I speak perfect English.
✅ I took a C1 level English course and spent a year in Denmark for my Erasmus, where I had plenty opportunities to practice my spoken English.
Let’s move on to the content of the letter. A cover letter shouldn’t just be a summary of your job experience. Above all, it should be a comprehensive response to a job advertisement. So, before you start writing, read the job advertisement thoroughly and be aware of what competencies are required. Highlight key words in the ad and then use these in your writing (specific examples will be shown in the next chapter).
Successful cover letter...
… can provide answers to the important questions employers usually ask during the selection process:
- Do they meet our requirements? What can they offer us?
- How are they better than other candidates?
- What is their motivation? Why did they choose us?
- When can they start? Do they have any special requirements (e.g. part-time)?
We can divide this information into two paragraphs, which we have introduced in the previous chapter.
About me:
Usually cover letter starts with information about you. In this section, focus on your work experiences and acquired knowledge that you could use in the job you are applying for. There is no need to repeat the information from your resumé. Focus mainly on relevant information that is not included in resumé.
Some examples:
- Interesting school or work projects you have been involved in
- Relevant subject you took during your studies
- Academic or professional achievements
- Description of your strengths
About the company:
This part of the cover letter is often overlooked. Yet it can often be more important than the previous section. This is your opportunity to explain why you want to work in this position at this company. Explain your interest to the prospective employer. Describe what caught your eye in the advert, why you decided to respond and what you can do for the company.
Before writing this section, study the company information first. Look at their website and check out their social media. Then use the information you have learned in your cover letter.
Some examples:
- What do you like about the company and what products and services do you use
- Where and how did you find out about this company
- What values do you share with the company
- How you think you could be useful in the position
Proper argumentation is key
The key pillar of a successful cover letter is proper argumentation. Having the right arguments allows you to add weight to the claims and avoid tired phrases.
When writing a cover letter, people often find themselves uncomfortable because they feel like they are bragging and talking about what they are good at. However, a cover letter is meant to do just that – compliment yourself. Therefore, it is appropriate to highlight your strengths. And proper argumentation will make it seem more natural.
Let’s look at few examples:
I am an Excel expert.
✅ In my current job I use Excel daily. I can use advanced functions, contingency tables and create graphs.
Another advantage of proper argumentation is that your cover letter will not be full of tired clichés. Trite phrases will let the recruiter know almost nothing about you. However, claims backed by arguments will effectively highlight your best qualities.
Let’s look at some more examples:
I am both a good team player and can work independently.
✅ During my studies, I worked on several group projects, which helped me to master communication and teamwork.
I can work under stress.
✅ Thanks to my work at the hotel reception, I have learned to deal with adversity and work under pressure.
I wanted to work in this field since I was a little kid. Working for your company would be a dream come true.
✅ During my studies I was interested in the field of occupational psychology. I therefore took several elective courses focused on, among others, employee motivation, the recruitment process and employee evaluation. I would now like to put this knowledge into practice.
