Know the type of job application letter and stand out from the crowd

We try to stand out from the crowd by producing an effective job application letter that no one else would produce. Before producing an effective job application letter, we need to understand what type of application to target.

All letters or requests can be divided into two categories, namely:

(1) Requested and

(2) Not requested

An applicant looking for a job can use one of the two.

1. Application requested

An application request letter is one that is typically written to apply for a position that is advertised in any media outlet by a potential employer.

The following are some examples of employer announcements:

“Accounts Officer, knowledge of EDP and income tax as an asset, chartered accountant preferred. Apply Victor Garments Manufacturing Company, Macalister Road, Singapore.

“Part-time experienced stenographer wanted” any time between 10 am and 5 pm for two hours. Apply with full details, copies of testimonials and expected minimum wage to Box 1688, Orchard Point P.O.Box 168, Singapore.

“Japanese-speaking account assistant wanted,” preferably an LCCI, with at least five years of experience. Please request with copies of testimonials, stating the minimum wage expected to Box 168, Orchard Point P.O.Box 188, Singapore.

“Large foreign shipping corporation required shipping assistant.” Apply in confidence by providing full details, salary requirements, etc. a Box 1688, ‘The Free Press Journal’ Hong Kong.

“Experienced Sales Representatives Wanted” to book consumer product orders. Please send your request to Post Box 1800, Bangkok – Thailand.

“Urgently needed” for a renowned high school for part-time/full-time math/science teachers for senior classes. School hours 10 am to 5 pm Higher salary depending on experience. Telephone 16878881. Apply to Box 1788, The Straits Times, Singapore.

The main advantage of a solicited application is that it confirms that there is a vacancy available with the hiring company. In addition, the prospective employer typically lists the qualifications, experience, education, and job description of the opening, so the applicant can apply for jobs that closely match their profile.

However, there is a main disadvantage of such an application and that is that since the vacancy is advertised, there is always a flood of applications with employers and therefore any applicant’s application would be one of many such applications, written in response to the ad. Therefore, the applicant should try to present their application in a way that is better than an average application; rather, he should try to make it one of the best applications received by the employer.

2. Unsolicited request

An unsolicited application letter refers to a job that has not been advertised or published by the prospective employer in any media.

This type of application definitely has a great advantage: the application does not stand up to that great competition that the application of an advertised job is open to. Also, the applicant can submit parallel applications to a few potential employers at the same time.

However, there are also two disadvantages: (1) There may not be a position with the employer; and (2) the applicant must find out for himself the requirements and criteria of the candidate in which the employer will primarily hire.