Are you looking for tips on how to improve your cover letter? You are not alone! In this article, I'll show you how to make a good first impression with your cover letter and increase your chances of getting an interview. I'll show you the most important points that will make your cover letter stand out. Then let's get started!

Structure and content of the application letter

In the cover letter, the data is structured in such a way that it best demonstrates your professional qualities and motivation. The cover letter should interest the employer and emphasize why you are the right person for the job.

The right structure and content of a cover letter will give you the opportunity to make a positive first impression on potential employers. In short, your cover letter should have the following structure:

Header:

• Sender: This is where you enter your full name, address, telephone number and e-mail address.
• Date: The date on which the letter is written should be placed at the top right or left of the letter.
• Recipient: Name and address of the company or person to whom the letter is addressed.

Subject:

• The subject line should clearly and concisely state what the letter is about, e.g. "Applying for the position of [job title]".

Salutation:

• A personal salutation, ideally with the name of the contact person, if known, e.g. "Dear Mr. [name]" or "Dear Ms. [name]".

Introduction:

• The introductory paragraph should arouse the reader's interest. Here you mention how you became aware of the position and why you are applying. Avoid phrases like: " I was very interested in...".

Main section:

• In the main section, you explain why you are the right person for the job. Describe relevant qualifications, experience and skills that qualify you for the position.
• Show connections to the company and explain why you would like to work there.

Conclusion:

• In the final section, confirm your interest in the position and express your desire to be invited for an interview.
• Thank them for considering your application.
• Avoid the subjunctive style: "I would be pleased..."

Greeting and signature:

• End the letter with a polite greeting such as "Yours sincerely" followed by your handwritten signature (for a printed version) and your printed name.

What the employer should see in your cover letter

When reading your cover letter, employers ask themselves a few important questions:

• Motivation: why are you aiming for this job? Your motivation may have to do with the company's values, your interest in its processes or your desire to develop professionally.
• Qualifications: What experience and achievements can you bring to the table? These can include successful projects, industry knowledge, training and additional courses.
• Personal qualifications: What personal skills and strengths do you bring to the table? These could be communication skills, teamwork or problem-solving skills.
• Benefits for the company: What benefit would the company have if it hires you? This could be achieving the company's goals, supporting the mission and vision or bringing in new ideas and approaches.

These questions will help you write a good cover letter that grabs the employer's attention and shows how valuable you are to the company.

Letterhead in the cover letter

In a cover letter, the letterhead is the first thing that grabs the employer's attention. It must be informative, precise and convincing in order to stand out from the many other applicants.

The following elements must be present in the letterhead:

• Your contact information: Make sure you include all the necessary details such as your full name, email address, phone number with country code and full postal address. Place them in such a way that they are easy for employers to find.
• Company address: Give the full address of the company, including the name and structure (e.g. GmbH, OHG), and name the correct contact person. This will make a professional impression and show that you have spent enough time researching the company. Research the correct spelling of the company beforehand. Just thinking about our own company, there is a lot of potential for minor errors: 4eck Media GmbH & Co. KG ... as you can see, we include spaces, periods, upper and lower case letters ... There should be no mistakes anywhere.
• Place and date: Enter the place and date in the correct format to emphasize the relevance of your cover letter. Choose a date that matches the day of posting to show your attention to detail.
• Subject: Provide a clear and informative description of the subject of your cover letter, including a possible start date and the job advertisement number if applicable. This will help the employer to immediately understand the subject and its importance.
• Addressing: Start the cover letter with a personal salutation to the person responsible for personnel. This makes a professional and polite impression and helps to build a good relationship with the employer right from the start.

Tip: When creating a headline for a cover letter, it is recommended to be specific and informative. Make sure the letterhead includes important details such as the job title, your name and a possible start date. This will make your letter even more attractive.

All of these elements are important to writing a cover letter that will pique the interest of a potential employer and make your application more compelling.

The right salutation in the cover letter

It is worth mentioning a specific name in your cover letter. You can start your salutation with "Dear Mr..." or "Dear Ms...". This adds a personal touch and shows that you have researched the company.

Here are a few tips on how to find a contact person for your application:

• Visit the company's official website and look for the contact details of the contact person in the "Contact" section.
• In smaller companies, the managing director is often responsible for personnel issues.
• Call the company's HR department or reception and politely ask for the name of the person responsible for receiving and screening applicants for the position.
• Pay attention to the job advertisement, it may already contain contact details or the name of a specific contact person.

Tip: Before you write your application, research the company and the vacancy and tailor your cover letter to the company's needs and values. It's not just about you, but also about the benefits the company will gain from you.

Introduction in the cover letter

The introduction in the cover letter is the first section of the letter in which you briefly introduce yourself and explain your motivation for applying. The aim of the introduction is to arouse the reader's interest and make a positive first impression. In the introduction, you should also refer to the position you are applying for and briefly explain why you are the ideal candidate for this position. A well-written introductory sentence can be crucial in making your cover letter stand out from the crowd and encourage further reading.

Try to consider the following points to write a perfect cover letter introduction:

• Clearly define your objectives: state your objectives for the job at the beginning of your cover letter. This will immediately grab the recruiter's attention and show your interest.
• Make a connection to the company: Mention the company profile and its culture in your introduction. This underlines your understanding of how the company or organization works.
• Create a personal impression: The main purpose of the introduction is to grab the recruiter's attention and leave a personal impression. Try to emphasize your desire for the job.
• Be concise and expressive: When writing an introductory paragraph, you should be concise and expressive in four to five lines. Avoid passive constructions to make the expression more energetic and appealing.
• Emphasize your motivation: Don't forget to mention your motivation for applying for the job. Explain briefly and clearly why you are interested in the job, especially if you are a student or graduate.
• Emphasize your professional experience: If you have professional experience or skills that you are proud of, mention them right at the beginning.
• Avoid standard phr ases: Don't use typical phrases at the beginning of the cover letter, such as "I am hereby applying for...". Arouse interest with a meaningful introduction.

Here are five examples of introductions in a cover letter:

1. Boring and trite: I read your job advertisement on [website] with great interest and am hereby applying for the position of [job title], as I can ideally contribute my extensive experience in the [field] to your team.
2. Identifying and appreciative: As a long-time fan of your innovative products and as an experienced [job title], I am convinced that I would complement your team perfectly. It is therefore with great enthusiasm that I apply for the advertised position as [job title].
3. Good start: Having successfully completed my degree in [field of study] at [university], I am now looking for a position where I can utilize both my expertise and passion for [field]. Your job advertisement for [job title] sounds like an excellent opportunity to do so.
4. Clever: I found out about the vacancy through a personal recommendation from your team. Having worked at [previous employer] for several years, I was able to gain in-depth insights and solid knowledge in [field]. The advertised position as [job title] with you seems like the perfect challenge for me to further my career.
5. Confident and enthusiastic: I was excited to learn about the opportunity to apply for the position of [job title] at [company name]. My [number] years of experience in [field] combined with my commitment and motivation make me an ideal candidate for this position.

These examples show different approaches to attracting the reader's interest by referring directly to the job advertisement, emphasizing your qualifications and clearly expressing your motivation.

The desire and ambition to work for this company is an important element of the cover letter

How can you improve your application for your desired employer? Let's start with how you can express your sincere motivation in your cover letter and CV. It's not just about making a personal connection with the employer, but also about standing out from other applicants. Here are some tips to make your cover letter really interesting:

• Express your desire to contribute to the company's success. Show that you are not just looking for a job, but that you are committed to working for this company. Convince the employer that you are willing to contribute and help the company achieve its goals.
• Use personal examples and stories. Tell about situations or experiences from your previous work that emphasize your motivation and desire to work for this company.
• At the end of the letter, emphasize your desire to join the team. Do this confidently and sincerely so that the employer senses your true motivation.

Examples of introductions for a cover letter

I have written 5 examples of cover letter introductions for you:

1. For a waitress at a café: "Dear team at Café Sonnenschein, With a smile on my face and a passion for food service, I am waiting in the wings to add my enthusiasm to your café. As a long-time admirer of your cozy atmosphere and first-class service, I know that my friendly personality and dedication would be a perfect fit for your team."
2. For an internship in a law firm: "Dear Dr. Fischer, Law and justice are not just words to me, but a philosophy of life that I would like to share with you. As an aspiring lawyer, I am fascinated by the work of renowned lawyers like you and strive to deepen my knowledge in an environment that stands for excellence and professionalism."
3. For a medical clinic assistant: "Dear Dr. Schmidt, as an aspiring medical student, I aspire to put my theoretical knowledge into practice and am therefore highly motivated to become part of your team. The opportunity to learn in your prestigious clinic is an invaluable chance for me to expand my skills and gain an insight into the world of medical care."
4. For an intern in a marketing agency: "Dear Müller Marketing Agency team, I see digital marketing as the perfect stage to develop my passion for creativity and analytical thinking. As an aspiring economics student, I am firmly convinced that I can bring a breath of fresh air to your company with my ideas and commitment."
5. For a teacher for an internship: "Dear Ms. Meyer, As an aspiring teacher with a passion for German and history, I am looking for an opportunity to deepen my teaching skills in a supportive environment. The opportunity to learn from experienced teachers such as those in your teaching team and further develop my enthusiasm for teaching would be invaluable to me."

Discover our professional cover letter templates on TutKit.com that will make you stand out from the crowd! Buy your perfect cover letter today and get on your way to your dream job. Don't wait any longer, your future starts now!

How to improve your cover letter

Let's face it, someone who has changed jobs frequently, who has no work experience or skills, or someone who has taken a break from work will find it harder to get a job - especially if there are lots of applicants for the vacancy. If an employer has a choice, they will choose the best candidate. This is normal and fair. Nevertheless, there are ways to round off the corners and present your weak points in a better light. Here are some ideas on how to improve your application in your situation:

• If you've just graduated from school and are looking for a job, talk about your academic achievements and future goals. This will help employers understand your ambitions and motivation.
• If you have already completed an internship, talk about your experience and how it prepared you for full-time employment. This shows that you are ready for new challenges and want to develop yourself further.
• When you graduate and look for your first job, emphasize your academic achievements and how you can apply them in practice. This will help the employer recognize your potential.
• When you return to work after maternity leave, talk about the experience and skills you gained during your leave and how they could be valuable for a new job.

Remember in all points that it is about filtering out the benefits and added value for the company from your stations and experiences.

Interesting fact about application letters

Recruiters usually only spend a few seconds reading a cover letter. This means that your text should be short, informative and attractive to catch the employer's attention. If your cover letter is just a standard text with the typical phrases, the first quick scan will take you straight to your CV. That's why you need to break out of the randomness with your text to make it more interesting for the recruiter. This also allows you to position yourself as unique.

Main part of the application letter

Here you can present your main arguments for choosing you for this position. This section should not only be informative, but also attractive.

Specific examples

Don't just say you're the perfect candidate - prove it. For example, mention a project where you successfully solved a difficult problem or an experience that helped you develop certain skills.

Clear statements

Use clear and concise statements so that the employer immediately understands what experience you have and what skills you can bring to the company.

Professional achievements

Select the most important moments in your career and emphasize their relevance to the vacancy.
For example, if you worked in a team, mention a project where your efforts led to the success of the entire group.

Communication skills

Give examples that show your communication skills such as teamwork, good communication and organizational skills. For example, tell about a situation in which you successfully managed a project or resolved a conflict within the team.

Emphasize your uniqueness

Pay attention to what makes you stand out from other applicants. This could be special skills, experience abroad or professional certifications. Describe in detail how these unique qualities can benefit the company.

Support your statements with data

If you have the opportunity, include links to your portfolio, work samples or references from previous employers with your cover letter. This allows you to back up your statements with real evidence and strengthen your credibility as a candidate.

Use arguments in cover letters

In the body of your cover letter, the employer should not only understand what motivates you, but also what makes you a suitable candidate. Therefore, make the right arguments for your suitability for the job and back them up with vivid examples. Avoid standard phrases and empty promises - they don't impress.

Don't try to reproduce your entire CV in a cover letter! Instead, focus on your most important professional achievements and skills and link them skillfully to the requirements of the company and the position.

Only select professional experience that relates directly to the job. Study the job requirements carefully: they will tell you what skills and experience the employer needs.

Introduce yourself to the employer by putting the most important points of your career in a logical order. This shows that you see the position as a natural extension of your professional development.

To showcase your best qualities and skills in your cover letter, follow these tips:

Choose relevant examples: Identify the most important skills and attributes required for the job and choose examples from your experience that demonstrate them.

Be specific: Instead of general statements, give specific examples where you have successfully used your skills or qualities.

Use accomplishment language: Describe your successes and achievements in accomplishment language. For example, instead of "I am a good team player", say "In my last project, I successfully led the team to achieve a goal on time."

Comment on your actions: Explain what specific actions you took to achieve your goals and how they led to success.

Focus on the result: Emphasize what result was achieved through your efforts and how important it was for the company or the project.

Don't forget the soft skills: Include soft skills such as teamwork, sociability, problem solving and others in your examples and descriptions.

Take the first step towards a new career with a cover letter template from TutKit.com. You'll get access to high-quality templates that you can easily customize. Start your professional application today and get the job you deserve!

Examples of the main body of the cover letter

Here are good examples of how to write the main body of a cover letter:

1. Main body for application for an apprenticeship as a retail clerk: "During my school career, I demonstrated my organizational skills and ability to work under pressure in various projects. As a member of the school sports team, I learned to work under pressure and manage my time effectively. I was able to further develop these skills during my internship in retail, where I not only improved my customer focus and sales skills, but also developed a keen sense of customer needs. I see the opportunity to further develop my strengths and deepen my interest in economic contexts in training as a retail clerk."
2. Main part for applying for an internship in marketing: "I developed my marketing skills early on through my involvement in the school newspaper and my interest in creative processes. As editor of the school newspaper, I was responsible for designing advertising campaigns and organizing events. This experience not only showed me that I have a feel for the needs and wishes of the target group, but also that I can develop innovative marketing strategies. I see an internship at your company as a unique opportunity to deepen my knowledge and gain practical experience in a professional environment."
3. Main part for applying for an apprenticeship as an industrial mechanic: "Due to my passion for technology and my manual skills, I have already worked on various projects in my spare time, such as building model airplanes and repairing bicycles. These experiences have shown me that I have a good technical understanding and enjoy practical work. I see training as an industrial mechanic as the ideal opportunity to further develop my skills and work in an exciting professional field where I can put my enthusiasm for technology into practice."
4. Main part for applying for a vacation job as a temp in a café: "In my free time, I have already been able to gain valuable experience in the catering industry by working as a temp in a café. There I improved my teamwork and communication skills and learned to stay calm and react flexibly under stress. A vacation job in your café would allow me to further develop my skills and at the same time deepen my interest in gastronomy while helping to provide an enjoyable experience for your guests."
5. Main part for applying for an internship in Human Resources: "Through my involvement as a school representative and my participation in various projects to improve the school climate, I have improved my interpersonal communication and conflict resolution skills. These experiences have sparked my interest in working in Human Resources as I enjoy working with people and helping them solve their problems. An internship with your company offers me the opportunity to deepen my knowledge and gain practical experience in Human Resources while helping to support your team and contribute to the company's success."

Final sentence of the cover letter

In the last part of your cover letter, you should emphasize how your skills and experience can add great value to the company. This is a good time to emphasize why you are the perfect person for the job.

Tips:

1. Emphasize the mutual benefit: Explain how your unique skills and experience can help the company achieve its goals and solve its problems. Do this in such a way that the employer understands how your presence can increase the team's effectiveness and success.
2. Clarify your expectations: State your salary expectations and possible start date if needed. This will help the employer understand how your expectations align with their skills and schedule.
3. Emphasize your confidence: Word your final paragraph confidently, expressing your hope for further communication and the possibility of an invitation for an interview.
4. Signature and contact information: Sign the letter "Yours sincerely" and include your contact information so you can hear back quickly.

Remember that the last part of your cover letter is your last chance to convince the employer that you are the perfect candidate. Use this moment to make a strong impression and stand out from the other applicants. By the way, if you add a PS (post scriptum), this is usually read very carefully.

Examples for the end of the application letter

These examples each show a positive attitude and strong motivation to pursue the respective profession and invite you to a personal interview to discuss the application further:

• IT Specialist: I am confident that my technical skills and passion for innovative IT solutions can make a significant contribution to the success of your team. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my ideas with you in person and hope to hear from you soon.
• Engineer: Based on my experience in the development and implementation of technical projects, I am confident that I can effectively contribute to the further development of your projects. I would be delighted to receive an invitation for a personal interview.
• Marketing Manager: With my extensive experience in various aspects of marketing, I am confident that I can contribute to further strengthening your market position. I look forward to sharing my visions for innovative marketing strategies with you in a face-to-face meeting.
• Nursing specialist: The care and well-being of patients is close to my heart. I am ready to contribute my knowledge and skills to your team and look forward to the opportunity to demonstrate my enthusiasm for this profession in a face-to-face interview.
• Teacher: I am excited about the opportunity to use my passion for teaching and my teaching skills in your school. I am confident that I can make a positive contribution to the learning environment and look forward to discussing this further in a face-to-face interview.

Cover letter example

See how cool the cover letter looks on our job application templates.

Discover our modern application templates here to help you stand out from the crowd: