Contoh Surat Lamaran Kerja: The Guide You Wish You Had

Updated: July 2025

Contoh Surat Lamaran Kerja – First Steps

You’ve finally found it that job opening that checks all the boxes. The company looks amazing, the role matches your skills, and you can already picture yourself in that office (or maybe working remotely in your pajamas). You’ve polished your CV, updated your LinkedIn profile, maybe even rehearsed some common interview questions just in case. But then, reality hits: you need to write a job application letter.

And not just any letter a proper job application letter that shows who you are, what you bring to the table, and why this company should even think about shortlisting you. Suddenly, your confidence dips a little. How formal should it be? What do you even say? Do companies still read these things?

If you’re feeling a mix of confusion, pressure, or even mild dread, take a breath you’re definitely not alone. Writing a surat lamaran kerja (that’s “job application letter” in English) can feel like one of the trickiest parts of applying for a job, especially if you haven’t done it in a while or you’re sending out your very first one. It’s more than just a formality. It’s your chance to speak directly to the hiring team and tell them, “Here’s why I’m worth meeting.”

This blog is here to help. Whether you’re a fresh graduate trying to get your foot in the door, a professional looking to level up, or someone making a big career switch, this guide will walk you through every step of the process. We’ll go over what makes a strong application letter, show you real contoh surat lamaran kerja you can use as a reference, and explain the key elements hiring managers look for all in plain, friendly English.

So, if you’re ready to write a letter that doesn’t sound stiff or generic, but instead feels professional, personal, and actually reflects you, then you’re in the right place. Let’s make sure your next job application doesn’t just get sent it gets noticed.

What Is a Job Application Letter (And Why It Still Matters in 2025)?

With so many companies now offering one-click applications, autofill forms, and AI-powered CV scanners, you might be wondering if anyone still reads job application letters. The short answer? Yes – absolutely. A job application letter, or surat lamaran kerja as it’s known in Indonesia, is still one of the most valuable tools you have when applying for a job.

Think of it as your first conversation with the company. While your resume is a summary of what you’ve done, your application letter is your opportunity to explain why you did it, why you want this job, and why this company matters to you. It’s your chance to say, “I’m more than just a list of skills and past jobs here’s the real story behind the professional.”

A well-written job application letter shows personality, professionalism, and motivation. It allows you to address the employer directly and connect the dots between what they need and what you offer. Especially in competitive fields where dozens (or even hundreds) of applicants have similar qualifications, your letter could be the deciding factor that puts you in the “yes” pile.

And even though the term “cover letter” might sound a bit old-fashioned, it still plays a very current role. Recruiters and hiring managers often look at the cover letter before the resume to get a feel for the person behind the paperwork. It’s like a handshake in written form – simple, sincere, and memorable.

So no, this part of the process hasn’t gone extinct. In fact, in a world full of fast applications and generic submissions, taking the time to write a thoughtful surat lamaran kerja can actually make you stand out more than ever.

The Structure of a Great Job Application Letter

Writing a great job application letter, or surat lamaran pekerjaan, doesn’t have to feel like solving a puzzle. In fact, once you understand the basic structure, it becomes a simple and logical flow. The goal is to present yourself professionally while still sounding human, sincere, and aligned with the job you’re applying for. Let’s walk through the key parts that make up a strong, effective letter.

You’ll want to begin with a proper opening. This means greeting the company respectfully using a formal salutation. Even if you don’t know the name of the person who will be reading your letter, it’s important to keep the tone professional. A safe choice in English would be something like “Dear Hiring Manager,” while in more formal Indonesian contexts, you might see “Yth. HRD [Nama Perusahaan]” used. Either way, keep it short and polite.

Next comes the introduction.

Where you get straight to the point. Clearly state the position you’re applying for, and mention how you found out about the vacancy. This is also a great spot to briefly touch on your background, especially if it connects directly to the job. For example, you might write: “I am writing to apply for the position of Digital Marketing Specialist as advertised on your company’s website.” This sets the tone and gives the employer context right away.

Now we move into the heart of the letter, the body paragraphs. This is where you highlight your qualifications, achievements, and most importantly, the value you can bring to the company. Be specific here. If you’re a great communicator, mention a time when your communication skills helped solve a problem or led a project. If you’re applying as a fresh graduate, talk about internships, volunteer work, or academic projects that gave you real-world skills. It’s not enough to say you’re a “team player” – you need to show it through real examples.

After you’ve made your case, it’s time for the closing paragraph. Here, you should thank the hiring manager for their time and express genuine interest in taking the next step. A simple closing line like “Thank you for considering my application. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to your team” leaves a positive final impression and shows initiative without sounding pushy.

Finally, don’t forget your signature. At the very end of your letter, include your full name, contact information, and the date. If you’re submitting a printed version, leave space to sign your name by hand above your printed name. If you’re submitting it digitally, just make sure your contact details are clear and easy to find.

When all these parts come together, you’ve got a complete, well-structured surat lamaran kerja that flows naturally and covers everything a hiring manager needs to see – without being overwhelming or overly formal.

A Realistic Example of a Modern Job Application Letter

Now that we’ve covered the structure, let’s look at a full example of a job application letter that you can actually use. This version leans toward a modern, professional tone and blends Indonesian formality with a more natural, English-inspired writing style. It’s clean, straightforward, and adaptable for almost any position – whether you’re applying to a tech startup, a multinational corporation, or a creative agency.

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to express my interest in the [Position Title] role at [Company Name], which I saw advertised on [Job Board or Company Website]. With a background in [Your Field or Degree] and hands-on experience in [Relevant Skill or Industry], I am confident in my ability to contribute meaningfully to your team.

In my previous role at [Previous Company or University], I was responsible for [Specific Task or Project], which helped improve [Result or Outcome, like efficiency, engagement, or revenue]. This experience strengthened my skills in [Key Skill], and it also taught me the value of clear communication, collaboration, and staying focused on goals.

What really draws me to [Company Name] is your commitment to [Company Value, Mission, or Project]. I admire the way your team approaches [Relevant Topic], and I’m excited about the possibility of bringing my own passion and expertise into that environment.

I’ve attached my CV for your review, and I would appreciate the chance to further discuss how my background and enthusiasm can support the success of your team. I’m available at your convenience and can be reached via phone or email.

Thank you very much for considering my application.

Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Phone Number] | [Email Address] | [LinkedIn Profile]

This example follows the structure we discussed earlier and creates a professional yet approachable tone – perfect for catching the attention of a recruiter. You can adjust the specific details to reflect your actual experience, whether you’re a recent graduate, changing careers, or applying for a promotion.

Handwritten or Typed? Here’s When “Tulis Tangan” Still Matters

If you’ve been browsing examples online, you’ve probably come across something called contoh surat lamaran kerja tulis tangan, which means a handwritten job application letter. And yes – it’s still very much a thing, especially in certain sectors in Indonesia. But when exactly are you supposed to write your letter by hand instead of typing it?

The short answer: only do it if it’s specifically requested.

There are a few situations where a handwritten letter is either preferred or required. For example, if you’re applying for a government job or a position in a state-owned company (like CPNS or BUMN), handwritten applications are often part of the process. In those cases, it’s best to follow the instructions exactly and put in the effort to write a clean, well-structured letter by hand.

Some employers also see a handwritten letter as a sign of sincerity, patience, and attention to detail.

So if you’re applying to a more traditional or formal organization that values that personal touch, writing it out could work in your favor – as long as it’s done neatly and clearly.

However, in most other industries, especially tech, media, startups, and international companies, typed and printed application letters are the standard. They look cleaner, are easier to read, and match the digital format of most hiring processes today. So unless the job listing specifically says “handwritten” or “tulis tangan,” there’s no need to go that route.

That said, if you do choose or need to handwrite your letter, make sure it’s legible, well-organized, and free of messy ink, smudges, or correction marks. A sloppy handwritten letter can leave a worse impression than no letter at all.

To sum it up: typing is totally acceptable – even preferred – in most modern job applications. But in more traditional settings, a well-written surat lamaran kerja tulis tangan can still show extra effort and leave a positive mark.

FAQ: Job Application Letters Made Clear

Q: Do I really need to write a job application letter if I already have a CV?
Yes! A CV shows what you’ve done. A job application letter tells the story behind it. It gives context, shows your motivation, and helps the hiring team understand who you are beyond bullet points.

Q: How long should a surat lamaran kerja be?
Ideally, one page. Keep it short, clear, and straight to the point. Don’t turn it into a novel – think friendly, professional elevator pitch in letter form.

Q: Can I use the same letter for every job?
Not really. You can reuse a basic structure, but each surat lamaran kerja should be customized to the specific company and role. Employers can spot a generic letter from a mile away.

Q: Is English okay for a surat lamaran kerja?
That depends on the job and the company. If the job posting is in English, it’s safe to write your application letter in English. If it’s in Bahasa Indonesia or the company feels more formal or local, stick with Indonesian – or go bilingual if needed.

Q: What if I have no experience?
No problem. Highlight your education, internships, projects, or even volunteer work. Focus on transferable skills and your willingness to learn. Employers value attitude just as much as experience.

Final Thoughts: One Letter, Big Opportunity

At the end of the day, a well-written contoh surat lamaran kerja is more than just a formality – it’s your opportunity to stand out in a sea of applicants. It’s where you connect the dots between your skills and the company’s needs. It’s how you say, “I belong here,” without ever saying it out loud.

Whether you choose a handwritten or typed format, whether you’re applying for your first job or your fifth career move, the key is to be sincere, specific, and professional. And now that you’ve made it through this guide, you’re more than ready to write a surat lamaran kerja that gets noticed.

Remember: Your resume tells them what you’ve done. Your application letter tells them why it matters. And that might just be the difference between getting seen and getting hired.

So go ahead – open that document, start typing, and let your letter do the talking. Good luck!