Is the same a cover letter as a Job Application Letter?
It is normal to confuse a job application letter with a cover letter because the terms are often used interchangeably. While there are unquestionably similarities, there are also subtle differences, and these are what separate successful applications from failed ones.
A job application letter is specifically designed to accompany a candidate’s documents when applying for jobs in Trinidad but can also be used with applications for grants or school admissions. While a cover letter is supposed to be an addition to a submission, a job application letter is detailed enough to stand on its own.
Job Application Letter Structure
The structure of a job application letter is similar to its cover letter counterpart albeit with more detail.
INTRODUCTION
As this letter serves a similar purpose to a resume, you need to write an extensive introduction. The focus of the document is to catch the attention of the reader, provide a compelling argument that you’re the right person for the job and request an interview.
BODY
The body of the job application letter typically contains two paragraphs. This is where you ‘sell yourself’ and convince the reader that you are an intriguing candidate worthy of an interview. As it is potentially a substitute for a resume, you should include specific information about your work history, skills and professional qualifications.
As a job application letter is a complete document compared to its cover letter counterpart, it needs to include details about your educational qualifications, certifications and anything else relevant to the job opening.
CONCLUSION
You should wrap up the job application letter by thanking the reader for their time and requesting an interview.
What to Include in Your Job Application Letter
Details: If you surf the web and look for do’s and don’ts when writing a job application letter, you are invariably greeted with page after page of cover letter advice. It usually entails keeping your document short and sweet. When it comes to job application letters, however, you need to include details of your employment and education history along with any information about professional qualifications. While it should not be used as a substitute for a resume, it should give the reader a good idea of the type of candidate you are.
Relevance: All job application letters must be relevant to the role for which you are applying. Don’t try to fool a recruitment expert with a generic letter as it will end up in the bin in seconds! Include the job title in your introduction and use the body to outline how your skills, education, and experience are specifically useful for the vacancy.
Show What You Can Do For the Organization: Outline how your abilities can work for the organization rather than trying to tell them how great you are. Your enthusiasm for the job must shine through in a manner that directly benefits companies in Trinidad and Tobago. For example, you could say you have followed the company from its start-up phase, and your understanding of its background and operations means you can jump in and assist straight away.
What NOT to Include in Your Job Application Letter
Mistakes: This should go without saying, but if you have even one spelling or grammatical error on your job application letter, it WILL be rejected. Get a friend, work colleague or family member to re-read the document; a fresh set of eyes should uncover any mistakes.
Negativity: There is no need to mention the reasons why you left your last job nor should you include anything negative about a former employer or ex-colleagues. After all, if you’re willing to whine about another company, who is to say that you won’t do the same to this organization once you leave?
Unnecessary Personal Information: Don’t include details such as your age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, marital status or any other data that has no bearing on your ability to perform the job to a high standard. Also, never include a photo. Whether you like it or not, it can influence the reader’s decision, so most recruiters play it safe and immediately reject application letters with photos.
Clichés: Don’t waste valuable space by writing something like ‘please find my resume enclosed.’ The reader can see the attachment; they don’t need you to tell them!
Resume Regurgitation: Although it can be a substitute for a resume, most candidates in Trinidad and Tobago attach a job application letter to a resume. As a result, you have to be careful not to include the same information. Since your application is designed to show you are a multi-talented individual, use the combination of documents to convey a host of relevant information. Think about what you want to write and include data on your letter that couldn’t fit in your resume.
The job application letter stand on its own
Just to be clear, a job application letter is not the same thing as a cover letter in Trinidad and Tobago. It is inherently more detailed and longer than its oft confused counterpart. Although you should include a resume with a job application letter, it is capable of standing alone due to the level of detail it contains. Remember, it needs to include information relating to your work history, educational qualifications and skills and most importantly, you have to carefully craft it so that the text makes you seem like the ideal fit for the role.
