Professional Documents
Culture Documents
DK
WWW.CAREERS.AAU.DK
WWW.CAREERS.AAU.DK
LAYOUT
Another good thing to keep in mind is that a cover letter should be no more than one page (A4) but not too short either.
It is important for you to keep a good structure that makes it easy for the reader to survey your competences and see
if your application should be placed in the pile with the possible candidates or in the bin. A lot of info can be placed
more locially in the CV. A lot of information can be placed in the CV instead of the cover letter - e.g. your name and age.
Company name and contact name is not needed. Place this in the e-mail text.
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WWW.CAREERS.AAU.DK
2 TYPES OF
COVER LETTERS
1: THE ADVERTISED COVER LETTER
The advertised cover letter is an answer to a job advert you have seen on the internet, in a newspaper, in
a specialist journal etc. Usually, the company lists a number of demands to the candidates qualifications
and the tasks this person should be able to handle. Remember, this list is nothing but a wish list and you
dont have to fulfill every single one of the demands. If you fulfill 75%, it is just fine. If you are in doubt, it
is always a good idea to call the company and ask questions about the job. This way you show your interest
and maybe the HR manager will remember you, when he or she reads your cover letter. You can also show
an interest in a company at the Careers Fair, company visits, etc.
If you need an individual counseling on your cover letter, send an email to karriere@aau.dk
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WWW.CAREERS.AAU.DK
Your company is in a constant growth both in Denmark, 14 % in 2010 and in Europe, 9 %. Due to my degree in
international business and sales, I know how to market products and combined with my personal background in
music, I have a knowledge of how I can help you continue your success.
In my masters thesis I worked together with company X and X and compared different marketing strategies when
trying to launch new products to already satisfied customers. Your company has similar challenges, and thus I already know your customers profile. I have new ideas of how to brand your products. My upbringing in both Spain
and Germany has given me a strong international profile with cultural and language strengths.
My bachelor in music from University of Barcelona gave me a very good insight in how feeling the music means to
the musicians. Therefore, a sale is not just a sale, but an experience that has to be told as well as understanding
of customers need. My student job in an music store also gives me experience in direct contact with customers,
argumentation and how sales can be targeted.
As a person, I am very outgoing, humorous and responsible. Before I came to Denmark last year I used these
qualities in my spare time where I volunteer at the local youth club, arranging sport events and other social activities. I dont mind having to be in charge and make sure all the pieces fall into place.
I find the job very interesting, and I am sure we will be a perfect match for each other. I am looking forward to
speaking with you about this employment opportunity.
Yours sincerely,
XXXX
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WWW.CAREERS.AAU.DK
EXAMPLE:
A. Title: write a catchy title. You might suggest a position you want to hold in the company or describe your area of interest.
B. Argument: when you write an unsolicited cover letter, you have to describe why you want to work
in this particular company and with certain projects. Maybe you have read an interesting article
about the company in the newspaper, followed them on LinkedIn or talked to them at the Careers
Fair.
D. Describe the job you are looking for: this is where you inform the company about your competences and what you are dedicated to work with. Make it clear what you have to offer and which tasks
you are able to solve. Also, it is a good idea to mention if you are versatile and able to handle other
tasks than the ones you have focused on in the application. Focus should be on enhancing your most
essential competences, both academic and personal, and relevant work experiences. You have to
make yourself as interesting as possible in order to get a job interview.
E. About you: this is a good place for you to give the reader an idea of who you are as a person by
describing your personal competences.
F. Ending: when you send an unsolicited job application, you show initiative. You have to sustain this
initiative by writing that you will contact the company. Name a date two weeks later. Remember to
actually do this. This way you give them the most reliable impression of you as a person.
G. Remember: signature and name. Only attach diplomas, references etc. IF the company has asked
for it. Otherwise, bring it for the job interview.
If you need an individual counseling on your cover letter, send an email to karriere@aau.dk
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