Writing a cover letter
Your cover letter and your CV are your tickets to a job interview. A recruiter will notice your effort, which makes for a good first impression. While a CV reflects what you have done, your cover letter should focus on how you plan to use your experiences going forward.
First things first. A cover letter should be one A4 page, max. Using the same design layout shows that your letter completes your CV. Although called a “personal letter” in Swedish, it should not be personal. It should tell the employer who you are and, more importantly, why you are the right person for the job. Do not waste space repeating what is already written in your CV.
Your cover letter should trigger a recruiter’s interest in calling you for an interview. Your application is like a movie trailer. Be smart when you choose what you would like them to know about you. Reveal your best side to raise interest, and show the movie at the interview.
Writing a cover letter is an acquired skill. First, you lift yourself and your goals, then link that to the employer’s culture and goals and the position you are applying for. Each cover letter should be tailored to the job, meaning the content will vary. As a guideline, make sure your letter answers the following three questions:
- Who are you, professionally?
- What are you offering when it comes to this job?
- Why are you the right person for this job?
Recruiters look for a match – make sure you are the perfect fit!
Soft skills
When it comes to your CV, it often focuses on your hard skills. What you have done, things you have “on paper”. However, your soft skills are also necessary when applying for a job. Soft skills ultimately come down to your talent, personality and motivation. Soft skills might be hard to identify, but your cover letter or job interview is the ideal place to demonstrate them.
Frequently asked questions:
What language should I use?
If you do not speak Swedish, then use English. Never rely on AI tools or Google Translate nor ask a friend to translate your application. Instead, if you are currently learning Swedish, make that clear in your CV or cover letter.
Should I include my photo?
This is optional in Sweden. If you do, then choose a professional one. Not too relaxed but not too formal and stiff. And smile!
Do I need to fine-tune my cover letter for each application?
Yes! Even if it is the same type of job, there will always be differences in the job description, company culture etc. Therefore, you need to adapt your cover letter to suit each position.
Final tips!
- Communicate why you are interested in this particular job.
- Focus on your strengths.
- Do not write too formally – be personal yet professional.
- Always proofread! Spelling errors and poor grammar give a wrong impression.