How to write a Letter of Application

1. Salutation

Dear Sir or Madam 

If you do not know the name of the person you are writing to, use this:

• Dear Hiring Manager

• Dear Search Committee

• To whom it may concern

• Dear Human Resources Manager

• Dear Sir or Madam

2. The Introductory Paragraph

Begin by stating the job for which you are applying. Briefly mention how your skills and experience match the company and/or position; this will give the employer a preview of the rest of your letter.

3. The next paragraphs (the body)

In the following paragraphs, explain why you are interested in the job and why you make an excellent candidate for the position. Mention specific qualifications listed in the job posting and explain how you meet those qualifications.

4. Closing paragraph

Conclude your letter of application by thanking the employer for considering you for the position and stating that you would like to interview.

You might close the letter with the following formula.

I look forward to hearing from you and hope that you will be able to invite me for an interview.

 “Yours sincerely” or “Yours faithfully”?

“Yours sincerely” is typically employed in English when the recipient is addressed by name (e.g. “Dear John”) and is known to the sender to some degree, whereas “Yours faithfully” is used when the recipient is not addressed by name (i.e., the recipient is addressed by a phrase such as “Dear Sir/Madam”)