In a cover letter, you introduce yourself in a continuous block of text. You explain what interests you about the position and what motivates you, why you want to work at the company, and why you are the perfect fit. A cover letter is not a repetition of your resume; rather, it provides a more personal insight and allows room for additional perspectives. It should be tailored individually to each position.

What should a cover letter include?

When drafting your application materials, keep in mind that they are often printed out and shown to someone other than the recipient of your email. Your application materials must therefore always stand on their own, and they must always include your name.

Ideally, start your cover letter with a personalized salutation. Many job postings list a contact person. If you can’t find one, consider which phrasing best fits the company’s image.

This should be followed by an engaging opening. Try to avoid generic phrases like “I read your job posting with great interest…”

The bulk of the cover letter should be devoted to introducing yourself and describing your motivation.

To conclude, summarize the most important points once more, express your gratitude, and indicate that you look forward to being invited for an interview.

You don’t always have to reinvent the wheel

Every cover letter should be tailored to the specific job posting. That said, you need a foundation to build on. Think about which of your qualities, experiences, and skills are particularly in demand in your industry, and make a list. Also note down the knowledge and skills you’ve acquired through your studies and previous work. Instead of simply listing your skills in your cover letter, craft paragraphs describing the specific situations in which you’ve already been able to apply them.

Example: “As a tutor at the University of Vienna, I learned to work independently and take on responsibility. When planning lessons, I always sought creative solutions and methods to convey the material to students and encourage them to actively participate.”

Once you’re aware of your skills, qualities, and experiences and have a solid foundation, you can begin drafting personalized cover letters. To do so, answer the following questions:

Why am I interested in this employer?

Before you apply, you should definitely do thorough research on the employer. Show that you know where you’re applying and that you’re interested in the company or organization. For example, explain what you like about the employer.

What motivates me about this position?

Your cover letter should clearly explain why you’re applying for this specific position. For example, do you enjoy working with people, or do you take on a leadership role as a team leader? Do you want to apply specific knowledge or special skills?

Why am I the right person for this role, and what do I bring to the table?

Now explain why the company or organization should choose you. Consider which qualities and skills are essential for this job posting and highlight them.

Author: Valerie Lechner