Cover letter structure: from subject line to closing.

A classic cover letter includes sender and contact, recipient, place and date, a clear subject line, greeting, text, closing phrase, and name. If you apply through a portal, contact details may already sit in form fields. Still check which file or free text is actually required.

The subject line names the exact position and, where relevant, a reference number. Use the contact person only when you are sure of the name and spelling; a neutral greeting is better than a wrong one.

Opening: What is the central task, and why does your path so far fit it? Main part: One or two situations show what you yourself did. Motivation: Why does this exact role make sense now? Closing: Required formalities and a clear wish to talk.

One page is a good orientation for many applications. If the text grows too long, cut general introductions and repeated traits first – not the only concrete piece of evidence.

Use paragraphs that are easy to see, readable type, and enough space. Two similar typefaces, many icons, or an especially narrow text field rarely make a cover letter more convincing. Resume and cover letter can belong together visually, but they do not have to force identical page layouts.

Export as PDF if the posting does not specify something else. Open the file you will send and check breaks, special characters, subject line, and file name.

Role, company, greeting, and date have to match the current application. Read the text once only for facts: do role, scope of responsibility, and results hold? Then read it aloud for clarity. An elegant formulation you cannot explain in the interview does not belong in what you send.