Requirements of an cover letter
An application cover letter is the secret weapon that helps you win over other candidates. Among hundreds of cover letters, how can yours avoid sinking into oblivious? That is not only the matter of first impression, but also the matter of marketing yourself.
Cover letter is the bridge between you and the employer. The goal of an application cover letter is not directly seeking for a job but raising the interest and gaining employer’s preferences. With that, the employer will make actual action and you will win your ticket to the interview.
Characteristics of an application cover letter:
• Personalization: in order to make the employer interested, try to write a lively and intimidate cover letter that shows your personality;
• Subjectiveness: Describe your subjective desire to contribute to the company with the recruitment job;
• Simplification and sensitiveness: Remove trite and hollow words; avoid repeating wording, and don’t make mistake of making another CV.
Structure of an application cover letter:
As for structure, a cover letter is no different from other normal and business letters. A common structure of a cover letter in English includes: head title, date, recipient’s address, salutation, main content, conclusion, closing complimentary and signature. Your head title may contain personal reference details such as full name, address, phone number, P.O number or email address) whether other parts may be structured similarly as other common letters in English.
Content of an application cover letter:
The content of a cover letter includes the following sections:
• Describing your desire to apply for the job as well as mention reference details such as introducing agency or person;
• Clarify your professional qualification, personal ability and working experience so as to meet the job requirements excellently;
• Request the employer for reply and contact information (such as interview, writing test, etc.)
Presentation style requirement:
Presentation requirements for a cover letter are similar to those for a CV. You should notice some points as following:
1. As for a cover letter, use one sheet page only; don’t use both sheet pages.
2. Write your cover letter in A4 page (in case of sending directly or by email):
• Use such fonts as Helvetica, Times or Courier. Don’t try to “save” any space behind a word;
• Don’t underline, italicize or highlight the words or use stylish letters (but you can use bold or capital letters).
• Make bold or capitalize the first letter of a paragraph;
• Write the document in only one column, not outside border, no indent and not center format;
• Put address under your name as 3-line-standard format. Also, provide your phone number.
A cover letter should be best to be sent to person, unless the company requires sending to HR department or Recruitment department. If possible, send the letter to the highest authority of the recruitment department.
The content must be realistic. Before writing, you should research about the company you intend to apply for. It is necessary to show your interest, pride and responsibility toward the company and enthusiasm in the job. Don’t be too strict. When writing, show your professional qualification and sincere and cooperative attitude.
Related docs to cover letter:
• Homepage: Cover letter samples