Crafting a convincing cover letter

Writing a compelling cover letter is a key step in presenting yourself effectively and differentiating yourself from other candidates in a selection process. A good cover letter allows you to highlight your skills, experience and motivations in a clear and compelling way, grabbing the employer’s attention and encouraging them to consider your profile for the role in question.

To write a compelling cover letter, it is important to follow a few key steps that will help you structure your message effectively and persuasively. Here are some useful tips for writing a compelling cover letter:

Start with a strong introduction. Your cover letter should begin with a strong and memorable opening sentence that immediately grabs the reader’s attention. It is important to show your interest in the position and the company from the outset, demonstrating a genuine motivation and a strong interest in contributing to the success of the organisation.

Highlight your skills and experience. In your covering letter, it is essential to highlight your professional skills and experience in a clear and detailed manner. It is important to link your skills and knowledge to the specific requirements of the role you are applying for, demonstrating that you are the right person for the job.

Demonstrate enthusiasm and motivation. It is important to convey enthusiasm and motivation for the role and the company in your message. Showing the employer that you are interested in the job opportunity and that you want to actively contribute to the success of the company will help to create a positive impression and interest in your profile.

Personalise your message. It is important to personalise your cover letter according to the company and role you are applying for. Showing that you have researched the company and understood its values, culture and specific requirements will help to demonstrate your interest and attention to detail to the employer.

Close with a call to action. At the end of the cover letter, it is important to conclude with a call to action, inviting the employer to contact you for a possible interview or further information. Showing willingness and interest in a possible meeting shows determination and a desire to take advantage of the opportunity.

Finally, it is important to remember to pay attention to the formatting and grammatical correctness of the cover letter, ensuring that the text is clear, readable and error-free. A well-structured, compelling and persuasive cover letter can make all the difference in the selection process, helping you to highlight your skills and stand out from other candidates.

Writing style and tone

When writing a CV and a covering letter, it is important to choose an appropriate writing style and tone that will grab the reader’s attention and effectively communicate your skills and experience.

First of all, it is important to avoid using commonplaces and phrases that make the CV and covering letter unoriginal and uninteresting. For example, instead of writing ‘team player’ or ‘excellent communication skills’, it is better to use concrete examples that demonstrate these skills, such as ‘I have worked successfully with the team to achieve company goals’ or ‘I have communicated effectively with clients and colleagues, ensuring clear and transparent communication’.

It is also important to use active verbs to describe your experience and responsibilities. Active verbs add dynamism to the text and convey the idea that you are a proactive and motivated person. For example, instead of writing ‘I was responsible for managing the team’, you could write ‘I successfully managed a team of professionals, ensuring the achievement of set goals’.

The use of active verbs is particularly important in the covering letter, where you can describe your experience and motivation in more detail. By using active verbs, you can convey your enthusiasm and commitment to the role you are applying for, attracting the employer’s interest and setting yourself apart from other candidates.

Finally, it is important to adapt the style and tone of your CV and covering letter to the sector in which you are seeking employment. For example, if you are looking for a job in a creative or artistic sector, you could use a more original and creative style, whereas if you are looking for a job in a more formal and traditional sector, it is advisable to use a more professional and sober style.

In conclusion, choosing the right style and tone for your CV and covering letter can make the difference between being noticed by recruiters and ending up anonymous. Using active verbs, avoiding clichés and tailoring your style to the sector are all key elements in creating an effective and impactful CV and covering letter.

Work experience abroad is often favoured because it more often than not provides a boost towards important professional growth.

It may sound easy, but the CV in English is not a mere translation of the national one. In this way, you can show that you did not just change the language, but that there was study work on Anglo-Saxon models behind it.

In the English CV, clarity and brevity are also rewarded, paying particular attention to being positive, highlighting one’s successes and strengths (so-called ‘soft skills’). Unlike the Italian CV, in the English one:

  • The nationality of origin is required;
  • Attach a covering letter;
  • Provide references where possible;
  • At the end of the document, if you have references but prefer to give them at a later stage, normally use the formula ‘references available upon request’.

Regarding grammar:

  • Use the same verb form throughout the document;
  • Give preference to phrasal verbs and the active form of verbs;
  • Remember that “Achievements” represent achievements, “Abilities” are the natural or acquired skills, “Tasks” or “Responsibilities” the activities that had to be carried out during a working relationship.

There are two types of CV in English, and they vary according to the characteristics one wishes to highlight:

  • Chronological CV. The classic CV where professional and study experiences are listed in chronological order, starting with the most recent one;
  • Skill-based CV. This is a type of CV that emphasises skills and competences.