A cover letter is your first communication attempt with a recruiter. It is attached with your CV and it usually aims to get an interview. This letter requires a small effort to grab the recruiters attention. Here are the 10 questions to consider while you are writing your cover letter.

Cover letters in Bulgaria:

Like many professional fields, a cover letter is included in the selection process of recruiters. Some job advertisements list a cover letter among the necessary documents. Other fields like driving jobs, retail jobs, and in-home service jobs do not demand this letter. Since the majority of the jobs require this essential document, Fratres will give you the recent guidelines to write your own letter. No more copy pasted material and no more badly written letter, follow Fraters to know what to consider in every application.

 1. Specify all sources:

Write a clear identity, on the left: name, first name, address and the ways of contacting you (telephone, e-mail).

Who you are talking to, right: If the ad says you should send the letter to a specific person, address it to that person.

The subject: it contains the title of the position for which you are applying and the reference of the advertisement if it exists. Take a look at; Create your Europass Cover Letter

2. Structure the information in 3 main parts

• First paragraph: This paragraph shows that you know the company and that you understand the recruiter's needs. Use vocabulary specific to the industry or company.
• Second paragraph: How does your profile correspond to the recruiter's expectations? By using examples and references to your background, you enhance your skills in relation to the position. 
• Third paragraph: finally, you explain your interest in the job and your motivation to join the company. Emphasize what you can contribute and what your motivations are.

3. Be formal

The cover letter is a task that judges your ability to write a formal letter. Start with a letterhead (“Madam, Sir”) and end with a polite phrase (“Please accept, Madam, Sir…”).

4. Keep it clear and concise

A cover letter in Bulgaria is usually :

-One page maximum.

-A single font, neither too small nor too big.

-A layout with easily identifiable paragraphs.

5. Check spelling and grammar mistakes

Computer spell checkers are not enough. Reread your letter carefully several times or have someone else proofread yourself to get rid of spelling, grammar ... and typing errors. A relevant application containing errors is quickly eliminated!

 6. Customize your letter for each job application

Create your letter on a new page: reworking an old letter means taking the risk of leaving old information behind. The content must be different for each application: your tone, vocabulary and arguments must match the requirements. Of course, you can take inspiration from your previous letters… but make sure you change at least 3 sentences in your letter to really personalize it!

7. Prove what you say

Each statement must be illustrated. For example, do you write that you are creative? Explain in a few lines your most important achievement.

8. Be original

Your letter should be original to  the attention of your interlocutor. How about a quote that inspires you. Diversify your vocabulary by using synonyms. Recruiters read too many letters from "competent", "dynamic", "open" or "serious" candidates.

9.Know how to break the ice:

-Don't be familiar: the recruiter is not your friend. You have to keep some distance with your potential employer. Know how to introduce yourself professionally. You should prove that you meet the requirements and you have the full intention to get the job.

10. Avoid these mistakes

Some candidates do not realize that criticizing old jobs can lead to a rejected application. Recruiters want to know three essential information about you:

What you did: your previous education, trainings, and work experiences ( if available)

What you can do: your skills and expertise and the type of tasks that you can handle  such as teamwork, night shifts, typing jobs, etc..

What you will do: try to ensure recruiters that you are upto the level and that you can tackle all the responsibilities of the job.

Remember, not to over-selling yourself. It means no need for a huge paragraph in the letter talking about your skills and your interest for the job. Being too insisting will not culminate in a job interview.

Do not rewrite the same content of your CV. A cover letter is not a CV twinning document. It is rather a professional speech to introduce your skills, and experiences without  repeating your CV. Take a look at; The Latest Trend In Getting Started.

What should I do when I finish writing my cover letter?

To reach the best results, you should always put yourself in the recruiter’s shoes and think with a professional mentality. Your cover letter should answer the following questions:

1.Does this letter immediately make me want to read it?

Focus on grabbers and ways to attract readers.

2. Do I immediately understand the services offered by this letter?

See whether your letter can better highlight your abilities and help you sell yourself or not.

3 .Is this letter copy-pasted, personalized and focused on my recruiting needs?

keep in mind that any repetitive content will make recruiters doubt the source of your letter, whether it was previously submitted for another job or not.

4. Do I immediately know where to find the information that interests me?

Recruiters spend a few minutes reading a cover letter. They are just targeting certain sections so try to help them find the necessary information by being clear and concise.

5. Are the skills and qualities put forward really suited to the position in question?

An applicant should select the keywords that are fit to the applied position.

6. Has the applicant reviewed the order of these skills by highlighting those requested as a priority in the advertisement?

Recruiters want to see you employing some keywords from the advertisement.

7. Does this letter contain at least 5 keywords from the recruitment ad?

In all cases, 5 keywords are enough to prove that you have well read the job description and understood the requirements.

8. Do all written sentences contain a maximum of 8 to 10 words?

As an applicant, you should not employ long sentences in your cover letter.

9. Had the applicant employed the right title (Madam, Sir, Madam Director, Mr. President…) to address the targeted person (s)?

Employing the right title in addressing your recruiter can motivate the receiver to read your cover letter.

10. Is this letter free from spelling mistakes: 

spelling mistakes can reflect your limited communicative skills in requesting a job interview. That’s why you need to submit an error free letter.

These were the 10 questions to highlight while writing a cover letter for jobs in Bulgaria.