how to write an application letter for a poultry job

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Farm Worker cover letter example 1

Find everything you need to successfully write an interview winning Farm Worker cover letter, right here. The samples on this page can be downloaded and tweaked to fit your own personal circumstances.

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Farm Worker cover letter example

Christine Graham Hiring Manager Dayjob Ltd 120 Vyse Street Birmingham B18 6NF

17 th March 2022

Dear Ms Graham,

Kindly accept this application from a capable individual who wishes to apply for your Farm Worker vacancy that was advertised yesterday on the Dayjob.com website.

I have a keen interest in farming and all things agricultural.

I possess excellent stamina and am physically fit and able to do manual labour for long periods of time in all types of weather. In addition to this I can work on my own throughout the day. Furthermore, I am confident about handling large animals and have extensive experience of interacting with livestock and know how to handle them.

In my current place of work, no two days the same, one day I will be harvesting vegetables and another repairing fences. I collaborate daily with people from a wide variety of backgrounds and get along with all of them. The Farm Manager is very happy with my conduct, and I am confident that I can bring the same level of performance to your establishment.

I have been employed in this field for some time and am used to working seasonally and in different locations. I accept that this is an unsettled lifestyle and that there can be periods of unemployment between jobs. With this in mind, I am open to short term job offers. On a personal level I am a very perceptive person who is always aware of everything going on around the farm at all times.

I hope that after reviewing my attached resume you will be convinced of my potential and invite me for an interview to discuss my application in further detail. Please feel free to contact me anytime to arrange an interview at your convenience.

Yours sincerely,

Name Address 1 Address 2 Tel: 0044 123 456 7890 Email: [email protected]

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How to Write a Job Application Letter (With Examples)

What Is a Job Application Letter?

Tips for writing a job application letter, how to get started.

• Writing Guidelines
• What to Include in Each Section

Simple Formatting Using a Template

Tips for writing an effective letter, sample job application letter, sending an email application, review more letter examples.

Do you need to write a letter to apply for a job? Most of the time, the answer is yes. Even when employers don’t require a job application letter , writing one will help you highlight your skills and achievements and get the hiring manager’s attention. The only time not to send one is when the job listing says not to do so. It can help, and it definitely won't hurt to include an application letter with your resume.

A job application letter, also known as a cover letter , should be sent or uploaded with your resume when applying for jobs. While your resume offers a history of your work experience and an outline of your skills and accomplishments, the job application letter you send to an employer explains why you are qualified for the position and should be selected for an interview.

Writing this letter can seem like a challenging task. However, if you take it one step at a time, you'll soon be an expert at writing application letters to send with your resume.

Melissa Ling / The Balance

Before you begin writing your job application letter, do some groundwork. Consider what information you want to include, and keep in mind that space is limited.

Remember, this letter is making a case for your candidacy for the position. But you should do more than just regurgitate your resume. Instead, highlight your most relevant skills, experiences, and abilities.

Analyze the Job Posting

To include the most convincing, relevant details in your letter, you'll need to know what the employer wants.

The biggest clues are within the job advertisement, so spend some time decoding the job listing . Next, match your qualifications with the employer's wants and needs.

Include Your Most Relevant Qualifications

Make a list of your relevant experience and skills. For instance, if the job ad calls for a strong leader, think of examples of when you've successfully led a team. Once you've jotted down some notes and have a sense of what you want to highlight in your letter, you're ready to start writing.

Writing Guidelines for Job Application Letters

Writing a job application letter is very different from a quick email to a friend or a thank-you note to a relative. Hiring managers and potential interviewers have certain expectations when it comes to the letter's presentation and appearance, from length (no more than a page) and font size to style and letter spacing . Keep these general guidelines in mind, but always stick to any explicit instructions in the job listing or application portal.

Length: A letter of application should be no more than one page long. Three to four paragraphs are typical.

Format and Page Margins: A letter of application should be single-spaced with a space between each paragraph. Use 1-inch margins and align your text to the left, which is the standard alignment for most documents.

Font: Use a traditional font such as Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri. The font size should be between 10 and 12 points.

What to Include in Each Section of the Letter

There are also set rules for the sections included in the letter, from salutation to sign-off, and how the letter is organized. Here's a quick overview of the main sections included in a job application letter:

Heading: A job application letter should begin with both your and the employer's contact information (name, address, phone number, email), followed by the date. If this is an email rather than an actual letter, include your contact information at the end of the letter, after your signature.

•   Header Examples

Salutation: This is your polite greeting. The most common salutation is "Dear Mr./Ms." followed by the person's last name. Find out more about appropriate cover letter salutations , including what to do if you don't know the person's name or are unsure of a contact's gender.

Body of the letter: Think of this section as having three distinct parts.

In the first paragraph , you'll want to mention the job you are applying for and where you saw the job listing.

The next paragraph(s) are the most important part of your letter. Remember how you gathered information about what the employer was seeking, and how you could meet their needs? This is where you'll share those relevant details on your experience and accomplishments.

The third and last part of the body of the letter will be your thank you to the employer; you can also offer follow-up information.

Complimentary Close: Sign off your email or letter with a polite close, such as "Best," or "Sincerely," followed by your name.

• Closing Examples

Signature: When you're sending or uploading a printed letter, end with your handwritten signature, followed by your typed name. If this is an email, simply include your typed name, followed by your contact information.

• Signature Examples

Overwhelmed by all these formatting and organization requirements? One way to make the process of writing a job application easier is to use a template to create your own personalized letters. Having a template can help save you time if you are sending a lot of application letters.

Be sure that each letter you send is personalized to the company and position; do not send the same letter to different companies.

• Always write one. Unless a job posting explicitly says not to send a letter of application or cover letter, you should always send one. Even if the company does not request a letter of application, it never hurts to include one. If they do ask you to send a letter, make sure to follow the directions exactly (for example, they might ask you to send the letter as an email attachment or type it directly into their online application system).
• Use business letter format. Use a formal business letter format when writing your letter. Include your contact information at the top, the date, and the employer’s contact information. Be sure to provide a salutation at the beginning and your signature at the end.
• Sell yourself. Throughout the letter, focus on how you would benefit the company. Provide specific examples of times when you demonstrated skills or abilities that would be useful for the job, especially those listed in the job posting or description. If possible, include examples of times when you added value to a company.

Numerical values offer concrete evidence of your skills and accomplishments.

• Use keywords. Reread the job listing, taking note of any keywords (such as skills or abilities that are emphasized in the listing). Try to include some of those words in your cover letter. This will help the employer see that you are a strong fit for the job.
• Keep it brief. Keep your letter under a page long, with no more than about four paragraphs. An employer is more likely to read a concise letter.
• Proofread and edit. Employers are likely to overlook an application with a lot of errors. Read through your cover letter, and if possible, ask a friend or career counselor to review the letter. Proofread for any grammar or spelling errors.

This is a job application letter sample.  Download the letter template (compatible with Google Docs or Word Online) or read the example below.

Sample Job Application Letter (Text Version)

Elizabeth Johnson 12 Jones Street Portland, Maine 04101 555-555-5555 elizabethjohnson@emailaddress.com

August 11, 2024

Mark Smith Human Resources Manager Veggies to Go 238 Main Street Portland, Maine 04101

Dear Mr. Smith,

I was so excited when my former coworker, Jay Lopez, told me about your opening for an administrative assistant in your Portland offices. A long-time Veggies to Go customer and an experienced admin, I would love to help the company achieve its mission of making healthy produce as available as takeout.

I’ve worked for small companies for my entire career, and I relish the opportunity to wear many hats and work with the team to succeed. In my latest role as an administrative assistant at Beauty Corp, I saved my employer thousands of dollars in temp workers by implementing a self-scheduling system for the customer service reps that cut down on canceled shifts. I also learned web design and timesheet coding, and I perfected my Excel skills. 

I’ve attached my resume for your consideration and hope to speak with you soon about your needs for the role.

Best Regards,

Elizabeth Johnson (signature hard copy letter)

Elizabeth Johnson

When you are sending your letter via email include the reason you are writing in the subject line of your message:

Subject Line Example

Subject: Elizabeth Johnson – Administrative Assistant Position

List your contact information in your signature, rather than in the body of the letter:

Email Signature Example

Elizabeth Johnson 555-555-5555 email@emailaddress.com

Review more examples of professionally written cover letters for a variety of circumstances, occupations, and job types.

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Meat Process Worker Cover Letter Example

Meat Process Workers work in meat factories and complete a wide range of tasks such as – handling, slaughtering, and processing livestock. They also process, and render equipment, dispatch the products for packing, and maintain a detailed record of stock. To do this job well, you should be able to read and understand recipes and follow the given instructions correctly.

A Cover letter serves as a scope of your landing an interview for your dream job. Therefore, use the cover letter space wisely to highlight your strengths that resonate with the prospective employer. Your Meat Process Worker Cover Letter should focus on your dexterity and vigilant skills. Our Meat Process Worker Cover Letter Sample will hand out a few tips to compose a stellar cover letter of your own.

• Cover Letters

Meat Process Workers work with different types of meat, including pork, poultry, lamb, goat, beef, etc. The workers are responsible for the overall process of converting animal flesh into consumer-ready items. This process includes slaughtering animals, breaking down the carcasses into usable bits, packing them into retail cuts, and dispatching them for storage or distribution. They are also tasked with the duty of handling by-products such as bones, organs, blood, and hides.

What to Include in a Meat Process Worker Cover Letter?

Roles and responsibilities.

• Working along with the production staff, and ensuring the animals are processed as per the federal guidelines.
• Inspecting cuts of meat products, cutting, trimming , and processing the products such as fish, pork, beef, and poultry.
• Slaughtering animals as per the federal regulations governing the humane treatment of livestock.
• Storing raw materials in refrigerated areas till they are being used for processing.
• Cutting up large pieces of meat into smaller cuts.
• Processing meat products such as chops, steaks, and ground beef.
• Cleaning work areas, equipment, and utensils after work completion.

Education & Skills

Meat process worker skills:.

• The ability to follow instructions, and work well in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication skills.
• The ability to use all types of equipment, and tools used in the unit.
• Attention to details.
• Food safety knowledge.
• The ability to adhere to sanitation procedures, and maintain a safe temperature for food storage and handling raw meat properly.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• The ability to work in a potentially hazardous and chemical-prone work area.

Meat Process Worker Education Requirements:

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Associate’s degree in Meat science or a similar field.
• Training shadowing meat processing techniques and processes.

Meat Process Worker Cover Letter Example (Text Version)

Dear Mr./Ms.

With this job application and the attached resume, I want to present my interest and passion in the field to work as your Meat Process Worker at ***. My experience in operating and processing all types of meat, including pork, beef, and goats, along with my strong abilities to work in such a processing unit allows me to easily work in any setup and helps me facilitate a streamlined meat processing work.

I have a diploma in *** and learned this trade by working under an experienced butcher. I have more than 5 years of experience in the field. In my current workplace at **, I am tasked with the job of trimming the fat from cut meat, knife them into proportions, and packaging the meat cuts for sale. I excel in using all relevant slicers including bacon slabs to get a uniform slice for sale.

The following achievements demonstrate my qualifications for this role –

• Assisting the processing team with various activities including loading, and unloading trucks, and storing the items in deep freezer units.
• Assuming accountability for the sanitation of the processing unit and the equipment being used.
• Updating inventory records regularly and reducing discrepancies.
• Ensuring proper labeling and packaging of the food items.
• Checking the expiry date of each item being packed.
• Experience working in a warehouse.
• The ability to use the forklift to load and unload trailers.
• High level of physical fitness and stamina to work in cold-temperature processing and storage units.

Apart from the above-mentioned skills, I am an excellent cook and have team collaborative skills which will serve as an important asset to your team. Please run through my enclosed resume to know more about my domain-specific skills, and prior work history. I look forward to a further round of discussion over my position and to displaying my achievements. I greatly appreciate you for walking through my candidacy.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

Meat Process Worker Cover Letter Example with No Experience(Text Version)

Your Meat Process Worker role demands the abilities, skills, and work ethic that I have been developing in this field which I learned through my education. I have recently graduated from *** and would like to provide my service to ****. Owing to my internship at ***, I have a handful of knowledge associated with this position. And, now I am excited about leveraging my expertise to contribute to your bottom line.

Some of the core skills that make me an ideal fit for this role include –

• Well-versed in setting up and calibrating food processing machines with competency in operating meat processing equipment.
• Measuring raw ingredients for each process in my niche.
• Competency in setting gauges and avoiding jams.
• Strong accuracy and math skills to monitor the level of stock, and count.
• Strong interpersonal skills to maintain a relationship with vendors and suppliers.
• Skills in strict traceability.
• High level of physical fitness and stamina.

Moreover, I am proficient in using different tools for meat cutting and processing. My meticulous attention to detail and the ability to keep attentiveness for cyclical tasks are my forte. Your job description mentions that you need someone to work night shifts, and I can contribute to that. I look forward to meeting with you soon. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Strong Stamina and physical build, along with excellent hand-eye coordination are the chief qualities that prospective hiring managers are looking for.

The applicant with zero experience should discuss their scholastic accomplishment and demonstrate their skills learned through an internship or voluntary programs. They should list their job-specific skills in their cover letter. Our sample cover letter is a perfect example of how a cover letter has to be.

Writing a riveting resume is a bit demanding, but with the help of our Meat Process Worker Resume Sample , it becomes easy for you to draft a compelling resume.

Customize Meat Process Worker Cover Letter

Get hired faster with our free cover letter template designed to land you the perfect position.

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Butcher Cover Letter Samples & Examples That Worked in 2024

To earn your dream job, you need to write a butcher cover letter that highlights both your professional talent and drive. Follow our guide and find out how to use these examples, tips, and real-life cover letter samples to your advantage. Make your cover letter one to remember!

In this guide, we teach you the key steps for writing a cover letter as a butcher. Keep reading to learn all about:

• How to write a cover letter header & headline as a butcher
• Why you should tailor your butcher cover letter for the position
• What to say in your butcher cover letter introduction
• Ways to showcase your skills and accomplishments as a butcher
• How to conclude your butcher cover letter with a memorable statement
• How to access top resources for job-seeking butchers

Still looking for a job? These 100+ resources will tell you everything you need to get hired fast.

1. How to write a proper cover letter header & headline as a butcher

The first key elements to craft on your butcher cover letter are your header and headline.

A cover letter header helps to give the document more structure and visual flow, while a headline is useful for immediately capturing the employer’s attention.

In your header, you should include:

• Your name and professional title
• Your professional contact information
• The name and department of the company you are applying to
• The company’s address

Here is an example of a well-formatted butcher header

Mary Smith , Professional Butcher (123) 456-7890 | [email protected] | linkedin.com/in/mary-smith

To: Yellow Bird Grocery, Butcher’s Department 1234 Street Address Los Angeles, CA, 90003

Your headline follows up your header, serving as a title statement that introduces the main idea of your letter to the employer. To make your headline compelling, make sure to include a keyword related to the position, an eye-catching number or trigger word, a powerful adjective or verb, and a promise.

Here is an example of an effective butcher’s headline, followed by a quick explanation of its key parts

My 3 Successes as a Butcher & How I Can Achieve Them at Your Business

Trigger Word/Number : 3 Successes Keyword: Butcher Adjective/Verb: Achieve Promise: Your Business – the inclusion of this statement shows the employer that you plan to specifically talk about how your skills relate to the business’s needs in your cover letter.

Create your cover letter fast with artificial intelligence.

2. how to tailor your butcher cover letter for the position.

When writing a cover letter, there are two approaches you can take: generalized or personalized.

A generalized cover letter will describe your relevant skills and accomplishments, but not necessarily get into deep detail about how you will use those qualifications in the position you are applying for.

Comparatively, a personalized cover letter will contain information tailored to the exact job, including a personalized greeting that addresses a specific person by name. To tailor a cover letter in this way, you will need to research the company beforehand, looking for information such as:

• Who in the company will review your cover letter (typically, this will be either a department head or a hiring manager)
• What the company’s values and core goals are (& how they align with your own)
• What current projects the company is involved in (& how your skills can benefit these projects)

Here are 3 examples of personalized cover letter greetings

Dear Mr. John Wayne,

• Dear Hiring Manager John Wayne,
• To Mr. John Wayne & the Butcher Department Team,

3. How to craft a compelling butcher cover letter introduction

With your cover letter header, headline, and greeting in place, the next element to focus on writing is a strong introductory paragraph . Your cover letter introduction should have between 2 to 3 sentences that include:

• A brief overview of your professional history
• A statement on why you are enthusiastic about applying to this company
• A mutual acquaintance (when possible)

Pro Tip: Including a mutual acquaintance within your introduction is like a golden ticket to making a great first impression on an employer. If you do not have any mutual acquaintances, use professional social platforms like LinkedIn to exist with existing employees of companies you are interested in.

Here is an example of a well-written butcher cover letter introduction

I am a butcher with over 7 years of experience working in gourmet groceries. At a recent catering event I participated in, I had the pleasure of meeting your Head of Staffing Jane Johnson, who strongly recommended I apply for this opening. Upon reviewing your company values and clientele, I believe I am the perfect professional match for your growing business.

Find out your resume score!

4. How to showcase your skills and accomplishments as a butcher

Following your introduction is the heftiest section of your cover letter – the body paragraphs. An effective butcher’s cover letter will contain between 2 to 4 paragraphs that answer relevant questions, such as:

• What are your best skills as a butcher & how do you apply them in new situations?
• What accomplishments or qualifications make you stand out as an applicant?
• What level of knowledge in the butchery industry do you have?
• What can you contribute to the company?

As you answer these questions, make sure to include quantifiable and specific details whenever possible. By doing so, you can fully contextualize your skills and accomplishments in a way that is meaningful to employers.

Here are 6 great butcher skills to describe in a cover letter

• Knowledge of animal anatomy
• Knowledge of cut quality level
• Precise meat cutting techniques
• Knife & equipment maintenance
• Excellent physical stamina
• Strong customer service skills

Here is an example of how to describe an accomplishment in a butcher cover letter

As the head butcher at [Former Employer], one of my core responsibilities was finding ways to reduce operational costs without sacrificing meat quality or staff numbers. After sourcing a new local meat supplier, I was able to reduce meat sourcing costs by 30% - as well as drawing in 10% more customers using a “support local meat” marketing campaign.

5. How to conclude your butcher cover letter with a memorable statement

It is important to always give your butcher cover letter a strong conclusion that includes a memorable statement that will encourage the employer to contact you. This closing statement should include:

• An enthusiastic sentence saying you are looking forward to hearing from them
• An additional sentence stating you will follow up, including how you will contact them or how they can contact you
• A formal sign-off

Here is an example of a strong closing statement from a butcher cover letter

As your new butcher, I will put forth tremendous effort to uphold your customer satisfaction standards. I am excited to learn more about your company and this opportunity, and I am available to meet any Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. If I have not heard back in one week, I will reach back out to check on the status of my application.

The best way to reach me is at (123) 456-7890.

Yours Truly,

[Applicant Name]

If you have ever wondered how a cover letter differs from a resume, this article will tell you everything about the key differences between the two . 

6. Top resources for job-seeking butchers

To find the right job in the butchery field, you need to know where to look for them. Below, we've prepared a list of job resources tailored specifically for butchers:

• Industry-specific job boards: Websites dedicated to the food industry, such as CareersInFood , MeatWork , or AgriSeek often list opportunities for butchers and meat cutters.
• Professional associations: Professional associations for butchers play a crucial role in providing industry-specific resources, networking opportunities, continuing education, and advocacy. Consider joining the likes of the International Butchers' Confederation (IBC), the Butchers Guild (UK), or the American Association of Meat Processors (AAMP). 
• Food retailers and grocery stores : You may also want to check the careers pages of specialty food retailers, grocery stores, and organic markets for butcher positions. This is because many employers in the food industry prefer to hire people directly through their own websites.
• General job boards: Websites like Indeed , Glassdoor , or Jooble also offer numerous job postings for butchers. You just have to put the right keywords into the search bar and viola! 
• Continuous education: If you want to stay on top of your craft, you need to keep learning and growing. Professional associations offer training and courses that might help you upskill. But you can also look for relevant courses on online platforms, such as Coursera , MasterClass , or Udemy .

Whether you decide to use this list of resources as your launch pad or not, remember that a persuasive cover letter is essential for making a lasting first impression. So, go for it! 

Butcher Cover Letter FAQ

How can i express my enthusiasm for the butchery field in my cover letter.

You can, for example, share what draws you to butchery. Is it a passion for artisanal meat processing? Or a desire to uphold traditional techniques? An interest in sustainable food practices? If possible, write about personal stories or experiences that highlight your drive.

What are common mistakes to avoid in my butcher cover letter?

You want to avoid generic statements that could apply to any candidate. Also, steer clear of spelling and grammar errors. Always proofread your text carefully, several times! And, don't repeat your resume word for word. Instead, use the cover letter to tell a compelling story about your career and motivation.

How should I format my butcher cover letter?

Use a professional format with a clear introduction,and body paragraphs, and your closing statement. Keep it to one page, and make sure it’s visually appealing and easy to read. You can achieve this by paying attention to how you use white space.

Is it appropriate to mention specific meat cutting techniques or certifications?

Absolutely! Writing about specialized techniques or certifications showcases your expertise and commitment to the profession. And that can set you apart from other candidates with more general backgrounds.

How can I highlight my achievements in previous butcher roles?

You can underline the importance of your achievements by quantifying your results whenever possible. For example, you can quantify increases in sales or any efficiency improvements. Also, you can share stories of particularly challenging tasks and how you contributed to finding the right solutions.

Martin Poduška

Martin is a resume expert and career advice writer at Kickresume. In his five years at Kickresume, he has written hundreds of in-depth, painstakingly researched resume advice articles and, as chief editor, he has also edited and revised every single article on this website. Tens of thousands of job seekers read Martin’s resume advice every month. He holds a degree in English from the University of St Andrews and a degree in Comparative Literature from the University of Amsterdam .

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What Is a Letter of Explanation for a Mortgage?

Why do you need a letter of explanation, how to write a letter of explanation.

• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The Bottom Line

• Buying a Home

How to Write a Letter of Explanation for a Mortgage

A letter of explanation may help you get approved for a mortgage

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When you apply for a mortgage, the lender will review information such as your credit history, employment, income, assets, investments, and outstanding debts. But your financial statements, credit report, and tax returns don’t always tell the full story about your financial situation.

A letter of explanation helps clarify any information that might give a lender pause. Learn more about when you might need a letter of explanation for a mortgage application and how to write the letter. 

Key Takeaways

• Some mortgage lenders may request a letter of explanation if there is confusion about any details in your financial documents.
• If you’re applying for a government-backed mortgage like an FHA or VA loan, a letter of explanation may be required. 
• Even if your lender doesn’t require a letter of explanation, including one may help clarify details in your mortgage application that could otherwise lead to denial. 
• You may need to include supporting documentation to give your letter of explanation more credibility.

A letter of explanation, sometimes referred to as an LOX or LOE by mortgage underwriters, is similar to a cover letter for a job application. Just as a cover letter expands on the details in your resume, a mortgage letter of explanation further explains your financial documents. For example, you might need to explain that last year’s income wasn’t typical because you took a sabbatical, or that you missed a payment due to a healthcare emergency.  

“A letter of explanation is not a standard or defaulted requirement for a mortgage application,” said Shmuel Shayowitz, president and chief lending officer at Approved Funding, a licensed mortgage bank and direct lender. However, your mortgage lender may request one if your financial information needs clarification. If you’re applying for a government-backed loan, the agency that insures the loan may also require a letter of explanation in certain situations. 

Even if it’s not required, it can’t hurt to include a letter of explanation with your mortgage application. “The default for some processors and underwriters is to assume the worst or to err on the side of caution when something is unclear or complicated,” Shayowitz said. “Being proactive with explanation letters can go a long way in helping a loan processor and mortgage underwriter understand something that might be confusing.”

In particular, the following situations merit the inclusion of a letter of explanation. 

Erratic Income or Gaps in Employment

Most lenders look for a consistent and reliable income that ensures you can keep up with your mortgage payments. If you were unemployed or did not receive income for more than a month over the last two years, you should include a letter of explanation that details the reason you weren’t working, such as:

• Childbirth or caring for another family member
• Pursuing further education
• Being laid off
• Being self-employed or working in a seasonal industry
• Going out of business or downsizing

If you were able to make regular payments on your debts and support yourself with savings during that time, be sure to mention that in the letter.

Issues on Your Credit Report

If your credit report shows red flags, like missed payments or defaults, bankruptcies , or foreclosures , it’s essential to include a letter of explanation noting what happened and why it’s not likely to reoccur. You’ll also want to include the date of the event, the name of your creditor, and the account number associated with the delinquent debt.

No Rental or Mortgage Payment History

If you have been living with a friend or family member rather than making monthly housing payments for your own place, the homeowner you live with will need to write a letter of explanation. The homeowner should explain that they haven’t charged you rent and include the dates you lived on their property before signing the letter. 

Profits or Losses From Farming

If you filed Schedule F with your tax return because you earned or lost income from a farm property, you’re required to include a letter of explanation. Include the address of the farm and clearly state that it is not located on the property you’re buying with the mortgage. 

Large Deposits or Withdrawals

If you received a large deposit to your bank account, the lender might think you accepted a gift or a loan from a family member and wonder if your income is sufficient without additional help. A large withdrawal may also indicate to the lender that you’re having financial troubles. There are other reasons for large bank transactions, however. For example, you may have received a bonus from your employer, liquidated investments at an opportune time, or withdrawn funds for a home renovation. Include a letter of explanation that shows why the atypical transaction occurred. 

Possible Occupancy Questions

Lenders underwrite vacation homes and investment properties differently from primary residences. It’s illegal to misrepresent your occupancy intentions. If you’re applying for a primary residence mortgage for a property located far from your employer, or if you’re applying for a second home mortgage for a property in close proximity to your primary residence, the lender may think you intend to use it as a rental property. 

If you think the lender may have questions about how you intend to use the property, include a letter of explanation.  

Address Discrepancies

If any of your documents show a different address, you should include a letter of explanation with a reason for the discrepancy to assure the lender you’re not a victim of identity theft.  

“Your explanation letter should be specific, precise, and well-communicated,” said Shayowitz. Avoid general statements about your ability to manage your finances and speak to a specific issue. 

For example, if you missed a payment, explain why it happened, point to your otherwise positive payment history, and state when you brought your account back up to date. A statement like “I make every effort to stay on top of my payments” is too vague because it won’t provide the lender with the details they need to make an approval decision. 

You may need to attach supporting documentation as well. For example, if you’re buying a home far away from work, you might want to include a letter from your employer that shows your remote work arrangement. If you took out a large withdrawal to pay for landscaping in order to prep your home for sale, include a receipt from the landscaping company. If you missed a payment due to being hospitalized, include medical records. 

You’ll also want to include the following elements:

• Your name, address, and phone number
• The lender’s name, address, and phone number
• The mortgage application number
• Your explanation, which should refer to the attached documents that support it
• Your signature and the date

Example of a Letter of Explanation

Today’s Date

Example Lender Lender Address

Loan Application Number

RE: Anna Smith’s Mortgage Application

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to explain my gap in employment that occurred between 02/15/2023 and 04/10/2023. 

My mother was admitted to the hospital for surgery on 02/09/2023 after a fall. I applied for Family and Medical Leave on 02/10/2023 in order to care for my mother during her recovery. My employer approved FMLA-protected leave on 02/14/2023. I have attached the approval letter from my employer, which grants up to 12 weeks of leave. 

During my period of unpaid leave, I relied on sufficient reserves in my savings account as well as my husband’s income to cover my expenses. I didn’t miss any payments on my credit cards or auto loan. I returned to work on 04/11/2023. In the following months, I made several deposits into my Capital One savings account to replenish my reserves. 

Anna Smith’s Address Anna Smith’s Phone Number

How Do You Start a Letter of Explanation?

At the top of the letter, include the date, the name of the lender, the lender’s address, and your loan application number. In the next line, write “Re: (Your Name)’s Mortgage Application.” Address the letter to “To Whom It May Concern,” and note which issue you are addressing in the first sentence. 

What If Your Mortgage Letter of Explanation Is Rejected?

If your letter of explanation is rejected, you have a few options. If the information you provided wasn’t sufficient, you can write a more detailed letter and include supporting documentation. You can also try applying for a mortgage from a different lender. If you’re struggling to get approved , you may need to resolve whatever problem you’re explaining in the letter before trying again. 

How Long Should a Letter of Explanation Be?

A letter of explanation only needs to be long enough to convey the details of the issue you’re explaining. For example, if you missed a payment, you should include the date of the missed payment, the reason you missed it, and how you’ve remedied or plan to remedy the issue. A few sentences may suffice, or your letter may run longer if it’s a complex situation and you need to reference supporting documents. 

Is a Letter of Explanation Necessary?

A letter of explanation is not always necessary. If there are no red flags in your financial history, you may be approved without a letter of explanation. But if there are issues that might raise concerns, you’ll want to include a letter of explanation. You’ll also need to write a letter of explanation if the lender requests one, or if it’s required by the government agency backing the mortgage. For example, for all FHA-approved mortgages , the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires a letter of explanation from borrowers who have collection accounts or judgments.

A letter of explanation can help your mortgage application process, especially if you have had financial issues you want to clarify. A good letter will address the specific issues and explain why they are not likely to reoccur. Consider consulting a real estate professional for more guidance in writing a letter of explanation that fits your needs.

Chase. " What Documents Are Needed to Apply for a Mortgage? " 

Citizens Bank. " How to Write a Letter of Explanation ." 

National Association of Mortgage Underwriters. " Best Practices: Letters of Explanation ." 

Ally Bank. " How to Write a Letter of Explanation ." 

Newcastle Loans. " Principal Residence, Second Home, or Investment Property? " 

Griffin Funding. " Letter of Explanation ." 

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