Job application letter format

A formal application letter for a job, in the layout widely used in India, Africa and the Philippines: your address, the date, the employer's address, a subject line naming the post, three short paragraphs and a list of enclosures. Unlike a cover letter, it is a formal application in its own right, and is often printed and attached to a form or sent by post.

Templates

• Job application letter (document): A formal job application letter in the standard format used in India, Africa and the Philippines, with addresses, subject line and a clear request for an interview.
• Cover letter (document): A friendly, focused cover letter that connects your experience to the role in four short paragraphs.

How to use these templates

1. Open the application letter and enter your address and the employer's details exactly as given in the advertisement, including any reference number.
2. Tell the AI the post, where you saw the vacancy and your qualifications, for example "B.Ed with two years teaching maths at a CBSE school, applying for TGT Maths".
3. Check that the subject line names the post exactly as advertised, then list everything you are enclosing at the bottom.
4. Download as PDF to email or upload, or print it, sign above your name and send it with copies of your certificates if the advertisement asks for them.

What makes an application letter work

• Write the subject line as "Application for the post of [exact job title]". Offices that receive many applications sort them by it.
• Use "Dear Sir/Madam" with "Yours faithfully" when you do not know the name, and "Dear Mr Sharma" with "Yours sincerely" when you do.
• Keep it to one page. The letter introduces you; the resume and certificates carry the detail.
• Mention one concrete achievement with a number, such as results improved or sales grown, rather than a list of personal qualities.
• For a government vacancy, follow the notification exactly. Many recruitment notifications prescribe their own application form, and a letter only accompanies it.
• When asked for self-attested copies, sign each photocopy to confirm it matches the original.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between an application letter and a cover letter?

A cover letter is a less formal note that accompanies a resume, usual in the US, UK and Canada. An application letter is a formal letter with both addresses and a subject line, and is the expected format in India and several other countries, especially for printed or posted applications.

Can I send an application letter by email?

Yes. Put the subject line in the email subject, paste a shorter version of the letter in the body, and attach the full letter and your resume as PDFs.

How do I write an application letter when there is no vacancy?

Ask the AI to "make this a speculative application". It changes the opening to say why you are writing to that company and asks to be considered for suitable openings.

Should I mention my expected salary?

Only if the advertisement asks for it. Otherwise leave it for the interview.

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