WRITE YOUR GERMAN COVER LETTER
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Generally speaking a cover letter should be concise and to the
point and definitely no longer than one page.
Points you should consider
when writing a cover letter
To be effective, your cover letter should follow the basic format
of a typical business letter and should address three general issues:
Do not repeat your what is already in your CV, simply refer to
it! "As you can see from my CV, …".
If a particular work experience listed in your CV especially qualifies
you for the job you can refer to it and emphasise its relevant points.
Your cover letter should NEVER be longer than 1 page.
Why you
are writing?
In some cases, you may have been referred to a potential employer
by a friend or acquaintance. Be sure to mention this mutual
contact by name as soon as possible as it is likely to encourage
your reader to keep reading!
If you are writing in response to a job advert, indicate
where you learned of the position and the exact title of the position
you are applying for. More importantly, remember to convey your
enthusiasm for the job and the likely match between your credentials
and the position's required qualifications.
If you are writing a prospective application letter - a
letter in which you enquire about potential job openings - state
your specific job objective. Since this type of letter is unsolicited,
it is even more important to capture the reader's attention.
It is a good idea to mention why you are interested in that specific
company, esp. when you write a prospective application letter.
Do not give the impression that they are one of two hundred applications
(badly copied CVs, serial letters, etc.).
What You
Have To Offer
In responding to a job advert, refer specifically to the
qualifications they have listed and illustrate how your particular
abilities and experiences relate to the position for which you are
applying.
In a prospective applicationg letter express your potential
to fulfil the employer's needs rather than focus on what the employer
can offer you. You can do this by giving evidence that you have
researched the organization thoroughly and that you possess skills
that are used within that organization.
Emphasize your achievements and problem-solving skills. Show how
your education and work skills are transferable, and thus relevant,
to the position for which you are applying.
How You
Will Follow Up
Bid directly for the job interview or an informational interview
and indicate that you will follow-up with a telephone call to set
up an appointment. Be sure to make the call within the time frame
indicated.
Even if you do not mention it explicitly in the letter, it is a
good idea to make a follow up phone call. Timing is important: do
not call on the very next day or after more than one week.
If you are applying from outside the employer's geographic area
you may want to indicate if you'll be in town during a certain time
frame (this makes it easier for the employer to agree to meet with
you).
In conclusion, you should also indicate that further references
are available on request. Also, if you have a portfolio or certificates
to support your qualifications, inform prospective employers that
they are also available on request.
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