A CV is not the only required document in a job application. Cover letters are still a must- have in certain applications. This letter is essential in the selection process as it helps recruiters select the matching profile who managed to grab their attention. As this letter completes CV and explain why you are applying for the job, here are the best tips to prepare a cover letter for Portuguese opportunities:

Why do you need a Cover letter in your application process?

Many applicants think that a CV or a resume is sufficient to obtain the job. Little do they know that a cover letter is essential to draw the difference between applicants of similar qualities and expertise. A cover letter provides the opportunity to give more details than a CV. But, it should not exceed a single page. Professions that require academic hard skills are usually demanding a cover letter attached to a CV. This letter should be relevant to the chosen career and explains why you want this job.

What is a cover letter?

A cover letter is a single page document attached to a CV. It is a clear and concise written letter addressed to recruiters in Portuguese or in one of the employed languages. Its purpose is to explain and demonstrate what interests you in this career and why you should be selected for a job interview. To successfully provide this letter, you should sign up to Fratres. Fratres is an international job portal with interesting career updates and advice. Here are a few tips for writing a Portuguese cover letter:

1.Prepare your CV:

 It is essential to prepare a CV before crafting a cover letter. The reasons for prioritizing a CV are various. But, according to experts, a CV can better guide the applicant to know which professional details to select and to add up in the letter. Remember that a cover letter is not a rewritten CV. It includes further professional details matching the job offer.  

2. Indicate your interest:

There are various reasons why this cover letter plays an important part  in your job application. First, as a candidate, you need to show interest in the job by indicating what has attracted you in the job offer. Second, you need to expand your CV by giving additional information related to your skills and experiences. Third, persuade your reader that you are a suitable candidate and expect a job interview invitation. Take a look at; Our tips for an amazing cover letter in Portuguese

3. Include the cover letter header: 

In Portugal, a cover letter starts with a header that includes the date, the place and the target job title or purpose of the letter. There is no need to list the workplace address or the recruiter’s address. After including this list of information skip a couple of lines and open your letter with a formal salutation. You can indicate the recruiter’s name or mention the academic title in case of applying for an advanced teaching position.

4. Introduction:

 After the salutation skip a set of lines and open your letter with a brief introduction. You can go for the classic example that includes: your name, professional situation, and application purpose, or simply paraphrase your CV profile. Take a look at; Seven Awesome Things You Can Learn From Studying Work Life.

5. The body of your Cover letter: 

 This section is similar to a three paragraph essay or a single expanded paragraph that narrates why you are suitable for the job. It is a good idea to present your relevant application reasons first. You can employ words already employed by the recruiters to give the impression that you have understood the job offer:

-You can present your specialty in the field and your interest in developing achievements.

-You can sum up what you have learned from your studies and experiences and what makes you ready to choose this career. Try to give some evidence for this information.

-You can introduce your personal traits that are essential for the job. Give recruiters the slightest information of having a team-leader quality, time-management skills, and enthusiasm to work with a team.

6. Write a Conclusion: 

Write a couple of sentences, reminding recruiters of your interest in the job and what makes you the target candidate. Write this conclusion in a brief and concise manner. It is important to show a clear enthusiasm for the job by mentioning a few attractive points such as; 

-You have always wanted to work in a similar environment/ field.

-You are excited to prove your potential in this job.

-You see your future in this job.

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7. Close your cover letter 

Finally, in the last lines, show a clear expectation for a job interview. You can invite your recruiter to check the attached CV for further professional details. Close your letter with a professional salutation.

8. Name and signature:

 Another way to identify the reliability of your content. Use an online signature generator for your cover letter.

9. Proofreading: 

 Before submitting your cover letter, it is essential to make sure it is error free and has no mistakes. Try to use an online tool for grammatical correction , or ask someone to proofread it for you 

10. Formatting

A cover letter follows the formatting rules employed in a CV. Use correct spelling in both documents with a clear font.

These were the top 10 interesting facts about cover letters. A cover letter should be attached to your CV and written in an email in case of not having a cover letter template.