Due to its formal specifications, the resume can certainly help express your specific skills related to a job. But when it comes to bringing out your motivations, the cover letter holds a lot of potential. In addition, with an impressive cover letter you can strongly emphasize your previous and relevant career moves.
Take advantage of this opportunity and give your potential new employer or the ambitious headhunters that opportunity to realize that you are perfect for the job.
Do not forget: The cover letter is usually the first document that gets to the HR managers. Accordingly, it should be used in an optimized format and it is important to at least spend as much time as you spend preparing for your CV. The guidelines for the cover letter you’re surely aware of. But to be seen as special, you need to think differently and know the right ingredients for your cover letter…
10 ingredients for your cover letter that get you directly to the interview
1. Future Orientation
The cover letter is generally not about what you have already done, but what you intend to do in the job you’ve applied to. It’s not about the past, but the future. Keep this in mind. The cover letter is not a repetition of your resume where you can share all your past experiences. Focus on where you are going. Create and share ideas on how the new employer will benefit from your professional talents.
2. Be aware of the formalities
Avoid unnecessary creativity except what your new job requires. Stay formal, simple and to the point. Try to avoid the general salutations “Dear Sirs” , “To whomsoever it may concern” and instead find out who you are addressing and be specific. This will show commitment and may surprise the reader positively. Pay attention to some important principles such as the format, text size and structure. Also, choose regular formats to send the cover letter: such as a PDF or a Word document.
3. Read thoroughly
Even though it sounds trite read EXACTLY according to what is required in the position and then go into your cover letter and customize it according to the needs. No one wants to read all the great things you’ve done or what extra courses you managed, if that is not relevant for the company. In addition, it helps to know what information is required for the application process that you absolutely must provide. Usually, expected time of joining or salary or relocation may be requirements, please indicate these as needed.
4. Where are you applying again?
Get more detailed information about the company itself. So you already build a relationship with the company and can automatically formulate a more convincing cover letter. You might find a great project you would like to participate in or contribute towards. It will definitely reflect well on you if you are already familiar with anything in the company.
5. Contents
Consider a basic structure. The text should not take more than 10 to 12 sentences and focus around 4 fundamental aspects: How did you find the job? Why this business? Why are you of all candidates perfect for the job? When can you come for an interview? Use these 4 and 5 aspects and adjust them around the contents of the company and the job posting. The more direct the better! In the industry in which you are applying is a specific skill in high demand? Well then talk about it.
6.Focus on your key strengths
Do not exaggerate too much but give the reader the answer to exactly why you are the right one for the job. Be aware of cultural considerations. While in the US, you may require a great deal of self-confidence, a modest but clear and direct opinion about your skills is welcome in Germany.
Be assertive but not in love with yourself and surely others will notice the difference quickly. Use active verbs that underline your personality (eg analyzed, helped, motivated, negotiated, developed). Create your own personal message and market yourself. The language used should be as positive as possible. Try also to convey soft skills such as teamwork and reliability. Use examples.
7. Let go of standard formulations
Please let go of standard formulations like: “I hereby apply for the position of …”. Be creative. If in doubt, be direct. Start with where you found the job position.
8. Motivation is everything
I’m assuming that you are motivated to get the job. You should then convey it clearly. Indicate clearly to the reader why you want the job and what this means for you – but also for the company. Personally, write the 3 main reasons on why you want the job and prepare a small draft. If you are mentally motivated when you pen these down, then you will be able to better this better in your cover letter or even in the interview.
9. Ensure high quality
Like the writing on the wall. No misspellings or typos please! it is easy to avoid and has strong impact. We are often blind to our own faults even after we have changed the title several times. Please get it proof read once, even by just sharing it with your partner or a friend. If you send the application by e-mail, then pay attention to the data size.
10. The right ending
Pay attention here to a formal and polite statement. Do not forget to point out possible references if needed. And of course that you would like to meet personally.
What are you waiting for then ? If you’re giving yourself a 10 on the points listed above, I would say you are well prepared for your next cover letter!
