Writing effective letters of application requires a systematic approach and attention to detail.
Our recommended approach includes the following:
1.) First is the need to spend quality time reading and rereading the position announcement to become focused and clear about how the institution describes: itself; the position responsibilities; minimum and preferred qualifications; opportunities and challenges; and other areas of organizational importance such as community leadership, resource management and professional characteristics.
2.) Mark-up the position announcement enumerating every item in the areas identified in the position announcement; and describe how your present and previous positions provided you the opportunity to meet the described position responsibilities, minimum and preferred qualifications, opportunities and challenges, community leadership, resource management, and professional characteristics as described in the position announcement. This is a time-consuming approach to writing the letter of application, but It is effective for communicating your qualifications for the position. Do your homework on the institution and be specific about your experiences. We have used this approach as applicants with immense success! We have also led numerous searches as hiring administrators and search consultants, and the most successful candidates use a detailed approach to writing letters of application that address all areas addressed in the position announcement. Applicants who write brief letters of application that do not address all areas of interest identified by the institution, nor how their experiences align with the institutions’ interests are often not advanced as candidates.
3.) Follow the Application Process as outlined and submit all information required as described; and meet the final application deadline as specified.
4.) If selected for an interview as a Semifinalist determine when to inform your current employer.
5.) If advanced as a Finalist for the position, inform your employer asap prior to the final interview, to prevent surprises and maintain a positive relationship. Also, contact your references to advise them of your status as a finalist for the position; and reaffirm their willingness to be a reference.
