Many job seekers think that a cover letter is not a necessary element in the job application process. If so, why are thousands of websites specialized in cover letters templates and writing tips? The truth is; cover letters boost the chances of your application. It is your only way to communicate with your recruiter other than a CV. As a candidate, you may find some confusing sources about cover letters. Here are the top 7 misconceptions about cover letters in Norway:

Cover letters in Norway: Why Do You Need one?

A cover letter is an attached document to your CV. You cannot just submit a cover letter and expect a positive response from recruiters. The step of writing a cover letter comes always after finishing your CV. It is preferably important to keep the same font and colored personification employed in a CV. As a candidate, you should always prepare or tailor a cover letter with every new application. A cover letter is a must in jobs related to an academic field such as teaching, translating, writing, journalism etc… A Cover letter is not only for job applications. Even students looking for internships, exchange programs or enrolling in other classes are assigned to write a cover letter. You don’t have to be a talented writer when you are preparing a cover letter. You should be genuine, professional and convincing. The aim of submitting this letter is not showing great writing skills and power of expression. It is rather about showing your interest in the job and what makes you eligible for the positions.

 remember that there is a certain logic in writing this letter. You should make it brief, clear, and concise. if  your application is rejected , it means that your cover letter doesn’t meet the standards of Norway job application. There are certain rules you need to follow in crafting this letter.

-First, read the job offer including its requirements. When you carefully read the job offer, you will directly notice the keywords that are specific to the job offer.

-Try to conduct research about the target position and its work environment. In order to show interest in the job, try to show recruiters that you are really excited to join their teams.

Choose  a professional opening and  salutation: A cover letter includes your name and contact information listed in the right corner, including the date of writing this letter. skip two lines and write a professional salutation including the employer’s name in a formal way.

-Structure an attractive introduction. Tell employers who you are and the purpose of your letter. Recruiters usually focus on the first lines. If you manage to write them successfully, you can guarantee a positive response, as this section grabs the recruiter’s attention.

For more guidelines shaping your application, sign up to Fratres. Fratres is a worldwide job portal that offers the available vacancies in your dream destination. This website is beneficial for both employers and job seekers. So, sign up to benefit from the recent updates.

Here are the top 7 misconceptions about cover letters. Avoid the following myths to submit a professional cover letter.

1 .The Way you Are Addressing Recruiters Doesn’t Matter! 

Before you even start crafting your cover letter, you need to know for whom the content is created. Try to think  how to address recruiters in professional correspondences. Using structures like Hey There, or Hello Mr…. is a sign of careless application. These impersonal salutations show that the applicant didn't bother to check information about the receiver.

2. Speaking in the Third Person:

“This is Alan Fredman, applying for the position of an IT Specialist. Alan is experienced, talented and motivated for the position…” There is nothing worse than candidates speaking of themselves in the third person. A cover letter should have a clear overview of who you are. But, not in the third person! 

3. The Novel Aspect

What is the right size for a cover letter? Twenty lines? thirty lines? or fourty? Among the worst misconceptions is the absence of a three-paragraph. Sending a novel like a cover letter will decrease the chances of your application. Even if you think you have to write in an anecdotal way, you need to be short and concise through using short sentences, including the keywords of the job offer.

4. Rewriting your CV

Some candidates think that a cover letter is a second CV. This is a wrong conception as recruiters are not looking for the same contact in another document. As a candidate, you need to write about certain details that  CVs fail at providing, such as career gaps, interests in certain tasks, or agreement with the requirements. A cover letter should provide an argument on why the candidate is applying for the job and what makes him/ her matching the position. 

5. Submitting a Bottomless Letter

A ready made cover letter with bottomless header is one of the wrong techniques that many job seekers do. When applicants are weak in the official Norwegian  language, they usually go for this option. But, it won’t work for them as the result of a pasted content is not matching the job offer. A cover letter should be specific about what position you need and what field you are targeting. Take a look at; Adjusting your cover letter to the Scandinavian market

6. Not Having a Format and a Template:

Why make your application rejected? A less attractive content in a non professional look. A cover letter with no relevant format and without a template that fits the 21st century doesn’t attract recruiters. Please stay away from Microsoft classic cover letters and use a cover letter suitable to Europass CVs that will increase the chances of standing out.

7 Lack of Originality

It is really unpleasant for an employer to always receive the same letters. It is not necessarily advisable to copy one of the free online cover letter samples. A recruiter is  not a software. He is not willing to select applicants with the same content. candidates should have a level of creativity and originality to win the job. As an applicant, you need to work on grabbing the recruiters’ attention and make them curious to learn more about you in a job interview. 

These were the top 7 cover letters misconceptions that make the mission of recruiting you a bit complicated. Avoid these tips and do their opposite to increase the chances of being selected.