5 secrets of successful cover letter

Participation in volunteer projects, study or practice abroad, a grant for scientific research - which Whatever you send a request, as a supplement, you will need to write a cover letter, or Personal Statement. But do not take this as a mandatory item next test.

Well-written cover letter plays a key role in the selection of candidates. This is your chance to add information on the most important positions in summary: About your education, experience, intentions and purposes.

Layfhaker shares the secrets that will help so tell us about yourself on one A4 page to your nominee stands out from the hundreds or even thousands of applicants.

1. Motivation letter should be your

The letter accompanying your application must be special, so do not try to use someone else's thoughts and adjust them for yourself. It should look at examples, but no more. When preparing stick standard structure: intro, main part, conclusion.

Introduce yourself, tell us in two sentences about yourself, but do not overwrite job, especially if it is part of a package of documents. Ideally, the first paragraph immediately hold attention. The main part of the Focus on the chosen program and your motivation.

Write about your goals and how to participate will help you achieve them.

Enter your purpose in a global context, indicate what your participation in the program can be useful to your country, university or company. And then tell us about your abilities, to prove that you do not only want, but also can achieve the desired.

In conclusion, it is worth mentioning that you can be useful to the organizers of the fund or program or why they share values ​​and want to be on their team. This will help you understand why you need to invest it in your candidacy. Complete the letter a short story about your plans after the training or practice how you will implement goals.

Write about yourself the truth. Make sure you are fully fit on the specified selection criteria, and be sure that you really need to participate.

2. The letter must correspond to the program to which you are applying

Carefully read the requirements of the training program or internship. Make sure that the letter reflects your genuine interest.

Imagine that you have chosen: what courses will become a visit? How the program will help to unleash your potential?

If you are applying to study at different universities, and the cover letter should be every time new. Even if the same specialty, course structure and scope of research can vary significantly.

Commission need to understand why you are interested in participating as this program will help you become a better and why your choice is not accidental. It is possible your plans change, you will get a grant. But a detailed description proves that you come to a choice consciously and not just want to take advantage of the party.

3. The letter should be allocated

Now your task - to prove that you are the candidate. You can have an infinitely long list of accomplishments and have a serious experience, but before the commission hundreds of applications and very little time. That she wanted to study your application in detail, it is necessary to verify this.

Simple transfer of skills and intentions are not enough: Demonstrate your great desire to participate, your passion for their chosen field. Tell us what you are younger than 25, and you've got a second degree, participated in international projects.

Allow your disadvantages become advantages.

For example, if you are not trained abroad, it also can be used to your advantage: returning after participating in the program, you will be a different person, a more open and flexible.

Reinforce your strengths specific examples. If you write that they are willing to work hard, mention your most successful project. The main thing that your arguments consistently urged the Commission: the whole experience will be very useful in this particular program. Write concisely and logically, avoid templates: let your text will be, it will make it out alive and memorable.

4. Motivation letter should be diplomatic

Many foundations and organizations that issue grants belong to any political party or promote certain values. Everyone has an opinion, and the organizers will certainly appreciate it.

However, the motivation letter is not necessary to sharply express their views or to hold extreme positions on sensitive issues.

Discuss with the organizers and other participants, you will be able to, when you become a member of the program. Who knows, maybe your views more change? But familiarity with the specifics of the organization, its mission and projects that can help you understand what kind of person is required for this program, and become them.

5. Drawing up of a successful letter takes time

And one more important secret: do not leave the writing of letters to the last days before the deadline, otherwise the fear will not let you do not have time to focus on the content and concentrate on work. Rest assured that in one night, you most likely do not write anything good. You may need extra time to edit a letter or even rewrite it. Inspiration will surely visit you, you only to begin.

The letter was written? Put it briefly, and then test yourself by answering a few questions.

1. I formulated succinctly and clearly, exactly where I am applying for the place I want to get?
2. I was able to explain his motivation is available? Why do I want to participate, the selected program will extend my personal and professional prospects?
3. Are we to understand from my letter that distinguishes me from the other candidates?
4. Is it enough to be brief and specific examples, which I supported his dignity?
5. What impression will leave my letter for me?
6. Is there a letter of grammar, syntax, and other factual errors? Whether there is a summary of differences?

If you are worried that not enough objective to themselves, ask some of your friends to look the part. Maybe you can find contacts of people who have already participated in this program. Try to ask them about the special requirements for applicants and other pitfalls.

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Share in the comments your experiences and secrets of writing a cover letter. What role in your fate played a cover letter?