The cover letter: write it the right way
The cover letter accompanies your CV and gives you a few lines to tell who you are, what you’re looking for and what your motivations and professional aspirations are.
It must be concise and effective, containing no spelling and/or grammatical errors. You must clearly communicate to the recruiter that you are interested in the position you’re applying for, why you’re the right person, what added value you can bring to the company.
How to write it
The cover letter must be personalised: it must be tailored to the company and the position you’re applying for.
Here are some tips:
- Learn about the company and the position you’re applying for.
- State the reasons why you’re applying.
- Don’t write too much, try to be concise and don’t make any grammatical or spelling errors.
- Don't be too formal, use a clear, simple syntax.
- Describe your qualities without exaggerating. Be honest and transparent, especially if you have no work experience.
- Highlight your unique traits.
- Avoid repeating details of your work experience that are already written in your CV: the cover letter should serve to catch the recruiter's attention and motivate them to read your CV.
- Don’t forget the valediction at the end of the letter and to thank the reader for their attention.
- If sent by email, the cover letter should be written in the body of the email.
How to structure it
The cover letter is structured in four parts:
- Header: enter your name and personal info. Try to find the name and surname of the HR manager (online or by calling the company directly). If this isn’t possible, use a generic title: “To the kind attention of the Director of Human Resources”.
- Introduction: specify which position you’re applying for and introduce the work or study experience and skills that make you suitable for the position.
- Body: explain why you’re interested in the position, why you would like to work for that company and why you think you’re the right person for the job. This is the most important part of the letter, where all your motivation must come through.
- Conclusion: underscore your strengths, thank the reader for their attention and indicate that you are available for an interview.