Lifelong Learning Programme

This project has been funded with support from the European Commission.
This web site reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

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Students

This guideline provides VET students with specific suggestions on how to participate in internships. It is advisable that VET trainers analyse the contents together with the students since the first steps of the organisation of the internship. The guideline covers topic such as: selection of the company; writing of the CV; behaviour rules in a company.
Table of Contents
1.2 Curriculum Vitae
1.2.3 Tips to Write a Motivation/Cover Letter

A motivation /cover letter shows how well you can communicate. Therefore write your motivation/ cover letter clearly and professionally, avoiding grammar-spelling errors, jargons and run on sentences.

Show enthusiasm and confidence, but keep your letter professional and respectful.

A motivation/ cover letter needs to be crafted specifically for each position or company you apply.

Do not write a general letter in which you just change the contact information. Such a letter will reduce your chance of getting an interview.

It is preferably only one page long.

Your font and your name header should match the CV’s to look uniformed.

In order to create a professional Cover Letter, make sure to include the following basic elements.

Greeting/Opening: make sure to address your letter to the proper person/department. Address the employer or the hiring specialist by name and title.

The main body. Paragraph #1 is your opening paragraph, where you state the purpose for writing; how you learned of the organization or position, and basic information about yourself (your current position, years of experience, etc.).

Paragraph #2 tells why you are interested in the employer or type of work the employer does.  Communicate how you understand the open position, relate your background and experience that suit the requirements of the company. Highlight one or two personal and professional skills retrieved from the CV that, in your opinion, are relevant to this position and how you will be able to use them if you would get the job.

Your letter needs to compliment your CV and not restate it.

Paragraph #3 is your closing paragraph. Before completing the letter (e.g. Yours sincerely), express your availability for an interview and the possibility to provide additional information or documents upon request.

Indicate that your CV is also enclosed with the letter.

Thank the reader for his/her consideration and that you look forward to hearing from him/her.


Online Resource

A cover letter is still in style
Online article presents tips how to write a cover letter

Important Cover Letter Trends in 2017 That Will Help Your Job Search
Online article by Peter Jones gives tips for writing a cover letter to be noticed by an employer.

Operative Tools

Cover letter
A cover letter builder is given

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This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This web site reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.