how to write a cover letter for a job in another country

Letter Templates & Example

Top Cover Letter Sample for Overseas Job: Stand Out and Get Hired

Hello, job seekers! Are you planning to land a job overseas? If so, have you thought about how you’re going to present yourself to potential employers? One of the most important documents you need to prepare is a cover letter that showcases your skills and qualifications. Fortunately, we have some great cover letter sample for overseas job that you can use as a reference or edit as you please.

A well-crafted cover letter can make all the difference when it comes to snagging a job offer. It’s your opportunity to introduce yourself and explain why you’re the perfect fit for the job. By using our cover letter sample for overseas job, you can easily customize it to meet the employer’s requirements and show them what makes you stand out from other candidates.

The best part is, our cover letter sample for overseas job is free for all to access. We understand how daunting it can be to write a cover letter, especially if English is not your first language. That’s why we’ve provided various examples that you can choose from, depending on the type of job you’re applying for.

In conclusion, we highly recommend using our cover letter sample for overseas job as a guide to help you create your own outstanding cover letter. Remember to tailor it to the specific job you’re applying for and showcase your skills and experience. Good luck in your job search!

The Best Structure for a Cover Letter for Overseas Jobs

Are you considering applying for an overseas job and want to make sure your cover letter stands out? Having a well-structured cover letter can be the key to securing an interview and landing your dream job. Here are some tips on how to structure your cover letter when applying for overseas jobs.

1. Introduction

Start your cover letter with a strong introduction that grabs the reader’s attention. Introduce yourself and explain why you are applying for the position. You can also include a brief overview of your qualifications and experience.

2. Highlight your experience

When applying for overseas jobs, it’s important to highlight your international experience. This could include experience working or traveling overseas, language skills, or experience working with diverse cultures. Make sure to explain how this experience has prepared you for the position you are applying for.

3. Address cultural differences

Many overseas jobs require applicants to address cultural differences in their cover letter. Research the culture of the country or region you are applying for and explain how your experience and skills make you a good fit for the organization’s culture.

4. Highlight your qualifications

Including your qualifications and technical skills is important when applying for overseas jobs. Make sure to highlight your qualifications and explain how they make you a good fit for the position.

5. Closing remarks

End your cover letter with a strong closing statement that summarizes why you are the best candidate for the job. Thank the employer for their consideration and express your eagerness to meet in person to discuss the position further.

In conclusion, when writing your cover letter for an overseas job, it’s important to structure it in a way that highlights your international experience, cultural awareness, qualifications, and technical skills. With a well-structured cover letter, you can increase your chances of securing an interview and ultimately landing your dream job. Good luck!

Cover Letter Samples for Overseas Job

For advancement opportunity.

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to express my strong interest in the opening position of [Job Title] in [Company Name]. I believe that my [Number of Years] years of experience in [Field/Area] and my excellent communication skills make me a perfect fit for your company.

I have worked for [Previous Company] for over [Number of Years] years and have been a part of many successful projects. However, I am now seeking an international work opportunity to advance my career and challenge myself. I am confident that I can bring my knowledge and skills to your team, and I am excited about the prospect of learning and growing within a new culture and environment.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Best regards, [Your Name]

For Cultural Immersion

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to apply for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I am excited at the idea of immersing myself in a new culture and learning from the experiences of others.

I am enthusiastic about the prospect of working for a company like yours that values cross-cultural communication and diversity in the workplace. My [Number of Years] years of experience in [Field/Area] and my language skills in [Language] allow me to interact effectively with people from different backgrounds.

I am confident that my skills and experience make me an excellent candidate for this position. Thank you for considering my application.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

For Personal Growth

I am writing to express my interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I believe the experience gained through this role can provide me with invaluable personal growth and development.

Throughout my [Number of Years] years of experience in [Field/Area], I have developed a strong foundation in [Skill/Expertise]. I am confident that my skills and experience make me an asset to your team.

I am excited about the prospect of being part of a dynamic team and sharing my ideas and knowledge with colleagues. I am eager to learn from others and develop my skills to become a valuable member of your organization.

Thank you for considering my application.

For Job Security

I am writing to apply for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. My previous experience in [Field/Area] and my [Skill/Expertise] make me confident that I can make a valuable contribution to your team.

I am seeking a career opportunity that offers job security, and I believe that working for your company will provide me with the stability that I need. I am confident that my skills and experience will allow me to excel in this role and grow within the company.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to hearing from you.

Regards, [Your Name]

For Better Work-Life Balance

I am excited to apply for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. My [Number of Years] years of experience in [Field/Area] have given me a strong foundation in [Skill/Expertise].

I am seeking a career opportunity that can provide me with better work-life balance. I believe that your company’s values align with my personal beliefs and professional goals. I am confident that my skills and experience make me an asset to your team and I am excited about the prospect of growing with your company.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to hearing from you in the near future.

For Career Change

I am excited to apply for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name] as I am looking for a career change. Throughout my [Number of Years] of experience in [Current Field/Area], I have developed the skills required for [Skill/Expertise].

I am passionate about working in a new field and challenging myself to learn new skills. I believe that your company’s values and culture align with my personal beliefs and professional goals. I am confident that my previous experience and skills make me an excellent candidate for this role.

For Family Relocation

I am excited to apply for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. My [Number of Years] years of experience in [Field/Area] have given me a valuable skill set in [Skill/Expertise] that I believe can make a significant contribution to your team.

I am seeking an international work opportunity as my family is relocating to [Country]. I am confident that my language skills in [Language] and my experience working with clients from diverse backgrounds make me an excellent candidate for this role.

Tips for Writing a Cover Letter for an Overseas Job

When applying for a job overseas, your cover letter plays a critical role in getting you noticed by potential employers. Here are some tips to help you craft a compelling cover letter:

Research the employer and the position

Before writing your cover letter, research the company and the job you are applying for. Knowing the company’s mission, values, and culture will help you customize your cover letter to fit with the company’s tone and style. Similarly, studying the job description and requirements will help you highlight your relevant skills and experience.

Personalize your cover letter

Avoid sending a generic cover letter that you have used for multiple job applications. Instead, personalize your cover letter for each job application by addressing the specific needs of the employer and the job. This will demonstrate your interest in the job and make your application stand out.

Showcase your accomplishments

Your cover letter should highlight your accomplishments and skills, especially those that directly relate to the job you are applying for. Instead of simply listing your experience or education, focus on how you have contributed to past employers or how your skills will help you excel in the position you are applying for.

Highlight your international experience

If you have experience working or studying abroad, be sure to highlight this in your cover letter. This will demonstrate your flexibility, adaptability, and cross-cultural communication skills – all of which are highly valued by overseas employers.

Keep it concise and professional

Remember, a cover letter is a professional document, so keep it concise, well-organized, and error-free. Use a professional tone, avoid slang or jargon, and always proofread your cover letter before submitting it.

Following these tips will help you write a great cover letter for an overseas job. Good luck!

FAQs Related to Cover Letter Sample for Overseas Job What should I include in my cover letter for an overseas job?

In your cover letter for an overseas job, you should include your motivation for applying for the job, your relevant experience and skills, and why you would be a good fit for the job and the culture of the country you are applying to.

How should I address my cover letter?

You should address your cover letter to the hiring manager or recruiter by name, if possible. If you are unsure of who to address your letter to, you can use a generic greeting such as “Dear Hiring Manager” or “To Whom It May Concern.”

What format should I use for my cover letter?

You should use a professional and formal format for your cover letter. It should be single-spaced, with a clear font and font size, and have a maximum of one page in length.

What should I avoid including in my cover letter?

You should avoid including irrelevant or personal information, such as your age, marital status, or hobbies. You should also avoid using too much jargon or technical terms that may not be understood by the hiring manager or recruiter.

Should I mention my language skills in my cover letter?

Yes, if you are applying for a job overseas, it is important to mention your language skills and proficiency level in your cover letter. This can help you stand out from other candidates and show that you are able to communicate effectively with clients or colleagues in the language of the country you are applying to.

What is the best way to end my cover letter?

You should end your cover letter with a strong closing statement that summarizes your interest in the job and your qualifications. You can also mention your availability for an interview and thank the hiring manager or recruiter for their time and consideration.

How do I tailor my cover letter for a specific country culture?

You should do research on the culture and customs of the country you are applying to, and tailor your cover letter accordingly. For example, if the country values politeness and respect, you should use formal greetings and avoid slang or casual language. You should also highlight how your experience and skills can align with the needs and values of the country and the organization you are applying to.

Thanks for Reading!

I hope this cover letter sample has been helpful for those looking to apply for jobs overseas. Remember to always customize your cover letter to fit the job description and company culture. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. Don’t forget to visit our website again for more job seeking tips and resources! Good luck with your job search!

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• Cover Letter for Job Application Abroad Sample

In today's globalized world, many individuals are seeking job opportunities abroad. Whether it's for career growth, cultural immersion, or personal development, applying for a job in a foreign country can be an exciting and rewarding experience. However, one crucial aspect of the application process is submitting a cover letter that highlights your qualifications and explains your motivation for working abroad. In this article, we will provide you with sample cover letters for job applications abroad to help you craft a compelling and professional letter.

These sample letters will serve as a guide to help you structure and format your own cover letter. Each example will showcase different scenarios and industries, allowing you to tailor the content to your specific needs. By following these templates, you will be able to showcase your skills, demonstrate your interest in the position and the country, and increase your chances of landing a job abroad.

Letter Example 1: Applying for an International Marketing Manager Position

Letter example 2: applying for an english teacher position in japan, suggestions for writing an effective cover letter for job applications abroad, conclusions, q: what should i include in my cover letter for a job application abroad, q: how can i make my cover letter stand out to international employers, q: should i mention my willingness to relocate in my cover letter, q: can i use a template for my cover letter, examples of cover letters for job applications abroad.

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to express my interest in the International Marketing Manager position at XYZ Company. With my extensive experience in marketing and my passion for cross-cultural communication, I believe I would be a valuable asset to your team. My international background and language skills make me well-suited for this role, as I have successfully managed marketing campaigns in diverse markets.

During my tenure at ABC Company, I spearheaded several global marketing initiatives that resulted in a significant increase in brand awareness and market share. I am confident that my strategic thinking, strong analytical skills, and ability to adapt to different cultural contexts would greatly contribute to the success of XYZ Company's international marketing efforts.

I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experiences align with the goals and vision of XYZ Company. Thank you for considering my application.

Dear Principal,

I am writing to apply for the English Teacher position at ABC School in Japan. As a dedicated and experienced English teacher with a passion for fostering language acquisition and cultural exchange, I believe I would be an excellent fit for your institution. My previous teaching experiences in diverse international settings have equipped me with the skills and knowledge to succeed in this role.

During my time teaching English as a Second Language in South Korea, I implemented creative and engaging lesson plans that catered to students' individual needs and learning styles. My ability to build rapport with students, create a positive classroom environment, and foster a love for language learning has consistently resulted in improved student performance and satisfaction.

I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the educational development of students at ABC School and immerse myself in the rich culture of Japan. Thank you for considering my application.

Yours sincerely,

Emily Johnson

• Research the company and position thoroughly to tailor your letter to their specific needs and requirements.
• Showcase your language skills and international experience to demonstrate your ability to navigate different cultural contexts.
• Highlight your achievements and accomplishments that are relevant to the position you are applying for.
• Emphasize your motivation for working abroad and your willingness to adapt and learn in a new environment.

Writing a cover letter for a job application abroad requires careful thought and consideration. By following the sample letters provided in this article and incorporating the suggested tips, you can create a compelling cover letter that showcases your qualifications and increases your chances of securing a job abroad.

A: Your cover letter should include information about your qualifications, relevant experience, language skills, and motivation for working abroad. It should also be tailored to the specific job and company you are applying to.

A: To make your cover letter stand out to international employers, emphasize your language skills, international experience, and adaptability. Show how these qualities make you a valuable asset to their organization.

A: Yes, it is important to mention your willingness to relocate in your cover letter for a job application abroad. This demonstrates your commitment and flexibility to work in a different country.

A: While it's acceptable to use a template as a starting point, it is important to customize your cover letter to fit the specific job and company you are applying to. Tailoring your letter will make it more effective and show your genuine interest in the position.

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How to write a CV and a cover letter to work internationally?

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How to make a CV to work internationally?

There is no single template for international applications. On the other hand, it is wise to adapt to the recruitment methods of the countries you contact.

• First of all, the language used to write a CV must be that of the host country. Thus, the formulations must be mastered, the syntax and spelling without mistakes. Any unclear and poorly written application will be overlooked by the competition. At the same time, writing a CV in English (American or British, be sure to adapt to the recipient’s origin. The choice of words or expressions may differ greatly) is an additional asset to convince and show your motivation to work internationally.
• Germany appreciates having as much information as possible on the civil status (parents’ profession, religious denomination, family situation…) in order to better target the candidate’s profile. The organization should remain basic, without layout effects. The past of employees is of great interest to German recruiters. It is therefore important to present, without too much detail, all experiences and training since college (dates of activities, job title). The CV must be signed and dated by hand to attest to the veracity of the information.
• In the United States, on the other hand, discrimination law requires that personal information be kept to a minimum. The candidates maintain a certain discretion, the description must remain more standard (Name, first name, address, telephone). American recruiters appreciate direct and incisive wording, especially through the use of action verbs. It is strongly recommended that personal goals be mentioned to understand the candidate’s motivation. The highlighting of any publications in the context of your studies is a very good indicator for the recruiter.
• Halfway between American and French customs, the Quebecers do not include any elements relating to private life, and no photograph either. On the other hand, mentioning your goals and career plan is essential for your application. Quebec recruiters will be more interested in describing your skills than in listing your diplomas.
• As for Japan, it has very strict conventions. As such, it offers predefined structures. It is called Rirekisho. The models can be found in bookstores or supermarkets. The CV must be handwritten, in black ink. It is sent by mail, and not by email as is customary. The use of a large envelope is also required. Indeed, folding documents is extremely badly perceived on this side of the world. Photocopying is also a very bad signal to recruiters.

What are the elements to avoid in an international CV?

The first mistake to avoid when writing a resume is word-for-word translation. The risk is to give the impression of a too fragile mastery of the English language. A recurring trap is also that of “false friends”.

• The Curriculum Vitae is translated as “Resume”. However, it is by no means a simple summary.
• The term Grande école is the perfect example. It does not translate to “High school” (this term refers to high school). The French term is kept in this case. Example, “Grande école of Engineering”.
• In the United States, “company” is the term used to describe a business, while the British use the term “entreprise” or “business”.

Beware of the equivalence of diplomas. Understanding and targeting language equivalencies is necessary before writing an international CV.

• The BTS will be translated as “2 year technical degree”.
• The master degree will be translated as “Master degree” or “Bachelor”.

Depending on the country, the use of the photo can be divisive. In the past, it was not acceptable to send a CV without a photo. Today, this is much more likely to be considered, especially because of the fear of companies to be accused of discrimination in hiring. However, some countries are still resisting and perceive the use of photography badly:

• United States
• New Zealand
• United Kingdom

Example of an international CV

First and last name Full address Email Phone number

Brief description of the objective and profile of the candidate

Title of the job

• List of positions
• Year of activity and country of residence.
• Brief description of positions held
• Name of the company

A map of the world with colored areas to locate the spaces in which you have worked allows you to focus your resume towards a mobile and international profile.

• Years of degree obtained
• Type of diploma
• University of graduation
• Brief summary of skills obtained.

At the bottom of the page, describe any additional skills that may complement your profile. Mastery of foreign languages, computer tools, various hobbies…

How to write a cover letter for an international career?

The cover letter is not mandatory, but let’s face it, it would be a shame to skip over such a crucial element for the recruiter. It makes the difference between the two. Even if it has elements in common with a classic cover letter (diplomas, objectives, hobbies…), facing an international audience adds an extra challenge to the task.

• The first essential point concerns the candidate’s motivation to work abroad rather than in his or her country of origin. The question may seem perfunctory, but the reasons for studying elsewhere are of real importance to schools or companies. It must appear as a conscious and thoughtful choice.
• Chances are you will not be the only international student in your program. Therefore, it is important to emphasize your interest in the exchange and in meeting new people. Shy or extroverted, recruiters want to see your ability to adapt to multicultural interactions. This should be a major motivation in your application.

What are the elements to avoid in an international cover letter?

• A common mistake is to turn the focus of the cover letter on yourself. Mentioning one’s aspirations may seem legitimate, but the recruiter wants above all to know what the candidate can bring to the company. What is the point of selecting one student over another? It is important to put yourself in the recruiter’s shoes.
• There is no need to copy what you have already mentioned in your CV. The cover letter should be complementary and provide new information about your application.
• Too much neutrality can be discriminatory. The cover letter remains a space for expression, the recruiter wants to get a glimpse of your personality. Don’t stick to a standard, administrative style. Make the recruiter want to meet you.

Sample cover letter to work internationally

Here is a synthetic example of a cover letter for international work:

• Fill in the subject of your application.
• Madam, Sir,

After doing a lot of research on the possibilities of working abroad, I decided to put together an international mobility file. I chose your company because it corresponds in every way to my objectives and skills. My past experiences in the field make my application particularly legitimate for this position. I am convinced that my previous trainings as well as my experience in companies will bring a lot to your company.

My choice of residence is your country because multicultural exchange is at the heart of my professional orientation. It is a great source of interest and enrichment for my future employment.

Yours sincerely

• Master International Business: program, opportunities, eligibility
• International Bachelor’s degree: specialties, opportunities, prices
• Making a career in an international organization
• Everything you need to know about the international degree: validity abroad, double degree
• International political science: definition, opportunities, training

10 tips for writing a great international job application

Writing resumes and cover letters is hard. Writing resumes and cover letters in another language is even harder. But we think that stepping out of your comfort zone to follow your dreams of working abroad is awesome (and worth all of the application writing agony), so we’re here to help you to (literally) get there.

Most job offers start with a good application and every good application is preceded by research and more research – this helpful article might be a good starting point. Then, some of these tips should do the trick:

1. Know your resume from your CV

Even though the words are used interchangeably in English, a resume and a CV are not the same document.

Your CV is a detailed list of your career, education, and achievements – it includes (almost) everything you’ve ever done and doesn’t change for different job applications. Now, if a CV were a full-length film about your career, the resume would be the trailer: It’s much shorter – preferably one but never more than two pages – and changes as you have to tailor it to the job you’re applying for. The resume basically only covers the skills and achievements that are important for a particular job and should give the hiring manager an overview of who you are and what you can bring to the company.

2. And know when to use which

But wait, there’s more – the two documents are also used differently across the world: According to Undercover Recruiter , North Americans usually prefer resumes (unless it’s requested otherwise or you apply for an academic or research-oriented job), while recruiters and employers in the UK, Ireland, Europe, and New Zealand generally only use CVs. To make things a little easier, Australians, Indians, and South Africans use the terms interchangeably and, as a rule of thumb, resumes seem to be preferred in the private sector whereas CVs are used for public service positions. However, it will be best to ask (the HR office or a local friend) how much detail you need to provide.

3. Pick the right language

Write the application in the language the job ad is in. You can always add a translated version if the job ad language is not the country’s native language. (For example, if you reply to an English-speaking job ad in Germany, you could add both the English and the German application, but English will have priority.) You might also just have LinkedIn profiles in different languages and send the link instead of another document.

4. Customize, customize, customize

Always tailor your application to the country, the job, and the company – if you have an exceptional application that shows that you’ve done your research, you might get away with any missing or wrong formalities. Pick only the best and most relevant parts of your CV for your resume or cover letter, and edit, delete, and rearrange mercilessly to hook your audience.

5. Be open about your work permit and language skills

Add your visa status and mention the kind of permit you have. Do not hide or leave out this information, as the recruiter will find out eventually, so save them time and be honest about your status. The same goes for language skills: If you indicated that you’re fluent in a language, native speakers will immediately know if that’s true. This is not the place to cheat and exaggerate.

6. Play by the photo rules

Adding a professional-looking and high-resolution photo to your application is not always a good idea: In the U.S., Canada, the UK, and Australia, you would never attach a photo. In Germany and France, you have to add a photo. It’s important to do your research here – too many applications get thrown into the trash because they don’t follow the (photo) rules. (This is usually not because you’re not photogenic but for legal reasons, as employers don’t want to risk being accused of discrimination based on appearance.) If you’re not sure about the photo, you can always add your ( personalized ) LinkedIn URL to your resume header – that way, the recruiter/HR person still has a chance to see what you look like.

7. Meet the ultimate shortcut for European countries

If you want to work in Europe, you don’t have to reinvent the wheel when applying for jobs: Check out Europass , an online tool that will help you get all of the necessary documents to show off your skills and qualifications in an easy-to-understand way that also includes templates for your CV and cover letter.

8. Sweat the little things

When you do your research, pay particular attention to the details that can make or break an application before anyone even reads about your achievements and experience: In Germany, for example, you have to sign and date your CV at the bottom. In Japan, you have to fill out (sometimes by hand!) a rirekisho , a Japanese resume with very strict rules, or a shokumu keirekisho that shows off your work experience. In a lot of European countries, you are expected to share your age (date of birth), marital status and even the number of children, which would be an absolute deal breaker in the United States (so don’t do it!). Other important details that are different from country to country are the inclusion (or omission) of a career objective, references, ( converted ) grades, and the number of documents you need so send along with your application.

9. Get the numbers right

Let’s focus on even more details: You’ll score major points when you add the country code to your phone number and maybe even mention the time difference. The same goes for getting the date right (order of month, day, and year), and choose the correct paper format (in case the application gets printed). This shows that you’ve done your homework and really are as detail-oriented as you claim to be.

10. Ask for help

Job applications always deserve all of the spell-checking and proofreading there is. If you can, have a native speaker, who knows a thing or two about grammar, style, and applications, go over the documents. If you want to apply for a job in a certain country and are willing to do whatever it takes, hiring a local professional resume writer might be a good investment.

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Writing a Cover Letter That Stands Out for international jobs

Mar 10, 2021 by Monica Garcia

Now that you have perfected your CV , you are ready to dive into your cover letter! This document works as a complement to your CV and will help you stand out even more in the pile of job seekers. It is also a way for you to naturally include your skills and accomplishments while telling the recruiter or hiring manager some more details about you as a person. 

Not every job ad requires you to add a cover letter but, in some cases, the company you are applying to might want you to include it. This letter should not tell your life story or describe your hobbies but should describe your professional career and highlight why you want the position you are applying for, and why you think you would be the right fit for it.

Tailor the cover letter for the job you are applying for

Just like with your CV, you want your cover letter to be unique to every job you apply for! Even if it is tempting to re-use an old version of the letter, you should tailor it for every new position. This will be a bit more time-consuming, but since it will be personalized for the company, it can make a considerable difference in the end. 

In the letter, we recommend avoiding generic sentences like “Dear sir/madam, I am excited to apply for this role". This does not show the recruiter that you are interested in that specific role. Do some extra research on who will read the cover letter and address it specifically to that person. For example: “Dear Janet Andersen, I saw that you are looking for a new customer support agent at Number One Gaming, and I am very interested in the role ”. 

What to include in a cover letter

Since most recruiters will probably only skim it, your cover letter doesn’t have to be longer than half a page. Having about three paragraphs is enough if you use them wisely. As mentioned before, this document should focus on your character, personality, and what accomplishments you have made in your career. Bring up previous jobs or internships that are relatable to the position you want, and mention qualifications, diplomas, or volunteer work that strengthens you as a valid candidate. 

You can search and download a template if you are unsure about the structure or design of your cover letter. However, make sure you personalize it and make it your own. 

1. Start strong

The first paragraph of your cover letter needs to grab the attention of the recruiter straight away. In other words, it has to be captivating, inviting them to read more. Try to think outside of the box . Instead of the classic “Hello, I want to apply for this job” try something like; “I have always loved problem-solving, and if I may say so myself I am immaculate at it. In fact, that is why I was attracted to a job within customer service in the first place”. 

After a strong opening, continue to explain why you are writing this letter. For example, you found the available position, and you were immediately intrigued. Then, give a clear motivation as to why you believe you would be an excellent fit for the role. Highlight the skills and qualities that you have and that you think the company needs. Since you have probably already done this in your CV, this is your chance to explain it more thoroughly. 

2. Why this job?

The most important part of your cover letter is to include why you are applying for that job . The company wants to know why you are passionate about what they do and how you could fit in their team. Research about the company to find out more about their mission, vision, and goals. You may relate to how their story or how they came up with that business idea, or you feel like the direction they are taking the business is in line with your plans for your career. This part has to be genuine and personal so that the employer can tell that you are interested in their company and what it represents. 

Something else that is important to do is to add some of the key terms and phrases that are used in the description of the job ad. If the company is looking for someone efficient, social, and a fast learner - you should include all of these words somewhere in your cover letter when you describe yourself or your skills. 

You can also add a sentence or two to explain why you want to work in the country where the job is. Maybe because you know the language, or it has always been your dream to live and work there. Explain that you are open to new adventures and that moving to another country is not a problem for you. 

3. Finish it with a thank you 

Finally, you want to add a closing paragraph with a final sales pitch and a summary explaining why you are genuinely interested in the role and that you would be happy to discuss it further in an interview . 

At the very end, thank the employer for taking the time to read your CV and cover letter and mention you look forward to hearing from them.  

Quick tips for your cover letter

• Format and presentation - your cover letter should be neat and tidy, use the same font as in your CV and make sure it’s uncluttered and has all the proper paragraphs. 
• Check for grammar or spelling mistakes - it’s easy to miss even the most obvious mistakes when you’ve stared at the same document for a while, so make sure someone else reads your cover letter before you send it out. 
• Use examples - Add your portfolio - if you have examples of previous work you have done, you can add them here to back up your claims. 
• If you feel stuck - sometimes it might be hard to know what words or phrases you should use to describe yourself, and you might feel like it comes off as bragging. A tip is to ask a colleague to give you some examples - how would they describe you and sing your praises?  

What to avoid in your cover letter

Just as in your CV, there are some elements that you should avoid when it comes to your cover letter. Here are some examples: 

Giving too much praise - You should not focus only on how good that company is and how well they do. Find areas of improvement and tell them how you can help. For example, it might be the case that the company is not so strong on social media. Then you could mention how you increased your current company’s visibility on Facebook or Instagram. 

Don’t add all your education - If you don’t have any work experience yet, you might think you need to add all your previous education to your cover letter. However, you should instead focus on your achievements and add your most recent educational accomplishments. Think of skills you learned from your education and find a way to connect them to the required skills for the role. 

Being too formal or too enthusiastic - The tone of voice in your cover letter is relevant, but sometimes it can be tricky to know which one is better to use. However, even if you want to sound professional, you should avoid being overly formal in your letter. You want to come across as likable and approachable and not sound like a robot. On the other side of the spectrum, you should also avoid being too enthusiastic or informal. 

If you don’t have any work experience yet 

Many candidates feel like they have to include an apology or an explanation for not having work experience. A sentence like “Although I only have limited experience in this field, I am excited to learn more” is a great way to explain that you don’t meet all the requirements yet, but you are willing to make up for it !

In other words, it is about focusing on your strengths rather than your weaknesses! Maybe you have studied abroad and can bring this up. For example, you can phrase it differently; “I know already what it is to move and live abroad, and I am ready to take the next step in my career”. If you make it to the interview stage and get asked about the previous experiences, you can elaborate your answer based on this point and be honest about how you plan to translate the skills you have for the position. 

Applying for a job today takes some extra effort from your side, but if you are willing to put in the time, you will be rewarded in the end. Having the perfect cover letter will get you miles ahead of other applicants, and if you manage to find a unique way to describe yourself and your skills, you pretty much have the job in the bag. Think of it as a puzzle where every piece must fit - the structure, the powerful introduction, describing yourself and your skills, the length, and the closing paragraph.  

And when you are finished, check out the open positions we are listing here to find your next job abroad. Good luck! ?.

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How to Write a Cover Letter [Full Guide & Examples for 2024]

After weeks of heavy job searching, you’re almost there!

You’ve perfected your resume.

You’ve short-listed the coolest jobs you want to apply for.

You’ve even had a friend train you for every single interview question out there.

But then, before you can send in your application and call it a day, you remember that you need to write a cover letter too.

So now, you’re stuck staring at a blank page, wondering where to start...

Don’t panic! We’ve got you covered. Writing a cover letter is a lot simpler than you might think. 

In this guide, we’re going to teach you how to write a cover letter that gets you the job you deserve.

We're going to cover:

What Is a Cover Letter?

• How to Write the Perfect Cover Letter, Step by Step
• 15+ Job-Winning Cover Letter Examples

Let’s get started.

A cover letter is a document that you submit as part of your job application, alongside your resume or CV.

The purpose of a cover letter is to introduce you and briefly summarize your professional background. On average, it should be around 250 to 400 words long .

A good cover letter is supposed to impress the hiring manager and convince them you’re worth interviewing as a candidate.

So, how can your cover letter achieve this?

First of all, it should complement your resume, not copy it. Your cover letter is your chance to elaborate on important achievements, skills, or anything else that your resume doesn’t give you the space to cover. 

For example, if you have an employment gap on your resume, the cover letter is a great place to explain why it happened and how it helped you grow as a person. 

If this is your first time writing a cover letter, writing about yourself might seem complicated. But don’t worry—you don’t need to be super creative or even a good writer .

All you have to do is follow this tried and tested cover letter structure:

• Header. Add all the necessary contact information at the top of your cover letter.
• Formal greeting. Choose an appropriate way to greet your target audience.
• Introduction. Introduce yourself in the opening paragraph and explain your interest in the role.
• Body. Elaborate on why you’re the best candidate for the job and a good match for the company. Focus on “selling” your skills, achievements, and relevant professional experiences.
• Conclusion. Summarize your key points and wrap it up professionally.

Now, let’s take a look at an example of a cover letter that follows our structure perfectly:

New to cover letter writing? Give our cover letter video a watch before diving into the article!

When Should You Write a Cover Letter?

You should always include a cover letter in your job application, even if the hiring manager never reads it. Submitting a cover letter is as important as submitting a resume if you want to look like a serious candidate.

If the employer requests a cover letter as part of the screening process, not sending one is a huge red flag and will probably get your application tossed into the “no” pile immediately.

On the other hand, if the job advertisement doesn’t require a cover letter from the candidates, adding one shows you went the extra mile.

Putting in the effort to write a cover letter can set you apart from other candidates with similar professional experience and skills, and it could even sway the hiring manager to call you for an interview if you do it right.

Need to write a letter to help get you into a good school or volunteer program? Check out our guide to learn how to write a motivation letter !

How to Write the Perfect Cover Letter

Now that you know what a cover letter is, it’s time to learn how to write one!

We’ll go through the process in detail, step by step.

#1. Choose the Right Cover Letter Template

A good cover letter is all about leaving the right first impression.

So, what’s a better way to leave a good impression than a well-formatted, stylish template?

Just choose one of our hand-picked cover letter templates , and you’ll be all set in no time!

As a bonus, our intuitive AI will even give you suggestions on how to improve your cover letter as you write it. You’ll have the perfect cover letter done in minutes!

#2. Put Contact Information in the Header

As with a resume, it’s important to start your cover letter with your contact details at the top. These should be in your cover letter’s header, separated neatly from the bulk of your text.

Here, you want to include all the essential contact information , including:

• Full Name. Your first and last name should stand out at the top.
• Job Title. Match the professional title underneath your name to the exact job title of the position you’re applying for. Hiring managers often hire for several roles at once, so giving them this cue about what role you’re after helps things go smoother.
• Email Address. Always use a professional and easy-to-spell email address. Ideally, it should combine your first and last names.
• Phone Number. Add a number where the hiring manager can easily reach you.
• Location. Add your city and state/country, no need for more details.
• Relevant Links (optional). You can add links to websites or social media profiles that are relevant to your field. Examples include a LinkedIn profile , Github, or an online portfolio.

Then it’s time to add the recipient’s contact details, such as:

• Hiring Manager's Name. If you can find the name of the hiring manager, add it.
• Hiring Manager's Title. While there’s no harm in writing “hiring manager,” if they’re the head of the department, we recommend you use that title accordingly.
• Company Name. Make sure to write the name of the company you're applying to.
• Location. The city and state/country are usually enough information here, too.
• Date of Writing (Optional). You can include the date you wrote your cover letter for an extra professional touch.

#3. Address the Hiring Manager

Once you’ve properly listed all the contact information, it’s time to start writing the content of the cover letter.

The first thing you need to do here is to address your cover letter directly to the hiring manager.

In fact, you want to address the hiring manager personally .

Forget the old “Dear Sir or Madam” or the impersonal “To Whom It May Concern.” You want to give your future boss a good impression and show them that you did your research before sending in your application.

No one wants to hire a job seeker who just spams 20+ companies and hopes something sticks with their generic approach

So, how do you find out who’s the hiring manager?

First, check the job ad. The hiring manager’s name might be listed somewhere in it.

If that doesn’t work, check the company’s LinkedIn page. You just need to look up the head of the relevant department you’re applying to, and you’re all set.

For example, if you’re applying for the position of Communication Specialist at Novorésumé. The hiring manager is probably the Head of Communications or the Chief Communications Officer.

Here’s what you should look for on LinkedIn:

And there you go! You have your hiring manager.

But let’s say you’re applying for a position as a server . In that case, you’d be looking for the “restaurant manager” or “food and beverage manager.”

If the results don’t come up with anything, try checking out the “Team” page on the company website; there’s a good chance you’ll at least find the right person there.

Make sure to address them as Mr. or Ms., followed by their last name. If you’re not sure about their gender or marital status, you can just stick to their full name, like so:

• Dear Mr. Kurtuy,
• Dear Andrei Kurtuy,

But what if you still can’t find the hiring manager’s name, no matter where you look?

No worries. You can direct your cover letter to the company, department, or team as a whole, or just skip the hiring manager’s name.

• Dear [Department] Hiring Manager
• Dear Hiring Manager
• Dear [Department] Team
• Dear [Company Name]

Are you applying for a research position? Learn how to write an academic personal statement .

#4. Write an Eye-Catching Introduction

First impressions matter, especially when it comes to your job search.

Hiring managers get hundreds, sometimes even thousands, of applications. Chances are, they’re not going to be reading every single cover letter end-to-end.

So, it’s essential to catch their attention from the very first paragraph.

The biggest problem with most opening paragraphs is that they’re usually extremely generic. Here’s an example:

• My name is Jonathan, and I’d like to work as a Sales Manager at XYZ Inc. I’ve worked as a Sales Manager at MadeUpCompany Inc. for 5+ years, so I believe that I’d be a good fit for the position.

See the issue here? This opening paragraph doesn’t say anything except the fact that you’ve worked the job before.

And do you know who else has similar work experience? All the other applicants you’re competing with.

Instead, you want to start with some of your top achievements to grab the reader’s attention. And to get the point across, the achievements should be as relevant as possible to the position.

Your opening paragraph should also show the hiring manager a bit about why you want this specific job. For example, mention how the job relates to your plans for the future or how it can help you grow professionally. This will show the hiring manager that you’re not just applying left and right—you’re actually enthusiastic about getting this particular role.

Now, let’s make our previous example shine:

Dear Mr. Smith,

My name’s Michael, and I’d like to help XYZ Inc. hit and exceed its sales goals as a Sales Manager. I’ve worked as a Sales Representative with Company X, another fin-tech company , for 3+ years, where I generated an average of $30,000+ in sales per month and beat the KPIs by around 40%. I believe that my previous industry experience, passion for finance , and excellence in sales make me the right candidate for the job.

The second candidate starts with what they can do for the company in the future and immediately lists an impressive and relevant achievement. Since they’re experienced in the same industry and interested in finance, the hiring manager can see they’re not just a random applicant.

From this introduction, it’s safe to say that the hiring manager would read the rest of this candidate’s cover letter.

#5. Use the Cover Letter Body for Details

The next part of your cover letter is where you can go into detail about what sets you apart as a qualified candidate for the job.

The main thing you need to remember here is that you shouldn’t make it all about yourself . Your cover letter is supposed to show the hiring manager how you relate to the job and the company you’re applying to.

No matter how cool you make yourself sound in your cover letter, if you don’t tailor it to match what the hiring manager is looking for, you’re not getting an interview.

To get this right, use the job ad as a reference when writing your cover letter. Make sure to highlight skills and achievements that match the job requirements, and you’re good to go.

Since this part of your cover letter is by far the longest, you should split it into at least two paragraphs.

Here’s what each paragraph should cover:

Explain Why You’re the Perfect Candidate for the Role

Before you can show the hiring manager that you’re exactly what they’ve been looking for, you need to know what it is they’re looking for.

Start by doing a bit of research. Learn what the most important skills and responsibilities of the role are according to the job ad, and focus on any relevant experience you have that matches them.

For example, if you’re applying for the position of a Facebook Advertiser. The top requirements on the job ad are:

• Experience managing a Facebook ad budget of $10,000+ / month
• Some skills in advertising on other platforms (Google Search + Twitter)
• Excellent copywriting skills

So, in the body of your cover letter, you need to show how you meet these requirements. Here’s an example of what that can look like:

In my previous role as a Facebook Marketing Expert at XYZ Inc. I handled customer acquisition through ads, managing a monthly Facebook ad budget of $40,000+ . As the sole digital marketer at the company, I managed the ad creation and management process end-to-end. I created the ad copy and images, picked the targeting, ran optimization trials, and so on.

Other than Facebook advertising, I’ve also delved into other online PPC channels, including:

• Google Search

Our example addresses all the necessary requirements and shows off the candidate’s relevant skills.

Are you a student applying for your first internship? Learn how to write an internship cover letter with our dedicated guide.

Explain Why You’re a Good Fit for the Company

As skilled and experienced as you may be, that’s not all the hiring manager is looking for.

They also want someone who’s a good fit for their company and who actually wants to work there.

Employees who don’t fit in with the company culture are likely to quit sooner or later. This ends up costing the company a ton of money, up to 50% of the employee’s annual salary , so hiring managers vet candidates very carefully to avoid this scenario.

So, you have to convince the hiring manager that you’re passionate about working with them.

Start by doing some research about the company. You want to know things like:

• What’s the company’s business model?
• What’s the company’s product or service? Have you used it?
• What’s the company’s culture like?

Chances are, you’ll find all the information you need either on the company website or on job-search websites like Jobscan or Glassdoor.

Then, pick your favorite thing about the company and talk about it in your cover letter.

But don’t just describe the company in its own words just to flatter them. Be super specific—the hiring manager can see through any fluff.

For example, if you’re passionate about their product and you like the company’s culture of innovation and independent work model, you can write something like:

I’ve personally used the XYZ Smartphone, and I believe that it’s the most innovative tech I’ve used in years. The features, such as Made-Up-Feature #1 and Made-Up-Feature #2, were real game changers for the device.

I really admire how Company XYZ strives for excellence in all its product lines, creating market-leading tech. As someone who thrives in a self-driven environment, I truly believe that I’ll be a great match for your Product Design team.

So, make sure to do your fair share of research and come up with good reasons why you're applying to that specific company.

Is the company you want to work for not hiring at the moment? Check out our guide to writing a letter of interest .

#6. Wrap It Up and Sign It

Finally, it’s time to conclude your cover letter.

In the final paragraph, you want to:

• Wrap up any points you couldn't make in the previous paragraphs. Do you have anything left to say? If there’s any other information that could help the hiring manager make their decision, mention it here. If not, just recap your key selling points so far, such as key skills and expertise.
• Express gratitude. Politely thanking the hiring manager for their time is always a good idea.
• Finish the cover letter with a call to action. The very last sentence in your cover letter should be a call to action. This means you should ask the hiring manager to do something, like call you and discuss your application or arrange an interview.
• Remember to sign your cover letter. Just add a formal closing line and sign your name at the bottom.

Here’s an example of how to end your cover letter :

I hope to help Company X make the most of their Facebook marketing initiatives. I'd love to further discuss how my previous success at XYZ Inc. can help you achieve your Facebook marketing goals. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at the provided email address or phone number so that we may arrange an interview.

Thank you for your consideration,

Alice Richards

Feel free to use one of these other popular closing lines for your cover letter:

• Best Regards,
• Kind Regards,

Cover Letter Writing Checklist

Once you’re done with your cover letter, it’s time to check if it meets all industry requirements. 

Give our handy cover letter writing checklist a look to make sure:

Does your cover letter heading include all essential information?

• Professional Email
• Phone Number
• Relevant Links

Do you address the right person? 

• The hiring manager in the company
• Your future direct supervisor
• The company/department in general

Does your introductory paragraph grab the reader's attention?

• Did you mention some of your top achievements?
• Did you use numbers and facts to back up your experience?
• Did you convey enthusiasm for the specific role?

Do you show that you’re the right candidate for the job?

• Did you identify the core requirements for the role?
• Did you show how your experiences helped you fit the requirements perfectly?

Do you convince the hiring manager that you’re passionate about the company you’re applying to?

• Did you identify the top 3 things that you like about the company?
• Did you avoid generic reasons for explaining your interest in the company?

Did you conclude your cover letter properly?

• Did you recap your key selling points in the conclusion?
• Did you end your cover letter with a call to action?
• Did you use the right formal closing line and sign your name?

15 Cover Letter Tips

Now you’re all set to write your cover letter! 

Before you start typing, here are some cover letter tips to help take your cover letter to the next level:

• Customize Your Cover Letter for Each Job. Make sure your cover letter is tailored to the job you're applying for. This shows you're not just sending generic applications left and right, and it tells the hiring manager you’re the right person for the job.
• Showcase Your Skills. Talk about how your skills meet the company’s needs. And while your hard skills should be front and center, you shouldn’t underestimate your soft skills in your cover letter either.
• Avoid Fluff. Don’t make any generic statements you can’t back up. The hiring manager can tell when you’re just throwing words around, and it doesn’t make your cover letter look good.
• Use Specific Examples. Instead of saying you're great at something, give an actual example to back up your claim. Any data you can provide makes you sound more credible, so quantify your achievements. For example, give numbers such as percentages related to your performance and the timeframe it took to accomplish certain achievements.
• Research the Company. Always take time to learn about the company you're applying to. Make sure to mention something about them in your cover letter to show the hiring manager that you're interested.
• Follow the Application Instructions. If the job posting asks for something specific in your cover letter or requires a certain format, make sure you include it. Not following instructions can come off as unattentive or signal to the hiring manager that you’re not taking the job seriously.
• Use the Right Template and Format. Choose the right cover letter format and adapt your cover letter’s look to the industry you’re applying for. For example, if you’re aiming for a job in Law or Finance, you should go for a cleaner, more professional look. But if you’re applying for a field that values innovation, like IT or Design, you have more room for creativity.
• Express Your Enthusiasm. Let the hiring manager know why you're excited about the job. Your passion for the specific role or the field in general can be a big selling point, and show them that you’re genuinely interested, not just applying left and right.
• Address Any Gaps. If there are any employment gaps in your resume , your cover letter is a great place to mention why. Your resume doesn’t give you enough space to elaborate on an employment gap, so addressing it here can set hiring managers at ease—life happens, and employers understand.
• Avoid Quirky Emails. Your email address should be presentable. It’s hard for a hiring manager to take you seriously if your email address is “[email protected].” Just use a [email protected] format.
• Check Your Contact Information. Typos in your email address or phone number can mean a missed opportunity. Double-check these before sending your application.
• Mention if You Want to Relocate. If you’re looking for a job that lets you move somewhere else, specify this in your cover letter.
• Keep It Brief. You want to keep your cover letter short and sweet. Hiring managers don’t have time to read a novel, so if you go over one page, they simply won’t read it at all.
• Use a Professional Tone. Even though a conversational tone isn’t a bad thing, remember that it's still a formal document. Show professionalism in your cover letter by keeping slang, jargon, and emojis out of it.
• Proofread Carefully. Typos and grammar mistakes are a huge deal-breaker. Use a tool like Grammarly or QuillBot to double-check your spelling and grammar, or even get a friend to check it for you.

15+ Cover Letter Examples

Need some inspiration? Check out some perfect cover letter examples for different experience levels and various professions.

5+ Cover Letter Examples by Experience

#1. college student cover letter example.

Check out our full guide to writing a college student cover letter here.

#2. Middle Management Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing a project manager cover letter here.

#3. Team Leader Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing a team leader cover letter here.

#4. Career Change Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to a career change resume and cover letter here.

#5. Management Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing a management cover letter here.

#6. Senior Executive Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing an executive resume here.

9+ Cover Letter Examples by Profession

#1. it cover letter example.

Check out our full guide to writing an IT cover letter here.

#2. Consultant Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing a consultant cover letter here.

#3. Human Resources Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing a human resources cover letter here.

#4. Business Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing a business cover letter here.

#5. Sales Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing a sales cover letter here.

#6. Social Worker Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing a social worker cover letter here.

#7. Lawyer Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing a lawyer cover letter here.

#8. Administrative Assistant Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing an administrative assistant cover letter here.

#9. Engineering Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing an engineer cover letter here.

#10. Receptionist Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing a receptionist cover letter here.

Need more inspiration? Check out these cover letter examples to learn what makes them stand out.

Plug & Play Cover Letter Template

Not sure how to start your cover letter? Don’t worry!

Just copy and paste our free cover letter template into the cover letter builder, and swap out the blanks for your details.

[Your Full Name]

[Your Profession]

[Your Phone Number]

[Your Email Address]

[Your Location]

[Your LinkedIn Profile URL (optional)]

[Your Personal Website URL (optional)]

[Recipient's Name, e.g., Jane Doe],

[Recipient's Position, e.g., Hiring Manager]

[Company Name, e.g., ABC Corporation]

[Company Address]

[City, State/Country]

Dear [Recipient's Name],

As a seasoned [Your Profession] with [Number of Years of Experience] years of industry experience, I am eager to express my interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. With my experience in [Your Industry/Sector] and the successes I've achieved throughout my education and career, I believe I can bring unique value and creativity to your team.

In my current role as [Your Current Job Title], I've taken the lead on more than [Number of Projects/Assignments] projects, some valued up to $[Highest Project Value]. I pride myself on consistently exceeding client expectations and have successfully [Mention a Key Achievement] in just a [Amount of Time] through [Skill] and [Skill].

I've collaborated with various professionals, such as [List Roles], ensuring that all [projects/tasks] meet [relevant standards or objectives]. This hands-on experience, coupled with my dedication to understanding each [client's/customer's] vision, has equipped me to navigate and deliver on complex projects.

My key strengths include:

• Improving [Achievement] by [%] over [Amount of Time] which resulted in [Quantified Result].
• Optimizing [Work Process/Responsibility] which saved [Previous Employer] [Amount of Time/Budget/Other Metric] over [Weeks/Months/Years]
• Spearheading team of [Number of People] to [Task] and achieving [Quantified Result].

Alongside this letter, I've attached my resume. My educational background, a [Your Degree] with a concentration in [Your Specialization], complements the practical skills that I'm particularly eager to share with [Company Name].

I'm excited about the possibility of contributing to [Something Notable About the Company or Its Mission]. I'd be grateful for the chance to delve deeper into how my expertise aligns with your needs.

Thank you for considering my application, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

The Heart of Your Job Search - Creating a Killer Resume

Your cover letter is only as good as your resume. If either one is weak, your entire application falls through.

After all, your cover letter is meant to complement your resume. Imagine going through all this effort to leave an amazing first impression in your cover letter, only for the hiring manager to never read it because your resume was mediocre.

But don’t worry; we’ve got you covered here, too.

Check out our dedicated guide on how to make a resume and learn everything you need to know to land your dream job!

Just pick one of our resume templates and start writing your own job-winning resume.

Key Takeaways

Now that we’ve walked you through all the steps of writing a cover letter, let’s summarize everything we’ve learned:

• A cover letter is a 250 - 400 word document that’s meant to convince the hiring manager that you’re the best candidate for the job.
• Your job application should always include a cover letter alongside your resume.
• To grab the hiring manager’s attention, write a strong opening paragraph. Mention who you are, why you’re applying, and a standout achievement to pique their interest.
• Your cover letter should focus on why you’re the perfect candidate for the job and why you’re passionate about working in this specific company.
• Use the body of your cover letter to provide details on your skills, achievements, and qualifications, as well as make sure to convey your enthusiasm throughout your whole cover letter.
• Recap your key selling points towards the end of your cover letter, and end it with a formal closing line and your full name signed underneath.

At Novorésumé, we’re committed to helping you get the job you deserve every step of the way! 

Follow our career blog for more valuable advice, or check out some of our top guides, such as:

• How to Make a Resume in 2024 | Beginner's Guide
• How to Write a CV (Curriculum Vitae) in 2024 [31+ Examples]
• 35+ Job Interview Questions and Answers [Full List]

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International Resume Writing Tips

How to write an American resume and what to avoid

The purpose of an american resume, general guidelines for an american resume, the structure of an american resume, things to avoid in an american resume, american resume: final thoughts, how to write a british cv when applying for a job in the united kingdom, the british cv, short format british cv, additional british cv advice.

If you are going for a job abroad and wonder whether international hiring managers have different expectations, you would be right to ask the question. 

While the recruitment process will ask many of the same questions and request the same information in every country, some of the terminology can be confusing.

There are also a few subtle differences within certain countries, so let's explore some international resume writing tips in more detail.

This blog discusses the most common types of international resume rules, challenges, and tips, including:

• International resume introduction
• Why it matters to customize your resume for certain countries or cultures
• American resume
• the British CV
• Asian resume

Spanish resume

Russian resume.

• Writing a CV when English is your second language

Depending on the location of the job you’re applying for, you may want to understand more about an international resume. For example, if you are applying for a job in the United Kingdom, the United States, or Asia there are specific rules to follow and customs that are expected of job applicants. The same is true for Russia or Spain.

Another challenge is if languages like English or Spanish are your second language, then there are aspects of creating an international resume that should be followed in order to improve your chances of getting an interview.

Employee satisfaction affects how well a company can attract and retain top talent. Using Great Place to Work's annual list of the "World's Best Multinational Workplaces" this graphic charts how companies rated from 2011 to 2019

International resume introduction & writing a resume for international jobs

The first thing that you should do when applying internationally is to understand the expectations.

An international resume isn't so much a format, but rather a strategy to follow for aligning your resume with the local expectations and resume standards. The key to writing for an international audience is understanding more about expectations — what format do they prefer, do they want it translated, do they require references, a professional photo, or a portfolio?

There’s no one-size-fits-all strategy for an international resume, so be sure to check out the specifics below, do your research, and don't be afraid to ask locals for advice.

Tone is also very important depending on which country you’re applying in. For instance, American-style resumes are expected to be more self-promoting, whereas in other countries, like China, you’re expected to be more modest.

International resume tip — More than any other resume, if you’re applying to a foreign country you need to be clear on your resume about your nationality, visa status, and language abilities. Whereas this isn’t important if you’re applying in your own country, this is critical information for international resumes.

What are some tips for a good resume? The most important tip for a resume is to tailor it towards the role that you are applying for. Every sentence and achievement has to add to your case that you are the person for this specific job. The more irrelevant details there are, the less attention an employer will pay to what else is there.

The American resume

Modern American resumes are now done digitally, typically found in PDF or Microsoft Word format in order to easily upload and email.

Some people believe that an American style resume can only be one page, but that’s not necessarily true. If you have more than 5-7 years of relevant experience or are in an executive function, your resume should be two pages .

The most common form of American resume is the chronological resume , which follows along a structured style starting with your most recent position.

An American resume typically follows the format of:

• Personal information
• Professional summary statement
• Work history (in reverse chronological order)
• Hobbies (optional)
• Certifications (optional)
• References (optional)

American resume tip — Make sure to understand the power of keywords . Many hiring processes and applications in the United States now involve the use of an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) . An ATS helps employers organize and screen the hundreds of candidates who usually apply. Companies with high volumes of candidates use their ATS to automatically screen candidate resumes looking for certain keywords and phrases.

Rules, examples, and tips for writing an American resume when applying for a job in the United States. Convert your CV to an American resume following these resume tips and templates for the USA.

While most of the world uses a CV when looking for a job, in America the document most commonly used is a resume.  An American resume differs from a CV in that it is a summary of a person’s work history, skills, education and other items an employer may be interested in.  A CV , in the American sense, is very detailed and chronicles the person’s entire career with details about their achievements, publications, education and other items that are relevant to the job they are applying for. For the rest of the world, a CV is the same as an American Resume.

The only exception to using a resume in America is if you are applying for a job that is in either a technical or academic field. In these cases, you would default to a longer American CV.

In this guide, we will discuss the following critical components of writing an American resume:

• Differences between a resume and a CV
• The purpose of a resume
• How to organize
• Formatting an American resume
• What items you should and shouldn’t include.
• The individual components of an American resume
• How to optimize your resume

When creating a resume, keep in mind its purpose. A resume will not get you a job, rather it is intended to generate enough interest in you to get you invited to an interview .  Surveys indicate that recruiters spend about 6 seconds reviewing a resume. Therefore, it is important that you capture the reader’s attention quickly and make the resume interesting enough so that they will want to continue reading it.

A good way to determine how much of your resume a recruiter will read before they decide about you is to fold the first page in half. This is the most important real estate on your resume, and you need to use it to communicate your qualifications as concisely and clearly as possible.

What are the 4 C's of resume writing?

• Creativity. Every job requires you to make something from nothing every now and again.
• Communication. Getting stuff done with others needs excellent oral and written communication.
• Collaboration. Knowing how to achieve results as a team is key to so many careers.
• Critical thinking. Every problem has multiple solutions - finding the right one is rarely simple.

An American resume is constructed on Letter size, 8.5”x11” paper, in the portrait orientation. Modern American resumes are now done digitally, and are typically found in PDF format in order to easily upload and email.

Typically American resumes are either 1 to 2 pages, based on the length of your career .  New graduates or people with limited experience can easily use just one page to describe their qualifications. People with more experience may need two or even three pages to cover their complete job history, accomplishments , education, skills, and certifications.

A CEO will have a much longer resume than an intern . Simple as that.

When considering the content to include in your resume, a good guideline to follow is that if the information isn’t relevant to the job you are interested in then it should not be in your resume. Employers hire people for one of four reasons.

• You will make them money
• You will save them money
• You will save them time
• You will fix a problem

Keep these in mind when you are writing your resume. Another tip is to include some type of metric (i.e., $, #, %) in every 2-3 sentences. This captures the reader's attention and helps them recognize your contributions, with the assumption that you can do the same for them. There’s nothing worse than a recruiter reading some generic statement, like “Contributed to overall department success and team collaboration.”

What does that mean? What did you contribute and what were the results? What specifically did you do to promote teamwork ? Be as specific as possible.

You can find resources that will help you when writing your resume across the internet. These will provide you with  examples of effective resumes and  templates you can follow while constructing your resume.

Contact Information — The first thing in your resume should be your name and contact information. This should be at the top of the page , should be large enough to be easily seen, and should contain the following.

• Telephone number where you can best be reached, usually your mobile
• E-mail address — preferably your first & last name @ domain.com – don’t use cute or funny emails
• LinkedIn profile

Do not include a home address or links to your other social media pages. You can either put this information on the top of the first page or, better yet, include it as a heading so that it will show up on all the pages

Title — The next part of your resume is the title. This should be the same as the position you’re applying for. It lets the recruiter know exactly what position you’re interested in and sets the tone as they are reviewing the resume.

Summary — It is good to start your resume with a 2 to 3 sentence summary if your skills, experience, or education related to the job you’re applying for. This allows the recruiter to quickly recognize your qualifications and encourages them to read the remainder of the resume.

Professional Experience — You then turn to your employment experience . The section will contain details about the jobs you have worked at during the last 10 to 15 years.  Even if you have more experience, this is all you need to include because anything prior to this is either no longer relevant or has already been discussed in other job descriptions. The jobs should be detailed in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent first.

When listing your jobs, include:

• Position or title
• Employer – Location (City, State) – Dates Employed (Month/Year – Month/Year)

You then provide a 1 to 2 sentence summary of your responsibilities and major achievements. This is followed by 3 to 4 bullets that describe significant achievements, key contributions, or specific duties related to the position you’re applying for. If your job title is self-explanatory, then you can skip the 1 to 2-sentence summary and focus on the bullet points.

Skills — After your experience, you can list your skills relevant to the job. These are usually bulleted in the side column of the resume. Modern resumes will display skills in a way that won’t increase the size of your resume and be visually appealing to the hiring manager. Check out this resume for a Financial Advisor as an example.

Include both hard skills related to the job and soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, and leadership. The hard skills are usually stated in the job description as requirements. The soft skills enhance your qualifications and distinguish you from other applicants.

Education — You’ll next describe your formal, informal, and continuing education . Start with the most advanced degree and work backward listing other degrees . If your formal education occurred some time ago, you can start with recent certifications you have been awarded or informal training you have that enhances your qualifications for the job.

When detailing your education, list:

• Degree attained (i.e., MBA, BS, AS) and your major and any minors
• The school or institution attended
• Additional activities such as clubs, athletic teams, publications, major projects or internships

Make sure you also include information about any continuing education courses , or certifications you have received, and which are relevant to the job you are applying for.

Hobbies — This is an important section of your resume, and you should be adding them in. Hobbies show the hiring manager more about your personality and personal life, and can also help develop a connection between you and the hiring manager. List out any achievements linked to your hobbies, and provide a little bit of detail instead of blandly listing a one-word hobby.

By listing your personal interests on your resume, you can add a personal touch about what makes you you. In this article, we’ll discuss why it’s sometimes advisable to list interests on your resume.

What are the 3 F's of resume writing?

• Form. Format and style your resume so that it is easy to read and digest.
• Function. Make the resume functional by keeping it relevant and not going back too far in time .
• Effectiveness. An effective resume includes everything to help a hiring manager make their decision.

Items you should not include in your resume are:

Personal information : Examples of these are age, gender, race, or family status. Employers cannot ask about these due to restrictions related to job discrimination. Putting them in your resume could disqualify you from being interviewed, or waste the recruiter's time who reads them.

References : Unlike CVs that are used throughout the world, American resumes do not typically include references. If an employer needs references prior to hiring you, they will request them after you have progressed through the interview process and are being considered as one of the final candidates.

Writing an effective American resume is easy if you follow the guidelines provided. You need to write with the purpose of convincing the employer you can contribute to helping them achieve their business objectives. The objective is to create enough interest in you to incent the recruiter to invite you to an interview.

Following the recommended format and structure of an American resume makes it easy to read and provides a flow. Using the valuable space at the top half of the first page to summarize your qualifications is critical. This gets the balance of the resume read and increases your chances for an interview. Including metrics throughout your resume will keep it interesting and help the employer understand how you can help them to “make money, save money or save time.”

Avoid any mention of personal information in a resume. This may result in automatic rejection, even though you may be one of the better candidates for the job. You should also not include references. These aren’t expected in America and will be requested later in the interview process if the employer needs them.

Finally, remember to write your American resume keeping the job requirements in mind. Any content that isn’t relevant to these may distract the reader from your key message and shouldn’t be included.

Which are red flags on a resume? There are certain things on any resume that may make a hiring manager stop reading immediately. Be careful if your resume contains the following:

• Too many long (and unexplained) employment gaps
• Typos, mistakes, grammatical and formatting errors
• Lack of career progression or evidence of job hopping
• Too much personal information seems unprofessional
• A career path that doesn't fit the vacancy in question
• Inconsistency between your resume and LinkedIn profile

Every country is different! Here is a comprehensive guide that includes tips, tools, and examples for writing an amazing British CV.

Tips, tools, and examples for writing a British CV that lands an interview. If you're looking for a job in the UK, the expectations are slightly different than other countries—there are specific rules to follow with a British CV, and we cover all of them in this comprehensive guide.

As mentioned, the British use CV to denote the same as the U.S. resume. In academic circles (in both countries) CV can also be used to denote a longer form documents with lots of information about your education and professional experience, including additional training, papers you’ve written, conferences you attended, projects you’ve been involved in, and other details which demonstrate your qualifications.

British CV tip — Include references in your CV when applying for jobs in the UK, but don't include their contact details as this goes against data protection legislation. 

If you are looking for work in the UK, a CV will be a key part of your job search process. Any document you use to detail your qualifications is called a Curriculum Vitae, or CV. This also applies to most of Europe and even the Middle East.

Let's keep it simple.

A CV in the UK is the equivalent of a resume in the United States. 

It may have one or two pages, and all of the sections that you would expect in a resume should be present. This is not the academic document that Americans call a CV. In this comprehensive guide, we will show you how to write an effective British CV that helps you land an interview, by outlining:

• An introduction to the British CV
• The components of a British CV
• The short form British CV
• Additional advice when drafting your CV

If you want to tell your ‘life story’ with lots of details about your education and professional experience, including additional training, papers you’ve written, conferences you attended, projects you’ve been involved in and other details which will demonstrate your qualifications, then you should opt for the long format, or detailed CV.

This document can be as long as necessary to include the details of your life which are applicable to the position you are applying to. Keep in mind that modern job applicants bring in over 200 applicants, and hiring managers spend about 7 seconds reviewing each application. So choose a CV carefully, because the time you have to impress the hiring manager is limited.

The content of the long format CV will include the following:

• Name − full name, title, degree (e.g. Ph.D., etc.)
• Contact information - phone, email, LinkedIn profile, personal web page (no social media or home address)
• Summary − a brief description of what you have achieved in your education and profession
• Academic qualifications − your academic qualification; degree(s) (descending, with most advanced first). Include key courses studied, GPA , papers written, studies performed
• Additional training – work-related instruction or courses, conferences attended
• Additional knowledge − skills you have acquired as part of your profession
• Soft skills − collaboration, communication, teaming, etc.
• Languages – native plus any foreign languages you are fluent in, if applicable
• Software tools − applications you use in your profession (Microsoft, Google, CRM tools, etc.)
• Operating system platforms − Windows, Mac, Linux
• Database management system – Oracle, SAP, Siebel
• Experience breakdown − summarized explanation of your experience – employers, title, dates, location, role, and a brief (1-2 sentence) summary of responsibilities
• Achievements – any significant achievements in professional life
• Awards and honors
• A declaration − stating all information provided about the applicant as true
• References – 2-3 references with names, titles, organization, phone, email and the role they played in your professional career (i.e., manager, customer, peer)

The short format or business CV should be 1-2 pages long (A4 format). It only consists of facts, dates, and numbers. The reasons for applying and a summary of your skills which qualify you for the position can be detailed in a cover letter . Remember, recruiters only spend 7 seconds reviewing this type of resume before deciding about your qualifications, so you want to capture their interest.

The content of this type of British CV is:

• Personal information – Name, phone, email, LinkedIn URL and location (not an address)
• Professional summary – key skills, experience, and soft skills aligned with the job you are applying for
• Working experience – title, employer, location, and dates, starting with the most recent job. Include a brief description of the role, followed by a bulleted list of contributions and achievements for each position
• Formal education & training - university, dates, and places, but no grades or courses
• Languages, skills, proficiencies related to the job you are applying for

Both types of CVs include your personal information, education and qualifications, work experience, interests and achievements, skills, and references. The additional information in the long format CV provides details important to recruiters and hiring managers in professions where specific coursework, publications , software skills, and other, more detailed experience and education and work experience is key to selecting a candidate.  Make sure you provide as much detail as possible when constructing a long format CV.

Also, you should always tailor your CV to the job you are applying for. Use a modern but professional format . Few if any graphic elements; these aren’t effective and will confuse Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

It is important to consider including references in your CV when applying for a position in the UK. Employers expect these and a significant majority of them take the time to contact the references you provide. It’s best to provide at least 2 references. As an alternative, you can write "references available on request."

Prior to adding someone's name and information to your CV, you should contact the person to ask their permission to use them as a reference. It is also considerate of you to provide them with a copy of your CV and discuss your job search objectives with them. Remind them of what you did when you worked together and discuss a few contributions you made while there.

The Asian resume

Similar to the long-form British CV, resumes in Asia tend be longer than the traditional American and European resume. The best practices here are to include all the information you normally would: personal information, contact details, work history, academics, skills, languages, and references.

But, you should also include a professional photo. Unlike the United States where it's common to add a photo to your resume only in certain industries, in Asia it is generally expected that you include a photo across every industry. Also include two copies of your resume — one in English, and another in the native language of that country.

Resumes in Asia are expected to be more personal in nature, where you will include your age, gender, marital status, interests , nationality, and visa status. As with a long-form CV, you should expect to be more detailed about your skills and work experience than you would in a short-form American style resume.

Asian resume tip — Even if you don’t know the native language, showing some cultural knowledge and sensitivity by including some wording or greeting will always be appreciated.

What are the three main types of resumes?

• Reverse-chronological. Lists work experience in reverse order with the more recent job first.
• Functional . A resume that focuses on functional skills, with only employers and employment dates listed.
• Combined . An initial section for function skills with a normal chronological work experience afterwards.

Spanish resumes are similar to British ones, but require you to be more clear about your language abilities . This should be front and center in your resume.

If Spanish is your second language, be sure to use templates and examples designed for a Spanish-speaking audience. Generally, Spanish resumes are 1-2 pages and include the following information:

• Contact information
• A professional summary
• Education and GPA information — both high school and post-secondary
• Work experience in bullet points
• Skills and languages (be clear about your native language)

Spanish resume tip — It is important to have someone who is a native speaker read over your resume before you send it to an employer to ensure there are no grammatical or language errors.

Russian resumes are similar to resumes in Europe, in that they include all the basic information such as contact details, a professional summary, work history, education, skills, languages, and references.

Here are a few additional tips for writing a resume to apply for a job in Russia:

• Do not exceed 2 pages in length.
• Place the education section above work experience—this is a common expectation in Russia.
• As with most other countries, it is suggested to list your work experience in reverse chronological order.
• It is common to send along a translated version of your resume with a cover letter to Russian companies or an English version to an international company working within Russia.
• Unless requested, do not include references on your Russian resume.

Russian resume tip — Photos are not required or encouraged when submitting a resume in Russia. Unless it’s specifically requested, do not include a photo.

Writing a resume or CV when English is a second language

Writing an international resume is challenging enough, so writing a resume or CV in English when you're not a native speaker makes it even more difficult. To begin writing your resume in English, you should gather all relevant information so you are well organized. This includes:

• A copy of your current CV in your native language
• Any additional information you need to update your CV
• A description of the job(s) you are applying for so you can understand the types of language and keywords used
• An English dictionary, thesaurus, and / or Google Translate
• Templates to work with or a resume builder

Once you have all these resources, you can start translating. Check out resume examples for inspiration and research to find the right language and wording to use. Make sure to include the keywords that you collected in the job description you are applying for.

Writing a CV in English is different than writing a CV in your native language. English has several nuances that you must be aware of and the sentence structure is often different than what you are used to. However, once you are aware of these differences it is easy to translate your current CV into English.  

Writing resumes for different cultures and countries

What’s good for the UK, isn’t necessarily correct for the US, and what’s best practice in Russia, may not go over well in China. Find out as much about the local job application preferences as possible before you use an international resume to apply to a job.

If at all possible connect with a native person in your industry and ask them for feedback on your resume before you send it to an employer. It's even better if you can connect with a local person in your industry who speaks your native language too. Most often local residents are more than happy to help you get acclimated to a new job market and welcomed to their country.

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4 Must-Dos For Your Relocation Cover Letter

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It’s a challenge many job seekers face. You want to move to a new city, but you need a guaranteed paycheck before you make the big jump. So you look for opportunities on local job boards and send out applications.

But here’s the problem:  employers have a distinct bias against long-distance job candidates.

It’s an uphill climb, but there are things you can do to improve your chances of landing an interview. You’ve got to convince the employer that interviewing and hiring you will be nearly as easy as any local candidate. And it all starts with a solid relocation cover letter.

In addition to everything else you need to include in your cover letter, make sure you tackle, head-on, the challenges related to your relocation. You want to do this, briefly, in the final paragraph of your letter, after you explain how awesome you are and how you’ll solve all the employer’s problems.

Here are the four things you want to include in any relocation cover letter:

1. Explain why you are moving

There’s a big difference between applying for a far-flung job and actually packing up your belongings and moving to that new town. Sometimes our dedication to a big move wavers when the opportunity arrives.

This is one reason employers may be skeptical of out-of-town applicants; they question whether you are really serious about the move. That’s why it serves you to be crystal clear about the reason for your move.

You don’t need to go into a lot of details—remember, real estate on your cover letter is precious—but provide enough information to show that your desire to move isn’t some flight of fancy. The more concrete your reasons, the better. The goal is to show the employer that your move is a done deal.

Here are some things you could say:

“After a decade in Washington, DC, I’m looking for opportunities to return to my hometown, Cleveland.” “I moving to Tampa to be closer to my family, who all live in the area.” “My husband recently accepted a position at UCLA, and we’re moving to Los Angeles later this month.” “I’m marrying an Oregonian this summer, and we’re relocating to Portland in August.”

Reasons like “I like the way-of-life in Tucson” or “I loved Austin when I visited last year” carry less import with employers. While these sentiments may be true, they lack the stickiness that makes your move a done deal.

2. Give a date or time frame

The best way to ease an employer’s mind that you are really moving is to provide a date for your arrival. Again, this is why a concrete reason for a move is so helpful.

Organizations hire because they have a problem and they need help ASAP. Often, that puts a premium on candidates who are available to start immediately. A hiring manager might be willing to wait for a stellar candidate but their patience won’t last forever. You have to explain exactly how long they’d have to wait to bring an awesome candidate, like you, onto their staff.  A firm arrival date (hopefully in the not-too-distant-future) can put the hiring manager’s mind at ease.

If you don’t have an arrival date, share how quickly you could relocate, if offered the position. The faster you can make the move, the better—just remember to to be realistic in your projection.

Identify the resources or connections you have that could best facilitate a move. Again, this can be done in one sentence:

“I can start within two weeks of a job offer, as I already have family in the Wichita area.” “I’m willing to commute from Sacramento, until I move to closer to the Bay area.”

3. Explain how you can interview

Another perceived challenge with out-of-town applicants, from the employer’s perspective, is how they’ll interview you. Hiring managers are used to the traditional interview process—namely, an in-person meeting in their office. Anything that varies from this path may be be alien territory.

Do not expect the hiring manager to know how they can interview you remotely. Instead, offer up your own solution for this challenge. It’s simple, just say:

“I’m available to interview by phone, Zoom, Google Meet, Skype, FaceTime, or any other platform that is convenient for you…”

The goal here is to make the remote interview process as easy as possible for the hiring manager. The offer of a video-based communication system is particularly helpful as it more closely approximates the typical in-person experience.

4. Put an in-person visit on the table

Did you notice how my last quote ended with an ellipsis? That was intentional because you’re not going to land an offer with just a Zoom chat.

Most hiring managers will want to meet you in-person at some point. And, frankly, I would warn against accepting any offer without first meeting the employer in-person. A face-to-face meeting is the best way to learn more about the organization and whether you’ll be a good fit there.

So, you need to put the offer of a visit on the table in your cover letter:

“… and I’m open to traveling to Boston for an in-person meeting, should there be mutual interest.”

This is an important addition to your earlier interview suggestion. You’re making it clear that you’re open to a visit, eventually, but only if the initial phone interview goes well. This is a gesture of good faith to the employer and shows that you’re serious about the right opportunity.

Leave unmentioned who will pay for this travel. At this point in the process, talking about money is putting the cart before the horse. Just put the idea out there and focus on your desire to learn more about each other. If there’s genuine and mutual interest after your Zoom call, you’ll have more leverage for asking for travel expenses.

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Cover letter by an international graduate

Comparability of qualifications and whether you have the legal right to work here are some of the additional details international graduates need to include in their cover letters when applying to work in the UK

You'll need to make sure you go through the correct visa procedures and obtain any work permits that are applicable to the country you wish to work in.

Most countries will recognise UK qualifications, but you should check to see if there are any comparisons you might need to refer to in your cover letter.

Like in any other cover letter you'll need to highlight your relevant skills and experience and outline how these are linked to the advertised position.

Do some research when writing your cover letter and CV, to ensure that you include everything required by employers in the region of the world where you'd like to work.

Please be aware that this is an example. Use this cover letter template to help generate ideas and structure your own document but avoid copying and pasting. Your cover letter needs to be original and tailored to the job you're applying for.

Fernando Ruiz Rua Visconde de Porto Seguro 1238 Sao Paulo-SP 04642-000 Brazil [email protected] +(0)11 55 23 9 1234 4321

Dan Travis Senior design director Graphics Workshop Design House London SE1 29XP

5th May 2023

Dear Mr Travis

Re: Junior design assistant

I would like to apply for the post of junior design assistant. I am attaching my CV and samples of my work as requested in your advert.

After gaining my High School Certificate, I studied for a three-year Technological Faculty Degree (Diploma de Graduacao Tecnologica) in graphic design from the IED (Istituto Europeo di Design) in Sao Paolo. I then went on to study a Masters in Graphic Design and Infographics at IED in Rio de Janeiro.

My Diploma project was on branding in the sports industry. For my Masters, my project centred on an infographics series for a design company. I have attended design workshops in Sao Paolo and Rio de Janeiro and a masterclass on visual design in New York.

You can also see my designs on my website www.ruizdesign.com . As well as the website itself, there are links to work I have done for companies in Brazil, the UK and the US including:

• annual reports for an NGO
• DVDs and online training packages for a financial house
• posters for a bus company.
• the ability to collaborate or work alone
• experience of working with clients at all stages of the design process
• language skills and am fluent in Portuguese and English with a working knowledge of Spanish and German.

I would very much like to work in the UK. I see from your website that Graphics Workshop has several international employees and a sponsorship licence.

I am available for an interview by Skype or telephone, before coming to England. I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely

(Sign your name here)

Fernando Ruiz

Find out more

• Get more information on cover letters .
• Learn more about the 5 things to avoid when writing a cover letter .
• For more details, see working abroad .

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How to Write an International Resume for a Job Abroad

In This Guide:

What is an international resume, specific sections for an international resume, should i translate my international resume.

Do you struggle to create a resume for an international company?

Many people face trouble with international resumes, so we wanted to offer resume tips and help you make an ideal resume to stand out.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• What an international resume is.
• The sections you need to add to a resume.
• If you should adjust the length or translate your resume.

If you use this guide, you can make your resume stand out and secure an international job. You need to understand the main points and apply them to your resume if you want to succeed.

An international resume refers to a resume you make for another country.

For example, if you live in England, any resume you create to secure a position outside of your home country counts as an international resume format.

You still include essential information , such as your education, but you adjust the information based on the country’s standards.

Is your international resume good enough?

Drop your resume here or choose a file . PDF & DOCX only. Max 2MB file size.

If you want to master the international resume format, you must understand the necessary sections .

While you need to include the standard information about your certifications and work experience, you must add the following sections to offer more information.

Language skills section

As you work on your international CV format, you need to include a language skills section and mention it in your summary and resume objective .

Countries want to know if you speak other languages to communicate with companies, so mention any additional languages you speak.

Further reading

• Language Skills on Resume: How to Explain Proficiency & Fluency

Specific skills/software knowledge

Creating a functional resume includes mentioning unique skills and software knowledge . Do some research and see what skills and software the country expects you to understand.

The skills and knowledge you need in an international resume format vary, so see what other countries expect from someone in your industry.

Personal info (header sections)

When you create a resume in the international CV format, you may need to include personal information. Some countries want you to have your name, birth date, and even a picture.

Include a header section with action verbs to make yourself stand out while you personalize your resume.

Although the US prefers one-page resumes , some countries want longer ones. Make sure you look up resume templates for the country to determine the expected size.

Using Enhancv’s resume builder you can choose between A4 and Letter Size style.

If you have too much experience and information to cover, you need to try a combination resume or reverse chronological resume to meet the length requirements.

More from Enhancv

Whether you translate your resume depends on the circumstance. If you plan to apply for a company where everyone speaks English, you may not need to translate it.

Usually, international companies will tell you what language they require on resumes.

If you plan to work as a translator or speak another language, you should write a resume in that language.

As you create an international resume, remember the key sections. Doing so will help you figure out how to craft your resume and if you need to translate it.

If you need help creating a resume for an international position, you can try Enhancv’s resume builder to craft the perfect application.

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A Simple Guide to Writing an Effective Cover Letter | Remote Jobs in HR

• Cover Letter Writing Guide
• Write an Effective Cover Letter - Remote Jobs In HR
• September 11

A cover letter is a personalized document that accompanies your resume when applying for a job. Unlike a resume, which outlines your skills and experience in a more structured format, a cover letter allows you to speak directly to the hiring manager, giving you the opportunity to highlight why you are the best fit for the position.

Cover letters are still important in today’s job application process because they provide a space for you to explain why you are interested in the role, showcase your personality, and address any specific requirements mentioned in the job listing. While some candidates might overlook the importance of a cover letter, taking the time to craft one can set you apart from other applicants by showing your commitment and enthusiasm for the position.

A well-written cover letter can make a significant difference in how you are perceived by potential employers, making it a crucial element of a successful job application. Whether you are an entry-level candidate or an experienced professional, your cover letter is a chance to make a strong first impression and increase your chances of landing an interview.

Why You Need a Cover Letter

1.     personalization.

One of the main advantages of a cover letter is the ability to tailor your application specifically to the job and company you’re applying to. Unlike a resume, which is often a general summary of your skills and experience, a cover letter allows you to address the unique requirements and culture of the company. By customizing your cover letter to reflect the job description and the company's values, you demonstrate that you’ve done your research and are genuinely interested in the role. This personalized approach can make a strong impression on hiring managers, setting you apart from candidates who submit generic applications.

2.     Showcase Your Personality

A cover letter is your chance to show more of your personality and passion for the role, something that a resume alone may not fully capture. Employers want to hire people who not only have the right skills but who also fit well within the company culture. By expressing your enthusiasm for the position and sharing what excites you about the opportunity, you give the employer a glimpse of who you are beyond your qualifications. This can help create a connection with the hiring manager and increase your chances of moving forward in the hiring process.

3.     Address Gaps or Concerns

If there are any gaps in your employment history or other concerns that might raise questions for the employer, a cover letter is the perfect place to address them. Whether you took time off for personal reasons, switched careers, or had a period of unemployment, you can use the cover letter to provide context and reassure the employer that you are still a strong candidate for the job. By proactively explaining these issues, you can help prevent them from becoming a barrier to getting an interview.

4.     Highlight Key Achievements

While your resume lists your experience, a cover letter allows you to highlight your most relevant accomplishments in a way that directly ties them to the job you’re applying for. You can use this space to draw attention to specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to succeed in the role. By focusing on how your past successes can translate to future contributions at the company, you provide a compelling reason for the employer to consider you for the position.

What to Say in a Cover Letter

1.     introduction.

The introduction of your cover letter is your opportunity to grab the hiring manager’s attention right away. Start by clearly stating the position you are applying for and how you found the job listing. This shows that you are organized and know exactly what role you are interested in. Follow this with a brief expression of your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mentioning specific aspects of the company that appeal to you can help make your introduction stand out and demonstrate that you’ve done your research.

2.     Body

A.     why you’re a good fit.

In this section, you should focus on explaining why you are the best candidate for the job. Discuss your relevant experience, skills, and achievements that directly relate to the position. Be specific and use examples that demonstrate your qualifications. For instance, if the job requires project management skills, mention a project you successfully managed and the results you achieved. Highlighting how your experience aligns with the job requirements will show the employer that you are well-equipped to handle the responsibilities of the role.

B.    Why You Want the Job

Beyond explaining why you’re qualified, it’s also important to convey why you are genuinely interested in the job and the company. Explain what excites you about the role and how it aligns with your career goals. Show that you’ve researched the company by mentioning its values, culture, or recent achievements that resonate with you. This not only demonstrates your interest but also helps you connect with the employer on a more personal level, making you a more memorable candidate.

3.     Conclusion

The conclusion of your cover letter should reinforce your interest in the position and leave a positive impression. Restate your enthusiasm for the role and briefly summarize why you believe you are a strong candidate. Thank the reader for considering your application, and express your eagerness to discuss the opportunity further. Mention that you look forward to the possibility of interviewing and that you are available at their convenience. A polite and confident closing can encourage the employer to take the next step in the hiring process.

Examples of Effective Cover Letters

Example 1: entry-level position.

When applying for an entry-level position, it's important to focus on your education, enthusiasm, and willingness to learn. Here’s a brief example:

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to apply for the HR Generalist position at XYZ Company, which I found Remote Jobs In HR. As a recent graduate with a degree in Human Resources, I am eager to bring my knowledge of HR practices and employee relations to your team. During my time at university, I completed several internships where I gained hands-on experience in recruitment, onboarding, and benefits administration. I am particularly drawn to XYZ Company because of your commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace, and I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your team. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of discussing how I can contribute to your company.

[Your Name]

This example highlights the candidate's education, relevant internships, and enthusiasm for the company. The focus is on the candidate’s readiness to learn and contribute, which is key for entry-level roles.

Example 2: Experienced Professional

For an experienced professional, it’s essential to emphasize your extensive experience, specific achievements, and how you can bring value to the company. Here’s an example:

I am excited to apply for the Senior HR Manager position at ABC Corporation, which I found on Remote Jobs In HR. With over 10 years of experience in human resources, I have successfully led HR initiatives that support company goals and enhance employee engagement. In my current role at DEF Solutions, I developed and implemented a new talent management strategy that improved employee retention by 15% and streamlined the recruitment process. I am particularly impressed by ABC Corporation's dedication to fostering a positive workplace culture, and I am eager to bring my expertise in employee relations and leadership to your organization. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my experience aligns with your needs.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to your continued success.

In this example, the candidate highlights their extensive experience, specific achievements, and how they align with the company’s goals. The emphasis is on how the candidate’s skills and accomplishments can bring immediate value to the employer.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1.      generic cover letters.

One of the most common mistakes job seekers make is submitting a generic cover letter that isn’t tailored to the specific job or company. A generic cover letter can give the impression that you’re not genuinely interested in the role or that you haven’t taken the time to understand the company’s needs. To avoid this mistake, always personalize your cover letter by mentioning the specific job title, the company’s name, and how your skills and experiences align with the job requirements. This shows the employer that you are serious about the opportunity and have put thought into your application.

2.      Repeating Your Resume

Another common mistake is simply repeating the content of your resume in your cover letter. Your cover letter should complement your resume, not duplicate it. Instead of listing your past jobs and responsibilities, use the cover letter to explain how your experiences have prepared you for the specific role you’re applying for. Highlight key achievements and provide examples that aren’t included in your resume to give the employer a fuller picture of your qualifications.

3.      Lack of Enthusiasm

A cover letter that lacks enthusiasm can come across as flat and uninspiring. Employers want to hire candidates who are excited about the role and the company. If your cover letter doesn’t convey enthusiasm, it may cause the hiring manager to question your interest in the position. To avoid this, make sure your writing reflects genuine excitement for the job and the opportunity to contribute to the company. Mention specific aspects of the company or role that you find appealing, and explain why you are passionate about working there.

4.      Typos and Errors

Typos and grammatical errors can quickly undermine an otherwise strong cover letter. These mistakes can make you appear careless and unprofessional, which can hurt your chances of getting an interview. Always proofread your cover letter multiple times before sending it, and consider asking a friend or colleague to review it as well. Taking the time to eliminate typos and errors shows that you are detail-oriented and serious about your job search.

The Importance of a Cover Letter

A well-crafted cover letter is a crucial element in the job application process. It offers you the opportunity to personalize your application, showcase your personality, address any potential concerns, and highlight key achievements. By taking the time to write a thoughtful and tailored cover letter, you can significantly increase your chances of standing out in a competitive job market and securing an interview.

To ensure your cover letter is effective, remember these final tips:

• Personalize each cover letter to the specific job and company.
• Show enthusiasm for the role and the company.
• Highlight achievements that demonstrate your qualifications.
• Proofread carefully to avoid typos and errors.

A little extra effort in crafting a strong cover letter can make a big difference in your job search success.

About Remote Jobs In HR :

Remote Jobs In HR is a premier online platform specializing in remote and hybrid Human Resources (HR) job opportunities and Human Resources (HR) talent solutions. With over 25 years of expertise in human resources, we adeptly connect skilled Human Resources (HR) professionals with leading companies seeking remote and hybrid talent. Our comprehensive database features a wide range of remote and hybrid HR roles, catering to diverse career aspirations of job seekers and the varied needs of employers.

Our platform is synonymous with user-friendly design, diversity in Human Resources (HR) roles, and a commitment to innovation, setting us apart in the remote and hybrid work landscape. Remote Jobs In HR is dedicated to enhancing the remote and hybrid job search and recruitment experience, focusing on quality and diversity in Human Resources (HR) opportunities. We empower both professionals seeking remote and hybrid Human Resources (HR) careers and companies in pursuit of top remote and hybrid Human Resources (HR) talent.

Discover your next opportunity or find your ideal candidate at Remote Jobs In HR . For more insights and updates on remote and hybrid Human Resources (HR) careers and recruitment, visit our blog at RemoteJobsInHR.com/blog . Join us as we navigate the dynamic and evolving world of remote and hybrid human resources.

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Writing a covering letter

A covering letter highlights your relevant strengths and motivation for the job and organisation you are applying to, and markets you effectively by complementing your CV.

While there isn’t one way to write a covering letter there are some key things to consider to ensure you follow a logical structure and engage the employer in reading your letter. 

Top tips for success

Make sure that your letter is clear, informative and professional-looking, so that the recruiter will want to go on and read your CV.

• Keep to  one page
• If possible, address it to a  named person : just call the organisation and ask, if it's not clear elsewhere
• Set it out like a business letter, with  addresses and date at the top
• Check your  spelling and grammar
• Use the  same font  as your CV so that they look consistent
• Consider addressing gaps in your CV or other areas you think might need explaining, for example, a retaken year or a health problem. Try to be brief and positive and if in doubt book an appointment with a careers consultant
• Tailor your letter  to each application and try to highlight skills and experience that are relevant to that specific job and employer (it’s obvious it’s a generic letter if you just change the organisation name!)
• Give evidence for claims you make
• Try not to start every sentence with ‘I’
• Keep it  concise and focused  to encourage further reading of your letter and CV
• Be  professional  rather than overly humorous or informal 
• Sell yourself : don’t underplay your skills or make negative comments about yourself
• If you are sending your application by  email , attach the CV and covering letter rather than typing it into the email body. The format of an email can change drastically depending on the system used by the employer.

Write in clear, concise English with a professional yet conversational tone. While you will need to support your claims with evidence, try not to drown the reader with details and avoid jargon they may not understand.

The exact content will depend on you and the job or course but it should include the content outlined below. Remember, you can vary the order of information to suit your style of writing, but make sure it reads logically.

Introduction

Introduce yourself (subject, year and where are you are studying) and explain why you are writing. If you are making a speculative enquiry about the possibility of a job, be clear about the type of work or opportunity you are asking for. If you are responding to an advert, say where you saw it.

Why this role, why this employer

The covering letter is where you should explain your interest and enthusiasm for an organisation and role. Say what attracts you to the kind of work involved, based on your knowledge of the duties and likely satisfactions. This will demonstrate your understanding of the opportunity and your motivation.

Show you’ve done your research into the organisation. Mention what you have done to find out more, e.g. online research or speaking with their staff at careers events, and explain how your skills and interests match the organisation’s values and culture. If possible, back this up by referring to relevant activities where you have demonstrated these interests.

When describing what attracts you to the organisation, make it specific and original, rather than repeating facts stated on their website.  Note: If you could say the exact same things about a different organisation, then you have not been specific enough, and the employer will spot this.

Sometimes you won’t know who the employer is, e.g. if you are applying via a recruitment agency. In this case concentrate on the attractions of the role.

Why you are perfect for the job

Using the job description or person specification, describe your most relevant experiences as evidence of the employer’s requirements. This will help convince the employer you are the ideal candidate for this job. If there is no detailed job description, use careers information/job profiles which describe typical features of the work.

You can also use this careers information for a speculative application, as you can describe abilities and experience that you would expect them to be looking for given the nature of the opportunity that you are seeking.

While the CV is a brief summary of facts and your selling points, the covering letter is where you show exactly how and why you fit the opportunity and organisation you are applying to. So when describing your key examples don't repeat the information already in your CV. Instead, add more detail to make a stronger and compelling case.

Reiterate your enthusiasm to join the organisation and end with ‘I look forward to hearing from you’ or a similar statement. If appropriate, say when you are/are not available for interview. Ensure you sign off ‘Yours sincerely’ if writing to a named individual, and ‘Yours faithfully’ if you have not been able to find a named contact. Type your name, but also sign the letter if you are printing it out.

Dealing with 'difficult' issues / disclosing a disability

Covering letters also give you the chance to say more about any ‘difficult’ issues, for example weaker grades, lack of relevant experience, time gaps and health issues/disability. Use the letter to explain how you have coped with any setbacks and be sure to emphasise positive qualities that you have developed as a result, such as determination and persistence. Write positively about the experience, for example what you learnt from it, and what you have done to address the issue since then, if applicable.

If you have health-related issues or a disability, it is your decision whether to disclose this when writing your covering letter and there is  further advice on this topic . You may wish to discuss this with an adviser.

Sample covering letters and resources

We have a number of templates to help you write a covering letter and CV, but DO NOT just copy these. You need to use your judgment and create your own application, targeting it to the needs of the the job and employer. Make it personal so that it stands out from the crowd.

• CV with skills section and letter
• CV and letter
• CV with profile and letter
• CV and letter for mature student
• CV and letter for part-time work
• CV and letter for part-time work (two sides)
• CV and letter applying for science PhD

Active words for CVs and covering letters

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