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How to write a cover letter when applying for a job in Luxembourg
In Luxembourg, a well-written cover letter can be just as important as your CV when applying for a job. It's your chance to make a strong first impression and highlight your qualifications beyond the format of your CV.
When applying for a job, alongside the resume, the candidate sends a cover letter or a motivation letter. In Luxembourg, it is written in the language of the vacancy publication, unless the employer specified otherwise. Nowadays all the information for applying is sent via email, but it used to be handwritten.
Structure and contents of a cover letter for job application in 2024
The motivation letter should contain all the elements that allow the employer to get to know the person and the future employee's professional goals and background. It can be a more personal touch, an addition to the CV that you are applying to the employer as a set of skills and qualifications you have.
The cover letter can be formatted as an official letter with your contact details in the top left-hand corner, or it can be formatted in a different way - for example, using the future company's official constitution. A constitution is essentially a set of rules drawn up by an organisation describing how things are done.
What matters?
Pay as much attention to this document as to your CV if you want to land a job in Luxembourg. Your motivation to work and clear goals of working with the company you apply to can mean more, than your education and CV.
Here are a possible elements of the cover letter, that you might want to include into your motivational letter for job application in Luxembourg. Remember, that this is an advice, not a rule.
Title of the application
Put the name of the position in Luxembourg you are applying to in the top part of your letter, use a larger font.
Contact information
Allocate some space below the header and enter your information in the column on the left side:
- full name,
- address,
- phone number,
- email.
Following that, after a short indentation on the right side, you can mention:
- a name of a hiring company,
- a name and position of a person you are writing to,
- a date or their address.
Greetings
When submitting an application for a post in Luxembourg, it is best to write a neutral, but targeted greeting. Write by the formula «Hello + Name and Surname of the recruiter (or person in charge of the vacancy)», or go for more neutral «Dear Sir/Madam.».
Main content of the letter
Here you should put 3 text paragraphs, containing information about you, your prospects and more.
Motivation
The motivational part — describing why you want to work in Luxembourg in this particular company.
Previous workplaces
Relevant work experience — stating that you are perfect for this position, and proving why.
Why you, again?
Skills and personal traits — answering why you will be effective in the wanted position; you can also briefly describe other advantages of working with you rather than other applicants. This could be expertise in a related field or specific knowledge that could hypothetically be beneficial to the company.
Conclusion and goodbyes
Thank the recruiter for reading the letter and suggest taking a look at your resume and portfolio, if this job requires it. Leave links for the recruiter to navigate through.
Bye-bye!
To end your letter, use typical business formulas appropriate to the language in which you are writing. For example, in German it is typical to end official letters with the phrase "Mit freundlichen Grüßen", while in English it may be "Sincerely (yours)" or "Best regards".
Writing style and tone of voice
It is better to use an official business style in your cover letter when applying for a job in Luxembourg, but try to avoid complicated language constructions. Ideally, combine the simplicity of the formulation with a professional tone.
TOV advice
Clarity, succinctness, and conciseness should be the foundation of the letter. Any bragging, flirting, familiarity, pathetic pressure, etc. are unacceptable.
Addressing "Dear Sir/Madam" is acceptable if you do not know the recipient's name. However, if you do, address them by their first and last names, and be sure to check that they are spelled correctly.
Formatting of the cover letter
Typically, a cover letter can be included as an attachment or printed version, so it is well worth investing time and making sure it is well prepared. Paying attention to all the details is worthwhile because finding a job in Luxembourg and getting a position is quite a challenge due to the intense competition for highest salaries in Europe. Let's see a few requirements for the format.
Length
The size should not exceed an A4 sheet. The function of a cover letter is to encourage the recruiter to examine your resume and call you in for an interview rather than telling everything about you.
Typography
Use normal black Times New Roman (12) or Arial (10) on the white background.
Easily approachable
It is necessary to divide information into paragraphs, stress the headline and contact details, and visually separate the greeting and conclusion from the text body. In a great cover letter, a recruiter can find needed information quickly.
Double-check
Do not use abbreviations. Check the spelling twice — grammar errors are repulsive and give the impression that the candidate is inattentive.
Few more tips
First of all, don't miss out on a valuable resource in Luxembourg for those looking for a job. ADEM can be your key to crafting a stellar cover letter. Head over to their website to know more about the available help. They offer workshops specifically designed to help you write a cover letter that will grab the attention of hiring managers.
If you considering finding a job in Luxembourg, keep these few things in mind:
- Don't write a two-sentence formal cover letter. "Hello, please read my resume" and other similar letters will not be treated seriously by any recruiter.
- Do not reuse segments and pieces of your resume. The cover letter should complement it, not paraphrase it.
- Don't make an autobiography out of a letter. A story of your life is not what human resources managers expect to see in an application to a position in Luxembourg.
- Do not indicate non-existent or irrelevant experience or skills. If you are applying for a PR position and have worked as an editor, for example, it is a related experience that can be useful in creating press releases. It's a very different matter when you state that you worked as a barista and know how to make great coffee for your colleagues.
Finding a job may seem difficult at first, but at the end of the day you can find plenty of opportunities in Luxembourg if you are in another country and plan to come here to work. Read out other articles to be aware of all the options.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What structure should a cover letter follow?
Start your cover letter by introducing yourself. Briefly state your name, contact information, and the job title you're applying for. In the next paragraph, express your enthusiasm for the position and the company. Briefly mention what drew you to this opportunity.
Following that, highlight your most relevant skills and experiences that directly address the job requirements. Use specific examples to showcase your accomplishments and how they qualify you for the role. Conclude your cover letter by reiterating your interest and suitability for the position. Thank the reader for their time and consideration, and express your desire for an interview.
How should I address the cover letter if I don't know the hiring manager's name?
"Dear Sir or Madam" is still acceptable. However, put in the extra effort to find the hiring manager's name through the company website or LinkedIn. A personalised salutation shows greater initiative.
Is there a strict format for cover letter for a job application in Luxembourg?
While there's no strict format, following a simple and clear structure will ensure your cover letter is well-organized and effectively showcases your qualifications. It's always best to tailor your cover letter to the specific job you're applying for, keeping in mind the person they look for, the background of the company and interests of the employer in comparison to your requests.
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