situation

You want to find a job. There is a position that is good for you. You have prepared your CV/resume, but now, you must write a cover letter. Writing a cover letter is hard. Well, it is hard for native speakers too. I hope this series of articles will make things a little less hard for you. Read it, write your cover letter, and comment to tell me what you think or ask questions.

Before you Write

Before you write the cover letter, you must answer some questions. The answers will give you the information you need for writing.

1. What is the name of the hiring manager for this position?

2. What is the name of the position and where did you find it?

3. What are some reasons this position is interesting or desirable for you?

4. What things about you are important for this position? For example, things about your personality or professional strengths.

5. What job experience and/or school experience from your CV/resume is important for this position?

6. What are some things you have learned from your job experience and education that will be useful for this position?

7. What do you know about the main goal of the company?

8. What are the functions of the company?

9. What are some things about you: your personality, skills, or strengths that would help the company reach its main goal?

10. How would you like the company to contact you for an interview?

Your Answers

When you answer these questions, you do not have to answer with complete sentences. You can choose to make lists of answers, take notes, or answer with full sentences. These questions are not your cover letter. They are only to help you prepare to write so that writing the cover letter will not be as hard.