The perfect cover letter for your application
12.3.2023
In this blog article, we will take an in-depth look at writing a powerful and targeted cover letter. We will focus on the structure, the right approach, highlighting personal strengths and adapting the cover letter to the specific job. In the first part, we will look at the introduction and structure of the cover letter.
Introduction and structure
The importance of the cover letter
The cover letter is a crucial part of any application. It gives you the opportunity to explain your motivation for the position you are seeking and for the company, and to highlight your personal strengths and qualifications. A well-written cover letter can make the difference between your application standing out from the crowd and you being invited for an interview or not.
A successful cover letter should be tailored to the job ad and show that you have researched the company and the industry. It is important to find the balance between a professional and personal tone and to present a convincing picture of your skills and experience.
Cover letter structure
A structured cover letter makes it easier for the reader to grasp the most important information and leaves a professional impression. The following sections should be included in your cover letter:
1. sender and recipient
At the top left of the cover letter should be your personal contact information such as name, address, phone number and email address. Below that, place the date and then the recipient's contact information, including the company's name, position and address. Make sure to use the correct contact person mentioned in the job advertisement or whom you were able to identify through research.
2. subject line
The subject line should be short and concise and include the job title and, if applicable, the reference number of the job posting. For example: "Application for Marketing Manager - Ref. No. 12345". Avoid general phrases such as "Application for a job" and make sure the subject line is meaningful.
3. salutation
The salutation should be personal and include the recipient's name. Use "Dear Ms. [last name]" or "Dear Mr. [last name]". If the recipient's name is not known, use "Dear Sir or Madam". However, try to find out the name of the correct contact person by research.
4. introduction
The introductory sentence should arouse interest and invite the reader to read on. Make a connection to the job ad and show why you are interested in the position. Avoid phrases like, "I hereby apply..." and instead choose a more original approach, such as, "As a passionate marketer with over five years of experience in the industry, I was thrilled to discover the Marketing Manager job posting at [company name]."
5. main part
In the body of the cover letter, you should highlight your relevant qualifications, skills, and experience that qualify you for the job. In doing so, address the requirements in the job advertisement and provide specific examples of how you meet those requirements. Here, use meaningful verbs and specific accomplishments to emphasize your strengths. For example, "While working as an online marketing manager at [company name], I was able to increase conversion rates by 25% and double the number of monthly newsletter subscribers."
6. conclusion
Use a polite greeting, such as "Sincerely yours" or "Best regards," followed by your full name. Sign the cover letter if it is sent in printed form. For a digital application, you can either include a scanned signature or omit the signature.
In the second part of this blog article, we will look at how to properly address and highlight your personal strengths in your cover letter to increase your chances of being invited for an interview. Stay tuned and don't miss the next tips and advice to create an impressive cover letter.
7. greeting and signature
In the concluding section, you should once again emphasize your motivation for the position you are seeking and for the company. Explain why you are the right candidate for the job and what values you can bring to the company. Conclude with a strong, confident sentence, such as, "I believe my experience and skills in marketing make me an ideal fit for the Marketing Manager position at [company name]."
The right approach and highlighting your strengths
Having looked at the introduction and structure of the cover letter in the first part of this blog article, we will now focus on how to properly address and highlight your personal strengths to increase your chances of being invited for an interview.
The right approach
The correct salutation in the cover letter is critical to leaving a positive impression on the recipient and conveying respect and professionalism. Pay attention to the following points:
1. find the right contact person
Research the name of the right contact person if it is not mentioned in the job advertisement. You can use the company website, LinkedIn or other social networks for this purpose. A personal salutation shows that you have made the effort to find out the right contact person and leaves a professional impression.
2. the right tonality
Use a professional but friendly tone in the cover letter. Avoid overly formal or outdated language, but remain respectful and polite. The right tone can help convey your personality and work style and give the recipient a positive impression of you.
3. highlighting your strengths
To increase your chances of landing an interview, it is important to highlight your personal strengths and qualifications clearly and convincingly in your cover letter. Keep the following tips in mind:
Establish reference to the job advertisement
Address the requirements in the job advertisement and make a direct reference to your skills and experience. Show that you meet the company's requirements and illustrate how you have successfully implemented these requirements in previous positions.
Use concrete examples
Back up your statements with specific examples and successes from your previous career. Instead of saying that you are a good team player, give an example where you successfully worked in a team and completed a project together.
Cite quantifiable successes
Use numbers and statistics to illustrate your successes and strengthen your statements. For example, "In my role as sales manager, I increased sales by 40% and improved customer satisfaction by 20% in two years."
Positive language and meaningful verbs
Use positive language and meaningful verbs to highlight your strengths and abilities. Use words like "achieved," "optimized," "developed," or "implemented" to emphasize your successes and skills and give a dynamic and engaging impression.
Focus on your strengths
Focus on your strengths and successes and avoid pointing out weaknesses or lack of qualifications. Focus on how your skills and experience can help the company.
Show your motivation
Make it clear why you are interested in the position and the company and which aspects appeal to you in particular. Show that you have studied the company culture and goals and explain why you want to be part of the team.
In the third and final part of this blog article, we will look at tailoring the cover letter to the job at hand and fine-tuning it for the best results. Stay tuned for more valuable tips and advice on how to write an impressive cover letter.
Customize and fine tune cover letter
In the final part of this blog article, we'll look at tailoring your cover letter to the job at hand and fine-tuning it for the best results. By following these tips, you will increase your chances of being invited for an interview.
Customize cover letter
A customized cover letter shows that you have researched the company and the job. Pay attention to the following points:
Respond to the job advertisement
Be sure to tailor your cover letter to the specific requirements of the job ad. Use keywords and requirements from the ad to show that you can meet the company's expectations.
Industry knowledge and corporate values
Show that you have studied the company's industry and values. For example, mention recent developments, projects or awards the company has won and explain why you feel they are relevant.
Fine tuning and optimization
After you've customized your cover letter to fit the job at hand, it's important to fine-tune it for the best results:
Proofreading
Read your cover letter carefully and check it for spelling and grammatical errors. An error-free cover letter leaves a professional impression and shows that you work carefully. It is advisable to also ask a second person to proofread it to spot any errors that you may have missed.
Clarity and precision
Make sure your cover letter is clear and concise. Avoid long, convoluted sentences and unnecessary repetition. Stick to the point and focus on the most important information.
Formatting and design
Make sure your cover letter is formatted attractively and clearly. Use an easy-to-read font such as Arial or Times New Roman and keep the font size between 10 and 12 points. Make sure there is enough space between paragraphs and use emphasizing elements such as bold or italics sparingly.
SEO optimization
To ensure that your cover letter is found and read by recruiters, it is important to apply SEO optimization techniques. Use relevant keywords and phrases from the job ad and the industry to increase the findability of your cover letter.
Conclusion
With these tips and advice, you'll be well equipped to create an impressive and compelling cover letter. Remember to pay attention to structure, the right approach, and highlighting your strengths, customize your cover letter to fit the job at hand, and fine-tune it for the best results. By paying attention to these aspects, you will increase your chances of being invited for an interview and get one step closer to your dream job.
We hope that this blog article has given you helpful tips and advice for writing your cover letter. We wish you the best of luck with your application and your future career. Stay tuned for more useful information and tips about job applications and careers on our website.