General Application Letter

A general application is nothing but an application written in any generic situation. We need an application letter for many different acts in our life. We have to write an application to apply for being a member of a particular social club, to apply for a job, to apply for admission, etc. In different situations, we need different applications. Applications are thus categorized as leave applications, job applications, loan applications, etc. However, some applications like applying for a club's membership cannot come under specific categories. These are termed as general application letters.

The format of general application letter is similar to any other application letter. There is no difference in the format or language of the letter. The letter is written in formal language and is precise. It is termed as general application letter because it cannot come in any specific category. Besides this, the basics of writing this letter remain the same. Here is a quick brief about the basics:

Language:

The letter is written in strict formal language. The official language is used to write the letter. Usually 'English' is the official language. The letter is written in simple English with minimal use of jargons and fancy/flowery words.

Format:

The letter is usually printed and is written in MS Word. It can be also be typed using a typewriter. The point is that the letter is never hand written. Since it is a professional letter, it has to be printed or typed.

The font used is usually Times New Roman or Arial, and the font size is 12. No italics, colored text or any other fancy font is used.

The letter is left aligned and justified. Starting a paragraph leaving two finger spaces from left hand side is no more as per the rules of formal letter writing. Line spacing of 1.5 lines gives your letter a more organized look and makes it more readable.

Content of the letter:

• The letter begins with the date, name and address of the applicant written one below the other towards the left hand side of the page.

• This is followed by the address of the person to whom the letter is addressed to.

• The addressee's address is followed by the 'subject line' of the letter. The 'subject line' clearly explains the purpose of the application. It is simple and is not more than one line, consisting of 6-7 words. A subject line could be - 'Application for Leave'. The reader gets an idea of what the applicant wishes to communicate with the help of the letter.
• Next is the 'Greetings/Salutation'. Greet the reader with his/her name or give a generic greeting like 'Dear Sir/Madam'.

• The body of the letter - The letter begins with your introduction, the post or department you are working in, and mentions the reason of the letter.

• In the next paragraph, you elaborate on the reason given in the first paragraph. For example, if you apply for a medical leave, the second paragraph will speak about your illness and doctor's recommendation to take a leave.

• The third paragraph will mention the documents you enclose with the letter and urge the reader to accept your application.

• End the letter by thanking the reader and sign your letter.

• Enclosures - Mention all the documents that you attach with your letter in the sequence in which you have attached it.

The format thus remains the same. A sample general application letter given below can be used as a reference to write any application letter.

Sample General Application letter: (applying for club membership)

7th October, 2011
Jim Park,
St Louis Blvd.,
Luminous Street,
Blue City,
California West - 42170

To,

The President,
Mr. Shine,
The Golf Club,
California West - 42172

Subject: Application for club membership

Dear Mr. Shine,

I am Jim Park, and I wish to be a member of your Golf Club. I have recently moved to California, and am looking forward to join your club.

I am a golf lover. I was in Oklahoma before coming to California, and was a member of Oklahoma Golfers, a famous Golf Club in Oklahoma. I wish to pursue my interest in golf further and request you to make me a member of your club.

Awaiting a positive response soon.

Thank you.

Faithfully,

(Signature)
Jim Park
444 512520

Using this sample general application letter, you can write any general cover letter sample. Also, you can refer to Loan Application Letter Samples and Marriage Leave Application Letter Samples for more cover letter.