How to write a cover letter?

Many jobseekers find it challenging to articulate themselves when looking for a new job. Despite being a crucial step in the job search process, it’s easy to get stuck in front of a blank screen. So, how do you write a cover letter that really captures the employer’s interest? By following a clear structure and highlighting the right experiences, you can increase your chances of moving forward in the recruitment process.

Key points

In this post, we go through everything you need to know to succeed with your text:

• What a cover letter is and why it is needed
• Structure and approach step by step
• What employers want to read
• Common mistakes to avoid
• Tips to stand out from the crowd
• How you can use AI as a tool
• Executive summary

What is a cover letter?

A cover letter is a presentation of yourself that focuses on why you are the right person for the specific job. Many people wonder what the difference is between a CV and a cover letter. In a nutshell, your CV is a historical and factual account of your past experiences and education. The cover letter is forward-looking. It aims to complement your CV by showing your motivation, personality and relevance to the role.

This document is used for most types of job applications, whether for an advertised position, an internship, a trainee program or a spontaneous application. Even though we are in the era of digitalized recruitment, it is still a very important part of your application. It gives the recruiter a picture of who you are behind your credentials and how well you would fit into the company culture.

How to write a cover letter – step by step

To create a convincing document, you should follow a logical structure. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you from start to finish:

1. Greeting and introduction: Start with a professional greeting. Then capture the reader’s interest right away by explaining why you are applying for the position and what makes you interested in that particular company.
2. Linking your experience to the role (Main part): Here you tell how your previous skills and achievements make you an asset to the company. Focus on a few relevant examples rather than listing everything you have done.
3. Show your motivation: Employers want to know why you want the job. Explain why you are the right person for the position and how it aligns with your career goals.
4. Closure and invitation: Round off professionally. Express your hope to be introduced in more detail during an interview.

For more concrete advice and examples on how to structure your text, you can read our full step-by-step guide on writing cover letters.

Common mistakes when writing a cover letter

There are some pitfalls that are easy to fall into, but which you can easily avoid if you know what to look for. Here are some of the most common mistakes:

• Too generic content: Sending exactly the same text to several different employers quickly becomes noticeable. The letter loses its relevance.
• Repeat the CV: If you only print your CV in running text, you are not adding any new information. Instead, use the space to elaborate on how you have used your skills.
• Too long or too short: stick to a maximum of one A4 page.
• Focus on what you want instead of what you contribute: Don’t just write about what the company can do for your career. Focus primarily on what value you will bring to the organization.
• Spelling mistakes and carelessness: grammatical errors give an unprofessional impression.

Tips to stand out from the crowd

To ensure that your application leaves a lasting impression on the recruiter, you should consider the following:

• Customize each letter to the position: Read the job advertisement carefully and reflect the qualities and skills that are being sought.
• Use concrete language and examples: Avoid simply writing that you are “stress-resistant” or “creative”. Instead, give an example of a situation where you acted in a stress-resistant way.
• Show results: Use numbers if possible. Tell us how you increased sales by a certain percentage or how you streamlined a process.
• Avoid clichés: Phrases such as “I like to have a lot of balls in the air” rarely add value. Instead, describe your working methodology in your own words.
• Get someone to proofread: an extra pair of eyes can spot spelling mistakes and unclear sentences that you missed yourself.

Can you use AI to write a cover letter?

AI tools have become popular aids in the job search process. You can certainly use AI to brainstorm ideas, get help with structure or to rephrase a sentence that feels clunky. It can also be a great way to overcome writer’s block at the beginning of the process.

However, there are things you should keep in mind. You should avoid copying an AI-generated text straight away. The risk is that the letter feels impersonal, stiff and does not reflect who you really are. Recruiters read many applications and often notice if a text lacks a human and genuine tone. See AI as an assistant, not as a replacement for your own engagement. Read more about how to make the most of your CV and cover letter with AI.

Executive summary

Writing a cover letter is about clearly communicating why you are the right person for the job. By completing your CV, adapting the content to the employer’s needs and avoiding the most common mistakes, you will lay a strong foundation to move forward in the recruitment process. Focus on clarity, relevance and showing your true motivation.

At Unik Resurs, we are a long-term skills assurance partner and are happy to support you in your career. For more useful tips, we recommend you explore more job search guides in our knowledge bank. Do you have questions about your job search or want to know more about how we can help you take the next step in your career? Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.