Job Cover Letter Guide

Many find it difficult to write a job cover letter. To highlight themselves as clever, qualified and confident, in a natural tone without sounding too arrogant isn't always the easiest task .What is particularly difficult to answer is the question "why do I want this job?", and "why should you hire me?".

In the job cover letter you describe yourself, highlight your personal qualities and abilities. You should also describe why you are looking for this job and why you are suitable for it. One rule is that your CV should describe what you did, your job cover letter should explain what you learned of everything you've done. The letter must also be comprehensive without being wordy, write only about what is essential for the work you are seeking.

The application must be structured and transparent and should be at maximum one A4: a page, preferably shorter. Remember to bring the job cover letter to the vacant job and also to the tone of the ad. What a personnel recruiter in particular can judge your ability on is how write. So remember to spell check it before you send it off.  

Simple structure of your job cover letter:
Write your name, address and telephone number on the top left. Underneath write the contact name, company, address and the current date.
In most cases the service name and reference as the title. If you have or have had a personal relationship with the contact person, you can write the title "Hello [insert name]' instead.

First paragraph: motivation & interest.
The reader must be curious and tempted to read on immediately after the first sentences. Create an interest in the reader, market yourself, and tell us why you want the job.  

Second and third paragraph:
Tell me about what you learned from your experiences, be honest and personal, and do not use any "standard texts". Get examples from your resume from work or features you had in the past that are relevant to the work you are seeking now. Be brief in your description, save a little for the job interview. Write something about your private life, if you are willing to relocate (if job requires it), your family situation, etc.
 
Fourth paragraph:
Suggest that you can tell us more about yourself in an interview. You can also (if it is important to you) very briefly describe your work situation right now, "right now I work part time as ......", or "I am seeking new challenges...".
Indicate that you attached your CV and other certificates and diplomas that you want to show and highlight.

End the letter with "Sincerely"

Set aside an hour before you send it off to make sure everything looks in order. It helps you verify that what you have written is appropriate.

Things to Consider
- Limit the letter to one page
- Do not  go in to too much detail, let the reader get the opportunity to ask questions
 
Language
- Write short active sentences, correct spelling and use positive words.
- Write simple, direct and spontaneous 

Graphic design
-Dividing the text into distinct pieces. Use margins of at least 3.5 cm to the right and left, it gives the employer space to jot down notes.
- Use a font such as Arial. Trying to mix several different styles give a messy impression.  

- Always send an original job cover letter. Do not copy the same job cover letter and send it to multiple employers. You want it too appear that you really want this particular job. 

Things to Avoid
- No standard phrases and clichés
- Please submit any incorrect or exaggerated information
- No negative words (I can not, I do not want, I'm bad at)
- Do not print your references if it is not explicitly stated in the ad that they must be attached.

 
Verify:
- What time the application must be submitted by.
- That all dates are correct.
- You got everything you wanted to say.
- The address is correct, that the request is sent to the right person.
- That the application is signed.
- The envelopes, etc. are properly marked with the ref.No.
- That you take copies of the application and have the original grades.
- It is the right postage on the envelope.
- That message is rich without being verbose.
- Choose a clear typeface for both screen reading and on paper, such as Verdana.
- Write in blue or black ink.
- Enter the employer's address clearly on the envelope.
- Write your name, address and telephone number on the back of the envelope.
- Follow up the application after three - four days to make sure it arrived and has been read.