Online application: cover letter - tips on content and structure
More and more employers want to receive applications online. We have summarized the most important points for you so that you know what the application letter has to do in terms of content and structure. How to start your new job with skill!
Apply online: Build the cover letter correctly
No employer wants to read an application or a text in general that is unstructured and whose structure leaves something to be desired. Finally, the structure determines how good the reading flow is and whether you want to continue reading the text. A good structure is the door to the content of the text. If the structure of the cover letter is incorrect, the content can no longer make up for it.
- Introduction: Do not underestimate the introduction, it is important to make the reader curious and to win him over to the rest of the text. After the salutation ("Dear Sir / Madam / Ladies and Gentlemen"), keep writing small. If necessary, thank you first for a previous conversation, which ideally took place. You should then draw attention to your best qualification in 3-5 lines with a headline.
- Main part: Now comes the most important part, the middle part. The main part is about arguments and motivation, show why your potential employer should choose you. Give reasons that make it easier for the reader to decide to hire you. Also explain why you chose this job and why you chose this company. So express your motivation towards the job and the company.
- Conclusion: At the end of the cover letter it is important to say goodbye: "Yours sincerely" works just like "Yours sincerely". After this greeting, there is no punctuation mark but your name in a new line. Before the greeting, refer to attachments such as your resume, certificates or photo and state that you are looking forward to a possible interview.
Tip: Choose the font carefully in your application letter
What most applicants don't even think about can make a big difference: the font. It is important to find the golden mean here. You should choose a font for your cover letter carefully, because the first glance counts the most. And if your cover letter, which the employer usually reads as the very first document of yours, does not appeal at first glance, you have usually lost.
- Times New Roman is one of the most popular fonts. It is classic and serious - you would think. However, research has shown that users who choose Times New Roman as the font for applications are considered out of date. The font is too old-fashioned and simply boring.
- Do not choose a font that is too ornate or striking, it often looks dubious. However, don't choose a font that is too "oldschool" and boring, it is simply out of date.
- A font like "Arial" is the perfect way to exude modernity and seriousness. So choose this font if you don't want to do anything wrong. Trebuchet MS and Helvetica are also good choices.
Content: Advertise for yourself
Self-promotion - that is the key word for your application. Nobody wants to know that you would be a "profitable employee". At least not that you would - emphasis on "would". Business letters are out of place in the cover letter. Here you say that you are the right person for the job. You are a profitable employee - emphasis on "are". And don't be afraid to talk about your skills and qualities, even if that's not your style. Of course, keep a certain amount of restraint in mind, otherwise you will appear arrogant and conceited.
Honestly & directly in the online application letter
Nobody wants to read a text or a cover letter in which the whole time is just talking about the hot porridge. Be honest and straightforward. Share what you think and expect from the job. Also, don't rave about qualifications that you don't really have. At the latest on the first day of work, such lies are exposed.
In the next practical tip, we will show you where to find samples for application letters.