When applying for a job, a well-written supporting letter can make a significant difference in the decision-making process. A supporting letter is a document that accompanies your resume and provides additional information about your qualifications and experience. In this article, we will provide examples and tips on how to write an effective supporting letter for job applications.
Examples of Supporting Letters for Job Applications
Letter of Recommendation from a Former Employer
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing this letter to recommend [Name] for [Position]. I had the pleasure of working with [Name] for [Number of Years] at [Company Name], where they served as [Position]. [Name] is a dedicated and hardworking individual who consistently produced high-quality work. They [Specific Skills/Projects]. I believe that [Name] would be an asset to your team and would excel in [Position].
Thank you for considering [Name] for the position. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Letter of Interest for a New Position
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing this letter to express my interest in the open [Position] role at [Company Name]. As a [Current Position] at [Current Company], I have developed a strong skill set in [Skills Relevant to New Position] and have [Accomplishments]. I believe that my experience and expertise would be a valuable addition to your team.
I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to [Company Name] and look forward to discussing my qualifications further. Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Letter Addressing a Gap in Employment
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to address the gap in my employment history between [Start Date] and [End Date]. During this time, I took time off to [Reason for Gap] in order to [Describe Activity/Experience During Gap].
Although I took time off from work, I remained committed to developing my skills in [Related Skills]. I completed [Training/Certifications] and [Volunteer Work/Projects]. I am confident that the experience and skills I gained during this time will be valuable in [New Position] and make me a strong candidate for the role.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Letter Addressing Relocation
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to express my interest in the [Position] role at [Company Name]. Although I am currently based in [Current Location], I am planning to relocate to [New Location] in the near future.
I have [Reason for Relocation] and am excited about the opportunity to contribute to [Company Name]. I believe that my experience and skills in [Relevant Skills] make me a strong candidate for the role.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing my qualifications further.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Letter for an Entry-Level Position
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to express my interest in the [Position] role at [Company Name]. Although I do not have extensive experience in the field, I am confident that my passion for [Related Skills] and eagerness to learn make me a strong candidate for the position.
I have [Related Education/Training] and have gained valuable skills through [Internship/Volunteer Experience]. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to [Company Name] and learn from experienced professionals in the field.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Letter for a Promotion
Dear [Supervisor’s Name],
I am writing to express my interest in the open [New Position] role at [Company Name]. As a [Current Position], I have gained valuable experience in [Related Skills] and have [Accomplishments]. I am excited about the opportunity to further develop my skills and take on new challenges in [New Position].
I have enjoyed working with [Current Department/Team] and am grateful for the support and mentorship provided by [Supervisor’s Name]. I believe that my experience and skills make me a strong candidate for the role and would be happy to discuss my qualifications further.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to take on new responsibilities and contribute to the success of [Company Name].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Tips for Writing an Effective Supporting Letter for Job Applications
Highlight Your Relevant Experience and Skills
When writing a supporting letter for a job application, it’s important to highlight your relevant experience and skills that make you a strong candidate for the position. Use specific examples and accomplishments to demonstrate your qualifications and show how they align with the requirements of the role.
Customize Your Letter for Each Job Application
Avoid using a generic letter for every job application. Instead, customize your letter to match the specific requirements and qualifications listed in the job posting. This will show the hiring manager that you have taken the time to research the company and the role and are genuinely interested in the position.
Use Professional Language and Formatting
Your supporting letter should be well-written, concise, and professional. Use formal language and avoid using slang or casual language. Make sure your letter is formatted correctly and includes your contact information and the date.
Proofread Your Letter Carefully
Before submitting your letter, make sure to proofread it carefully for any errors in grammar, spelling, or punctuation. Ask a friend or family member to review your letter to ensure it is error-free and makes sense.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a supporting letter for a job application?
A supporting letter is a document that accompanies your resume and provides additional information about your qualifications and experience. It is used to highlight your skills and experience that make you a strong candidate for the position.
When should I include a supporting letter with my job application?
You should include a supporting letter with your job application whenever possible. It can help to differentiate your application from others and provide additional information that may be relevant to the position.
What should I include in my supporting letter?
Your supporting letter should include specific examples of your qualifications and experience that make you a strong candidate for the position. It should be customized to match the requirements of the job posting and demonstrate your interest in the role.
How long should my supporting letter be?
Your supporting letter should be concise and to the point, typically no longer than one page. It should include all relevant information but avoid going into too much detail or repeating information that is already included in your resume.
Should I sign my supporting letter?
Yes, you should sign your supporting letter with a handwritten signature to provide a personal touch and show that you are serious about the position.
Can I use a template for my supporting letter?
Yes, there are many templates available online that can be used as a starting point for your supporting letter. However, make sure to customize the letter to match the specific requirements of the job posting and avoid using a generic letter for every job application.
Conclusion
A well-written supporting letter can make a significant difference in the decision-making process when applying for a job. By highlighting your relevant experience and qualifications and customizing your letter for each job application, you can demonstrate your interest in the role and show why you are the best candidate for the position.