How to Start Your Application Letter

Understanding What an Application Letter Is

An application letter, also called a cover letter, is a formal written document that accompanies a resume when you submit materials for a job or educational program. This letter introduces you to the person reading it and explains why you are interested in the position or program. Unlike your resume, which lists your work history and skills in a structured format, an application letter tells your story in paragraph form. It gives you the chance to show your personality, explain your motivation, and demonstrate that you understand what the organization is looking for.

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The application letter serves several important functions. First, it makes a personal connection between you and the hiring manager or admissions officer. Research from the Harvard Business Review found that 75% of hiring managers read cover letters, meaning this document can significantly influence whether you move forward in the process. Second, it allows you to address any gaps or concerns in your background. For example, if you changed careers, took time away from work, or did not follow a traditional educational path, your letter can explain these decisions. Third, it demonstrates your written communication skills, which matters for almost every professional role.

Application letters are typically one page long, single-spaced, and contain three to four paragraphs. They follow a formal business letter structure with your contact information at the top, followed by the date, the recipient's information, a greeting, the body paragraphs, a closing, and your signature. Understanding this basic structure is the foundation for writing an effective letter that stands out among many others a hiring manager or admissions officer may receive on any given week.

Practical takeaway: Before you start writing, recognize that your application letter is a chance to show the reader who you are beyond what appears on your resume. It should feel personal but professional, and it should answer the question: "Why should we choose this person?"

Researching the Organization and Position

One of the most important steps in writing an effective application letter is researching the organization and the specific role you are pursuing. This research serves as the foundation for everything you write. When you understand the organization's mission, values, recent projects, and challenges, you can tailor your letter to show how your skills and interests align with what they need. Generic, mass-produced letters are easy to spot, and they rarely result in interviews. Personalized letters that reference specific details about the organization stand out.

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Start by visiting the organization's official website and reading their mission statement, core values, and recent news or announcements. Look for information about their products, services, or programs. For businesses, explore their "About Us" section and read recent press releases or blog posts. For nonprofits, research their stated goals and the populations they serve. For educational institutions, review their academic programs and values. This information helps you understand what matters to the organization and what problems they are trying to solve.

Next, research the specific position you are pursuing. Read the job posting carefully and note the key responsibilities, required skills, and desired qualifications. Identify which of your experiences and abilities match what they are looking for. Look for language they use repeatedly in the posting—these keywords often signal what is most important to them. If the job posting mentions "project management" five times, for example, you should plan to discuss your project management experience in your letter.

Additionally, research the person who will be reading your letter if possible. Check the organization's website, LinkedIn, or other sources to find the hiring manager's or admissions officer's name, title, and background. Understanding their role and responsibilities can help you write a letter that speaks to their concerns and priorities. Finally, research the industry or field. What challenges is it facing? What trends are emerging? Demonstrating awareness of these broader contexts shows you are thinking beyond just landing a job.

Practical takeaway: Set aside 30 to 60 minutes to research before you write. Take notes on three to five specific details about the organization that you can reference in your letter. This preparation will make your letter more convincing and show the reader that you have done your homework.

Structuring the Opening Paragraph

The opening paragraph of your application letter is your first chance to make an impression, and it needs to engage the reader immediately. An effective opening paragraph accomplishes three things: it states the position you are pursuing, it explains how you learned about the opportunity, and it includes a compelling reason why you are interested. This paragraph sets the tone for the entire letter, so it should be clear, confident, and specific.

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Start with a clear statement of which position you are pursuing and where you learned about it. For example: "I am writing to express my interest in the Marketing Coordinator position posted on your company's careers page" or "I am applying for the Environmental Science graduate program at your university." Being specific shows that you are serious and organized. Vague openings like "I am interested in working for your company" suggest you may have sent the same letter to multiple organizations without customizing it.

Next, include a sentence or two that explains why you are interested in this particular role or organization. This is where your research becomes valuable. Rather than saying "I want to work for your company because it is a great place to work," reference something specific you learned. For example: "Your company's recent launch of the sustainability initiative aligns with my commitment to environmental responsibility" or "I am drawn to your university's emphasis on community-based learning because my volunteer work has shown me the power of direct community engagement."

Strong opening paragraphs often include a brief statement about what you bring to the table. This is not a full description of your qualifications—that comes later—but rather a high-level view of your relevant background. For instance: "With three years of social media management experience and a passion for nonprofit work, I am excited to contribute to your organization's communications team" or "My background in data analysis and my interest in public health make me a strong candidate for this research position."

Avoid common opening mistakes. Do not start with phrases like "I am writing this letter" or "I would like to introduce myself." These openings waste space and are unnecessary. Do not make claims without evidence, such as "I am the most qualified person for this job." Do not ask questions that seem self-focused, such as "Did you know that I have worked in this field for ten years?" Instead, focus on what you can offer and why you are genuinely interested in the specific opportunity.

Practical takeaway: Draft your opening paragraph first, then read it aloud. Does it sound like you are writing to a specific organization about a specific role? If you could replace the organization name with any other company and the letter would still make sense, you need to make it more specific and personal.

Developing the Body Paragraphs

The body of your application letter is where you provide evidence of your qualifications and demonstrate why you are a strong fit for the position. Most effective application letters contain two to three body paragraphs, each focused on a different aspect of your background or skills. The key is to connect your experiences directly to the needs of the organization, using concrete examples rather than vague statements.

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Start by identifying the three to five most important qualifications or traits the organization is seeking, based on your research of the job posting and organization. These might include specific technical skills, relevant experience, personal qualities like attention to detail or teamwork, or demonstrated commitment to the organization's mission. For each of these areas, develop one paragraph that explains how you meet that requirement. Use the format: introduce the qualification, provide a specific example from your background, explain the result or what you learned, and connect it back to the job or organization.

For example, if the job posting emphasizes "experience managing multiple projects simultaneously," you might write: "In my current role as an event coordinator at Community Center X, I simultaneously manage four to six events at any given time, each with different stakeholders, budgets, and timelines. When coordinating the annual fundraiser last spring, I managed vendor communications, volunteer scheduling, and promotion while supporting two smaller community events. This experience taught me the importance of clear timelines and delegation, skills I would bring to the project management aspects of this role at your organization." This example is far more convincing than simply writing "I am good at managing multiple projects."

When developing body paragraphs, use numbers and specific details whenever possible. Instead of "I worked on several marketing campaigns," write "I designed and executed four email marketing campaigns that increased open rates by an average of 28% and generated over 300 leads for the sales team." These specifics make your claims believable and memorable. Reference the language from the job posting when possible. If they say they need someone who can "communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders," use that phrase and show how you have done this with examples.