Of all business letters, the letter of application is the most difficult to write. It is a sales letter, no doubt. For you are marketing a product and the product is yourself. You are selling yourself by direct mail, and this task is a little awkward too! But, you find the job advertised is just the type you are best fitted for, and is your bread and butter. Think how best you can perform the task to convince the 'buyer' that you are the right man he is looking for, and to get the job you always wanted. The most effective way to construct your letter on the four basic steps of a sales letter: (1) Attention (2) Interest (3) Conviction (4) Action.

Step 1: Declare your interest to catch the reader's attention

If you are answering an advertisement about a post or a position inviting application, first declare your interest in the post and refer to the origin of your application or the source of the information. Your first sentence will be responsible for the first impression it makes on the reader. It should be direct, clear and positive in tone.

Step 2: Introduce yourself to rouse the reader's interest

After introducing the origin of your application and expressing your interest in the job, the next step is to introduce yourself. Tell the truth about yourself. Display your merits without too much self-praise or too much modesty, so that you create in the reader a desire to see you. A clever salesman makes an analysis of the prospective buyer and of the product he is trying to sell and then plans his talk or strategy to match both. The same approach must be adopted while writing a successful letter of application.

Make a careful analysis of yourself and the prospective buyer of your services. What does your "customer" want? What do you have to offer? Have you the education, experience and personal qualifications that are attractive to the "customer"?

Step 3: Give evidence to create confidence

Now use variable facts to prove that your services are reliable and should be used. For this enclose the personal data sheet, copies of testimonials (if required) and also give references of persons in responsible positions who will testify to your character and competence and recommend you for the position for which you are applying. But do not give a name as reference unless you have received permission from the person to use his name.

Step 4: Ask for action - just as a sales letter does

The closing paragraph is reserved for securing the desired action. Motivate the prospective employer to grant you an interview - not 'buy' you straight off. You do not need to beg while requesting an interview. But remember that the time and place of interview are to be at his convenience. If your qualifications hold you up as a promising candidate with the job potential, and if your letter impresses the employer, you will be called for an interview. Hence, make it easy for him to reach you. Give your telephone number if you are within reach of a local telephone call. It is not necessary to enclose a stamped, self-addressed envelope or postal card unless it is specified so in the advertisement.

Visit http://www.101businessletter.com to see the sample letters that are impression-favorable enough to induce the prospective employer to invite you in for an interview.

Jean Taylor
http://www.101businessletter.com