How to Draft a Perfect German Cover Letter [Format, Guide]

In Germany, the employment market is highly competitive. Many qualified and skilled individuals are looking for jobs in Germany, so it's critical to make an excellent first impression with your cover letter.

A well-written cover letter can differentiate between securing job interviews and being overlooked when submitting a job or visa application. A great cover letter demonstrates that you are serious about the position and have what it takes.

Read on for a guide on how to write the ideal German cover letter and an example format, plus some pointers and shortcuts to ensure that your cover letter is flawless.

What is a German Cover Letter?

You may submit a one-page cover letter (Anschreiben) from Germany when applying for a job or an internship. The cover letter introduces you to the potential employer and explains why you are the ideal applicant.

The German cover letter should be formal and polite. The tone should be positive and professional.

Tip: You may submit your resume (Lebenslauf) and cover letter in English or German when applying for a position. If the employment opening is in German, it is advisable to write your cover letter in German.

German Cover Letter Format

It is critical to use the correct format for your cover letter when applying in Germany. This implies that you should include your contact information (name, address, phone number, email) and the date at the top of the page. The letter should be addressed to the person in charge of hiring at the firm (if you do not have a name, you can use something more general, such as "Dear Hiring Manager").

It is essential to keep it professional and easy to read regarding font style and size for your German cover letter. Times New Roman or Arial font in size 12 should be sufficient.

Begin your letter with a brief introduction and explain why you are interested in the position. Then, go into detail about your qualifications and accomplishments that make you the perfect candidate for the job. Be sure to emphasize any skills or experience relevant to the position.

In the second section, underline the skills and accomplishments that make you the perfect candidate. Be sure to emphasize any skills or work experience relevant to the position. Finally, in the third part, thank the company for their time and consideration. You may also include a statement of availability for an interview or mention that you will be in touch soon.

Close the letter with a professional sign-off ("Sincerely," "Best regards," etc.), followed by your full name and signature.

Tip: If you've studied German, say so in your cover letter. This will demonstrate to the employer that you're serious about the position and have taken the time to learn more about their culture and country.

What not to include in a German Cover Letter

When writing your German cover letter, there are a few things that you should avoid doing.

• Do not repeat information from your resume or CV verbatim.
• Personal information such as your age, marital status, or the number of children should not be included. This data is irrelevant to the employer and may lead to your being discriminated against.
• Do not use informal language or contractions. The phrases "I'd want to," or "I'll be" are examples of informal language.
• Avoid a generic cover letter. Make sure that your cover letter is tailored to the position you're applying for. This will demonstrate to the employer that you are genuinely interested in working for them.
• Do not include a photograph of yourself.
• Do not use humor or try to be witty in your cover letter. This is a formal business correspondence; therefore, keep it serious unless stated otherwise.
• Do not make any negative comments about your current or previous employers.
• Do not reveal your salary expectations or demands during the interview. This may be discussed at length during the hiring process.

Keep the following in mind while drafting a German Cover Letter

A German cover letter should be concise and direct, as stated in the job description.

There's no need to include details about your interests or hobbies. The emphasis should be on your abilities and qualifications rather than your personality.

Employers may not be familiar with overly formal or technical language, so avoid it. Stick to simple, straightforward speech that anyone can comprehend.

Finally, double-check it for spelling and grammatical errors before submitting your cover letter.

German Cover Letter Template Ideas

Finding the ideal German cover letter template may be a challenging task.

The internet is your best friend for locating the perfect German cover letter template. Several excellent, free websites provide templates for various letters, including German cover letters.

Some of our favorites include:

Novoresume is a website that provides free templates for various letters, including German Cover Letters. The website offers several templates for different types of letters and varying levels of experience.

Resume.io is another website that has compiled the best German cover letter examples and templates to help you land your dream job.

Zety is a website that provides cover letter templates for various professions. The website offers both free and paid templates.

Cover letters can be tricky, but following a specific format can make the time to research much more accessible and help you get your dream job. Remember to personalize your letter for each job application and highlight relevant qualifications and experience.

Need help with your German CV?

Don't worry! Check out our German CV guide below to know everything you need to create an outstanding German CV