A cover letter, also called a motivation letter, is part of your CV. While a CV provides a general summary of your accomplishments, a cover letter is tailored to each specific job. It describes who you are and highlights the strengths that make you the ideal candidate for the position – showing the employer that they don’t need to look any further.
How to present a cover letter
Remember that this is your first opportunity to introduce yourself. The letter should be sincere and engaging. There are many templates available online, but using them won’t set you apart from other candidates. A recruiter sees several cover letters every day – the more unique yours is, the higher your chances.
Always follow the application instructions carefully. Often, a cover letter is required as a separate attachment. If so, never paste it directly into the email. Doing so may give the impression that you either cannot follow simple instructions or refuse to respect them – neither of which creates a positive impression.
What is the appropriate length for a cover letter?
The goal of a cover letter is to provide details and capture interest. It should also summarize your CV and, if necessary, clarify parts that may be unclear. If you are applying for an entry-level position with many candidates, focus primarily on yourself and your strengths. Mentioning that you have a degree in the field will be meaningless if other candidates have the same background. For a specialized professional position, pay attention to details and demonstrate that you truly possess the required expertise. For a standard motivation letter, about half a page (A4) is sufficient, while for a more specialized role, one full A4 page is the maximum.
What structure should the text have?
Imagine a long, unbroken block of text with no paragraphs – no one will want to read it. The letter should certainly include a heading; if you are writing an email, separate it into paragraphs. If you start the cover letter without a heading, it will be difficult for anyone to know what they are reading. Next, focus on the salutation – address a specific person if you know who it is intended for, or use a general greeting. It is also essential to include the job position you are applying for, and your signature should not be missing.
What should a cover letter include?
In addition to basic information about your skills, you must also explain why you are applying for the position. In the cover letter, you should also communicate why they should choose you and what you can offer the company compared to other candidates. Think carefully about this answer. We wish you the best of luck in writing your cover letter!
