{"id":17593,"date":"2025-05-30T08:00:41","date_gmt":"2025-05-30T06:00:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/performance-msg-life-sk.rucolabs.sk\/?p=17593"},"modified":"2025-08-25T14:05:12","modified_gmt":"2025-08-25T12:05:12","slug":"cover-letter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/performance-msg-life-sk.rucolabs.sk\/en\/articles\/career\/cover-letter\/","title":{"rendered":"How to write a job-winning cover letter: Templates and tips"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>A cover letter is one of the key documents used to introduce yourself to a potential employer. Unlike a resume, it provides additional information about you and your skills. While writing a cover letter is not difficult, it is important to know what information to include and what to avoid. We have prepared all the essential information for you, along with practical tips to help you make a good first impression.<\/p>\n<h2>What is a cover letter?<\/h2>\n<p>A <strong>cover letter<\/strong> introduces you to the people who will decide whether to hire you. This additional text accompanies a resume and enables job applicants to highlight their <strong>motivations, skills, and interest in a particular role<\/strong>. It also gives applicants the opportunity to present their experience and aspirations for the role. When writing a cover letter, it is important to be concise yet persuasive \u2014 the aim is to demonstrate why you are the ideal candidate.<\/p>\n<p>A professional cover letter is more personal than a resume. It gives you the opportunity to share more information about yourself and your personality. However, it\u2019s not just about the content \u2014 the structure and style of your letter are also important. Although it is just a text document, you can still make a cover letter original.<\/p>\n<div class=\"article-sharing-card\"><a href=\"https:\/\/performance-msg-life-sk.rucolabs.sk\/en\/articles\/career\/cv-sample\/\" class=\"article-card\" aria-label=\"CVs \u2013 Templates, mistakes, and tips on how to write them correctly\"><div class=\"article-card-wrap\"><div class=\"article-card-wrap-image\"><span class=\"article-category\">Career<\/span><span class=\"article-reading-time\">13 min.<\/span><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"954\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/performance-msg-life-sk.rucolabs.sk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/vzor-cv-zivotopis-954x600-1.webp\" class=\"img-fluid wp-post-image\" alt=\"CV samples: tips and inspiration for writing a CV quickly and easily.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/performance-msg-life-sk.rucolabs.sk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/vzor-cv-zivotopis-954x600-1.webp 954w, https:\/\/performance-msg-life-sk.rucolabs.sk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/vzor-cv-zivotopis-954x600-1-300x189.webp 300w, https:\/\/performance-msg-life-sk.rucolabs.sk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/vzor-cv-zivotopis-954x600-1-768x483.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 954px) 100vw, 954px\" title=\"CV samples: tips and inspiration for writing a CV quickly and easily.\" \/><\/div><div class=\"article-wrap-content\"><div class=\"article-wrap-date\"><span class=\"article-date\">28. 3. 2025<\/span><\/div><p class=\"article-wrap-title\"><span href=\"https:\/\/performance-msg-life-sk.rucolabs.sk\/en\/articles\/career\/cv-sample\/\">CVs \u2013 Templates, mistakes, and tips on how to write them correctly<\/span><\/p><div class=\"article-wrap-excerpt\">CV templates \u2013 choose a template and use our tips and inspiration to create an unmissable CV quickly and easily.                <\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div>\n<p>Short cover letters containing short sentences or bullet points can indicate to a recruiter that you have an analytical thinking. Conversely, a slightly more comprehensive writing style can demonstrate your creativity.<\/p>\n<p><strong>A cover letter is not compulsory<\/strong> when applying for a job. Many companies do not require a cover letter in the first round of the selection process due to time constraints. If it is not mentioned in the <strong>job description<\/strong>, the job seeker does not need to send one. Only do so if the company specifically asks for it, or if you are invited to the next stage of the process by the HR department.<\/p>\n<h2>Way to write cover letters<\/h2>\n<p>While a resume describes your past work experience, a compelling cover letter demonstrates how your skills and knowledge are relevant to the position you are applying for. <strong>A well-written cover letter<\/strong> will make a recruiter want to read your resume.<\/p>\n<div class=\"article-sharing-card\"><a href=\"https:\/\/performance-msg-life-sk.rucolabs.sk\/en\/articles\/career\/how-to-write-cv\/\" class=\"article-card\" aria-label=\"How to write a good CV and what mistakes to avoid?\"><div class=\"article-card-wrap\"><div class=\"article-card-wrap-image\"><span class=\"article-category\">Career<\/span><span class=\"article-reading-time\">8 min.<\/span><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"954\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/performance-msg-life-sk.rucolabs.sk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/ako-napisat-zivotopis-cv-954x600-1.webp\" class=\"img-fluid wp-post-image\" alt=\"ako-napisat-zivotopis-cv-954x600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/performance-msg-life-sk.rucolabs.sk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/ako-napisat-zivotopis-cv-954x600-1.webp 954w, https:\/\/performance-msg-life-sk.rucolabs.sk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/ako-napisat-zivotopis-cv-954x600-1-300x189.webp 300w, https:\/\/performance-msg-life-sk.rucolabs.sk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/ako-napisat-zivotopis-cv-954x600-1-768x483.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 954px) 100vw, 954px\" title=\"ako-napisat-zivotopis-cv-954x600\" \/><\/div><div class=\"article-wrap-content\"><div class=\"article-wrap-date\"><span class=\"article-date\">12. 2. 2025<\/span><\/div><p class=\"article-wrap-title\"><span href=\"https:\/\/performance-msg-life-sk.rucolabs.sk\/en\/articles\/career\/how-to-write-cv\/\">How to write a good CV and what mistakes to avoid?<\/span><\/p><div class=\"article-wrap-excerpt\">In this article you will learn how to write a CV and the most common mistakes to avoid.                <\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div>\n<h3>Tailor your cover letter to the role you are applying for<\/h3>\n<p>Write a personalized cover letter for a particular <a href=\"https:\/\/performance-msg-life-sk.rucolabs.sk\/en\/jobs\/\">job offer<\/a>. Read the job advert carefully so that you can respond directly to the requirements listed in it. This demonstrates to the employer that you are genuinely interested in the job, rather than just sending out a generic document to several companies.<\/p>\n<h3>Follow the cover letter format<\/h3>\n<p>Most companies prefer a simple cover letter. Stick to a <strong>clear structure<\/strong> and avoid overdoing it \u2013 whether in content, length, or email design. A clean document with black text (no italics or bolding) is ideal. Divide the information into paragraphs and use shorter, concise sentences rather than complex phrasing.<\/p>\n<h3>Stay on topic<\/h3>\n<p>If you\u2019re wondering how to create a cover letter, the answer is simple \u2013 focus on relevant information. Avoid information that may not be interesting or useful to the employer. This not only makes you look professional but also shows that you\u2019ve <strong>studied the job posting and understand the company\u2019s needs<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h3>Mind the proper structure<\/h3>\n<p>A cover letter should be divided into three basic sections, no longer than one page (about 300\u2013350 words). Use classic fonts like Times New Roman or Arial in size 11 or 12. Don\u2019t forget margins\u2014ideally 1 to 1.5 cm. Send the finished cover letter as a PDF attachment.<\/p>\n<h3>Don\u2019t forget the header<\/h3>\n<p>Every cover letter should include a header with your personal and contact details, followed by the recipient\u2019s (the company\u2019s) contact information. Next comes the salutation, the body of the letter, and a closing (e.g., \u201eSincerely\u2026\u201c).<\/p>\n<h3>Watch your grammar and typos<\/h3>\n<p><strong>A great cover letter<\/strong> represents your skills and abilities to recruiters. To make the best impression, proofread the text multiple times and have someone else review it \u2013 even a close friend might catch mistakes you\u2019ve missed.<\/p>\n<h3>A signature is not necessary<\/h3>\n<p>Standard cover letters are usually sent electronically via email, so a handwritten signature isn\u2019t required. Simply end with \u201eSincerely\u2026\u201c followed by your name.<\/p>\n<p>As mentioned earlier, a cover letter serves as a supplement to a resume, highlighting the applicant\u2019s personal and professional goals, ambitions, and values. It can also include information beyond a direct summary of work experience, such as personal and professional development plans or a commitment to continuous skill improvement.<\/p>\n<div class=\"inside\"><\/div>\n<h2>What cover letter examples look like: Cover letter templates<\/h2>\n<p>At first glance, a cover letter (sometimes also called motivation letter) appears to be a simple document you can write in a few minutes. While writing it isn\u2019t generally difficult, you should always set aside enough time to include all the necessary information.<\/p>\n<p><strong>A cover letter template<\/strong> usually consists of several sections. The first is the <strong>salutation<\/strong>. This is followed by the body of the document, which is divided into three parts, and finally comes the closing and sign-off.<\/p>\n<p>To make writing easier, we\u2019ve <strong>broken down each section<\/strong> in detail:<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_24980\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-24980\" style=\"width: 1000px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-24980\" src=\"https:\/\/performance-msg-life-sk.rucolabs.sk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/cover-letter-7-steps-msg-life-sk.webp\" alt=\"cover motivation letter 7 steps to write it\" width=\"1000\" height=\"702\" srcset=\"https:\/\/performance-msg-life-sk.rucolabs.sk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/cover-letter-7-steps-msg-life-sk.webp 2142w, https:\/\/performance-msg-life-sk.rucolabs.sk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/cover-letter-7-steps-msg-life-sk-300x211.webp 300w, https:\/\/performance-msg-life-sk.rucolabs.sk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/cover-letter-7-steps-msg-life-sk-1024x719.webp 1024w, https:\/\/performance-msg-life-sk.rucolabs.sk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/cover-letter-7-steps-msg-life-sk-768x539.webp 768w, https:\/\/performance-msg-life-sk.rucolabs.sk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/cover-letter-7-steps-msg-life-sk-1536x1078.webp 1536w, https:\/\/performance-msg-life-sk.rucolabs.sk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/cover-letter-7-steps-msg-life-sk-2048x1438.webp 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-24980\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">How to write a simple cover letter for a job in 7 steps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3>Directly address the contact person<\/h3>\n<p>Always address your letter to a specific individual, e.g., \u201eDear Mr Bruckner\u2026\u201c This makes the cover letter feel more personal and shows you\u2019ve researched the company.<\/p>\n<p>You\u2019ll usually find the contact person\u2019s name in the job posting itself \u2013 often listed alongside email or phone details.<\/p>\n<h3>First section: Explain your interest in the position<\/h3>\n<p>In the introduction, state why you\u2019re applying for the position and why you want to work for this company. Briefly mention your relevant experience and highlight how it could benefit the employer.<\/p>\n<p>This section is crucial \u2013 it sets the tone for the entire letter and shows recruiters why you\u2019re reaching out. Keep it concise and dynamic, using short, impactful sentences without unnecessary fluff.<\/p>\n<h3>Second section: Demonstrate your knowledge of the company<\/h3>\n<p>Research the company and explain what motivated you to apply for the position, what appealed to you about the company, and how you can apply your skills and knowledge. Be brief, but include specific examples, figures and relevant achievements.<\/p>\n<p>Be specific \u2013 use numbers, achievements, or examples that prove your suitability. This shows the letter isn\u2019t a generic template but tailored to the job.<\/p>\n<div class=\"inside\"><\/div>\n<h3>Third section: Highlight your strengths<\/h3>\n<p>Describe how you could contribute to your employer. Have you noticed any problems within the company? Describe it and suggest a possible solution. Describe your vision for the role. Highlight your qualifications for the position. Imagine you already worked for the company \u2013 what could you improve? How would you go about it?<\/p>\n<p>This section is designed to showcase <strong>your strengths and key skills<\/strong>. Mention the most important ones that would be an asset to the company, and feel free to provide a brief explanation of each one. However, be careful not to appear overconfident or arrogant, as this could have a negative impact on recruiters.<\/p>\n<h3>Closing: Call the recruiter to action<\/h3>\n<p>How should a cover letter end? Don\u2019t forget to encourage the <a href=\"https:\/\/performance-msg-life-sk.rucolabs.sk\/en\/articles\/career\/recruiting-headhunting\/\">recruiter<\/a> to take action. Don\u2019t be too eager; show courtesy and respect. <strong>For example<\/strong>, you could say, \u201eIf you need any more information, please feel free to contact me at [phone number] or [email address]. I will be happy to answer your questions at the interview. Thanks for your time.\u201c<\/p>\n<p>This shows the recruiter that you would like to meet them in person, or at least have an online interview.<\/p>\n<div class=\"article-sharing-card\"><a href=\"https:\/\/performance-msg-life-sk.rucolabs.sk\/en\/articles\/career\/how-to-prepare-for-interview\/\" class=\"article-card\" aria-label=\"How to prepare for a job interview? With us, you can handle it with ease.\"><div class=\"article-card-wrap\"><div class=\"article-card-wrap-image\"><span class=\"article-category\">Career<\/span><span class=\"article-reading-time\">22 min.<\/span><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"954\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/performance-msg-life-sk.rucolabs.sk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/pracovny-pohovor-ako-sa-pripravit-954x600-1.webp\" class=\"img-fluid wp-post-image\" alt=\"pracovny-pohovor-ako-sa-pripravit-954x600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/performance-msg-life-sk.rucolabs.sk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/pracovny-pohovor-ako-sa-pripravit-954x600-1.webp 954w, https:\/\/performance-msg-life-sk.rucolabs.sk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/pracovny-pohovor-ako-sa-pripravit-954x600-1-300x189.webp 300w, https:\/\/performance-msg-life-sk.rucolabs.sk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/pracovny-pohovor-ako-sa-pripravit-954x600-1-768x483.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 954px) 100vw, 954px\" title=\"pracovny-pohovor-ako-sa-pripravit-954x600\" \/><\/div><div class=\"article-wrap-content\"><div class=\"article-wrap-date\"><span class=\"article-date\">23. 7. 2025<\/span><\/div><p class=\"article-wrap-title\"><span href=\"https:\/\/performance-msg-life-sk.rucolabs.sk\/en\/articles\/career\/how-to-prepare-for-interview\/\">How to prepare for a job interview? With us, you can handle it with ease.<\/span><\/p><div class=\"article-wrap-excerpt\">The search for a new job has several stages. One of them is the interview, which is usually not very popular among applicants. Stress and tension can often be overwhelming. [&hellip;]                <\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div>\n<h3>Sign-off<\/h3>\n<p>A short and formal form, such as \u201cSincerely, First Name Last Name\u201d, is sufficient. There is no need for a signature or any additional text.<\/p>\n<h2>Perfect cover letter: Job search mistakes to avoid<\/h2>\n<p>When creating your cover letter template, always ensure it is <strong>tailored specifically to the job<\/strong> and the company you are applying to. Recruiters can easily identify generic cover letters that have been mass sent to multiple employers. Therefore, dedicate sufficient time to <strong>researching the company<\/strong> thoroughly so you can craft a letter that will genuinely capture their attention. Show that you have read the job description and make sure your cover letter relates to the job offer. A cover letter is a great place to show that you are a good fit for the position.<\/p>\n<p>Adapt your tone to match the working environment. If the organisation communicates in a more relaxed manner, you may adjust your style accordingly. Conversely, if it is a formal corporate environment, maintain a <strong>professional and respectful tone<\/strong> throughout. The recruiter needs to feel that you would fit well within their team and understand the company\u2019s values.<\/p>\n<p>There are several <strong>key mistakes<\/strong> you should be careful to avoid:<\/p>\n<h3>Spelling and grammatical errors<\/h3>\n<p>Read your text aloud several times and consider asking a friend or family member to review it as well. Use polite and respectful language, addressing the recipient properly. While incorrect grammar or poor style might seem like minor issues, they can significantly impact how potential employers perceive you \u2013 even if you are not applying for a writing or editing position.<\/p>\n<h3>Formatting errors<\/h3>\n<p>Your letter must be easily readable in any format. Use short, clear sentences and divide your text into logical paragraphs. Recruiters often have limited time and may only skim through applications. To ensure they notice all the key information, make your content as clear and well-structured as possible.<\/p>\n<h3>Self-promotion<\/h3>\n<p>While you should highlight your relevant achievements, <strong>be careful not to exaggerate or misrepresent your experience<\/strong>. During an interview, any false claims may be uncovered. If you have multiple relevant skills or experiences, rather than listing them all, select a few key ones and describe them in more detail. This approach will give recruiters a much better understanding of your capabilities.<\/p>\n<h3>Generic clich\u00e9s<\/h3>\n<p>Phrases like \u201eI\u2019m a team player\u201c, \u201eI enjoy working in a team environment\u201c or \u201eI love learning new things\u201c are overused and don\u2019t provide any specific information about you. Instead, give concrete examples \u2013 mention that you worked successfully in a large team in your previous role, or describe specific training courses you\u2019ve completed that enhanced your skills.<\/p>\n<h3>Repetition of resume information<\/h3>\n<p>The cover letter provides additional insights about you and your abilities that complement your resume. <strong>Focus on expanding aspects<\/strong> that weren\u2019t fully covered in your resume, presenting yourself in the best possible light to increase your chances of securing the position.<\/p>\n<h3>Too much text<\/h3>\n<p>Aim for between <strong>300 and 350 words<\/strong> \u2013 cover letter should be one page long. As demonstrated in our cover letter template, this is not meant to be a lengthy essay but rather a succinct document that recruiters can quickly scan.<\/p>\n<h3>Missing specific examples<\/h3>\n<p>For each skill you mention, provide a real-world instance where you applied it successfully. Show situations where you utilized these abilities and how you implemented them in practice.<\/p>\n<h3>Inappropriate information<\/h3>\n<p>This includes reasons for leaving previous employment or any negative comments about former employers. This is not what a cover letter is used for.<\/p>\n<h3>Salary and working time requirements<\/h3>\n<p>These matters should only be discussed during the interview process.<\/p>\n<div class=\"inside\"><\/div>\n<h2>Online cover letter builders to help you write<\/h2>\n<p>The way you choose to write your cover letter is entirely up to you. The classic approach is to create your cover letter from scratch using Microsoft Word or Google Docs, where you can <strong>customize everything yourself <\/strong>\u2013 from font type and size to margins and line spacing.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019d like some assistance with the writing process, you can opt for various customizable cover letter templates where you simply insert your text. You won\u2019t need to worry about anything else. Once you\u2019ve included all the necessary details, just save the cover letter to your device and send it off.<\/p>\n<p>If you choose the second option (online cover letter builders), make sure the final cover letter design looks professional and well-structured. Avoid overly complex templates that might make the text difficult to read.<\/p>\n<h2>Final proofreading<\/h2>\n<p>By now, you know <strong>how to write the best possible cover letter<\/strong>. You don\u2019t need exceptional writing skills \u2013 just follow the proper structure, focus on the prospective employer, and highlight how you can contribute to their success.<\/p>\n<p>And don\u2019t forget about spelling and grammar! Steer clear of generic clich\u00e9s and inject some of your personality into the text \u2013 as if you were already working in the position. At the end of your cover letter, you may also include consent to process your personal data, allowing the recruiter to keep your details on file should a suitable position become available in the future. Best of luck!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Want to write a cover letter but don&#8217;t know where to start? We&#8217;ve got a guide and some useful tips for you! <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":22976,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[95],"tags":[262],"class_list":["post-17593","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-career","tag-cover-letter-en"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/performance-msg-life-sk.rucolabs.sk\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17593","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/performance-msg-life-sk.rucolabs.sk\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/performance-msg-life-sk.rucolabs.sk\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/performance-msg-life-sk.rucolabs.sk\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/performance-msg-life-sk.rucolabs.sk\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=17593"}],"version-history":[{"count":14,"href":"https:\/\/performance-msg-life-sk.rucolabs.sk\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17593\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":24983,"href":"https:\/\/performance-msg-life-sk.rucolabs.sk\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17593\/revisions\/24983"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/performance-msg-life-sk.rucolabs.sk\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/22976"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/performance-msg-life-sk.rucolabs.sk\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=17593"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/performance-msg-life-sk.rucolabs.sk\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=17593"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/performance-msg-life-sk.rucolabs.sk\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=17593"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}