Formulate cover letter: Tips for persuasive texts

Writing Cover Letters: Tips for Persuasive Texts

For many applicants, the cover letter is the most difficult part of an application. While resume data can usually be put together quickly, it is much harder to find the right words for one's own motivation and suitability. Often, there is a fear of not appearing professional enough or writing something wrong.

In addition, there are many different opinions circulating about cover letters. Some consider them indispensable, while others claim they are hardly read anymore. In fact, however, they are still used in many application processes and offer the opportunity to convey information that does not fit into the resume.

Anyone who wants to formulate a good cover letter does not need to be particularly creative or use complicated formulations. It is much more important to explain in an understandable way why the position is interesting and why one's own experience suits the company. This is exactly what matters for a convincing text.

Table of Contents:

  1. The first impression is made in the very first paragraph
  2. Why the connection between the position and your own experience is crucial
  3. Clear language is often more effective than complicated phrasing
  4. These contents belong in the main body
  5. Write authentically instead of looking for perfect clichés
  6. What you should check before sending
  7. What ultimately matters in drafting
  8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The first impression is already formed in the first paragraph

Many cover letters fail not due to a lack of qualifications, but due to a weak opening. Standard phrases often seem interchangeable and give the reader the impression that the same text has been sent to numerous companies.

A good opening should be as specific as possible. It's not about being particularly original, but about directly addressing the position or your motivation.

Example:

Instead of writing: "I hereby apply for the advertised position as an administrative assistant."

an opening could be: "The advertised position as an administrative assistant particularly appeals to me because I can specifically apply my organizational skills and my experience in customer contact."

The difference may seem small, but it immediately conveys more personality and relevance to the position.

Why the connection between the job and personal experience is crucial

A common mistake is simply repeating your resume in text form. Hiring managers are already familiar with the key stages from the application documents. The cover letter should therefore not repeat, but supplement.

A helpful question to ask is:

Why do my past experiences precisely match this position?

Various aspects can play a role here:

  • Professional experience
  • Specialized knowledge
  • Further training
  • Personal strengths
  • Industry knowledge

Instead of merely listing activities, you should establish a connection to the advertised position.

Example: "During my time in customer service, I handled daily customer inquiries and found solutions for various concerns. I would now like to bring this experience to your company."

This creates a comprehensible link between the past and the desired position.

Clear language is often more impactful than complicated phrasing

Many applicants believe that a professional cover letter must sound particularly formal or sophisticated. The opposite is often true. Long, convoluted sentences and complicated formulations make reading difficult and quickly appear artificial.

A good text is characterized by clarity. Short and understandable sentences help to convey the most important information quickly.

Instead of: "Through my versatile competencies acquired over the past years, I consider myself capable of fully meeting the demands placed upon me."

it can be formulated more simply: "My previous experience has equipped me with the skills essential for this position."

The statement remains the same but sounds much more natural.

It is generally worthwhile to critically review each sentence:

  • Is the statement understandable?
  • Can the sentence be formulated more concisely?
  • Does it truly contain relevant information?

Often, the quality of a cover letter improves simply by removing unnecessary formulations.

These contents belong in the main part

The main body is the core of the cover letter. Here you explain why you are suitable for the position and why you have applied.

You don't need to list all your qualifications. It is more important to highlight a few relevant points specifically.

Information on the following is particularly helpful:

  • professional experience
  • technical skills
  • personal strengths
  • special achievements
  • motivation for the application

If possible, statements should be supplemented with concrete examples.

Example: "In my previous role, I was responsible for coordinating appointments and organizing administrative processes. Through this, I learned to work in a structured manner even in stressful situations."

Such examples make statements more tangible and credible.

Authentic writing instead of searching for perfect phrases

Many applicants spend a lot of time trying to find the most impressive wording. In doing so, it is often overlooked that authenticity often seems more convincing than perfectly worded standard phrases.

Hiring managers read numerous applications.

Phrases such as: "I hereby wish to express my extraordinary motivation and enthusiasm."

appear so frequently that they barely attract any attention anymore. It is much more credible to describe concretely why the position seems interesting.

For example: "I am particularly attracted by the opportunity to combine my experience in customer contact with organizational tasks."

Such statements appear plausible and individual.

Nobody expects literary masterpieces. An honest, clearly formulated text usually leaves a better impression than a collection of application clichés.

What you should check before submitting

Even a well-written cover letter loses its impact if it contains careless mistakes. Therefore, a final check is always worthwhile.

Specifically, check for:

  • Spelling and grammar
  • Correct company name
  • Correct contact person/s
  • Complete contact information
  • Logical structure
  • Clear wording

It's also helpful to read the text aloud. This often makes unnatural phrasing more apparent than reading silently.

If possible, have a second person proofread the cover letter as well.

What ultimately matters in drafting

A compelling cover letter is not created by particularly fancy phrasing, but by clear and comprehensible content. It is crucial to establish a connection between one's own experiences and the requirements of the position. At the same time, the text should remain understandable, structured, and authentic.

Those who refrain from unnecessary clichés and instead explain concretely why the position is interesting and what skills they can contribute have already taken an important step. In the end, it's not about sounding as impressive as possible, but about leaving a credible and professional impression.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long should a cover letter be?

In most cases, one page is perfectly sufficient. The most important information should be presented concisely and clearly.

Does every cover letter have to be individually tailored?

Yes. A cover letter tailored to the specific role is much more convincing than a generic template.

Should I mention personal strengths?

Yes, provided they are relevant to the position and can be substantiated with examples where possible.

Are clichés in applications problematic?

Individual standard phrases are not fundamentally wrong. However, too many clichés can seem impersonal and interchangeable.

Can I use AI to draft a cover letter?

AI can assist with the structure or initial wording. However, the text should always be individually adapted and checked.

Is a cover letter still read today?

That depends on the company and the position. In many application processes, the cover letter still plays an important role.

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