Application Letters Overview

A solicited application letter is one sent in response to an announced job opening.

An unsolicited application letter, or 'prospecting letter,' is one sent to an organization that has not announced an opening.

For both solicited and unsolicited application letters, you should write to a specific person, not a department or job title.

For solicited jobs, it is sufficient to identify the source of information about the position without being specific.

For unsolicited jobs, you should announce your intentions.

What should Paragraph #1 of a cover letter begin with?

What are the main focuses of Paragraph #2 in a cover letter?

What is a key action to take in Paragraph #3 of a cover letter?

Application Letters Overview

Solicited application letters respond to announced job openings.
Unsolicited application letters, or prospecting letters, reach out to organizations without announced openings.

Addressing Your Letters

Always address application letters to a specific individual rather than a department or a job title.
For solicited jobs, indicate the source of the job information and specify the publication where the job was advertised.

Intentions in Unsolicited Letters

Clearly announce your intentions when submitting unsolicited application letters.

Crafting Paragraphs of Your Letter

Paragraph #1: Highlight a unique quality that differentiates you from other applicants. Avoid trivial questions about potential job openings as they may derail focus.
Paragraph #2: Focus on 1 or 2 key qualifications to maintain clarity. Illustrate how your skills have been effectively utilized and provide examples of strong personal qualities like honesty and enthusiasm. Refrain from duplicating content from your resume.
Paragraph #3: Summarize key points and emphasize how they benefit the organization. Always request an interview rather than the job itself, and suggest flexibility in arranging the interview.

This quiz covers essential aspects of crafting application letters, including the differences between solicited and unsolicited letters, addressing techniques, and effective paragraph structuring. It highlights the importance of tailoring your application to stand out from other applicants and demonstrates how to showcase your qualifications effectively.