Writing a Cover Letter for the German and EU Recruitment Market

A Cover Letter is a brief introduction of your overall experience that highlights your relevant knowledge, education or skills in relation to the job you are applying for. It explains how you can meet the employer’s needs and why you are interested in this particular employer and job. An attractive cover letter can help you get a job interview by convincing the employer that you are the person they are looking for and will also demonstrate your written communication skills. If done well, a good cover letter will trigger the employer’s interest in reading your CV and, hopefully, selecting you for a job interview. Here are some tips for writing an eloquent and effective cover letter:

Writing your cover letter: Look for keywords and other needs of the employer. Scan job advertisements for words that describe what the employer wants. These “keywords” may include:work experience, qualifications and expertise, “personal attributes” such as “enthusiasm” or “reliability”, a professional licence, etc. If the job advertisement does not provide enough detail, call the contact for more information. Never neglect to use keywords in your cover letter.

Analyse what you can offer the employer: Once you have understood what the employer wants, then you need to look at your work experience, education and life experiences that demonstrate your suitability for the vacancy. Only make claims about your skills and experiences that you can back up with examples and evidence. Prepare both your work experience and any volunteering you have done in community organisations as both will help you demonstrate your suitability.

The first line of your cover letter should clearly explain why you want the job. Only include reasons that are attractive to the employer. Saying that the salary is good is not advisable.

Show energy and enthusiasm: The last paragraph of your cover letter should be positive and upbeat. Thank the employer for considering your application or indicate that you look forward to meeting him/her to discuss the job and how you would be a good employee.

Create an effective system for submitting your job applications: Create a cover letter for each job you apply for and name the documents either by date or by job title so that they are easy to find again. Organise your cover letters and CVs in a folder with the relevant job advertisement; this will help you keep track of the jobs you have applied for.

Please Click here for a FREE Resume Review