Writing a cover letter for jobs in Germany
In Germany’s competitive job market, your cover letter is your chance to shine and prove why you’re the ideal candidate for a company. Today, we’re delving into how to craft the perfect cover letter that will help you stand out and secure a job more quickly.
In our previous blog post, we covered the basics of structuring and formatting your cover letter, along with examples of effective ones. Now, let’s focus on the content side—specifically, the key questions your cover letter should answer. By addressing these questions, you’ll create a compelling pitch showcasing your skills and experience.
The 3 questions your cover letter should answer
There are 3 critical questions you need to answer when creating your cover letter:
- Why should the company hire you?
- How are you going to help the company solve its challenges?
- Why do you want to work here?
Let’s take a closer look at each question and how you can ensure to answer it correctly within your cover letter.
Question 1: Why should the company hire you?
This is your chance to showcase your unique skills and experiences that make you the perfect fit for the job. When writing a cover letter, choose 1-2 relevant experiences from your past and showcase how they highlight your skills. Be specific about your accomplishments and how they align with the job requirements. Keep in mind that you do not need to mention everything you have done. Just the most relevant things.
Example: “During my work at “X Company”, I led a cross-functional team that successfully implemented a customer relationship management system, resulting in a 30% increase in client satisfaction. This experience showcased my leadership, project management, and problem-solving skills, making me an ideal candidate for the Project Manager position at your organization.”
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Question 2: How are you going to help the company solve its challenges?
As already mentioned in our previous blog post, the cover letter is more about the employer than you. Employers want to know the value you bring to the table. That’s why you must adapt your response to address the company’s pain points or goals. Choose experiences that demonstrate your ability to contribute positively. If you are not sure what to mention, go through the lists of tasks mentioned in the job ad and think about past experiences or skills that help you perform those tasks successfully.
Example: “In my previous role as a data analyst, I utilized advanced statistical models to uncover hidden trends in customer behavior, leading to a 15% increase in revenue for my department. This experience has equipped me with the analytical skills necessary to provide actionable insights that will drive your company’s growth in the dynamic market.”
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Question 3: Why do you want to work here?
This question is about your motivation and cultural fit. First, go to the company page, and learn about their values and culture. Then, think how you can relate to that. This part should be highly personalized for the company as any other part of the cover letter. You cannot write one cover letter and apply with it to all the positions. So, avoid generic responses, and dive into what specifically attracts you to the company. Connect your chosen experiences with the company’s mission, values products or services.
Example: “I am excited about the prospect of contributing to “X” Company’s cutting-edge research initiatives. Having previously worked on experimental projects in my role as a research analyst, I am fascinated by “X” Company because of its reputation for pushing the boundaries of innovation. I am eager to bring my expertise and passion for initiating advancements to your valuable team.”
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Mastering Cover Letter Writing in Germany
When writing your cover letter make sure you answer these three questions to have a strong pitch. Remember, your cover letter should be a personalized and exciting story. Make the employer know you are the perfect match for the job not only because of your skills and past experiences but also because of your motivation for it.
One more important thing – tailor your responses for every job and company you apply for.
Now, if you are still wondering how to create perfect documents for your application, we can recommend our special masterclass where by the end, you will know all that matters to land a job faster. Curious? Find out more here.
