Cover letter should complement your CV in a way to grab attention of the potential employer and should secure you a job interview. Think of an HR director going through dozens of CVs and Cover letters every day. No wonder that those dazzling and outstanding ones with perfect layout have higher chance to catch attention. Your cover letter is your chance to sell your skills, knowledge, experience and abilities.

Don’t underestimate your opportunity to outstand from others because with dozens of other people applying for the same position you only have one chance to dazzle. Think carefully how to make your work experience look bullet proof and professional.

While it is recommended to keep your CV short and structured, cover letter is a bit different document. It gives you the space to talk more about your skills and experience and develop the information in CV in further details. State why you are special and the most suitable candidate for that position.

Cover letter must not be longer than one page.

Rules for writing a cover letter

Tailor your cover letter to the position you are applying for: one cover letter doesn’t work across all the applications

Present yourself in professional, positive way, but careful not to be too self-confident

Address the letter by name, if possible

Watch out for grammar mistakes and misspellings

Introduction
Write the name of the position and how did you find out about it in the introductory paragraph (E.g.: advert in the newspaper or online, leaflet, friend who works at the same company told you about the position, …)

Body
Your professional achievements and skills relevant to the position should be mentioned in body paragraph (E.g.:I am a fast learner, I enjoy challenges, I have experience working with…, …)

Closing
In the end is good to mention your interest in meeting in personal, your contact details and time when you are available (E.g.: I am looking forward to meeting you…, You can reach me on weekdays from 5pm till 8pm, …)

You can find a sample Cover letter here.