british council cover letter

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How to write the perfect cover letter, by miraclyn rubavathi, 19 october 2021 - 5:30pm.

What is a cover letter?

A cover letter also referred to as a covering letter or an application letter is an important document most organisations ask for along with a job application. It helps boost your resume which by itself might not be sufficient for a recruiter to get to know you. 

Although not all recruiters demand a cover letter, including a cover letter along with your resume is good practice, as many recruiters go through cover letters to shortlist candidates for the interview. A well-written cover letter can create a good first impression and make you stand out from other applicants.

What is difference between a cover letter and a resume?

Your resume is not your cover letter. Consider a resume like a menu in a restaurant. A menu provides a list of all the items available in the restaurant. Similarly, a resume is a list of your work-related skill sets and experience. A resume focuses on facts like your educational qualifications, work experience, skills, achievements, etc. However, a cover letter focuses on the job that you’re applying for and how you fit in that role. It is a chance for you to explain to the recruiters how you can use your professional skills and experience to excel in the new role that you’re applying for. 

What is the purpose of a cover letter?

Not only does a cover letter give more insights about you to the hiring manager but it is also a vital element in getting you the interview. Most job seekers spend a lot of time perfecting their resume but don’t put so much thought into writing a proper cover letter.  It’s important that the cover letter includes information about why you are suitable for that specific role, which helps show the recruiter that you have put some thought into the job application. 

What should be included in a cover letter?

There are several key components in a cover letter, mentioned below. It may seem like a very time-consuming process to write a cover letter but it is essential and your letter must be specific to every job that you apply for, as it shows how serious you are about the job you’re applying for. 

• Name, address, contact information and date
• Opening statement
• Your knowledge of the company and the position you’re applying for and your interest in working for this particular company
• Your background
• Your professional skills and experience that matches the job description along with examples
• Highlighting why you’re the right fit for the job

Here’s a sample cover letter.

How should you write a cover letter?

Writing a cover letter only involves a few simple steps. If you know how to write them yourself, you can showcase your unique skills and experience to the recruiter which increases your chances of you getting hired. 

A cover letter, like all other formal documents, has three parts, a beginning, a middle and an end. Let’s look at what goes into each of these parts and what kind of phrases to use when writing one.

In the past, cover letters were sent through post or submitted in person. Hence, they included addresses. However, nowadays as cover letters are submitted through an online job portal or via emails, physical addresses are no longer necessary. So, you can skip the address if you are sending your letter electronically.

Starting to write a cover letter can be very intimidating especially if you’ve never done it before. All you need to do is try and be authentic and original. Here are some tips on what to say, how to say and how not to say it in your cover letter along with example phrases:

Nowadays, companies are not just looking for people with skills, they also want someone whose values align with theirs. You can bring in your personality to the letter by talking about your passion, beliefs, values, and ethics. It’s also a great opportunity to show them how hiring you would be mutually beneficial for both parties. 

Do your research by going through the job description, roles and responsibilities, code of conduct and any other information you can get hold of about the organisation, either from their website, mutual friends who work there or by checking with the HR manager.

You can also use bullet points or numbers in this section to highlight your achievements.

The end or the closing consists of three parts: call-to-action, thanking the reader, and signing off. The end is also an important part of the cover letter as sometimes inappropriate endings can throw people off. Make sure you’re polite and respectful even when you end your letter.

How long should your cover letter be?

Ideally a cover letter is a one-page document. You don’t need to write pages about all your skills and experience, as these details are already in your resume. So, don’t write an essay; keep it short, organise it into paragraphs and highlight how you are the best candidate for the job. 

Things to check before sending your letter

Remember, your cover letter is a fairly formal document. So, don’t use informal words, phrases, expressions or contractions like I’m, I’ve. Instead, use the full form: I am, I have. However, some companies are fine with semi-formal or neutral style and if you are sure, you can shift your tone to adapt to the organisation’s style. However, you shouldn’t write very informally. 

• Errors Spelling errors, grammatical errors and typographical errors don’t make a good first impression. If you’re careless in your writing, there's a good chance that your hiring manager will think you do not have good communication skills or you make mistakes often. It also shows that you didn't proofread your document, which in turn shows how little of an effort you’ve put into writing and sending the letter. So, do proofread before sending your letter. It might be hard for us to proofread our own writing; we might miss out on checking or editing important details. Hence, it’s also good to use online tools or have a friend read it for you.

Dos and Don’ts

Let’s quickly recap a few important things to do and not to do in a cover letter.

It’s your turn

Yes, now it’s your turn to write your own cover letter. If you’re a job seeker, this is a good time to start practising writing cover letters by yourself. Even if you aren’t looking for a job at the moment, you can think of your dream job you and draft a letter for it. It will help you understand the position better, realise where you stand and help you improve your writing skills.

• Learn how to write a cover letter or email to respond to a job advert.
• For School students applying for an internship or voluntary work - Easy tips from British Council Teens to write a cover letter.

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How to write a cover letter for a job application

This article was updated by the Great British Mag content team on 12 October 2021

When you’re applying for jobs in the UK, you’ll often be asked to submit a British style CV alongside a cover letter. But what is a cover letter, what should you include in yours and how can you make it stand out? We’ve got all the answers you’re looking for right here.

What is a cover letter?

A cover letter is an important part of your job application – for some recruiters, it’s the most important part of your application. It’s a letter you write to the hiring manager about why you’re the best candidate for the job.

Cover letters are a lot more flexible than CVs, meaning you have the opportunity to include additional relevant information about yourself that could convince the reader that you’re the person they’re looking for. This is your opportunity to show a bit of your personality, explain in detail what makes you such a great fit and talk about why you’re so drawn to working in this particular role.

Cover letters are particularly important for students and graduates, as it’s likely you won’t have that much actual work experience to include in your CV. You can use this letter to highlight your transferable skills and talk about specific experiences and achievements that didn’t quite fit into your CV.

Do I really need to write a cover letter?

If the job advert requests one, or the online application form leaves space for you to upload one, then yes. Even if it seems optional, include one in your submission. It’s a great opportunity to share important information about yourself, your suitability for the role and convince the reader to invite for an interview.

However, if the job ad specifies to only send a CV then leave the cover letter out – you don’t want it to look like you can’t follow simple instructions.

How do you start a cover letter?

First, it’s important that you address your letter to a person, wherever possible. A lot of the time, the hiring manager’s name will be in the job ad or the email address given for submissions, or you’ll be able to find it through a little online research. Having that personalised element – as opposed to beginning your letter with ‘Dear sir or madam’ – makes all the difference.

What should a cover letter include?

As well as basic information like your contact details and the name of the role you’re applying for, your cover letter should include:

• A brief introduction with an overview of your career (or student) status. For instance, ‘I’m a recent UCL graduate with a first-class degree in engineering’, or ‘I’m an economics student at the University of Manchester looking to secure an internship in the finance sector’.
• Why you’re interested in the specific role you’re applying for, what about it appeals to you and why you’re drawn to the company. And how your experience, skills and personal interests make you a perfect fit for the role.
• The benefits you could bring to the team or offer the company – be that a positive, can-do mentality, experience in a certain field that they may be interested in exploring, or the ability to hit the ground running, thanks to your pre-existing knowledge.

What should I avoid in my cover letter?

Be sure to not repeat information that’s in your CV. Use your cover letter to highlight or elaborate on certain points, but you don’t want to just regurgitate the same stuff. Also, be economical with your words – you want this letter to be concise and to the point, so avoid including anything that’s not directly relevant to the job you’re applying for.

As a student, don’t apologise for or draw attention to your lack of relevant work experience. If the company is looking for a graduate, they will be aware that candidates won’t have held lots of roles yet. Instead, highlight the transferrable skills you do have, even if they were gained from jobs in other fields (part-time jobs, volunteering experience or internships are all great for this) and demonstrate your interest in the industry in other ways.

It’s really important that your cover letter is clear and well-written – with no spelling or grammatical mistakes. So be sure to proofread it a few times, looking carefully for any slip-ups. It’s a good idea to ask someone else to read it through too – a friend, family member or the university’s career advisor, perhaps – as a fresh pair of eyes can really help to weed out errors or spot any missing information.

How can I make my cover letter stand out?

Get online and research the company and the role before you start writing. Jot down some key pieces of information – like brand values, the company’s goals and achievements, and its target audience or customer, perhaps – and weave this into your cover letter. This will show the hiring manager that you’ve done your homework and also allow you to talk about how your expertise, skills or interests align with the company.

Also, read the job advert thoroughly – we mean really thoroughly – so it’s clear in your letter that you understand the responsibilities of the role and can fulfil them. Try to mirror the language used in the ad so that even from a quick skim, the person reading your letter can tell you’ve addressed all the requirements it mentions. Sometimes, applications will be shortlisted by computer software that’s programmed to recognise keywords, making this all the more important.

Using the same language as the ad also helps steer your tone and give you an idea of how formal (or not) your letter should be, which can make you come across as a good fit with the company culture.

How do you sign off a cover letter?

If you think that a formal approach is the way to go for a particular application, then sign off the letter in a traditional way. That is, if you’ve addressed the letter to a specific person (which is always best, remember), you’d sign off with ‘Yours sincerely’ followed by your name. If you couldn’t find a specific name to address the letter to, it’s ‘Yours faithfully’ at the end. A bit confusing, we know.

Some applications will call for a less formal approach (again, be led by the tone and style of the job advert), in which case you can just sign off with your name with no particular flourishes.

How long should a cover letter be?

Keep cover letters short and sweet – five paragraphs maximum, and no longer than one side of A4. Not only would it be really time-consuming for you to write longer letters, but you want to make sure all the really critical information is easy to spot and not buried among unessential paragraphs.

Do I need to write a new cover letter for every job application?

We’re afraid so, yes. While you might find it useful to use templates (there is no short supply of cover letter templates online – just Google them) the content of the letter should be new for every single application.

Why? Because every job and every company you apply to will be different. To give yourself the best chance of getting noticed, you want to look like the perfect candidate for each specific role, so your letter will need to be tailored especially.

We know it’s time consuming, but it really could make all the difference.

You may also like to read

How to write a British-style CV

What is a graduate scheme and how do I apply?

How to write a personal statement for your CV

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Frequently Asked Questions from applicants for the English Language Assistants programme 2024-25

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We've compiled a list of frequently asked questions (FAQS) designed for applicants for the English Language Assistants programme 2024-25.

When will applications close and is there any way you can extend the deadline?

Applications will close on 1 February 2024. We’re unable to make any exceptions to this and no further application submissions can be made after this point. 

We recommend that you submit your application early to avoid any last-minute difficulties.

Any references required that must be uploaded as part of the application form (e.g. for returning and former assistants or applicants to Switzerland) must be uploaded and submitted before the application deadline.

The deadline for the reference form to be submitted by your nominated referee after you have submitted your application is 15 February 2024. 

Full application details are available at How to apply to be an English Language Assistant  

Am I eligible for the Language Assistants programme?

To self-assess whether you’re eligible for the programme, please consult the eligibility criteria .

If you don’t meet all the general eligibility criteria and those for your chosen destination, unfortunately you will not be eligible for the Language Assistants programme. 

We review the criteria every year, so if you’re ineligible for one application round, this does not necessarily mean that you will not be able to apply in future years. 

Do I have to apply using the application portal?

Yes, all applications must be submitted via the online application portal. We cannot accept any applicants via CV or cover letter. 

On the application form you’ll be asked to provide your personal details, your preferences, complete a motivation and supporting statement, and provide a suitable referee for your application. 

What are you looking for in a successful application?

Applications are assessed initially using the following criteria: 

• motivation 
• adaptability 
• target country cultural awareness 
• knowledge and experience of UK contemporary culture
• teaching experience 
• expression and presentation

Moving abroad can be a challenging experience and we looking for resilient and independent individuals who are interested in cultural exchange.

For more information, please visit Am I eligible for the English Language Assistants programme?

Can my partner and I apply to the programme together?

Yes, we will try to accommodate this where possible. 

On the online application form for candidates, there is a section where you can let us know if you are planning to travel with a partner and that you would like your applications to be considered together. 

If this is completed by both applicants, during the allocation process we will endeavour to find placements for both partners as near to each other as possible. 

Due to the limited number of posts in certain towns and regions, unfortunately it cannot be guaranteed that you’ll be placed within the same town or city, but it will be considered during the allocation process.

Can I move abroad with my family?

We welcome applications from candidates with children. While we cannot guarantee that our applicants will get their first choice, we do aim to take into consideration the specific needs of our assistants when allocating. 

We would advise you to specify this on your application form so that due consideration can be given to you and your family’s needs when we are allocating you a placement. 

When you apply, you select preferences for the specific region(s) in your chosen country that you would like to be placed in. 

Unfortunately, we cannot provide assistance with matters like helping our assistants find schools for their children. Please also be aware that the salary paid to Language Assistants is only intended to support one person and may not be sufficient to cover dependents.

Can you accept alternative references other than the online form?

We can only accept references submitted online via the link in the automated email your referee receives once you have submitted your application. 

Please ask your referee to submit the reference via the online link provided.

We cannot accept references in other formats e.g. emailed in as a word or PDF document. Please check your referee can provide the reference before submitting your application.

If it is not possible for your referee to provide the reference via our online form, you’ll need to provide the details of an alternative referee as soon as possible by contacting the Language Assistants team via email.

The deadline for your referee to submit the online reference is Wednesday 15 February 2024.

Who can I use as a referee?

A nominated referee should be someone who has a good knowledge of the applicant and their suitability for the role, for example an academic tutor or employer. It should not be a family member or close friend. 

The referee should know the candidate well enough in an academic or professional capacity to complete questions regarding the candidate's ability and skills.

Can I change any details on my application once I have submitted it?

No, once you have submitted your application, you won’t be able to access your application or amend any details. It is crucial that you review your entire application and referee details carefully before you press submit. 

If you need to amend your referee details before the application closing date (1 February 2024), please email the Language Assistants team immediately and we will assist you with this. 

When will I receive an update on my application?

When you submit your online application, you’ll receive an automatic email to confirm that it has been submitted successfully. (If you don’t receive an email, please check your spam folder).

Once we have received the online reference from your chosen referee, you’ll then receive a further email update. Your application will then be sent for assessment, which may involve a video interview as detailed below. 

Our team will also send an acknowledgment email in March, providing you with further information on the process and any relevant updates. 

You’ll hear the outcome of the assessment of your application on or before Friday 3 May 2024.

For more specific information on the timescales involved please consult the project lifecycle.

Will I be able to check the online portal for updates after submission?

No, the online application portal is used for you to complete and submit your application only. 

All updates to your application after submission will be issued via email and we would therefore advise you to add [email protected] to your safe senders list.

Will I be invited to take part in an interview for the role?

Candidates Hong Kong, Latin America, or Canada who pass the first stage of selection will be invited to a video interview. You’ll receive a link via email to complete your video interview. This will last approximately 20 minutes and will consist of a series of questions surrounding your motivations to be an assistant, your adaptability and relevant experience to the role. Where possible, we will try to meet any additional requirements for you to carry out the video interview as specified in the application form. 

Applicants not selected for a further assessment stage might be offered a transfer to another destination if their application is of a high enough standard and meets the relevant destination requirements.

Candidates for other destinations will not be required to attend an interview.

For more details, read our Destination-Specific Information .

Can I apply for a placement that is shorter than one academic year?

We do offer the following shorter placements in some destinations:

•In Argentina, all placements are six months long, running from April until end of August. These posts are reserved for undergraduates studying a dual-language degree. 

•In Germany, shorter posts are available for the first semester of the year, usually running from mid-September to 28 February. For the shorter period of appointment, it is not possible to leave the post early or finish before 28 February.

It is not possible to apply for any other destination for a shorter period than one academic year. 

Do I need a qualification to prove I have the required foreign language level?

No, you do not need a formal language qualification to evidence that you have the required foreign language level. Skills can be acquired through regular travel, private study or a course at a university language centre. 

We would recommend that you self-assess your language level against the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. 

We will assess your language skills using the information provided on your application. It is in your own best interest to hold the required language level as you’ll be expected to communicate and complete the necessary administration procedures in the language of your destination.

I have additional requirements / a medical condition, should I declare this on the form?

As general guidelines for the application, if you have any additional support requirements (for example a medical condition), please provide as much information as possible in your application to enable us to find a post best suited to your needs. 

For certain destinations, some local authorities may request a medical certificate where this information may be disclosed.

I am a former / returning Language Assistant, what should the reference include?

The reference from your current / former host institution must comment on your performance as an assistant and state that the school would be happy for you to return (if applicable). The reference must be signed or stamped by the school and should ideally be on school letter headed paper. Please upload the reference as a PDF document in the returning and former assistants section of the application form.

For more information, please visit our returning and former assistants page.

Do I have to pay to take part in the programme?

There is no fee to apply or work as an English Language Assistant through the British Council and you will be paid a monthly salary or stipend. You will need to cover some personal costs including:

• visa (if applicable) and related administrative costs
• return flights to your destination
• travel insurance
• accommodation and utility bills
• an International Child Protection Certificate costing approximately £75.  

Depending on where you wish to be a Language Assistant, there may be other costs such as vaccinations. Further information on the costs for each destination are provided on our destination-specific information webpages. 

I applied for the programme last year, am I able to carry over this application to this academic year?

No, due to the nature of the application process and portal, it is not possible to transfer a previous application to future year. All applicants must submit a new application form via the online portal each year they wish to apply. 

Where can I find out more about the destinations on offer?

You can see which destinations are on offer for the 2024-25 academic year, and how the programme works in each of these destinations, or our destination-specific information webpages. 

Published: 19/10/2023

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Learn how to write a curriculum vitae, often called a CV in the UK or résumé in American English. 

Do the preparation task first. Then read the text and tips and do the exercises.

Preparation

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Maria Jones

Digital marketing specialist.

I have five years' experience in various digital marketing roles. I have a proven ability to create successful marketing campaigns in line with brand identity and values. I am a strong collaborator with outstanding communication skills, and have comprehensive experience of using my specialist knowledge and expertise in analytics for a wide variety of marketing initiatives.

Employment History

June 2017 – present Digital Marketing Specialist for Zinco, a global insurance start-up

• My role involves working to tight deadlines to design, create and launch marketing campaigns via social media.
• I have developed advanced knowledge of a range of social media platforms and digital marketing tools.
• I specialise in driving successful campaigns and excel in analysing their impact.
• I have experience launching digital billboards in places such as train stations and shopping centres.  

Sept 2016 – June 2017 Creative break from employment to travel and blog

• I travelled through 12 countries, met several professional bloggers and started my own travel blog.
• I built up a community of followers and started to monetise my blog through sponsored posts.

May 2014 – Aug 2016 Digital Marketing Assistant, Krunch Ltd

• Responsibility for overall social media strategy and regular posting on key channels.
• I played a key role in numerous campaigns to boost engagement with our brand.
• I also supported three product launches.

2014 Diploma in Digital Marketing, Leeds Beckett University, UK 2012 A-levels (Psychology, English, Art & Design), Leeds City College, UK

Skills and Interests

Competent WordPress developer Skilled in Adobe InDesign and Adobe Illustrator Advanced Spanish (C1) Intermediate German (B1) Photography Travel

Available on request

• Start with a short profile to show who you are and what you offer.
• List your employment history, starting with the present.
• Explain any gaps, for example time spent travelling or having children.
• Use bullet points for your main responsibilities and experience in each role. Choose the aspects of your previous jobs that are most relevant to the new job you are applying for.
• Then give your educational background. List the relevant qualifications that you have, starting with the most recent. Include the title of your qualification, where you studied and the date you successfully completed it.
• Consider putting Education above Employment if you don't have a lot of work experience yet. 
• List other experience or interests you may have if they are relevant to the job.
• If you have someone who could support your application, add their contact details or say References available on request  at the end.

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Have you got a CV? Do you have any tips to share?

Language level

I have a CV, the most important item in a CV (English or Spanish) is the profile because is in this part where you must show to the recruitment main abilities and relevant experience.

• Log in or register to post comments

So, after I have written this CV or resume, where do I place it? I just write it and la di da, leave it somewhere hanging between the sky and me?

Hello Georgiana,

Many companies request a CV when you apply for a job with them, so people typically email them as an attachment.

All the best, Kirk LearnEnglish team

Thank you for sharing these tips. you have nearly covered everything. I can state two points about jobs that have to be attached portfolios to their CV, like programming.

It's better to have a section with the title "Portfolios".Use bullet points for each portfolio and explain what it is about and what most technologies have been used in a maximum of two or three lines.

Another tip that can be useful is that at the end of your explanation about each portfolio, link the demo and source code of your portfolio. it can be done by this sentence: You can see live in this "link" and also see source code on "GitHub".

Hello friends, Now I am looking for a new job, so I should to update my Cv in the job internet portal. I agree with great advices from this topik and will follow them. Thank you!

I havent got a CV, some tips are that write formaly and all the experiences, educational information about you, also previous jobs you had, your skills, interests like hobbies, dates of the information.

Yes, I have. It was a requirement for joining an organization at university. But I don't have any tips from myself to share. Because I too, search for many references on the internet, whether its the structure or the template. Recently I just watch the right things to do to write CV for scholarships from a scholarship awardee in youtube and I was surprised. The CV for school apply purposes and the CV required for either a job or an organization is different. So maybe the tips from me is to get the references as many as possible, because it helps me a lot.

I am a current student, By the end of my course, I will have to write my CV. This is such a good example. It is well written and essentials qualifications required for the job are specified. I'll definitely use this example as a guide to create my own CV. I've certainly learn a lot from this site. Kudos!

Yes I have a CV. Yes I have a tip, make sure the summary is brief and to the point.

No, I'm a still a student but I have many tips for a effective CV. Write only important things Not in detail write a short and concise Carefully read this article you find important tips for a CV. Thank you

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La cover letter perfecta (o cómo hacer una carta de presentación en inglés)

Por cath mclellan, 30 abril 2021 - 10:45.

Se suele decir que buscar trabajo constituye un trabajo a tiempo completo, y es cierto que puede dar esa impresión. Independientemente de qué opines al respecto, la competencia en el mercado laboral puede ser realmente feroz, especialmente en la situación actual, e incluso conseguir una entrevista resulta con frecuencia muy complicado. En este proceso, la carta de presentación o de motivación (en inglés, “ covering / motivation letter ”) es fundamental , ya que puede llevar tu solicitud a lo más alto del montón, y por ello en esta entrada vamos a ofrecerte cinco consejos básicos para escribir una buena covering letter en inglés.

Consejo nº 1: sé cordial, pero profesional.

Alcanzar el equilibrio para mostrarse amistoso sin parecer poco profesional puede ser delicado. Tu carta de presentación debería reflejar hasta cierto punto tu personalidad, por lo que tendrías que evitar mostrarte demasiado formal (dependiendo del puesto o de la empresa), pero igualmente tienes que tratar de que no parezca un correo electrónico que le envías a un amigo. 

Piensa en cómo vas a iniciar la carta. Siempre es mejor si conoces el nombre de quien se encarga de la selección de personal, porque así puedes dirigirte a él o ella directamente. En caso contrario, puedes empezar con “ Dear Sir/ Madam ”, en un tono formal, “ To the hiring manager ” o “ To the head of the [marketing] department ”. A continuación debes indicar por qué le escribes, y dejar claro a qué puesto aspiras (especialmente si la empresa ha publicado varias ofertas). Demuestra tu entusiasmo e interés de principio a fin. ¡Y sé positivo desde las primeras líneas!

Consejo nº 2: busca información sobre la empresa.

Recuerda que quienes puedan leer tu carta de presentación ya trabajan en la empresa, la conocen bien y (esperemos) están contentos de trabajar en ella, así que querrán averiguar qué motivos tienes para querer unirte a ellos. Por eso, es importante que dediques un tiempo a ampliar lo que sabes de esa organización. Además, esta preparación te vendrá de perlas si consigues llegar a la siguiente fase: la entrevista . Conocer algunos datos elementales sobre esa compañía (a qué se dedica, qué tamaño tiene, qué productos o servicios ofrece, cuáles son sus valores…) puede ayudarte, por una parte, a decidir si es el tipo de empresa en el que deseas trabajar, y por otra a escribir una carta de motivación más convincente. Sé sincero en ella, y si tienes algún interés especial por esa empresa, comunícalo. Si lo que te atrae es más el puesto en sí, céntrate en él.

Consejo nº 3: ajusta tu carta al puesto de trabajo. 

Una carta de presentación o motivación no debería ocupar más de una página, de modo que es esencial que no te alargues innecesariamente y que vayas al grano. En tu CV ya habrás incluido la información sobre tu experiencia laboral y los títulos que has obtenido, por lo cual no es necesario enumerarlos de nuevo en la carta. Lo que sí debes hacer es pensar en la formación, cualificación y experiencia que posees y que son relevantes para ese puesto concreto, con el fin de destacarlas en la carta. Lee detenidamente la descripción del empleo y las especificaciones relativas al tipo de persona que buscan, subrayando las palabras clave que han utilizado. ¿En qué medida se corresponden tus conocimientos o tu experiencia con esas palabras? Es muy probable que los encargados de la selección lean tu carta bastante deprisa, así que ¡facilítales la tarea señalando claramente cómo encajas con el puesto ofertado!  

Si te sientes incómodo hablando bien de ti mismo (es algo que no le sale de forma natural a todo el mundo), puede que te cueste “vender” tus virtudes por escrito, pero trata de pensar en ello como una explicación a alguien que desea saber por qué la experiencia y las capacidades que has ido desarrollando te convierten en un buen candidato. También podrías preguntarle a algún amigo o compañero de trabajo cómo te describiría personal y profesionalmente. 

Aunque tu experiencia previa no sea del todo relevante, puedes decir cosas como “My last job involved working in small teams, which is something I enjoy and am good at” (“Mi último empleo conllevaba trabajar en equipos reducidos, que es algo con lo que disfruto y se me da bien”), si el puesto implica trabajar en equipo, o “In my last job I often had to find solutions to customer complaints, which improved my negotiation and listening skills” (“En mi último empleo solía tener que buscar solución a las quejas de los clientes, lo que mejoró mi capacidad de negociación y de escucha”), si estas se encuentran entre las habilidades solicitadas. Lo importante aquí es ser específico y mencionar ejemplos concretos, teniendo muy presente la descripción del empleo y que cada una de las frases que escribas en tu carta de presentación cuenta.

Asimismo, debes asegurarte de incluir todo lo que la empresa solicita en el anuncio: por ejemplo, si piden que digas por qué eres un buen candidato para el puesto, o que detalles los paquetes de programas que utilizas, comprueba que te has referido a todo ello explícitamente en la carta. 

Consejo nº 4: verifica que todo esté correctamente escrito.

Si estás redactando la carta en inglés, no olvides revisarla muy atentamente (¡especialmente si el puesto implica el uso diario de esta lengua!). Una buena carta de presentación, pero con errores ortográficos o gramaticales, puede parecer poco profesional. Utiliza un corrector de textos o pídele a un nativo (o a tu profesor de inglés) que te la revise. Tal y como vimos en otra entrada de nuestro blog, es importante conocer y seguir las convenciones de las cartas formales en inglés .

Consejo nº 5: pon el broche de oro.

Para terminar, despídete igualmente de forma cordial y profesional. Sé conciso y formal, pero también amable.

Frases útiles:

Por último, si quieres que tu carta de motivación o presentación quede “redonda”, además de seguir los consejos anteriores deberías prestar atención para no caer en los siguientes errores:

1. Tópicos y palabras de moda.

Aunque la oferta de empleo esté plagada de palabras de moda en la jerga empresarial , evita utilizarlas en exceso en tu carta. Asegúrate de que lo que escribas se entienda y sea coherente, y cita ejemplos claros. No basta con comentar “I’m a great team player who likes to push the envelope” (“Trabajo bien en equipo y me encanta romper moldes”), sin aportar prueba alguna que respalde lo que afirmas, porque así no convencerás ni impresionarás a los técnicos de selección.

2. Decir por qué el puesto te viene bien.

Muchos alumnos me han pedido que les lea su carta de presentación, en la que han aludido a lo que esperan “sacar” del puesto, como por ejemplo: “This job will help me get the experience I need to advance my career in engineering” (“Este trabajo me ayudará a adquirir la experiencia que necesito para avanzar en mi carrera como ingeniero”). Aunque no hay nada malo en pensarlo, lo que debes resaltar en tu carta es lo que TÚ puedes ofrecer a la empresa, no al revés.

3. Incluir información irrelevante.

Tu pasión por la flauta travesera o por estar al día de las últimas tendencias en salud y bienestar puede ser interesante, pero si no guarda una relación directa con el empleo que estás solicitando, más vale dejarla fuera. Haz que cada frase de las que conformen tu carta te reafirme como un excelente candidato para el puesto.

Con estos consejos deberías sentirte más seguro a la hora de escribir una magnífica carta de presentación o motivación en inglés. ¡No lo olvides: lee cuidadosamente la descripción del puesto; sé breve e incluye solo aquello que sea relevante; evita la jerga innecesaria y ayuda al responsable de selección a ver enseguida por qué eres el candidato ideal para el puesto! ¡Buena suerte!

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