The main body of a cover letter is the central element of a cover letter that determines the success of an application. In the main body, you have the opportunity to describe your professional achievements, skills and motivation in detail and emphasize why you are the ideal candidate for the job. This allows the employer to get an accurate picture of your qualifications and skills to meet the requirements of the position. A well-structured and informative main section makes your application convincing and helps you to stand out from other applicants. This part of the letter describes your professional achievements and makes it clear how these can contribute to the development of the company in the future. The main body is therefore a key element that influences the employer's decision to invite you for an interview.
Table of contents
A bit of theory. What is a cover letter and its structure
A cover letter is your first impression to a potential employer and should show who you are, what you can do and why you are exactly the right person for the job. It consists of several important parts that together paint a complete and convincing picture of your suitability for the job. What parts does a good cover letter consist of?
- Sender and date: This is where you put your contact details, i.e. name, address, telephone number and e-mail. Don't forget the current date on which you wrote the letter. This is where applicants often fail to update the date, which is a sign of negligence.
- Recipient: The company's contact details and ideally the name of the contact person.
- Subject: Short and concise - this is where you write which position you are applying for, for example "Application as Marketing Manager".
- Salutation: A personal address is important. If you were able to find out the name of the contact person, use it here. Otherwise, stick to "Dear Sir or Madam". It is best to call the company to find out who the right contact person is for your application.
- Introduction: In the first few sentences, explain why you are applying. This should be short and concise and arouse interest.
- Main section: This is where you describe your qualifications, experience and skills. Show what you can do and why you are exactly the right person for the job. Include specific examples and successes from your previous work.
- Conclusion: In the final section, you emphasize your motivation once again and thank them for considering your application. You can also express your readiness for an interview here.
- Greeting and signature: A friendly conclusion with your handwritten signature rounds off the letter.
The influence of the main body on employer decisions
Your main body has a direct influence on the employer's decision to invite you for an interview. If this part of your letter clearly and convincingly outlines your qualifications, experience and motivation, the employer will be more inclined to invite you for an interview. A well-written cover letter can make a positive impression and increase your chances of progressing to the next stage of the selection process and ultimately getting the job. At the same time, a weak or incomplete main body can reduce the employer's interest in your application. Even if the other parts of the application are well done, the employer will simply not consider them further.
The role of the main body in the cover letter
The main body has several important functions, the most important of which are:
- Statement of qualifications: This section gives you the opportunity to detail your professional achievements, skills and experience that match the requirements of the job. This allows the employer to better understand how you can contribute to the company.
- Emphasize motivation: You can use the main body to show your interest in a particular job and company. It shows that you are serious and willing to work towards common goals.
- Adaptation to the vacancy: In this part of the cover letter, you can tailor your experience and skills to the specific requirements of the job, making your application more relevant and valuable to the employer.
How the main body helps you stand out from the crowd of applicants
The body of the cover letter is a crucial component that allows an applicant to not only showcase their professional experience, but also stand out from the other applicants. A well-written cover letter showcases your qualifications and helps the employer get a clear picture of your strengths and professional potential. This can be achieved by considering the following aspects:
- Concreteness: using specific examples and achievements in the body shows the employer that you have practical experience and are able to deliver real results. This will set you apart from other applicants who may only use generic phrases.
- Relevance: Tailoring your main body content to a specific job posting will make your application more attractive to employers, as it shows that you know the requirements of the job and are willing to fulfill them.
- Professionalism: A well-structured and logical body demonstrates your organizational and analytical skills, which are important for any career.
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How to write a good main body in your cover letter
A well-written main body in a cover letter should be structured, clear and relevant to the job. You should not include more than three or four paragraphs so as not to overwhelm the employer. Here is a step-by-step guide that can make your job easier.
Opening paragraph: Motivation and reason for interest in the company
- Start with your motivation: explain why you are interested in this particular company. Mention what caught your attention, e.g. the company's values, reputation or specific projects.
- Relate this to your goals: Explain how working at this company fits with your career goals and ambitions. This shows that your motivation is profound and well thought out.
- Be specific: Mention specific aspects of the company that appeal to you to show that you have done your research and are genuinely interested in the position.
Example:
"I am interested in your company and the open position because it is a leader in innovative technologies. I was particularly impressed by your project to develop environmentally friendly production solutions, which aligns perfectly with my professional sustainability goals..."
Middle paragraph: Work experience and achievements
- Describe relevant experience: List your previous jobs and tasks that are relevant to the position you're applying for. Focus on what you have done and what results you have achieved.
- Highlight your achievements: Give specific examples of your achievements that demonstrate your efficiency and competence. These can be quantifiable key figures such as increases in turnover, improved processes or successful project completions.
- Be clear and concise: Avoid generalities and focus on specific examples that highlight your skills and achievements.
Example:
"...As a Senior Marketing Manager at (insert company name), I led a team of 10 employees and successfully implemented a digital marketing strategy that increased online sales by 30% in one year. I also designed and implemented a program that was highly recognized for its creativity and effectiveness..."
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Final section: Skills and qualities that are relevant to the position
- List your most important skills: List the most important skills that are relevant to the job you are applying for. These can be both technical and social skills, e.g. leadership, communication or project management.
- Emphasize your personal qualities: Describe the qualities that make you an ideal candidate for the job. This could be an eye for detail, quick thinking or the ability to work in a team.
- Relate to the company's requirements: Explain how your skills and qualities will help the company achieve its goals. This shows the employer that you understand their needs and are willing to make a contribution.
Example:
"...My skills in strategic planning and analytics enable me to develop effective marketing strategies. Combined with my communication skills and experience in leading teams, I can ensure that projects are successfully executed and goals are met. I am confident that I can bring great value to your company and contribute to its further development."
It is considered good form if your cover letter fits on one A4 sheet of paper.
Relevance in the main body
The cover letter should be specific and relevant. This helps the employer to get a clear picture of your skills and experience and how you fit the job. To achieve a successful result, you should pay attention to the following aspects.
Use concrete examples:
- Describe your achievements with numerical indicators: Use concrete numbers and results to prove your achievements. For example, instead of "I have increased the company's turnover", write "I have increased the company's turnover by 20% in six months." Figures are an objective measure of your success and make your achievements more tangible for the employer.
- Go into detail about your tasks and projects: Describe the specific tasks and projects you have been involved in. For example: "I led a project to develop a new website that increased traffic by 50%." A detailed description of your responsibilities shows your competence and ability to fulfill specific professional tasks.
- Emphasize your personal contribution: Emphasize your personal contribution to the success of the team or project. For example: "I developed a marketing strategy that increased customer acquisition by 30%." Show how your actions have led to concrete results that will help your employer evaluate your performance.
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Customize the content to a specific job
- Study the job requirements: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the employer's basic requirements and expectations. Use keywords and phrases from the job description in your email to illustrate how your skills and experience match the requirements.
- Highlight relevant experience: Focus on the aspects of your work experience that are most relevant to the job. For example, if a job posting calls for management skills, focus on your experience leading teams. Use examples from your previous experience to show that you are able to fulfill the tasks expected in the new position.
- Consider the culture and values of the company: Research the culture, mission and values of the company. Show how your personal values and professional goals align with the company culture. This allows the employer to see that you not only fulfill the job requirements, but that you can also integrate well into the team.
An example of a marketing manager position in a company that focuses on environmental responsibility might look like this: Main paragraph:
"In my previous position as Senior Marketing Manager at (name of company), I developed and implemented an environmentally focused marketing campaign that increased sales by 25% in 15 months and strengthened the company's image as a leader in sustainability. My approach to strategy development was based on a deep understanding of the market and customer needs, which enabled me to successfully implement projects with a high level of commitment.Iam confident that my experience in developing innovative solutions and my commitment to the environment will also be of benefit to your company."
Tone of voice and language in the main body
The main body of your cover letter should be confident and positive. This will give the impression that you are confident in your skills and experience. Use phrases that emphasize your achievements and skills, such as "I managed a project" or "I solved problems effectively". Avoid words that sound uncertain or doubtful, such as "I think" or "maybe". A positive tone helps to create a positive impression and shows that you are ready for new challenges.
Using the active voice in the text of your email makes the text dynamic and clear. The active voice emphasizes your actions and achievements and makes them more tangible for the employer. For example, instead of "The project was completed on time", write "I completed the project on time". This clearly emphasizes your role and your contribution to the results. An active voice helps to focus on your actions and achievements, making your cover letter more convincing and professional.
Personalization in the main body
Personalizing your cover letter starts with thinking about the culture of the company you are applying to. This includes knowing the company's mission, values, work processes and general way of working. For example, if the company values innovation and creativity, you should emphasize your skills in developing innovative solutions and participating in creative projects. If the company values teamwork and shared successes, talk about your experience in team projects and your contribution to shared successes. This shows the employer that you understand and share the company's values and can therefore integrate well into the corporate culture.
An important aspect of personalization is mentioning specific projects or company values that you are interested in. This could be a big project that has impressed you or an initiative that reflects your own values. For example, if the company has run a successful environmental project, talk about your experience with similar projects or your interest in sustainable development. If the company is known for its success in a particular area, highlight your experience and skills that can contribute to further success in this area. This shows that you are not only interested in the company, but that you have studied its activities and are willing to contribute to its development.
Example:
"I am particularly interested in your green product development project because I have extensive experience in developing sustainable solutions. During my time at (name of company), I led a project to introduce green technologies that reduced CO2 emissions by 20%. I admire your commitment to sustainability and would love to join your team to reach new heights in this area together."
Personalization in this case shows the employer that you take the application process seriously, understand the company's culture and have particular interests that align with their business. This will definitely increase your chances of being invited for an interview.
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Bonus tips for writing an effective main body
To create an effective main body that not only highlights your qualifications and experience, but also shows that you mean business and are preparing for a potential position with the company, you need to do some groundwork. This includes the following points.
Company analysis
- Analyze the company's culture and values: Start by analyzing the company's mission and values. This will help you to understand what is important to the company and how you can fulfill these expectations. Familiarize yourself with the company culture by visiting the company's official website, social media pages and reading employee reviews. Pay attention to keywords that are often used to describe the company. Study the company's latest news and press releases to keep up to date with its successes and future plans.
- Study the job requirements: Read the job description carefully. Pay attention to the most important requirements for the applicant, the tasks and the skills needed. Highlight key words and phrases that emphasize what the employer expects from an applicant. This will allow you to tailor your cover letter to the company's expectations. Research similar jobs on other websites to get a better idea of the typical requirements for such positions.
Self-analysis
- Highlight relevant experience and skills: Analyze your professional experience and find out which of your skills and achievements are most important for the position. Make a list of key skills that meet the employer's requirements and that you want to highlight in your cover letter. Consider not only technical skills, but also soft skills that may be important for successful work in the company.
- Prepare examples of successes and projects: Prepare specific examples of your accomplishments that demonstrate your expertise and relevant experience. Use quantitative metrics when possible. Choose projects that best highlight your skills and achievements. Focus on those that are most important to the potential employer. Describe your role in the projects, emphasizing your personal contribution and the results you have achieved.
Edit and check
- Check your text for grammatical and spelling errors: Check your text carefully for grammatical and spelling errors. Mistakes can make you look sloppy and unprofessional. Use the automatic spell checker, but don't forget to also check your text manually to make sure it is correct. Ask a colleague or friend to review your email to get a fresh perspective and spot any errors you may have missed.
- Make sure the style and tone are consistent: Make sure your email is written in a confident and positive tone. Use an active voice to highlight your achievements and contributions. Maintain a professional style and avoid being too formal or informal. Stay clear and concise and focus on the most important aspects that are relevant to the job. This will keep the employer's attention and the text will be more convincing.
Conclusions about writing a cover letter and the role of the main body in it
Writing the body of your cover letter correctly can be a crucial part of getting an invitation to interview. It is the part of the letter that allows you to present your professional skills, achievements and motivation in the best possible way and show why you are the ideal candidate for the job. By following the guidelines for using specific examples, tailoring the content to the job posting, taking into account the company culture and ensuring that the style and tone are consistent, you can create a compelling and effective main body.
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Application main section: tips, structure and examples
From Vitalii Shynakov