Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: Prepare the letter
• Method 2 of 3: Write the letter
• Method 3 of 3: Close the letter
• Tips
• Warnings

In this article, you will learn how to write a cover letter in three steps - prepare, write and close.

To step

Method 1 of 3: Prepare the letter

1. Take a sheet of paper and divide it into two columns. In the left column write "Requirements" and in the right column write "My skills". Read the ad carefully and make sure you know exactly what the requirements are for this job. Then you will compare those requirements with your skills and the experiences stated on your resume.
   • In the left column, write the skills requested in the ad and other requirements for the job.
   • In the right column, write down points from your resume that match the requirements.
   • If your resume contains interesting data relevant to the job, you can include the most important information in your letter quickly and efficiently.
2. Put your contact details at the top of the letter. Choose a clear layout and formatting and a legible font. You should make it as easy as possible for your potential employer to contact you. Before you start writing the actual letter, make sure you have a suitable letterhead.
   • Make sure your letter is left-aligned.
   • Record the date of that day, skip a line and write down your contact details:
     • Name
     • Address
     • telephone number
     • E-mail address
     • Personal website (if you have one)
     • LinkedIn profile
3. Include the company's details. After your own details, you will need to include the name of the employer you wish to apply to, including his or her job title and the name and address of the company.
   • By including the contact details of the company you are applying to in your letter, you show that you have taken the time to find out who the contact person is for the job.
   • By doing your homework, you ensure that you are already one step ahead of a large part of the applicants. Many people clearly use standard letters that they copy and paste. By doing that little bit extra you show how committed you are.
   • If you don't know exactly who to address the letter to, see if you can find the name of the head of the Recruitment and Selection Department or another contact on the company's website. Also check LinkedIn and search Twitter if necessary. If you can't find the name of a specific person anywhere, see if you can find the name of the head of the department you're applying to. If you've tried everything and still don't know who to address the letter to, you can address the letter to the head of the department in question, for example, "Head of Department [name of department]".
4. Address your letter to the person for whom the letter is intended. You are supposed to start your letter in the right tone and with the right salutation. "To Whom It Affects" and "Dear Sir or Madam" are either too formal or too informal and anyway too general, and you give the impression that you have not done proper research on the company.
   • If you do not know exactly who the specific contact person is, you can address the letter to the Human Resources Department of the relevant company if necessary, and use "Dear Sir / Madam" as the salutation.

Method 2 of 3: Write the letter

1. In the first paragraph, try to get the reader's attention. Employers read a lot of cover letters and usually the hiring manager will first read them briefly and decide to either throw your letter away immediately or add it to the "keep" pile. So pretend your cover letter is a newspaper article, and get straight to the point.
   • Begin your letter with a convincing statement in which you let the reader know that you have taken note with interest of the vacancy for the position of [position name] at [the company], in / on [the newspaper or website].
   • Be brief and specific when explaining what sparked your interest in the job. What exactly do you find interesting or attractive about the company? Give an example, and don't be afraid to use a more conversational tone depending on how formal the company is.
   • Show the manager that you not only know what the company is doing, but try to write in the style of the company to show that you are a good fit.
   • For example, if you are applying to a company that produces articles for a newspaper or news page, try to stick to a style similar to those articles. Are they serious, do they use humor? When it comes to a more formal business, such as a marketing company or a financial institution, you probably want to appear a little more serious, but always stay polite.
2. State where you found the vacancy you are applying for. Before applying, do some research to see if you know someone at the company. It is always better to have a reference within the company itself, and if the person has given you permission to do so, you can easily mention their name in your application.
   • If you don't know anyone at the company, at least mention the source where you found the vacancy. This could be, for example, a newspaper, a job website, or the company's website.
3. Explain why the company should hire you. You should not say in your letter what the benefits would be for you if they hire you. This vacancy exists for a reason; apparently there is a problem that needs to be solved. And you can do that for them.
   • Look at your list of skills and experience and choose two examples to talk about. These examples should prove why you would do so well in that position.
   • For example, if the job posting shows that they need someone for the position who can lead a team and work on multiple projects at the same time, look at your skills to see if you might have certain experiences that fill that need. If you have led a team in the past, briefly describe how your leadership skills have increased the productivity of multiple projects.
   • If possible, always include figures and statistics. When explaining why the employer should hire you, try to use statistics for illustrative purposes, such as an increase in earnings or a decrease in costs under your direction.
4. Briefly summarize your strengths, your diplomas and competences and your experience together. In the second paragraph, you are supposed to compare the qualifications required for the job against two or three of your skills and experiences, to show that you are the perfect person for the position.
   • Review your resume and the skills column you previously listed for more information about your qualifications and skills.
   • See if you can include short anecdotes that highlight how you managed to solve problems that the company you are applying to might have, based on the requirements for the job.
   • Include the most relevant parts of your career. While you may of course be able to name the things you have achieved recently, you may have done something in the past that fits perfectly with the requirements of the job; so don't be afraid to go a little further back in time.
5. Sketch an image of yourself that is not on your resume. A hiring manager can read your resume and see what you have done in your past jobs. What you want is to show the hiring manager who is the person behind all those skills and experiences.
   • In one or two sentences, say how the company has affected you as a person. If you apply for your dream job, chances are that this company has, in some way, made you who you are.
   • Don't be too sentimental and keep it short. On the other hand, by showing yourself through a story of your human side, you can show that you are more than just facts on a piece of paper.

Method 3 of 3: Close the letter

1. Briefly summarize in one sentence why you are the perfect candidate for the job. To increase your chances of a conversation, it is very important that you close your letter correctly.
   • When explaining how you can contribute to the company, remember that you want to view the situation from the perspective of the employer. It's about how you can help the company, and just how the company will help you.
   • Ask yourself what you would pay attention to when choosing a candidate.
2. Invite the hiring manager to contact you. Let the reader know that you are more than willing to further explain your motivation and suitability for the job in a face-to-face interview, and include your contact details again.
   • You can close the letter by thanking the manager and saying something like: Awaiting your prompt response, I remain.
   • Don't just ask the hiring manager to contact you if he or she thinks you are a suitable candidate. Make a confident impression (without coming across as arrogant) by saying that you look forward to discussing the position in more detail.
3. Close the letter. The conclusion of a letter may seem like a minor part, or it can be a huge worry in choosing just the right tone. Use "Sincerely", or optionally "Sincerely".
   • Closing your letter too formal can make you appear insincere. End in a style that matches the rest of the letter.
   • By concluding with "Sincerely" or "Sincerely", you are showing respect and creating enough. On the other hand, something like "Warm Regards" may seem too informal. Save that closure for letters to friends, family and possibly acquaintances.
4. Write your name below. After the closing, skip a few lines and write down your full name. If you want to sign your letter, put your signature above your name.
   • If you have an electronic signature stored on your computer, you can enter it here, between the closure and your name.
   • You can of course also print the letter and sign it by hand if you wish. To send the letter by e-mail you will have to scan it and save it again if you do this.
   • You don't always have to sign your letter.

Tips

• Your letter should be clear, concise and to the point. The first impression the employer gets of you is formed by this document.
• Make sure your letter is formal and that you are not using popular language, slang, or dialect.
• Check your letter at least twice for spelling and grammar errors. Divide your letter into paragraphs and make sure your punctuation is correct.
• Assume three paragraphs and never make your letter longer than one page. Most human resources officers will scrutinize your letter for pertinent information before deciding whether to read it in full.
• Include a phone number, an email address, and possibly a reference, if you have one.
• Use an appropriate font. For example, choose Arial or Times New Roman. Avoid funny fonts like Comic Sans, as they can ruin your letter's reputation, and thus your own, in one fell swoop. You will not create a professional impression with it. Some less ordinary jobs allow you to stand out positively with a unique font, but most of the time that's not the case. Therefore, it is preferable not to take any risks.
• Have the letter read again by a friend or relative. Who knows, they may notice mistakes that you have overlooked.
• You can also ask someone to write a reference for you. You can then send it to the employer along with your CV and cover letter.
• A typed letter is preferred because a typed letter looks more formal and is easier to read. The chance that they will read your letter is therefore higher when you type your letter.

Warnings

• Make sure your letter is more than just a summary of the information in your resume.
• Do not assume in your letter that you will get the job. Don't say things that might give the impression that you think you already work for the company, such as, "If I get hired, I promise I'll ..."