Tips

When you apply in writing, your letter application is the only means the employer has assessing you, so it must convey a picture of a desirable addition to the company's workforce. It may be handwritten or typed, depending on whether the letter is solicited or unsolicited and what is requested in the advertisement.

From a mechanical standpoint, the letter of application should be typed or printed on good quality, plain, white A4 size paper. It should follow standard business style.

Often, candidates make the obvious error, not signing the letter.

Carbon copy should be made and retained. Keep the copy and staple the advertisement to your copy.

You should ensure that your application letter

• typing mistakes should be erased and no smudges permitted. Keep corrections to a minimum and ensure any corrections are extremely neat.
• keep the letter short.
• never forget to state the position you are applying.
• ensure that there are no spelling, grammatical, punctuation or text entry errors.
• stress positively why you think you should be considered for the position.
• state why you would like the job and what makes you the best person for it.
• indicate that you would like to be interviewed.
• individualize your letter from all the others received by avoiding standard dialogue.