Embarking on the journey to find a job or a professional opportunity often starts with a cover letter. It sets the tone for your resume, articulating your fit and interest for the role, and is critical in making a strong first impression. One style of formatting that is common for academic or scholarly applications is the APA (American Psychological Association) format. This guide will help you understand the APA cover letter, give you the best examples, and provide step-by-step instructions to write one.
An APA cover letter is a job application document formatted according to the guidelines established by the American Psychological Association. It’s typically used for academic, scholarly, or scientific applications, and emphasizes clarity, precision, and inclusivity. The APA cover letter should be concise, professional, and clearly communicate the applicant’s qualifications and suitability for the position.
The best APA cover letter is one that adheres to APA guidelines, but also is tailored to the specific job or position for which you’re applying. Here is an example:
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Email Address]
[Today’s Date]
[Employer’s Name]
[Company’s Name]
[Company’s Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
Dear [Employer’s Name],
I am writing to apply for the position of [Job Title], which was advertised on [Job Advertisement Source]. I am currently a [Your Current Job Status or Education Status] with a background in [Your Field of Expertise], and I believe I have the necessary skills and experience for this role.
In my current role at [Your Current or Previous Workplace], I [Describe a Key Responsibility or Achievement]. I am confident that this experience, along with my strong [Mention a Key Skill Relevant to the Job], makes me a strong candidate for this position.
I am impressed by [Something You Admire About the Company] and would be thrilled to contribute to [A Company Goal or Objective].
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to further discuss my suitability for the position.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
The above example serves as a basic APA cover letter that you can modify to suit your specific situation and the job you’re applying for. Remember, it’s crucial to customize each cover letter to the job and organization to which you are applying. Show them you understand their needs and demonstrate how your skills, experience, and aspirations align with the organization’s goals.
Formatting is key in an APA cover letter. It usually includes four main sections: the header, the salutation, the body, and the closing. The header contains your contact information, the date, and the employer’s contact information. The salutation addresses the employer directly (if the name is known) or generally if not. The body of the letter contains an introductory paragraph, a middle paragraph (or two), and a concluding paragraph. Finally, the closing includes a polite sign-off and your name. Stick to a professional font like Times New Roman, Calibri, or Arial, in 12-point size.
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Email Address]
[Today’s Date]
[Employer’s Name]
[Company’s Name]
[Company’s Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
Dear [Employer’s Name],
[Introductory Paragraph: State why you are writing, name the position for which you are applying, and mention how you heard about the opening or organization.]
[Body Paragraph(s): Give some background about your education, experience, and qualifications. Tailor this section to the job you’re applying for and highlight your most relevant skills and achievements.]
[Concluding Paragraph: Reiterate your interest in the position and the organization. Thank the employer for considering your application and suggest a follow-up.]
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Apa Cover Letter Format" />
An APA style cover letter sticks to the guidelines of the American Psychological Association. It should be typed on clean, white paper, and include a header with the page number and shortened title in the upper right corner. The letter itself should be divided into concise paragraphs, each serving a particular purpose – introduction, body, and conclusion. Language should be formal, clear, and concise, avoiding any unnecessary jargon or complex terms. An APA style cover letter also requires the use of one-inch margins on all sides of the page, and a running head at the top of each page.
While APA cover letters are generally used for academic and scientific applications, their clear and concise nature makes them ideal for various professional contexts as well. Here is another example of an APA cover letter:
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Email Address]
[Today’s Date]
[Employer’s Name]
[Company’s Name]
[Company’s Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
Dear [Employer’s Name],
I am excited to apply for the [Job Title] position, which I learned about through [Job Advertisement Source]. As a [Your Current Job Status or Education Status] specializing in [Your Field of Expertise], I am confident that my background and skills align perfectly with the requirements of this role.
During my time at [Your Current or Previous Workplace], I have gained valuable experience in [Key Responsibility or Achievement]. I have developed strong [Key Skill Relevant to the Job] skills and have consistently demonstrated my ability to [Key Achievement or Task].
Your company’s commitment to [Something You Admire About the Company] resonates with my professional beliefs, and I am eager to contribute to [A Company Goal or Objective].
Thank you for considering my application. I am looking forward to further discussing how my skills and experiences align with the needs of your company.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
