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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 198,248 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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113 Career Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

Inside This Article

Choosing a career path is a significant decision that can shape our lives. Whether you are a high school student exploring your options or a working professional considering a career change, writing a career essay can be a valuable exercise in self-reflection and goal-setting. To help you get started, here are 113 career essay topic ideas and examples that can inspire your writing:

Why I chose my current career path.

The influence of my family on my career choices.

Exploring unconventional career options.

The impact of technology on the job market.

The role of internships in career development.

How to navigate a successful career in a competitive industry.

Strategies for finding work-life balance in a demanding career.

The importance of professional networking for career growth.

Challenges faced by women in male-dominated industries.

The role of education in career success.

The pros and cons of freelance work.

How to turn a hobby into a career.

The future of remote work and its implications for careers.

The impact of automation on job opportunities.

The benefits of pursuing a career in the nonprofit sector.

The role of mentors in career development.

The importance of continuous learning in a rapidly changing world.

Exploring careers in the healthcare industry.

The challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship.

The impact of globalization on career opportunities.

The role of personal branding in career advancement.

The benefits of cross-cultural work experience.

The role of emotional intelligence in career success.

Exploring careers in the creative arts.

The challenges and rewards of a career in the military.

The impact of social media on career opportunities.

The importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

The benefits of pursuing a career in science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM).

The challenges and rewards of a career in education.

The role of leadership skills in career advancement.

The impact of climate change on future career opportunities.

Exploring careers in the hospitality industry.

The benefits of pursuing a career in the environmental sector.

The challenges and rewards of a career in law enforcement.

The role of communication skills in career success.

The impact of artificial intelligence on job displacement.

The importance of financial literacy in career planning.

Exploring careers in the fashion industry.

The benefits of pursuing a career in public service.

The challenges and rewards of a career in the entertainment industry.

The role of resilience in overcoming career setbacks.

The impact of social entrepreneurship on career options.

The importance of work culture in career satisfaction.

Exploring careers in the sports industry.

The benefits of pursuing a career in the technology sector.

The challenges and rewards of a career in the aviation industry.

The role of adaptability in navigating a changing career landscape.

The impact of artificial intelligence on job creation.

The importance of work-life integration in career fulfillment.

Exploring careers in the tourism industry.

The benefits of pursuing a career in the financial sector.

The challenges and rewards of a career in healthcare administration.

The role of organizational skills in career success.

The impact of online learning on career development.

The importance of workplace diversity for innovation.

Exploring careers in the film industry.

The benefits of pursuing a career in engineering.

The challenges and rewards of a career in social work.

The role of negotiation skills in career advancement.

The impact of remote work on employee well-being.

The importance of emotional well-being in career satisfaction.

Exploring careers in the gaming industry.

The benefits of pursuing a career in marketing.

The challenges and rewards of a career in nonprofit management.

The role of time management in career success.

The impact of social media on personal branding.

The importance of cultural intelligence in global careers.

Exploring careers in the culinary industry.

The benefits of pursuing a career in journalism.

The challenges and rewards of a career in architecture.

The role of problem-solving skills in career advancement.

The impact of remote work on team collaboration.

The importance of work-life harmony in career fulfillment.

Exploring careers in the music industry.

The benefits of pursuing a career in psychology.

The challenges and rewards of a career in event planning.

The role of decision-making skills in career success.

The impact of artificial intelligence on job satisfaction.

The importance of mentorship in career development.

Exploring careers in the automotive industry.

The benefits of pursuing a career in entrepreneurship.

The challenges and rewards of a career in graphic design.

The role of creativity in career advancement.

The impact of remote work on organizational culture.

The importance of work-life boundaries in career satisfaction.

Exploring careers in the publishing industry.

The benefits of pursuing a career in human resources.

The challenges and rewards of a career in interior design.

The role of teamwork in career success.

The impact of artificial intelligence on job security.

The importance of self-reflection in career planning.

Exploring careers in the education technology industry.

The benefits of pursuing a career in healthcare research.

The challenges and rewards of a career in social media management.

The role of adaptability in overcoming career obstacles.

The impact of remote work on employee engagement.

The importance of work-life integration in career success.

Exploring careers in the renewable energy sector.

The benefits of pursuing a career in data analytics.

The challenges and rewards of a career in public relations.

The role of critical thinking skills in career advancement.

The impact of artificial intelligence on job recruitment.

The importance of lifelong learning in career growth.

Exploring careers in the e-commerce industry.

The benefits of pursuing a career in healthcare policy.

The challenges and rewards of a career in software development.

The role of adaptability in navigating a changing job market.

The impact of remote work on work-life balance.

The importance of personal development in career success.

Exploring careers in the renewable energy industry.

The benefits of pursuing a career in user experience design.

The challenges and rewards of a career in cybersecurity.

The role of emotional intelligence in career advancement.

These 113 career essay topic ideas and examples cover a wide range of industries, skills, and challenges. Whether you are passionate about a particular field or looking for inspiration, these topics can help you explore various aspects of careers and find your own unique path. Remember, writing a career essay is not only about showcasing your knowledge and skills but also about understanding yourself and the world of work. Good luck on your writing journey!

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The Process of Getting a Job

• To find inspiration for your paper and overcome writer’s block
• As a source of information (ensure proper referencing)
• As a template for you assignment

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.

• How to Improve a Resume for AI Bots
• Job Searching and Career Planning
• Why an interview is generally invalid and unreliable
• Sociological Portrait: Elements and Concepts
• Social Issues of Families in Poverty
• Theories of National and International Challenges Addressing
• Karl Marx and Max Weber' Views on Sociological Theory
• Sociological Perspective: Social Change and Environment
• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

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

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

IvyPanda . (2020) 'The Process of Getting a Job'. 11 May.

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

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

Bibliography

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

Home — Essay Samples — Life — Job — Job Hunting: Ways to Success

Finding a Job: Ways to Success

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About this sample

Words: 874 |

Published: May 7, 2019

Words: 874 | Pages: 2 | 5 min read

Table of contents

Looking for a job: essay, part 1: career development, part 2: job search, part 3: strategy, applying skills, director of marketing.

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The 10 Best Websites to Find Academic Writing Jobs

Looking for a job in academic writing? These websites round up the best job opportunities around the world for you.

If you're a student looking for some extra dough, academic writing is one of the best ways to encash your skills. At the same time, it enhances your knowledge and helps you grow as a learner. In fact, it's not just for students; you can do it full-time if you are a professional writer.

Having the freedom to work from home, at your own pace, and having opportunities to grow are just a few perks of this job. So, if you are ready to delve deeper, let's look at ten great websites for finding academic writing jobs.

1. WritingCreek

WritingCreek is one of the best academic writing sites to work with if you are a beginner. It has a simple and free-of-cost hiring process, which usually takes 24 to 48 hours to complete. Once the team approves your account, you can start bidding and earning straight away. It offers a rate of $4.00 per page to beginners and up to $12.00 to experts.

The site lets you choose the subjects you are proficient in and has a regular stream of academic tasks with short and long deadlines. WritingCreek gives you the liberty to choose your tasks and work at your own pace, and its support team is always available for a live chat whenever you need them.

It also helps you enhance your skills as its in-house editors give feedback on the papers accepted by the client, offering useful tips for improvement. WritingCreek usually pays twice a month through different payment methods like Payoneer and PayPal without deducting any extra charges. You can also check out these technical writing jobs if you have the expertise.

2. EssayShark

You can get started on EssayShark within a week after taking and passing its test. If you are a college student and have solid writing skills, this platform can help you earn a decent amount to aid you in your studies. The site lets you bid on papers that fall under your subject area.

You can choose your preferred subjects in advance to get relevant tasks and can chat with the customers directly to discuss the details of the paper. EssayShark pays you twice a month, and along with the pay, it also offers bonuses and rewards if the customers give you good ratings because of your timely submissions and high-quality work.

3. Writers.ph

Being among the top academic writing websites, this platform targets professional-level writers and researchers to work for them. It usually takes 24 to 48 hours to review your application, and once approved, you can start working immediately. The site gets projects from all around the world and has a constant flow of work. It also offers 24/7 support to help you with any issues that you might face.

In addition, Writers.ph offers job promotions based on your performance, leading to status improvement and increased pay rates. It also has proofreading, editing, and presentation-related tasks, along with academic paper writing. Also, check out these great smartphone apps for freelance writers .

4. LancerHop

LancerHop provides you with multiple fields to work in. It hires academic writers, web developers, editing experts, web content writers, copywriters, editing experts, and bloggers. The hiring process is similar to that of other academic writing websites, where you need to create a profile, and after passing the test, you can start working.

It creates a dashboard where the system assigns you tasks. All of your information regarding payment, task completion, and editing is available on the dashboard. The platform allows you to set flexible timings for your work by choosing from different time zones and also flexible working days like weekdays only.

5. Academia Research

Academia Research offers you decent pay rates and career growth opportunities in the academic writing field. The registration process requires a test to get selected. Once the team approves your account, you start at a General level, where the pay is $3.00 per page for high school and college level papers.

You can move on to Advanced, Premium, and First Class levels to get paid $2.00 per page for master's and Ph.D. level papers. The site has a variety of tasks with flexible deadlines related to different subjects and education levels. It pays you twice a month through the payment method of your choice.

6. Essay Service

This platform provides you with an easy-to-use website with a mobile-friendly interface to let you access your account from anywhere. Moreover, it has an efficient system for competitive bidding that also offers a price negotiation facility.

Essay Service helps you build a career and a network, and you can share your professional portfolio with your clients and other contacts, helping you expand your customer base in the process. You also get a 24/7 online support system to guide you at each step.

You can withdraw money every 48 hours through Skrill or wire transfer. In addition, it lets you stay connected through SMS, email, and push notifications without needing to go online.

7. Writers Labs

Writers Labs provides you with a variety of opportunities, including academic writing, article writing, and essay writing. Its pay rates are pretty decent, varying from $5.00 to $26.00 for one page, and it also offers a 2% to 4% bonus on high efficiency.

You get a list of tasks on the site and can choose from those tasks based on your preference and availability. In addition, its support team is there to guide you through the process to help you get started. Check out these ways to source clients as a freelance writer .

8. Write My Essay Online

Write My Essay Online is a platform suitable for both academic writing beginners and experts. The website has a regular influx of tasks and helps you get assignments in the areas of your interest.

Registration on this website is free, much like on most sites on this list, and it has flexible work timing, allowing you to choose your projects as per your desire. Through bidding, you can decide your own rates and get paid twice a month.

9. Academic Minds

Academic Minds provides numerous services to help you unleash your academic writing potential. You have the option of taking up multiple roles, like tutoring, marking work, writing essays and dissertations, and editing. The website is UK based and helps international students in excelling in their academic tasks.

You can start bidding once your account is completely set up, and there is a potential to earn as much as $4000.00 per month through dissertations and tutoring. You can also showcase your online writing portfolio on these free platforms .

10. WriterBay

WriterBay provides you with projects and assignments in numerous fields. It has a free lifetime membership that offers a platform where you can get long-term work.

After registering with WriterBay, you can manage the workload at your own pace. In addition, it offers competitive pay and opportunities for personal growth. Most of its services are similar to those offered by other sites on this list.

Find Your Next Academic Job Through These Sites

Academic writing jobs provide a valuable opportunity for learning and growth. It is a huge field of work that allows you to earn and grow in your career.

Most of the websites shared above help you earn well and offer flexible timings for easier management. You can choose one or more of these sites to move forward while enjoying the rewards from the comfort of your home.

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How to Write a Job Application Letter (With Examples)

What Is a Job Application Letter?

Tips for writing a job application letter, how to get started.

• Writing Guidelines
• What to Include in Each Section

Simple Formatting Using a Template

Tips for writing an effective letter, sample job application letter, sending an email application, review more letter examples.

Do you need to write a letter to apply for a job? Most of the time, the answer is yes. Even when employers don’t require a job application letter , writing one will help you highlight your skills and achievements and get the hiring manager’s attention. The only time not to send one is when the job listing says not to do so. It can help, and it definitely won't hurt to include an application letter with your resume.

A job application letter, also known as a cover letter , should be sent or uploaded with your resume when applying for jobs. While your resume offers a history of your work experience and an outline of your skills and accomplishments, the job application letter you send to an employer explains why you are qualified for the position and should be selected for an interview.

Writing this letter can seem like a challenging task. However, if you take it one step at a time, you'll soon be an expert at writing application letters to send with your resume.

Melissa Ling / The Balance

Before you begin writing your job application letter, do some groundwork. Consider what information you want to include, and keep in mind that space is limited.

Remember, this letter is making a case for your candidacy for the position. But you should do more than just regurgitate your resume. Instead, highlight your most relevant skills, experiences, and abilities.

Analyze the Job Posting

To include the most convincing, relevant details in your letter, you'll need to know what the employer wants.

The biggest clues are within the job advertisement, so spend some time decoding the job listing . Next, match your qualifications with the employer's wants and needs.

Include Your Most Relevant Qualifications

Make a list of your relevant experience and skills. For instance, if the job ad calls for a strong leader, think of examples of when you've successfully led a team. Once you've jotted down some notes and have a sense of what you want to highlight in your letter, you're ready to start writing.

Writing Guidelines for Job Application Letters

Writing a job application letter is very different from a quick email to a friend or a thank-you note to a relative. Hiring managers and potential interviewers have certain expectations when it comes to the letter's presentation and appearance, from length (no more than a page) and font size to style and letter spacing . Keep these general guidelines in mind, but always stick to any explicit instructions in the job listing or application portal.

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

Format and Page Margins: A letter of application should be single-spaced with a space between each paragraph. Use 1-inch margins and align your text to the left, which is the standard alignment for most documents.

Font: Use a traditional font such as Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri. The font size should be between 10 and 12 points.

What to Include in Each Section of the Letter

There are also set rules for the sections included in the letter, from salutation to sign-off, and how the letter is organized. Here's a quick overview of the main sections included in a job application letter:

Heading: A job application letter should begin with both your and the employer's contact information (name, address, phone number, email), followed by the date. If this is an email rather than an actual letter, include your contact information at the end of the letter, after your signature.

•   Header Examples

Salutation: This is your polite greeting. The most common salutation is "Dear Mr./Ms." followed by the person's last name. Find out more about appropriate cover letter salutations , including what to do if you don't know the person's name or are unsure of a contact's gender.

Body of the letter: Think of this section as having three distinct parts.

In the first paragraph , you'll want to mention the job you are applying for and where you saw the job listing.

The next paragraph(s) are the most important part of your letter. Remember how you gathered information about what the employer was seeking, and how you could meet their needs? This is where you'll share those relevant details on your experience and accomplishments.

The third and last part of the body of the letter will be your thank you to the employer; you can also offer follow-up information.

Complimentary Close: Sign off your email or letter with a polite close, such as "Best," or "Sincerely," followed by your name.

• Closing Examples

Signature: When you're sending or uploading a printed letter, end with your handwritten signature, followed by your typed name. If this is an email, simply include your typed name, followed by your contact information.

• Signature Examples

Overwhelmed by all these formatting and organization requirements? One way to make the process of writing a job application easier is to use a template to create your own personalized letters. Having a template can help save you time if you are sending a lot of application letters.

Be sure that each letter you send is personalized to the company and position; do not send the same letter to different companies.

• Always write one. Unless a job posting explicitly says not to send a letter of application or cover letter, you should always send one. Even if the company does not request a letter of application, it never hurts to include one. If they do ask you to send a letter, make sure to follow the directions exactly (for example, they might ask you to send the letter as an email attachment or type it directly into their online application system).
• Use business letter format. Use a formal business letter format when writing your letter. Include your contact information at the top, the date, and the employer’s contact information. Be sure to provide a salutation at the beginning and your signature at the end.
• Sell yourself. Throughout the letter, focus on how you would benefit the company. Provide specific examples of times when you demonstrated skills or abilities that would be useful for the job, especially those listed in the job posting or description. If possible, include examples of times when you added value to a company.

Numerical values offer concrete evidence of your skills and accomplishments.

• Use keywords. Reread the job listing, taking note of any keywords (such as skills or abilities that are emphasized in the listing). Try to include some of those words in your cover letter. This will help the employer see that you are a strong fit for the job.
• Keep it brief. Keep your letter under a page long, with no more than about four paragraphs. An employer is more likely to read a concise letter.
• Proofread and edit. Employers are likely to overlook an application with a lot of errors. Read through your cover letter, and if possible, ask a friend or career counselor to review the letter. Proofread for any grammar or spelling errors.

This is a job application letter sample.  Download the letter template (compatible with Google Docs or Word Online) or read the example below.

Sample Job Application Letter (Text Version)

Elizabeth Johnson 12 Jones Street Portland, Maine 04101 555-555-5555 elizabethjohnson@emailaddress.com

August 11, 2024

Mark Smith Human Resources Manager Veggies to Go 238 Main Street Portland, Maine 04101

Dear Mr. Smith,

I was so excited when my former coworker, Jay Lopez, told me about your opening for an administrative assistant in your Portland offices. A long-time Veggies to Go customer and an experienced admin, I would love to help the company achieve its mission of making healthy produce as available as takeout.

I’ve worked for small companies for my entire career, and I relish the opportunity to wear many hats and work with the team to succeed. In my latest role as an administrative assistant at Beauty Corp, I saved my employer thousands of dollars in temp workers by implementing a self-scheduling system for the customer service reps that cut down on canceled shifts. I also learned web design and timesheet coding, and I perfected my Excel skills. 

I’ve attached my resume for your consideration and hope to speak with you soon about your needs for the role.

Best Regards,

Elizabeth Johnson (signature hard copy letter)

Elizabeth Johnson

When you are sending your letter via email include the reason you are writing in the subject line of your message:

Subject Line Example

Subject: Elizabeth Johnson – Administrative Assistant Position

List your contact information in your signature, rather than in the body of the letter:

Email Signature Example

Elizabeth Johnson 555-555-5555 email@emailaddress.com

Review more examples of professionally written cover letters for a variety of circumstances, occupations, and job types.

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

University of Maryland Global Campus. " Cover Letters ."

Job Search Advice for a Tough Market: Think Broadly and Stay Flexible

New graduates entering the job market will face a very different landscape from even a year ago, with a murky economy and potentially more limited career prospects.

Though unemployment figures in the US remain near historically low levels, the pace of hiring in April slowed, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. US employers added 175,000 jobs, seasonally adjusted, far fewer than the more than 300,000 in March and below the 240,000 analysts expected.

For those seeking business careers, success might mean searching beyond traditional first jobs like consulting or large firms. Slowdowns can be the best time to explore an unexpected path, professionally or geographically.

Harvard Business School faculty share their viewpoints on the ever-changing job market, with a sharp eye on what it means for corporate careers from consulting to private equity.

Paul Gompers: All it takes is one ‘yes’

The venture capital and startup job market is particularly slow this year. I am reaching into my network more than in prior years to put students in touch with people in the industry.

Down rounds and layoffs in tech have been in the headlines for the past 18 months as startups adjust to the need to get to breakeven and to deal with unreasonable valuation expectations of the last several years.

That being said, my research and research by others has shown that venture capital and startup market slowdowns are opportune times to enter the industry.

“Prospects are likely to improve over the short run and perseverance is rewarded.”

Returns and attractive exits are higher for startups formed during these periods in history. Overall, I emphasize that students need to be patient.

Good jobs are out there to be had. All it takes is one yes.

My own view is that the public markets and venture capital fundraising markets are slowly improving. Prospects are likely to improve over the short run and perseverance is rewarded.

Paul Gompers is the Eugune Holman Professor of Business Administration at HBS.

David Fubini: Brace for tough conditions

There’s no sugarcoating it: students looking to start careers in consulting are facing some of the toughest market conditions we’ve seen since 2007 and 2008. Just a few years ago, as a derivative of the COVID-19 pandemic, firms experienced a dramatic and sudden increase in demand, which led to a sharp increase in hiring. Contrary to many firms’ expectations, things soon settled back down, and project volumes decreased.

At the same time, adjacent industries like tech, venture capital and private equity also experienced slowdowns, which meant fewer consultants left their firms for other tech and PE/VC opportunities. As many recent grads have come to learn firsthand, firms have not only slashed hiring overall, but also pushed back start dates for those who have been hired.

They have also adopted a stance of “firm first” rather than “accommodating” when dealing with new consultants as they work to, in their view, get supply in balance with demand.

“When openings are so scarce, remember that there are a huge array of consulting firms with different strengths and specialties.”

Given these challenges, students hoping to go into consulting need to fundamentally rethink their approach along three dimensions:

Broaden your search. Too often, MBA students concentrate their efforts on the large strategic consulting firms such as McKinsey, Bain, and BCG. This approach severely limits opportunities. When openings are so scarce, remember that there are a huge array of consulting firms with different strengths and specialties. Some are industry- or function-specific in focus, while other firms concentrate on small or family businesses, the public sector, and even private equity. By limiting your focus to the major strategic firms, you will significantly decrease the probability of your success.

Focus on your unique strengths. You must focus your search based on your personal value proposition: What is it that you’re uniquely able to contribute? In periods of oversupply, personal intelligence, drive, and leadership qualities alone will not attract an array of offers. Firms are looking for associates they know they can easily deploy with experience that suits client needs.

In this increasingly complex world, there is no shortage of client demands for digital transformation, emerging artificial intelligence (AI) applications, renewable energy, risk mitigation, pricing/yield management, climate change, and supply-chain realignment, to name but a few. As an applicant, you need to be able to articulate how your background and experience will help the firms fulfill specific client needs.

Be flexible. You’re going to have to show a willingness to accept different roles, geographies, and work-life balance demands. In the past, advisory firms increasingly accommodated applicants’ personal circumstances in a drive to “win the war for talent.” Today, this is, unfortunately, not as critical.

A desire to relocate geographically for personal reasons or to work at a pace and in a manner that benefits your personal situation will create barriers at a time when many firms are actively seeking to trim their workforce. Flexibility and willingness to be available for opportunities as they arise will be a differentiator given the few offers they will be making.

David G. Fubini is a senior lecturer at Harvard Business School and a former senior partner at McKinsey.

Letian Zhang: Collaborative skills are increasingly important

The labor market is changing in a lot of ways. Some of my recent work looks at changing skill requirements from employers. In this paper, for example, I find that the role expectation for managers has shifted. Instead of expecting managers to supervise and command, employers increasingly expect managers to play the role of collaborator. This is consistent with other findings that social and collaborative skills are becoming increasingly relevant in today’s labor market.

Despite shifts in the job market, some considerations remain constant:

Analytical and technical skills are still important. In other research, I find that more employers are looking for what I call foundational skills. These not only include social skills, but also analytical thinking and math. One possible reason for this is that the types of skills needed are constantly evolving, so many employers prefer workers with a strong foundation in a variety of skills. This allows them to learn quickly and adapt to whatever new skills are required of them.

Country and context matter. Another of my recent papers shows that employers' skill expectations vary significantly from country to country. For example, not every country places the same value on basic skills. We show that a country's level of trust can shape the types of skills employers seek.

In higher-trust societies, employers are more willing to make long-term investments in their employees and place a higher value on candidates' foundational skills. In lower-trust societies, however, employers perceive the employer-employee relationship as more of a short-term transaction and prefer to select candidates who already have the relevant skills to hit the ground running.

Letian (LT) Zhang is an Assistant Professor of Business Administration in the Organizational Behavior Unit at HBS.

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How to Answer “Why Are You Looking for a New Job?” (With 45+ Examples)

How do you respond to someone asking you why you’re job hunting or considering looking for a new job?

Do you talk about your old boss or company, or do you focus on what you’re looking for in a new role? Do you tell them the truth, or do you spin an answer that makes it sound like everything is great?

According to experts, here are effective ways to answer “why are you looking for a new job?” along with a few examples.

Cori Caldwell

Career Mindset Coach

“ Why are you looking for a new job ?” is one of those seemingly innocent questions from recruiters and prospective employers that can either set you off on the wrong foot or completely derail your credibility if you’re not prepared with a well-thought-out answer.

Whether you are responding verbally or adding this detail as part of a written cover letter , it’s essential to take the time to consider how you’ll position yourself. 

A best practice is to develop and practice your  go-to  statement ahead of interview time.

Focus more time explaining what you want in your next job

The secret to crafting a stellar answer to this question is to focus more time explaining what you  want  in your next job vs. what you don’t like about your current/last one.

Related: How to Best Answer: “What Are You Looking for in Your Next Job?”

According to a recent study , the top 4 reasons why people either quit or are looking for a new job are:

Better salary

More opportunities for advancement.

• Leaving a toxic culture
• Switching industries or careers

Check out the script examples below, categorized by these top 4 reasons that may be helpful as you work on customizing your thoughtful response.

You may identify with multiple reasons, but when it comes to giving prospective employers a bit more context into your why, it’s helpful to  anchor yourself to one that feels most true.

While it might seem obvious, your response should  not  include actual figures or ranges at this point. By focusing your statement on value, you turn the conversation toward what the prospective employer can expect by hiring you. 

One caution of highlighting ‘ better salary ‘ as your reason for looking for a new job is because the job market is hot for job seekers, and many are motivated to jump ship solely for the salary increase. 

Be sure to clarify your interest in employment  long-term.

Example script:

“ I hope to join an organization that truly values their employees’ experience and skills long term and offers competitive salary and benefits accordingly. 

I believe my __ years of experience, along with my [certifications/specializations in ____, _____, and ____], will bring unique value to the company. “

Whether the company priorities change or there doesn’t seem to be any room for growth in your organization, you can create a statement that highlights your goals as a primary reason you’ve joined the job search.

Example script (A) Organizational growth stalled:

“ My career goals involve [insert relevant goal; e.g., taking on additional management responsibility]. Although I’m ready to take on this next challenge, the org structure in my current company is not set up to allow for this in the foreseeable future. I am excited to see that [company Y] is investing in this new role… “

Example script (B) Business refocus:

“ Since joining company X in [insert year], the focus/priority of the business has shifted from [insert business priority; __a___ to __z__; e.g., from data security to cloud security]. 

My career aspirations have always been to [insert relevant aspiration, goal; e.g., work with a leader in data security], so I’m excited to be applying for a role where I can have the biggest impact. “

Toxic culture

Learning from the common mistakes, it’s best to describe the kind of culture/boss you  want  to be part of while  avoiding  the unpleasant details of the toxic situation you’re currently in. 

Employers would rather see that you are running toward them, not running away from someone else.  Studying the desired company’s values to ensure they mesh with yours would be wise.

“ I’m looking to join an organization that supports [insert ideal corporate culture characteristics here; e.g., a healthy work-life, values a diverse workforce, and operates with integrity]. 

As a hard-working professional, I want to feel like a valued team member who contributes to [add measurable outcome; e.g., the evolution of traditional HR practices]. I’m confident that I’ll find this opportunity with [company X]. “

Switching industries/careers

When it comes to explaining a shift from one industry to another, or a complete career reset, it’s critical to sell your vision of the future and connect the dots for the interviewer.

Tell the story of how your values have impacted your decisions and what drives meaning and purpose for you. 

“ I am looking to better align my values with the right company. I realized that [what you did in your previous role; e.g., selling B2B software to the gatekeepers of IT departments] isn’t inspiring me anymore. 

Outside of work, I [describe where you get motivation, meaning, or experience for the new industry/career; e.g., I volunteer my skills to help promote a non-profit organization that champions women and POC-owned businesses in the environmental industry]. 

Making a conscious shift toward putting my energy full time behind [insert new industry/business] is what will get me out of bed in the morning. “

Here are several pitfalls to avoid

Disparaging current/previous employer or manager.

Avoid blaming or speaking ill of your current/former employer as part of your answer. 

You may think expressing frustration about your boss’s micromanaging style will gain some empathy with a recruiter/interviewer (because who hasn’t had this experience!). 

But this type of response can make you look immature , reactive , and negative . 

Being too literal

I once had a client who was interested in a higher-paying role at a new company. When asked during an interview why she was considering leaving her current job, she blurted out, “ I deserve more money. There’s no doubt my peers at other companies are making $20K more than I am!”  

While this may have been true, the better approach, in this case, would have been to speak to her  value  as a high performer and  desire  to join an organization that recognizes and rewards top talent.

Being too vague

Brushing off this question by giving a  flippant  or  vague  answer can also be a red flag to an interviewer. 

Responding with  one-liners  like, “ Well, who isn’t looking for a new job right now ,” or “ It’s just time for a change ” might elicit an  awkward  chuckle, but it won’t help you build rapport or trust. 

Err on the side of authenticity vs. humor when answering this question.

Being specific about what matters to you invites the listener to understand your values better and, ultimately, whether you’ll be a fit for the role and company.

Beware the follow-up trap

You may have composed a brilliantly positive response, only to be caught off guard by an opportunistic follow-up question: “ I’ve also heard the culture at XYZ company can be cutthroat…has that been part of your experience? ” 

Even if this  was  true for you, the best response is to take the high road: “ Luckily, I am/was focused on my career while at XYZ company and learned a lot during my time there. “

Whatever your reason for seeking a fresh start with a new company, investing a few minutes in creating a brief, well-positioned response to the question “ why are you looking for a new job? ” could mean the difference between getting hired or leaving behind in the first round.

Anastasiia Khlopova

IT Recruiter, Jooble

Talk more about what you want to get and not what you want to get rid of

One of the simplest, but at the same time, the most  intimidating  questions that often drives candidates to a dead end. How is it better to answer to be understood correctly? 

Name the reason honestly and in detail, or speak in general terms? The primary rule here is one— honesty  and  directness ! 

Don’t worry or panic; looking for a new job is normal.

Why do employers ask this question?

At first glance, the question gives the employer much information about you and: 

• Your motives
• Reveals you as a person 
• Show what kind of employee you will be in the future

It is essential for the employer to understand the reasons that prompted you to look for a new company and whether it can give you what you lacked in the previous one. 

Remember : Companies want to hire the most relevant and motivated employee who will work for the company for a long time .

There can be many reasons why you change jobs, and they all have a place to be:

• Staff reduction in the company
• No possibility for growth
• You want to change your position, but the company does not have the opportunity to provide you with it 
• You want to change the scope
• You had a conflict with one of your colleagues
• Changing internal processes in the company that do not suit you
• You want to gain experience in a new company from another field
• Financial difficulties in the company
• Your salary has not been reviewed for an extended time, although your level as a specialist has grown
• A change in management that affected the processes of work, and you

There can be many options, and the main thing is to answer in detail . 

Instead of the dry “ there was a conflict with the manager, ” tell its essence, what reasons preceded it, how you tried to solve the conflict, and why you decided to leave.

Related: 30+ Workplace Conflict Examples and How to Resolve Them

What can be red flags?

• To scold and criticize your previous employer , say how bad he or the company is. This position shows you as a person who only complains and shifts responsibility to others.
• To say that the  only  reason is monetary motivation.  This may lead to the idea that you will leave as soon as you are offered more money.
• To name a beautiful office near the house  is the only reason to change the employer. 

Perhaps you want an office  closer  to home or  higher  material rewards, but they can be  red flags  for the employer if you name only these reasons.

Example 1 (for developer):

“ I have been working in this company for four years. During this time, I have grown from the position of a junior specialist to middle +. I took on additional tasks such as mentoring newcomers, writing technical documentation, and supporting in running the internal service. 

I got a great experience here and upgraded my skills. I have a cool, friendly, professional team, which is quite difficult to part with. But for the last half a year, I told my manager that I would like to develop as a full-stack developer because I decided to move in this direction and even took courses to gain knowledge. 

I asked the management to give me tasks that concern the backend part and the frontend. Unfortunately, it was impossible to provide me with such tasks since they were all distributed among other developers. And over the past month, the project’s financing has been getting worse, and there were fewer and fewer new tasks. 

I realized that I had stopped developing in this company, and getting skills only from courses and books was not enough for me. Therefore, I decided to look for a new company where I could realize myself as a full-stack developer and improve my level. 

From your job description, I saw that this is precisely what you expect from the candidate. I was also delighted with the opportunity to mentor junior specialists; as I said earlier, I have such experience, and I like to share my knowledge and experience. “

In this example, you reveal several critical points at once:

• You honestly and in detail say what the reason was. It sounds much better than “ I’m looking for something new” or “I didn’t have any development in this company. “
• You reveal some of your strengths and skills
• You are directly talking about your primary motivation
• Make it clear that you have carefully read the job description and clearly understand why you are applying for this position
• You speak warm enough and, which is the most importantly, honestly about your former employer

Example 2 (for a marketer):

“ In our company, there was a staff reduction due to financial difficulties of a client, and I was retrenched. The company is good; I gained experience and learned a lot of new things, although I worked for it for only half a year. 

After the reduction, I tried to improve my skills to feel more confident as a specialist. I attended a major marketing conference (it is good to put the title of those conferences) and signed up for a course that I’m halfway through. 

I saw in your job description that you need an experienced person with setting up ad campaigns skills. Previously, I did not have such experience, but now I have gained knowledge, and I hope that I can put it into practice in your company. “

Example 3 (for developer):

“ I have been working in this company for several years, and all this time, we have been using old technologies in our work because the implementation of new ones requires large budgets, much time, and new specialists. 

I raised this topic at our meetings several times, but there was no progress. I understand that technologies are developing every day, and if I don’t have experience with new ones, I won’t be able to find a good job in the future. 

I used different technologies to keep up with the times for my pet projects. I want to consolidate my knowledge and gain commercial experience with these technologies. 

I was very pleased with your modern stack, your useful product, and the fact that you invest in the development of your employees. Therefore, I sent my resume to you. “

I advise you to talk more about what you want to get and not what you want to get rid of. 

Remember that the purpose of this question is not to embarrass you. On the contrary, it can help highlight your strengths and explain your core motivations.

Related: How to Best Answer “What Are Your Strengths?” in a Job Interview  

Answer honestly and directly ; do not complain about your previous employer, and you will be one step closer to receiving an offer.

Jessica Sweet, CPCC, CEIP, LICSW

Licensed Therapist | Certified Career Coach | Founder, Wishingwell Coaching

Lead with what you’re excited about

In a job interview, you’re likely to be asked, “ why are you looking for a new job? ” 

It’s vital that you answer with  care  because how you respond can be a  landmine  that could destroy your chances of landing the role, or your answer can allow you to  shine  and  stand out  as an excellent candidate. 

People are often looking for new jobs because they’re  disgruntled  with their current or most recent one. The inexperienced interviewee’s reaction is to talk about the negativity at work.

Yet, it’s never a good idea to talk about: 

• How bad your boss is
• How toxic the culture is
• Or the lack of financial opportunity

For example, answering, “ The culture has become really difficult ,” or “ My boss was very hard to work for ,” sends up  red flags  for the interviewer.

Unfortunately, their first instinct is  not  to give you the benefit of the doubt and think that the work culture was bad, or the boss was difficult, but instead that you were the problem. 

And why wouldn’t they ? There’s no downside for them for doing this (except for the loss of you, a great candidate). Instead, they  protect  themselves from any risk that you might be a bad employee. 

Instead of sending up potential red flags with anything that points to negativity, you want to  focus  on what you’re excited about related to the specific job you’re interviewing for and the specific company. 

Focus on the opportunities that attracted you to apply for the job

For example, you can focus on the opportunities that attracted you to apply for the job   in the first place. 

• Are there tasks and growth opportunities in this role that you can’t wait to sink your teeth into? 
• Will you be responsible for a great team? 
• Will you be creating something new? 

Talk about those opportunities, and make sure that your interviewers know just how excited you are and how capable you’d be. 

Focus on how the company’s values align with your own

Alternatively, you could focus on how the company’s values align with your own. If you don’t want to talk about the role itself, you can discuss how the company drew you in.

Mention: 

• The culture
• Values and mission the company puts forth
• Their philanthropic efforts and more

You can discuss what they stand for and what you stand for too, and the fact that you want a job that is in alignment with those values and that gives you meaning and creates an impact. In the end, that’s as valid a reason as any for wanting a new job. 

Overall, you want a new job because you want something better.  Lead with your vision of what that is, not with what you’re leaving behind  and what you don’t want. 

Marlo Lyons

Certified Career and Executive Coach | Author, “ Wanted -> A New Career “

Be short with one to three sentences at the most

The most authentic answer is the best answer. That said, you may look like a complainer or “ the problem ” if you describe a bad boss, toxic work environment, or any other negative work situation. 

Further, people who have been involuntarily terminated will want to provide an alternative perspective as to why they are unemployed. 

The answer to the question, “ Why are you looking for a new job?”  should be short, one to three sentences at the most.  The longer the answer, the less authentic it will sound . 

Therefore, practice your answer and make sure you believe in it.

Here are some specific recommendations:

Wanting to learn a new skill

“ I have spent many years perfecting A, B, and C (skills), and I realize I cannot continue to grow in this organization because of the structure. So I wanted to explore where I can stretch these skills and also continue to demonstrate my capabilities to bring the most value. “

Mission-based

“ I have been working in corporate America for two decades now, and I am at the point in my career where I want to work for a company with a strong mission. I want to know my work contributes to the greater good and has a social impact, even indirectly, so I applied to your company. “

Taking time

“ I know looking for a job is a full-time job, and that was impossible working 70 hours a week. So, I took some time off to dig deep and figure out what I wanted to do. Now I am ready to apply for jobs where I know I can bring great value and feel fulfilled. “

Involuntary termination

“ I departed my last company because I realized it was not the right culture fit for me. Now I am looking for a company with A, B, and C because that is the type of company that matches my values, and I know I will be able to thrive. ” 

This shows your perspective on your departure. Another perspective could be the “ taking time ” example.

A recruiter found you

“ I actually wasn’t looking because I love my job, but once the recruiter reached out to me, I had to hear more because your company and the job seem so intriguing, and I’m looking forward to learning more. ” 

This type of answer makes you a “ passive ” candidate who the recruiter may need to work harder to acquire; therefore, if you are truly interested, express your enthusiasm in all your follow-up emails.

Related: How to Follow up with a Recruiter

Erica McCurdy, PC (MCC, YPF, CBC, MBA)

Certified Professional Coach

Focus on what you enjoy and want

Interviewers are  not  therapists. An interview is not the time to unpack all the negative baggage from your last role. Instead of talking about what didn’t work, share more about the things you enjoy and want to have more of in your new role. 

“ I really enjoy direct client interaction and hope to have more in whatever I do next. “

Talk about yourself, not others

It’s a big-small world. As networked as people tend to be, you never know who’s connected to the people in your past. 

The best, most positive, and safest approach is to always  talk about your future hopes and plans instead of calling out people  you’ve worked with. 

“ I love being part of a team and look forward to joining a group of people I can support. “

Stay on the upside of neutral in the questions and answers you give

Staying positive  isn’t  a “ rainbows and sparkles ” methodology. Simply stay on the upside of neutral in the questions you ask and the answers you give. 

On some level, remember that negativity is contagious . An employer will feel your negativity and may have concerns that you might bring that negativity with you. 

“ Everyone works with a different style; I’m looking forward to developing my leadership skills and taking advantage of all the opportunities ahead of me .”

Certified Career Coach and Co-Founder, iHire

Pinpoint what about your previous role was holding you back

These days, it’s not at all uncommon to search for a new job because you  voluntarily  resigned from your previous position—an all-time high 47.8 million U.S. workers  quit their jobs last year amidst the ongoing “ Great Resignation .” 

So, if your answer to “ Why are you looking for a new job? ” involves “ I quit! ” you’ll need to respond in a manner that doesn’t set off red flags.

When an employer asks  why  you resigned from your last role, they’re looking to find out if you left for a good reason and to determine your attitude toward your past position. 

Prepare to answer this question by pinpointing what about that role was holding you back , such as: 

• A toxic work environment
• A lack of advancement opportunities
• A company culture that didn’t align with your values

However, be careful not to throw your former employer or coworkers under the bus in your explanation or speak ill of them in any way.

Although it’s best to keep your answer brief, anticipate follow-up questions from the interviewer about your resignation. 

• Be straightforward
• Stick to the facts
• Avoid going into details that could hurt your chances of employment 

Give your answer a  positive  spin that focuses on the future and not the past. 

For example, if you left your previous job because you  didn’t  get the promotion you wanted and felt stuck on a rung on your career ladder, you might say: 

“ I resigned to explore opportunities to grow my career as a marketing professional. My employer did not offer any additional training or much room for advancement, and I want to be able to use and expand my skills to hold a management role one day. “

Matt Collingwood

Business Leader and Mentor | Managing Director, VIQU

Sometimes people can find themselves looking for a new job because they have fallen out of love with their existing employer. Maybe they’ve been overlooked, treated poorly, or there has been a lack of investment in their careers.

At this stage, they are clear why they “ want out ,” but so many people in this position don’t consider what they want; some even take the first offer as their escape. 

Sadly, many of these people jump from the frying pan into the fire. 

If you decide you must leave your current employment,  pause for a moment and decide what you want —this will help when you are faced with questions like, “ why are you looking for a new job? ” when speaking with recruiters and prospective employers.

Don’t use a cliché response

I can always tell when a candidate is  unsure  of their response to this key question. Nine times out of ten, they’ll revert to the old cliché—” I’m looking for a new challenge. ” 

I work with a huge variety of clients looking for IT talent, whether that’s an SME or a global conglomerate, and I can’t stress enough the number of times that this response results in the following sort of feedback from my clients: 

• “ I don’t think they were being honest .” 
• “ They seem unsure why they want to leave their current employer. “
• “ I don’t think they really know why they want to work for us. ” 

That’s not to say that looking for a new role due to not being challenged in your current position is a  bad  thing; there are just alternative ways to phrase it. 

For instance, as an IT recruiter, I often speak with IT professionals who like their current employers but feel that their skill set is becoming  stagnant . 

Saying something like, “ I want to keep my skill set up to date with current technologies ,” will give the interviewer the impression that you are a  proactive  individual who cares about your career progression.

Avoid badmouthing

If you are looking due to poor management, it might be really tempting to speak  negatively  about your former employer, but regardless of how much you dislike them, badmouthing never benefits anyone. 

It will likely give the interviewer a  negative  impression of you and cast concerns around whether you’d say the same things about them in the future. 

If your former management was poor, perhaps say, “ I work better with supportive and strong leadership. ” Focus on the future and not the past.

Related: Why Is Leadership Important in Business?

Be open and explain why

Inevitably, candidates and employers  overpromise . This can lead to individuals finding themselves out of work due to not passing their probation or being let go after a period of performance management. It happens.

The key to successfully navigating this is to be open and explain why. 

For example, you might say: 

“ I accepted my last role knowing it was going to be a huge jump in my career, and although I gave it my all, it was a jump too far for me at present, but I learned a lot and will aim to be in that role in the future. ” 

I advise  disclosure  because it can often come out when new employers secure references, and I’ve seen hundreds of offers retracted due to such issues.

David Haasch

Managing Director, Centermark Placements

When interviewing for a new career opportunity, it’s inevitable that you will be asked, “w hy are you looking? ” Nailing your response to this question is one of the keys to a successful interview and will differentiate you from other equally qualified candidates.  

Demonstrate that you are moving towards a great opportunity

First, your response should demonstrate that you view yourself as moving towards a great opportunity instead of fleeing from a bad situation. Your mindset will  greatly  impact what you project. 

If your boss is a micromanager and you are looking for more independence, don’t say it that way. You might try, “ I’ve reached a point in my career where I’m ready to take on a new challenge with greater responsibility. ” 

One is positive, and the other is negative. One response sounds like an individual who can leverage off of prior success to hit the ground running, and the other sounds like someone who may have  unreasonable  expectations and is not a team player, argumentative, etc. 

Make it highly relevant

Next, your response should be highly relevant. Hiring managers get excited about qualified candidates whose personal goals align with their own. 

Make sure to  tie  some aspect of the company’s reputation or what you have learned about the position to a specific area of personal interest that aligns with your background and skill set.

Finally, if you are currently employed in a relevant position, you can use that fact to your advantage. Successful in your current role , not actively looking , and open to a new opportunity is a profile that always gets a hiring manager’s attention.  

Putting it all together:  Why are you looking for a new position?

“ I actually wasn’t looking for a new position until a colleague of mine recommended your company and had great things to share. I’ve been with my organization for ten years and have built an excellent team over the years that includes a succession plan. 

So, there really isn’t anything holding me back if the right opportunity came along. I have to say, it was very interesting for me to hear that the focus of the position will be on people as opposed to projects and that you are positioning the organization to be seen as an employer of choice. 

You also mentioned the need to revamp your training programs. One of the initiatives I focused on in my current role was to assess why one of our sites had employee turnover upwards of 35 percent, 50 percent higher than the company average. 

I was able to install new processes, procedures, and a training program that turned the site with the highest turnover in the company into one that is now the leader in productivity and employee satisfaction. So, the type of work you describe is right within my wheelhouse and sounds like a role I could get excited about. “

Tip:  Come to the interview well researched and ready to ask great questions.  

Asking the right questions will give you more to talk about as you seek to align your objectives with those of the company and hiring manager.

Related: 50+ Good Questions to Ask in an Interview as an Interviewee

If you’ve genuinely found an opportunity that you’re excited about, this prep work will help you make an impact. “ Why are you looking for a new job? ” will be that  underhand  pitch you can easily knock out of the park.

Magda Klimkiewicz

Senior HR Business Partner ,  Zety

Avoid negative talk about your current employer

You finally landed that job interview. You are so close to escaping the hell that you call your job that you can literally taste it. 

It might be  tempting  to let your built-up emotions run free and tell the recruiters how awful it is and how  badly  you need out (hence why you need that new job). 

That is actually a  terrible  idea. You have to hold it in just a little longer, as badmouthing your current employer can leave a  bad  impression on the recruiters and hiring managers.

In no way does it mean that you have to lie!  Try thinking about things you are looking for rather than what is missing.  

For example, instead of saying how there are no promotion possibilities in your current company, say you are looking for a place where you will be able to  grow  to your fullest potential.

Focus on the future employer

Instead of just naming the things that led you to look for career development, focus on what attracted you to that specific job. It’s an excellent opportunity to showcase that you are the right candidate.

Maybe the company values resonate with your own, or the position you’re applying for perfectly aligns with your education and skill set? Talk about what  sparked  your interest when you read that job description.

Related: How to Answer “What Interests You About This Position?” in a Job Interview

Here are some examples:

“ I decided it was time for me to pursue new challenges and follow my passion. I am a big believer in diversity and inclusion in the workplace, so your company seemed like a natural choice for me due to its well-known practices of providing equal opportunities to everyone. “

“ I came across your job posting and simply had to send my application. The qualifications required for this position match my skills and experience almost to the letter, and the tasks listed are something I would definitely enjoy doing on a daily basis. “

Anna Berkolec

HR Manager,  ResumeLab

Show that you’re done with the past and excited about the future

There are many ways to reply to the above question; however, the most common response is often some version of the following cliche, “ I’m looking for a better opportunity to grow and develop.”

It’s short, direct, and plausibly honest, though also very bland and predictable. While there is nothing wrong with it per se, it pays to be a bit more  specific  while not diving into too much information.

For starters, while money could be the primary reason why you’ve applied, look for the other reasons. For better or worse, it’s considered  cringeworthy  and in  poor  taste, so aim to keep it classy.

Equally important, never throw your former manager or colleagues under the bus. This question is not an invitation to air your grievances, no matter how toxic or objectively hurt you may have been.

Why? If you do, your potential future manager might think to themselves, “ what’s stopping you from badmouthing me once you leave this role? ” so obviously, that’s a  non-starter .

Thus, instead, keep it strategically: 

• Vague 
• Future-oriented

Show what excites you the most in the current role and how it fits into the grand vision for your career.

You’re done with the past and excited about the future with this company. Of course, the stronger the “ why ,” the better your chances of landing the gig.

So, with all of that in mind, here is a sample answer you might look to use to ace this question:

“ For the past ____years I’ve been developing my ______(best skill) and _______skills. As you can see I also recently completed (or led) ______________(mention your biggest accomplishment). 

Now I’m looking for an opportunity where I can leverage my knowledge and skills to work for a company whose mission (or values/product/service) I’m genuinely excited about. 

So while I’ve learned a lot in my current role, I’m looking for the next step where I can continue to grow and develop while making a positive difference at a company I believe in, and this opportunity seems like an excellent fit. “

Executive Recruiter | Founder, Sanford Rose Associates – Newman Group

Make it heartfelt and high-impact

It’s the inevitable question during an interview, and your answer may be the  difference-maker  with a hiring manager. What they  don’t  want to hear is “ I hate my boss ” or “ I’m looking to make more money or get promoted. ” 

They want an answer from the  heart  and one that shows  motivation  that they can get excited about.

There’s an old story about a common interview sales question where the hiring manager hands the sales candidate a pen and asks the candidate to sell them their own pen. 

The best response I’ve ever heard is when the candidate pulls out a Mont Blanc (a very expensive pen for those who may not know) and says, “ I won’t sell you that pen because you deserve better than some old .29 cent pen. I will sell you this one. ” You get the point (pun there for sure)

Rather than reply with the expected, see what else is out there. Flip your response and try one of these instead:

“ I’m   not looking for a new job—I’ve had jobs—what I’m looking for is a career (profession) with a company that will give me the headroom to grow and develop professionally while I contribute to their growth. Your company seems to be a great place to do that. I want to explore that with you during our meeting. I feel I’m best at is ____, and how does that apply in your organization. “

“ I’ve had an awesome experience with my current company. They’ve prepared me for the next step, and I believe I’ve contributed significantly to their growth and success; I know they’d tell you the same thing. And now, it’s time for me to find a company that can utilize what I’ve learned with my current company and apply it in a new environment. “

Hiring managers want to know that you are confident of your past success, that you’ve made an  impact  in prior positions, and that you are  intentional  about your next step. 

They also need to know that you did your homework and know what they have to offer lines up nicely. Try one of the high-impact responses we’ve provided, or spend some time coming up with your own  heartfelt  version.

Agata Szczepanek

Job Search Expert and Career Advice Writer,  My Perfect Resume

This is one of the trickiest questions the interviewer may ask you. Seemingly innocent, actually layered and multi-faced, revealing a lot about you and your motivations. 

Needless to say, giving an  insightful ,  thought-out  answer is crucial. 

Let me go even further, “ Why are you looking for a new job? ” can be your  make-or-break  moment—no need to be afraid, though. There are ways not to get into the trap.

Present your current employer in a good light

First things first—No matter how angry, frustrated, or tired you are of your current job, keep it to yourself. 

Stay professional and focus on its positives only.  Always be  diplomatic  when discussing tough subjects. 

As tempting as it may be, revealing  too much  or in  too emotional  tone is a  bad  idea. Do not follow that path. It leads  nowhere . At least not to the company you want to join.

Talk about your desire to grow

These days, more and more people are  unwilling  to stay in one company for their entire career. And there is nothing wrong with it. 

You might have: 

• Outgrown the position
• Need new professional challenges
• Want to work where you can better utilize your skills and experience

“ I will always be grateful for everything I have learned in my current company. I gained valuable experience and expanded my skills. I got better at [skill], mastered [skill], and have a deeper understanding of [professional area]. 

At the same time, there are no new professional challenges I could face. I want to get a chance to work in another position and develop further. “

“ I like what I do and appreciate the precious skills I have learned at the other company. Still, I cannot see opportunities to grow my career there. I am looking for a job that offers greater responsibility and more challenges. “

Be determined, yet not desperate

Show enthusiasm and genuine interest in the company. The more determined, yet not desperate, you are, the better. 

Your positive, involved attitude indicates that you want to learn and grow, working for them, not for anyone. It is worth noting that engaged and motivated employees perform better and stay with a company longer. 

Isn’t long, successful cooperation your mutual goal?

“ I would like to work in your company, not any company. I believe that I am a perfect candidate for the given position. After learning more about your company’s vision, culture, and values, I am convinced that we are a professional match made in heaven. 

Although I appreciate my current employer and everything I have learned so far, I’m better suited to have an impact here, working for you. “

End your answer with a powerful accent and speak to the emotions

If you feel like adding something more, end your answer with a  powerful  accent and speak to the emotions. It will make you more memorable for the interviewer.

“ Working for you could greatly broaden my professional horizons. I am eager to learn, hungry for new challenges, and passionate about [the industry]. I am ready for change, willing to overcome all my barriers, and bring all I have learned so far to your company. ” 

A  carefully  prepared and insightful answer to that question can help you impress the hiring manager and get the job.

Daniel Cook

HR Director,  Mullen and Mullen

Talk about how the current company was limiting you in terms of exposure and learning

While many candidates tend to answer this question perfectly, some candidates still struggle with it. 

I believe when answering this, you should start by talking  positively  about your former company so the recruiter is aware that you would not badmouth their company if you end up quitting later on. 

Then you should talk about how the company was  limiting  you in terms of exposure and learning and that you believe you have the potential to  grow  more.

Lastly, you should also discuss how your personal values  align  with the new company and its vision. 

One way to perfectly answer this question is by saying: 

“ While I made a great network at my previous job, I felt like I could implement my skills to new roles and gain more exposure by working at a different place. ” 

This shows the interviewer that you had a  positive  experience at your former job and that you are still  open  to learning new skills and making new connections at their company. 

Biron Clark

Founder,  Career Sidekick

Focus entirely on the positive aspects

Follow these key steps to give a convincing interview answer:

• Never badmouth your current/former employer . This question is not an invitation to badmouth.
• Focus entirely on the positive aspects  you hope to find in your next opportunity. What do you hope to gain?
• Explain how this particular job fits your interests or goals

Examples of positive aspects that you can say you’re looking for in a new job:

• “ I’m looking for an opportunity to lead more .”
• “ I’m looking for a chance to take full ownership of larger projects .”
• “ I’ve been with my current company for four years and loved it, but I’m looking for the next step forward in my career now and a new challenge .”
• “ I’ve found that my true strength is in project planning and team leadership, so I’m hoping to move away from working directly with clients and into more of a managerial role .”
• “ I’ve enjoyed the sales aspects of my current role and would like to find a full-time sales role next. I believe I’d enjoy that, and it would play to my strengths .”

Word-for-word example answer:

“ I’ve been in my current company for five years and have learned a lot, but I feel ready for a new challenge. I want to take on more leadership tasks in my next role, and my current employer doesn’t have this type of opportunity available at the moment, so I’m job hunting.

I saw your job description mentions a chance to mentor and train new employees while leading team meetings and projects, too. That’s the step I’m looking to take next in my career, so I knew I should apply .”

Jessica Ulloa

Community Manager,  MyPerfectResume

Choose your words wisely

This question will inevitably come up during your job interview, but you need to be  careful  how you answer it and choose your words wisely, as your response could  potentially  cost you the position. 

So here are two examples of the wrong and right ways to answer this question:

Wrong answer: 

“ My job became boring and didn’t pay me enough. I’m forced to comply with a 9 to 5 working schedule and work from the office, which I don’t like. “

In this example, it shows that you  lack  motivation and initiative. You want a high salary, yet you don’t want to comply with your company’s regulations. 

Correct answer:

“ I’ve been in my current job for a year and a half now, and though I’ve learned a lot, I believe I’m ready for a bigger challenge that, unfortunately, my current company doesn’t offer.

On top of that, flexible working hours are important to me, as they allow me to work more efficiently and be more effective, and that’s one of the reasons why I was drawn to your offer. ” 

By changing the  wording  of your message, you come off as an employee who  cares  about professional development and likes to stay challenged. 

A company that offers a  clear  career path would be right for you. You also shared why flexible working hours work for you, which turned this sentence into something  positive  compared to the first example where it sounds like a complaint. 

Valerie Fontaine

Legal Search Consultant | Founding Member,  SeltzerFontaine LLC

When answering this question, you must be careful because the interviewer might be looking for an  underlying  negative in your current employment—either with the employer or with you.

Couch your answer in positive terms

One of the cardinal rules of interviewing is:  Never  badmouth any employer or person. At the same time, you don’t want to leave the impression that there’s anything wrong with your abilities or personality. 

Therefore, it’s essential to couch your answer in positive terms—you’re not leaving a negative situation; instead, you’re moving towards a better opportunity.

Be sure, however, that whatever factors you mention as constituting a better opportunity for you are available with the potential employer and not available at your present job. 

Such factors might include: 

• More sophisticated work
• Broader experience
• A chance to use your unique skills 
• Better training
• Opportunity for growth and advancement and the like

Other valid reasons to seek a job change are  relocation  or a need for a more  flexible  work schedule (but emphasize your willingness and ability to do what it takes to get the job done). 

Don’t say you’re seeking a lifestyle change. That translates as “ I don’t want to work very hard. “

Customize your answer

Tailor your answer to the particular situation. Demonstrate how the position you’re interviewing for is a  better  fit for you than your current job.

If you’re attempting to move to a smaller organization than your present employer, you can say that you’re seeking more hands-on experience with responsibility for a matter from start to finish or a wider variety of work than is available with your present employer. 

Conversely, if seeking to move to a larger company environment, you might be looking for broader experience or gaining a particular type of expertise. 

If interviewing with a boutique company, you can say that the potential employer is one of the  best  in its particular field.

Explain the circumstances

If you’re unemployed, make sure you and your previous employer give the same story for your move. 

If you lost your job due to a merger, sale, or reorganization, explain the circumstances. 

If you were laid off, or you’re company appears to be suffering economically, state the situation matter-of-factly. Be honest about it. Downsizing is a fact of life in this market and  doesn’t  necessarily reflect badly upon you.

The important thing is to keep it positive and demonstrate what value you can bring to the new job.

Hannah Dworkin

Recruiter | Leader,  USScrapYard

Mention you want to acquire additional experience

As a recruiter, I ask this question to see the  aspirations  of a new candidate. And the best answer to this question would show me that the candidate is:

• hoping to thrive in the workplace,
• wants to have room for improvement, 
• intends to acquire additional experience,
• and it doesn’t hurt to add that this new job pays better, which is ultimately encouraging.

So a good answer would be something like this:

“ I have started looking for a new job because I want to have a chance at a new work environment that has bigger opportunities for me where I can evolve and grow professionally.

I always look for a job that would add to my current knowledge and provide additional experience when dealing with people or with new software. 

When I reached a point in my career where I felt that there was no more room for me to develop, I started looking for a new job. And finding one with better incentives is definitely encouraging too. This doesn’t mean that I will leave at every new opportunity or offer. 

  I would love to find a job where there is continuous room to learn and gain more experience. “

As much as honesty is important for a recruiter, knowing the candidate wouldn’t leave all of a sudden is also crucial, so this must be mentioned as part of the answer.

According to a 2018 survey, the five most prevalent reasons why people leave their employment and hunt for a new one are: 

• The lack of advancement opportunities in the current position. 
• Ineffective management is a lack of trust between the employee and their supervisor. 
• They aren’t getting enough credit for their efforts. 
• Overwhelmed by one’s workload. 
• A toxic workplace environment. 

Negative words regarding your management or the organization are best avoided for these reasons:

• Make it clear  that you’ve already taken on all of these responsibilities in your prior position and are now searching for new challenges. 
• Career advancement is the most common justification.  Unfortunately, your current employer does not provide you with the opportunity to go on to something new at this point in your career. 
• Losing one’s prior work location  is a  huge  setback when seeking a new position. 
• You’re worried about your job security  because your current employer has financial difficulties. You can use this as an excuse if you’re in a lesser position at the organization. 
• Looking for a new job may be justified  if your present salary is significantly below the market average. 

As you can see from the following example, your response to this question is both concise and sensible. 

Keep your answer to a  few  phrases, and don’t ramble; give yourself a maximum of 30 seconds to respond. 

Claire Sofield

Managing Director and Co-Founder, Four Recruitment

Refrain from saying that you are looking to move purely based on salary

Career progression.

A candidate could be looking for a new job because they’re  hitting the ceiling  in their current company and  struggling  to progress. If there is no movement above them and they want to take on a new challenge. Saying this will demonstrate ambition and intuition. 

For example, an HR Manager may aim to be HR Director in two years, but if the opportunity  isn’t  there or the company isn’t big enough to facilitate an HR Director, then it would benefit them to look elsewhere.

Training and development

A candidate may wish to look for a new job if they desire to do some professional training or get exposure to a different team, but their current company cannot offer this. 

For example, finance candidates might wish to explore other opportunities to further their ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualifications (UK-based qualifications).

Work in a larger organization/team

A candidate may desire to work on larger projects and gain exposure to a  higher  turnover business. 

Finance and accounting roles in an industry under £2m will have a very different focus and work requirements than a company with over £50m turnover. Junior finance candidates may wish to experience both types of businesses to improve their knowledge and skills.

Other factors to consider are:

• Never speak negatively about your current employer.  Even if your reason for leaving is bad management, you should never mention this in any communication with your potential new employer.
• Refrain from saying that you are looking to move purely based on salary.  This can make you look fickle, and an employer  doesn’t  want to hear this. Salary should, of course, be spoken about, but it is advised to incorporate it into a different question or conversation.

Related: When to Ask About Salary and Benefits in an Interview

Christa Reed

Head of Job Market Research,  JobSearcher

Say something positive about your current organization

There are two things that should be included in such an answer—first, say something positive about your current organization. Then tell them the exclusives to the new opportunity. 

If you come from a place where you’ve been working for three or more years , it’s safe to say:

“ I have worked in the environment for a long time, and I feel it’s time for me to take on more responsibilities, but the growth is limited. I believe the opportunity you’re presenting sounds promising where I could live up to my potential. “

If you are planning to change from an organization that you just joined a couple of months ago , you can say something along these lines: 

“ I am looking for a job that suits my skill set more, and although my current employer has entrusted me with tasks that helped me grow mentally and professionally, I feel that I could leverage my skills at your company better. “

Related: How to Quit a Job You Just Started

Dorota Lysienia

Community Manager, MyPerfectResume

Growth is your primary motivation

It’s a  tricky  question because, on the one hand, it’s good to show that you’re excited about new career opportunities, but on the other, you don’t want to complain about your current employer. 

My advice is to focus on growth as your primary motivation for looking for a new job. The truth is that money is always necessary, but a bit more bucks in your pocket won’t make you happy if your job is  not  fulfilling. 

That’s why it’s  reasonable  to look for new development and learning opportunities to  advance  your career and highlight that aspect in your answer.

However, you need to be careful when answering this question, especially if you have a history of short-term stays at your previous workplaces. 

You don’t want your potential employer to think that you’re a  job hopper  that gets bored quickly. Companies are often  afraid  that they will invest in training new employees that will leave after a year. 

Thus, it would be best to  show your potential employer that you’re genuinely interested in an offered position  and focus on the  assets  you will bring to the table.

Related: How to Best Answer: What Can You Contribute to This Company?

Lattice Hudson

Business Coach and Leadership Mentor | Founder, Lattice & Co

Talk about your long-term professional growth plan

Throughout the interview process, the recruiter will usually inquire why you’re searching for a new position. The organization’s goal is to recruit someone competent and experienced  to perform the job  efficiently . This much should be self-evident. 

However, the organization also wants to ensure that it recruits someone who is  driven  and will stay with the company for the  long term . 

Hiring and training new personnel takes a  significant  amount of time and resources. As a result, most companies see it as a failure if a new worker quits full-time, permanent employment within the first year. 

Try not to get too worked up over an upcoming interview. Instead, be calm and go through as many commonly asked interview questions as you can.

“ Why do you want this job? ” is a frequently asked question in HR interviews. It may appear to be another random question, but a  solid  response to this one may get you your ideal job. 

“ This work appeals to me because of the plethora of prospects it provides. Working for such a reputable business is one of the most appealing aspects of this career, but it is not the only one.  

This employment position, in particular, may help me prepare for a long-term professional growth plan, which is by far the most essential aspect of my life as a working individual. 

This employment also provides an appropriate work environment in which I, as an individual, may steadily develop and improve my talents for future use. The degree of competition is also strong since I’ve heard that you recruit resources that satisfy a minimal requirement, which is fairly high by industry standards. With so many excellent aspects hidden beneath this position, I just cannot resist taking it if I am fortunate enough. “

Jennifer Hartman

HR Specialist,  Fit Small Business

Don’t resort to telling the interviewer everything you don’t like about your current job

When interviewing, one of the questions you may be asked by the interviewer is why you are currently looking for a new job. This question can give the interviewer some insight into why you are not happy at your current job and seeking employment elsewhere.

Some answers you may consider:

• “ I am ready for a change and want to advance my career. “
• “ I have extensive experience in the field I am applying for, and I am confident that I can do the job well. “
• “ I am looking for a challenge and know that I would be a valuable asset to the team. “
• “ I am looking for a position that offers competitive pay and benefits. “
• “ My current position does not match my skills and abilities. “

One thing you  don’t  want to do is essentially throw your current company under the bus. Don’t resort to telling the interviewer everything you don’t like about your current job. This can make you appear  unprofessional  and  not  a team player.

Azmaira Maker, Ph.D.

Psychologist | Founding Director,  Aspiring Families

The first rule you need to apply when preparing for the answer is to find the answer yourself. 

When a question is as important as this one, and when you are sure it is bound to come up in your interview, it makes sense to do your homework and look for the correct answers beforehand. 

Only then can you work towards presenting this answer in the right manner.

Make a list of probable reasons

Begin with making a list of all the reasons why you think you are indeed on the hunt for a new opportunity. 

Don’t think of how this reason will look to a potential employer. You are making this list only for yourself, and it will pay to be extremely honest.

Moreover, when making this list, you will also be able to  re-evaluate  your decision to look for a new job and discover whether this is indeed the right decision.

Now that you have your list get down to  striking out  the reasons you think are  not  as important to you or your interviewer and leave them out of the equation. 

Concentrate on the reasons you are set to share and decide where you stand in this whole scenario of looking for a new job.

Share the right reasons in the right way

“Believe it or not, I have drawn a list of the most compelling reasons behind my decision to look for a new job, and I have no hesitation in sharing some of these reasons with you.”

These words tell an interviewer that the candidate believes in planning well and has the habit of making decisions based on  calculated  facts rather than whims. 

It also shows that you are willing to share your learning  freely  and have nothing to hide. Furthermore, when these reasons are convincing, they only help a candidate win more brownie points.

Aditi Paul, PhD

Tech and Relationship Expert | Organizational and Interpersonal Communications Professor, Pace University

Think about the values and expectations that were not met in your previous job

We frequently hear things like “ business is all about people ” and “ networking is all about relationships. ” I’d encourage people to sustain that same “ relationship mentality ” during the interview process.

Related: What Are the Benefits of Business Networking?

My advice is: do not look at job interviews as purely transactional . Instead, approach it as the stage in a relationship where you  assess  if you and the other party are a  good  fit for each other. 

In other words, think of it as your  first  date. So the question “ why are you looking for a new job ” can be replaced with “ why are you looking for a new relationship? “

Like your first date, this is not the time to bash your former partner. Instead:

• Think about how you would have wanted your previous partner to treat you.
• Think about  how  and  why  you outgrew your last relationship.
• Think about the values and expectations you realized were vital to you that were  not  met in the previous relationship.
• Align  these values, expectations, and growth to the vision of the company you are currently interviewing for, and bam! You have an answer that demonstrates your character without placating the prospective employer.

Dr. Sukhwant Bal

Business Psychologist and Founder, Tools For Leading Change Limited

“I’m looking to test myself in a new context”

“I’m  looking for my next challenge to grow and develop. I’ve grown my capabilities in problem-solving, strategic thinking, and change management in my current role. I’ve delivered several high-profile projects and undergone a massive learning curve. “

“ I’m now ready to test and challenge myself in a new context, where I can leverage my strengths even further. In particular, I’m looking to work with a high-growth start-up where delivery, change, and strategic thinking are a necessity .”

“I’m looking for an even bigger leadership role”

“ I have demonstrated that I have what it takes to be a senior leader. My track record over the last five years, in particular, shows I am quick to learn and apply that learning in leading and managing people. All my recent 360-degree feedbacks show I have strong emotional intelligence. 

People describe me as being high support/high challenge. I back them to achieve ambitious goals but will coach and develop them to get there. My peers also describe me as a strong collaborator—working outside of my function and expertise – to deliver shared goals. 

I now want to be part of a leadership team where we can achieve ambitious goals, support each other as peers, and inspire the next level of leaders to take on more accountability .”

“I’m looking to have a financial stake in my new role”

“ I’m now ready to buy a stake in my future business, so I feel personally invested in delivering growth and success. I’m willing to shift from being a paid employee to being someone who has a stake in the company’s success. 

I work hard—that’s a given. But what I’m missing is a personal stake, which would give me more energy, commitment, and hunger to deliver for customers, employees, and shareholders. “

“I’ve developed my successors”

“ My remit with my current employer was always to make myself dispensable after three years. In other words, to develop a strong team, all of whom were either able or willing to succeed me. I’m now in that great position, where the team is self-managing. 

I’ve now got a succession plan where X will be stepping into my current role in the next two months. That’s my trigger for starting the journey with a new team and a new organization. I am looking for ways to come in, make a difference over 2-3 years, build a high-performing team and seek my next challenge. 

I had a chieved everything I had agreed with my current manager when she hired me, and we agreed on a ‘good leaver’ exit strategy. “

Scott Winstead

Education Technology Expert | Founder,  My eLearning World

When it comes to the job search, one question can be particularly tricky: “ why are you looking for a new job ?” 

On the surface, this may seem like an easy question to answer; after all, aren’t we all looking for better opportunities or a more satisfying work environment? 

But in reality, it can be difficult to  fully  articulate what you are looking for and why your current position just  isn’t  working for you. 

At the same time, clearly explaining your motivations and goals during an interview is essential to making a successful connection with potential employers.

Put yourself in the shoes of the hiring manager

What does the hiring manager want to hear?

One strategy that works particularly well when answering this question is to put yourself in the shoes of the hiring manager. By thinking about what they might be looking for and why they might want a new team member, you can craft a response that  resonates  with them. 

When considering where to look next, you might want to think about things like: 

• Company size or location
• Niche interests or needs within the industry
• Career progression opportunities
• Salary expectations 

The question, “ why are you looking for a new position ?” can seem daunting, especially if you are searching for a job because you have been laid off or fired from your previous position. 

However, with some careful reflection and preparation, it is possible to craft a compelling answer that shows that you are motivated, resourceful, and dedicated to growing in your career.

Assess why you feel ready for a new opportunity

To start, it is important to take a few moments to  assess  why you feel ready for a new opportunity:

• Is another company better aligned with your long-term career goals? 
• Did your previous employer neglect to provide opportunities for growth or learning? 
• Are there other reasons that prompted you to seek a new job search?  

These are just some factors that can contribute to your motivation and need to move on from your previous role.

Identify the key reason behind your desire for change

After identifying the key reasons behind your desire for change, think about how this  relates  to the specific position at hand. 

For instance, if your motivation is  rooted  in professional development opportunities, emphasize the valuable skills and experience you hope to gain by taking on this new position. 

Alternatively, if financial compensation was an issue in your previous workplace, try highlighting it. 

Emphasize accomplishments and desire for growth

Another approach I used in the past is to emphasize my accomplishments in my current position and explain how I believe that expanding my skill set or taking on new challenges would be  beneficial  for both myself and the company.

I also try to show  genuine  interest in the job opening by referencing key responsibilities or requirements of the position.

Overall, by being positive, concise, and focusing on what excites me about the new role, I can give honest and compelling answers when asked, “ why are you looking for a new job? ” 

Ultimately, whether it’s an internal opportunity or a completely new challenge at another company, staying motivated and always working towards  furthering  your career goals will result in great success professionally.

AJ Silberman-Moffitt

Senior Editor,  Tandem

Though there is no one right way to answer “ why are you looking for a new job? ” either in an interview or during the recruitment process, there are some  do’s  and  don’ts  that you might want to follow.

Do speak highly of a former or current job

When you speak highly of a former or current job, this lets the interviewer know that if the time comes when you are looking for a career in the future, you most likely will speak  highly  of them. 

Being respectful equates to being professional , which is what potential employers want to see from prospective employees.

Watch your wording

It’s easy for a message to get  misconstrued , especially if you answer the question in writing on a job application. If submitting your reply in writing, read your answer a few times to  ensure  that the message and the tone  aren’t  derogatory or negative.

Find your truth and express it positively

Potential employers are excited to hear things like “ I’m looking for a bigger challenge ” and “ I want to use my degree more directly . ” These messages, however, need to be based on  truth . Find your truth and express it in a positive manner.

Don’t throw an old employer or coworker under the bus

Though your potential new employer wants to know why you are looking for a new experience, they  don’t  want to hear dirty laundry. 

Even if your reason for leaving is the company or another employee, try to explain it in a positive light. 

Saying something like, “ It wasn’t a great fit for me ,” is honest without giving too much detail.

Don’t avoid the question 

Never say, “ I’d rather not talk about it. ” 

If an interviewer thinks you are hiding something, it might concern them that you will hide things from the company should they hire you. Find a way to answer the question in a  considerate  manner.

Don’t only say what they want to hear

Those mentioned above are what employers want to hear. That  doesn’t  mean that you should say things only because you know it’s what they want to hear.  Say things that are truthful.

The most important thing to remember when answering “ Why are you looking for a new job? ” is that you should start thinking about this answer  before  beginning your next job search. It’s a popular and important question that you will want to be prepared to answer.

CEO,  Champion Leadership Group LLC

There are a variety of reasons why hiring managers ask this question.

One of the most important reasons is to figure out what makes you want to quit, whether: 

• Your connection with your employer
• Your level of pleasure at work
• If you have outpaced your position or other factors

With that in mind, here are some ways to answer, “ Why are you looking for a new job? “

Inform them that this is your ideal job or company

Businesses aren’t simply seeking anybody to fill unfilled jobs; they’re seeking  qualified  candidates. 

They are looking for job seekers that are  passionate  about working for their company. Consider making your response  less  about your present job and more about why the hiring manager’s firm is a good match for you. 

Give an example of how you: 

• Embrace their mission statement
• Engage in humanitarian initiatives
• Identify with their corporate culture

These may demonstrate to a prospective employer that you have not only researched their organization but that you will also fit in well with the organization and will not depart after six months.

It’s the next step that makes the most sense

Sometimes you’ve progressed as far as you possibly can in your present company’s profession, but you want to take your career even further. Because the firm is so small, there may be little opportunity for advancement. 

In other words, your present organization may have a restricted specialization, and you may have chosen that you want to work on bigger or larger initiatives to  broaden  your horizons.

Whatever it is,  describe how your new position at the new firm will help you develop along your professional path  while also emphasizing how your current skill set will benefit the new organization.

Mary Jurgensen

Community Outreach Director,  Gary and Mary West PACE

Your answer should reflect your  commitment  to your career. This way, the potential employer knows that you are looking for a job not only because you wish to change your current one but also because you  consciously  view bagging the new position as a step towards a better career. 

Layout your career path

Everyone likes candidates who know what they want and are also clear on why they want it. 

While most candidates chart out their careers in line with the opportunities that come their way, there are others who choose the right options at the right times and build a conscious path towards a successful career. Prove to the interviewer that you are a part of the latter group. 

“ This is the perfect time for me to make this switch and find a position in your organization. This way, I will be able to bring to your company all the skills I have picked up in my experience and play a role in its growth. “

These lines reflect that you are bringing to the company your own set of skills and experience and will  wholeheartedly  contribute to its growth and success. 

Reveal your will to learn as a strong reason

“Considering how I’m a firm believer of continuous learning, I can use all the knowledge my new peers and leaders will offer me here for personal and professional growth.”  

These lines reveal how you  love  learning and are looking forward to learning from your peers and leaders.

Everyone loves to have employees who believe in  constant  learning. This way, they know that they are hiring employees who are constantly working towards being better versions of themselves. 

Will Cannon

CEO,  Uplead

Articulate your response as concisely as possible without sacrificing the idea

Why do interviewers ask this question?

There are plenty of people applying for the same job. If it is a mid-level or a high position, most of the time, the applicants come from different companies and hope to land a new job. 

To trim the fat of the number of the candidates, we ask this question to know them well.

It is to know if they are  job hoppers . Usually, I wouldn’t mind people for like to hop on different jobs; maybe they are just finding the right career. 

But if they apply and resign for an extremely short period, it will make us interviewers wonder if maybe you are not giving your work enough chance for you to see if it fits you.

One of my main reason for asking this is to know if our company can  meet  their expectations in their career growth. Most of the time, we commonly forget this important reason. 

I want to nurture talents in our company, but I am also well aware of what we  can  and  cannot  do. If the applicant is impressive, but the career objective does  not  align with the company’s vision, it is  regrettable , but we cannot hire you.

How to answer this question?

I always say this, articulate your response as concisely as possible without sacrificing the idea. Your interviewer mostly has a lot on their plate, so  saving their time and yours is a win-win approach.

Tell your employee  real  reasons but do  not  go into details. 

For example, you are now taking your chance in this new opportunity because your previous job no longer gives you new challenges and the spark that it has given you before no longer ignites your innovative mind. 

Never  blame others like your previous employer because your interviewer will think that you will do the same if you are fortunate to be hired and then decide to leave their company.

Co-founder, Portant

You are finding a new ground to flourish

You hit a rock.

One of the reasons I seek a new job is when I hit a rock that I cannot mow down. This may be because I no longer feel that I can grow more with the current designation that the company assigned to me. This is really a hard choice to make for employees.

If you are a career-oriented person, you always seek  growth . If you try to negotiate to ask for a promotion and or paid training and the company can’t give it to you, it is not your fault that you are now finding  new  ground for you to flourish.

Unjust compensation

This is a common reason. I have plenty of peers that seek a new job for this exact reason. The word “ unjust ” exaggerates my experience, but it could even be an understatement for other people. 

This is a huge factor for employees that could  trigger  them to find new opportunities.

It is common because most people  undervalue  themselves, especially if they are fresh graduates or shifting careers. We tend to accept whatever is offered to us since we are desperate to have that job. 

It could be  fair  at first, but when you now learn how to do things in your work, they will add more load and tasks to you. That’s when you feel that the compensation is  no  longer parallel to the work you have been doing.

Toxic work environment

This could be a collection of several issues encountered by your employee. 

We enter a company hoping that we can have a professional work environment. But this is just an  ideal  scenario. 

The reality is more complicated than that:

• It could be your workmate who has their eyes set on you, waiting for you to make a mistake. 
• It could be your boss who has no empathy for you and your team. 
• It could also be the office itself; you changed address, and it is no longer easily accessible to you, or the office is not conducive enough for you to focus.

Carol Gee, MA

Owner,  Venus Chronicles  | Author, “ Telling Stories, Sharing Confidences “

Discuss how the new position appeared to offer more opportunities

The first time I was asked this was when I was interviewing for the second position at the campus where I already had a job. 

The first was Development Assistant, where I assisted the director with fundraising activities. These included planning fundraising lunches, and dinners for donors, including corporations and foundations, arranging meetings with potential donors, etc. I had worked in this position for over a year and enjoyed it.

Then my supervisor got a promotion and left to work at a different school. I kept the office running for a couple of months until a new director came aboard. 

A few weeks later, I saw a position on the same campus, but at a different school that would have been a promotion and seemed more managerial. 

It required skills that I had honed in my 17 years in the military (an AF Reservist, I later retired from military service). Skills such as: 

• Supervising staff
• Excellent time management
• Communication skills

So when I was asked the above question for the new position, which required the candidate to manage the day to date office operations, supervise clerical staff and students, etc., I answered. 

I also added that this particular position appeared to offer  more  opportunities for me to learn and grow at the university (Emory). 

I was hired, promoted to a higher grade, worked and enjoyed this position, and liked my supervisor, who became more like family for over 13 years until the research grant’s that funded my salary ran out. (She and I are still like family to this day).

Dragos Badea

CEO, Yarooms

Be honest if you’re looking for a counteroffer

The best advice I can give is to  not  beat around the bush. 

• If you want more money, make that very clear. 
• If you think your work environment needs to be more flexible, don’t keep it a secret. 

You’re not doing yourself or your current employer any favors by being  cagey— tell them the issue, and see if they will do anything to resolve it. If not, then it should be  abundantly  clear to everyone why you’re looking for a new job. 

If you’re not looking for a counteroffer and just want to get out of there, however, you don’t need to let people know why you’re looking for a new job unless you want to be professionally courteous. 

Be professional

If your main reason for looking for a new job is a toxic co-worker or manager, it can be a little tricker to be honest about why you’re leaving or looking for a new job. 

The temptation might be to mention that person specifically as a reason you’re leaving and mention it you should, but in a way that  reflects  well on you. 

Be professional —say that you don’t think your working style  fits  with your co-worker or with your manager, and you’d like to explore other options rather than saying something like, “ Manager A has been ruining my life, etc. ” 

Odds are you’ll still be very much understood, but at the same time, come off on the moral high ground. 

Jason Cordes

Founder, CocoLoan

Begin with a constructive phrase about your ongoing working environment or endeavor

It may be enticing to say that you’re searching for a new position because your ebb and flow one is excruciating, or the organization doesn’t merit you; however, it centers around the positive. 

Name two or three  supportive  abilities you have acquired or an aspect of your responsibilities that you appreciate and how they work has assisted you with developing.

Breeze in your proficiency

As you examine your obligations from your ongoing position, for sure you might want to achieve with another business, slip in an attachment for yourself that assists them with seeing you’re an  extraordinary  counterpart for the job.

Notice the humanitarian effort you’ve been making and how you need to integrate those encounters into your new position.

Or on the other hand, discuss how you  cherished  arranging the corporate softball competition and might want to  expand  on your circumstance arranging capability.

Example: 

“ I have been working at my ongoing organization for four years and have acquired a lot of involvement with project executives. Be that as it may, in my latest tasks, I have had the option to work straightforwardly with the marketing executive and gain copywriting and web optimization skills.

I want to integrate these abilities into another situation and turn them into a piece of the new group you are making to overhaul the organization’s computerized showcasing methodology .”

Frequently Asked Questions 

What if i leave my current job because of a conflict with my boss or colleagues.

If you leave your current job because of a conflict with your boss or colleagues, you should carefully articulate your reasons for seeking a new job.

While it’s understandable that conflict can occur in any work environment, it’s important to avoid speaking negatively about your current employer during an interview.

Instead, focus on the positive reasons you’re seeking a new job, such as seeking a more positive and supportive work environment where you can reach your full potential.

You can explain that you’re looking for opportunities to work with a team and that you hope to find an environment that values open communication, respect, and positive work culture.

You can also mention that you learned valuable lessons in your previous position and would like to bring those experiences and skills to a new company. To make a good impression on potential employers, you must take a constructive and professional approach to your job search.

What if I leave my current job because of a lack of job security?

Leaving a job because of a lack of job security is entirely understandable, and it’s important to be honest about your motivations during the interview.

When answering the question of why you’re looking for a new job, you can explain that you’re looking for a more stable company that offers more security.

You can then give examples of what a stable company environment means to you, such as a solid financial base or an established track record of long-term employment.

You can also show that you’re excited about the opportunity to contribute to the company you’re applying to and that your skills can be an asset to the company. Honesty and professionalism are key to presenting yourself as a desirable candidate for the position.

How long should my answer to this question be?

Your answer to why you’re looking for a new job should be relatively concise and to the point, typically taking no more than a minute or two to explain.

While it’s essential to answer the question truthfully and thoroughly, it’s equally important to avoid rambling or providing excessive detail.

A great approach is to have a general idea prepared in advance about what you want to say and how you want to say it. Preparing your answer ahead of time allows you to articulate your reasons clearly and concisely, and it helps you stay on track.

It’s essential to avoid getting sidetracked and to focus on the positive reasons for seeking a new opportunity.

If you’re unsure how long your answer should be, a good rule of thumb is to aim for a response that is between 1-3 sentences long.

Keep it brief and direct, but make sure you’re clearly communicating your reasons for seeking new employment while demonstrating professionalism and enthusiasm.

Is it appropriate to mention that I’m seeking a better cultural fit in my answer?

Yes, it’s entirely appropriate to mention that you’re seeking a better cultural fit when answering why you’re looking for a new job.

Cultural fit is an essential aspect of any organization, and seeking a better cultural fit shows that you’re dedicated to identifying and working with a team that shares your values and goals.

When discussing your reasons for seeking new employment, mention how important it is to you to be a part of a team or organization with a culture that aligns with your values and work style.

Doing so demonstrates that you’re mindful of how your work environment can affect your productivity and overall happiness.

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Choose Your Test

Sat / act prep online guides and tips, 9 sample excellent recommendation letters for your job.

Letters of Recommendation

Anyone who's applied for a job knows how important recommendation letters can be to getting hired. While you've probably asked for a reference letter in the past, you may be less familiar with writing one. If someone asks you for a reference, how can you produce a great letter that will help your employee, colleague, or friend get hired?

To help you through the writing process, we're providing nine samples of effective letters of recommendation (scroll down to skip to the samples!). By reading through these examples, you'll gain a clear understanding of how to structure your own letters.

Before getting to the free recommendation letter samples, let's briefly review the role that reference letters play in the hiring process. Why are they important, and what makes some stand out over others?

Why Are Recommendation Letters Important?

Many employers request recommendation letters to help them decide who to hire or internally promote. Throughout the hiring process, the applicant strives to present herself in the best light. Beyond the interview and resume, hiring managers look to recommendation letters to confirm the candidate's qualifications and to gain insight from an outside party.

The hiring manager wants to know what experiences the candidate will bring to the new role, how she'll contribute to the company or organization, and how she'll behave in the day-to-day. Recommendation letters can point to a candidate's future performance by talking about her past achievements.

Reference letters can also shed light on what it's like to manage, work with, or, in the case of a character reference, be friends with the person under consideration. They complement the candidate's story and suggest what she'll bring to the table in her next job.

If you get asked to write a letter for someone, it's safe to assume you want to do a good job. Helping someone get hired is not just a satisfying good deed, but it's also good professional karma! So how can you turn those good intentions into a stand-out employee letter of recommendation?

Each letter will, of course, be different, but good letters share certain key features. Read on to learn about three important characteristics of strong reference letters.

Your recommendation letter's not the time to be cagey about your identity! The hiring manager wants to know who you are and why you're qualified to recommend the applicant.

What Makes a Recommendation Letter Stand Out? 3 Key Features

Strong letters give positive descriptions of a candidate's skills in a concise and powerful way. Beyond using language that's clear and error-free, what elements should your recommendation letter include to be effective?

As you write your letter, make sure it does the following:

#1: Explains Why You're Qualified to Recommend the Candidate

In order to hold weight, a recommendation letter should come from a reputable source. If an employer wants a professional reference, then the writer of that letter probably worked with the candidate in a supervisory capacity. Some employers will also be interested in letters from a colleague or, occasionally, a friend, neighbor, or family member. Most letters, though, will be written by a supervisor, manager, or boss of some sort.

In the first paragraph, you should explain who you are and how you know the candidate. How long did you work with her and in what capacity? By explaining your relationship, you show that you're qualified to give an honest assessment.

If someone who feels like a relative stranger asks you to write a letter, you might consider declining or recommending someone else to write it. If you didn't get to know the candidate's work performance or only did so in a way completely unrelated to the new position, then you might not be able to provide a helpful letter of recommendation from employer to employee.

The best letters are written by people who can speak to the candidate's skills and accomplishments. Make sure to state clearly in the beginning of your letter who you are and why your opinion matters.

#2: Customized to the New Position

While you should speak to the candidate's accomplishments in her past role, you should also show why she'd make a good fit in the next one. Even if the candidate's making a career change, you can explain why she'll be able to do well in the new industry.

Here's where open communication with the applicant is important. She should share the job description so you have a clear understanding of the position's requirements. As the writer, you're not expected to do much research on the new job. The candidate should provide you with everything you need to know to customize your letter.

By drawing on this information, you can express confidence that the candidate will succeed in the new role. Then when the hiring manager reads your letter, she'll feel reassured that the candidate would make a good fit.

#3: Uses Specific Examples and Anecdotes

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, your letter should provide specific examples about the candidate. Don't just list adjectives like, "friendly, intelligent, and hard-working"; instead, present circumstances in which the candidate demonstrated those qualities. To borrow a favorite phrase of English teachers, "show, don't just tell."

Not only will examples point to the value the candidate brought to your organization or company, but they'll also paint a picture of how she works in day-to-day operations. Using two to three specific anecdotes in your letter will boost its level of persuasiveness. It will also sidestep a common rec letter trap: becoming a generic list of cliches.

Just as you should only write a recommendation letter if you feel qualified to assess the candidate, you should also only write it if you can provide a great one. While you don't want to go over the top and sound insincere, your letter should be a strongly positive endorsement.

Sample Recommendation Letters

As you read through the nine free job recommendation letters below, notice how they all share the three key features described above, even though they differ in terms of their source and target audience. Below are nine sample recommendation letters, each followed by an analysis of what it does well!

• Sample Recommendation Letter 1: Written by a Direct Manager for a Full-Time Employee
• Sample Recommendation Letter 2: Written by a Principal for a Teacher
• Sample Recommendation Letter 3: Written by a Direct Manager for a Part-Time Employee
• Sample Recommendation Letter 4: Written by a Manager for a Remote Worker
• Sample Recommendation Letter 5: Written by a Supervisor for an Internal Promotion
• Sample Recommendation Letter 6: Written by a Supervisor for a Student Intern
• Sample Recommendation Letter 7: Written by a Coworker
• Sample Recommendation Letter 8: Written by a Professor for a Former Student
• Sample Recommendation Letter 9: Written by a Friend as a Character Reference

After checking out the above samples of recommendation letters, read on for some final thoughts on how to write an excellent letter of recommendation for an employee, coworker, or friend.

Now that you've got all the building blocks, you can put them together into a powerful letter of recommendation!

Writing Strong Letters of Recommendation: Final Thoughts

While the above samples of recommendation letters will help guide you through the letter writing process, they can't look exactly like your final product. Writing a letter is a significant undertaking, as it requires you to customize your words to the candidate and make your letter unique. Even though the specifics will vary, strong letters of recommendation do have certain features in common. Each letter should...

Use an Official Format

The sample letters show the proper format for a recommendation letter. They have the employer's name, position, company, and company's address at the top. To give one example, here's the header for recommendation letter sample #1:

Ms. Greta Johanssen Sales Manager Streambase Corp. 66 Western Boulevard Santa Fe, New Mexico 87500

You should also use official letterhead that has your name and contact information across the top, in whatever way you've chosen to present it. Each letter is addressed to a specific person, a greeting that's more personal than, "Dear Hiring Manager." Typically, paragraphs are single-spaced with a double space in between each one.

Finally, every letter concludes with an invitation to contact the writer for any further information. Then the writer may include her position, company, phone number, and email below her name.

Start with a Strong Opener

The strongest letters start out with an immediate statement of support. They might say, "It's my honor," "It's my pleasure," or "I'm very pleased to provide this letter of recommendation for Joe." Stating the obvious with a sentence like, "I'm writing to recommend Joe," looks weak beside a more enthusiastic opener.

In the first paragraph, explain who you are and why you're qualified to recommend the candidate. Write a line or two of praise about her professional and personal strengths, perhaps with a summary of the main points you'll present in the rest of the letter.

Include Two to Three Specific Examples

As mentioned above, strong letters typically include two to three body paragraphs with specific anecdotes about the candidate. They don't just describe the applicant's great qualities and accomplishments; they give examples and prove to her prospective employer that she's made achievements in the past that predict future success.

You might talk about a project or responsibility of the applicant or the value she's brought to your company. Consider relevant qualities like flexibility, initiative, leadership, growth, collaboration, interpersonal skills, and/or ability to perform within a certain environment or culture.

To Sum Up...

Depending on your relationship with the candidate, you might focus more on her work performance or personal character in your recommendation letter. An employer will focus more heavily on professional skills while a coworker may add personal qualities.

A friend or neighbor providing a character reference would produce the most personal letter. It falls upon the candidate to choose her recommenders wisely and to share any relevant information about the prospective position to help them write the best letter they can.

As long as you incorporate the key features discussed above and take the time to make your letter positive and specific, you'll provide a strong recommendation letter that will help your employee, colleague, or friend get hired. And who knows—perhaps in a year or two, she'll be writing a recommendation letter for you!

What's Next?

Are you tasked with writing a recommendation letter for a student applying to college? If so, check out these samples of recommendation letters from teachers and counselors, along with additional writing tips and a thorough recommendation letter template!

• 4 Amazing Samples of Recommendation Letters from Teachers Should You Move to a State with No Income Taxes
• 3 Examples of Excellent Recommendation Letters from Counselors
• Complete Guide: Writing a Strong Letter of Recommendation
• Unsecured Credit Cards for Those with Bad Credit
• A Great College Recommendation Letter Template

Rebecca graduated with her Master's in Adolescent Counseling from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. She has years of teaching and college counseling experience and is passionate about helping students achieve their goals and improve their well-being. She graduated magna cum laude from Tufts University and scored in the 99th percentile on the SAT.

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