Cover Letter

 

HOW TO WRITE A COVER LETTER

Last Updated: 31-03-2025

TABLE OF CONTENT

  1. What is a cover letter?
  2. General tips
  3. General structure
  4. First Paragraph
  5. Second Paragraph
  6. Third Paragraph
  7. Fourth Paragraph

WHAT IS A COVER LETTER?

A cover letter (motivational letter) is a one-page document included in your job application. It provides employers with additional, important context about your professional experience and personality that is not covered in your CV.

The goal is to grab the attention of the reader (employer) and eventually get invited for an interview. It is meant to convince the reader of your qualities and fit for the vacancy and company.

GENERAL TIPS

  • Don’t go over 1 page (A4 size)
  • Include your contact information and the companies contact information (same as in any letter), very simple example:
  • Don’t forget to address the reader, eg. Dear Hiring Manager, or similar variations. If you know the name of the hiring manager address them by name. Other options are “Dear [name of department] department…”, “Dear [company name] recruiter”, avoid using general “Dear sir/madam” and “To whom it may concern”
  • Try to use the same layout as in your CV. It shows attention to detail and effort.
  • Do not repeat everything you said in the CV, rather expand on the context of your CV, and add more personality. Everything you write should have a reason/goal and hold value in your cover letter.
  • Use paragraphs - avoid one huge piece of text.
  • Make sure you don’t have any grammar or spelling mistakes.
  • Use formal writing style.

 

GENERAL STRUCTURE

1st paragraph – Opening / Introduction paragraph

2nd paragraph – qualifications (core)

3rd paragraph – motivation (core)

4th paragraph – ending

The above structure is a general, standard structure. Of course, you can deviate from it by switching the 2nd and 3rd paragraphs or making a coherent story of the 2 paragraphs into one (though it is recommended to have 2 paragraphs, for easier reading and better flow).

 

1st PARAGRAPH

This is the attention phase, the opening.  It should be interesting and attention-grabbing, therefore, to have a strong opening try to be creative and personal with your first sentence. For example, rather than starting with “I am…” or “My name is…” try to start with something a bit more unique or with your personal story, related to your professional career. This section should mention the position you are applying for, and if possible, information on how you got to this application (website, LinkedIn, someone in your network?). Make sure to mention the name of the person you may have spoken to before who works at that company already, as well as any referrals or contacts you may have. It is also important that the tone of your letter is active, positive and lively.

Example of a creative starting sentence:

“After about three years of trying out different roles at early-stage startups around San Francisco, watching more “find your passion“ keynotes than I’d like to admit, and assuring my parents that, yes, I actually do have a real job, I’m starting to come to terms with the fact that I’m happiest when I’m doing two things: writing great content and getting it out into the world.”

 

2nd PARAGRAPH

This is part of the interest phase (core). Think about what shows your suitability and what you have to offer to the company. This section is about your qualifications i.e. your knowledge, experience and qualities and how you fit their requirements. Emphasize your personal value by providing evidence of the things you previously did that set you apart. For this section, it might be useful to read the application description and company website in more detail. Usually, employers write a list of requirements they expect from the employee they want to hire, you can use this as a checklist and specify the qualifications you have that match those requirements.

 

3rd PARAGRAPH

This is also a part of the interest phase or the core. As mentioned above this is the motivation paragraph. Write about what is your motivation for this specific company (and not a competitor) and the position they are offering. What do they offer you that you perhaps value in your workspace (comfortable company culture, interdisciplinary or international teams…)? What do you hope to learn from them (maybe certain career directions or skills you are still exploring)? Try to convey enthusiasm (“enthusiasm conveys personality”), your story should be believable, and make it clear you really want this position, but be careful of flattery or overconfidence.

 

4th PARAGRAPH

This is the ending paragraph, it is therefore, important to end the letter actively and positively i.e. with “looking forward to…speak to you…” or “looking forward to hear from you….”. Avoid sentences such as “I hope” or “I await”, try to end your letter confidently, however, beware of the balance between confident and too confident, you probably do not want to come off as arrogant. Don’t forget to include a summary sentence of the letter and end with

“Yours sincerely/ Kind regards,

full name”

 

REFERENCES:

5 opening lines that are straight up killing your cover letter

What is a cover letter?

How to write a great cover letter

How to start a cover letter: 30 Creative Opening Sentences Recruiters Will LOVE

How to write a cover letter

 

If you wish to get more specific information or get practice and feedback, feel free to subscribe for the CV & Cover letter workshop by Career Academy or if you wish to get personal feedback stop by the Career Desk.