The cover letter – in addition to the résumé and the application photo – forms the bridge between us and the potential employer and rounds off the application. While the résumé still deals with the “hard facts”, the letter of motivation is used to give HR managers insight into your personality and the soft skills you have acquired.
The right wording, the right structure – at first glance, the perfect cover letter looks like an insurmountable hurdle. But with the right tips and tricks, you can overcome this hurdle.
However, before you get started, there are a few basic thoughts you should think about your skills as well as your career goal. The following questions will help you.
- Why are you the perfect candidate for this position?
- Why would you like to start this job with exactly this employer?
- What passion motivates you at work?
- What are your strengths that you can use in exactly this position?
These four simple questions show you where you are right now and where you want to go.
As soon as you have clarified your motivation concerning the position and the potential employer, it is time to take the pen in hand and formulate the perfect cover letter.
These 6 rules will help you to write a perfect cover letter
A strong entry
Convince in the first sentence and make specific reference to your potential new employer. That means: Write to the HR manager directly and justify your application with a good argument.
Quality
Now specify what you promise in the first sentence. What sets you apart from other applicants? Go explicitly on your unique selling points and substantiate them with good examples.
Grammar
Avoid passive constructions, complicated nested sentences, and subjunctive forms. Much better: I will … ” and” I have … acquired “. This gives you a confident and motivated impression.
Structure
Pay attention to the literary tripartism in the cover letter: Introduction, main part, final part. A clear breakdown and a clear structure ensure that HR professionals will enjoy reading your cover letter.
Individual cover letters
Take the time and formulate a separate cover letter for each application, which is individually tailored to the advertised position and the company. HR managers recognize simple copying exercises!
Authenticity
Don’t use superlatives – stay authentic. If you can get the HR manager to believe you (and your motivation/passion), you are already a good step further.
Congratulations – your CV was convincing! Now it is important to prepare ideally for the interview. We have put together a guide for you to do this.