1. First impression
The first sentence is crucial. Don't jump in with a boring sentence like "I hereby apply for the position of...". Start with something that immediately grabs your attention and shows your enthusiasm.
- Bad example: "It was with great interest that I read the vacancy for the position of Junior Marketer."
- Good example: "Reading the vacancy for HVAC technician, I immediately recognised the opportunities to use my creativity and grow within an ambitious team like that of [Company Name]."
2. Do your homework
An employer wants to know why exactly you want to work at his company. Show that you have done your homework. Mention specific projects, the company's mission, or values. This shows that you are genuinely interested.
- Bad example: "I think my skills are a good fit for your company."
- Good example: "The way [Company Name] is committed to sustainability, as seen in the [Project X], aligns perfectly with my personal values. I am convinced that my experience with [specific skill] can contribute positively to your goals."
3. Link your relevant experience to the vacancy
This is the heart of your letter. Don't go repeating your CV. For each point, explain how your skills and experience are directly relevant to the tasks and requirements in the vacancy. Use concrete examples.
- Focus on the 'what' as well as the 'how': Describe not only what you did, but also how you did it and what the result was.
- Use language from the job posting: If the job posting asks for an 'analytical thinking ability', use this term and give an example of how you applied it in practice.
4. End with a powerful call-to-action
Your interlude should activate the reader. Express your enthusiasm to further explain your motivation in a personal interview.
- Bad example: "I hope to hear from you soon."
- Good example: "I am convinced that my [key skill] and eager to learn will be of great value to your team. I would be happy to explain in a personal interview how I can contribute to the success of [Company name]. I look forward to your invitation with great enthusiasm."
General tips for a good cover letter
- Less is more: Keep your letter concise and powerful, ideally no longer than one A4 page.
- Be flawless: A spelling or grammatical error can immediately reduce your chances. Always have your letter proofread by someone else.
- Use professional formatting: Make sure you have a clear layout, appropriate font and consistent formatting.
With a personal, compelling cover letter, you show who you are and why you are the candidate. Start writing your success story today!
Are you looking for the perfect job to put your motivation into practice? Then take a quick look at our open vacancies!