A job application letter, also known as a cover letter, is a persuasive message that accompanies your résumé. Its purpose is to:

• Introduce your résumé.
• Express your interest in a specific position.
• Highlight your most relevant qualifications and show how they match the employer's needs.
• Motivate the employer to read your résumé and invite you for an interview.

As part of the application process, a potential employer may write a letter to inquire about you from the references you provided. When an employer writes such a letter, they must adhere to professional and ethical standards.

Guidelines for Writing a Letter of Inquiry about a Job Applicant:

• Opening: The letter should open by mentioning the name of the applicant and the fact that they have given the reader's name as a reference.
• Explanation: The letter should provide a brief discussion of the job duties and structure the questions around the job involved.
• Confidentiality: The closing should assure the recipient that their response will be kept confidential.
• Ethics: Throughout the letter, the writer must respect the human rights, both legal and moral, of the person being discussed. They should ask only for information related to the job and avoid stressing unrelated information. A rude or inappropriate closing is unprofessional and counterproductive.

A job application form is a standardized document that companies use to collect consistent information from all applicants. It is a formal document that reflects on your professionalism.

Tips for Completing an Application Form:

• Read the instructions carefully before beginning to complete it.
• Be neat, accurate, and honest.
• Complete every blank on the form. If a question does not apply, use "N/A" or "Not Applicable." Do not leave fields blank.
• Review your entries upon completion for completeness and accuracy.
• Answer open-ended questions thoughtfully. You should NOT answer with an exaggerated expression, as this is unprofessional and dishonest.