job application essay sample

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• Job Application Documents

How to Write a Job Application Essay

Last Updated: April 9, 2024 References

This article was co-authored by Shannon O'Brien, MA, EdM and by wikiHow staff writer, Jennifer Mueller, JD . Shannon O'Brien is the Founder and Principal Advisor of Whole U. (a career and life strategy consultancy based in Boston, MA). Through advising, workshops and e-learning Whole U. empowers people to pursue their life's work and live a balanced, purposeful life. Shannon has been ranked as the #1 Career Coach and #1 Life Coach in Boston, MA by Yelp reviewers. She has been featured on Boston.com, Boldfacers, and the UR Business Network. She received a Master's of Technology, Innovation, & Education from Harvard University. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 206,460 times.

Many employers now require a writing sample, or job application essay , to accompany all applications or résumés — even if writing is not a significant part of the position. The goal of the job application essay is to ensure that applicants have the right communication skills for the position offered. Sometimes, potential employers will provide a specific topic or series of questions for your essay to respond to. However, you may also be asked to provide an essay with no guidance whatsoever. Either way, approach the essay seriously so that it highlights the skills and assets you could bring to the company. [1] X Research source

Outlining Your Essay

• If you don't know much about the company, do a little research on it before you start writing. You might look at their website or do a general internet search with the name of the company to see if any news articles or other reports come up. Go beyond the four corners of the job listing so that you understand who will likely be reading your essay.
• If there's anything in the job listing or essay requirements that you don't understand, contact the employer and ask about them. Employers are often impressed by applicants who clarify the employer's intent rather than making assumptions.

• For example, if you're applying for a position in sales, you might want to write an essay about your ability to tailor your pitch to specific clients and close the deal. If you have the ability to be more creative, you might tailor your essay to "sell" yourself directly to the employer.

• For each of your points, think of a specific example you can relate briefly that illustrates the point. For example, if you've described yourself as a "team player," you might include an example of how you came in on your day off to complete some of the more monotonous tasks that no one else wanted to do so a project could be completed ahead of schedule.
• It's a good idea to have more than one example in your outline for each point, even if you only end up using one. That way, if you start writing something and it ends up not working as well as you thought it would, you'll have a back-up handy.
• Brainstorming can be difficult. If you find yourself churning over the same thoughts, stand up and take a break for a few minutes. Step outside or go for a walk to clear your head, then come back to it.

• For example, if you want to describe how you increased sales in a specific quarter, you would want to state specifically how much you increased sales. Your former employer may have sales figures that you could ask them for. You might also have that information in your records.
• Wherever possible, use specific numbers and dates rather than making general statements. It's okay to estimate, but make sure your estimate is conservative. Saying you led your sales team to the highest sales in a quarter is impressive — but only if it's true.

Completing Your Rough Draft

• Think of this paragraph as telling the hiring manager what you're going to tell them in the essay. Outline the points you're going to elaborate on in the essay that back up your theme or thesis statement.
• Sometimes it's best to go back and write your introduction after you've written the body of your essay. That way, you can make sure the introduction provides an outline that matches the body.

• If the employer listed specifically what should be included in your essay, follow their order, since that's what they'll be looking for when they read the essay.
• Write in the first person and make yourself the star of any anecdote you include as an example. Use action verbs to focus on what you did rather than focusing on what happened and how you reacted to it. [7] X Trustworthy Source University of North Carolina Writing Center UNC's on-campus and online instructional service that provides assistance to students, faculty, and others during the writing process Go to source

• For example, if you're writing about your skills as a team player, you might note that you discuss doing routine work that others found monotonous so they had time to work on other parts of a project. You could use that detail to move on to a section describing how you're detail-oriented.

• For example, you might write "My business school education, skills as a team player, and focus on detail make me the best candidate to lead your sales team."

Finalizing Your Essay

• For example, you might start by looking solely at punctuation, then read through again focusing on spelling.
• If you find that you tend to repeat a particular error, go through your essay looking for that error specifically.
• If your grammar isn't particularly strong or you're writing in a language other than your native language, have someone else read over your essay as well.

• If you find that you stumble over a sentence while reading aloud, that's a sign that your writing could be clearer. Work with your text until you have something that you can read aloud with ease.

• If the prospective employer did not specify a length, try to keep your essay under 2 double-spaced pages. Remember that hiring managers are busy and don't have a lot of time to read a long, rambling essay.
• Eliminate all unnecessary words or sentences that aren't relevant to the subject of your essay. The majority of your sentences should be short, declarative sentences with action verbs.
• Apps such as Hemingway ( http://www.hemingwayapp.com/ ) or Grammarly ( https://app.grammarly.com/ ) can help you identify portions of your essay that are more difficult to read. Both of these apps have a free version that you can use to edit your text.

• Working backward is particularly helpful for noticing spelling mistakes, especially hard-to-catch homophone errors, because you're seeing the word out of context.

• It may also help to print your essay in a different font or font size than what you used to type it. This breaks your brain's familiarity with the text, which can make typos and other errors more noticeable. Just remember to change the font back after you print it.

Job Application Essay

Expert Q&A

• Give yourself plenty of time to work on your essay. Ideally, you should plan to work on it over the course of at least two days, so you have the time to set it aside after writing before you move to the editing and proofreading stage. [15] X Research source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

• Unless you're applying for a position in a political or religious organization, avoid including anything in your essay that identifies your political or religious preferences or beliefs. [16] X Research source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Avoid using humor, especially sarcasm or ironic humor, as it can be misconstrued in text. Additionally, humor may lead the hiring manager to believe that you aren't serious about the position. [17] X Research source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.monster.com/career-advice/article/writing-sample-job-application
• ↑ https://www.insidehighered.com/advice/2012/04/30/essay-how-write-good-applications-jobs-or-grants
• ↑ Shannon O'Brien, MA, EdM. Life & Career Coach. Expert Interview. 25 May 2021.
• ↑ https://www.govloop.com/community/blog/government-job-application-essays-made-easy/
• ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/application-essays/
• ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/editing-and-proofreading/
• ↑ https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/education/grammar/proofreading-tips
• ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/career-transitions/200906/the-dreaded-writing-sample

About This Article

Job application essays can seem scary, but they’re really just an opportunity for you to highlight your skills and explain why you’re suitable for the role. Read the job listing to find out what traits and skills the company is looking for, like time management, working under pressure, and leadership. If you don’t know much about the company, read through its website and do an online search to find articles about its work. In your introduction, you’ll want to to describe yourself and introduce the main points you’ll be making. Then, write a paragraph for each trait or skill. Use real life examples from previous jobs, your recent studies, or extracurricular activities to support your points. For example, you could highlight your leadership skills by talking about a time you led a group project that exceeded your targets. For more tips, including how to write a compelling conclusion for your job application essay, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Application Essay

Application essay generator.

Whether you are going to college, applying for a scholarship, or going through your internship with the course you chose, there will always be an application essay . The reason for this is because you are writing to apply to either a school, a fund or a practice job. Your employer, the committee, or the institution would want to get to know even a bit about you. This happens through the application essay. Listed below are 10+ Application Essay Examples you can choose and download from. As well as tips to writing an application essay to wow the right people.

10+ Application Essay Examples

1. application essay template.

Size: 374 KB

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7. College Application Essay

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8. Standard Application Essay

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11. Application Essay Brainstorming

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Define Essay

An essay is a type of literary writing that is written to persuade someone to do or to believe in something or to give facts to an audience over a topic.

Uses for an Essay

To use words to make it easier to understand and discuss topics in a manner that is easier for people.

Uses for an Application Essay

There are a lot of uses for an application essay. Here are some below:

• Scholarship:  Scholarship committees often ask their applicants for an application essay. This is to see if the applicant fits the criteria for the scholarship. To know this, they read your application essay.
• Job Interviews:  Future employers like to use application essays to view a future employee. Often than not, they prefer to read what you have to say in the application essay more than the interview. It is easy to explain through talking, but it is often difficult to write down why you wish to apply for this job. This is where they test to see if you are fit for the company.
• High School 

Tips to Write a Good Application Essay

You can ask anyone on how they did their application essay and they would tell you it takes time and practice. But what if you have no time to practice, what are you going to do? So here are some tips to help you on how and what to write in an application essay.

• State your purpose: State the reason of your applying. May it be for internship, scholarship, for high school or university. When writing the application, do not forget to add some details as to why you believe you are a good fit. State some of the criteria they are stating and place some you believe you have. Be honest in your reasons.
• Make a draft: Before starting with the final application, start with drafting one . This helps with formulating your thoughts. What to add and what to avoid.
• Length and word count: Keep your application essay not too short nor too long. Watch the word count as well. You usually find the directions on top before you are able to write the application essay. As long as your word count is not below 300 nor above the maximum word count that is instructed, you’re fine.
• Tone:  Keep your tone at a professional level. Do not be too hasty with your writing nor too proud and state you are the best. Chances are, they would not appreciate this and your application may be void.
• Review your work: Before passing your essay, review it . Check your grammar, spelling and your punctuation marks. This can also affect your chance as most people are very particular about this.

How important is it to write an application essay?

Whether you are a student applying for a scholarship , applying to go to high school or college, or even an intern, application essays are everywhere. This is where people in charge would see if you fit the criteria they are looking for. This is basically where you talk about yourself and your achievements.

What are the important details to add in an application essay?

Your reason. It may depend on why you are writing the application essay but the most important is your reason for it.

I want to apply for a scholarship but I do not know what to write in my application essay, what can I do?

Make a draft. This way, you are able to write down your thoughts. This is an easier way to train yourself to think what to write about. You are able to let your thoughts flow and add or delete what you think is no longer necessary.

Application essays can be difficult especially when you are told to write on the spot. But this problem can be solved. Drafting something first before making the final piece can help you with writing what you should write to impress them. Think and draft. Breathe as well. Application essays are basically a way for your audience to see even a glimpse of the person you are and see if you are the perfect fit for what you are applying for. Good luck on that essay.

Text prompt

• Instructive
• Professional

Write an application essay on why you're passionate about your chosen field of study.

Describe in an application essay a community service experience and its impact on you.

How to Write a Job Application Essay

Many careers require written communication such as letters, memos or short e-mails. As a result, employers place a high importance on good communication skills in the work place. When a number of applicants apply for the same position, employers may ask for a writing sample, also known as an application essay, to evaluate their skills. A well-written application essay can help you stand out among other applicants and may help you land the job.

A company may give you the freedom to select the topic of your application essay. You may want to consider narrowing down your options to those that apply to the career you are pursuing with the company. For example, you may wish to write about an aspect of the hiring process if you are in human resources. This not only allows the company to see your written communication skills, but will give a potential employer insight into your knowledge in a particular area.

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Some companies will give you a topic for the essay. If this is the case, read the topic carefully to avoid any misunderstanding. Keep your essay professional and relative to your career and background. You should avoid bringing up your personal life, such as marital status, age and medical conditions, as this information might lead to unintentional judgments on the part of the employer before meeting you.

More For You

How to write a good college level essay, importance of doing an outline prior to writing, teacher tips: how to write thesis statements for high school papers, how to write a thesis statement for an autobiographical essay, defending an undergraduate thesis.

Every essay should begin with an introduction, then move into the body of the essay, and finally end with a conclusion. The introduction and conclusion should each be no more than a paragraph or two in length. The main body of your essay contains the points you make regarding the essay topic. The length of this portion will depend on the requirements given by your potential employer and the complexity of the topic. If the application essay asks for two examples, make sure you follow these specific directions -- this helps an employer identify you as a job candidate who can follow directions.

You should be clear and concise when you relate your ideas. Your potential employer will be evaluating the way you communicate, and your essay may be of significant importance if the position you are applying for requires strong written communication. To keep you from veering off track in your essay, make a list of the points you want to make and refer to this list frequently as you write.

Not only should you take your time writing, you should also spend time revising to ensure your essay is free of grammatical errors. Make sure to also evaluate whether each paragraph relates directly to the topic of your essay. You may want to ask a professional editor to read over your essay and offer suggestions for improvement.

• Purdue Online Writing Lab: Essay Writing

Kate Beck started writing for online publications in 2005. She worked as a certified ophthalmic technician for 10 years before returning to school to earn a Masters of Fine Arts degree in writing. Beck is currently putting the finishing touches on a novel.

How to Write a Job Application Essay

Never again will you sputter and stutter your way through telling a prospective employer who you are and what job skills you bring to the table. Your job application essay turns your elevator pitch into an irresistible call to action: hiring you. Several methods help you write a tight essay that holds a recruiter's attention and gets straight to the point. The funnel and the graphic organizer make it easy to write your job essay.

Funnel Essay Example

Remember high school essays? You start with a general descriptive statement, make three to five supporting points and finish with a conclusion. It looks like this when you outline your essay:Introduction: Broad statement introducing yourself and stating the type of job that interests you.Main Point One

• Supporting Point One
• Supporting Point Two
• Supporting Point Three

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Main Point Two

Main Point Three

Conclusion The introduction should state the job category that interests you. It should also specify the job title and three to five of the duties from the advertisement for the job. For example:I'm interested in the position of executive chef that you have advertised at Indeed.com. I've worked as a sous chef at Sandals Jamaica Resorts for the past three years. I 've earned the Grand Dipl_ô_me from Le Cordon Bleu Paris. I bring with me the fusion of fine French cuisine and bold Jamaican flavors.When you open the basket that accompanies this essay, you'll see, smell and taste the very freshest and most flavorful ingredients the island of Jamaica has to offer, lovingly rendered and interpreted through Cordon Bleu techniques. From the Grand Marnier glaze on the jerk chicken to the freshly grated coconut and bitter orange peel in the individual mango cheesecakes with macaron crusts, the flavors of Jamaica take a starring role. Who needs a résumé when you have a Cordon Bleu boxed lunch par deux?

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When you want to strike a creative note, using a graphic organizer, such as a bubble chart, will help you brainstorm. This method works very well for people who prefer visual or hands-on learning. If you seek a position as a visual merchandiser, cosmetologist, metalworker or auto mechanic, a graphic organizer may help you get your thoughts in order.Print one of the graphic organizers from the resource section of this article. Write your introductory sentence in the center Topic bubble if you use the Cluster/Word Web 1 organizer. Write in the top bubble if you use the Goal/Reasons wheel. Brainstorm job-related details to fill the remaining bubbles. Use the resulting charts to write your essay.For example:

In the center or topic bubble:I want to join the police force to serve as an armed school resource officer.Below that, in bubbles One, Two and Three, you see:I completed three tours of duty with the United States Marine Corps between 2006 and 2018. I learned to face the enemy with courage, protect innocent lives and preserve the safety and security of U.S. interests abroad. Children shouldn't have to worry about their safety and security while in school. By patrolling the grounds and being a living shield, I can give these kids a chance to finish their educations without being paralyzed by fear. My combat experience ensures that you can rely on me to be where I'm needed most at all times. Through my vigilance, no child in this school will ever have to cower in a cupboard.

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Jane Smith has provided educational support, served people with multiple challenges, managed up to nine employees and 86 independent contractors at a time, rescued animals, designed and repaired household items and completed a three-year metalworking apprenticeship. Smith's book, "Giving Him the Blues," was published in 2008. Smith received a Bachelor of Science in education from Kent State University in 1995.

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• Cover Letters

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, and keep in mind that space is limited.

Remember, this letter is making a case for your candidacy for the position. But you should do more than just regurgitate 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 listing . 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 start 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) and font size to style and letter spacing . Keep these general guidelines in mind, but always stick to any explicit instructions in the job listing or application portal.

Length: A letter of application should be no more than one page long. Three to four paragraphs are typical.

Format and Page Margins: A letter of application should be single-spaced with a space between each paragraph. Use 1-inch 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 overview of the main sections included in a job application letter:

Heading: A job application letter 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 having 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 information about what the employer was 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 or letter 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 handwritten signature, 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 template to create your own personalized letters. 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 explicitly 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, taking note of 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, 2024

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 and timesheet coding, and I 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 job types.

CareerOneStop. " How Do I Write a Cover Letter? "

University of Maryland Global Campus. " Cover Letters ."

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