The cover letter is an important part of your application. It should be a one page letter (or e-mail) that precedes your CV, qualification certificates and references and is addressed directly to the appropriate contact person in the company. Your cover letter should awaken their interest in you as a person and list the reasons why you feel you are the ideal candidate for the job.
Avoid general statements that could apply to any company or vacancy and try to show instead that you have already taken the time to find out more about the particular company and/or job. Try to write in such a way that your letter stands out positively from other applications.
Make sure the spelling is correct and that your letter is clearly laid out. Try to come quickly to the point, be credible and provide clear details of your qualifications.
Typical structure of a cover letter:
- Your full name and address, telephone number(s), e-mail address
- Date and place of birth, nationality
- Name and address of the company
- Subject line (e.g.: “Application for the position xyz, Reference Number 12345)
- Address (“Dear …”)
- Text
- Salutation (“Yours sincerely”)
- Signature
- List of enclosures
You may also include a cover sheet with your application in front of your CV which lists any documents provided and brings the following pages neatly together. Attach a recent photo to the cover sheet and add your name and full contact details. Back to Hints for Job Seekers
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