Writing a cover letter with an example: This is what it can look like

Writing Cover Letters with Examples: Here's What They Can Look Like

Many applicants spend a lot of time on their resume and postpone writing the cover letter for as long as possible. This is understandable, as this part of the application often causes uncertainty. How personal should a cover letter be? Do you have to write particularly creatively? And what does a good cover letter even look like?

In addition, many examples on the internet either sound very formal or unrealistic. This quickly gives the impression that one has to use particularly complicated formulations to appear professional. In fact, the opposite is usually the case.

A good cover letter clearly explains why you are applying for a position and why you are suitable for it. It's not about repeating your resume or including as many technical terms as possible. Much more important are clarity, structure, and an understandable writing style.

A concrete example can help to better understand the structure and avoid common mistakes.

Table of Contents:

  1. What a good cover letter should achieve in the first place
  2. The typical structure of a cover letter
  3. Cover letter example for an application
  4. These errors occur particularly frequently
  5. Why individuality is more important than perfect phrasing
  6. What really matters when writing
  7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What a good cover letter should achieve

The cover letter is the link between your CV and the advertised position. While the CV primarily provides facts, the cover letter offers space for your motivation and personal assessment.

Hiring managers want to know, among other things:

  • Why are you applying for this position?
  • Why are you interested in this particular company?
  • What experience or skills do you bring to the table?
  • Why are you a good fit for the advertised position?

A common misconception is to retell the entire CV in text form. This makes a cover letter unnecessarily long and uninteresting. Instead, the most important qualifications should be specifically highlighted and linked to the position.

The clearer this connection is, the more convincing the application will be.

The Typical Structure of a Cover Letter

Even though companies may have different expectations, a cover letter usually follows a similar structure.

Introduction

The first paragraph should directly state which position you are applying for and why your interest was piqued.

Main Body

Here you describe relevant experiences, knowledge, or personal strengths. It is important to make concrete references to the position.

Conclusion

Finally, you express your interest in a personal interview and, if applicable, state your earliest possible start date.

A simple structure could look like this:

  • Referencing the position
  • Mentioning relevant experience
  • Explaining motivation
  • Expressing desire for an interview

This keeps the letter clear and easy to read.

Cover Letter Example for an Application

The following example shows how a modern cover letter can be structured.

Subject: Application as Customer Service Representative

Dear Ms. Müller,

I learned through your job advertisement on your career page that you are looking for a customer service representative. As I have several years of experience in direct customer contact and structured administrative tasks are among my strengths, the position immediately appealed to me.

During my previous professional activities, I gained extensive experience in customer consulting, appointment organization, and handling inquiries. My daily tasks included competently supporting customers, independently resolving concerns, and maintaining an overview even in stressful situations.

I particularly value direct contact with people and the opportunity to contribute to smooth processes through good organization. Your job advertisement appeals to me because I would like to apply and further develop my previous experience in a new environment.

I look forward to an invitation for a personal interview.

Sincerely,

Max Mustermann

This example shows that a cover letter does not have to be exceptionally creative or particularly long. The crucial factor is that the content matches the position and is formulated clearly and logically.

These errors are particularly common

Many cover letters fail not due to a lack of qualifications, but due to avoidable weaknesses.

Typical mistakes include:

  • General, standard phrases without relevance to the position
  • Repetitions from the resume
  • Overly long introductions
  • Spelling or grammar errors
  • Missing information regarding motivation
  • Impersonal mass applications

Formulations such as "Hereby I apply for the advertised position" also often seem unnecessarily stiff today. Modern cover letters can be friendly and direct, without losing professionalism.

Before sending, it is therefore always worthwhile to take a critical look at the question: Would this cover letter also fit ten other positions? If the answer is yes, then the individual connection is usually still missing.

Why Individuality is More Important Than Perfect Phrasing

Many applicants search for the one perfect sentence for the introduction or conclusion. In practice, however, recruiters pay significantly more attention to whether a cover letter appears authentic.

Not every word has to sound extraordinary. It's much more important that your motivation is understandable and that your experience matches the position.

A personal connection can arise, for example, through:

  • Interest in the industry
  • Enthusiasm for specific tasks
  • Relevant professional experience
  • Special skills or further training

Those who try to write particularly impressively often achieve the opposite. Clear and honest formulations usually seem more convincing than complicated application clichés.

What Really Matters When Writing

A good cover letter doesn't pursue a complicated goal. It should show why you are applying and why you are suitable for the position. Here, clarity and structure are more important than particularly creative phrasing.

An example can help to understand the basic structure. However, it should never simply be copied. Every application is different and should be adapted to the respective position.

If you address the requirements of the job advertisement, highlight relevant experience, and explain your motivation comprehensibly, you have already met the most important prerequisites for a compelling cover letter.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long should a cover letter be?

No. A resume photo is optional in Germany and is no longer a mandatory part of an application.

Does every application need a cover letter?

Not necessarily. Some companies deliberately omit it. However, if a cover letter is explicitly requested, you should include it.

Can I take a cover letter from the internet?

Templates and examples can serve as a guide. However, the content should always be individually adapted.

What font is suitable for a cover letter?

Common fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Aptos are easy to read and widely used.

Should I state my salary expectations in the cover letter?

Only if explicitly requested in the job advertisement.

How important is the salutation in a cover letter?

Very important. If possible, a specific contact person should always be named.

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