Writing a Good Cover Letter

Importance of Cover Letters

• After your CV, the cover letter is the next most significant document.
• Employers often review the CV first; a compelling cover letter can prompt them to consider you further.

Key Points to Remember

1. Personal Pitch

   • Core of your letter is a personal pitch: why you want the job and why you’re qualified for it.
   • Use this pitch in your CV profile, LinkedIn, job interviews, and video applications.
   • Focus on clarifying your motivations and best qualities.

2. Match with Organization

   • The cover letter should emphasize the match between you, the organization, and the position.
   • Highlight facts that support this match.

3. Supplement, Don’t Repeat

   • The letter should not just repeat your CV; it should supplement it.
   • Focus more on motivation and fit with the organization and position.

Steps to Write a Good Cover Letter

1. Analyze the Job and Organization

   • Understand the job responsibilities and required competencies.
   • Research the organization to gain insights.

2. Answer Key Questions

   • What motivates you to apply for the position?
   • Why are you the best person for the job?
   • Use these answers to guide your writing.

Structure of a Cover Letter

1. Opening

• Grab the reader's attention with an anecdote or personal experience.
• Express excitement about the position and organization.
• Introduce yourself and hint at your qualities and motivations.

2. Motivation

• Explain your attraction to the industry, organization, and position on various levels.

3. Suitability

• Provide arguments and examples to demonstrate that you are a good fit.
• Support your claims with experiences from studies, jobs, and extracurricular activities.
• Include results of your actions to strengthen your case.

4. Conclusion

• Summarize your motivation and offer as a suitable candidate.
• An original closing can refer back to an earlier point in your letter.

Additional Information

• This guide is tailored for the Dutch labor market; check relevant rules and guidelines if applying abroad.