Write your application letter in 5 steps: a template and 5 samples for the Philippines
It's one short page: the job you want, one result with a number, why you fit and when you can start. Copy the template or download it as Word, then pick from 5 samples.
What to put in your application letter
Your details and the date at the top, then the hiring manager's name, title and company. No name on the listing? Write "Dear Hiring Manager".
The job you're applying for and where you saw it, in the first line.
One result with a number, from a job, your OJT or school. For example: "I answer about 40 customer questions a day."
Two things the listing asks for, with one line on how you've done each. Use the listing's own words.
When you can start, a thank-you and your name. Then send it with your resume, both as PDFs.
Application letter template
Replace every line in [brackets]. Delete a line you can't fill.
Use the listing's words for the skills you've really used.
I'm applying for the [job title] position I saw on [where you saw it]. I have [number] years of experience in [your field], most recently as [your job title] at [company].
[One result with a number, e.g. At ABC Company, I processed about 120 invoices a week with no late payments for 6 months.]
Your listing asks for [requirement] and [requirement]. [One or two sentences on how you've done each.]
I can start on [date, or after my 30-day notice]. My resume is attached, and I'd be glad to talk at a time that suits you.
Thank you for considering my application.
[Respectfully yours, or Sincerely],
[Signature, if printed]
[Your full name]
Application letter samples
Each sample follows the 5 steps above. Copy the closest one and change the details to yours.
General job application letter (Philippine format)
For office jobs and companies that expect a formal letter, with the date and their address at the top.
Example only. Kristine Bautista is an invented person, and every detail is made up.
I'm applying for the Administrative Assistant position I saw on your company's Facebook page. I have two years of office experience, most recently as an Office Clerk at XYZ Construction Inc.
At XYZ, I kept 300 project folders filed and up to date, and I prepared the weekly purchase report for the operations head every Monday.
Your listing asks for MS Office skills and experience handling calls. I use Excel and Word every day, and I answer about 30 supplier calls a week.
I can start after my 30-day notice. My resume is attached, and I'd be glad to talk at a time that suits you.
I'm applying for the Accounting Assistant position posted on your careers page. I finished my BS in Business Administration, major in Financial Management, in June 2026.
During my 300-hour OJT at an accounting firm, I encoded about 200 receipts a week and helped prepare the monthly bank reconciliation for two clients.
Your listing asks for Excel skills and attention to detail. I built the expense tracker our student council used for a year, and as its treasurer I balanced every event budget to the peso.
I can start on November 3. My resume is attached, and I'd be glad to talk at a time that suits you.
Thank you for considering my application.
Respectfully yours,
Joshua Dela Cruz
Application letter for a remote or online VA job
For online and work from home roles. Put your hours in Manila time (GMT+8), so a client in another country knows when you work. Applying as an admin VA? Use the VA cover letter and resume template.
Example only. Carmela Navarro is an invented person, and every detail is made up.
I'm applying for the Social Media Virtual Assistant role. For the past two years I've run the Facebook and Instagram pages of three small businesses from home.
I post 12 times a week across the three pages and reply to comments and messages.
Your listing asks for Canva and Meta Business Suite. I make the graphics in Canva and schedule the week's posts in Meta Business Suite.
I can work Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm Manila time (GMT+8), full-time, and I can start on November 2.
My resume and three sample posts are attached. Thank you for reading.
Carmela Navarro
carmela.navarro@example.com | +63 900 000 0000
Application letter by email
When you apply by email. The letter goes in the email itself, and your resume goes in as a PDF.
Example only. Rico Manalo is an invented person, and every detail is made up.
Subject: Application for Customer Service Representative - Rico Manalo
Dear Hiring Manager,
I'm applying for the Customer Service Representative position at ABC Home Supplies. I've worked in retail sales for three years and handled store complaints for the last two.
I answer about 40 customer questions a day in the store and on our Facebook page, and I settle most complaints before they reach the manager.
I can start on November 1. My resume is attached as a PDF.
Thank you for your time.
Rico Manalo
rico.manalo@example.com | +63 900 000 0000
Cover letter for Malaysia
Malaysian listings usually say cover letter. If the listing asks for your expected salary and notice period, put both in the last paragraph, like this sample.
Example only. Muhammad Haziq Rosli is an invented person, and every detail is made up.
Re: Application for the position of Accounts Executive
I'm applying for the Accounts Executive position advertised on your website. I have three years of experience in accounts payable, most recently at ABC Trading Sdn. Bhd.
I process about 150 supplier invoices a month, and I cut our month-end closing from five days to three.
Your listing asks for experience with SQL Account and SST returns. I've used SQL Account every day since 2023, and I prepare our SST returns every two months.
My expected salary is RM 4,200 a month, and my notice period is one month. My resume is attached, and I'd be glad to attend an interview at your convenience.
Yours sincerely,
Muhammad Haziq Rosli
Questions
Is an application letter the same as a cover letter?
Yes. In the Philippines it's usually called an application letter, and in Malaysia and abroad a cover letter. Both are one page you send with your resume to say which job you want and why you fit.
How long should an application letter be?
One page at most. About 200 words is enough: three or four short paragraphs. The details go in your resume.
What do I write if I have no work experience?
Use what you've done: your OJT, thesis, an org role, part-time work or a family business. Give it a number, like hours, people or sales, as in the fresh graduate sample.
Should I write "Dear Sir or Madam"?
Use the hiring manager's name if the listing gives it. If it doesn't, "Dear Hiring Manager" works.
Do I attach my application letter or paste it into the email?
Paste it into the email when you apply by email, and attach your resume as a PDF. If the listing asks for a file, save the letter as a PDF and attach both.
Do I need an application letter to apply on DayShift?
Usually not. Our apply form asks a shorter question instead: why you're a good fit. Two or three sentences from your letter answer it, like your best result and your hours.