Purpose

The main objective of the Cover Letter is to motivate the reader to invite you to an interview. They are addressed to a specific person, demonstrating your knowledge of the company and its environment, allowing the reader to get to know you a bit more.

• Analyse the company and the job opening. Access their web site, read articles about the company¿s growth and current situation, and talk to people who may know the company. What is the current situation of the company? Is it growing? Where and how (regions, divisions, product lines)? What are the company¿s current challenges?
• Put yourself in the shoes of the person you are addressing in the letter. What are his/her needs? What keeps them up at night (what are their preoccupations)? How can you help them be more effective/make more money? You need to understand their current situation to sell yourself effectively.
• Define what is the best way to sell yourself. What is your position compared to the company¿s current situation? What can you provide (based on your experience, education or background) that can help the company make money somehow? Make a list of the key points from your professional experience that you can communicate in the letter. Try to include concrete examples.
• Remember that a well thought out letter says a lot about your professionalism.

• White paper, size: DIN A4
• Respect margins and presentation
• One page only
• Check your grammar

General Guidelines

• Include your contact details and the contact details of the person and company to whom you are applying.
• Mention what position you are applying to, why you are interested, why your skills and experience meet their requirement and what is attractive to you about the organisation. A standard format for a cover letter is provided below.
• Don't just copy text from your CV. Try to get across the essence of it without repeating the same words.
• Keep it brief. Four or five paragraphs are sufficient for a Cover Letter. It should NEVER be more than one page.

End optimistically. Say that you would look forward to having an opportunity to meet them and discuss your application further. If you are planning a trip to a certain location at a given time, mention dates available (offer some options) and ask if a visit can be arranged