15 Cover Letter Templates to Perfect Your Next Job Application
Published: August 10, 2022
Are cover letters necessary? I'm not in HR, but I've been approached by applicants who wondered whether their cover letter would actually be read. My answer is one not many of them wanted to hear: "sometimes." Sometimes it will be read. Other times, you can get away with just sending in your resume — like when you network your way into applying for a position.
The truth is, you can't really predict on a case-by-case basis — and you're better safe than sorry. For the most part, having a cover letter will give you an upper hand in ways your resume doesn't. It allows you to show off your writing skills, provide details that you couldn't fit on your resume, demonstrate your passion, and show your willingness to put in as much time and effort as possible.
If you’ve ever rolled your eyes or balked at an application that required a cover letter, this guide is for you. We’ll go over how to write a cover letter and provide cover letter templates to help you perfect your own.
Application Letter
An application letter is a written document addressed to an employer by a job applicant, explaining why they're interested in and qualified for an open position. More commonly known as a cover letter, this document can come in the form of an email, MS Word document, or similar application template offered by the employer.
Seems fairly basic, right? Cover letters can hold different levels of importance to an employer depending on the industry you're in and the job you're applying for. According to a CareerBuilder survey, 49% of recruiters say sendign a cover letter along with your resume boosts your chance of landing the role.
If you do plan to write a cover letter, keep in mind there are certain qualities it should have that are not included in the definition above.
5 Free Cover Letter Templates
Five fill-in-the-blank cover letter templates to help you impress recruiters.
- Standard Cover Letter Template
- Entry-Level Cover Letter Template
- Data-Driven Cover Letter Template
You're all set!
Click this link to access this resource at any time.
What to Include in a Cover Letter
So, what should you include? We'll let the 11 templates below this list do most of the talking. No matter which one you download, pay attention to the following elements — all of which should shine through in the letter you send to your future manager.
Fill out this form to access your templates.
1. contact information.
Cover letters shouldn't just carry your contact information, but also that of the company to which you're applying. Contact info includes your phone number, email address, and any social media accounts you're willing to share and receive connections to.
Home addresses aren't required, but they can be a helpful reassurance to the employer that you already live nearby and would have no trouble coming into the office.
Avoid offering phone numbers, email addresses, or actual addresses that belong to your current employer. Using your personal Gmail address over your work email, for example, ensures your correspondence with recruiters remains separate from all of your current work communication.
2. A Personal Address Line
For as often as you see "to whom it may concern" at the top of cover letters today, do your best to avoid writing this exhausted line.
Address lines that specify a person or company grab your reader's attention much more quickly, and show the employer that you've taken the time to tailor your application letter to them. Don't have the name of the hiring manager? "Employers at [company name]" will do just fine.
A "hook" is a clever introduction that "hooks" your reader into wanting to learn more. Think about yourself as a job candidate — what makes you unique? What about your career might a recruiter be intrigued by that you can package into an interesting first sentence?
4. Why You're Qualified
It's a no-brainer that you should summarize your professional experience in your cover letter. However, today's best applications describe why this experience qualifies the applicant for the job they're applying for. For example, don't just state that you spent three years writing for a company blog. Explain that this type of work lends itself to managing your new potential employer's content calendar every week.
5. General Knowledge of the Business
Grammatical errors could mean your application is thrown in the trash, but that's not the only thing that could get your letter tossed aside. Using a generic "one-size-fits-all" cover letter — especially if you forget to change the name of the company — will also hurt your chances of landing an interview.
So, if you take the time to write a cover letter, take the time to comment on the business itself. Why are you applying to this company? What about their business stuck out to you as a professional?
Now, let's take a look at an example cover letter , what makes it effective, along with 11 templates you can download or draw inspiration from.
Cover Letter Example
Image Source
The example above illustrates how to write a marketing cover letter using the elements we listed.
Besides the contact information and the address line, the first few paragraphs explain why the candidate is qualified for the position. This example uses specific data to show why they would be a good fit.
Additionally, in the second to last paragraph, the candidate discusses why they're interested in the specific company, demonstrating general knowledge of the business.
By combining all the elements to a cover letter, this is a great example to use for inspiration.
Featured Resource: 5 Professional Cover Letter Templates
14 Free Cover Letter Templates for Your Next Job Application
Template 1: basic.
The example above is a basic (but great) cover letter. The numbered sections are explained in more detail below.
The level of formality your header has will depend on the company to which you apply. If you're applying to a formal business, it's important to use a formal header to open your cover letter, like in the sample above. Put your address, the date, and the company's address. But if you're applying to a company that isn't as formal, you don't need to include yours and the company's addresses. You can still include the date, though.
2. Greeting
Using "To Whom It May Concern" is okay, but you may want to take the time to research the name of the recruiter or hiring manager online. If you do your research and aren't confident you found the right name, then you should definitely use the generic greeting — but if you are sure, then it shows you put in the effort to find their name and it will catch the recruiter's eye.
If you have the recruiter's name, do you greet them by their full name, or by their courtesy title (i.e. Mr., Ms., or Mrs.)? Similar to the header, it depends on the company's level of formality. If you're applying to a corporate business, you may want to consider using "Mr. Snaper" instead of "Jon Snaper." If you're applying to a start-up or a business with a more casual culture, you can use "Jon Snaper," as shown in the example.
3. Introduction
Your opening paragraph should, in 1-3 sentences, state why you're excited to apply and what makes you the perfect candidate. Get right to the point, and don't worry about explaining where you found the posting or who you know at the company. This isn't a place to go into detail about why you're a great candidate — that's for the second paragraph. Here, simply list a few key reasons in one sentence to set up the rest of your letter. Keep in mind that the recruiter may cross-reference your cover letter with your resume, so make sure the two sync up.
4. Paragraph 2: Why You're a Great Fit for the Job
Next, sell yourself and your experience by choosing one or two concrete examples that show why you're a great fit for the position. What did you do at a previous company that gave you relevant experience? Which projects have you worked on that would benefit the new company? How will your prior experience help this company grow? Stay humble in your explanation of credentials while still showing that you would be an asset to the team. Use this paragraph to show you're genuinely excited and interested in the position.
5. Third Paragraph: Why the Company Is a Great Fit for You
While it's certainly important you're a good fit for the job, it's also important that the company is a good fit for you. "A cover letter typically describes why you're great for a company — but how will you benefit from getting hired?" asks former HubSpot Team Development Manager Emily MacIntyre . "We want to know why our company appeals to you, and how it will be a mutually beneficial working relationship."
In the third paragraph, show you're serious about growing and developing your career at this new company. What impresses and excites you about the company? Is there something that you feel strongly about that aligns with the company's goals? For example, the candidate in the sample letter used this space to show his personal commitment to environmental causes aligns with the company's green initiatives.
6. Strong Closer and Signature
Don't get lazy in the final few sentences of your cover letter — it's important to finish strong. Be straightforward about your interest and enthusiasm about the new position, and tell them you're available to talk about the opportunity at any time. Be sure to include your phone number and email address. At this point, the ball is (rightly) in the recruiter's court to decide how to follow up.
Last but certainly not least, thank them for their time and consideration. Use a formal sign-off like "Best," "All the best," or "Sincerely," and finish by typing out your full name. You don't need to sign it with a pen.
Template 2: Data-Driven Marketing Cover Letter
Get it here..
When applying to a data-driven position, it might be tempting to inject your cover letter with, well, the data to describe what you've done for other employers. But in an application letter — particularly for the marketing industry — how you convey this data is just as important as the data itself.
The cover letter template above, which we created here at HubSpot, can help you present the data that's most important to you as a candidate such that it'll matter to your future employer.
Notice the three bullet points near the center of the letter above, preceded by the statement: "... I've developed a strategy that has helped the company achieve ..." This setup is important, because while you can add as many statistics as you want to this template, your data points should describe how your current/former business benefited from your work, rather than how you, yourself, benefited.
Template 3: Straight-to-the-Point Cover Letter
Harvard Business Review contributor David Silverman hailed the above cover letter example as "The Best Cover Letter I Ever Received." For context, Silverman believes there are only a handful of times when writing a cover letter is actually necessary:
- When you know the name of the hiring manager.
- When you know something about what the job requires.
- When you've been referred to the job personally.
Under those three circumstances, a straight-to-the-point cover letter like the one above could be your best bet. Because it's so concise, however, make a point to add your own letterhead above the message itself. It might be easy for a recruiter to sift through a short and sweet cover letter like the one above, but it's just as easy for it to get lost in the shuffle of their application list without a unique design or format.
Template 4: Referral Cover Letter
Just because a friend or colleague recommended you for a job doesn't mean the company is all set to hire you. Therefore, the cover letter template above is written specifically for referrals. We made this one here at HubSpot. Download it here (it comes with four other cover letter templates , too).
As you can see in the picture above, the first paragraph of the cover letter is dedicated entirely to acknowledging the circumstances of your applying: You know someone who works there — no harm in that. But there might be harm in not mentioning it to the hiring manager. Telling the reader about your connection at the company shows you're aware and confident of the actions you take to get the opportunities you're interested in.
Ultimately, it's better than the recruiter hearing about your employee connection from somebody else.
As for the rest of the cover letter, treat your message the same way you would if you had applied with no connection from within. Your skills and successes are no less important because of your internal referral.
Template 5: Photo Letterhead Cover Letter
The cover letter template above was designed by Microsoft Office, and as comprehensive as it looks, it's completely free to download and modify.
As it looks right now, this cover letter contains about half photo, half text. Feel free to shrink (and change) the image to give yourself more room to tell your story. Of course, a nice washed-out image that expresses who you are can be part of that story ...
Template 6: Digital Creative Cover Letter
This sixth template is perfect for the applicant who wants to emphasize the many different digital channels they areon. This template goes well with a resume of the same format.
As you personalize this letter with your own experience, make note of the social networks and industry software included in this template. You'll see there’s additional space along the top to add your LinkedIn and personal website to fill with your own information.
You can improve upon this template by formatting your most important highlights and accomplishments with bullet points. This will make the document easier to read for the hiring manager and emphasizes the value you provide.
Template 7: Marketing Manager Cover Letter
Our seventh cover letter comes from Monster.com. This cover letter, shown above, is focused specifically on a marketing role.
Notice how the writer includes references to important marketing metrics and terminology. If you're applying to a data-driven role, you might not want to fill the page with a story of your experience in paragraph form, like Template 1 does at the beginning of this article. Instead, consider highlighting three (or four, or five) of your successes that you believe the hiring manager would resonate most with, in bulleted form.
As a marketing professional, breaking up your letter with bulleted details like the ones above shows a respect for the hiring manager's limited time — a mentality that all marketers must understand when communicating with a brand's audience.
Template 8: Career Day Follow-Up Cover Letter
This is a unique kind of cover letter from Princeton University.
LinkedIn, Glassdoor, Monster, and Indeed might take the lion's share of your job searches online, but still some employment opportunities come out of a trade show, job fair, or similar networking event. For those occurrences, you have the follow-up cover letter template above.
This cover letter has everything you need to help an employer recall a conversation you had with him/her at a career fair. As you can see in the second paragraph, the letter is particularly useful to people who are about to graduate college.
Template 9: Logo and Watermarked Cover Letter
Here's another cover letter template from Microsoft Office. This one has a light touch of color in the design just above the letterhead, but make no mistake — the template caters to any professional looking to make a good first impression on their future employer.
Don't let the logo space on the top-right of the page confuse you. This can be the logo of the company to which you're applying — to quickly get the attention of the recruiter — or your own logo. Perhaps you freelance on the side or simply like branding yourself. This cover letter template is meant for customization.
Template 10: Data Scientist Cover Letter
This is our second template from Princeton University. While this is focused on a data scientist role, it is an excellent template to use for students applying to jobs prior to graduation.
The text emphasizes how the applicant’s academic research and projects makes them an ideal candidate for the position. The format is also simple enough to submit as a pdf, as text in an email message or an application text box.
Template 11: Business Cover Letter
The cover letter template above is perfect for entry- and mid-level marketers who want to show a little extra professionalism in their opening note to a potential employer.
The multi-colored header (you can change the color if you wish) shows just the right amount of creativity and can go quite well with a resume of the same style. If you don't have enough experience to fill the entire page, don't worry. Feel free to write to a length you think is representative of who you are and what the hiring manager wants to see.
No matter how long your final cover letter is, the above template is your opportunity to show your attention to detail — from your contact information in the top header, to the personalized address line where you can include the name of the hiring manager. Like we said, "to whom it may concern" is pretty outdated, anyway.
Template 12: Entry-Level Cover Letter
The cover letter template above, written by HubSpot, is specifically designed for entry-level applicants.
When you only have a few years experience, it's important to display how you gained your skills and what you learned from your education or internships. Additionally, it's important to mention why you want to work at the company you're applying to.
No matter your experience, the template above will help you decide what skills you want to highlight and flesh out in your cover letter.
You can download it here (it comes with four other cover letter templates , too).
Template 13: Healthcare Cover Letter
Additionally, phrases like "I'd love to put my skills to work for your clinic" and "Please contact me at your convenience and let me know how I can help you" focus on what the business will gain as a result of hiring the applicant, rather than what the applicant is looking to gain.
Template 14: Freelance Cover Letter
If you're looking for freelance work, your biggest goal is to get your strengths across quickly, so busy clients won't pass by your cover letter entirely. Additionally, if you're sending out multiple cover letters to different clients, you'll want to target each one to that client's unique goals.
For instance, if one client is looking for SEO-optimized content related to marketing, you'll want to highlight past experience writing marketing content; this will change if, for instance, the client is looking for fitness content.
For this reason, it's a good idea to structure your cover letter so you start with a) past credentials or references, and b) bullet-point information related to the client's goal, as shown in the cover letter above.
Template 15: Director Cover Letter
In the cover letter above, the candidate does a good job outlining how she succeeded in a leadership role previously: "For the past five years, I have successfully developed and maintained all data systems, including schedules and records for a business employing more than 100 people."
You'll want to demonstrate how your skills align with a Director position — both through organization and leadership — and, when possible, where you received recognition for your hard work (i.e. "I earned an award for Most Valuable Administrative Staff Member").
Write a Winning Cover Letter
Writing a cover letter is easier said than done. Don't hesitate to spend a lot of time writing and editing it. Tap into the incredible potential of AI tools, such as the HubSpot paragraph rewriter , to infuse each paragraph with a flawless touch of excellence. Or, ask a friend or family member to read it over and give you feedback. If the recruiter does end up reading it, you'll be thankful you did.
Editor's note: This post was originally published in November 2014 and has been updated for comprehensiveness.
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How To Write a Job Application Letter (With Examples)
What is a Job Application Letter?
Tips for writing a job application letter, how to get started.
- Writing Guidelines
- What to Include in Each Section
Simple Formatting Using a Template
Tips for writing an effective letter, sample job application letter, sending an email application, review more letter examples.
Do you need to write a letter to apply for a job? Most of the time, the answer is yes. Even when employers don’t require a job application letter , writing one will help you highlight your skills and achievements and get the hiring manager’s attention. The only time not to send one is when the job listing says not to do so. It can help, and it definitely won't hurt to include an application letter with your resume.
A job application letter, also known as a cover letter , should be sent or uploaded with your resume when applying for jobs. While your resume offers a history of your work experience and an outline of your skills and accomplishments, the job application letter you send to an employer explains why you are qualified for the position and should be selected for an interview.
Writing this letter can seem like a challenging task. However, if you take it one step at a time, you'll soon be an expert at writing application letters to send with your resume.
Melissa Ling / The Balance
Before you begin writing your job application letter, do some groundwork. Consider what information you want to include (keeping in mind that space is limited).
Remember, this letter is making a case for your candidacy for the position. But you can do better than just regurgitating your resume—instead, highlight your most relevant skills, experiences, and abilities.
Analyze the Job Posting
To include the most convincing, relevant details in your letter, you'll need to know what the employer wants.
The biggest clues are within the job advertisement, so spend some time decoding the job ad . Next, match your qualifications with the employer's wants and needs .
Include Your Most Relevant Qualifications
Make a list of your relevant experience and skills. For instance, if the job ad calls for a strong leader, think of examples of when you've successfully led a team. Once you've jotted down some notes, and have a sense of what you want to highlight in your letter, you're ready to get started writing.
Writing Guidelines for Job Application Letters
Writing a job application letter is very different from a quick email to a friend or a thank-you note to a relative. Hiring managers and potential interviewers have certain expectations when it comes to the letter's presentation and appearance, from length (no more than a page) to font size and style to letter spacing :
Length: A letter of application should be no more than one page long. Three to four paragraphs is typical.
Format and Page Margins: A letter of application should be single-spaced with a space between each paragraph. Use about 1" margins and align your text to the left, which is the standard alignment for most documents.
Font: Use a traditional font such as Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri. The font size should be between 10 and 12 points.
What To Include in Each Section of the Letter
There are also set rules for the sections included in the letter, from salutation to sign-off, and how the letter is organized. Here's a quick lowdown on the main sections included in a job application letter:
Heading: A letter of application should begin with both your and the employer's contact information (name, address, phone number, email) followed by the date. If this is an email rather than an actual letter, include your contact information at the end of the letter, after your signature.
- Header Examples
Salutation: This is your polite greeting. The most common salutation is "Dear Mr./Ms." followed by the person's last name. Find out more about appropriate cover letter salutations , including what to do if you don't know the person's name, or are unsure of a contact's gender.
Body of the letter: Think of this section as being three distinct parts.
In the first paragraph , you'll want to mention the job you are applying for and where you saw the job listing.
The next paragraph(s) are the most important part of your letter. Remember how you gathered all that information about what employers were seeking, and how you could meet their needs? This is where you'll share those relevant details on your experience and accomplishments.
The third and last part of the body of the letter will be your thank you to the employer; you can also offer follow-up information.
Complimentary Close: Sign off your email with a polite close, such as "Best" or "Sincerely," followed by your name.
- Closing Examples
Signature: When you're sending or uploading a printed letter, end with your signature, handwritten, followed by your typed name. If this is an email, simply include your typed name, followed by your contact information.
- Signature Examples
Overwhelmed by all these formatting and organization requirements? One way to make the process of writing a job application easier is to use a job application letter template to create your own personalized job application letters for applying for a job. Having a template can help save you time if you are sending a lot of application letters.
Be sure that each letter you send is personalized to the company and position; do not send the same letter to different companies.
- Always write one. Unless a job posting specifically says not to send a letter of application or cover letter, you should always send one. Even if the company does not request a letter of application, it never hurts to include one. If they do ask you to send a letter, make sure to follow the directions exactly (for example, they might ask you to send the letter as an email attachment, or type it directly into their online application system).
- Use business letter format. Use a formal business letter format when writing your letter. Include your contact information at the top, the date, and the employer’s contact information. Be sure to provide a salutation at the beginning, and your signature at the end.
- Sell yourself. Throughout the letter, focus on how you would benefit the company. Provide specific examples of times when you demonstrated skills or abilities that would be useful for the job, especially those listed in the job posting or description. If possible, include examples of times when you added value to a company.
Numerical values offer concrete evidence of your skills and accomplishments.
- Use keywords. Reread the job listing, circling any keywords (such as skills or abilities that are emphasized in the listing). Try to include some of those words in your cover letter. This will help the employer see that you are a strong fit for the job.
- Keep it brief. Keep your letter under a page long, with no more than about four paragraphs. An employer is more likely to read a concise letter.
- Proofread and edit. Employers are likely to overlook an application with a lot of errors. Read through your cover letter, and if possible, ask a friend or career counselor to review the letter. Proofread for any grammar or spelling errors.
This is a job application letter sample. Download the letter template (compatible with Google Docs or Word Online) or read the example below.
Sample Job Application Letter (Text Version)
Elizabeth Johnson 12 Jones Street Portland, Maine 04101 555-555-5555 elizabethjohnson@emailaddress.com
August 11, 2020
Mark Smith Human Resources Manager Veggies to Go 238 Main Street Portland, Maine 04101
Dear Mr. Smith,
I was so excited when my former coworker, Jay Lopez, told me about your opening for an administrative assistant in your Portland offices. A long-time Veggies to Go customer and an experienced admin, I would love to help the company achieve its mission of making healthy produce as available as takeout.
I’ve worked for small companies for my entire career, and I relish the opportunity to wear many hats and work with the team to succeed. In my latest role as an administrative assistant at Beauty Corp, I saved my employer thousands of dollars in temp workers by implementing a self-scheduling system for the customer service reps that cut down on canceled shifts. I also learned web design, time sheet coding, and perfected my Excel skills.
I’ve attached my resume for your consideration and hope to speak with you soon about your needs for the role.
Best Regards,
Elizabeth Johnson (signature hard copy letter)
Elizabeth Johnson
When you are sending your letter via email include the reason you are writing in the subject line of your message:
Subject Line Example
Subject: Elizabeth Johnson – Administrative Assistant Position
List your contact information in your signature, rather than in the body of the letter:
Email Signature Example
Elizabeth Johnson 555-555-5555 email@emailaddress.com
Review more examples of professionally written cover letters for a variety of circumstances, occupations, and types of jobs.
CareerOneStop. " How Do I Write a Cover Letter ?" Accessed July 14, 2021.
University of Maryland Global Campus. " Frequently Asked Questions ." Accessed July 14, 2021.
Free Employment Application Templates
By Becky Simon | April 16, 2018
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If you are involved in recruiting and hiring employees, chances are you spend a significant amount of time reviewing resumes. But a sound hiring process doesn’t start with the applicant’s resume — it begins with an efficient employment application form that captures essential information for modern, applicant-tracking databases. These employment applications must be structured in a way that doesn’t turn away the best talent or violate employment laws; therefore, it’s critical that you understand the essential elements and questions to ask.
This article is a one-stop shop for free, customizable employment application templates for a variety of uses, including a standard outline, a minimal form for the two-stage application process, and a letter template to use to stand out in a competitive hiring market. The templates are available in Microsoft Word, Google Docs, Excel, Smartsheet, and PDF formats.
Generic Employment Application Template
This template is a generic employment application PDF form designed with the standard sections to collect applicant data. There are no sections for an applicant signature or legal disclaimers and voluntary statements.
Download Generic Employment Application Template
Excel | Word | PDF | Smartsheet
Printable Job Application Template
If you’re looking for a simplified, ready-to-use job application, use this printable PDF application template. You can repurpose the form to suit your hiring policy and customize the PDF if you need to make adjustments based on the employment and personal data laws and regulations in your state or region.
Download Printable Job Application Template - PDF
Two-Stage Online Employment Application Template
Use a two-stage employment application form to short-list qualified applicants, store their contact information, and schedule phone-screen interviews for an open position. This customizable template is designed to collect only the necessary information to track online applicants and streamline your application process.
Download Two-Stage Online Employment Application Template - Word
Job Application Template Spreadsheet
If you prefer to format your hiring documents as a spreadsheet, use this job application template. This form is designed as an outline for use with Excel or Google Sheets and features customizable subsections to collect applicant data specific to your hiring policy and process.
Download Job Application Template
Blank Standard Employment Application Template
Use this free template as a basic application form.The customizable Word document features the standard outline to collect applicant information, such as contact info, employment history, education, and more.
Download Blank Standard Employment Application Template - Word
Application Acknowledgment Letter Template
In a competitive job market, winning the battle for talented candidates depends on a number of factors applicants are considering, including your recruiting and hiring process. Make a great first impression on every applicant by using a formal application acknowledgment letter. Use this template to craft your letter and add a personal touch. Create an email version of the acknowledgement letter for your applicant tracking system in order to automate a response when an application is submitted online.
Download Application Acknowledgment Letter Template - Word
Application Rejection Letter Template
If you want to stay in touch with qualified applicants regarding future job openings or if you simply wish to professionally decline every qualified applicant when they are not moving forward in the hiring process, consider sending a formal application rejection letter. Use this template to differentiate yourself from your competitors, make a professional impression on future candidates for employment, and keep your applicants informed.
Download Application Rejection Letter Template - Word
What Is the Purpose of an Employment Application?
The purpose of an employment application is to collect the necessary and legally requestable information, to the extent that the employer needs to track, respond to, and manage each job applicant. A signed application form provides the employer with additional legal verification that the information supplied by the applicant is accurate. The form also confirms that the applicant is submitting it for employment purposes.
This form is used to collect necessary information about candidates applying for a job, but it is more than a tool to organize and track applicants: It often becomes the candidate’s first impression of an organization. In an age of data protection laws and heightened awareness around ethical hiring practices, this is especially important. Additionally, the employment application form should be formatted to include information that job seekers wouldn’t necessarily include on their resume. Because applicants spend time updating and perfecting their resume, an employment application form that asks for this information without providing the necessary context might frustrate the best candidates — to the point of not applying at all.
Why Should You Update Your Application Form?
The decision to update an employment application form comes down to asking a few essential questions about your current document and application process:
- Is there a standardized employment application form that your company, business, or team uses in the hiring process, or are there specialized (or outdated forms) that different departments, locations, states, etc. use?
- Is the current employment application form used for high-volume, large-scale hiring processes in industries like retail, hospitality, or restaurants?
- Is the information requested in the employment application form up to date with your current hiring process? For example, do you collect the necessary information for your tracking software?
- Does your current employment application form comply with your state and federal employment and data protection laws?
- Is the information you request on the employment application form necessary to offer an interview, reject a candidate, or make a job offer? For example, do you prefer to review the candidate’s employment history on a resume, where they can elaborate in detail?
- Do you prefer a multi-stage application process that initially collects only basic contact information?
- Do you require an applicant’s signature on the application in order to obtain their legal consent because a resume cannot provide such an agreement?
Use these questions to determine your reasons for updating the employment application. Decide what to add or delete from your employment application based on your state laws, and on the information you deem necessary to your hiring process. Seek legal advice and counsel if you are unsure of the laws that govern your use of employment application data. For more information on U.S. employment practices, visit the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) website, or contact an attorney.
The Essential Elements of Employment Application Forms
The content found on employment application forms varies according to a range of factors including company policy, industry type, legal regulation, employer location, etc. Decide on the different elements to include in the employment application form, but make sure the form always provides a snapshot of the applicant. Relying on resumes alone to help you differentiate among applicant credentials is not a quick or efficient method to track candidates or organize the hiring process. The sections and type of information commonly requested on standard employment application forms include the following:
- Instructions: This includes the mandatory information the applicant must complete to be considered for a position. For example, this could be a notice to complete the application in its entirety or an instruction to disregard requested information if it is included on an attached resume.
- Personal Information: This includes the applicant’s legal name, preferred name, and contact information. This section comprises subsections to collect information, such as mailing address, date of birth, phone number, and email address.
- Position: This includes information requested about the specific job the applicant is applying for, available start dates, desired compensation, etc.
- Education: The information collected in this section varies, but often includes the school name, type of degree(s) obtained, area of study, and graduation dates. In this section, you might request information on specific licenses or certifications that the employer requires or prefers.
- Employment History: This section includes the name of the employer, the supervisor contact information, the address, the dates employed, the job title, a summary of the job, details on the skills used or qualifications obtained, and the reason for leaving.
- References: This includes contact information and the nature of the relationship (e.g., professional or character reference, colleague or supervisor, etc.). It is common for employers to leave this information off of the employment application form and ask for the information at the interview phase of the hiring process.
- Signature: For legal purposes, employers might prefer that the applicant sign the application to attest to its accuracy.
- Legal Disclaimers: This includes employment law and regulation information, such as equal opportunity employer (EEO) statements, criminal conviction inquiries, voluntary questions regarding affirmative action requests, military or veteran status, disability accommodations, and “at will” employment disclaimers (for example, “application does not guarantee employment”).
- Additional Information: This includes information requests and questions used to screen the applicants. You might ask the applicant to describe the professional skills that qualify them for the job, probe with behavioral questions to determine problem-solving aptitude and screen for culture fit (i.e., “describe a time when...”), or request information designed to produce a first impression about your company's culture.
It is also essential to understand what not to include on the employment application form. The employment application form is a professional business document void of jargon, vague information, or opinion. Employment regulations protect the employer and the applicant's legal rights. Avoid eliciting the following information on your employment application form without first consulting legal counsel and checking existing federal laws, state laws, or employment regulations:
- Marital and family status
- Citizenship or visa status
- Religious affiliation
- Sexual orientation
- Gender identification
- Age identification questions
- Schedule availability
- Creditworthiness or financial status
- Physical information, such as height, weight, or general statements on physical requirements
- Medical conditions, disability-related questions, or reasonable accommodation statements
- Non-discrimination statements
- Graduation dates (in the education section)
- Criminal arrests and convictions
- Background check information or consent
- Photo requests
Review the information you request on the form and determine what is essential for your specific hiring process, based on the applicant’s merit and the job requirements. Seek legal counsel or work with professional documentation consultants, and check local and state laws that prohibit the collection of certain personal data or questions that violate employment law (e.g., date of birth, social security number, questions that inadvertently discriminate, etc.) if you are unsure of what to include or exclude on the form.
Tips for Using the Two-Stage Employment Application Process
In a two-stage employment application process, the employer gathers information from applicants in two phases. Instead of using a single form (sometimes multiple pages long) to collect all of the information required to make a hiring decision, the applicant provides basic contact information on the online application form. In the case of companies like Netflix , the applicant can apply by simply using their LinkedIn profile and uploading a resume. The next phase of the hiring process involves gathering the additional documentation, including the appropriate legal consent, a request for references, or any other information required to form the employment relationship.
Streamline your hiring process and make it easier to track and contact candidates with a simplified two-stage job application form. To get the most out the process, consider the following tips:
- For the first stage, use a generic application form that requests minimal information (no longer than half a page).
- Use a standardized format that is easy to download, save, fill out, email, and print.
- Make online forms mobile-friendly.
- Include a section to upload a resume on online forms.
- Only elicit candidate information that is essential to track or contact the applicant. Use the next stage to gather additional information and consent.
- Store contact information and track strong candidates for future recruiting efforts.
- Ask for information that is easy to compare across the candidate pool.
- Design the form so it is easy to scan quickly.
You can streamline the process and ensure consistency by using an employment application template. In the next section, you’ll find a variety of free, downloadable template to help you jumpstart your hiring efforts.
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Create a form in Word that users can complete or print
In Word, you can create a form that others can fill out and save or print. To do this, you will start with baseline content in a document, potentially via a form template. Then you can add content controls for elements such as check boxes, text boxes, date pickers, and drop-down lists. Optionally, these content controls can be linked to database information. Following are the recommended action steps in sequence.
Show the Developer tab
In Word, be sure you have the Developer tab displayed in the ribbon. (See how here: Show the developer tab .)
Open a template or a blank document on which to base the form
You can start with a template or just start from scratch with a blank document.
Start with a form template
Go to File > New .
In the Search for online templates field, type Forms or the kind of form you want. Then press Enter .
In the displayed results, right-click any item, then select Create.
Start with a blank document
Select Blank document .
Add content to the form
Go to the Developer tab Controls section where you can choose controls to add to your document or form. Hover over any icon therein to see what control type it represents. The various control types are described below. You can set properties on a control once it has been inserted.
To delete a content control, right-click it, then select Remove content control in the pop-up menu.
Note: You can print a form that was created via content controls. However, the boxes around the content controls will not print.
Insert a text control
The rich text content control enables users to format text (e.g., bold, italic) and type multiple paragraphs. To limit these capabilities, use the plain text content control .
Click or tap where you want to insert the control.
To learn about setting specific properties on these controls, see Set or change properties for content controls .
Insert a picture control
A picture control is most often used for templates, but you can also add a picture control to a form.
Insert a building block control
Use a building block control when you want users to choose a specific block of text. These are helpful when you need to add different boilerplate text depending on the document's specific purpose. You can create rich text content controls for each version of the boilerplate text, and then use a building block control as the container for the rich text content controls.
Select Developer and content controls for the building block.
Insert a combo box or a drop-down list
In a combo box, users can select from a list of choices that you provide or they can type in their own information. In a drop-down list, users can only select from the list of choices.
Select the content control, and then select Properties .
To create a list of choices, select Add under Drop-Down List Properties .
Type a choice in Display Name , such as Yes , No , or Maybe .
Repeat this step until all of the choices are in the drop-down list.
Fill in any other properties that you want.
Note: If you select the Contents cannot be edited check box, users won’t be able to click a choice.
Insert a date picker
Click or tap where you want to insert the date picker control.
Insert a check box
Click or tap where you want to insert the check box control.
Use the legacy form controls
Legacy form controls are for compatibility with older versions of Word and consist of legacy form and Active X controls.
Click or tap where you want to insert a legacy control.
Select the Legacy Form control or Active X Control that you want to include.
Set or change properties for content controls
Each content control has properties that you can set or change. For example, the Date Picker control offers options for the format you want to use to display the date.
Select the content control that you want to change.
Go to Developer > Properties .
Change the properties that you want.
Add protection to a form
If you want to limit how much others can edit or format a form, use the Restrict Editing command:
Open the form that you want to lock or protect.
Select Developer > Restrict Editing .
After selecting restrictions, select Yes, Start Enforcing Protection .
Advanced Tip:
If you want to protect only parts of the document, separate the document into sections and only protect the sections you want.
To do this, choose Select Sections in the Restrict Editing panel. For more info on sections, see Insert a section break .
If the developer tab isn't displayed in the ribbon, see Show the Developer tab .
Open a template or use a blank document
To create a form in Word that others can fill out, start with a template or document and add content controls. Content controls include things like check boxes, text boxes, and drop-down lists. If you’re familiar with databases, these content controls can even be linked to data.
Go to File > New from Template .
In Search, type form .
Double-click the template you want to use.
Select File > Save As , and pick a location to save the form.
In Save As , type a file name and then select Save .
Start with a blank document
Go to File > New Document .
Go to File > Save As .
Go to Developer , and then choose the controls that you want to add to the document or form. To remove a content control, select the control and press Delete. You can set Options on controls once inserted. From Options, you can add entry and exit macros to run when users interact with the controls, as well as list items for combo boxes, .
Adding content controls to your form
In the document, click or tap where you want to add a content control.
On Developer , select Text Box , Check Box , or Combo Box .
To set specific properties for the control, select Options , and set .
Repeat steps 1 through 3 for each control that you want to add.
Set options
Options let you set common settings, as well as control specific settings. Select a control and then select Options to set up or make changes.
Set common properties.
Select Macro to Run on lets you choose a recorded or custom macro to run on Entry or Exit from the field.
Bookmark Set a unique name or bookmark for each control.
Calculate on exit This forces Word to run or refresh any calculations, such as total price when the user exits the field.
Add Help Text Give hints or instructions for each field.
OK Saves settings and exits the panel.
Cancel Forgets changes and exits the panel.
Set specific properties for a Text box
Type Select form Regular text, Number, Date, Current Date, Current Time, or Calculation.
Default text sets optional instructional text that's displayed in the text box before the user types in the field. Set Text box enabled to allow the user to enter text into the field.
Maximum length sets the length of text that a user can enter. The default is Unlimited .
Text format can set whether text automatically formats to Uppercase , Lowercase , First capital, or Title case .
Text box enabled Lets the user enter text into a field. If there is default text, user text replaces it.
Set specific properties for a Check box .
Default Value Choose between Not checked or checked as default.
Checkbox size Set a size Exactly or Auto to change size as needed.
Check box enabled Lets the user check or clear the text box.
Set specific properties for a Combo box
Drop-down item Type in strings for the list box items. Press + or Enter to add an item to the list.
Items in drop-down list Shows your current list. Select an item and use the up or down arrows to change the order, Press - to remove a selected item.
Drop-down enabled Lets the user open the combo box and make selections.
Protect the form
Go to Developer > Protect Form .
Note: To unprotect the form and continue editing, select Protect Form again.
Save and close the form.
Test the form (optional)
If you want, you can test the form before you distribute it.
Protect the form.
Reopen the form, fill it out as the user would, and then save a copy.
Creating fillable forms isn’t available in Word for the web.
You can create the form with the desktop version of Word with the instructions in Create a fillable form .
When you save the document and reopen it in Word for the web, you’ll see the changes you made.
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APPLICATION FOR EMPLOYMENT FORM 2024
- Posted 1 week ago
CLICK HERE TO VIEW APLICATION FOR EMPLOYMENT FORM 2024
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Download any of our 200+ free cover letter templates for Word, then fill out a copy-paste cover letter template to pair with your resume and complete your job application. Build My Cover Letter Resume Cover Letter Use a Genius Cover Letter Template Elegant Professional
Choose from Professionally-written Document Template Samples Online with a Subject, Your Pertinent Information Details, Date, Contact Person, Name, Title, Employer's Address, Main Content Paragraph, and Salutation that You can Fully Edit, Download of Free, and Print Easily. Get Access to All Letters Templates Instant Download Filter by:
1. Research the company and job opening Thoroughly research the company you're applying to and the specifications of the open position. The more you know about the job, the better you can customize your application letter. Look for details like: Recent awards the company has received
Alex Dos Diaz / The Balance What's the best way to write a letter to apply for a job? Your letter should detail your specific qualifications for the position and the skills you would bring to the employer. What's most important is to show the employer that you're a perfect match for the job.
Resume Templates: From creative to modern and professional, our resume templates are designed by the same experts that create our cover letter templates, are ATS-friendly and are easy to customize. Resume Builder: With step-by-step guidance and expert phrases, a CV cover letter template combined with our Resume Builder makes it easy to create a ...
Featured Resource:5 Professional Cover Letter Templates. Download These Templates for Free. 14 Free Cover Letter Templates for Your Next Job Application Template 1: Basic . Image Source. The example above is a basic (but great) cover letter. The numbered sections are explained in more detail below. 1. Header
How To Get Started Before you begin writing your job application letter, do some groundwork. Consider what information you want to include (keeping in mind that space is limited). Remember, this letter is making a case for your candidacy for the position.
2. Date: Write the date you're writing the letter underneath your header (right-aligned) — for example, '14 October 2021' or '14/10/2021'. 3. Employer's name and contact details: If you know the employer's name, state it in this section, including the company's name and address.
Basic or Simple cover letter Templates to get hired faster 20 expert tested cover letters download as Word or PDF Over 13 Million Users. ... When to pick a simple job application letter template. There are dozens of instances when a simple job application letter template is the best choice. When applying to multiple positions at similar types ...
Step 1: Open Microsoft Word, then click " New " from the menu bar on the left side of the window. Or you can go to "File", then click on " New from Template… " from the dropdown menu. Step 2 : Use the search bar at the top right of the window to narrow down the results to just cover letter templates.
A cover letter should include the following parts: Header Salutation Introduction Body paragraph Closing paragraph Letter ending and signature The following cover letter samples and examples will show you how to write a cover letter for many employment circumstances. Browse cover letters by job title for inspiration.
Format of an Application Letter. Create enough spacing: 1-1.15 between lines, 1-inch margins, double space between paragraphs. Choose the font: Garamond, Helvetica, or Arial in 11-12 points in a font size. Align the content to the left. Pick the file format: PDF, unless the recruiter requested a Word file specifically.
It means that you need to provide the following information: Your personal info (name, email, phone number/LinkedIn) Date written. The recipient's info (name, job title, email, company address) Example of an application letter header: Kaylee Tran. 9215 Fremontia Ave, Fontana, CA 92335.
Use the same font you chose for your resume. Left-align all content. Keep your application letter length to only one page. Just like with your resume margins, set them to 1-inch on your job application letter as well. Leave ample white space by using double-spacing between paragraphs and setting line spacing to 1.15.
When you've finished editing, download your free cover letter as a PDF file or export it in a shareable link or high-resolution image format. Don't worry—your file remains in your Canva account, so you can always create a new cover letter from your template. Make multiple copies to customize for every company you apply to.
A cover letter is made of several parts. The main ones are the cover letter header and the body. In the cover letter header, list the following information: Your name. Your phone number. Your email address. The date. The name of the hiring manager. In the cover letter body, here's what should be available:
15. Geometric Word Doc Cover Letter Template. Edit it online. Download as a DOCX. A modern, creative design, this Word cover letter template brilliantly showcases your artistic side. Use it when applying for a creative type job, such as for a graphic designer cover letter.
This article is a one-stop shop for free, customizable employment application templates for a variety of uses, including a standard outline, a minimal form for the two-stage application process, and a letter template to use to stand out in a competitive hiring market. The templates are available in Microsoft Word, Google Docs, Excel, Smartsheet ...
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DOWNLOAD RICHARD MCMUNN'S 10 'READY-MADE' JOB APPLICATION LETTER TEMPLATES! ADD TO CART BELOW: Download The Templates. It is a well-known fact the vast majority of people never hear anything back after submitting their resume or CV!It's a common problem and extremely frustrating to continually apply for job after job, only to not get a response!
Download: PDF, MS Word, OpenDocument Video Sample EMPLOYMENT / JOB APPLICATION I. PERSONAL INFORMATION. FULL NAME: [EMPLOYEE'S NAME] DATE: [DATE] ADDRESS: [ADDRESS] E-MAIL: [E-MAIL] PHONE: [PHONE] SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER (SSN): [SSN] DATE AVAILABLE: [DATE] DESIRED PAY: $ [AMOUNT] ☐ HOUR ☐ SALARY POSITION APPLIED FOR: [POSITION/TITLE]
In Word, you can create a form that others can fill out and save or print. To do this, you will start with baseline content in a document, potentially via a form template. Then you can add content controls for elements such as check boxes, text boxes, date pickers, and drop-down lists. Optionally, these content controls can be linked to ...
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