essay about applying for a job

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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 199,802 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 Essays

What this handout is about.

This handout will help you write and revise the personal statement required by many graduate programs, internships, and special academic programs.

Before you start writing

Because the application essay can have a critical effect upon your progress toward a career, you should spend significantly more time, thought, and effort on it than its typically brief length would suggest. It should reflect how you arrived at your professional goals, why the program is ideal for you, and what you bring to the program. Don’t make this a deadline task—now’s the time to write, read, rewrite, give to a reader, revise again, and on until the essay is clear, concise, and compelling. At the same time, don’t be afraid. You know most of the things you need to say already.

Read the instructions carefully. One of the basic tasks of the application essay is to follow the directions. If you don’t do what they ask, the reader may wonder if you will be able to follow directions in their program. Make sure you follow page and word limits exactly—err on the side of shortness, not length. The essay may take two forms:

• A one-page essay answering a general question
• Several short answers to more specific questions

Do some research before you start writing. Think about…

• The field. Why do you want to be a _____? No, really. Think about why you and you particularly want to enter that field. What are the benefits and what are the shortcomings? When did you become interested in the field and why? What path in that career interests you right now? Brainstorm and write these ideas out.
• The program. Why is this the program you want to be admitted to? What is special about the faculty, the courses offered, the placement record, the facilities you might be using? If you can’t think of anything particular, read the brochures they offer, go to events, or meet with a faculty member or student in the program. A word about honesty here—you may have a reason for choosing a program that wouldn’t necessarily sway your reader; for example, you want to live near the beach, or the program is the most prestigious and would look better on your resume. You don’t want to be completely straightforward in these cases and appear superficial, but skirting around them or lying can look even worse. Turn these aspects into positives. For example, you may want to go to a program in a particular location because it is a place that you know very well and have ties to, or because there is a need in your field there. Again, doing research on the program may reveal ways to legitimate even your most superficial and selfish reasons for applying.
• Yourself. What details or anecdotes would help your reader understand you? What makes you special? Is there something about your family, your education, your work/life experience, or your values that has shaped you and brought you to this career field? What motivates or interests you? Do you have special skills, like leadership, management, research, or communication? Why would the members of the program want to choose you over other applicants? Be honest with yourself and write down your ideas. If you are having trouble, ask a friend or relative to make a list of your strengths or unique qualities that you plan to read on your own (and not argue about immediately). Ask them to give you examples to back up their impressions (For example, if they say you are “caring,” ask them to describe an incident they remember in which they perceived you as caring).

Now, write a draft

This is a hard essay to write. It’s probably much more personal than any of the papers you have written for class because it’s about you, not World War II or planaria. You may want to start by just getting something—anything—on paper. Try freewriting. Think about the questions we asked above and the prompt for the essay, and then write for 15 or 30 minutes without stopping. What do you want your audience to know after reading your essay? What do you want them to feel? Don’t worry about grammar, punctuation, organization, or anything else. Just get out the ideas you have. For help getting started, see our handout on brainstorming .

Now, look at what you’ve written. Find the most relevant, memorable, concrete statements and focus in on them. Eliminate any generalizations or platitudes (“I’m a people person”, “Doctors save lives”, or “Mr. Calleson’s classes changed my life”), or anything that could be cut and pasted into anyone else’s application. Find what is specific to you about the ideas that generated those platitudes and express them more directly. Eliminate irrelevant issues (“I was a track star in high school, so I think I’ll make a good veterinarian.”) or issues that might be controversial for your reader (“My faith is the one true faith, and only nurses with that faith are worthwhile,” or “Lawyers who only care about money are evil.”).

Often, writers start out with generalizations as a way to get to the really meaningful statements, and that’s OK. Just make sure that you replace the generalizations with examples as you revise. A hint: you may find yourself writing a good, specific sentence right after a general, meaningless one. If you spot that, try to use the second sentence and delete the first.

Applications that have several short-answer essays require even more detail. Get straight to the point in every case, and address what they’ve asked you to address.

Now that you’ve generated some ideas, get a little bit pickier. It’s time to remember one of the most significant aspects of the application essay: your audience. Your readers may have thousands of essays to read, many or most of which will come from qualified applicants. This essay may be your best opportunity to communicate with the decision makers in the application process, and you don’t want to bore them, offend them, or make them feel you are wasting their time.

With this in mind:

• Do assure your audience that you understand and look forward to the challenges of the program and the field, not just the benefits.
• Do assure your audience that you understand exactly the nature of the work in the field and that you are prepared for it, psychologically and morally as well as educationally.
• Do assure your audience that you care about them and their time by writing a clear, organized, and concise essay.
• Do address any information about yourself and your application that needs to be explained (for example, weak grades or unusual coursework for your program). Include that information in your essay, and be straightforward about it. Your audience will be more impressed with your having learned from setbacks or having a unique approach than your failure to address those issues.
• Don’t waste space with information you have provided in the rest of the application. Every sentence should be effective and directly related to the rest of the essay. Don’t ramble or use fifteen words to express something you could say in eight.
• Don’t overstate your case for what you want to do, being so specific about your future goals that you come off as presumptuous or naïve (“I want to become a dentist so that I can train in wisdom tooth extraction, because I intend to focus my life’s work on taking 13 rather than 15 minutes per tooth.”). Your goals may change–show that such a change won’t devastate you.
• And, one more time, don’t write in cliches and platitudes. Every doctor wants to help save lives, every lawyer wants to work for justice—your reader has read these general cliches a million times.

Imagine the worst-case scenario (which may never come true—we’re talking hypothetically): the person who reads your essay has been in the field for decades. She is on the application committee because she has to be, and she’s read 48 essays so far that morning. You are number 49, and your reader is tired, bored, and thinking about lunch. How are you going to catch and keep her attention?

Assure your audience that you are capable academically, willing to stick to the program’s demands, and interesting to have around. For more tips, see our handout on audience .

Voice and style

The voice you use and the style in which you write can intrigue your audience. The voice you use in your essay should be yours. Remember when your high school English teacher said “never say ‘I’”? Here’s your chance to use all those “I”s you’ve been saving up. The narrative should reflect your perspective, experiences, thoughts, and emotions. Focusing on events or ideas may give your audience an indirect idea of how these things became important in forming your outlook, but many others have had equally compelling experiences. By simply talking about those events in your own voice, you put the emphasis on you rather than the event or idea. Look at this anecdote:

During the night shift at Wirth Memorial Hospital, a man walked into the Emergency Room wearing a monkey costume and holding his head. He seemed confused and was moaning in pain. One of the nurses ascertained that he had been swinging from tree branches in a local park and had hit his head when he fell out of a tree. This tragic tale signified the moment at which I realized psychiatry was the only career path I could take.

An interesting tale, yes, but what does it tell you about the narrator? The following example takes the same anecdote and recasts it to make the narrator more of a presence in the story:

I was working in the Emergency Room at Wirth Memorial Hospital one night when a man walked in wearing a monkey costume and holding his head. I could tell he was confused and in pain. After a nurse asked him a few questions, I listened in surprise as he explained that he had been a monkey all of his life and knew that it was time to live with his brothers in the trees. Like many other patients I would see that year, this man suffered from an illness that only a combination of psychological and medical care would effectively treat. I realized then that I wanted to be able to help people by using that particular combination of skills only a psychiatrist develops.

The voice you use should be approachable as well as intelligent. This essay is not the place to stun your reader with ten prepositional phrases (“the goal of my study of the field of law in the winter of my discontent can best be understood by the gathering of more information about my youth”) and thirty nouns (“the research and study of the motivation behind my insights into the field of dentistry contains many pitfalls and disappointments but even more joy and enlightenment”) per sentence. (Note: If you are having trouble forming clear sentences without all the prepositions and nouns, take a look at our handout on style .)

You may want to create an impression of expertise in the field by using specialized or technical language. But beware of this unless you really know what you are doing—a mistake will look twice as ignorant as not knowing the terms in the first place. Your audience may be smart, but you don’t want to make them turn to a dictionary or fall asleep between the first word and the period of your first sentence. Keep in mind that this is a personal statement. Would you think you were learning a lot about a person whose personal statement sounded like a journal article? Would you want to spend hours in a lab or on a committee with someone who shuns plain language?

Of course, you don’t want to be chatty to the point of making them think you only speak slang, either. Your audience may not know what “I kicked that lame-o to the curb for dissing my research project” means. Keep it casual enough to be easy to follow, but formal enough to be respectful of the audience’s intelligence.

Just use an honest voice and represent yourself as naturally as possible. It may help to think of the essay as a sort of face-to-face interview, only the interviewer isn’t actually present.

Too much style

A well-written, dramatic essay is much more memorable than one that fails to make an emotional impact on the reader. Good anecdotes and personal insights can really attract an audience’s attention. BUT be careful not to let your drama turn into melodrama. You want your reader to see your choices motivated by passion and drive, not hyperbole and a lack of reality. Don’t invent drama where there isn’t any, and don’t let the drama take over. Getting someone else to read your drafts can help you figure out when you’ve gone too far.

Taking risks

Many guides to writing application essays encourage you to take a risk, either by saying something off-beat or daring or by using a unique writing style. When done well, this strategy can work—your goal is to stand out from the rest of the applicants and taking a risk with your essay will help you do that. An essay that impresses your reader with your ability to think and express yourself in original ways and shows you really care about what you are saying is better than one that shows hesitancy, lack of imagination, or lack of interest.

But be warned: this strategy is a risk. If you don’t carefully consider what you are saying and how you are saying it, you may offend your readers or leave them with a bad impression of you as flaky, immature, or careless. Do not alienate your readers.

Some writers take risks by using irony (your suffering at the hands of a barbaric dentist led you to want to become a gentle one), beginning with a personal failure (that eventually leads to the writer’s overcoming it), or showing great imagination (one famous successful example involved a student who answered a prompt about past formative experiences by beginning with a basic answer—”I have volunteered at homeless shelters”—that evolved into a ridiculous one—”I have sealed the hole in the ozone layer with plastic wrap”). One student applying to an art program described the person he did not want to be, contrasting it with the person he thought he was and would develop into if accepted. Another person wrote an essay about her grandmother without directly linking her narrative to the fact that she was applying for medical school. Her essay was risky because it called on the reader to infer things about the student’s character and abilities from the story.

Assess your credentials and your likelihood of getting into the program before you choose to take a risk. If you have little chance of getting in, try something daring. If you are almost certainly guaranteed a spot, you have more flexibility. In any case, make sure that you answer the essay question in some identifiable way.

After you’ve written a draft

Get several people to read it and write their comments down. It is worthwhile to seek out someone in the field, perhaps a professor who has read such essays before. Give it to a friend, your mom, or a neighbor. The key is to get more than one point of view, and then compare these with your own. Remember, you are the one best equipped to judge how accurately you are representing yourself. For tips on putting this advice to good use, see our handout on getting feedback .

After you’ve received feedback, revise the essay. Put it away. Get it out and revise it again (you can see why we said to start right away—this process may take time). Get someone to read it again. Revise it again.

When you think it is totally finished, you are ready to proofread and format the essay. Check every sentence and punctuation mark. You cannot afford a careless error in this essay. (If you are not comfortable with your proofreading skills, check out our handout on editing and proofreading ).

If you find that your essay is too long, do not reformat it extensively to make it fit. Making readers deal with a nine-point font and quarter-inch margins will only irritate them. Figure out what material you can cut and cut it. For strategies for meeting word limits, see our handout on writing concisely .

Finally, proofread it again. We’re not kidding.

Other resources

Don’t be afraid to talk to professors or professionals in the field. Many of them would be flattered that you asked their advice, and they will have useful suggestions that others might not have. Also keep in mind that many colleges and professional programs offer websites addressing the personal statement. You can find them either through the website of the school to which you are applying or by searching under “personal statement” or “application essays” using a search engine.

If your schedule and ours permit, we invite you to come to the Writing Center. Be aware that during busy times in the semester, we limit students to a total of two visits to discuss application essays and personal statements (two visits per student, not per essay); we do this so that students working on papers for courses will have a better chance of being seen. Make an appointment or submit your essay to our online writing center (note that we cannot guarantee that an online tutor will help you in time).

For information on other aspects of the application process, you can consult the resources at University Career Services .

Works consulted

We consulted these works while writing this handout. This is not a comprehensive list of resources on the handout’s topic, and we encourage you to do your own research to find additional publications. Please do not use this list as a model for the format of your own reference list, as it may not match the citation style you are using. For guidance on formatting citations, please see the UNC Libraries citation tutorial . We revise these tips periodically and welcome feedback.

Asher, Donald. 2012. Graduate Admissions Essays: Write Your Way Into the Graduate School of Your Choice , 4th ed. Berkeley: Ten Speed Press.

Curry, Boykin, Emily Angel Baer, and Brian Kasbar. 2003. Essays That Worked for College Applications: 50 Essays That Helped Students Get Into the Nation’s Top Colleges . New York: Ballantine Books.

Stelzer, Richard. 2002. How to Write a Winning Personal Statement for Graduate and Professional School , 3rd ed. Lawrenceville, NJ: Thomson Peterson.

You may reproduce it for non-commercial use if you use the entire handout and attribute the source: The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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How to Write a Job Application Essay: A Step-by-Step Guide

Nowadays, many organizations require that a written speech or essay be attached to an application or resume when applying for a job. The purpose of the essay is to ensure that the job seekers have the necessary conversation abilities for the proposed position. Sometimes potential employers suggest a special problem or group of questions that you must answer in your piece. The employee can also ask to write an essay without any guidance. Either way, take your essay writing seriously so that it highlights your abilities and the benefits you can carry to the company. The job application is your ability to present yourself and show all positive and creative sides. If there exist some problems in creating the original article, you can take essay writing services from  www.CustomWritings.com .

From what to begin with the writing?

An introductory essay or personal application is a fundamental element of most applications these days. The length of this text should not overreach two pages, depending on the abilities and knowledge of the candidate. The goal of this text is to encourage applicants to demonstrate their educational and professional knowledge and abilities that fit the requirements of a particular profession. Many applicants mix a job application with a resume. If a resume is a review of a candidate’s abilities, competence, work background, education, and accomplishments, then a job application is more of a story about why you can be the most suitable candidate for the job.  Unless you have been requested to work for the company, you should prepare a powerful set of documents for applying for a job, including a resume, a job essay, and a covering letter. 

Mostly, the worker is searching candidates with such characteristics: 

• Authority; 
• Ability to cooperate; 
• Problem-solving
• emotional quotient; 
• Creativity; 
• Global perspective; 
• self-consciousness; 
• Time management; 
• Community-oriented 

In general, you have to understand that a job application is a legitimate paper that needs less creativity and a more conventional tone. You shouldn’t go into details, listing your expert characteristics and abilities. The summary is even less detailed. If a hiring essay looks like an entire story, then a resume is a description of the simple facts about the candidate. The main goal is to help the employer compare and differentiate all competitors to choose the most suitable one.

What should be provided in the essay? 

The application form has to catch the company and make a desire to face you to get more and express your abilities. Typical sections of the questionnaire include: 

• Private details . It provides essential information such as name and phone number. 
• Education . Give information about your educational accomplishments, including the educational institutions you ended, courses attended, and qualifications obtained. 
• Past work practice . List your seniority and explain your main responsibilities and duties, focusing on those that are most nearly connected to the position you are appealing for. 
• Field of expertise . Provide definite cases where you have proved the skills needed for this position. Avoid vague language and waste space on irrelevant skills. 
• Letter of introduction . Compose in a few well-chosen words a well-reasoned justification that you are suitable for the position, again referring to the specification outlined in the ad. 

Don’t be frightened to show all the positive qualities that you have. Illustrate your enthusiasm for the organisation or job and any former accomplishments you can associate with the role. When formulating your solutions, always consider what abilities organizations need and how you show that all are present by yourself. 

In most application forms, you will also need to include at least two people who can provide recommendations. Sometimes you may be asked to attach your resume and cover letter. 

Never utter an untruth on your profile. Not only is this unfair, but it can also have more serious consequences.

Guide for the perfect essay

If you get started to write a job application essay, the first thing that needs to be noticed is an arrangement, which means that everything should be written strictly chronologically ordered. Generally, an outline seems like usual, but the content differs, while it must be more selling.

• Introduction;
• Centrepiece 1 (plus three more extra promoting details);
• Centrepiece 2(including three more extra promoting details);
• Centrepiece 3(moreover three more extra promoting details);

In addition, you should insert before the headline and introductory elements your contact information. In the higher left corner, fill in features such as your first and last name, physical address (complete variant), phone number, email, and date. Then add basic information about the firm (name, position, company, address).

What needs to be written in the introduction of the job appliance essay?

The presentation should be as short as possible. This is a common description that introduces the applicant and defines the job of favour. You can also briefly clarify why you would prefer to manage like a specialist in this sphere. It is a good idea to specify how you found out about the job (from the Internet, publication, metro ads, in speech, etc.). 

Another recommendation is to present four or five job duties from the appointment description, to prove that you realize what you are claiming.

 What to write in the body of the Job Application Essay

In the opening paragraph of the main text, pronounce your goal for inquiring and why you think that you are the most expert candidate. 

In the next section, demonstrate what you can propose to the enrolling company. Create shot points with your abilities that completely fit the job. 

Use real-life and professional examples to demonstrate your capability in your chosen field. Combine all the main paragraphs with transition words.

How to conclude?

Remember to use polite behaviours to give a positive impact. Always thank the possible employer for taking the time to read your paper. Indicate how you plan to proceed. It is best, to begin with, the word “sincere” and then end with your signature and typo. 

Using such tips you will definitely create the best job appliance essay. But if there are some misunderstandings and failures, you can ask for custom essay writing help . 

If you find it hard to cope or wish to make sure the paper is excellent before submitting it to the employer, hire professional writers or editors.

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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.

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How to Address a Cover Letter When the Name Is Unknown

How to send a letter of intent for a possible job, good salutations for cover letters.

• Alternative Approaches to Cover Letters
• How to Upload a CV for Jobs

In an age of instant communications, job applicants are often surprised -- perhaps even overwhelmed -- by requests for a writing sample during the search process. Whether you are writing a cover letter for your resume or an actual essay, the skills you learned in your high school or college composition class will get you through the process painlessly, with a few “tweaks” to pitch to your intended audience.

Typically, a job essay is actually a letter sent to introduce yourself when submitting a resume or an application. Business letters should include your return address, the date, and the address to which the letter is being sent at the beginning, with a 2-inch top margin. Traditionally, if you do not know the name of the person receiving the letter, the salutation should be “Dear Sir or Madam,” followed by a semi-colon, although taking the time to get the name is better. A simple “sincerely,” followed by a comma, works best as the closing.

Appropriate Language

Again, this is a business document, so it should not read like a letter to your best friend. Write more formally, rather than being overly familiar or casual. Avoid all slang terms or idioms, as well as most industry jargon. You may use a few “insider” terms to indicate an understanding of the job, but don’t lard the letter to impress. Phrase sentences to avoid the use of second-person pronouns.

Conciseness and Efficiency

Human resources personnel are often inundated with applications, along with many other responsibilities. Respect their time restraints by getting to the point quickly and concisely. Cut vague phrases, replacing them with tight, specific words. Combine sentences whenever possible. Instead of saying, “I worked in the research department. I provided information about the XYZ event. I wrote about the facts of the event,” try “While employed in the research department, I wrote a briefing about XYZ.” Also, if it isn’t relevant to the job, leave it out.

Attention Command

With the flood of applicants for many positions, your letter needs to set you above the crowd. Start with a common issue or concern for someone in the position, and continue to explain how your skills or experience make you uniquely qualified to address that issue. For example, hook the reader with “When resolving customer service complaints, the ability to remain calm is critical, and my experience as an air-traffic controller has provided me the opportunity to practice that skill,” instead of “I am applying for the customer complaint position in your call center.”

Specificity and Relevance

Always address the responsibilities of the position specifically, matching yourself to the needs of the job. Rather than writing “I can use a computer,” describe how your skills at creating multimedia slide shows will allow you to provide stellar sales presentations. Describe examples of your creativity, reliability or team spirit, rather than regurgitating your resume. Keep the points directly related to the position, though. This isn’t the time to mention your medals for cycling, unless the job description includes riding your bicycle.

Grammar and Syntax

Errors in spelling, word choice or other grammar or syntax rules tells a potential employer about more than just your education and writing skills. With that apparent lack of attention to details, the reader could assume that you won’t bother to check work done for the company carefully either. Don’t rely only on the spell checker in your word processing program, either. Read your letter aloud, preferably to someone else, to be sure that it flows smoothly and makes good sense. Proofread from the last word to the first, from bottom right to top left, to force your eyes to see what is -- or isn’t -- there, rather than what you expect to see. Finally, make sure that the essay is visually appealing, with an easy-to-read font and size, in clear, black ink on clean, white paper.

• Purdue Online Writing Lab: Appropriate Language
• Purdue Online Writing Lab: Conciseness
• Purdue Online Writing Lab: Quick Content Tips for Cover Letters
• Purdue Online Writing Lab: Quick Formatting Tips for Cover Letter
• Purdue Online Writing Lab: Writing the Personal Statement
• Purdue Online Writing Lab: Model for Follow-Up to an Interview Letter

Pamela Martin has been writing since 1979. She has written newsletter articles and curricula-related materials. She also writes about teaching and crafts. Martin was an American Society of Newspaper Editors High School Journalism Fellow. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Teaching in elementary education from Sam Houston State University and a Master of Arts in curriculum/instruction from the University of Missouri.

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The Process of Getting a Job

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Introduction

Searching for a job, writing a targeted resume, writing an effective cover letter, acing the interview, works cited.

The process of getting a job remains one of the most challenging tasks for many job seekers in the United States. There are cases where qualified candidates fail to secure a job because they make mistakes in one or more of the stages involved in searching for a job. It is important for these job seekers to understand how to approach each of the steps involved in job hunting. In this essay, the focus is to give clear instruction on how a qualified candidate can get a job that deserves one’s qualifications. The target audiences are job seekers aged over 18 years. There are four major steps that one must take great care of when trying to get a job (Kay 82). The four stages include searching for a job, writing a targeted resume, writing an effective cover letter, and finally acing the interview.

The process of searching for the right job can be very challenging, especially for those who are doing it for the first time. Different jobs can be found using different strategies based on a number of factors. However, there are some common steps to be followed by any job seeker who is interested in getting a good job. Following the steps below is a good starting point.

• Visit the website of the desired company and look for any career opportunities they have on offer. In most of the cases, large companies would post vacancies they have at their company through their website. This offers a perfect opportunity for a job seeker to know of the job availability.
• Visit other websites that specialize in advertising vacancies at various companies. According to Myers (56), some websites have specialized in collecting a pool of job vacancies in various companies and posting them to the general public. Some of them are very reliable.

Avoid websites that demand payments before they can direct one to the employing company. Most of them are run by fraudsters.

• Talk to friends and determine if they are aware of any possible vacancies at their workplaces. Sometimes a network of friends and family members may offer one a perfect opportunity to get a job.
• Go through the dailies to determine vacancies at various companies that have been advertised through them. Sometimes companies would make the advertisements through the dailies, especially if they need urgent candidates to fill vacant posts.

One of the common mistakes that job seekers make is that they use a common resume when applying for different jobs. Observe the following issues.

• Determine what one employer is looking for may not be exactly the same thing that another employer will be interested in.
• Although there may be a soft copy of the resume with all the major achievements and experience, it may be necessary to adjust resume to suit a specific job that one is looking for at a particular time (Taylor 45).
• Identify specific job requirements, and adjust the resume as per the requirements of the position of interest. Make sure that the resume responds to the requirements of the job.

Writing an effective cover letter is another important step for a job seeker. When writing the letter, the following should be observed.

• Ensure that the message directly responds to the information posted by the employer.
• Use simple, straightforward sentences, clearly stating why one merits the position, and how one’s presence in the company will be beneficial to the firm.

Avoid flowery words, especially poetic sentences, because the employer may make a wrong conclusion that the applicant is an activist who may champion for unionization of employees.

This is one of the most important stages in securing a job. Observe the following steps.

• Conduct a simple research about the company and the industry, and find answers to some of the possible questions that the interviewers may pose during the interview.
• When going to the interview, wear a suit because most of the interviewers may use the physical appearance to make their judgment (Caan 29).
• In the interview room, do not panic because this may give a wrong impression to one’s self-image. Also, try avoiding the temptation to be overconfident. Be specific when answering the questions posed by the interviewers, and always try to maintain eye contact with the person who asked the question. Be polite and courageous because these are desirable attributes.
• Remember to thank the interviewing panel for offering you the opportunity before leaving the interview room.

The processes described above are very important for one to secure a good job that meets one’s qualifications. Every stage has specific steps that the job seeker must follow in order to succeed in going into the next level. As stated above, one must try to remain official in the mode of dressing and communication, especially during the interview in order to make the process a success.

Caan, James. Get the Job You Really Want . London: The Portfolio Publishers Limited, 2012. Print.

Kay, Andrea. This Is How to Get Your Next Job: An Inside Look at What Employers Really Want . , 2013. Print.

Myers, Ford. Get the Job You Want, Even When No One’s Hiring: Take Charge of Your Career, Find a Job You Love, and Earn What You Deserve. Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons, 2009. Print.

Taylor, Denise. How to Get a Job in a Recession . London: Brook House, 2009. Print.

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1. IvyPanda . "The Process of Getting a Job." May 11, 2020. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-process-of-getting-a-job/.

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How to Write a Job Application Essay

A job application essay is similar to what you would write in class. However, you need to go the extra mile of convincing the reader- in this case, the recruiting panel- that you are the most suitable candidate for the job. The essay assesses your understanding of particular concepts like writing or ideas related to your work at the organization.

How does a job application essay differ from a motivation letter?

The job application essay focuses on a specific topic. In most cases, you will be given a scenario to solve or a case study. The panel or HR picks a common and current subject of discussion. You will be required to apply your knowledge on the topic provided.

A job application essay may also involve personal initiative. The panel wants you to develop an idea or scenario and provide a solution. You must be very creative yet technical when applying your ideas to the situation provided.

A motivation letter focuses on your skills. It highlights your capabilities like qualifications or personal interests that make you a more suitable candidate for a position. It is brief and does not require any demonstration. You outline your education and work experience in a motivation letter. Here are tips to help you write the best motivation letter.

• Keep it brief - a motivation letter should include the basics and specific qualifications that set you apart.
• Boost - do not leave behind any information you think will give you an edge. Any award, spectacular performance, or position you have held.
• Be specific - capture details that will make it easier to secure the current job. While you might have worked elsewhere, it is not important if it does not add value to your job search.
• Edit the letter to make it clear and captivating to read.

When do you need a job application essay?

A job application essay is common for roles that require a lot of writing. The communication department, marketing, and PR are some of the positions where you might be required to write an essay.

Here is a comprehensive guide on how to write a job application essay.

Review the instructions

Each job application comes with unique instructions. The recruitment office may provide a topic or will require you to come up with one. The task may also come as a case study with specific reference materials. Adherence to the instructions determines your performance. Review the instructions to help you craft the most appropriate paper.

Most job application essay instructions are descriptive. The format may make them difficult to understand. Do not panic. Ask for samples from recruiting agencies or writing services. You may also check their website for past application essays. The samples and examples must come from credible sources to avoid misleading your writing project.

Craft a captivating topic

Job applications are highly competitive. The topic must capture the attention of the recruiting agency, giving you a head start. It determines the perception with which the vetting panel approaches your candidature.

Choose an interesting topic for your essay. It should capture original and relevant issues based on the topic provided. Phrase the topic in a way that makes it interesting to read. It must arouse the curiosity of HR to entice him to give you the job.

Research the topic

The best essay captures the most interesting points or ideas about a subject. Read more on the subject before you can begin writing your application essay. It gives you the points to discuss in your paper.

Read authoritative books, academic articles, and credible reports. The quality of ideas you gather for your essay will determine your performance. In the course of the research, you will encounter divergent opinions, consider them so that no one discounts your argument. It is the only way to produce a balanced job application essay.

Develop an essay outline

An outline is a plan or map for your application essay. It indicates the ideas to appear at the beginning, in the middle, and at the end of your discussion.

The outline gives you a hint of all the points you have to discuss in your essay. You avoid repeating some or skipping others. You can also place the points strategically at the beginning, in the middle, or at the end to help you deliver the most powerful argument.

Get writing help

A job application is competitive. You need the best essay to improve your chances. Hire a professional writer to draft the essay. This site offers all the help you need with essay writing for class and job applications. You may also use writing apps to draft the essay, edit, and format it. Choose the best writer to avoid compromising the quality of your paper.

A job application essay is guided by the instructions issued. The topic will be the first encounter the HR will have with your paper. It must, therefore, be captivating to read. Include the latest ideas through thorough research. Get help whenever it is needed to enable you to submit the best job application essay.

About the Author:

Adrian is a seasoned homework helper. He also shares wonderful tips on enhancing college life and making the most out of your college years. He is also an expert on digital entrepreneurship. With the help of Adrian, you can buy college research paper online to boost your grades and also create more time to look for your dream job while in college.

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Career Essay

Career essay generator.

How do you see yourself 5 or 10 years from now? That question kicks start your imagination and make you visualize yourself in your future career. Maybe you are thinking about it now, but you are likely confused about expressing it in words. Unlike other essay writing , writing your career essay is exciting because you are writing about yourself, your plans, passion, and aspiration. Learn how to make your career essay impressive by reading this article.

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What Is a Career Essay?

A career essay is a text people write to detail their goals or plans for the future. In this essay, people talk about the career they want in the future and the things they have achieved so far. People often ask you to write a career essay when you send an application letter for a scholarship or submit your resume for a job.

How To Write a Rousing Career Essay

You should write your career essay seriously because it might be a deciding factor for your future. That said, in writing your essay, there are a lot of things to consider and a process you need to follow. Your end goal in writing your essay is to convince people that you are determined to walk the talk and make the things you wrote in your descriptive essay to reality.

1. Devise an Engrossing Title

The first thing to think about when writing an essay is coming up with an attention-grabbing title. When people read your essay, they pay the most attention to your title. Also, another benefit of coming up with your title first is that it will serve as a guide for you for the whole essay. 

2. Introduce With a Hook

After devising a title, deliver the next blow with an introduction that piques their curiosity. To do that, begin your essay with a hook. Your hook can be a quote, a question, or you can even provide a statistic. If your introduction is good enough, it will secure the engagement of your readers.

3. Organize Your Ideas

Writing an essay is like taking your readers for a ride. You need to set the vibe and organize the flow of your thoughts. Don’t start too strong it might make the rest of your essay bland. You need to properly build up the development of excitement and make sure the order of your ideas makes sense. 

4. Polish Your Essay

Finalize your essay by proofreading it. When people talk about their passion, they tend to talk too much and include several unnecessary things. Make sure not to do that. Omit all the details that don’t contribute to the overall impact of your reflective essay. Also, don’t forget to review your text for grammatical errors. 

Why is career planning important?

People hustle every day to reach their dream careers. Having a target career gives you a direction and sets your path. Planning your career is essential because being indecisive about it might negatively impact your life. Not having a fixed goal is like not having an end destination. Preparing for it would also make your career action plan achievable.

What is a career genogram?

A career genogram traces back an individual’s family tree and examines the career timeline they pursued. The scope of this genogram reaches the grandparents, extended family, and even the person’s close friends. This graphic representation is helpful when a person has a hard time deciding about his or her career development plan .

What is career assessment?

Career assessment is the process of identifying what career would work best for you. Most assessments are in the form of a questionnaire . It includes questions about your interests, your skills, your hobbies, and your strengths. These are some examples of questions that would help assess your future career. The result of your career assessment might give you ideas on what path to take.

The moment people read your career essay, they often rate how likely you are to succeed. Show them a piece of your mind that would erase all their doubts about your success. They say manifesting works wonders, so manifest the future that you want best by composing a rousing career essay. 

Text prompt

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Write a career essay on the benefits and challenges of a career in medicine.

Discuss in a career essay the skills needed for success in the digital marketing field.

9 Smart Answers to “Why Are You Applying for This Position?”

By Status.net Editorial Team on June 22, 2023 — 14 minutes to read

During a job interview, employers often ask, “Why are you applying for this position?” to understand your motivation for seeking the job. Your answer can showcase your enthusiasm, reveal how well you’ve researched the company, and express your compatibility with the role. Since this is a common interview question, it’s essential to be prepared with a well-thought-out response that effectively communicates your suitability for the job.

Employer’s Perspective

When interviewers ask this question, they want to make sure you have a clear idea of why the position interests you and your understanding of the job responsibilities. They also want to assess if you’ll be a good fit for the company culture and if you’re genuinely interested in working with them. Employers often invest substantial time, money, and effort into training new employees, so they want to ensure you’re not only qualified but also motivated to excel in the role.

Decoding the Language

To properly address the question, you should first break it down into smaller components. Here’s how you can do that:

• Why are you interested in the position? Explain what draws you to the role. Be specific about the aspects of the job that inspire or excite you. For example, you could be attracted by the opportunity to apply your skills, face new challenges, or work within a specific industry.
• Why did you apply to this company? Research the company and find out what makes it stand out from its competitors. Consider the company’s values, goals, culture, product line, or industry reputation. When discussing your interest, align your values and ambitions with the company’s.
• What makes you a good fit for the role? Mention your professional skills, experiences, and accomplishments that uniquely qualify you for the position. Provide examples of how you’ve applied similar skill sets in the past and had success, explaining how your expertise can be beneficial to the company.

Remember to keep your response focused and relevant, highlighting how your qualifications and background align with the job description and the company’s values. Preparing a well-crafted answer demonstrates your confidence, knowledge, and commitment, which can resonate with your interviewer and increase your chances of success in the job interview.

Preparation for the Answer

Research the company.

Dive deep into the company you’re applying to by visiting their website, reading news articles, or exploring their social media presence to better understand their mission, values, and overall organization. This knowledge will allow you to speak passionately about why you want to work there and tailor your answer to perfectly match the company’s vision and goals.

Align with Company Values

Learn about the company culture and their core values. You can then confidently discuss how your own personal values align with theirs, demonstrating that you’re a great fit for the team and company culture. Draw on specific examples that embody these values, such as working collaboratively or a commitment to excellence.

Match Skills and Experience

Take time to thoroughly review the job description and identify the required skills and experience. When preparing your answer, think about how your own skills and experience match the role. Consider mentioning specific projects or work experiences that demonstrate your expertise and knowledge in the field.

Know the Industry

Finally, get familiar with the industry that the company operates in to understand key trends, challenges, and market dynamics. This will enable you to discuss how your experience is relevant and your understanding of the industry, providing additional context to why you are applying for the position. Use this research to display your enthusiasm for the industry, making a strong case for why you’re an ideal candidate for the job.

Constructing Your Answer

Show passion for the role.

When crafting your answer, emphasize your passion for the role. Explain what excites you about it, and how it aligns with your interests. For example, if you love working with numbers and solving financial puzzles, a position as a financial analyst would fuel your passion.

Demonstrate Professional Goals

It’s essential to illustrate how the position fits into your overall career goals. Explain how this job will help you achieve both short-term and long-term objectives. For instance, if you’re a recent marketing graduate looking to gain experience in digital marketing, joining a marketing team that’s known for their online presence can help you grow in that particular field. By connecting the role to your long-term aspirations, you show the employer that you’re serious about your career journey.

Connect Personal Reasons

Personal reasons can also be a strong motivator for why you’re applying for a position. Maybe you’ve admired the company’s culture, or you’re fond of the positive impact their products have on the world. Connecting your personal values to the organization demonstrates that you’re a great fit and share their values. Just be sure to keep it professional and focused on the role.

Explain Motivation for Position

Lastly, it’s important to explain your motivation for the position itself, beyond passion and career goals. You might be drawn to it because of a unique challenge it presents or the opportunities for growth and success it offers. Maybe you’ve researched the company and found that they have a history of promoting from within or providing excellent employee training. By highlighting the motivating factors for the role, you’ll show that you have a clear understanding of what the position entails and are committed to long-term success.

Sample Answers in Different Industries

Tech industry.

Before answering this question in the tech industry, think about the specific company and role you’re applying for. You could say:

“I’m excited by emerging technologies and innovative ways companies like yours are using them. I think my experience in software development and my ability to adapt quickly to new languages make me an ideal candidate for this position.”

Sales Industry

In the sales industry, you should highlight your ambition and focus on targets:

“I’ve always been a competitive person, and I see the sales industry as the perfect place to challenge myself. I’m impressed by your company’s growth and commitment to excellent customer service, and I want to contribute my energy and skills to help maintain and improve your reputation.”

Creative Industries

When applying in the creative industries, you can emphasize your passion and creative vision:

“I’ve always been drawn to the world of design, and I’m impressed by your agency’s diverse portfolio. I believe my unique style and experience in collaboration will make a positive impact on your team and clients.”

Hospitality Industry

In the hospitality industry, service quality is a top priority. A potential answer could be:

“I’ve always had a passion for providing outstanding customer experiences. I think my previous experience in the restaurant business and my friendly, people-oriented personality make me a perfect fit for this hotel front desk position.”

Healthcare Industry

Highlight your dedication to patient care when applying for healthcare positions. You might say:

“I want to work in the healthcare industry because I care deeply about helping others and making a difference in their lives. I was inspired by the level of patient care your facility offers, and I believe my skills as a nurse will align with the high standards you maintain.”

Tailoring Answers to Specific Roles

Let’s explore some common types of roles and how to adjust your reply accordingly:

Management Positions

For management positions, you’ll want to emphasize your ability to lead teams, manage resources, and drive overall performance. Speak to your past experiences in managing others and highlight any successes you’ve had. For example:

“As a manager, I’ve successfully led a team of 12 in increasing sales by 25% year-over-year. I’m applying for this position because I believe my skillset aligns well with the job description and your company’s values.”

Leadership Roles

When applying for leadership roles, focus on your vision, strategic thinking, and ability to inspire and motivate others. Showcase examples of your past accomplishments and how you’ve positively influenced others. You could say:

“I have a passion for leading and inspiring others towards a common goal. In my previous role, I played a key part in developing a new marketing strategy that increased brand awareness by 40%. I am excited about the potential growth opportunities within this organization and believe my strengths align well.”

Individual Contributor Roles

For individual contributor roles, the focus should be on your expertise and specialized skills. Show the interviewer that you understand the technical requirements of the position and how you can contribute to the team’s overall success:

“I’m very excited about this role as it aligns with my past experience working in data analytics and my passion for helping businesses make data-driven decisions. In my previous role, I collaborated closely with cross-functional teams, providing insights that helped improve operational efficiency.”

Customer Service Positions

In customer service positions, demonstrate your commitment to excellent service and your ability to create positive experiences for clients or customers. Be sure to mention your patience, active listening skills, and ability to resolve issues effectively. You might say:

“I’m applying for this customer service role because I strive to ensure every customer leaves satisfied, and I believe my communication skills and dedication to problem-solving are a great fit for this position. My experience working in retail has honed my ability to handle difficult situations in a professional and empathetic manner.”

Emphasizing Your Value and Fit

Showcasing relevant skills.

When answering the “Why are you applying for this position?” job interview question, make sure to emphasize your relevant skills. Think about the specific abilities the hiring manager is looking for and how your skills align with their needs. For example, if the job requires strong communication and leadership abilities, explain how your experience in team projects or leading a group demonstrates these qualities. Be sure to offer concrete examples, such as accomplishments or recognition you have received, to support your claims.

Highlighting Previous Experience

Discussing your previous experience is a great way to demonstrate your value and fit for the position. Start by mentioning any past roles or projects that align with the job you’re applying for. Then, focus on the successes and lessons you gained from those experiences. This can help the hiring manager understand the depth of your background and your potential to excel in the role. When possible, quantify your achievements with data or metrics to make a stronger impression.

Mention Benefits You Bring

Remember that your goal is to convince the hiring manager that you are the best candidate for the position. One way to do this is by highlighting the unique benefits you bring. Think about what sets you apart from other candidates, such as specialized knowledge, a unique perspective, or a commitment to the company’s values. Be confident in your ability to contribute positively to the team and company, and explain how your strengths will help the organization achieve its goals. By focusing on the value you can provide, you will make a compelling argument for your suitability for the position.

Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Unfamiliar with the company.

Not knowing much about the company can be a challenge when answering the “Why are you applying for this position?” question. To overcome this, do thorough research on the company before your interview. Look into their mission, values, products, services, and recent news. This knowledge will help you tailor your response to show how you align with the company’s culture and goals.

For example, mention specific aspects of the company’s mission that resonate with you and highlight how your skills and experience can contribute to achieving their objectives.

Changing Industries

Switching industries can present difficulties when explaining why you are applying for a particular position. To tackle this challenge, focus on the skills and experiences that are transferable between industries. Emphasize how your previous experiences have prepared you for this new role, even if it’s in a different industry.

For example, if you previously worked in sales and are now applying for a marketing position, discuss how your ability to build relationships, understand customer needs, and communicate effectively can strengthen their marketing efforts.

First Job or a Career Change

Entering the workforce for the first time or making a significant career change can be intimidating. When asked why you are applying for the position, concentrate on your passion for the field, willingness to learn, and any relevant skills or experiences that have led you down this career path.

For example, if you are a recent graduate pursuing a job in graphic design, talk about your passion for design, how your coursework has prepared you, and any internships or freelance projects you have completed. Even if you lack extensive professional experience, showing enthusiasm and eagerness to grow can make a positive impression.

After you’ve answered the “Why are you applying for this position?” question during your job interview, it’s a great opportunity to ask questions about the role and company. This demonstrates your genuine interest in the position and your eagerness to learn more.

For example, you might ask about the day-to-day responsibilities of the role and how it connects to the organization’s overall objectives. You could also ask about upcoming projects or initiatives that the role will be involved in, to show your enthusiasm for contributing to the company’s goals. Or, you can bring up questions related to career growth, such as opportunities for professional development or how the role might evolve over time. This shows that you’re considering a long-term commitment to the company and are interested in growing as a professional within their organization.

Follow-Up with a Thank You Note

Don’t forget to send a thank-you note after your job interview. This simple gesture can leave a lasting impression on the interviewer and could potentially make the difference between getting the job or being passed over for another candidate.

Your thank-you note should be brief but thoughtful. It should express your gratitude for the opportunity to interview and reinforce your interest in the position. Make sure to mention specific points from the interview, such as a particular aspect of the role that really excites you or a topic that you enjoyed discussing with the interviewer. Learn more: How to Write a Perfect Thank You Email After an Interview

10 Best Examples & Templates of An Interview Thank You Email

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some examples of a strong response.

A strong response to “Why are you applying for this position?” should highlight your skills and experience related to the job, showcase your genuine interest in the company and role, and demonstrate your motivation to grow and succeed. For example: “I am applying for this position because I have five years of experience in managing marketing campaigns, and I am confident in my ability to help your company reach its sales goals. I am particularly drawn to your mission of promoting sustainable practices and products. This aligns well with my personal values, and I am excited to contribute to the success of your team while working on something I am passionate about.”

How can I emphasize my skills for this position?

To emphasize your skills, identify the key requirements mentioned in the job description, and then use specific examples to show how you meet those requirements. For example: “In my previous role as a project manager, I successfully oversaw a team of 20 people where we completed several projects within tight deadlines and under budget. This experience has given me excellent organizational and leadership skills, which I believe are essential for this position as a team lead. Additionally, I have strong communication abilities that have been invaluable in fostering collaboration and resolving conflicts.”

What points should I avoid when answering this question?

Here are some points to avoid when answering this question:

• Giving a generic response or universal statement
• Focusing too much on job perks or personal gains like salary, benefits, or work-life balance
• Talking negatively about a previous employer or experience

How to tailor my answer to the company and job?

Research the company’s values, culture, and mission, and highlight aspects of the role or company that truly excite or resonate with you. Link your skills and experiences to specific requirements of the job and how they will benefit the company. For example: “While researching your company, I discovered that workplace diversity and inclusion are vital to your culture. I have been an active participant in my previous organizations’ diversity initiatives and am excited to continue contributing to this important work. Plus, I am proficient in the use of the software tools listed in the job description for this role, which will allow me to get up to speed quickly and add value to your team.”

What ways can I showcase genuine interest in this position?

To showcase genuine interest in the position, be enthusiastic, and demonstrate knowledge about the company, its industry, and the specific role. Mention any personal experiences that have led you to be drawn to the opening. For example: “My personal passion for sustainable living aligns perfectly with your company’s mission. I have been a customer of your products for years and was excited when I discovered this opportunity to join your team. With my experience in marketing, I am eager to contribute to growing your brand and promoting sustainable practices within the industry.”

How to convey my motivation and enthusiasm effectively?

To convey your motivation and enthusiasm effectively, use positive language and share relevant experiences that showcase your passion for the field, company, or role. Be authentic and sincere in your expressions, highlighting how the opportunity will enable both personal growth and contributions to the company’s success. For example: “Working on a team that’s at the forefront of innovation in the healthtech industry is truly exciting for me. I believe that your company is an ideal environment for me to grow as a software engineer while contributing to the development of cutting-edge solutions that can have a considerable positive impact on people’s lives.”

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Tips On How To Write Essay For A Job Application

Even after getting out of college, you may still have to write essays for some reason. A job application is one of those reasons, and it is mostly inevitable. Often, companies request job applicants to write application essays as part of the screening process. A job application paper usually accompanies your resume, cover letter, transcript, and certificates. Similar to the other documents, it is an avenue for you to ‘sell yourself’ to your potential employer.

What You Need To Write an Essay for a Job Application

The tricky part is you may have been a class topper and still need to learn how to write an essay for a job application. For this reason, an applicant may get an essay for sale on platform Paperell , which offers high-quality and well-written application papers. This eradicates the stress of figuring out what to write. Primarily, writing an essay for a job application is for an applicant to prove the following skills:

1- Professional competence

Your result is more about showing your professional competence, unlike your college essays, which show your academic intelligence.

Those professional papers allow employers to glimpse how you’ll handle similar tasks, especially when you’re applying for administrative posts where memos, press releases, and several emails are rampant.

2- Conversational skills

Another reason for you to write an outstanding piece is to show your conversational skills. You write as a means of conversation, so the tone of your essay shows how you’re likely to relate with superiors, colleagues, and subordinates.

Other skills employers look out for include:

● Self-consciousness ● Time management ● Honesty ● Cooperation ● Creativity ● Emotional intelligence

For these reasons, it is essential for a job applicant to know how to write excellent essays for a job.

Writing An Outstanding Piece

Knowing how to write an application essay for a job is not a skill that randomly comes to anyone. It involves constantly practicing and following the right guide like the one below.

Pre-writing Stage

1- research.

As with other types of papers, you have to carry out extensive research to get a proper perspective. In the research stage, you go through the company’s website to see job essays by successful candidates. You could also check online for some examples. The purpose is not to copy these samples but to understand the company’s preferred writing style.

2- Outlining

After getting a clear idea of what to major in, the next step is to outline. Making an outline simply means arranging your points logically. Your outline needs to include all the points you intend to write in your essays.

While outlining, go through the prompt of the assignment as a guide.

Writing Stage

1- topic selection.

Most times, companies don’t give applicants topics. In such situations, pick a topic relevant to the company’s values and your potential position. Additionally, make sure your subject is interesting but concise.

When you’re given a topic to write on, it is important to read and understand the topic several times. Since other applicants would also strive to write excellent essays, don’t hesitate to go deeper into the topic.

2-  Introduction

This part can either make or mar your result, as it creates a solid impression. The key to a good introduction is to display a deep understanding of the topic or theme. Still, it is important for it to be short—anything longer than two paragraphs is too long.

3- The Body

The body of your essay is the ‘soul’ of the whole piece. The body has to contain verifiable facts to show that you’ve done your research and you’re sure of your notions. Make sure to add statistics, citations, and data as required to make your points more credible. It is also important to make each point clear and concise—vague words mean uncertainty and inadequate planning.

This part should not be longer than two pages except the company states otherwise.

Your conclusion is not a place for you to add new information. The purpose of composing a conclusion is to make a resonant statement about your overall subject. One or two paragraphs are enough for an excellent conclusion.

Post-writing Stage

1- editing and proofreading.

The last thing you want as an applicant is to make a wrong impression by submitting essays with grammatical errors. You have to double-check for possible misspellings, repetitions, and grammar errors. To edit efficiently, it is advisable to use editing tools online.

Tips To Take Note Of While Writing An Essay

Side from the step-by-step writing guide, there are essential things you need to pay attention to. The previously mentioned tips for writing a job application essay might not be as effective if these important tips are neglected.

● Adhere to every instruction in the essay prompt by the company. ● Never follow a generic writing template- originality is key. ● Avoid creating text in an excessively casual or formal tone. ● Don’t be scared of mentioning any skill that is relevant to your potential position. Avoid mentioning irrelevant skills.

Apart from showing professional skills to the company, essays should include some other details. Your paper writing should consist of your name, educational achievements, attained qualifications, past work experience, and field of expertise. Be bold and mention these details, regardless of the fact that they are in your resume and cover letter.

Furthermore, the length of your job application paper and the skills you mention depends on the position you are applying for. For instance, if you’re applying for a secretarial role, you have to say your interpersonal skills and the emotional intelligence class you took.

Even if you know about this activity, the company’s preferences and specific prompts should prioritize.

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3 Ways to Keep Your Job Search Going

By  Gaia Vasiliver-Shamis

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Let’s face it: your job search isn’t going to be easy. It will require perseverance, confidence and the ability to handle uncertainty and stress. While there are people that can support you in this process and lots of wonderful advice on “Carpe Careers,” it is up to you to take charge of your career. Being able to plan and act on your career and professional development goals is an important life skill that is vital for your career success.

This essay is written assuming you are ready to start applying for jobs -- meaning you did your self-assessment homework (for some helpful articles on that, see this one by Saundra Loffredo and another by Natalie Lundsteen) and some networking (see great advice from Joseph Barber here ) and narrowed it down to a couple of career paths you are interested in transitioning into. Searching for a job can be a full-time job by itself. And considering you already have a full-time job as a trainee and hopefully some personal life, approaching the big, scary job search can feel quite overwhelming. Here are three ways to start and keep you going in the right direction, even when things feel or get tough.

Map Your Job Search Plan

Your ultimate goal is clearly to find a job, but it’s a pretty hefty one, and as you know, a goal without a plan is just a wish. You should be doing several things in preparation for and during the job search, including:

• preparing and customizing job search documents (e.g., résumé, research statement, cover letter);
• creating a target companies/universities list;
• expanding your network (e.g., conduct informational interviews, attend conferences); and
• preparing for interviews.

So how do you create your job search plan? The best approach is to break the job search process into what is called SMART goals: specific, measurable, attainable, results focused and timely. For example, before you start contacting people for networking or submitting job applications, you should have a solid résumé that you can send immediately upon request or customize to your application. So a SMART goal (assuming you made it on a Monday) would be “Convert my CV into a one-page résumé by Friday.” That would go along well with another SMART goal of “Email Y from the postdoc services office on Thursday to set up a meeting for a résumé review for next week.”

You may be thinking creating a goal for your job search document was easy because it’s a tangible product, but how do you break something like networking -- which is pivotal for your job search -- into attainable goals? Here is one example: “For the next two weeks, I’ll spend 10 minutes a day on LinkedIn connecting to people I already know.” Or let’s assume you are really interested in working for company X but don’t know anyone working there and need to expand your network. A SMART goal for you can be “I will spend two hours on Wednesday to search LinkedIn for scientists currently working at company X.” Then once you have a list of names, your SMART goals should be to contact them and set informational interviews. Another networking SMART goal can be, “In November, I will contact three people a week for informational interviews.”

Depending on your personal preference, you may want to put your SMART goals in your weekly planner, print them and put the list on your desk or block the time on your online calendar. Whatever you do, they should be “in your face” somewhere so you remember to act on them.

Use Technology to Your Advantage

It is sometimes easy for us to ignore our to-do lists, especially when they require us to pursue things that don’t feel comfortable to us -- like contacting complete strangers for informational interviews. Now that you have a plan, you need to act on it. Luckily, technology can help keep you on track in your job search. For example, I recommend that you keep spreadsheets of:

• Your networking efforts. Whether you are cold emailing someone, being introduced through a friend, or contacting an old acquaintance, keeping track of who you contacted, when and whether you heard back is very useful and can save you time (and save you from potential embarrassment). You will remember, for example, who introduced you to whom or whether you heard back from a certain person after emailing them twice and the like.
• Your job search applications. Create a list of the companies you applied to and when, what the position was, who referred you, your log-in credentials for their application system and so on. And if you actually interviewed with them, you can keep track of when, who the contact person is, whether you followed up and other important details.

You should also block time on your online calendar. A key benefit of doing that rather than writing things down is that you’ll receive automatic alerts. That way, when it’s time for the 30 minutes a day you’ve dedicated to contacting people for informational interviews, or the one hour in the evening you set aside to work on your research statement, the automatic alerts will remind you.

In addition, I encourage you to establish job alerts. You can set up automatic job searches on LinkedIn, Indeed and other career websites, as well as on specific companies’ job search sites. That will save you time searching the web, as you’ll just get the alerts in your inbox. Since timing is key, I recommend that you set the frequency to daily.

Find an Accountability Buddy

Let’s be honest -- the average human attention span these days is shorter than the one of a goldfish (which is why I’m greatly appreciative that you’re still reading this). So I completely understand that the suggestions listed above can be hard to keep up with when we’re constantly distracted. I also acknowledge the fact that if you’re a “to-do list” kind of person, this advice is easy to follow but would feel close to impossible if you’re not that kind of person. Therefore, I highly recommend you find someone to keep you accountable. Set up a monthly meeting with one of the professionals in your graduate student and postdoc affairs office, ask your mentor, or find a friend who is also job searching and team up. Beyond keeping you accountable, such people can support you through the ups of down of the job search process.

Best of luck with your job search, and if you have any tips, please share them in the comments section below.

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Home — Essay Samples — Life — Professions & Career — Job

Essay Examples on Job

What makes a good job essay topics.

When it comes to choosing a topic for your job essay, it's important to consider What Makes a Good essay topic. A good job essay topic should be relevant, engaging, and thought-provoking. It should also allow for in-depth analysis and discussion. In order to brainstorm and choose a good job essay topic, consider your own interests and passions, as well as current trends and issues in the job market. Additionally, think about the potential impact and significance of the topic, as well as its potential for generating new ideas and insights. A good essay topic should also be specific and focused, allowing for a clear and concise discussion.

Best Job Essay Topics

• The Gig Economy: The Future of Work
• The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Employment
• The Rise of Remote Work: Pros and Cons
• The Importance of Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace
• The Role of Company Culture in Employee Satisfaction
• The Future of Traditional 9-5 Jobs
• The Influence of Social Media on Job Searching
• The Benefits and Drawbacks of Freelancing
• The Psychology of Work-Life Balance
• The Impact of Technology on Job Automation
• The Evolution of Job Interview Techniques
• The Role of Soft Skills in Career Success
• The Influence of Gender in the Job Market
• The Future of Entrepreneurship
• The Psychological Effects of Unemployment
• The Impact of Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace
• The Importance of Networking in Career Development
• The Role of Mentoring in Professional Growth
• The Challenges of Work-From-Home Burnout
• The Influence of Globalization on Job Opportunities

Job essay topics Prompts

• Imagine a world where everyone works from home. How would this impact the job market and society as a whole?
• Write about a time when you faced a major career decision. What factors did you consider and how did it shape your career path?
• If you could create your dream job, what would it be and why? How would it benefit both you and the community?
• Reflect on a mentor or role model who has had a significant impact on your career. What lessons did they teach you and how did it shape your professional development?
• Explore the concept of work-life integration. How can individuals achieve a healthy balance between their personal and professional lives in today's fast-paced world?

Choosing a good job essay topic requires careful consideration and creativity. By brainstorming and considering current trends and issues in the job market, as well as your own interests and passions, you can select a topic that is relevant, engaging, and thought-provoking. The best job essay topics are those that allow for in-depth analysis and discussion, as well as the generation of new ideas and insights. With these recommendations and creative prompts in mind, you can take your job essay writing to the next level.

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Discussion on How to Find The Job You Love

The impact of technology on the future of work, job satisfaction is more important, a reflection of my job fair presentation and the opportunities presented, job questions, the job of video game artist ant the universities where you can be taught it, the connection between job satisfaction and job attitudes, how it jobs are better than other, working as a freelancer, personal writing: criminal justice career choices, human resource management: pros & cons of diversity in workplace, a file cabinet helps keep your home office organized, the profession of a lawyer, why i want to be a journalist, the profession of a lineman: pros and cons, civil engineering as an occupation, career profile research assignment: a career of social worker, first working day - the skillsusa review, office space movies review, profession of film and video editor, relevant topics.

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CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS - JULY 08: A view of Harvard Yard on the campus of Harvard University on ... [+] July 08, 2020 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Harvard and Massachusetts Institute of Technology have sued the Trump administration for its decision to strip international college students of their visas if all of their courses are held online. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

The college essay is a pivotal piece of the college application showcasing your individuality and differentiated outlook to admissions officers. What makes an essay truly shine? Let’s dive into the words behind three standout essays highlighted by university websites and a school newspaper's brand studio so you can get into the right mindset for crafting your own narrative.

Embracing Differences: Finding Strength In Uniqueness

Essay Excerpt: ‘Bra Shopping ’ (Harvard)

Featured by the Harvard Crimson Brand Studio , Orlee's essay recounts a student's humorous and insightful experience of bra shopping with her grandmother, weaving in her unique family dynamics and challenges at her prestigious school.

What Works:

• Humor and Honesty: The student's humor makes the essay enjoyable to read, while her honesty about her challenges adds depth.
• Self-Awareness: She demonstrates a strong sense of self-awareness, embracing her uniqueness rather than trying to fit in.
• Resilience: Her narrative highlights resilience and the ability to find strength in differences.

For Your Essay : To write an essay that embraces your uniqueness, start by identifying a quirky or challenging experience that reflects who a key insight into your experience. Think about how this experience has shaped your perspective and character. Use humor and honesty to bring your story to life, and focus on how you have embraced your differences to become stronger and more resilient.

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Best 5% interest savings accounts of 2024, finding connections: humor and self-reflection.

Essay: ‘Brood X Cicadas ’ (Hamilton College)

As an example on Hamilton's admissions website, Nicholas writes about the cicadas swarming his hometown every 17 years and draws a parallel between their emergence and his own transition to college life. He uses humor and self-reflection to create a relatable and engaging narrative.

• Humor: Nicholas uses humor to make his essay entertaining and memorable. His witty comparisons between himself and cicadas add a unique twist.
• Self-Reflection: By comparing his life to the cicadas’, he reflects on his own growth and readiness for change.
• Relatability: His narrative about facing new experiences and challenges resonates with readers who have undergone similar transitions.

For Your Essay: To infuse humor and self-reflection into your essay, start by identifying an ordinary experience or object and think about how it relates to your life. Write down funny or insightful observations about this connection. Use humor to make your essay more engaging, but ensure it still conveys meaningful self-reflection. This balance can make your essay both entertaining and profound.

Persistence and Multicultural Identity: Life Lessons From Tortilla Making

Essay: ‘ Facing The Hot Griddle ’ (Johns Hopkins University)

In this essay published by Hopkins Insider, Rocio uses the process of making tortillas to explore her multicultural identity and the challenges she has faced. Her story beautifully weaves together her Guatemalan heritage and her experiences growing up in the United States.

• Metaphor and Symbolism: The process of making tortillas becomes a powerful metaphor for the student’s journey and struggles. The symbolism of the masa harina and water mixing parallels her blending of cultural identities.
• Personal Growth: The essay highlights her perseverance and adaptability, qualities that are crucial for success in college.
• Cultural Insight: She provides a rich, personal insight into her multicultural background, making her story unique and compelling.

For Your Essay: To write an essay that explores your identity through a metaphor, start by thinking about an activity or tradition that holds significant meaning for you. Consider how this activity relates to your life experiences and personal growth. Use detailed descriptions to bring the activity to life and draw connections between the process and your own journey. Reflect on the lessons you've learned and how they've shaped your identity.

A winning college essay isn’t simply about parading your best accomplishment or dramatizing your challenges. It’s not a contest for which student is the most original or entertaining. Rather, the essay is a chance for you to showcase your authenticity, passion, resilience, social awareness, and intellectual vitality . By sharing genuine stories and insights, you can create an essay that resonates with admissions committees and highlights your unique qualities.

For you to have the best possible essay, mindset is key. Here’s how to get into the zone:

• Reflect Deeply: Spend time thinking about your experiences, challenges, and passions. Journaling can help you uncover deep insights.
• Discuss and Share: Talking about your stories with friends, family, or mentors can provide new perspectives and emotional clarity.
• Immerse Yourself: Engage in activities that you are passionate about to reignite the feelings and memories associated with them.
• Draft Freely: Don’t worry about perfection on the first try. Write freely and honestly, then refine your narrative.

The secret to a standout college essay lies in its authenticity, depth, and emotional resonance. By learning from these successful examples and getting into the right mindset, you can craft an essay that not only stands out but also provides a meaningful insight into who you are. Remember, your essay is your story—make it a piece of writing that you will always be proud of.

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5 Ways to Perfect Your Graduate School Application Essay

If you’re considering graduate school , you have probably come across application essay requirements. To many, the thought of distilling your experiences and personality into one brief essay can be daunting. How do you show these graduate admissions teams all of the great reasons why you would be perfect for their program within a couple of pages? Today’s blog will help you navigate the application essay process. We’ll provide tips on how to write a strong application essay that will stand out to graduate admissions teams.

Tip 1: Give yourself plenty of time

Everyone’s process is different, but in my experience, the best writing comes from taking your time. For me, I need a day or two to step away from my writing before I can edit it with fresh eyes. If I can take my time during the editing process, I’m able to catch the fine details, like a sentence that reads awkwardly or a tiny typo. Polishing your work is important, especially for graduate school applications. Schools are looking for applicants who can write and analyze at a graduate level, and your application essay is a glimpse into those skills. If your application essay doesn’t flow well or has grammatical issues, it can shed a poor light on those skills. 

To ensure you have plenty of time to make your essay shine, start writing 3-4 weeks before the deadline. This way, you have time to write a draft, step away, edit it with fresh eyes, and even ask a friend to look over your draft. The fine-tuning process may just help your essay stand out among the dozens of other applicants who may have rushed their essays.

Tip 2: Make a plan

Now that you’ve set aside plenty of time for writing and editing, it’s time to plan what you want to say. Your plan could look like a formal outline , or it could just be a brainstorming session. Whatever works for you, take some time to sit with the application prompt and plan how you will answer. 

It’s important to plan what examples you want to provide in your essay. You will probably write about your personal or professional qualities that make you a good fit for the program. Provide examples that demonstrate those qualities to your reader. As you read the essay prompt, think about specific anecdotes from your life that you can use to answer the question. 

For example, let’s say a publishing program asks you why you want to study publishing. In your response, you might talk about how you read an article about disparities in the publishing industry and how that made you want to become an editor who promotes authors from historically marginalized groups. If you have an example of how you promoted equity in a past job, add that to your response to show you have already started taking action. 

Whatever traits you highlight in your response, try to include real-life examples that illustrate these qualities. Once you have a plan of what you want to say in your response and what anecdotes you’ll use to support your points, it’ll be easier and quicker to get a draft written.

Tip 3: Fill in the gaps

When I started writing graduate application essays, I often fell into the trap of just rewriting my resume in a paragraph format. I was so anxious to demonstrate my experiences that I ended up just creating a list rather than a story. Don’t fall into the same trap!

Instead, think of your application essay as a way to fill in the gaps in your story. Your resume shows admissions teams what you have done, but your application essay should show them what you have learned from those experiences. How did you grow from that volunteer experience? What about your last job made you decide to return to school and change careers? These are the kinds of questions your application essay will answer for the admissions readers.

Additionally, your application essay is the place to showcase your personality . You want to keep your writing professional, but it’s okay to weave a bit of humor or quirkiness into your essay. Graduate programs want students who will add to the learning community, and showcasing your personality helps them envision how you’ll contribute to other students’ experiences. 

Tip 4: Avoid generic stories and phrases

Because essay prompts are often general, it’s easy to write generic responses. If the prompt feels cliche, you might be tempted to use cliches in your response as well. Try to avoid this, since cliche phrases can make your writing seem less authentic to you. You’re trying to showcase your unique qualities, so using an over-used saying won’t help your cause. Some example cliches to avoid are “against all odds,” “little did I know,” “I learned more from them than they did from me,” etc.

The same goes for the anecdotes you use. The stories you tell in your essay should be unique to you and relate directly back to the prompt. Try to avoid tangential or cookie-cutter stories that don’t relate to your overall essay theme. For example, instead of talking about your babysitting business in high school to show that you are industrious, tell the admissions team about a recent work or school project you helped make possible. 

Tip 5: Be aware of your audience

This final tip relates back to the editing process we discussed earlier. Regardless of the field, graduate programs need students who can read, analyze, and write at an advanced level. As such, be sure the writing mechanics in your essay are really tight. Make sure you don’t have run-on sentences, typos, or spelling issues. Try reading your essay aloud to find any problems with the flow of your writing. If you take the time to polish your writing, it will show, and you will be a more appealing candidate.  Ultimately, there is no key to writing the perfect application essay. Hopefully, with these tips, you will feel more prepared to write a great essay. If you have more questions about the application process for Emerson graduate programs, be sure to schedule a call with us! We look forward to your unique stories and application essays.

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Olivia Wachtel

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Olivia is a second-year student in Emerson's Communication Disorders MS program. Originally from Ohio, she is loving Emerson and city life. When she's not writing for the Grad Life blog, she loves to read, bake, and crochet.

Latest posts from Olivia Wachtel

• 5 Ways to Perfect Your Graduate School Application Essay - July 2, 2024
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• 5 Tips on How to Ask Your Boss for a Raise - June 18, 2024

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What it means for the Supreme Court to throw out Chevron decision, undercutting federal regulators

FILE- Gulls follow a commercial fishing boat as crewmen haul in their catch in the Gulf of Maine, in this Jan. 17, 2012 file photo. TExecutive branch agencies will likely have more difficulty regulating the environment, public health, workplace safety and other issues under a far-reaching decision by the Supreme Court. The court’s 6-3 ruling on Friday overturned a 1984 decision colloquially known as Chevron that has instructed lower courts to defer to federal agencies when laws passed by Congress are not crystal clear. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty, File)

The Supreme Court building is seen on Friday, June 28, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

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WASHINGTON (AP) — Executive branch agencies will likely have more difficulty regulating the environment, public health, workplace safety and other issues under a far-reaching decision by the Supreme Court .

The court’s 6-3 ruling on Friday overturned a 1984 decision colloquially known as Chevron that has instructed lower courts to defer to federal agencies when laws passed by Congress are not crystal clear.

The 40-year-old decision has been the basis for upholding thousands of regulations by dozens of federal agencies, but has long been a target of conservatives and business groups who argue that it grants too much power to the executive branch, or what some critics call the administrative state.

The Biden administration has defended the law, warning that overturning so-called Chevron deference would be destabilizing and could bring a “convulsive shock” to the nation’s legal system.

Chief Justice John Roberts, writing for the court, said federal judges “must exercise their independent judgment in deciding whether an agency has acted within its statutory authority.”

The ruling does not call into question prior cases that relied on the Chevron doctrine, Roberts wrote.

Here is a look at the court’s decision and the implications for government regulations going forward.

What is the Chevron decision?

Atlantic herring fishermen sued over federal rules requiring them to pay for independent observers to monitor their catch. The fishermen argued that the 1976 Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act did not authorize officials to create industry-funded monitoring requirements and that the National Marine Fisheries Service failed to follow proper rulemaking procedure.

In two related cases, the fishermen asked the court to overturn the 40-year-old Chevron doctrine, which stems from a unanimous Supreme Court case involving the energy giant in a dispute over the Clean Air Act. That ruling said judges should defer to the executive branch when laws passed by Congress are ambiguous.

In that case, the court upheld an action by the Environmental Protection Agency under then-President Ronald Reagan.

In the decades following the ruling, Chevron has been a bedrock of modern administrative law, requiring judges to defer to agencies’ reasonable interpretations of congressional statutes.

But the current high court, with a 6-3 conservative majority has been increasingly skeptical of the powers of federal agencies. Justices Brett Kavanaugh, Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito and Neil Gorsuch have questioned the Chevron decision. Ironically, it was Gorsuch’s mother, former EPA Administrator Anne Gorsuch, who made the decision that the Supreme Court upheld in 1984.

What’s at stake?

With a closely divided Congress, presidential administrations have increasingly turned to federal regulation to implement policy changes. Federal rules impact virtually every aspect of everyday life, from the food we eat and the cars we drive to the air we breathe and homes we live in.

President Joe Biden’s administration, for example, has issued a host of new regulations on the environment and other priorities, including restrictions on emissions from power plants and vehicle tailpipes , and rules on student loan forgiveness , overtime pay and affordable housing.

Those actions and others could be opened up to legal challenges if judges are allowed to discount or disregard the expertise of the executive-branch agencies that put them into place.

With billions of dollars potentially at stake, groups representing the gun industry and other businesses such as tobacco, agriculture, timber and homebuilding, were among those pressing the justices to overturn the Chevron doctrine and weaken government regulation.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce filed an amicus brief last year on behalf of business groups arguing that modern application of Chevron has “fostered aggrandizement’’ of the executive branch at the expense of Congress and the courts.

David Doniger, a lawyer and longtime Natural Resources Defense Council official who argued the original Chevron case in 1984, said he feared that a ruling to overturn the doctrine could “free judges to be radical activists” who could “effectively rewrite our laws and block the protections they are supposed to provide.”

“The net effect will be to weaken our government’s ability to meet the real problems the world is throwing at us — big things like COVID and climate change,″ Doniger said.

More than just fish

“This case was never just about fish,’' said Meredith Moore of the environmental group Ocean Conservancy. Instead, businesses and other interest groups used the herring fishery “to attack the foundations of the public agencies that serve the American public and conserve our natural resources,’' she said.

The court ruling will likely open the floodgates to litigation that could erode critical protections for people and the environment, Moore and other advocates said.

“For more than 30 years, fishery observers have successfully helped ensure that our oceans are responsibly managed so that fishing can continue in the future,’' said Dustin Cranor of Oceana, another conservation group.

He called the case “just the latest example of the far right trying to undermine the federal government’s ability to protect our oceans, waters, public lands, clean air and health.’'

West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey called the decision a fitting follow-up to a 2022 decision — in a case he brought — that limits the EPA’s ability to control greenhouse gas emissions from power plants. The court held that Congress must speak with specificity when it wants to give an agency authority to regulate on an issue of major national significance.

Morrisey, now the GOP nominee for governor, called Chevron “a misguided doctrine under which courts defer to legally dubious interpretations of statutes put out by federal administrative agencies.”

A shift toward judicial power

The Supreme Court ruling will almost certainly shift power away from the executive branch and Congress and toward courts, said Craig Green, a professor at Temple University’s Beasley School of Law.

“Federal judges will now have the first and final word about what statutes mean,″ he said. “That’s a big shift in power.″

In what some observers see as a historic irony, many conservatives who now attack Chevron once celebrated it. The late Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia was among those who hailed the original ruling as a way to rein in liberal laws.

“Conservatives believed in this rule until they didn’t,’' Green said in an interview.

In recent years, conservatives have focused on “deconstruction of the administrative state,’' even if the result lessens the ability of a conservative president to impose his beliefs on government agencies.

“If you weaken the federal government, you get less government,’' Green said — an outcome that many conservatives, including those who back former President Donald Trump, welcome.

The ruling will likely “gum up the works for federal agencies and make it even harder for them to address big problems. Which is precisely what the critics of Chevron want,” said Jody Freeman, director of the environmental and energy law program at Harvard Law School.

Diversity statements: what to avoid and what to include

Diversity statements are increasingly important for faculty, both when teaching online and applying for jobs. Pardis Mahdavi and Scott Brooks outline what to avoid and what to include when drafting a diversity statement

Pardis Mahdavi

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Search committees at colleges and universities increasingly require candidates applying for faculty or leadership positions to submit diversity statements. And in the post-Covid online world, where interviews are truncated at best, we are increasingly reliant on applicants’ written materials.

Universities across the US are now considering making diversity statements required for all faculty. Many institutions ask faculty to post diversity statements online for students to read before or during their course to demonstrate the institution’s and the individual’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity. Some universities even offer incentives such as merit raises for those willing to do so.

A well-constructed diversity statement is especially important for online instructors who need to provide a carefully considered response to the additional layer of challenges that many students face when studying remotely.

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Here, we lay out some “red flags” to avoid and key frameworks to embed when writing a diversity statement.

What to avoid – red flags

Common mistakes or pitfalls when writing a diversity statement fall into three major categories:

• Diversity by proxy
• Personal stories of redemption
• The exceptionalist argument.

1. Diversity by proxy

Diversity by proxy is when candidates borrow from the success of others, an organisation or programme. Candidates speak specifically about their department’s student demographics or a programme for students of colour that they direct, are part of or appreciate.

Example 1: “_____ (university’s name) is one of the most diverse campuses in the country. We are ____% white, ____% Latin, ____% Asian/Pacific Islander, ____% African American.”

Example 2: Candidates might mention success and claim some responsibility, implicitly or explicitly. “I’m a faculty mentor for the McNair Scholars programme and we have had wonderful, bright students who just need intense mentorship.”

Example 3: The message of “I support success for people of colour” can be followed by surprise and self-congratulation. “We have students who do very well, one or two have even gone on to graduate school at very good schools! One of my students, from Chicago, a first-generation student from a single-parent household, is a first-year PhD student at Berkeley.”

We called this “diversity by proxy” because the candidate’s example relies on numbers that tell us about where they are and not who they are or what they have done. Secondly, they are borrowing identity, status and achievement by linking themselves to the success stories of students of colour or faculty. In this way, they give undue credit to themselves as a saviour.

2. Personal stories of redemption

Candidates write of personal experiences that have occurred outside of the academy and are meant to reflect their appreciation for diversity and inclusion and their dissatisfaction with racism.

Example 1: They may write about an event that solidified their understanding of privilege: “I grew up in a small town where there was only one Indian family and one of the girls from that family became a close friend. And then, in the sixth grade, everything changed. She and I both auditioned for the school play, Annie , and it was clear that another girl got the lead because she was white and looked the part. But my friend was clearly better than everyone else. I felt bad for her but there was nothing I could do. And that is why I really feel so strongly about racism and exclusion and do what I can to help students of colour.”

Example 2: They may also talk about how they work with and learn so much from their colleagues of colour and students of colour. The focus is on their feeling and how they assuage their feelings of social injustice by their engagement, but does this lead to fighting structural issues found in the academy?

The playing field is never level, and so what do they do for those who they do not deem “clearly better”? 

3. The exceptionalist argument

Candidates write that they are in favour of diversity and inclusion but have not been in a position to fight against exclusionary practices.

Example 1: “Diversity is important but I can’t do it because my discipline is based on dead white men.”

Example 2: Or “I believe in diversity, but I have not been in a leadership position where I might make decisions. I would be supportive if there were some people of colour.”

The exceptionalist argument suggests that impact can only be made from certain positions, thereby exonerating most people who do not go against the grain. This obscures the roles that all faculty play in maintaining the status quo and contributing in small and large ways to discriminatory practices and negative outcomes for faculty, staff and students of colour.

Bias can lead to mis-assessing students, even creating unequal learning conditions. A student may be characterised as “low achieving” when they may need greater encouragement or when they come from a high school with fewer resources. In committee work, colleagues may use different adjectives to describe the quality of work of women colleagues and colleagues of colour.  

Are you interested in diversity issues? Check out our EDI channel, which is dedicated to advice and insight about equity, diversity and inclusion from academics around the world

What to include – key frameworks

Some white colleagues ask: “Can white candidates write something that would be acceptable?” This is a valid question. We say: “Of course they can. And some people of colour will write poor statements.” A good statement could come in countless forms. While some may feel that they cannot write from a position of experience, this is absolutely not the case. Their experiences are different.

We identify four elements found in strong diversity statements:

• Diversity as a strategy
• Evidence of addressing structural challenges
• Recognition and underscoring of the invisible labour done by faculty and staff of colour
• Demonstrated enlightened mentoring. 

1. Diversity as a strategy

Creating a plan, rather than simply doing an action, moves people beyond reacting and shows an understanding of intersectionality and the matrices of oppression.

For online teachers, it is especially important to consider the contours of their students’ lives. The strongest statements are ones where they see that there are interlocking issues – food insecurity is connected to student learning, impression management with professors, matriculation and well-being. For example, an online teaching candidate may have buttressed student support with financial and social support and mentoring and even made changes to policies that excluded certain people or groups based on criteria that are unnecessary. The strongest statements are those where candidates articulate how diversity is used centrally in re-thinking budget, curriculum and access.

2. Evidence of addressing structural challenges

Strong diversity statements include examples of candidates advocating for structural changes. They show that they recognise and make systemic changes to address this. Candidates can write about “white space” and how they have educated others and implemented new practices that go against the status quo. They may have found systemic holes and problems that have disparate effects on women of colour. They may have counteracted systemic and institutionalised practices. For instance, strong candidates mention noticing varying language, such as different adjectives, in the evaluations of faculty, staff and students of colour. 

3. Recognition or underscoring of invisible labour 

Supporting faculty and staff of colour must be multifaceted. It is widely known and acknowledged that faculty of colour have different experiences – they are counted on to take on certain services because they are a person of colour; students of colour look to them more than to white colleagues; and they face student racism. 

4. Demonstrated enlightened mentoring

Mentors who are “woke” to and address structural challenges, who use diversity as a strategy, and who recognise or underscore the invisible labour and challenges of faculty, staff and students of colour will mentor in ways that have longer term impacts and that mitigate exclusion and discriminatory practices.  Mentoring is especially difficult in the online world, but candidates who write about ways they have overcome this demonstrate strong commitments to the work of the framework we call JEDI (justice, equity, diversity and inclusion).

The JEDI framework is about more than one or two actions, and goes beyond a checklist. Thus, posting a diversity statement online is, in and of itself, not “enough”. However, this is an important part of systemic change when faculty post diversity statements, and these become an integral part of performance reviews and promotion. We are elevating the importance of JEDI work, and taking a step in the right direction of the structural changes needed for social transformation.

Pardis Mahdavi is dean of social sciences at the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and directs the School of Social Transformation, and Scott Brooks is an associate professor with the T. Denny Sanford School of Social and Family Dynamics, both at Arizona State University .

If you found this interesting and want advice and insight from academics and university staff delivered directly to your inbox each week,  sign up for the THE Campus newsletter .

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