A cover letter, also known as a Bewerbungsanschreiben in German, is your opportunity to introduce yourself to a potential employer and convince them that you’re the perfect candidate for the job. It’s like a mini-resume that highlights your skills and experiences, but it should be tailored to each specific position you’re applying for.
What to Include in a Cover Letter
Your contact information: Include your name, email address, and phone number at the top of your cover letter.
The date: Date the cover letter the day you submit your application.
The hiring manager’s name: If possible, try to find out the name of the hiring manager for the position you’re applying for. Address your cover letter to them by name. If you can’t find the hiring manager’s name, you can address your cover letter to “Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren” (Dear Sir or Madam).
An attention-grabbing introduction: The first paragraph of your cover letter should be strong and attention-grabbing. Briefly state the position you’re applying for and why you’re interested in it. You can also mention a specific qualification or experience that makes you a perfect fit for the job. The article recommends mentioning something you learned about the company from their website or social media profiles to show your interest.
The body of your cover letter: The body of your cover letter should highlight your skills and experiences that are most relevant to the position you’re applying for. Use strong action verbs and specific examples to make your points. Quantify your achievements whenever possible. For instance, instead of saying “increased sales,” you could say “increased sales by 15%.” Be sure to proofread your cover letter carefully before submitting it.
Tips for Formatting Your Cover Letter
Keep it concise and to the point: Your cover letter should be no more than one page long.
Use a professional font and font size: A common font size for cover letters in Germany is 11 or 12 point.
Use left-aligned text: This is the standard formatting for cover letters in Germany.
Use a clear and concise layout: Your cover letter should be easy to read and understand. Use bullet points or white space to break up text and make it more visually appealing.
Proofread carefully: Typos and grammatical errors can make a bad impression, so be sure to proofread your cover letter carefully before submitting it.
Additional Tips
Use a professional salutation: The most common salutation for cover letters in Germany is “Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren” (Dear Sir or Madam). If you can find out the name of the hiring manager, you can address your cover letter to them by name.
Keep your tone professional and polite: Your cover letter should be professional and polite from start to finish. Avoid using slang or informal language.
Highlight your most relevant skills and experiences: Don’t try to list all of your skills and experiences in your cover letter. Focus on the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the position you’re applying for.
Use strong action verbs: Use strong action verbs to describe your skills and experiences. This will help your cover letter to be more impactful.
Proofread carefully before submitting: Typos and grammatical errors can make a bad impression, so be sure to proofread your cover letter carefully before submitting it.
By following above tips, you can write a cover letter that will help you land the interview and get your dream job in Germany.
If any help required, reach out to us!