Application letter and email builder: job, learnership and internship, South Africa

Type the post, the employer and two lines about you, and you get an application email and a cover letter to copy. It keeps the reference number in the subject, where departments look for it.

This tool runs only in your browser. Nothing you type is sent anywhere. No signup.

You

For example: 3 years as a sales assistant in a phone shop

For example: stock control, customer care and Excel

One sentence that could only be about them.

The job

For example: my certificates

Type your name, the job title and the employer to see your subject line, email and cover letter.

Before you send

  • Government post? Quote the reference number in the subject line. Public Service Vacancy Circular 39 tells applicants to give it, and each post needs its own Z83.
  • Some departments want your Z83 and CV as one PDF, and one in Circular 39 sets a 15 MB limit. Others want two attachments or use a portal only. Do what your advert says.
  • Don't attach certified copies unless the advert asks. Many public service adverts ask for them only from shortlisted people.
  • Applying is free. If anyone asks you for money to send your application on, stop.

A short letter gets read. It says which post, where you saw it, why you fit, what's attached and how to reach you. So if you're applying for an Administration Clerk post, ref HR5/1/2/3/46, the subject line reads: Application for Administration Clerk, ref HR5/1/2/3/46, then your name. Circular 39 tells applicants to indicate the reference number, and some departments ask for it in the email subject line.

How do I write an application letter for a learnership?

Say which learnership and which NQF level it is. Then say what you finished, such as Grade 12 or a TVET certificate, why this field, and that you can start on the date. Add that you'll complete the programme. You don't need experience: that's the point of it.

How do I send a government application?

The letter is the small part. Most national and provincial posts need a Z83 and a CV, and the advert decides how to send them.

  • Some use a provincial portal, such as jobs.gauteng.gov.za
  • Some want one PDF by email, and one department in Circular 39 sets a limit of 15 MB
  • Some ask for two attachments, a Z83 and a CV, through a form
  • Each post needs its own Z83, even with the same department

What makes a recruiter skip a letter?

The wrong post or employer name, because you copied last week's letter. A letter that only says you need a job. An email from an address that looks like a joke, so make a plain one with your name. Documents the advert didn't ask for: many departments want certified copies only from shortlisted people.

Who do I address it to?

Use the name in the advert if there's one, and write Yours sincerely. If not, write Dear Hiring Manager and Yours faithfully. The tool picks the right ending for you. Applying is free: if anyone wants money to send your application or to move it up a list, stop and use our job scam check.

Questions people ask

Is a cover letter needed for a government job?

The Z83 is what's required, along with a CV. A cover letter is rarely asked for in the circular. Include one if the advert asks, or if you're emailing and the message needs to say what's attached.

Does the tool send my email?

No. It writes the text in your browser, and you copy it or open it in your own email app. Nothing you type comes to us.

Can I write this on my phone?

Yes. Fill in the boxes and press copy. Then paste it into Gmail or Outlook, and attach your documents there.

Should I say what salary I want?

Not unless the advert asks. Government adverts state the pay. For a private post, wait for the question, then use our salary tool to work out your figure.

Sources

Checked 2 November 2026.

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