How to write a cover letter – From start to finish: The 2024 guide
🕐 Reading time: 14 minuten
Writing a good cover letter can make the difference between being invited to an interview or not, and thus can play a crucial role in the interview process. However, it is not always easy to write an effective cover letter that stands out among the many other job applications. That is why we have put together this guide, in which we will show you how to write a compelling cover letter that will increase your chances of getting your dream job.
Table of contents
1.2 Determining your strengths and motivation
2. Structure and construction of the cover letter
2.2 Proper length and formatting
2.3 A good introduction and conclusion
2.4 Structure of the core of the letter
3. Tips for writing a persuasive cover letter
3.1 Using the STAR methodology
3.3 Language use and writing style
4. Common mistakes and how to avoid them
5. Answers to frequently asked questions about the cover letter
1. Preparation
Before you begin writing a cover letter, it is important to prepare properly. This starts with doing research on the organization and position you are applying for. This might include looking at the company’s website and social media accounts, reading news articles and annual reports, and consulting your own network to gather more information.
Analyze job description
Another important step in preparation is analyzing the job posting. Here you can pay attention to job requirements, duties and responsibilities, and desired skills and attributes. By properly analyzing the job posting, you can get a better idea of what the company is looking for and what you can offer.
Determining your strengths and motivation
In addition, it is important to determine your own strengths and motivation. What are your skills, knowledge and experience relevant to the position? Why would you like to work at this company and what makes you suitable for this position? By answering these questions, you can better present yourself in the cover letter and demonstrate why you are the ideal candidate for the position.
Below are some examples of strengths you can use in your cover letter:
- Strong communication skills
- Problem solving ability
- Team player
- Independent and proactive
- Creative and innovative
- Well organized and structured
- Analytical ability
- Flexible and adaptable
- Customer-oriented and service-oriented
- Driven and motivated
- Result-oriented and goal-oriented
- Reliable and responsible
- Eager to learn and curious
- Empathic and socially skilled
- Positive and enthusiastic attitude
It is important to choose the strengths that are most relevant to the position you are applying for and to back them up with concrete examples.
Tools to prepare
Spending enough time and attention to prepare will not only increase your knowledge about the company and the position, but will also help you better address the employer’s wants and needs in your cover letter.
In preparation, you can think about:
List your relevant work experience and skills and consider how they apply to the position.
Example: “In my previous position as Marketing Manager at [bedrijfsnaam], I gained extensive experience in developing and executing effective marketing campaigns that led to significant increases in brand awareness and sales results. I see these skills and experience as highly relevant to the position of Marketing Specialist at [nieuwe bedrijfsnaam], where I can contribute to the success of the company’s marketing strategy and continued growth.”
Think about specific accomplishments and results you have achieved in previous positions and how they are relevant to the new position.
Example: “In my previous position as Project Manager at [bedrijfsnaam], I managed and successfully completed a large project within the deadline and budget. In doing so, I have proven my ability to plan, organize and coordinate well, which I believe is highly relevant to the position of Project Manager at [nieuwe bedrijfsnaam]. I therefore look forward to using these skills and contributing to the success of the projects of [nieuwe bedrijfsnaam].”
Analyze the job posting and identify what skills and attributes the employer is looking for and how your own skills and experience fit with them.
Example: “I have carefully analyzed the job posting and I am convinced that my skills and experience match the skills and attributes that [nieuwe bedrijfsnaam] is seeking for the position of [functietitel]. In my opinion, my experience with [specifieke vaardigheden of eigenschappen] and my knowledge of [relevante kennisgebieden of tools] make me an excellent candidate for this position. I am excited about the opportunity to apply my skills and experience and contribute to the growth of [nieuwe bedrijfsnaam].”
Think about what personal traits and values are important to you and how they fit with the company culture and position.
“I value [specifieke persoonlijke eigenschappen of waarden], which I believe is an excellent fit for the corporate culture of [nieuwe bedrijfsnaam]. I see these traits and values as essential to the job of [functietitel], where [specifieke verantwoordelijkheden of taken]. I am therefore excited about the opportunity to use my personal attributes and values and contribute to the success of [nieuwe bedrijfsnaam].”
Do research on the company and think about why you would like to work for this company and how your own goals and ambitions align with those of the company.
Example: “I have done extensive research on [nieuwe bedrijfsnaam] and I am impressed with [specific aspects of the company, such as mission, vision, products or services]. I would like to work for this company because I believe that my skills and experience can contribute to the company’s success and because I believe in the company’s vision. I am confident that my own goals and ambitions align with those of [nieuwe bedrijfsnaam], and I look forward to contributing to the growth and development of the company.”
Consider how you can contribute to the company’s mission and vision and what ideas you have to contribute to the company’s success.
Example: “I am convinced that my skills and experience fit well with the mission and vision of [nieuwe bedrijfsnaam], and I have several ideas to contribute to the company’s success. For example [specifieke ideeën of initiatieven die aansluiten bij de missie en visie van het bedrijf], which I developed while working at [vorige werkgever of in eerdere functies]. I believe these ideas can contribute to the growth and development of the company, and I look forward to sharing them with the team at [nieuwe bedrijfsnaam].”
Think about how you set yourself apart from other candidates and what your unique added value is.
Example: “What makes me unique as a candidate for this position is my [specific skill, experience or achievement], which I am proud to offer as a unique value-add for [nieuwe bedrijfsnaam].”
Example: “In my opinion, my passion for [specifiek aspect van de functie of branche] and my experience with [specifieke vaardigheid] make me a unique candidate for this position. I am convinced that with my unique added value I can contribute to the success of [nieuwe bedrijfsnaam].”
Example: “I stand out as a candidate because of my [specifieke eigenschap of kenmerk], which enables me to perform [specifieke verantwoordelijkheden of taken]. I see this trait as a unique value-add for [nieuwe bedrijfsnaam] and look forward to putting it to use and contributing to the company’s success.”
Analyze the company culture and consider how your personality and work style fit with it.
Example: “I have carefully analyzed the corporate culture of [nieuwe bedrijfsnaam] and I think my personality and work style are a good fit for the company. My [specifieke eigenschap of kenmerk] ensures that I work well with others and am open to feedback, which I believe is important to the corporate culture of [nieuwe bedrijfsnaam].”
Example: “I am impressed with the corporate culture of [nieuwe bedrijfsnaam] and I am convinced that my [specifieke persoonlijkheid of werkstijl] is a good fit for it. I value [specifieke aspecten van de bedrijfscultuur], which I believe contributes to a positive work environment and fits well with my personality and work style.”
Think about your future plans and career goals and how they fit with the position and the company.
Example: “As [specifieke functie], my ambition is to grow in my role and contribute to the success of [nieuwe bedrijfsnaam] by using my skills and experience. I see this position as an opportunity to learn and develop myself further in my career, while at the same time contributing to the growth of the company.”
Example: “My future plans and career goals are focused on achieving success in the field of [specifiek beroep], and I am convinced that [nieuwe bedrijfsnaam] is the ideal employer to achieve them. I am excited about the opportunity to apply my skills and experience in this position and further develop my career at [nieuwe bedrijfsnaam].”
Get feedback from friends, family and former colleagues on what your strengths are and how best to emphasize them in your cover letter.
2. Structure and construction of the cover letter
A good cover letter is structured and has a clear structure. Below are some tips for the structure and construction of the letter:
Using the right layout
A cover letter has a set format, make sure you use this format. We explain step by step in this guide how to fill in the various elements:
[Je naam]
[Adres]
[Postcode en woonplaats]
[Telefoonnummer]
[E-mailadres]
[Naam van het bedrijf]
[Adres]
[Postcode en woonplaats]
[Plaats], [Datum]
Subject: Motivation for [naam van de functie]
Dear Sir/Madam [naam],
[Open de brief met een sterke opening waarin je jezelf voorstelt en aangeeft waarom je solliciteert naar de functie.]
[In de tweede alinea geef je aan waarom je geïnteresseerd bent in het bedrijf en de functie.]
[In the third paragraph, discuss your relevant work experience, skills and qualities. Use the STAR method to give specific examples].
[In the fourth paragraph, explain how your personality, ambitions and goals fit with the company and position].
[Afsluitend bedank je de lezer voor zijn/haar tijd en interesse en geef je aan dat je graag verder toelichting geeft in een persoonlijk gesprek.]
Sincerely,
[Je naam]
Proper length and formatting
A cover letter should not be too long, but it should contain all the important information. Therefore, keep the letter short and to the point, limiting yourself to one A4. Use a clear and professional font and provide an uncluttered layout.
There are several fonts that are standardly considered clear and legible for writing, such as:
Arial, Times New Roman, Calibri, Verdana, Georgia, Helvetica
It is recommended to use one of these fonts in a cover letter because they are easy to read and have a professional look. It is also important to use a consistent font throughout the letter and to make sure the size of the letters is adequate (usually between 10 and 12 points).
A good introduction and conclusion
Begin the letter with a strong opening, introducing yourself and stating why you are applying for the position. End the letter with a clear conclusion, reiterating why you are qualified for the position and why you would like to work at the company. Don’t forget to include your contact information so the employer can easily reach you.
Sample administrative assistant: “I am very excited about the vacancy of administrative assistant at your company. As an experienced and accurate administrative assistant, I would like to use my knowledge and skills to contribute to the growth of your organization.”
Sample carpenter: “It is with great pleasure that I apply for the position of carpenter at your company. As a driven and experienced carpenter, I know what it takes to bring projects to a successful conclusion and am always looking for new challenges.”
Sample online marketer: “As a passionate online marketer, I am very excited about the opportunity to join your company. I am convinced that with my creativity and knowledge of the latest trends and developments, I can make a valuable contribution to your online marketing strategy.”
Sample director: “With my extensive experience as a manager and strategic thinker, I am happy to apply for the position of director with your organization. I am confident that with my vision and drive, I can take the organization to the next level.”
Example student transportation cab driver: “I am very motivated to work as a student transportation cab driver at your company. With my careful driving style and customer-oriented attitude, I would like to provide a safe and comfortable ride for the students and their parents.”
Sample recruiter: “As a results-oriented and enthusiastic recruiter, I am very interested in the job opening at your organization. I have extensive experience in recruiting suitable candidates and am always looking for new ways to attract talent.”
Sample planner: “With my organizational skills and proactive attitude, I would like to apply for the position of planner at your company. I am convinced that with my analytical ability and communication skills, I can make a valuable contribution to the planning and execution of projects.”
Sample HR Officer: “As an experienced and empathetic HR officer, I am very excited about the job opening at your organization. I am always looking for ways to promote employee well-being and development and would like to contribute to a positive work culture.”
Structure of the core of the letter
The core of the letter consists of a few paragraphs explaining your motivation and suitability for the position. Below is a possible structure for this core:
First paragraph: introduction of yourself and mention of the position you are applying for.
Second paragraph: motivation for the position and company. State why you are interested in the position and the company, and how it aligns with your personal ambitions and goals.
Third paragraph: explain your relevant experience, skills and knowledge. Give specific examples of your experience and skills relevant to the position and why they match the employer’s requirements.
Fourth paragraph: conclusion and summary. Emphasize again why you are qualified for the position and why you would like to work at the company.
Getting out spelling and grammar errors
Remember to check the letter for spelling and grammatical errors and to have someone else review it before you send it.
There are several free spell-checking options available in the Netherlands. Below is a list of some popular options:
Google Docs: Google’s online word processor. This one is free and comes with extensive grammar and spell checking. You can get a free accout
Spelling.nu: a free online spell-checking tool that can identify and correct the most common spelling and grammar mistakes.
LanguageTool: a free online spelling and grammar checker tool that uses artificial intelligence to detect and correct language errors.
Spell Cheker Chrome plugin: a free plugin that checks grammar and spelling in text fields of your browser.
Microsoft Word: Microsoft Word’s spell check feature can also be used to detect and correct spelling and grammar errors.
Note that these tools are not perfect and it is always important to read through the text again yourself to make sure it is completely error-free.
3. Tips for writing a persuasive cover letter
A persuasive cover letter can make all the difference in obtaining the desired position. Here are some tips you can use to write a strong cover letter:
Using the STAR method
An effective way to describe your experience and skills is to use the STAR method. STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action and Result. Describe the situation in which you applied your skills, the task you had to perform, the actions you took and the results you achieved. This makes your cover letter concrete and gives the employer insight into your competencies and accomplishments.
Example 1 (recruiter):
Situation: As a recruiter at [bedrijfsnaam], I was responsible for recruiting new staff for various departments.
Task: My job was to find suitable candidates who fit the job requirements and company culture.
Action: To achieve this, I used various recruitment channels, such as LinkedIn and job boards, and conducted telephone and personal interviews with potential candidates.
Result: Through my efforts, the company was able to find and hire suitable candidates, which contributed to the company’s growth and development.
Example 2 (administrative assistant):
Situation: As an administrative assistant at [bedrijfsnaam], I was responsible for processing incoming orders.
Task: My job was to ensure that all orders were processed and shipped on time and correctly.
Action: To achieve this, I carefully checked all information in orders and communicated regularly with customers to resolve any questions or problems.
Result: Through my efforts, all orders were processed on time and correctly, contributing to customer satisfaction and the success of the company.
Example 3 (hr employee):
Situation: As an HR clerk at [bedrijfsnaam], I was responsible for managing personnel administration.
Task: My job was to ensure that all personnel files were up to date and that all employees were paid correctly.
Action: To accomplish this, I regularly checked personnel records and communicated with employees to resolve any errors or problems.
Result: Because of my efforts, all personnel files were up-to-date and all employees were paid correctly, contributing to staff satisfaction and loyalty and the success of the company.
Giving concrete examples
Give specific examples of your experience and skills relevant to the position. This will make your cover letter more personal and persuasive. In doing so, avoid generic terms and be specific. For example, don’t just describe that you “work well together,” but explain why and how you applied it.
Language and writing style
Use clear and understandable language in your cover letter and avoid jargon and technical terms. Write in an active and positive writing style and highlight your strengths and motivation. Keep in mind the target audience and show interest in the company and the position.
Examples of active and positive writing style:
“I am highly motivated to apply my skills and knowledge in this position and contribute to the success of the company.””With my strong communication skills and analytical thinking ability, I can ensure better collaboration and results within the team.”
“I have a lot of experience working in an international environment and am used to working with different cultures. This makes me the ideal candidate for this position.”
“I am confident that I can make a valuable contribution to the team and the company with my proactive attitude and attention to detail.”
Inactive and negative writing style:
“I think I’m qualified for this position, but I’m not sure.”
“I don’t really have much experience, but maybe I can contribute something.”
“I’m not very good at working together, but I’ll do my best.”
“I actually have no idea what I can contribute, but maybe you guys can help me.”
4. Common mistakes and how to avoid them
When writing a cover letter, there are some common mistakes you should avoid to ensure that your letter is effective and makes a good impression on the employer. Here are some examples of common mistakes and how to avoid them:
Staying too general
A common mistake in cover letters is that they are too general and do not address the requirements of the job and the needs of the employer specifically enough. To avoid this, it is important to read the job description thoroughly and provide specific examples of how your skills and experience are relevant to the position.
Placing too much emphasis on one’s own needs
Another common mistake is for applicants to place too much emphasis on their own needs and not show what they can contribute to the company. To avoid this, it is important to focus on how your skills and experience contribute to the needs of the company and the position.
Spelling and grammar mistakes
Spelling and grammar mistakes can make a negative impression on employers and show that you are careless. To avoid this, it is important to spell and grammatically check your letter properly and also have someone else review your letter.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that your cover letter is effective and makes a good impression on the employer.
Answers to frequently asked questions about the cover letter
What should be in a cover letter sample?
A cover letter should show the employer why you are the ideal candidate for the position. It is important to show that you have the required skills and experience for the position, but also that you are excited about the opportunity to work at the company.
How do you start with a cover letter?
Begin your cover letter with a strong opening, introducing yourself and stating why you are applying for the position. Try to capture the reader’s attention and interest with a catchy introduction.
What does a short cover letter look like?
A short cover letter usually has the same structure as a regular cover letter, but with less extensive information. Be sure to highlight your key qualifications, skills and motivation in a short cover letter anyway.
How do you make a neat cover letter?
A neat cover letter has a professional appearance. Ensure good formatting and use a clear font. Avoid language and typos and keep the letter short and to the point.
What is a good motivation?
A good motivation is specific, persuasive and personal. It is important to demonstrate that you have the required qualifications and skills for the position, as well as to show your enthusiasm and passion for the work.
How do you write an eye-catching cover letter?
Write an eye-catching cover letter by setting yourself apart from other candidates and highlighting your unique qualities. Use concrete examples and apply the STAR method to describe your skills and experience.
What should not be missing from cover letter?
Important components that should not be missing from a cover letter are: a strong opening, information about your qualifications and experience, a description of your motivation for the position, concrete examples of your skills and accomplishments, and a powerful conclusion.
How do you articulate your motivation?
Verify your motivation by stating why you would like to work for the company and your specific interest in the position. Describe your passion for the work and how it fits with the company’s mission and vision.
How do you end a cover letter?
End your cover letter with a strong conclusion, reiterating why you are qualified for the position and why you would like to work for the company. Thank the employer for their time and consider adding contact information for further communication.
What is the difference between a cover letter and a cover letter?
A cover letter is a letter in which you apply for a specific position with an organization and describe why you are qualified for that position. A cover letter is a letter explaining why you are interested in a particular organization and position and what your motivation is to work there.
How long should a cover letter be?
A cover letter does not have to be very long. Generally, one A4 page is sufficient. It is important to stay to the point and articulate the core of your motivation in a clear way.
What are the key elements of a cover letter?
The key elements of a cover letter are a strong opening, a clear motivation for the position and organization, description of relevant experience and skills, and a good closing. It is also important to write the letter neatly and flawlessly.
What are the most common mistakes made in a cover letter?
Common mistakes include remaining too general, overemphasizing one’s own needs rather than the needs of the organization, and spelling and grammar errors.
How can you make a cover letter stand out?
By using the STAR method and giving concrete examples, you can make a cover letter stand out. In addition, it is important to use an active and positive writing style and present the letter neatly and clearly.
What should you do after sending a cover letter?
After sending a cover letter, it is important to be patient and possibly wait for a response from the organization. It is also possible to send a follow-up after some time to ask about the status of the application.
How do you ask for feedback on your cover letter?
You can seek feedback on your cover letter by having it read by a friend, family member or professional mentor. It is also possible to have the letter reviewed by a professional copywriter or recruiter.
