cover letter? How to personalize it?
Posted: Sat Dec 28, 2024 7:18 am
Summary
A cover letter is an additional chinese overseas europe number user list
document that is often overlooked by candidates when applying. By not including it, you automatically reduce your chances of success in the recruitment process.
Find out why it's worth creating a cover letter and how to personalize its content to make the best impression on your future employer!
Why do you need a cover letter?
During the recruitment process, the CV is the main and mandatory document. However, in many job offers you can come across a request to attach a cover letter . Employers often require this document to make sure that the candidate is not applying randomly, but has real motivation and knowledge about the company and the position. Therefore, personalizing the cover letter is key.
While you can use a generic template online, it won’t provide the benefits you’re looking for (just like a generic CV won’t work). Even if the job posting doesn’t require a cover letter, it’s still worth taking the time to write one. A personalized letter shows your commitment, builds trust, and helps you stand out from other candidates.
Read more about whether it's still worth writing a cover letter in 2024!
How to personalize it?
Writing a cover letter should always be preceded by thorough research . Before you write your letter, learn about the company and the job you are applying for so that you can tailor and personalize your letter as much as possible. Personalization is key in the recruitment process because it shows that you are truly interested in the position and the company.
Here are some key things to consider when writing your cover letter:
Structure of a letter
Many websites offer ready-made cover letter templates. While these are great for inspiration, you shouldn't just copy the content or format without thinking. Instead, look at the formal structure of the letter.
Courtesy phrases for the addressee.
Information about the position you are applying for and the source of the advertisement.
Short and concise text containing key information on one A4 page.
Underline keywords in bold.
Referring to the advertisement and presenting how you meet the company's requirements.
GDPR clause .
A PDF file with an appropriate name, e.g. “Cover letter – [Your name]”.
Addressing
If you know the name of the recruiter, address the letter directly to them. If you don't have this information, you can use a general address to the company or a specific department.
Correctness
Pay attention to punctuation and avoid grammatical and stylistic errors. Even the smallest mistake can lower the quality of your letter, which is your calling card. Before sending the application, ask someone you know to check the letter for errors.
Keywords
As with your CV, use keywords from the job posting. These are the ones that will be searched by the recruiter or ATS. Extract them and place them in the appropriate places in your cover letter.
Description of motivation
Your cover letter should focus on your motivation. Explain why you want to work for this particular company and in this position. Show that you share a common goal and that your skills and experience can contribute to the company's success.
Confirmation of skills and experience
Highlight your hard and soft skills and work experience with examples. Describe where and how you acquired and used your skills.
Remember that each application should be individually tailored to the offer to best present your qualifications and commitment.
Summary
If you are applying for a specific job offer and want your efforts to result in a positive response, it is worth showing your commitment and professionalism through a personalized cover letter tailored to the company profile and their expectations. It is not enough to send a standard letter that resembles hundreds of others. A recruiter or employer who reads your letter pays attention to keywords. If you manage to include them, you have a chance to interest and attract their attention.
Now it's time to present strong arguments that will convince the employer to invite you for a job interview.
A cover letter is an additional chinese overseas europe number user list
document that is often overlooked by candidates when applying. By not including it, you automatically reduce your chances of success in the recruitment process.
Find out why it's worth creating a cover letter and how to personalize its content to make the best impression on your future employer!
Why do you need a cover letter?
During the recruitment process, the CV is the main and mandatory document. However, in many job offers you can come across a request to attach a cover letter . Employers often require this document to make sure that the candidate is not applying randomly, but has real motivation and knowledge about the company and the position. Therefore, personalizing the cover letter is key.
While you can use a generic template online, it won’t provide the benefits you’re looking for (just like a generic CV won’t work). Even if the job posting doesn’t require a cover letter, it’s still worth taking the time to write one. A personalized letter shows your commitment, builds trust, and helps you stand out from other candidates.
Read more about whether it's still worth writing a cover letter in 2024!
How to personalize it?
Writing a cover letter should always be preceded by thorough research . Before you write your letter, learn about the company and the job you are applying for so that you can tailor and personalize your letter as much as possible. Personalization is key in the recruitment process because it shows that you are truly interested in the position and the company.
Here are some key things to consider when writing your cover letter:
Structure of a letter
Many websites offer ready-made cover letter templates. While these are great for inspiration, you shouldn't just copy the content or format without thinking. Instead, look at the formal structure of the letter.
Courtesy phrases for the addressee.
Information about the position you are applying for and the source of the advertisement.
Short and concise text containing key information on one A4 page.
Underline keywords in bold.
Referring to the advertisement and presenting how you meet the company's requirements.
GDPR clause .
A PDF file with an appropriate name, e.g. “Cover letter – [Your name]”.
Addressing
If you know the name of the recruiter, address the letter directly to them. If you don't have this information, you can use a general address to the company or a specific department.
Correctness
Pay attention to punctuation and avoid grammatical and stylistic errors. Even the smallest mistake can lower the quality of your letter, which is your calling card. Before sending the application, ask someone you know to check the letter for errors.
Keywords
As with your CV, use keywords from the job posting. These are the ones that will be searched by the recruiter or ATS. Extract them and place them in the appropriate places in your cover letter.
Description of motivation
Your cover letter should focus on your motivation. Explain why you want to work for this particular company and in this position. Show that you share a common goal and that your skills and experience can contribute to the company's success.
Confirmation of skills and experience
Highlight your hard and soft skills and work experience with examples. Describe where and how you acquired and used your skills.
Remember that each application should be individually tailored to the offer to best present your qualifications and commitment.
Summary
If you are applying for a specific job offer and want your efforts to result in a positive response, it is worth showing your commitment and professionalism through a personalized cover letter tailored to the company profile and their expectations. It is not enough to send a standard letter that resembles hundreds of others. A recruiter or employer who reads your letter pays attention to keywords. If you manage to include them, you have a chance to interest and attract their attention.
Now it's time to present strong arguments that will convince the employer to invite you for a job interview.