How to Write a Job Application Letter – Complete Guide (India)
In 2026, India's job market is more competitive than ever. From IT giants (TCS, Infosys, Wipro, Accenture) to fintech startups (PhonePe, Razorpay), banking (SBI PO, RBI Grade B), government exams (SSC CGL, Railways NTPC), and MNCs (Amazon, Google India), millions apply every month. Everyone sends a resume, but candidates who attach a strong, well-written **job application letter** (also called covering letter) get noticed first. Recruiters spend only 8–12 seconds scanning each application. Your letter must grab attention instantly, show genuine interest, and prove you're the perfect fit — while being ATS-friendly.
Why a Job Application Letter Matters So Much in India
A resume gives facts. A letter tells your story. In India:
- Government, banking, and PSU jobs almost always require a formal application letter.
- 60%+ recruiters in private companies read the letter if attached.
- It shows you researched the company — a huge advantage in India.
- Freshers can explain low percentage, career gaps, or branch change positively.
- It helps pass ATS filters when you include job description keywords.
The Correct Format Recruiters Expect in 2026
Use this traditional Indian block format (right-aligned sender details):
- Sender Details (Right side): Full name, complete address, phone, email
- Date: 18 January 2026 (write in English)
- Receiver Details (Left side): Hiring manager name (if known), designation, company name, address
- Subject (Must in email): Application for Software Engineer Position – Rahul Verma
- Salutation: Dear Mr. Rajesh Kumar, or Dear Hiring Manager,
- Introduction (3-5 lines): State position, how you found it (Naukri/LinkedIn/referral), and one strong reason you're excited
- Main Body (2 paragraphs): Highlight skills + achievements with numbers, then show company fit
- Conclusion (3-5 lines): Request interview, thank them, positive close
- Sign-off: Yours sincerely, followed by your name
Latest & Most Effective Tips for 2026
- Length: 280–380 words maximum (half A4 page) – never too long
- Personalization: Find hiring manager's name on LinkedIn – it makes a big difference
- Keywords: Add 8–10 important words from the job description (Python, AWS, Agile, SAP, teamwork)
- Use Numbers: “Led team of 5”, “Improved efficiency by 30%”, “Completed 4 major projects”
- Company Research: Mention recent news, company value, or project (e.g., “TCS’s focus on AI excites me”)
- File Name: Rahul_Verma_Application_SoftwareEngineer.pdf
- Email Body: Keep it short (2–3 lines) + attach letter & resume
- Tone: Confident but polite – Indian recruiters dislike overly aggressive or too casual language
Special Tips for Freshers
With limited experience, focus on:
- College projects, internships, hackathons – explain what you learned
- Certifications (Coursera, Udemy, NPTEL, Google, AWS) – mention completion date
- Show enthusiasm: “I am eager to learn and contribute to your team”
- Low percentage? Say “focused more on practical skills and real-world projects”
Biggest Mistakes to Avoid
- Sending the same generic letter everywhere
- Starting with “Myself Rahul Verma” – never use “myself” in formal writing
- Mentioning salary expectations or “good company”
- Typos, grammar mistakes – always proofread twice
- Wrong company name, job title, or spelling errors
- Making it too long or too short (blank with only resume attached)
Final Words
A strong job application letter can turn “maybe” into “shortlisted”. Always customize it, do proper company research, and write from the heart. Use our free tool to generate a professional letter in seconds – just fill in the details and download. Good luck – your next interview is waiting!
Word count: 728 (only visible readable text counted)