Unlike a resume that contains a broad overview of your educational and employment history, your application letter must be short and tailor-fit to the job ad you are applying for.
Most of the time, a job posting indicates the specific information required by employers as a part of the application process.
So the first key step is to read and comprehend the job ad then follow the employer’s guidelines on what information to include when you apply. Being able to do so will also give the employers an impression of how well you take instructions as well as your communication skills.
Below are the important parts of an effective application letter:
How to write a nice application Letter
- Salutation
Show your professionalism by addressing the employer appropriately with their names e.g. Dear Mr. Chan - Introduction
Communicate what job you are applying for. You can also include information on where you found the job ad. - Your Qualifications & Experiences
This is considered the foremost part of your application letter. Here you must highlight why you are the best candidate for the job. Be specific on how your experiences and abilities match the requirements listed in the job posting.
Depending on the employer’s needs and family background, these are the basic information required:
For employers with babies or young children – your childcare or baby care experience, a teaching degree or capabilities, attitude towards kids and how you manage childminding alongside housekeeping chores.
For employers with elderly or special needs members of the family – your caregiving capabilities, relevant trainings, willingness to care for them and special skills.
In general, helpers are expected to be proficient with general housekeeping chores but it is also good to highlight on some appropriate skills like how good you are with shopping on a budget, how familiar you are in Hong Kong (which is useful for expats who are just learning how to get around the city), your ability to multitask, how you manage your time and make yourself productive all throughout the day and many others!
Cooking skills, on the other hand, are particular to the family’s diet and race so it is recommended to specify what dishes you can cook and how much you are willing to learn.
- Employer References or Recommendation letter
A recommendation letter is important in order for your potential worker to know your working abilities, as referenced by your previous employer and will definitely increase your chances of landing an interview and getting hired! So we recommend that you request one from your previous employer, if you currently don’t have it! - Closing Paragraph
You can conclude the letter in this last part by thanking the employer for the opportunity to apply for the position and how you look forward to their feedback. This will also show how serious and determined you are with your application and give them a positive impression of you.
On HelperChoice, you are able to enter the contact number of your previous employer as a reference, so your future employer can contact you directly regarding your application!
Example of a domestic helper application letter
Dear Mrs. Chan,
I am writing regarding the Domestic helper position you posted on HelperChoice. With the experience and skills I earned through 10 years of working as a helper in Hong Kong, I believe I can be a positive ad helpful addition to your household.
I understand that this job is urgent and I am glad to say I will be finishing my contract within the month.
I am very experienced with newborns, being a mother myself and I also took care of my current employer’s child since she was born. I am patient, attentive and highly conscious about hygiene and safety and highly adaptable.
I can cook Chinese and Western dishes well as I worked with a Chinese family before and now in a Western household.
I am a BS Education undergraduate so I can tutor kids, help with their homework and also engage them in learning and fun activities. I am an independent worker, I can multi-task between childcare and housekeeping duties and I am fluent in English and speak basic Cantonese.
Attached as well is a recommendation letter from my previous and current employers for your reference.
Thank you for your consideration of me being a valuable part of your household. I look forward to meeting you and further discussing how I can be a positive addition to your family. I will follow up with you next week regarding the status of my application.
Sincerely,
__________________________________
(Your Name)
Common mistakes to avoid in writing an application letter
- Providing too much information!
Remember that employers usually don’t have much time to read all the information so be precise and only highlight your skills and key experiences relevant to the job ad. Your resume and reference letter can provide more detailed information about you and you can also discuss everything during your job interview. - Having grammatical errors and typos!
Try your best this by being more straight to the point, ask a friend to proofread your application letter or make use of the internet to use the right words. - Having a general application letter!
Remember that employers are not just after your skill set! More importantly, they are looking for a helper who has the right attitude and personality to adapt to their household, so your application letter must always be tailor-fit to their needs and requirements!
A Final Tip for Domestic Helpers
A good application letter does not need fancy words. What matters most is honesty, clarity, and showing that you understand the employer’s needs.
With a clear and thoughtful domestic worker application, you increase your chances of being contacted for an interview and finding a household where you can work with trust and respect.
HelperChoice is here to support domestic helpers at every step of the job search journey.
You might always be interested in:
