What is a Cover Letter and How to Prepare It?

A cover letter, prepared in the form of a one-page document consisting of an introduction, development, and conclusion sections, can be considered a kind of CV summary. By preparing a carefully written cover letter that is free of implied errors and conveys what you want to express in a fluent and clear manner, you can convince your recipient that you are a suitable candidate for the position you are applying for. A well-prepared cover letter will positively contribute to your job search process. The information in this letter should overlap with the information in your CV, and the same contact address should be provided in both documents.

When preparing a cover letter, you should briefly mention the points you want to highlight in your resume and demonstrate that your qualifications are related to the position you are applying for. You should carefully choose the font type and avoid using overly decorative or fancy fonts. Since all the information about you is included in your CV, it would be meaningless to turn the cover letter into an autobiography. This letter should be a short piece that clearly conveys what you want to say.

When preparing a cover letter, avoid vague and unsupported sentences like 'I possess all the qualities sought for this position'; instead, provide concrete and specific examples that will lead the person you are addressing to think this way. If you do not know the name of the person you are addressing, you should start your letter with 'Dear Sir/Madam'. If you know the name, use it after 'Dear'; for example, 'Dear Vural Şeker'. At the end of the letter, do not forget to write 'Sincerely'. If you know someone in the company you are applying to who you believe can help you, do not mention them in the cover letter. If you are a recent graduate and an inexperienced candidate, indicate in the introduction of the cover letter that you wish to work in a position suitable for your educational background and personal qualities in the company you are applying to.

Also, add that you are following the company's activities and that your qualities align with the company's perspective. In the development section, express your educational background using short and clear sentences, and state that you have reinforced your education with internships and work experiences. Then, briefly explain your short-term and long-term goals in 1-2 sentences. When mentioning your short-term goals, it would be appropriate to state that you want to add value to the company you are applying to.

In the conclusion paragraph, kindly request that your attached resume be considered for suitable positions. Finally, write that you are ready for a face-to-face meeting to provide more detailed information if necessary. Thank your recipient in advance for their interest in you, write 'Sincerely,' and then include your name, address, email address, and phone number. If you are an experienced candidate, indicate in the introduction of the cover letter how long you have experience in which field or fields. Then, briefly list your knowledge and experiences and add what you think these qualities will contribute to the company you are applying to. In the development section, explain why you want to start a new position. In the conclusion section, mention that your detailed resume is attached and provide your contact information. Remember that the sentences you write in the closing section of the cover letter can lead you to the next stage, so choose your sentences carefully. After completing the letter, do not forget to review it once more and ensure that there are no spelling or grammatical errors.