Your application letter is the first chance for you to make a positive impression on a potential banking employer, so it is important to write a letter that makes an impact. Also known as a cover letter, a job application letter accompanies your resume when you're applying for a job. While your resume outlines work history and experience, an application (or covering) letter gives you the chance to explain your banking qualifications and describe your accomplishments in the banking industry in more detail. It also gives you the chance to show off your financial literacy. Most application letters are limited to one page of text, so making the most of the space allowed is especially important.

Getting Started on a Bank Job Application Letter 

To write a successful application letter for a bank job, begin by conducting research on both the position and the employer. Start by reading the job advertisement to understand the qualifications and skills the employer is looking for, then make a list of your skills and work experience that match those qualifications. Make sure you include specifics that show off the qualities banks may be looking for, such as problem-solving, analytic capabilities, communication skills and your passion for banking.

It is also important to personalize the application letter to the specific bank. If a contact name is not listed in the advertisement, conduct some research into the company to find the name and contact information of the person in charge of hiring for that position.

How to Format a Bank Job Application Letter

Job application letters typically use a formal letter format, which means they include the address block of the employer, your address block, a date line, a formal salutation, the letter’s text and a formal signature. Begin by including the name and contact information of the bank employee responsible for hiring for the position in the employer address block and salutation. The first paragraph of the letter’s body should also include information about the position you are applying for and where you found the job advertisement. For example: “I am writing in response to the bank teller position listed on Indeed on April 4.”

The rest of the letter’s body should detail your qualifications that specifically match those listed in the job ad. While the list you outlined in the research phase of the letter-writing process should serve as your foundation, it is important that you expand upon those qualifications with specific evidence or a personal story of achievement. For example, if the ad states the job candidate must have experience preparing loan packages for approval and closing, outline a time when you successfully tackled a particularly difficult loan application process.

Conclude the letter in an optimistic and open-ended tone that entices the hiring manager to contact you for an interview. Emphasize the fact that you would be an asset to the bank’s employee pool and mention your excitement over the prospect of an interview.

Check and Double-Check

Editing your bank application letter is a very important step that should not be ignored. In addition to proofreading the body of the letter to avoid grammatical errors, also be sure that all the basic factual information is correct throughout the letter. Double-check that the hiring manager’s name, the position title and the company name are all correct. Also, make sure your contact information is accurate.

Follow the instructions in the job advertisement to submit your application letter and resume. If the ad asks you to email information to the hiring manager, include a brief message in the body of the email noting that your resume and cover letter are attached, in addition to mentioning the position for which you are applying.