honorific (Mr. Ms.) and their full name. Take a look at the example below to visualize:

Letter of Application Example—Address

Mr. James Stipe

There is one challenge waiting for you in this first part. Finding out the name of your recruiter. If the company put it out in the job ad, you’re golden. If it didn’t, there are a couple of ways to try and discover it on your own. You can check the company’s website or LinkedIn profile for starters. If you still drew a blank, reach out to an employee of the company and ask them. LinkedIn makes it super easy.

If everything fails, you’ll have to resort to a generalized salutation. “Dear Hiring Manager” is a great solution.

Double your impact with a matching resume and cover letter combo. Use our cover letter generator and make your application documents pop out.

CREATE YOUR COVER LETTER NOW

Want to try a different look? There's 21 more. A single click will give your document a total makeover. Pick a cover letter template here .

3. Open Up With an Enticing First Paragraph

Next up, you need to capture the recruiter’s attention. So put your best foot forward in the first paragraph.

This is how the letter of application should start :

• Show you’re enthusiastic about applying for the position.
• Present your most impressive professional work achievement .
• Identify the company and the position you’re applying for by name.

Here’s what it looks like:

Sample Application Letter for a Job—First Paragraph

I am writing to apply for the UX Researcher/Developer position advertised on your website. I have over 6 years of experience and am skilled in various UX research methods. Furthermore, I have a proven track of increasing user engagement.

In theory, both of these examples present the same candidate. But the difference in said presentation makes the second sample bite the dust.

Candidate #2 doesn’t check any of the aforementioned boxes, and it shows. He has no enthusiasm, no measurable achievement to catch the eye, and he doesn’t even mention the company by name, meaning he probably sent the same letter of application to hundreds of other jobs.

But not everyone can show a work achievement straight away. If you’re applying for your first job, focus on the two other aspects of your application letter’s first paragraph. Like so:

Example of an Application Letter with No Experience—First Paragraph

As a recent graduate in Human-Computer Interaction, I am excited to apply for the Junior UX Researcher position at Hewlett-Packard. I have been following your company's work for some time now, and I am impressed with your commitment to improving the user experience through extensive research and testing. As a passionate and detail-oriented researcher, I am confident that my skills and knowledge will make me an excellent fit for your team.

And that’s a great way to introduce yourself when writing a letter of application with no experience .

Expert Hint: Job application letters build a connection with the employer by introducing yourself in a good light. One very effective tactic is to research the company’s mission and values and refer to them in your letter of application.

4. Prove Your Expertise in the Main Body

Now that you’ve hooked the recruiter, it’s time to reel them in. Metaphorically, of course.

There are a lot of different things you can include in a letter of application . But all of them must share a certain similarity. They have to be relevant to the position you’re applying for. And that’s especially true in the main body section of the job application letter. Why? Because here, you’ll list some enticing work achievements and work skills you possess.

You can see this in the following example:

How to Write an Application Letter—Main Body Section Example

I have experience working in UX research and am confident in learning and adapting quickly to new technologies and methodologies. I can use many tools, including MS Excel. Outside my many UX accomplishments, I have also worked as a sales representative, furthering my vast skills portfolio.

See what lack of relevance and quantified achievements do to a letter of application? The second candidate could best fit the position, but he will not get picked with that paragraph.

On the other hand, in the first example, relevance guides our candidate. He doesn’t bother talking about their previous job in a different field. Instead, he presents UX skills and accomplishment statements and, most of all, quantifies them for maximum impact.

Also, it’s a letter of application . So tell the recruiter why you want to apply to this specific company. Show a cultural fit, mention your values, and talk about what you can bring to the company.

But then again… How does someone without experience tackle the second paragraph of a job application letter? They should show their drive towards the specific position and the steps they have already undertaken towards their goal. Just like that:

Sample Letter of Application for a Job With No Experience—Main Body

During my studies, I worked on several UX research projects, including conducting usability testing, creating personas, and analyzing user feedback. In addition, I have completed a certification in UX Research and Design, where I learned how to conduct user interviews, design research studies, and analyze data. I am proficient in various research methodologies and tools such as surveys, A/B testing, heat maps, and user flow analysis.

And despite the lack of measured achievements, this candidate is dedicated to becoming a UX specialist. No employer is going to have any doubts about whether he will be a driven employee at their company.

Expert Hint: As tempting as it may be, never copy your resume into the letter of application. Of course, you can show one or two of the same things but focus more on presenting other achievements and skills.

5. Finish Your Application Letter With a Clear CTA

Do you know the saying, “It’s not important how you start, it’s important how you finish?” Well, in letters of application, that’s not really a good saying, as you do need a strong start, but a strong finish is just as crucial.

So don’t screw up by including a non-ending “looking forward to hearing from you” or “thank you for considering my application.” Way too many candidates finish their letters of job application this way, and it just doesn’t work.

It’s uninspiring and boring.

Instead, do it like this: 

Ending a Job Application Letter—Sample

If you have time, we could maybe schedule a meeting or something? I want to know more about the benefits your company offers

See? The first one sounds way better than one of those overused cliché lines. At the same time, example number 2 makes the candidate look like an entitled worker with no drive.

Pay special attention to the call to action. You should always nudge the recruiter into scheduling an interview with you. It may sound silly, but it’s an effective tactic. Additionally, when signing off, write “Sincerely” before your name. It’s the best way to close off a letter of application formally.

And as you’ve probably noticed, the candidate added a postscript. What’s the deal with that? It’s a completely optional thing, so don’t stress over it. If you want to add a P.S., remember to do so with a completely unique achievement you have not presented in your resume or application letter. If you don’t have anything jaw-dropping, you’re better off not adding a postscript to the end of your letter of job application .

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Nail it all with a splash of color, choose a clean font, highlight your skills in just a few clicks. You’re the perfect candidate and we’ll prove it. Just pick one of 21 resume templates and get started now .

Here’s a summary of what’s important when writing a letter of application for a job:

• Format your application letter correctly to make it easily readable.
• Refer to the hiring manager and the company by name . Personalization earns you a lot of points in the recruiting process.
• Put information relevant to the position throughout all sections of the application letter.
• Always refer to the keywords found in the job ad and the company’s values.
• Finish off with a call to action , and add a postscript if you have more to show.

Did you enjoy reading about how to write a letter of application? Do you have any questions about job application letters? Or maybe additional tips to make one stand out even more? Leave a comment. We’ll be happy to engage in a conversation!

Mariusz is a career expert with a background in quality control & economics. With work experience in FinTech and a passion for self-development, Mariusz brings a unique perspective to his role. He’s dedicated to providing the most effective advice on resume and cover letter writing techniques to help his readers secure the jobs of their dreams.

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• Cover Letter
• Letter of Application: Job Example, Format & How-To Guide

Letter of Application: Job Example, Format & How-To Guide

Our customers have been hired by:

Oh, come on! What is this? Another letter to get an interview?

That was your reaction to hearing a “letter of application” for the first time. 

Am I wrong?

The list seems never to end: a cover letter, covering letter, motivation letter… 

You’ll be happy to know that it’s the same thing. 

And there’s more.

This guide will show you:

• Job application sample better than 9 out of 10 others.
• Workplan for how to write such a sample of an application letter for any position.
• Why the correct application letter format gets you in front of the recruiter. 

Did you know that our builder can take care of the formatting for you? No need to worry about margins and spacing: just add your text and watch the Zety builder arrange everything on the page just the way it should be. Here’s what your job application letter can look like: 

You can take your pick from 20+ professional templates to make your letter of application not only formatted well but also look great! 

Did you mean how to write a cover letter ? No worries! Find our guides right below:

• How to Write a Cover Letter
• What Should a Cover Letter Include
• What Does a Cover Letter Look Like
• Format of a Cover Letter
• Cover Letter Outline
• How Long Should a Cover Letter Be
• How to Address a Cover Letter
• How to Start a Cover Letter
• What Should a Cover Letter Say
• How to End a Cover Letter

This letter of application template proves you’re second to none:

Letter of Application Example

[Your Name] [Job Title] [Mailing Address] [Phone Number] [Email Address]

[Place, Date]

[Hiring Manager Name] [Job Title] [Company Name] [Mailing Address]

Dear [Hiring Manager Name], I was thrilled to hear you opened a post for an event planner. As an office assistant in Staff, I single-handedly organized a year-end party for the entire office, deemed the most entertaining and successful event the employees had a chance to attend. 

It came to my attention that my position as an office assistant may seem off-track for the post you are advertising, yet let me assure you it is not. Allow my achievements to speak for the qualities you are looking for in an event planner:

• Multitasking.  A one-person team successfully supervised the office’s administrative duties, from allocating contracts with vendors and suppliers to managing executives’ travel calendars to balancing the branding budget. Became a go-to person for when things need to be done.
• Research.  Pitched a new supplier profile offering better quality office supplies stock at a lower price. Reduced administrative costs by 6%.
• Planning.  Compiled and presented annual budget proposals to the management. 100% approvals so far.

The job of an event planner is not to arrange seats and tables. It is to create memories worth a lifetime. Together, we will organize events worth remembering.

Let’s schedule a meeting to discuss how my transferable skills could help your team.

Best Regards, [Your Name], [Job Title]

PS—I will also be happy to tell you how my social media campaign for the local animal shelter’s community event boosted attendance by 20%. My methods were unconventional, and they sure worked! 

Enclosure: Resume

Send your job application letter with a job-winning resume for synergy. See our article: Resume Writing: Your Go-To Guide

What is a Letter of Application?

A letter of application is yet another name for a cover letter or job application letter. You submit it with your resume to apply for jobs. It’s a one-page letter intended to explain why you’re a perfect fit for the advertised position. 

This is what a letter of application should include:

• Header with your name and contact details
• Hiring manager’s address
• Opening paragraph introducing yourself and your application
• Two body paragraphs explaining why you’re a great candidate and your motivation behind the application
• Closing paragraph with a call to action directed at the employer
• Your signature and attachments list

Now, here’s how you write an application letter:

How to Write an Application Letter? 

Start from the beginning, which in this case is to—

1. Create an ATS-Friendly Job Application Letter Template

You need something to write on. But instead of grabbing paper, open a text editor and adjust the format of the letter page.

No splatters guaranteed!

See how to format your job application letter:

Format of an Application Letter

• Create enough spacing: 1–1.15 between lines, 1-inch margins, double space between paragraphs
• Choose the font: Garamond, Helvetica, or Arial in 11–12 points in a font size
• Align the content to the left
• Pick the file format: PDF, unless the recruiter requested a Word file specifically
• Name the file: JobTitle_YourName_ApplicationLetter.pdf, which in a real example would look like this, AdministrativeAssistant_OliviaRibush_ApplicationLetter.pdf

Disclaimer: The Applicant Tracking Software sees your application first, so if the software can’t parse it, the recruiter won’t even have a chance to read it.

By taking care of the layout, you ensure your letter of application passes the ATS scan and lands in the candidates list you’re targeting. 

Plus, with clear formatting, you’re making it easy for the recruiter to read it and quickly pick out the best bits.

That’s it in terms of your letter’s technicalities.

Let’s move on to the job letter introduction.

2. Open Your Application Letter Right

Do you know why patterns appeal to so many people?

They’re consistent. Seamless.

To achieve a similar effect with your letter, mirror the design of your resume in the header section. That way, you’ll make your application more memorable and cohesive. (And simultaneously, you won’t risk making a mistake in your contact information.)

Later, a challenge awaits. Or not? It depends.

You’re about to address your hiring manager , and if they gave their name in the job ad, you’re lucky. But if they have not, then the hunt is on.

Look for it on the company’s LinkedIn page or website. You can even call the place and ask, yet get prepared to talk directly with that particular person.

It’s important because you don’t want to address the letter to whom it may concern . It’s heartless (and almost inhumane, as you’re not addressing a person).

To avoid that, in case you’ve searched through hills and valleys and found nada, write “ Dear Hiring Manager ” instead. But remember, it’s your last resort.

And now—

The opening.

There are several strategies you can use to start your letter. Among them are:

• Boasting about your most significant yet relevant achievement
• Expressing enthusiasm towards joining
• Commenting on the recent company’s development.

There can be thousands of reasons why you’re applying for a job, so first and foremost, stay true to yourself and don’t look for inspiration elsewhere. If you’re having a hard time coming up with something, the above have proved successful many times.

See the below application letter sample to see what I mean by successful job letter introduction:

Application Letter Sample [First Paragraph]

Yikes! 

The second one just won’t do. It’s the opposite of success. 

Your opening paragraph needs to compel the reader, make them eager to carry on with your letter, not move it aside to the boring pile.

It’s important you remember there’s no “I” in “employers must be charmed by your paragraphs,” so drawing attention from the employer and their needs only asks for ignorance. Build your sentences without much use of the “I” pronoun, and you should end up just fine.

Now, I won’t let you think that the same rules apply to inexperienced candidates writing their application letters.

Employers look for your motivation to grow and learn instead of accomplishments. However, they’re indeed helpful in convincing them of your fit. 

Why don’t you see for yourself that an inexperienced candidate with a proper attitude can create the same strong argument:

Job Application Letter Example for Candidates With No Experience

And that’s impressive!

ProTip: Make sure you don’t use your high school email address ([email protected]) even if you had to create a new one only for this job application.

3. Show Off in the Middle

Now’s the time for the main dish. 

It’s two-course.

In the first paragraph of the middle section, you should convince the reader that you’re perfectly qualified for the job. To do that, you can use your accomplishments and real-life examples of your skillset . 

In the second paragraph, speak of your motivation and reasons for joining. You want to get your message across very clearly so that the employer believes you’re a good fit for each other.

Take a look at the below examples to see how to describe your achievements and experience in the middle section of your job application letter:

How to Write an Application Letter Sample [Middle]

Wow…

Here’s how to go about it the right way: 

• Stick to the requirements listed in the job description. You want to target keywords mentioned explicitly to pass the screening process and the recruiter’s scrutiny later.
• Write three to four bullet points, starting with a power word followed by an accomplishment statement .
• Quantify your accomplishments to draw attention to the most important information. Numbers pop and evidence you had actual results at previous jobs.
• Speak to the company’s mission or vision to build a connection.
• Never, and I mean never, copy your resume into your letter of application. It’s better to elaborate on one or two of the accomplishments instead of copying and pasting the dry facts.

Now check out how you can impress recruiters in the middle paragraphs of the application letter if you don’t have much experience:

Application Letter Example for Candidates With No Experience [Middle]

It’s not so hard, is it?

Pressed for time or still not sure what to say? Good news: the Zety builder can also help you with your wording. Alongside matching job application letters and resume templates , it comes with drag & drop bullet points and other pre-written content to speed up your job application: 

Just think: you could skip the boring parts and be ready to apply for your dream job in minutes! 

4. Close Your Letter of Application With a CTA

The worst’s behind you.

Now it’s time to thank for consideration, time, and other clichés.

Exactly—clichés.

They’re not effective in job applications. Not really, no. So get rid of any voices in your head telling you to write “Thank you for considering my application” or “ Looking forward to hearing from you .”

Make a move and ask the recruiter directly whether they’ll invite you for an interview. 

See how to write a Call to Action in the job application closing paragraph:

Simple Job Application Letter [Ending]

Not only does it make the recruiter feel obliged to reply, but you can also count on a quick response!

Plus, you created one more opportunity to sell yourself and your strengths that have the power to solve your employer’s problems. Well done!

To sign the letter, you can use “Best Regards” variations, such as “Kind Regards,” “With Kind Regards,” or “With Best Regards,” followed by your full name.

The postscript is totally optional. Still, you can use it to seal the deal by pitching a finisher-level accomplishment.

Key Takeaway

An application letter in a nutshell:

• Format your letter of application to create structure and a clean layout.
• Find the hiring manager’s name and use it in the address. 
• Use the relevant keywords throughout your application letter.
• Build connection with the company by referring to the mission statement or values.
• Finish with a call to action, and remember you have an option to add a postscript for a knock-out punch.
• Sign the job application letter with a formal sentiment.

Thank you for reading my article!

Want more info on how to write a great letter of application? Wondering how your simple job application letter can get you noticed? Is there anything more you’d like to know about a job application letter? 

Leave a comment. We’ll be happy to reply!

About Zety’s Editorial Process

This article has been reviewed by our editorial team to make sure it follows Zety's editorial guidelines . We’re committed to sharing our expertise and giving you trustworthy career advice tailored to your needs. High-quality content is what brings over 40 million readers to our site every year. But we don't stop there. Our team conducts original research to understand the job market better, and we pride ourselves on being quoted by top universities and prime media outlets from around the world.

• https://www.careereducation.columbia.edu/resources/optimizing-your-resume-applicant-tracking-systems
• https://www.herzing.edu/blog/5-cover-letter-mistakes-avoid
• https://career.ucsd.edu/succeed-search/cover-letter/index.html

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Job Application Letter Format and Writing Tips

• Tips for Writing an Application Letter

Job Application Letter Format

Job application letter template, job application letter example.

• Job Application Email Example

A job application letter (also known as a cover letter) is a letter you send with your resume to provide information on your skills and experience. This letter is your chance to “sell” yourself to an employer, explaining why you are an ideal candidate for a position.

When you write your job application letter, it’s essential to pay close attention to formatting . There’s a right way to format a cover letter; deviate from the standard guidelines and hiring managers may drop you from consideration.

In fact, anything that makes your job application letter appear less than professional can prevent hiring managers from taking you seriously as a candidate. Make sure your cover letter is formatted properly and is free from errors before you send. 

Tips for Writing a Job Application Letter

Do not copy your resume. A cover letter is a sales pitch. The purpose of this letter is to convince the hiring manager that you’re a strong candidate and to highlight your relevant experience and abilities. Your application letter should show how exactly your background makes you a good fit for a particular position. In contrast, your resume is a general record of your experience, education, and accomplishments.

Tailor each application letter to the job. As mentioned above, emphasize in your letter why you are an ideal candidate for the specific job. This requires that you personalize each letter to fit the company and position. Match your qualifications to the job posting by highlighting the skills, experience, and requirements listed in the description.

Be professional. Application letters have a fairly rigid format—as hiring managers read your letter, they will expect to see certain information included in set areas. You have freedom within the structure to be personable, but it is important to stick to a certain level of formality. Pay particular attention to the professionalism of your salutation . You wouldn't, for instance, want to refer to the letter's recipient by their first name unless specifically requested.

Carefully proofread. Employers are likely to overlook an application with a lot of errors. Therefore, read through your cover letter, and even consider asking a friend or career counselor to read the letter. Proofread for grammar and spelling errors. Be particularly mindful to spell the letter recipient's name correctly, as well as the company name.

Follow business letter format. Use business letter format when writing your letter. If you’re sending a typed hard-copy letter, be sure to lead with a paragraph containing your address, followed by the date, followed by the address of the recipient. If you’re sending an email, you can omit the address and date sections.  

Decide whether to send a hard copy or email. The main difference in formatting an email application letter is that you need to include a subject line that clearly lays out your purpose for writing, e.g. “Graphic Designer—Joe Smith.” And, instead of placing your contact information at the top of the letter, as you would in a hard copy, you'll include it below your signature.

Since your application letter will be accompanied by your resume, make sure the letter does not duplicate your resume exactly.

Use this formatting information as a guideline when writing your customized application letters , so you know what information goes where.  

Contact Information Name Address City, State Zip Code Phone Number Email Address

Employer Contact Information (if you have it) Name Title Company Address City, State Zip Code

Salutation Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name, (leave out if you don't have a contact)

Body of Application Letter The body of your application letter lets the employer know what position you are applying for, why the employer should select you for an interview, and how you will follow up. See below for a paragraph-by-paragraph breakdown of the body of the letter.

First Paragraph The  first paragraph  of your letter should include information on why you are writing. Mention the job you are applying for and where you found the job listing. Include the name of a mutual contact, if you have one. You might conclude by briefly and concisely saying why you think you are an ideal candidate for the job.

Middle Paragraph(s) The next section of your application letter should describe what you have to offer the employer.

It can be a single paragraph, or you can break it up into a couple of paragraphs. If the section gets lengthy, you may use bullet points to break up the text. Remember, you are interpreting your resume, not repeating it.

Mention specifically how  your qualifications match the job  you are applying for. In this portion of the letter, make your case for your candidacy.

It can be helpful to spend some time researching the company —this knowledge and insight helps you make an informed and persuasive argument for your candidacy.

Use specific examples whenever possible. For example, if you say that you have lots of experience working successfully on team projects, provide an example of a time you worked in a group and achieved success.

Final Paragraph Conclude your application letter by thanking the employer for considering you for the position. Include information on how you will follow up.

Complimentary Close (examples)

Signature (for a hard copy letter)

Typed Signature

Download the job application letter template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online) or see below for more examples.

Melissa Brown 11 South Street Harbor View, Maine 04005 555-555-5555 melissa.brown@email.com

July 14, 2021

Jason Rivera Human Resources Director Avery Solutions, Inc. 700 Commerce Way Harbor View, Maine 04005

Dear Mr. Rivera,

I was excited when my former colleague, Stephanie Taylor, told me that you were hiring for a Human Resources Specialist at Avery Solutions.

Stephanie has told me how important teamwork is to your group at Avery, and how much you need an HR Specialist who can fit in with the department and hit the ground running on day one. I believe that I am the ideal candidate for your team.

In my current job at Smith Group, I created and run our onboarding program, including organizing background checks and new hire orientation. I also have extensive experience in:

• Data reporting/data entry on HRIS software
• Recruiting and hiring processes, including creating job descriptions and postings, screening resumes, and scheduling interviews
• Producing company events, such as the annual company-wide picnic (100+ employees from across the country)

I’d love to speak with you about my qualifications and what I can do for your team. I’ve attached my resume for your consideration. Please don’t hesitate to contact me on my cell at 555-555-5555 with questions or to arrange an interview.

Best regards,

Signature (hard copy letter)

Melissa Brown

Job Application Email Example 

Subject Line: George Woo – Editorial Assistant

Dear Ms. Cortez,

I was excited when Ada Wilson told me that you were looking for an editorial assistant with a background in rights and research and a passion for digital media. She suggested that I throw my hat in the ring, and I’d love the opportunity to tell you more about what I can offer your team.

I’ve interned for Ada’s team for the past three summers, developing extensive experience with the rights and research process. Last year, I was instrumental in securing the rights to include Sara Frey’s poems in our digital anthology – a first for an online publisher, according to Ms. Frey’s estate.

I also have:

• Expertise with most popular content management systems, including WordPress
• Analytics knowledge, including expert-level facility with Google Analytics
• A strong work ethic and commitment to meeting deadlines

I hope you’ll reach out at your convenience to tell me more about your team’s goals and needs for the coming year. You can reach me on my cell at 555-123-4567 or via email at George.Woo@email.com.

How to Get Your Application Noticed

Don’t copy your resume: Your job application letter is a sales pitch. Don’t regurgitate your resume; instead, use this document to sell the hiring manager on your skills.

Tailor your application letter to the job: Match your skills and qualifications to the job description, highlighting those that make you an ideal candidate.

Be professional: Use business letter format and be sure to proofread your letter before you send.

CareerOneStop. " How Do I Write a Cover Letter ?" Accessed July 14, 2021.

CareerOneStop. " Write Effective Cover Letters ." Accessed July 14, 2021.

Purdue University. " Writing the Basic Business Letter ." Accessed July 14, 2021.

• Career Blog

Writing a Winning Job Application Letter: Tips and Examples

A job application letter, also known as a cover letter, is a formal letter that accompanies your resume and introduces you to a potential employer. The purpose of a job application letter is to highlight your qualifications, experience, and skills that make you the perfect candidate for the job. It also helps employers understand your personality, work ethic, and how you plan to contribute to their organization.

Importance of Customization

One of the key factors that can make or break your job application letter is how well you customize it to the specific job you are applying for. Employers want to see that you have taken the time to research their company and understand what they are looking for in a candidate. Customizing your letter also shows that you are genuinely interested in the job and that you are willing to put in the extra effort to stand out from other applicants.

Brief Overview of Key Sections

While job application letters can vary slightly depending on the job and industry, they typically contain four key sections:

Introduction: This section should include a brief introduction, the job you are applying for, and how you found out about it.

Qualifications: In this section, you should discuss your qualifications and experience that make you a good fit for the job. Be sure to tailor this section to the specific job requirements to show that you have the skills they are looking for.

Skills: Here, you should highlight your relevant skills and how they apply to the job. Use examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your proficiency in each skill.

Closing: The closing paragraph should thank the employer for considering your application and provide contact information for them to reach you.

In this article, we will dive into each of these sections in more detail and provide tips and examples to help you write a winning job application letter.

Understand the Job Requirements

To write a winning job application letter, it is important to thoroughly understand the job requirements. This involves analyzing the job description and understanding the needs of the employer, as well as tailoring your letter to attract the specific employer.

A. Analyzing the Job Description

The job description provides you with valuable information about the position you are applying for. It outlines the required skills, qualifications, and responsibilities of the job. By analyzing the job description, you can determine if the role is a good fit for your experience and qualifications.

When analyzing the job description, it is important to pay attention to key phrases and requirements mentioned. These can give you insight into the priorities of the employer and allow you to tailor your application to meet those priorities.

B. Understanding the Needs of the Employer

To write a winning job application letter, it is also essential to understand the needs of the employer. This means researching the company and the industry to get a better understanding of the company culture, mission, and values. It also means understanding the desired outcome of the position and how you can address the employer’s needs.

One way to convey your understanding of the employer’s needs is to highlight relevant accomplishments in your application letter. By showing how you have successfully addressed similar challenges in the past, you can demonstrate your potential value to the employer.

C. Tailoring the Letter to Attract Specific Employer

Finally, to write a winning job application letter, it is important to tailor your letter to attract the specific employer. This means using language and examples that relate to the specific company and its values. It also means customizing your application letter to the specific job and its requirements.

To tailor your letter, take the time to research the company and its values. This can involve reviewing their website, social media, and other online resources. By addressing the specific needs and values of the employer, you can show that you are invested in the position and the company.

To write a winning job application letter, it is important to understand the job requirements, analyze the job description, understand the needs of the employer, and tailor the letter to attract the specific employer. By doing so, you can craft an application that stands out from the competition and showcases your value as a candidate.

Research the Company and Industry

Before writing your job application letter, it’s important to research the company and industry thoroughly to increase your chances of writing a winning letter. Here are three key areas to focus on:

A. Understanding the Mission, Vision, and Values of the Company

Make sure you take the time to research the company’s mission, vision, and values. This will help you understand the company’s goals and the qualities they look for in employees. You can find this information on the company’s website, social media pages or company annual report.

Incorporate the values and mission statement of the company into your job application letter. This highlights your alignment with the company culture, and how your beliefs and goals match that of the organization’s.

B. Identifying the Company’s Competition

Once you have an understanding of the company, you need to identify the company’s competition. Knowing who the competitors are can help you understand the industry as well as the company’s market share position.

List the company’s competitors in your job application letter and briefly explain how you see the company’s strengths overcoming the competitors’ weaknesses.

C. Industry Trends and How to Address Them

The final area to focus on when researching the company and industry is identifying current industry trends and how these trends may impact the company’s future. Use reputable sources to gather trends and predictions about the industry. This will also show the recruiter that you are not only familiar with their industry, but are engaging in informed discussion and contributing to innovative solutions.

Incorporate industry trends into your job application letter and showcase the ideas and innovations you bring, how leveraging them can enhance the company’s position and how you can contribute to any current and future challenges, for which the potential employer has yet to find a solution.

By researching and incorporating the above areas into your job application letter, you demonstrate a genuine interest in the organization and showcase clear understanding, innovative thought and how your expertise can improve the company’s performance.

Know Your Strengths and Skills

When writing a job application letter, it’s crucial to understand your unique selling proposition, relevant experience, and transferrable skills. This information will help you stand out from the other applicants and potentially land the job of your dreams.

A. Identifying Your Unique Selling Proposition

Your unique selling proposition (USP) is what sets you apart from the other candidates. It could be a specific skill, experience or personality trait that aligns with the company’s values and job requirements. Start by analyzing the job description and researching the company culture to identify what makes you an ideal candidate for the role.

Once you have identified your USP, use it as the main selling point in your job application letter. Highlight your strengths and skills and explain how they align with the job requirements and the company’s values. This will show the hiring manager that you are not just another candidate, but someone who has something valuable to offer.

B. Highlighting Your Relevant Experience and Accomplishments

Your work experience and achievements are essential in demonstrating your abilities and suitability for the job. When crafting your job application letter, focus on highlighting your relevant experience and accomplishments. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you have contributed in previous roles and how those skills could be applied to the new role you are applying for.

Be sure to use metrics whenever possible as numbers are a great way to showcase your achievements. For example, if you were able to increase sales revenue by 20% in your previous role, mention it in your letter. This will give the hiring manager a clear understanding of your capabilities and how they align with the job requirements.

C. Understanding How to Leverage Transferrable Skills

Transferrable skills are those abilities that you have gained from your previous experiences that are not necessarily related to the job you are applying for. They can be valuable in demonstrating your adaptability and ability to learn quickly.

When discussing your transferrable skills in your job application letter, highlight how they could be applied to the new role you are applying for. For example, if you have strong communication skills, explain how you could use that to effectively collaborate with team members and clients.

By understanding and leveraging your unique selling proposition, relevant experience and accomplishments, and transferrable skills, you can write a job application letter that stands out from the crowd. Remember to tailor your letter to the job requirements and company culture to increase your chances of success.

Address Gaps in Your Resume or Experience

When applying for a job, it’s important to consider any gaps in your resume or experience that might be a red flag for hiring managers. Addressing these gaps upfront can demonstrate your accountability and willingness to take ownership of your shortcomings.

A. Taking ownership of failings

If you have gaps in your work history or experience, don’t try to hide or make excuses for them. Instead, take ownership of any failings and show that you’re actively working to improve yourself. This could involve taking courses, pursuing certifications, or volunteering in relevant areas to gain hands-on experience.

B. Finding a workaround for unfilled requirements

Sometimes a job posting requires specific qualifications or experience that you don’t have. In these cases, it’s important to find a workaround that demonstrates your ability to still meet the employer’s needs. This could involve highlighting related experience or transferable skills that could compensate for the missing requirement. Alternatively, it might involve offering to take on additional training or work with a mentor to acquire the missing knowledge.

C. Highlighting transferable skills to counter an irrelevant job background

When applying for a job in a new industry or field, it’s common to have a background that might not seem directly relevant. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean you’re unqualified for the role. By highlighting transferable skills, such as leadership, problem-solving, or communication, you can demonstrate your ability to adapt to new situations and learn quickly.

Addressing gaps in your resume or experience is an important aspect of writing a winning job application letter. By taking ownership of your failings, finding workarounds for unfilled requirements, and highlighting transferable skills, you can position yourself as a strong candidate and increase your chances of landing the job you want.

Crafting an Attention-grabbing Opening Paragraph

In the competitive job market, first impressions matter. The opening paragraph of your job application letter is your opportunity to make a positive and lasting impression on potential employers. In this section, we’ll explore the importance of crafting an attention-grabbing opening paragraph and provide tips and examples on how to do so.

A. Importance of First Impressions

Studies show that it takes less than 30 seconds for a recruiter or hiring manager to form an initial impression of a job candidate. This means that your opening paragraph is a critical component of your job application letter. Your goal is to capture the employer’s interest and convince them to continue reading.

B. Creative and Engaging Opening Lines

One effective way to capture the employer’s attention is by starting your letter with a creative and engaging opening line. This can be a quote, a personal story, a relevant statistic, or a bold statement. The key is to be authentic and genuine while still standing out from other applicants.

C. Strategies for Catching the Employer’s Attention

Beyond the opening line, there are several strategies you can use to further capture the employer’s attention. These include highlighting relevant skills and experience, demonstrating enthusiasm for the position and company, and connecting your qualifications to the job requirements.

By following these tips and examples, you can craft an attention-grabbing opening paragraph that sets you apart from the competition and piques the employer’s interest.

Highlighting Your Accomplishments

When it comes to writing a winning job application letter, highlighting your accomplishments is crucial. This allows potential employers to see the proven results that you can bring to their organization. Here are a few tips on how to effectively highlight your accomplishments:

A. Demonstrating Achievements in Previous Roles

One of the most effective ways to demonstrate your achievements is by highlighting your accomplishments in your previous roles. This shows that you have a track record of success and can bring that success to your next job. When highlighting your achievements, make sure to focus on results, not just responsibilities. Instead of stating that you managed a team, highlight the specific results that you achieved as a team leader.

For example, instead of saying, “Managed a team of 10 employees,” you could say, “Led a team of 10 employees to achieve a 25% increase in sales within the first quarter.” This shows the impact you had in your previous role and gives potential employers an idea of what you can achieve in their organization.

B. Using Data to Support Accomplishments

Using data to support your accomplishments is a powerful way to illustrate the impact you had in your previous roles. This could include data such as sales figures, customer satisfaction ratings, or employee retention rates. When using data, make sure to include specific numbers and percentages.

For example, instead of saying, “Improved customer satisfaction,” you could say, “Increased customer satisfaction ratings by 15% through implementing a new customer service training program.” This demonstrates the impact you had on the organization and the value you can bring to a potential employer.

C. Highlighting Relevant Certifications and Awards

Another way to highlight your accomplishments is by showcasing any relevant certifications or awards you have received. This shows that you have taken the time to invest in your professional development and have been recognized for your achievements.

When highlighting certifications and awards, make sure to explain why they are relevant to the job you are applying for. For example, if you are applying for a marketing position, highlighting your Google Analytics certification would be relevant as it demonstrates your analytics skills.

Highlighting your accomplishments is a crucial part of writing a winning job application letter. By demonstrating your achievements in previous roles, using data to support your accomplishments, and highlighting relevant certifications and awards, you can show potential employers the value you can bring to their organization.

Showcasing Your Writing Skills

When it comes to writing a winning job application letter, showcasing your exceptional writing skills is crucial to increase your chances of getting hired. Employers often look for applicants who have a way with words, can express themselves clearly, and can craft compelling content that leaves a lasting impression. Here are several ways to showcase your writing skills:

A. Highlighting experience in writing

One of the most effective ways to showcase your writing skills is to highlight your experience as a writer. This can include previous work experience in writing-related fields such as journalism, marketing, or content creation. If you have a writing degree, mention it. You can also share published articles or blog posts that you have written to demonstrate your skills in action. Highlighting relevant experience shows that you have the skills needed to excel in the role you are applying for.

B. Incorporating keywords

Incorporating keywords relevant to the job posting can also help showcase your writing skills. Employers often use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to scan resumes and cover letters for specific keywords related to the position. By including these keywords, you can increase your chances of getting past the initial screening process and showcase your understanding of industry-specific language.

C. Proper grammar, spelling, and tone

Finally, it’s essential to ensure that your writing exhibits proper grammar, spelling, and tone. Errors in these areas can undercut the impact of your application letter and send the wrong message to your potential employer. Take the time to proofread your cover letter and resume carefully, and have someone else review them too. Double-check for proper punctuation, spelling errors, and that your tone fits the professional context.

Showcasing your writing skills is critical when applying for jobs, particularly those that require excellent communication skills. Highlighting relevant experience, incorporating keywords, and ensuring proper grammar, spelling, and tone are strategies that can help set you apart from other applicants and make a lasting impression on potential employers.

Using Power Words and Phrases

When writing a job application letter, it is essential to use powerful words and phrases that can help you stand out from the crowd. Here are some tips to help you select the right words:

A. Selecting Strong Action Words

Action words can help demonstrate your skills and experience effectively. Use verbs that showcase your achievements and contributions to your previous roles. For instance, rather than saying you “assisted” your team, use words such as “led,” “managed,” or “initiated” to emphasize your role in driving projects and initiatives forward.

B. Avoiding Common Clichés and Buzzwords

Although buzzwords and clichés may seem tempting, they could potentially undermine the impact of your letter. Instead of using cookie-cutter phrases like “I am a team player,” try to use specific examples to illustrate your ability to work collaboratively. Also, avoid jargon that may not be familiar to the reader and opt for straightforward language that can be easily understood.

C. Crafting Impactful and Persuasive Sentences

To make your letter more impactful and persuasive, use language that emphasizes your strengths and accomplishments. Start sentences with action words and focus on the results you have achieved. Also, be specific and illustrate your points with concrete examples that demonstrate your value to the prospective employer.

When writing your job application letter, make sure to choose powerful words that demonstrate your expertise and experience effectively. Avoid using clichés and buzzwords and instead focus on crafting persuasive and impactful sentences that showcase your strengths and contributions. By following these principles, you can create a compelling letter that increases your chances of landing the job you want.

Formatting and Presentation of Your Job Application Letter

When it comes to writing a winning job application letter, the presentation and formatting of the letter are just as important as the content. Here are some tips to ensure your letter looks professional and polished:

A. Ensure consistency in formatting

Make sure your letter has a consistent format throughout. This means using the same font and font size for the entire letter. Also, ensure that the margins and spacing are consistent from beginning to end.

B. Proper use of fonts, margins, and spacing

Use a standard font like Times New Roman or Arial, in a legible size (such as 11pt or 12pt). Be sure to use proper spacing between paragraphs and section headers. It’s important to have enough white space to make the letter easy to read, but not so much that it takes up unnecessary space.

C. Guidelines on length of the letter

Longer letters can seem rambling and may deter the hiring manager from reading the whole thing. Focus on the most important points and make them clear and succinct. Remember, your goal is to make a strong case for yourself as a candidate, not overwhelm the reader with information.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your job application letter looks professional, polished, and focused on what matters most – your qualifications for the job.

Sample Job Application Letter

Writing a winning job application letter is important if you’re looking to impress the hiring manager and land your dream job. In this section of the article, we’ll walk through a sample job application letter, analyze its strong points, and provide strategies to improve it.

A. Walk Through a Sample Job Application Letter

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to express my interest in the position of Marketing Manager at ABC Company, as advertised on [job board]. With over [number] years of experience in the marketing industry, I believe I have the skills and knowledge to succeed in this role and make a significant contribution to your team.

During my time at XYZ Company, I was responsible for developing and executing successful marketing campaigns that exceeded client expectations and resulted in increased ROI. My experience in digital marketing, social media management, and content creation have prepared me well for this role. I am highly adaptable, and I have a proven track record of implementing innovative strategies to achieve business objectives.

In addition, I am a strong communicator and collaborator, and I work well in cross-functional teams. I am confident that my skills and experience make me a strong candidate for the role of Marketing Manager at ABC Company.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

B. Analyzing the Strong Points in the Letter

The sample job application letter has several strong points:

• The candidate clearly expresses their interest in the position and summarizes their skills and experience in the marketing industry.
• The letter highlights the candidate’s successful track record in executing marketing campaigns and achieving business objectives.
• The candidate demonstrates their adaptability and ability to implement innovative strategies.
• The letter emphasizes the candidate’s communication and collaboration skills.

C. Strategies to Improve the Letter

To improve the sample job application letter, consider the following strategies:

• Start with a strong opening sentence that grabs the hiring manager’s attention, such as a personal anecdote or a statement about the company’s mission.
• Use specific examples of your achievements and accomplishments to demonstrate your value to the company.
• Customize your letter to the specific job and company by conducting research and referencing relevant company initiatives or values.
• Show enthusiasm and a willingness to learn by expressing interest in the company’s future projects or goals.

By implementing these strategies, you can enhance your job application letter and increase your chances of landing an interview with your dream company.

Writing a winning job application letter requires attention to detail, strong communication skills, and a clear understanding of the hiring company’s needs and values. By following these tips and analyzing examples such as the one above, you can take your job application letter to the next level and stand out from the competition.

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Application Letter: Definition, Types and How to write it

We are all familiar with writing the application of leave of absence at least once in our lives. If you can’t relate, there are countless other times application letters are written. It can be for a job, asking for permission to host a football competition on the school grounds, asking for a transfer certificate after your dad gets posted somewhere else, etc. Here, I will tell you how you will write a general application letter.

What is an Application Letter?

If you’ve been following, the letter you write when you request for something, ask permission for something or apply for something, is an application letter. It is usually a one-page letter. It can be written for domestic or professional purposes. It can also accompany documents sometimes, like job application letters. So to say, application letters encompass more than cover letters; they can be an inquiry and a request letter too.

Types of Application Letters:

Following this thread, application letters can be classified into 3 broad groups . They include:

• Job Application Letter ( sample )
• Academic Application Letter ( sample )
• Personal Application Letter

Examples of job application letters include:

See cover letters

Examples of academic application letters include:

• Application letter seeking permission
• Scholarship application letter
• Application for leave of absence/in advance
• Application for a seat in the hostel
• Application for a testimonial, etc.

Examples of personal application letters include:

• Loan application letter
• Rental application letter
• Application letter for a deduction of fine
• Application withdrawal letter
• Internship application letter
• Transfer application letter
• Application letter for a travel grant, etc.

Note that these personal letters can be written person-to-person or person-to-business.

Steps on How to Write An Application Letter:

Like any other basic letter writing, the application letter starts with planning. Plan on the content, enquire about the recipient, think through about the details to include, keep things simple and short, and et voilà!

Let’s break things down.

Suppose you are writing an application to your college professor for the retake of your Microeconomics exam. Here’s how you draft your piece:

• Start with the date.
• Include the name of the professor, his post, department, and name of the university. Your professor can be an external or internal faculty. If he is an external faculty, mention this and the name of your university. If not, you still should include it to make things more precise. Add his contact information.
• Follow this up with the date. Proceed to the subject line, here, application for the retake on an exam is the subject.
• In the first paragraph, introduce yourself. Mention your name, batch, and program, followed by the course name. Now state why you are writing, which is to apply for the retake of your Microeconomics exam.
• Next paragraph should mention the reasons for you to skip the exam. Make sure they are valid grounds. If you had been sick, attach prescriptions or documents from the appointment. If you had been away for personal issues, give brief details of the event.
• In the closing paragraph, ask him/her to excuse you on these grounds and to retake your exam and say how it will be beneficial to you.
• Close with your details. Don’t forget to add your contact information like the mailing ID here.

Tips to Remember:

• Take care of the readability and white space in your letter.
• Make sure your pints connect with each other. Don’t include irrelevant information since an application is to be concise by format.
• Take care of grammatical and spelling errors.
• Be sure of the dates you are writing in the letter.

Related Contents

• Appreciation Letter: Definition, Types, and How To Write it
• Proposal Letter : Definition and how to write it

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What is an application letter?

Also known as a cover letter, an application letter is a summary of your strongest and most relevant skills and abilities that will be expanded in your resume or selection criteria. It introduces you to potential employers and highlights your suitability for the position you are applying for.

All written applications should include an application letter. In many cases, your application letter is just as important as your resume. It is unlikely that your resume will be read if your application letter doesn't make a good first impression.

The Dos and Don'ts

What to include.

At the top ↑ :

At the bottom ↓ :

An application letter can be structured into 3 parts:

Introduction

The beginning of your application letter should include:

The body of the application letter is where you 'sell yourself. It should address the key requirements stated in the job ad, describing how you have the required qualifications, knowledge, skills and experience.

Identify keywords, phrases and skills mentioned in the ad and focus on emphasising your strengths in these areas. It isn't necessary to include everything mentioned in the job ad. Instead, focus on three to five of the most important elements.

Points to remember:

• Keep to one theme per paragraph and support your claims with examples.
• Write persuasively
• Explain why you are interested in the position or working for the company / organisation
• State the value you will bring to the position
• Identify how your achievements and skills qualify you for the role

At the end of the letter:

Sample Cover Letter

Mailing address

Telephone number(s)

Email address

Today's date

Your addressee's name

Professional title

Organisation name

Dear Mr/Ms [last name],

RE: Application for [job role], reference number [number]

Start your application letter with a statement that establishes a connection with your reader. Briefly say what job you are applying for and where you saw the job advertisement.

The mid-section of your application letter should include short paragraphs that make relevant points about how your qualifications and skills make you a good fit for the position. You should not summarise your resume. You may include bullet points here. Choose some qualifications, skills and experience that really target the position you are applying for. Do not go overboard and save information for the interview.

Your concluding paragraph should instigate the reader to contact you for an interview. Refer to any attachments added to your application. Show appreciation for consideration and say thank you.

Yours sincerely, 

(Include your contact details here if you do not add them at the top of the letter)

Further Support

Below are some useful links providing further support with:

They also include example cover letters. Please note, it is important to use examples as a guide only. DO NOT copy the examples and use them as your own.

• What is a Cover Letter? Useful advice and tips from seek.com.
• Cover Letters - The Good and The Bad A few simple tips from seek.com to help you get your cover letter noticed.
• Cover Letters - Monash University More advice about format and content of a cover letter, as well as industry specific examples.

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Understanding Job Application Letters, Functions, and How to Make It

For fresh graduates and other recent graduates, making a job application letter is something that is less familiar to do. Learn the meaning, function, and how to make the following job application letter!

Nandang Ary Pangesti - 16 August 2022

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Definition of a job application letter, function, and how to make it | Corinne Kutz Unsplash

Application letter A job application is one of the documents attached when someone applies for a job. The main function of the inclusion of a job application letter is to: recruiter find out brief data on prospective workers and the position that the prospective worker wants to apply for.

For fresh graduates and other recent graduates may make a job application letter is something that is less familiar to do. Even so, writing a correct and polite job application letter is something that must be learned. Therefore, part Human Resources (HR) management companies can glance at your profile.

What is the meaning of a job application letter? What should be included in a job application letter? What is the function of a job application letter?  The following is an explanation regarding the meaning of a job application letter. This article will be perfect for those of you who are in the process of looking for a job.

Understanding Job Application Letters

Application letter is a letter that contains a person's application to apply for a position in a company. Usually, this letter will contain a brief identity, position or job title role who is being applied for, as well as a few sentences that might convince the company to choose the person for the position he is applying for.

A job application letter is one of the most important files for a recruitment stage in a company. Part human resource development (HRD) the company will know what position the prospective worker has registered for. A good job application letter can also be a good impression, especially for positions related to administration.

You need to remember that a job application letter is a different matter from Curriculum Vitae (CV) or curriculum vitae yes! CV is a file that makes informative data about a person's life, whether it's the education history, achievements, and skills of the owner. This letter can be read by anyone from any company because the information is general

Meanwhile, a job application letter is a letter that is more personal in nature because the letter is specifically from a job applicant for one company only.

Job Application Letter Functions

A job application letter is not something that is attached to a company without intent. This job application letter has several functions that are very, very useful for both workers and recruiters. So what are the functions of a job application letter? The following are some of the functions of a job application letter:

• As a written introduction media by employees to HRD and the company
• Make HRD know who we are and what position we are applying for
• A job application letter will usually include where prospective workers get information about job vacancies, with this the company can also evaluate which platform is more effective at attracting prospective workers.
• A job application letter will usually provide information regarding any attachments that the prospective employee includes along with the document. That way, the company can ensure that the attachments of prospective workers are complete and nothing is scattered.

How to Make a Job Application Letter

A job application letter is an essential document for a job seeker . Through a job application letter, a company becomes more familiar with its prospective employees, even though it is only a brief introduction.

Well , it seems less afdal when talking about a job application letter, but it does not discuss the structure of a job application letter and how to make this letter. The following is how to write a job application letter .

Write the place and date the letter was written

The first thing that needs to be done to make a job application letter is to write down the place and date the letter was written. For example:

Surakarta, 12 August 2022

Write about the letter made and the number of attachments

Next, the job candidate needs to include terms and attachments. Writing about the above letter is intended so that the company can quickly sort out the needs of the sender of the letter.

It is also necessary for prospective workers to write down the number of attachment sheets. This attachment is adjusted to any documents that you send along with your job application letter.

If you send documents directly online , make sure to send your job application letter and attached documents in only one document file! This will make it easier for HRD to check all your documents.

Here are examples of things and attachments:

Hal : Job application

Attachment : 6 Sheets

Add Mail Destination Address

The next step, prospective workers can add a destination address or company. Here are some tips for writing addresses.

• Try to use effective sentences, there is no need to use the words To and Yth together because these two words already have the same two meanings. It's better if you use only Dear.
• The address is better not to exceed 3 lines so that the contents of the letter are shorter, denser, and clearer.
• Write the description "Road" without abbreviation
• No need to use a period at the end of each line

Example of writing address:

DailySocial.id Personal personnel

at Jalan Tebet Timur Dalam II No.14, Jakarta

Write Best Regards and Letter Opener

Greetings and the opening text is an important part of the letter because it will give an impression to the reader. The greeting that is usually included in a formal letter such as a job application letter is "With respect". 

Add Letter Content

After writing the opening, of course, the letter writer needs to write down the contents that will state the need for the letter. In addition, this section will contain the identity of the sender and a statement regarding the attachment of documents other than the job application letter.

Write a Closing Job Application Letter

Next, another job application letter structure is closing. The phrase that should not be missed in your job application letter is a thank you for recruiter .

Give Closing Greetings and Sign Full Name

Finally, make sure you have added closing greetings and put your signature and full name at the end of the letter. Well Besides that, what is no less important is to make a list of what documents you attach other than that good job application letter fillet that you send by electronic mail (email) or via physical mail envelopes.

Sample job application letter

on Jalan Tebet Timur Dalam II No.14

Yours faithfully

Based on the information I got from DailySocial.id's official Twitter account on May 10, 2022, I know that DailySocial.id is opening job vacancies for interns in the field of internal content writer . I hereby volunteer for the position, as for my data as follows.

us : Nandang Ary Pangesti

gender : Woman

mobile number : 0838xxxxxx

Email : [email protected]

I have writing experience from the Student Press and Publishing Agency organization. With the experience I've had, I'm sure I can do the job in the position I'm applying for. I have high hopes for the fulfillment of this job application. For your attention, I thank you.

Yours faithfully.

Nandang Ary Pangesti

Appendix List:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Transcripts
• Recent Photo
• Certificate
• Police Record Certificate (SKCK)

Well , that was a discussion related to a job application letter. A job application letter can be an introduction and introduction to the story sheet of a worker in a company.

Make a good job application letter so that the company's HR will glance at you. Don't forget to use polite language. Hopefully there will be good news soon for friends job seeker who is looking for a job huh! Have a good fight!

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How to Write a Cover Letter When You’re Changing Careers (Sample + Tips)

As a career changer, you need to help recruiters understand why you’re moving away from your former line of work and what you want to achieve in your new career path..

You will inevitably change jobs throughout your career as you seek more responsibility, growth, or even a higher salary. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average employee stays at each job for around four years [ 1 ]. However, for career changers—or those interested in exploring an entirely new path or industry—making that switch can sometimes involve unique challenges. 

Even so, making a career change has become an increasingly popular move. More than half of workers in the United States anticipated looking for a new opportunity in 2022 [ 2 ]. Changing careers can allow you to find more meaningful work, better align your career path with your larger goals, and move into a more energizing role.  

When you draft your cover letter to apply for a job in a new line of work, you must take time to explain your larger objectives. In this article, we’ll review specific information you can feature in your cover letter to help recruiters understand your goals and reasons for changing careers. 

Learn more: How to Plan for a Career Change: Step-by-Step Guide

How to write a career change cover letter

A cover letter is a chance to expand upon the bullet points outlined in your resume . It’s a space where you can explain your interest in the role and company, highlight your experience and skills, and sell a recruiter on the overall fit you’d make. 

But a career changer needs to do all of that and more. You also need to help recruiters and hiring managers understand why you’re moving away from your former line of work, what you want to achieve in your new career path, and any transferable skills that will help make your transition smooth. 

Let’s review four key pieces of information you can weave into your career change cover letter.  

1. Clarify your career change context

Explaining why you’re interested in changing careers and how the role you’re applying to fits within your larger career aspirations can preemptively contextualize your story. Plan to include a career change objective somewhere in your cover letter, much like you would a resume objective to provide a summary of a person’s experience and goals. Don’t be afraid to build a sense of personality so recruiters can better connect you with your objective.  

What this looks like: I’ve spent the last six years translating complex topics for various users as a technical writer. But in that time, I’ve realized that what drives me is the user’s experience. It’s the lightbulb moment behind my career change to UX design . I believe I’ll make a strong addition to your team because my work has largely put the user front and center, and now I’m interested in focusing on a different facet of that goal. 

2. Specify the value of your certificates, courses, or trainings

It costs over $4,000 to hire an employee, according to the Society for Human Resources Management [ 3 ]. That’s all the more reason why recruiters and hiring managers want to find the right candidate. It can be costly otherwise. Help explain what you’ve done to prepare for your career change by highlighting any professional certificates or trainings you’ve completed to prepare you for your new line of work. 

What this looks like: In order to familiarize myself with the tools and processes used in data analysis, I completed the Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate , which taught me SQL and R, and trained me to clean and visualize data. Thanks to this preparation, I feel confident that I will make a strong addition to your team from the very start.  

3. Bring attention to your transferable skills 

Transferable skills are “portable,” in that you take them from job to job. They include problem-solving, critical thinking, attention to detail, and more. Show recruiters that you have important skills to help you do the job so they can understand the unique value you’d bring to their company.  

It can also help to find out the key technical skills the job requires and spend time learning what you can, especially when it comes to important software or tools. 

What this looks like: As a software developer, I regularly relied on my problem-solving skills to think through complex issues. I’ll bring that same skill, as well as my attention to detail, listening, and decision-making, to ABC High School as the new algebra teacher. 

4. Highlight your past achievements 

Any time you can highlight what you’ve managed to accomplish in your past roles, you help a recruiter see your potential in a new role. Where possible, summarize any moments that showcase your strengths and illustrate your work ethic or character. 

What this looks like: I pride myself on being a team player and a problem-solver. As a social media manager at Company X, I identified a better program to help my team schedule content. Using that tool improved my team’s efficacy, leading to our most successful quarter. 

Why is a cover letter important when changing careers?

The idea of a career path can sometimes be rigid, suggesting that people only follow one specific track. Although that perspective is starting to shift, it’s still prevalent. You can help recruiters and hiring managers understand more about your interest in a role by explaining why you’re changing careers and what you’ve done to streamline your transition. 

It helps to align your cover letter with a resume objective, which can be especially useful for career changers. An objective on your resume is a place where you can contextualize your larger career aims, quickly summarizing what you’re hoping to achieve in your next role. Repeat that same information in your cover letter and expand on it slightly to give your application materials more cohesiveness.  

Read more: How to Use Resume Sections to Shape Your Professional Story

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Career change cover letter sample

It's common practice nowadays to submit your cover letter digitally. In that case, include some of your contact information in the top left corner so recruiters can easily see how to get in touch.

Thomas Bennett

Nashville, TN

(555) 555-1234

[email protected]

Dear Ms. Tufte,

I’m writing to apply for the project manager role at Company X. I initially began my career as a marketing coordinator and eventually moved into email marketing , where I was responsible for strategizing and developing new campaigns. But in that time, I realized how much I thrived when managing our quarterly campaigns from start to finish. That’s why I’m interested in segueing into project management. 

Knowing that, despite my experience, I still needed to learn more specifically about project management, I completed the Google Project Management Professional Certificate . Over six months, I’ve learned Agile project management as well as how to create product documentation, among other key skills. I believe this training, along with my previous experience, will help me transition to a project management role at Company X and make a big impact.   

I’m an organized problem-solver with a sharp eye for detail, all important project management skills. I believe my previous work in email marketing provided hands-on training in managing projects, albeit without the official title. I identified new tools to help my team create more effective quarterly campaigns. As a result, we increased our click-through rate (one of our key metrics) to 1.87 percent, bringing it closer to the industry standard—an immense achievement. 

I’m proud of the foundation I gained through marketing, but in realizing where my true passion lies, I’m keen to transition into a project management role with more growth opportunities. I appreciate your consideration. 

Tips for strengthening your cover letter 

Much like you would for a standard cover letter, you can strengthen your cover letter as a career changer using the following tips: 

Tailor your letter for each role.

You should tailor your resume for each role you apply to, and the same goes for your cover letter. Research the company, find out about aspects of their work that interest you, and insert those details into your cover letter. You should also tailor your experience and skills, highlighting each job's most relevant skills and accomplishments. 

Get specific.

Your cover letter should expand upon your resume rather than repeating the same information. One way to do this is by giving details about your past achievements. When possible, quantify your impact with numbers and explain how these accomplishments make you uniquely qualified for this new role.

Use action words. 

Build action words into your resume and your cover letter. Rather than more staid words that don’t capture your unique story or responsibilities, action verbs can liven up your cover letter and make it more enticing to read. Find verbs that succinctly and accurately depict your previous experience.

Start advancing your skills today

Brush up on your cover letter writing skills by taking the University of Maryland’s free course, Writing Winning Resumes and Cover Letters . Or develop important skills for an in-demand career with a Professional Certificate from industry leaders like Google, Meta, and IBM. Most certificate programs take less than seven months to complete, and you can start for free with a seven-day, all-access trial.

Article sources

US Bureau of Labor Statistics. “ Employee Tenure in 2020 , https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/tenure.pdf.” Accessed April 26, 2024.

CNBC. “ The Great Resignation is Likely to Continue , https://www.cnbc.com/2021/08/25/great-resignation-55-percent-are-looking-to-change-jobs-over-the-next-year-.html.” Accessed April 26, 2024.

ADP. “ Calculating the True Cost to Hire Employees , https://www.adp.com/spark/articles/2019/07/calculating-the-true-cost-to-hire-employees.aspx.” Accessed April 26, 2024.

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Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

ATF Press Release

Atf issues open letter to ffls to clarify application of “frame or receiver” final rule on certain semiautomatic pistol frames.

WASHINGTON – T he Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives issued an open letter today to all federal firearms licensees regarding the application of Final Rule 2021-05F , Definition of “Frame or Receiver” and Identification of Firearms, on partially complete Polymer80, Lone Wolf, and similar semiautomatic pistol frames.

In April 2022, the Department of Justice announced a new “Frame or Receiver” final rule, which modernizes the definition of a firearm. The final rule, which went into effect in August 2022, clarifies that parts kits that are readily convertible to firearms are subject to the same regulations as firearms made by a federal firearms licensed manufacturer.

Today’s open letter clarifies to the firearm industry and the public how the August 2022 final rule addresses partially complete, disassembled or nonfunctional semiautomatic striker-fired pistol frames or parts kits manufactured, sold or distributed by Polymer80, Lone Wolf and others.

Partially complete Polymer80, Lone Wolf, and similar striker-fired semiautomatic pistol frames, including, but not limited to, those sold within parts kits, are regulated by the Gun Control Act (GCA) because they have reached a stage of manufacture where they “may readily be completed, assembled, restored, or otherwise converted” to a functional frame.

This definition of “readily” applies to each classification of a partially complete frame or receiver under this rule, whether sold alone or as part of a kit; t herefore, even without any associated templates, jigs, molds, equipment, tools, instructions, guides, or marketing materials, these partially complete pistol frames are “frames” and “firearms” as defined in the GCA and its implementing regulations.

“Today’s open letter is another important step in implementing the crucial public safety rule regarding privately made firearms, or Ghost Guns,” said ATF Director Steven Dettelbach. “The partially completed pistol frames described in this open letter are readily convertible to functioning firearms under the Gun Control Act. Ghost Guns can kill like other firearms if they are in the wrong hands, so they are treated as firearms under the law. This means that they must have serial numbers so that law enforcement can trace if they are used in crimes like other guns, and also that those engaged in the business of selling them must be licensed dealers and run background checks.”

If anyone remains unclear about a specific model or configuration, they may submit a request with a sample to ATF, who can only render a formal determination upon receipt of a formal request and physically examining a submitted sample. 

ATF regulates the firearm industry and is the lead federal law enforcement agency with jurisdiction involving firearms and violent crimes. More information about ATF and its programs is available at www.atf.gov .

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Biden Blocks Release of Interview Tapes on Classified Papers

(Bloomberg) -- President Joe Biden has exerted executive privilege over recordings from the investigation into his handling of classified documents, escalating a fight with congressional Republicans as a committee voted Thursday to hold Attorney General Merrick Garland in contempt of Congress. 

“It is the longstanding position of the executive branch held by administrations of both parties that an official who asserts the President’s claim of executive privilege cannot be prosecuted for criminal contempt of Congress,” the Justice Department wrote in a letter Thursday to House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan and House Oversight Chairman James Comer. 

As part of an impeachment inquiry into Biden, the two have been seeking the audio recordings of Biden’s interview with Special Counsel Robert Hur, who was appointed by Garland to investigate Biden’s handling of classified documents. They have scheduled votes for later Thursday to hold Garland in contempt of Congress for failing to provide the recordings.

“We have gone to extraordinary lengths to ensure that the committees get responses to their legitimate requests but this is not one,” Garland told reporters. “To the contrary, this is one that would harm our ability in the future to successfully pursue sensitive investigations.”

The House Judiciary Committee voted 18-15 along party lines to hold Garland in contempt after the letter became public. The measure will now be sent to the full House for approval.

‘Unfounded Attacks’

Garland said that there have been “a series of unprecedented and frankly unfounded attacks on the Justice Department,” adding that “this effort to use contempt as a method of obtaining our sensitive law enforcement files is just the most recent.”

The administration has already given a lightly redacted transcript of the entire Hur interview to the congressional committees. 

The Justice Department said in the letter that Biden “is making a protective assertion of privilege.”

“We have repeatedly made clear that disclosure of the subpoenaed audio recordings would damage future law enforcement efforts and that the committee’s continued demands raise serious separation of powers concerns,” according to the letter.

Separately, a number of news media organizations, including Bloomberg, and think tanks have sued the Justice Department to gain access to the recordings.

‘Well-Meaning Elderly Man’ 

Hur issued his final report in February, saying Biden knowingly stored and disclosed classified information kept in unsecured locations but the evidence found didn’t support bringing charges. Hur and his team identified several reasons they weren’t recommending charges against Biden, among them what his defenses during any trial might be — including that he has a frail memory.

“Mr. Biden would likely present himself to a jury, as he did during our interview of him, as a sympathetic, well-meaning elderly man with a poor memory,” they wrote.

Former President Donald Trump, who is running against Biden this year, has been charged by another special counsel with mishandling classified documents and obstructing justice at his Florida resort. Hur drew distinctions between the two investigations and pointed out that Trump allegedly refused to return the secrets while Biden turned them over to authorities himself.

“Unlike the evidence involving Mr. Biden, the allegations set forth in the indictment of Mr. Trump, if proven, would present serious aggravating facts,” according to Hur’s report. “Most notably, after being given multiple chances to return classified documents and avoid prosecution, Mr. Trump allegedly did the opposite.”

--With assistance from Jordan Fabian.

(Updates with House vote to hold Garland in contempt.)

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Today's Wordle Hints and Answer: Help for May 20, #1066

Here are some hints, and the answer, for Wordle No. 1066.

• Co-author of two Gen X pop-culture encyclopedia for Penguin Books. Won "Headline Writer of the Year"​ award for 2017, 2014 and 2013 from the American Copy Editors Society. Won first place in headline writing from the 2013 Society for Features Journalism.

Read on for today's Wordle answer.

Today's Wordle answer might trip you up. If you're struggling to guess it, read on. Every day, we'll post hints and then the answer for the current day's Wordle, just in case you need it.

Also, we've  ranked all the letters in the alphabet by popularity  if you want to use this list to decide on your best start words.

And do you also play NYT Connections? We've got  today's Connections answers and hints , too. Plus, we've also got  some tips for Strands , a new game from the Times that's still in beta.

And don't worry: We won't tell anyone you, um, cut a few corners. Go, you.

Today's Wordle hints

Warning: If you keep reading, you'll see the  Wordle  answer for Monday, May 20, puzzle No. 1066. And once you've seen it, you can't unsee it. That could be a devastating spoiler for some players. But if you just need the answer -- maybe you're on your last guess and just don't want to see a 859-game streak go poof -- keep reading.

Wordle hint No. 1: No repeats

Today's Wordle answer has no repeated letters.

Wordle hint No. 2: Vowels

There are two vowels in today's Wordle answer.

Wordle hint No. 3: Start letter

Today's Wordle answer starts with the letter N.

Wordle hint No. 4: Suffix

Today's Wordle answer takes a common word and puts one letter on the end to make a comparative version of the word.

Wordle hint No. 5: Meaning

Today's Wordle answer refers to someone who's more agreeable than someone else.

TODAY'S WORDLE ANSWER

Here comes the spoiler: Today's Wordle answer is NICER, as in, he may be a nice guy, but she's nicer.

Yesterday's Wordle answer

Yesterday's answer, No. 1065, May 19, was HITCH.

Past Wordle answers

May 15, No. 1061: PINCH

May 16, No. 1062: STALL

May 17, No. 1063: TUTOR

May 18, No. 1064: BRINY

Everyday Wordle tips

I've written a lot about Wordle -- from  covering its 1,000th word  to my list of the  best starter words  to a  helpful two-step strategy  to news about  controversial word changes . I've even rounded up  what I learned playing the hit online word puzzle for a full year . So if you're rethinking your need for the actual answer, you might try tips from one of those stories.

Still need a starter word? One person told me they just look around and choose a five-letter object that they've spotted to use as their starter word -- such as COUCH or CHAIR. I tend to stick to starter words that have the most popular letters used in English words. I like TRAIN as a starter, though I have a friend who uses TRAIL. I've read that people  use the financial term ROATE , but I like to use words I actually know.

What is Wordle?

If you read this far, you know how to play. You have six chances to guess a five-letter word, and the game gives you feedback as to whether the letters you've guessed are in the puzzle or not, and if they're in the same spot where you guessed they are. The New York Times  bought the game from creator Josh Wardle  for seven figures in 2022. Wardle famously created the game for his partner, and let her narrow down the 12,000 five-letter words in the English language to just 2,500, creating the database of answers. It was convenient, too, that he has a name that plays off "word."

A Times spokesperson told me it lists the very first Wordle as appearing on June 19, 2021, and the paper  celebrated the game's 1,000th word on March 15 . Spoiler: That 1,000th word was ERUPT. As in, "Dad will erupt if the Wordle is so tough he loses his streak."

There are other fun games in the Times Games stable. My  latest addiction is Connections , which I think is trickier than Wordle. This is the game where you look at a grid of 16 words and try to put them into four groups of related words. Sometimes the relationships between the words are pretty out there -- like the time when it was four words that all began with rock bands, such as "Rushmore" and "journeyman." (Connections got a little sassy on April Fools' Day with an  all-emoji puzzle . Some gamers did NOT find that funny.)

Spelling Bee  is a popular Times game too. And there's a new game that's still in beta,  Strands , which I'm trying to master.

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A Very Short Guide to Understanding the Scope, Purpose, and Doctrinal Weight of Papal Documents

by Elizabeth Huddleston March 25, 2024

W hen the pope speaks, Catholics tend to listen. Confusion often arises, however, when we do not have the tools to know how to properly listen. Using examples from Pope Francis’s pontificate (and some from other pontificates) we will outline the various types of papal writings in their scope, purpose, and doctrinal weight. One way to approach reading papal documents is to think of them as differing genres. Much like one would not read a newspaper, a poem, and a cookbook the same way, one also should avoid thinking of an apostolic constitution, a brief, and a homily in the same fashion. As you will notice, though, there is a complexity to sorting papal documents due to the inherent overlap in authoritative lens, style, and reasons for publishing the document. Many documents will fit within more than one category, which makes interpreting the document and the nature of its authority all the more difficult.

• Papal Bulls represent one of the oldest and most solemn forms of papal documents. Derived from the leaden seal (bulla) traditionally attached to them with silken cords, bulls are reserved for weighty matters such as canonizations, declarations of dogma, establishment of dioceses, or granting of privileges. They possess a formal and authoritative tone, typically beginning with the pope’s name, followed by the phrase “episcopus servus servorum Dei” and closing with “Datum Romae” (given at Rome) followed by the date and the pope’s name. Notable examples include the Bull Unam Sanctam by Pope Boniface VIII asserting papal supremacy and the bull Inter Caetera by Pope Alexander VI dividing the New World between Spain and Portugal. Pope Francis’s most extensive papal bull to date is Misericordiae Vultus .
• Apostolic Constitutions are solemn papal decrees that establish or modify laws and regulations within the Church. They possess a legislative character and are often used to promulgate or amend the Code of Canon Law or other ecclesiastical statutes. These documents are issued under the pope’s own name and are considered binding doctrinal (or even dogmatic) statements, and they may include provisions for their enforcement. Apostolic Constitutions can be issued as bulls and deal with matters of official doctrine. An example is Pope Francis’s Apostolic Constitution Vultum Dei Quaerere , which provides norms for contemplative women religious communities.
• Encyclicals are pastoral letters from the pope to all the bishops of the Catholic Church to be dispersed to all the faithful. These letters form part of the pope’s ordinary teaching authority. They cover a wide range of topics, including matters of faith and morals, social issues, and instructions for the faithful. Encyclicals are characterized by their didactic nature, offering comprehensive teaching and guidance on contemporary issues. While they lack the formal legal status of bulls, they carry significant doctrinal weight and are often considered authoritative sources of Catholic teaching. Notable examples include Pope Leo XIII’s Rerum Novarum on social justice and Pope John Paul II’s Evangelium Vitae on the sanctity of life. Pope Francis’s three encyclicals to date are Lumen Fidei , Laudato Si’ , and Fratelli Tutti .
• Apostolic Exhortations are documents that encourage and exhort the faithful to undertake specific actions or attitudes in light of particular circumstances. They often follow synods or assemblies of bishops and reflect the pope’s reflections on the discussions and outcomes of such gatherings, though they do not contain dogmatic definitions and are not considered legislative. Apostolic Exhortations combine elements of teaching, encouragement, and pastoral guidance, aiming to foster spiritual renewal and missionary zeal among the faithful. While they lack the legislative force of Apostolic Constitutions, they carry significant moral and pastoral authority. Notable examples include Pope Benedict XVI’s Verbum Domini (The Word of God) and Pope Francis’s Amoris Laetitia (on the family).
• Apostolic Letters encompass various types of correspondence issued by the pope. These letters are called apostolic epistles when addressed to specific groups of people. They can range from brief messages to formal decrees, depending on their purpose and audience. Apostolic Letters may address matters of doctrine, discipline, or pastoral concern, and they are often used for administrative purposes within the Church, though they are not considered legislative. While they may lack the solemnity of Bulls or the comprehensive teaching of Encyclicals, Apostolic Letters serve as important instruments of communication and governance in the papal ministry. Examples include Pope Paul VI's Solemni Hac Liturgia establishing the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary and Pope Benedict XVI’s Porta Fidei announcing the Year of Faith. Pope Francis has issued numerous Apostolic Letters, many of which were declared “Motu Proprio.”
• Motu proprio , “of his own impulse,” or “by his own hand,” are documents that aim to explain already existing doctrine or canon law. Unlike Apostolic Constitutions, these documents do not set out new doctrines, but rather further explain doctrines that are already considered binding on the conscience of Catholics. These documents are issued by the pope personally, expressing his own initiative, decision, or opinion on a particular matter. Motu Proprio can cover a wide range of subjects, including changes to Church law, organizational restructuring, or personal reflections. They often carry significant weight as they directly reflect the pope’s personal judgment and authority. Motu Proprio are typically brief and straightforward, lacking the extensive elaboration found in other types of papal documents. Examples include Pope Benedict XVI's Summorum Pontificum , which relaxed restrictions on the celebration of the Traditional Latin Mass, and Pope Francis's Motu Proprio Magnum Principium , which shifted authority over liturgical translations to local bishops’ conferences.
• Decretal letters are authoritative writings issued by the pope or other high-ranking Church officials, typically in response to specific queries or requests for clarification on matters of canon law or ecclesiastical discipline. Historically, decretals contained papal administrative decisions, and by the Middle Ages were often issued in the form of papal bulls. Today decretals are associated with the extraordinary magisterium of the pope, though they are not considered to be legislative. These letters serve to interpret existing laws, resolve disputes, or provide guidance on legal or procedural issues within the Church. Decretals can be addressed to individuals, such as bishops or religious communities, or to broader audiences, including the entire Church. Today, decretal letters can denote dogmatic definitions, though they are typically used for the proclamation of beatifications and canonizations. While not as formal or solemn as papal bulls, decretal letters nonetheless carry significant authority and are binding on those to whom they are addressed. Examples of decretal letters include Pope Gregory IX's Decretales Gregorii , a collection of papal decrees and legal opinions that became a foundational text of canon law. Incorporating decretal letters into the classification of papal documents underscores their importance in shaping the legal and procedural framework of the Church. While they may not always receive the same level of attention as other types of papal documents, decretals play a crucial role in clarifying and interpreting canonical norms, ensuring the orderly governance and administration of the Church’s affairs.
• Addresses/allocutions, “allocutions,” were historically used for solemn addresses from the pope to his cardinals. Today, however, these addresses can be less formal and are often published in the  Acta Apostolicae Sedis and elsewhere. Allocutions are formal speeches or addresses delivered by the pope on various occasions, such as to visiting dignitaries, at gatherings of the College of Cardinals, or during papal audiences. These speeches may cover a wide range of topics, including matters of doctrine, current events, social issues, or reflections on the Church's mission and ministry. While allocutions are not written documents in the traditional sense, they are often transcribed and published for wider dissemination. Allocutions serve as important vehicles for the pope to communicate his thoughts, vision, and guidance to the Church and the world. Allocutions may include homilies , general audiences , speeches , or the weekly Angelus .
• Rescripts are documents that typically answer specific petitions put before the Roman Curiae or the pope himself. Signed by the cardinal prefect and the secretary of the relevant congregation, papal rescripts bear the seal of the congregation issuing the document. Rescripts are official responses or decrees issued by the pope or Vatican authorities in reply to petitions or requests submitted to them. These responses may come from bishops, clergy, religious communities, or laypersons seeking clarification, dispensation, or favor in various matters. Rescripts can address a wide range of issues, including dispensations from canonical requirements, permissions for exceptions to Church law, or grants of privileges or favors. They are typically written in a formal style and may include specific conditions or instructions to be followed by the petitioner. Some rescripts are called “instructions,” which are issued by  Congregations with the pope’s approval. The purpose of these documents is to explain the proper implementation of the more authoritative documents. An example of this type of document is Redemptionis Sacramentum (On certain matters to be observed or to be avoided regarding the Most Holy Eucharist), which was authored by the Congregation for Divine Worship and explains the practical implications and instructions for the implementation of Pope John Paul II’s encyclical, Ecclesia de Eucharistia . Sometimes rescripts are presented in the form of Declarations. One such example that has received considerable press in recent months is Fiducia Supplicans (On the Pastoral Meaning of Bishops). Though this document was released in response to particular dubia, the scope of the theological reflection was much broader pastorally and theologically than the short answers provided in typical apostolic briefs; therefore, the response was presented in the form of a formal declaration.
• Apostolic Briefs, also known as “brevia,” are simple documents that deal with matters of minor importance. The contemporary term brief (brevia) replaced the “litterae,” which were used prior to Pope Martin V (1417–1431). Brevia, also known as papal briefs, are concise papal documents issued for specific administrative or procedural purposes. They may include appointments to ecclesiastical offices, grants of privileges, approvals of statutes or regulations, or responses to particular inquiries or petitions. Brevia are characterized by their brevity and simplicity, conveying the Pope's decision or instruction in a clear and straightforward manner. While less formal than other types of papal documents, brevia play a vital role in the day-to-day functioning of the Church, facilitating the smooth operation of its administrative and juridical processes. Often, apostolic briefs are used to speak to legislative questions (called  dubia ) that are brought before the Church for further explanation. These speak to very specific questions and thus are quite narrow in their responses. An example of this type of document is the Responsum published on 15 March 2021 to questions regarding blessings of the unions of same sex persons.

Reading and analyzing papal documents takes considerable practice, even for the most seasoned theologian. The nuances between the various types of papal documents are quite important when thinking through the meaning and significance of the particular pronouncement, though the complexity should not be understated. Personally, it felt at times like I was writing in circles when trying to articulate the various types of documents and how they are authoritative. That said, it is not enough to simply think about what the words themselves mean; one has to also think through how the words are being relayed. In other words, it is not just what the pope says, but how he says it that determines how one should explicate the papal teachings.

Featured Image: Velazquez, Portrait of Innocent X (c. 1650); Source: Wikimedia Commons, PD-Old-100.

Elizabeth Huddleston

Elizabeth Huddleston is Head of Research and Publications at the National Institute for Newman Studies and is a Teaching Fellow in the Department of Catholic Studies at Duquesne University.

Read more by Elizabeth Huddleston

A Deceptively Simple Papal Document

May 20, 2021 | Paul Tighe

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to leave a place or begin a journey

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Billie Eilish's "The Diner" Lyrics Tell A Very Unsettling Story

Eilish goes into true-crime mode.

Billie Eilish isn’t letting you get away. On May 17, the singer released her third studio album, Hit Me Hard and Soft , and it’s one of her most adventurous but personal offerings to date. She gets deeper than ever, addressing her sexuality , body image, and on “The Diner,” her harrowing experiences with stalking.

Eilish and her collaborator, brother Finneas O’Connell, wrote “The Diner” from the perspective of her own stalker. Rather than run from the situation, she puts herself in their shoes, outlining their predatory patterns and voicing the delusional fantasies in their head.

“I saw you on the screens, I know we're meant to be,” she begins. “I'm waitin' on your block, but please don't call the cops.”

It doesn’t take long for the situation to become life-threatening, with Eilish recounting how her stalker broke into her home in the chorus.

“I waited on the corner 'til I saw the sitter leave, was easy getting over and I landed on my feet,” she sings. “I came in through the kitchen lookin’ for something to eat, I left a calling card so they would know that it was me.”

Eilish’s Stalkers

Eilish has been open about her experiences with stalking since rising to fame. In 2021, she got a five-year civil harassment order against a man who camped across from her parents’ home, and later told The Irish Times that dealing with stalkers had made her afraid to be alone.

“I do like having anonymity, or autonomy, but I really am flipped out when I’m alone,” she said. “I hate it. I have a lot of stalkers, and I have people that want to do bad things to me.”

In February 2023, Eilish was granted a temporary restraining order against a man she found standing outside of her living room window without a shirt on. In November, she was granted one against a different stalker who reportedly sent hundreds of messages to her and her family, which included “disturbing professions of love” to her and “violent threats” to Finneas, according to TMZ.

The Phone Number

“The Diner” ends with a blatant threat and a phone number, delivered by Eilish in a haunting whisper. Luckily, nothing bad happens if you actually call it.

Fans who dial 310-807-3956 will be greeted by a friendly Eilish who says “hello?” before announcing that she can’t hear them and will call back. If you message the number, you can sign up for texts from the singer herself.

“The Diner” Lyrics

Read the song’s full lyrics below.

Don't be afraid of me

I'm what you need

I saw you on the screens

I know we're meant to be

You're starrin' in my dreams, in magazines

You're lookin' right at me (You're lookin' right at me)

I'm here around the clock

I'm waitin' on your block (I'm waitin' on your block)

But please don't call the cops

They'll make me stop, and I just wanna talk (I just wanna talk)

Bet I could change your life

You could be my wife (Wife, wife)

Could get into a fight (Fight)

I'll say, “You're right,” and you'll kiss me goodnight

I waited on the corner 'til I saw the sitter leave

Was easy getting over and I landed on my feet

I came in through the kitchen lookin' for something to eat

I left a calling card so they would know that it was me

(Ah, ah, ah)

I tried to save you, but I failed

Two fifty thousand dollar bail (Two hundred fifty thousand dollar)

While I'm away, don't read my mail (Don't read my mail)

Just bring a veil (Just bring a veil) and come visit me in jail (Visit me in jail)

I'll go back to the diner

I'll write another letter (I'll write another letter)

I hope you'll read it this time, you better

The cops around the corner stopped me when I tried to leave

They told me I was crazy and they knocked me off my feet (They told me I was crazy)

They came in through the kitchen lookin' for something discrete

(Ah, ah, know that it was me)

I memorized your number, now I call you when I please

I tried to end it all, but now I'm back up on my feet

I saw you in the car with someone else and couldn't sleep

If somethin' happens to him, you can bet that it was me

310-807-3956

If you or someone you know is seeking help for mental health concerns, visit the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) website , or call 1-800-950-NAMI(6264). For confidential treatment referrals, visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration ( SAMHSA ) website, or call the National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP(4357). In an emergency, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK(8255) or call 911.

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In Letter, 540 Jewish Columbia Students Defend Zionism, Condemn Protests

The students wrote that “Zionism remains a pillar of our Jewish identities” and argued that many classmates do not understand its meaning.

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By Sharon Otterman

A group of Jewish Columbia students has written an emotional and forceful public letter that takes on one of the most divisive issues on college campuses: whether opposition to Israel should be equated with antisemitism.

In the letter, the students argue that “Judaism cannot be separated from Israel.” They also charge that anti-Zionist Jews who deny Israel’s right to exist and stand with pro-Palestinian protesters “tokenize themselves” and try to delegitimize the experiences of Zionist Jews on campus.

Some of the students who signed the letter , which had 540 signatories as of Thursday morning, have already spoken publicly against Columbia for the antisemitism they say they have faced there. One student testified before Congress about the issue; others have been counterprotesters at pro-Palestinian rallies. Others have not spoken out before.

In all, by Thursday the letter was signed by just over 10 percent of the estimated 5,000 Jewish undergraduates and graduate students at Columbia and its affiliated colleges. All signatories gave their names, college affiliation and year of graduation, unlike some public letters, that allow for anonymous signatures.

Titled “ In Our Name: A Message from Jewish Students at Columbia University ,” the letter represents the views of students who state that they love Israel, even though they do not always agree with the actions of the Israeli government.

“Our love for Israel does not necessitate blind political conformity,” the letter stated. “It’s quite the opposite. For many of us, it is our deep love for and commitment to Israel that pushes us to object when its government acts in ways we find problematic.”

The letter did not specifically critique any Israeli actions, stating that “our visions for Israel differ dramatically from one another.” Yet, it continued, “we all come from a place of love and an aspiration for a better future for Israelis and Palestinians alike.”

The letter comes as Columbia copes with a deeply divided campus reeling from two recent police interventions against pro-Palestinian activism on campus, including the takeover of a campus building that resulted in more than 200 arrests. On Monday, Nemat Shafik, Columbia’s president, canceled the main graduation ceremony, citing security concerns, and the main campus remains in a state of partial lockdown.

It was unclear how the letter would impact tensions on campus. Columbia and its affiliated schools have Jewish and non-Jewish faculty and students who are strongly anti-Zionist and who argue that Zionism is a not a requirement for Jewish identity.

At pro-Palestinian rallies on campuses at Columbia and beyond, the shouting of anti-Zionist slogans — including “we don’t want no Zionists here” — is common. Anti-Zionist demonstrators argue that this is not antisemitic, a distinction that not everyone accepts.

For students who identify as Zionists, it has been deeply hurtful.

The Anti-Defamation League defines Zionism as the movement for the self-determination and statehood for the Jewish people in their ancestral homeland in the land of Israel. But the definition is contested, and some see it as a movement that controversially conflates Jewish religious identity with a modern political, nationalist project.

The students in their letter seek to clarify what they believe it means and why they believe the way protesters interpret the concept is wrong.

“There’s a huge misconception that Zionism necessitates conformity with the Israeli government, and anti-Zionism means criticism of it,” said Elisha Baker, a Columbia undergraduate. “But that is not the case. And one of our goals is to make very clear that Zionism is the belief in Israel’s right to exist, and anti-Zionism is the denial of that right.”

Most of the signatories, the open letter stated, “did not choose to be political activists.” But they have felt compelled to speak because they feel demonized “under the cloak of anti-Zionism” and forced to publicly defend their Jewish and Zionist identities.

“We proudly believe in the Jewish People’s right to self-determination in our historic homeland as a fundamental tenet of our Jewish identity,” they wrote. “Contrary to what many have tried to sell you — no, Judaism cannot be separated from Israel. Zionism is, simply put, the manifestation of that belief.”

“We are proud to be Jews, and we are proud to be Zionists,” they wrote.

Mr. Baker wrote the letter, along with Eliana Goldin, Eden Yadegar and Rivka Yellin. Mr. Baker said in an interview that the letter began circulating among students on Saturday and that he expected the number of signatories to grow.

“This letter was about amplifying Jewish voices that have been silenced for seven months and about making very clear that there is a unified Jewish community on campus,” he said.

In the letter, the students said they felt betrayed and hurt by the views of many of their fellow students, and by the treatment some Zionist students faced at the encampment that took over a Columbia lawn for two weeks before being removed by police. The protesters who set up the tents have demanded, among other things, that the university divest from Israel.

The letter said that students were not surprised when one of the encampment’s leaders, Khymani James, said that “‘ Zionists don’t deserve to live ’ and that they were lucky he was “not just going out and murdering Zionists.”

Pro-Palestinian student organizers with Columbia’s encampment disavowed those comments, which were made in January, and Mr. James apologized. He has been suspended from school and banned from campus.

Maryam Alwan is an organizer with Columbia’s chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine, which was suspended last fall. She said in a recent interview: “I think that antisemitism is horrible, but I don’t think that using the conflation of antisemitism and anti-Zionism as an excuse to crack down on pro-Palestine advocacy is justifiable or related in any sense.”

The letter, though, disputes that distinction.

“If the last six months on campus have taught us anything, it is that a large and vocal population of the Columbia community does not understand the meaning of Zionism, and subsequently does not understand the essence of the Jewish People,” the students wrote. “Yet despite the fact that we have been calling out the antisemitism we’ve been experiencing for months, our concerns have been brushed off and invalidated.”

The students ended the letter on a note of conciliation, saying they want to work to repair the campus together.

“While campus may be riddled with hateful rhetoric and simplistic binaries now, it is never too late to start repairing the fractures and begin developing meaningful relationships across political and religious divides,” they wrote. “Our tradition tells us, ‘ Love peace and pursue peace. ’”

Sharon Otterman is a Times reporter covering higher education, public health and other issues facing New York City. More about Sharon Otterman

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Andy Cohen reacts to John Mayer’s scathing letter about ‘demeaning’ dating questions

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Andy Cohen and John Mayer are “Waiting on the World to Change.”

The Bravo exec celebrated his pal’s recent scathing response to the Hollywood Reporter’s questions about the nature of their friendship.

“This should now put an end to anyone asking us, ‘What’s the deal with you two? Explain it,'” Cohen, 55, said in Friday’s episode of his “Daddy Diaries” podcast .

“It is demeaning to ask a gay guy about being friends with a straight guy. … It does assume a gay guy can’t be friends with a straight person without them having sex,” he explained.

The “Watch What Happens Live” host, who shared that he “cheered” when he read Mayer’s letter to journalist Maer Roshan last week, praised the “Gravity” singer, 46, for caring “enough about this trope being lazy and dumb that [he] would write this.”

Cohen gushed, “What an ally. I really just love that he did that, and I applaud him for wanting it published.”

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The Emmy winner continued, “Thank you, John, for going on the record about that. I thought it was really, really cool.”

Cohen and Mayer have been friends for years, with Roshan asking about the “intense speculation” surrounding their connection while interviewing the “Real Housewives” producer for a profile published on May 8.

The Grammy winner clapped back at Roshan’s remark that “people seem dubious that a straight rock star can have a close, platonic relationship with a gay TV personality.”

He called out the “specious … premise” in his May 10 letter to the editor, noting that it “turns the concept of being gay into an ignorantly two-dimensional one.”

Mayer, who referred to himself as a fan of “intelligent discourse,” concluded, “Reinforcing the idea that any gay/straight relationship needs qualification that it’s not sexual devoids everyone involved of their dignity.”

Although Roshan subsequently wrote that he and the musician “had a nice email exchange” after the letter, he stood by his questions.

Mayer and Cohen first sparked speculation in June 2023 when the Bravolebrity said they were “in love” on “The Howard Stern Show.”

However, he swore on the lives of his son, Benjamin, 5, and daughter, Lucy, 2, that there was not “anything sexual” about their bond.

Cohen doubled down in his Hollywood Reporter profile, saying, “Because we are so affectionate to each other, people don’t know what box to put that in. They assume we are sleeping with each other, which we are most definitely not.”

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