A Cover Letter That Actually Interests Recruiters

Forget the clichés. We will show you the structure and tips for a letter that opens doors to an interview.

"Dear Sir or Madam, I would like to apply for the position..." Stop. If your cover letter starts like this, you are one of thousands. After 15 years of reading cover letters, we know exactly what bores recruiters and what, on the contrary, wakes them up. Let's create a letter together that distinguishes you from the crowd and opens the door to an interview.

Why Write a Cover Letter at All?

First, let's clarify the basic question: Is a cover letter necessary?

  • YES, if the company explicitly requests it.

  • YES, if you are applying for a creative/managerial position.

  • YES, if you are changing fields or need to explain something in your CV.

  • MAYBE, if you want to stand out among hundreds of candidates.

  • NO, if the firm writes "cover letter is an advantage" and you have nothing to say.

Structure That Works

Forget high school essays. A modern cover letter has a clear structure:

1. Introduction: Catch Attention (2-3 sentences)

Instead of: "Allow me to respond to your ad..." Write: "When I saw that you were looking for a project manager for production digitalization, I knew I had to write to you. For the last 5 years, I have been dedicating myself exactly to this – connecting traditional production with modern technologies."

2. Why This Company? (1 paragraph)

Show that you did your research:

  • Mention specific projects or company values

  • Connect them with your experience

  • Explain why it appeals to you

Example: "Your warehouse automation project, which you wrote about in a recent article, corresponds exactly to my vision of where industry is heading. In my previous employment, I led a similar transformation..."

3. What Do You Bring? (1-2 paragraphs)

Here you sell yourself, but smartly:

  • Concrete successes relevant to the position

  • Measurable results (numbers, percentages)

  • Stories, not a list of skills

Instead of: "I have excellent communication skills." Write: "When I took over the team of 12 technicians, turnover was 40%. By introducing regular one-on-ones and clear communication of projects, we reduced it to 8% within a year."

4. Why Do You Fit? (1 paragraph)

Connect your experience with the position requirements:

  • Choose 2-3 key requirements from the ad

  • Show how you meet them

  • Use their language/terminology

5. Conclusion: Call to Action (2-3 sentences)

Instead of: "I look forward to your answer." Write: "I would be happy to meet you personally and discuss how I can contribute to your team. I am available for an interview at any time that suits you."

What Actually Interests Recruiters

Specificity and Proof

  • "I increased sales by 23%" > "I have sales talent"

  • "I led a team during the migration of 10,000 users" > "I have experience with IT"

Knowledge of the Company

  • Mention of a specific product/project

  • Reference to company values (but authentic)

  • Understanding of their business challenge

Personality and Authenticity

  • Your own voice, not ChatGPT

  • Stories that are memorable

  • Enthusiasm (but not exaggerated)

Relevance

  • Only information important for the position

  • Connecting every experience with their needs

  • Clear "why" exactly you

Most Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

Generic Letter for Everyone

  • Problem: "Your company is a leader in the market..."

  • Solution: Personalize every letter. Better 5 quality ones than 50 identical ones.

Repeating the CV

  • Problem: Listing all employments again.

  • Solution: Choose 2-3 most relevant experiences and develop them into a story.

Too Long Text

  • Problem: 2 pages of text.

  • Solution: Max 1 page, ideally 3/4. A recruiter devotes 30 seconds to the letter.

Clichés and Phrases

  • Problem: "I am a team player with excellent communication skills."

  • Solution: Show it with an example, do not claim it.

Grammar Errors

  • Problem: Typos, mistakes.

  • Solution: Read it 3x, have someone else read it before sending.

Special Situations

  • Change of Field "I know I come from another field, but precisely my experience from retail gives me a unique view of customer service, which I want to use in IT support..."

  • Gap in CV "After two years of parental leave, I am returning with new energy and a clearer idea about the direction of my career..."

  • Return to Profession "A year of entrepreneurship taught me to see things from a business perspective, which I can now use as an employee..."

  • Junior Position "I don't have 5 years of practice, but I have the hunger to learn. Proof is my personal project..."

Practical Tips for Various Fields

  • Finance/Accounting Emphasize precision, reliability, concrete systems.

  • IT Show projects, GitHub, technologies you master.

  • Production Focus on efficiency, safety, process improvement.

  • Sales/Marketing Numbers, numbers + creativity.

  • HR Stories about people, how you helped growth.

A Template to Start With

Dear [Specific Name if you know it],

[Strong intro – why you are writing, what interests you]
[Why this company – concrete reasons!]
[Your main success / relevance for the position]
[Other relevant experience or skills]
[Why you fit – connecting with needs] [Conclusion with call to action]

Best regards,

[Your Name] [Contact]

5 Secret Tips from Our Consultants

  1. Write in the evening, edit in the morning – write the first draft with emotion, edit the second with a cool head.

  2. The 3-second rule – The first sentence must interest them within 3 seconds.

  3. STAR Method – In the description: Situation, Task, Action, Result.

  4. Test the email subject – "Cover Letter - Jan Novák" is boring. Try: "Project manager with 5 years of experience in automotive".

  5. Power Words – Use active verbs: led, implemented, achieved.

Conclusion: Your Letter = Your Chance

A cover letter is not a necessary evil, but an opportunity to tell your story. A story about why exactly you are the perfect match for this company.

If, after reading this article, you are still hesitating how to start, do not be afraid to contact us. We will help you find that right angle and words that will open the door to your dream job.

P.S.: Does the company not explicitly require a cover letter? A short, personalized email with 3-4 sentences explaining why you are interested in the position can be your secret weapon. Just do not overdo it.

We wish you lots of luck! And if you need help with preparation, our consultants will be happy to advise you.

Contact us at kandidati@no77.eu or +420 733 224 516.