𝐃𝐨 𝐈 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐚 𝐜𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐈 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐲? - 𝐖𝐡𝐨 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐬𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭? I am convinced that a cover letter is useful.... ... considering that it should act as a letter of motivation. Most applications consist of two parts. The cover letter and the CV. Often the CV is read first, because here you can immediately see whether the "must haves" for the job are fulfilled. Consequently, the CV looks back - at skills and experience already acquired. The cover letter looks forward - it is not called a motivation letter for nothing. Why exactly am I applying for this job? So... do I (always) need a cover letter?

1. Do I need a
cover letter
when I apply?

2. It depends

4. No, if...

5. generic phrases (”I am applying for a job...”)
Text modules (”exciting company”)
repetitions from the CV (looking back
again)
...it is absolutely clear from the CV why you
are applying, i.e. from the job titles, job
descriptions and the (academic) career, you
do not necessarily have to write a covering
letter.
Instead of...
...you can save yourself the work.

6. Yes, if...

7. Career starter
Career changer
Downshifter
etc.
... you are a
...it can make sense.
The CV itself tells nothing about the reasons
of the motivation for this specific application.
Especially here the cover letter is valuable,
because it can emphasize the soft skills,
individuality and character.

8. One example

10. Short and sweet.
I am grateful for ideas, suggestions and
experiences.
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