deutsche bank cover letter example

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• Deutsche Bank
• Write applications that make a big impression

Deutsche Bank: Write applications that make a big impression

Recruiters at Deutsche Bank see a lot of applications – so they’ve got some pretty firm ideas about what good looks like. read about what Jim Norris, Head of Executive Recruitment for Corporate and Investment Bank, thinks anyone looking to get into banking should know about how to make the most of the opportunity that an application offers.

Jim believes that quality is a far better use of time than quantity. ‘If you’re looking for a new job, particularly early on in your career, it’s tempting to cast the net far and wide, and let the quality and relevance of your applications slide accordingly,’ he warns. ‘But don’t lose sight of your long-term aspirations, and think carefully about how the roles you apply for are going to move you in the right direction.’

Keep on the right track by following these simple rules:

Be realistic

It’s good to be ambitious, but applying for a role that’s clearly beyond you could sabotage your chances of getting a job you are right for. “Having a go” rarely ends well – particularly if you end up somewhere you’re not really qualified to be. 

Keep it relevant

Don’t just talk about what you’ve done – explain how what you’ve done has helped you develop the skills that are directly relevant to the role in question. This is particularly important if you’re trying to make a move outside your current field. 

Keep your skills sharp

Look over the skills and abilities you’ve outlined on your CV. To make your application successful, it’s important that you stay up to date, identifying any areas where you might be lacking. When you read job postings, what have employers recently started asking for? Is there a gap in the market you might be able to fill? 

One size doesn’t fit all

As much time as you may have spent putting together your CV, don’t assume that it’s right for every role you might want to apply for. Just as you would with a cover letter, think about the role you’re going after and how the information you’ve offered answers the big questions that are being asked. It might be that changing the focus to emphasise some projects more and others less makes you a better fit. 

Find out more about Deutsche Bank and their live opportunities right here .

We have a huge variety of open roles across our business and locations so we are unable to answer all the questions you may have. Specific queries should be directed to your contact in the recruitment team directly but please consult the answers to some of the most common questions about a career with Deutsche Bank here.

Applying to Deutsche Bank

Show content of when i apply, what other documents do you need aside from my cv/resume.

This varies depending on which region and role you apply for. You will be guided for the appropriate documents through the application system. Please ensure that you upload all documents in one file along with your CV/Resume and cover letter.

Show content of Should I include a cover letter?

Having plenty of detail to support your application is useful to us. A covering letter is a good place to tell us what especially interests you about working for Deutsche Bank, within the division you’re applying to.

Show content of Are there academic grade requirements for eligibility?

We’re looking for people of outstanding academic achievement, but we take a range of factors into consideration, not only a GPA or equivalent. In some countries, a minimum academic level is a requirement. More importantly than pure academic grades, we’re looking for people with the brightest minds, a genuine passion for working in investment banking, and a real interest in Deutsche Bank as a place to develop their career.

Show content of What are the basic skills and qualifications you look for?

You should not only be passionate about the world of finance, but also show a keen interest in your chosen field. You already have a record of outstanding academic achievement and you’re eager to go on learning at the same intensive rate. So you’ll thrive on working in a highly collaborative environment with some of the best minds in banking. You’ll also be as motivated and ambitious as we are. Finally, because communication is key to everything we do –all our people need to be fluent in English (and, for some roles, at least one other language). Speaking German is not essential outside of Germany.

Show content of How can I get in touch with you?

We’re very active on social media. Ask us a question on Facebook and we’ll get right back to you. We also attend a wide range of careers events where you can come and meet us face to face. 

Show content of What sort of backgrounds do you look for in your candidates?

We recruit people from a broad range of backgrounds for a wide variety of roles. You won’t necessarily need a financial or mathematical background to work here – although obviously there are some roles where you’ll need to have strong numerical skills. Above all, we’re looking for entrepreneurial people who thrive best in a diverse culture where innovation and agile thinking abound.

Show content of What sort of benefits do you offer?

Take a look at the extensive benefits we offer on our  benefits page

Show content of What kind of working culture do you have?

A friendly one. We’re open, approachable and all embracing. We make time to support each other. Asking questions is actively encouraged, and everyone’s happy to make time to answer them. For us, you’re an individual, not a member of the ranks

Show content of I’m interested in working in another country. Will I need to know the local language?

This varies. In some countries, your colleagues and clients will prefer you to speak the local language and have an understanding of the culture

Show content of What’s the most effective way for me to follow up after the interview?

Before you leave, ask your interviewer what the next step is and when you can expect a response. It's a good idea to get contact details and ask if you can call or email. If you haven't heard anything within the stated timeframe, make a follow-up call or send us an email.

Show content of How should I prepare for the interview?

You've secured the interview, reviewed the website and talked to people who already work at Deutsche Bank. So how do you ensure a successful interview? The same way you'd go about doing the job once you're there: with careful preparation, research and attention to detail. The first step in any successful job search is research. Not only do you need to know about the position and division you'll be interviewing for, you also need to know about who we are as a company. You should find out something about our characteristics, some of our history and what differentiates us from the other institutions in our industry. Why? Because, you need to convince your interviewer that you’re the right person for us and for that particular role. It’s as important for you to feel comfortable with us as it is for us to feel comfortable with you. If you haven't done so already, read and understand our annual report. You won't be expected to know all the details, but you should have a general understanding of how we performed last year. Also review what the press has to say about us and keep up to date by following us on Facebook and Twitter.

Show content of What should I expect at the interview?

Be prepared to tell us why you’re right for Deutsche Bank and why Deutsche Bank is right for you. If you’re serious about a career in investment banking, we know that you’ll be talking to a lot of firms. But you should understand how we differ from other financial institutions, and why the division you’re applying to is more suitable for you than another role in the industry. We’ll expect you to demonstrate an understanding of the role you’re applying to and the work you’ll be doing. We’d also like you to tell us why you want to work in the financial services industry as opposed to any other sector.

Technical Support

Show content of i’m having technical issues with my application. what can i do.

Please consult our Troubleshooter Guide in the first instance. If you still have queries please contact us.

Show content of How do I update my application once submitted?

Unfortunately, you can’t make any changes to your application once you’ve submitted it

Show content of Who do I contact to get help with technical difficulties with the application process?

If you’re experiencing technical difficulties with the application process please email [email protected] .

• Accessibility Accessibility

The cover letter that will get you a job in a bank

Do you really need to write a cover letter when you're applying for a job in an investment bank? These days, it's surely all about the skills in your CV - who's got the time to read that extra blurb saying how perfect you are for the role?

Recruiters working with experienced hires certaintly don't have the time. Most of the banking recruiters we speak to treat the cover letters (or 'cover emails') they receive from experienced candidates as an irrelevance. "For experienced roles, we rarely look at cover letters," says the CEO of one London-based financial services recruitment firm. I just go for the CV," agrees another. "I look at the CV and then I phone them. - If the CV is relevant, I'll get everything that would have been in the cover letter from that call." 

This doesn't mean you should just attach a CV/resume with no introductory email. It does mean that the introductory email might not be read - but you still need to make sure you don't make common mistakes like referencing the wrong bank, or forgetting to attach your CV altogether.

However, there some situations in which cover letters can make all the difference.  

These include:

• When you're applying for graduate jobs in banking.
• When you're applying to banks directly (without going through external recruiters),
• And... when you happen to be using a recruiter who simply likes cover letters (hard to tell!).

"For graduate hires, cover letters are very important," says one headhunter. Just how important is reflected by the fact that some banks specify them as a must-have in the ir graduate recruitment process .   Banks like Goldman Sachs, Citigroup, Barclays, Morgan Stanley and Macquarie typically all demand that their would-be analysts in Europe write cover letters or something very similar, says Victoria McLean, a former Goldman Sachs recruiter and founder of banking CV specialists, City CV.   "Some banks still ask for specific questions to be answered around motivation, strengths and key behaviours/competencies (these are of varying word counts depending on the bank)," she says.

Goldman Sachs historically demanded that recruits write a 300 word personal statement as a cover letter. A former recruiter at the firm told us it was  very important. "Some students were excellent until they got to the cover letter," - those 300 words let them down.

What makes a good banking cover letter? Mai Le, a former Goldman Sachs investment banking associate who ran  CoverLetterLibrary , a community which houses a collection of cover letters that have enabled juniors to get jobs at banks in the past. Le says the best cover letters have two things in common: narrative structure (they emphasize your story and show the choices that brought you here) and facts and figures that underscore your background and achievements. By comparison, Le says the worst banking cover letters suffer from key-word stuffing, irrelevant information and spelling and grammatical mistakes.

It can help to follow a general template... 

You need to tailor your cover letters for each job you apply to. But this doesn't mean that you can't write a cover letter that follows a template. It does mean that each time you apply for a new job, you will need to fill in the template all over again.

McLean suggests your template follows the following format: Introduction. Why me? Why you? Why this job? In total, the text within the template should be no more than 750 words, or one A4 page, long. Le says some candidates also use a format that's ordered as, Why this job? Why this bank? Why me?  "It's a matter of personal preference," she says. Ultimately, you want all these elements in the cover letter and should go with which ever you feel comfortable with.

Either way, here's what to include.

The easy introductory paragraph

The first paragraph is all about explaining why you're writing. If you're applying for a graduate job in a bank, keep it short and sweet.

"The first paragraph is just to say who you are and why you're writing the letter," says McLean.

This paragraph might read something like. "I am an X with X year history of X at global banking firms including X as well as X. I have been working for X for the past X years."

If you're writing a Goldman Sachs cover letter that's 300 words or less, you can ditch this style of opening paragraph. - There's just no space for it.

If you're writing to a recruiter, there's less need to be quite so brief with your introduction. Say who you are, and explain why you've approached that recruiter in particular: "If someone says they've been referred to me by someone I know and respect, I will sit up and pay attention," says one U.S. recruiter. "The same applies if they say they've learned that I mentor women and that this is something they're interested in too."

In other words, when you're writing a cover letter to a recruiter, you need to know who you're writing to. Use this introductory paragraph to address them in person. Flattery will get you everywhere.

The selling yourself paragraph. 'Why you?'

The second paragraph is usually harder. This is where you need to start selling yourself, expressing your personality, and explaining why you're such a hot catch. It's here that you can add in some of the narrative explaining how you came to apply for this role, plus some of the substantiating figures that Le says make successful cover letters so effective.  Don't  use bland and empty phrases like, "I am a determined, motivated person." Do look at the key words and skills used to describe the job you're applying for and (without too obviously reiterating the ad) explain how you match them. Focus on the results and on  outcomes you've achieved in similar situations in the past.  You need to be specific and you need to bring yourself to life.

If you're writing a cover letter to accompany a graduate application, McLean says you can use the second paragraph to talk about what you've studied and how it's relevant. If you've studied finance and know how to do a DCF, now's the time to mention that. If you haven't studied finance but have good relationship management skills and you want to work i n M&A (a relationship-focused business), say that here. Provide EVIDENCE for the skills you're claiming to have.- List any awards you've won. Never, ever, make empty statements. "Many successful trading cover letters feature the candidate's trading return profile and their rationales for their success or failure," says Le. " - Cover letters for sales positions highlight the candidate's track record that evident their ability as a natural salesperson."

The motivational paragraph. 'Why this job (in this sector?)'

If you're an experienced hire applying through a recruiter or applying directly to a bank, this is where you explain why you want the job you're applying for. If you're a student applying for a first job, this is why you need to explain why you want this job and why you want to work in this sector. Be specific -  you'll need to know about the job and the sector before you start this section.

As a student, you'll need to link your skills back to your motivation for working in that area of banking above others, says McLean. Why M&A? Why not sales and trading? Why not compliance?  - If you want to work in operations , for example, explain how you have a passion for building systems and improving efficiency, as evidenced by your system for serving customers in your weekend job...

"You should include what you love about the industry to which you are applying," says McLean. "Why is it important to YOU? Why does it matter to YOU? How does it make a difference to YOU? and why is it interesting to YOU? Especially valid for Graduates: Why finance? Why investment banking / asset management?  before addressing the specifics of the division or programme to which you are applying. The key is to make this personal…. This is where most grads go wrong in their cover letters, they sound too generic and impersonal."

The connection paragraph. 'Why this bank ?'

The fourth paragraph is all about explaining why you want to work for that particular bank. Again, you need to be specific. McLean says graduates often copy and paste from banks' own websites. For example, it's not unheard of for them to write, "I want to work for Goldman Sachs because you have 170 locations across 90 cities in over 30 countries."  This will get you nowhere.

"The idea is not to flatter your potential employer but to identify what makes them a good choice for you and you a good fit," says McLean. "Telling Goldman or Citi you want to work for them because they are the best is not going to impress anyone. However, writing that it’s an opportunity to work with some of the best minds on the street and that you want to be held to those same exacting standards is a bit more engaging." But you need to put this in your own words: you need to make it personal and say what the banks strengths mean to YOU.

The other ex-Goldman Sachs recruiter we spoke to said she particularly looked for, "creativity and effort and writing about Goldman Sachs," when running through students' cover letters. People were expected to say exactly why they wanted to work for Goldman rather than, say, J.P. Morgan.

Instead of just reiterating what you've read on banks' websites, therefore, you need to cite some unusual reasons for choosing that bank that will make you stand out. If you're a student, it helps to say that you've met some of the banks' staff and were impressed by them.  Citigroup, for example, suggests that  student cover letters  reference encounters with the bank's staff at recruitment events. - Make a note of the staff you meet and explain what they said or did that impressed you, and what made you think you'd like to work with them.

Mark Hatz, a former M&A associate at Goldman Sachs and Perella Weinberg Partners who now helps people get jobs in banking , says stressing your rapport with people you've met from the firm is particularly important when you're applying for a job in M&A or capital markets: "These are advisory businesses and they want to see that you can build a rapport and work in a team. If you get the job, you'll also be spending a lot of hours in the office with these people, so showing you like them is very important."

It also helps to reference the bank's strategy, to mention any awards the bank won, and to cite any conversations you've had with or comments you've read from other industry professionals and analysts who've given concrete reasons why it's good place to work. Everything in this section needs to be positive. - You need to explain why you want to work for Deutsche Bank specifically without writing anything that denigrates its rivals. The more senior you are, the more you will need to reference solid strategy points at this stage.

"Show a grasp of where they are going, what the plan is and why this appeals to you," says McLean. Show that you know their strategy and that you agree with the way they're addressing challenges. "You should also write about the future of the firm. You should be planning to be there for a few years and hoping to share that future with them," McLean adds. Look at the shareholder letter in the last annual report for information on a bank's strategy.

The call to action

Finally, you need to end the cover letter with a call to action. McLean suggests completing the letter with the following sentence: "I really look forward to hearing from you. I am available for interview and contactable by X.'

Simple. Except all of this has to be written in 750 words - or just 300 if you're a student applying to Goldman Sachs. It's not so easy after all.

Click here to create a profile on eFinancialCareers. Make yourself visible to recruiters hiring for top jobs in technology and finance. 

Have a confidential story, tip, or comment you’d like to share? Contact: [email protected] in the first instance. Whatsapp/Signal/Telegram also available.

Bear with us if you leave a comment at the bottom of this article: all our comments are moderated by human beings. Sometimes these humans might be asleep, or away from their desks, so it may take a while for your comment to appear. Eventually it will – unless it’s offensive or libelous (in which case it won’t.)

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Online Application

You are required to fill in a form with some questions about your background, your interest in the company (e.g. 'how did you get to know this opportunity?'). Moreover, you need to attach a CV and a cover letter as part of this form.

How to respond for success

Use a basic template (avoid CVs that are too creative for these roles). Also, try to include at least one business experience (even if unpaid) that can be relevant to Banking and Finance, and include action verbs that highlight what you did. Make sure to clearly state what you did in your other experiences - even if non-financial - and select relevant factors about your university experience (e.g., are you part of any business/commercial society?). I'd also advise you to include some hobbies and extracurriculars that you might further describe during an interview.

For your cover letter you need to provide the following:

Introduction - Summarise the main reason you are applying to this programme and briefly introduce yourself. Paragraph 1 - Why this sector? Did I take part in interesting experiences that made me realise the importance of finance? Paragraph 2 - Why Deutsche Bank and why an Insight Programme? (e.g., to meet ambitious people, to gain an insight into financial services, to leverage this experience in a future application for a 2023 Summer Internship). As I am interested in ESG, I included some data about DB's engagement in sustainability to show some research. Conclusion - Briefly (very briefly!) restate what you said in the main body of the cover letter and thank them for considering your application.

Remember that this role is very general and it is meant to be an introduction to financial services, so you don't really need to show extremely relevant experience. It is crucial to demonstrate your curiosity and genuine interest in the programme and in the company. Also, always try to network with someone at DB, so that you can include their name in your application form!

Expect an immediate response before progressing to the next stage.

Online tests.

You will face 3 different tests, a numerical reasoning, a logical reasoning and a situational judgement test. As for the cognitive ability test, it is similar to most used by other firms, so you just need to prepare and find some simulations online. For the situational one, carefully read through the DB values and think about them when you are answering the questions. However, do not overthink and try to be as real as possible.

Example task

The numerical reasoning test is made up of percentage calculations and reading data from graphs. The situational judgement test contains questions about your personality, questions about your behaviour in certain situations and contexts (e.g., 'if your coworker cannot meet this deadline, what would you do?')

I carefully read through DB values and tried to do my best highlighting the strengths of my personality.

Video Interview

This stage was right after the online tests, so expect to advance immediately to this stage. When you start the video interview, expect the questions to appear on your screen and 1 minute to think about the answer. Then, you have 3 mins to reply but you can also finish earlier. ​

Expect questions along the lines of: "Why this role at DB?, Why this division/programme, What do you think you’ll learn from this programme at DB?"

Even though I did the interview online at home, I dressed up formally. I tried to be as calm as possible, and to be clear in my answers. You have enough time to think about your answers, so keep a notepad next to you to draft something. Take some notes but don't write exactly what you want to say, otherwise it is going to seem staged.

Expect a 1-month wait before progressing to the next stage.

Phone interview.

This stage was a phone interview with an analyst, which lasted about 15 minutes. I prepared by asking other analysts on LinkedIn about their experience, and I also drafted some answers to motivational questions trying to tailor them to Deutsche Bank values.

I was asked personal and motivational questions, with no technical questions asked. They were along the lines of:

Tell me about yourself? Why Deutsche Bank? Tell me a recent news story. You disagree with a teammate about something, what do you do? How did you do your research about Investment Banking?

I tried to show I did as much research as possible, and I demonstrated deep understanding of DB values. Remember to show genuine curiosity. Ask the analyst about his/her experience at DB and what they particularly like about their work there.

Expect a 1-week wait before receiving your offer.

Application process for Spring Intern at Deutsche Bank in London

• Skip to content

How to answer Deutsche Bank interview questions for graduate roles

targetjobs editorial team

Last updated: 26 Oct 2023, 08:59

Discover how to impress throughout the investment bank’s graduate recruitment process with targetjobs’ expert guidance on how to answer Deutsche Bank interview questions.

Jump to: Deutsche Bank interview questions | Deutsche Bank interview question help for technical roles | A final helping hand from targetjobs

The Deutsche Bank recruitment process for graduate roles includes a pre-recorded video interview; to complete, you must record and then upload your responses. You should also expect at least one further interview at Deutsche Bank’s assessment centre.

Below we provide some examples of possible Deutsche Bank interview questions, based on what past candidates have reported and what we have gleaned from our knowledge of the bank. At the end of the article, you’ll find a useful set of links to follow-on advice that, combined with this guide, will ensure you’re fully prepared for your Deutsche Bank interview.

Deutsche Bank interview questions

There’s no guarantee that the bank will ask these previously asked questions, but you can use them as a starting point to prepare for your interviews. It’s also advisable that you think about other questions that you could be asked (about your skills, CV and understanding of the job role and industry) and how best to answer them.

• Why do you want to work for Deutsche Bank ?
• Tell me about one instance where you provided a service to the client but the client was unhappy .
• What happened in the X market yesterday ?
• What is the banking/trading outlook for this year ?
• What is one thing not on your application that we should know about ?
• Tell me about a recent piece of news involving Deutsche Bank that has interested you .
• What have you done in the past that makes you suitable for this role ?

Deutsche Bank interview question: ‘Why do you want to work for Deutsche Bank?’

How to answer: At first glance different investment banks can appear very similar, but one way to tell them apart and explain why you have applied to Deutsche Bank is to understand the culture of each bank. One possible approach when answering this interview question is to specify something that differentiates Deutsche Bank from its competitors and is relevant to the job that you’ll be doing. How, for example, does working on the trading floor at Deutsche Bank differ from working on the trading floor at one of its competitors?

Potential follow-up questions: Why do you want to work in this division? Why have you chosen the role you are applying for?

Read our article on answering ‘ Why are you interested in this position? ’ for a complete grounding in knowing how to approach ‘Why?’ interview questions.

DEUTSCHE BANK OPPORTUNITIES AND INSIGHTS

Deutsche bank interview question: ‘tell me about one instance where you provided a service to the client but the client was unhappy.’.

How to answer: Deutsche Bank’s interviewers have also been known to ask, ‘Tell me about a time when you failed’. Let’s deal with that first as there is some overlap between that and the question above. Your approach should include what you learned or what you would do differently given the chance. Failure is expected – you can learn a lot from having done something incorrectly the first time.

Show that the failure helped you to develop; focus on the skills you’ve improved since that time. For example, if you failed to complete a project before the deadline, how have you improved your time management skills since then?

Now the difference between that and the question about the unhappy client is that it involves a customer who might be angry, sad, personally disappointed or upset on behalf of another, and you may have done nothing wrong. But of course a repeated failure with a client is not wanted or expected.

You’ll need to identify not only the source of the upset but its precise emotional content and state how you dealt with that. It’s also good to acknowledge how you felt about the situation and how you dealt with that, particularly if you felt that the complaint was unfair.

Next, the bank will want to know how you separated emotion from fact and got to the bottom of the problem, and what you did about it. Finally, what was the outcome?

Potential follow-up questions: Tell me about a time when you have exceeded expectations. Tell me about a time when you used your own creativity to solve a problem.

Deutsche Bank interview question: ‘What happened in the X market yesterday?’

How to answer: One of the trickier commercial awareness questions, this shows just how up-to-date your knowledge of financial markets needs to be.

‘X’ represents whatever markets are most applicable to the post to which you have applied. If you claim to know about the division you’re applying to, you should at the very least be aware of the markets it operates in.

Your answer should be direct, but not so concise that you fail to express the reasons behind the movements in the markets. Do you understand the factors that affect the markets? Only the best candidates will cover this in their answer.

Potential follow-up questions: Why are these issues important for Deutsche Bank to be aware of? What are some of the more important/newsworthy deals we have just closed?

Deutsche Bank interview question: ‘What is the banking/trading outlook for this year?’

How to answer: This is another commercial awareness question, but asks you to take a broader look and think about how political developments and social issues in the wider world could affect the financial world. (Note: consider factors outside of the UK as well as within it.)

Potential follow-up question: How should our division respond to the outlook?

A quick segue into the importance of commercial awareness when applying to Deutsche Bank…

Some graduates have reported facing up to four separate rounds of interviews at Deutsche Bank – with the final round (at the assessment centre) containing up to four individual interviews.

It’s especially important, then, that you keep yourself up to date with current affairs in the industry – particularly with the stories that affect the department you’re applying to – throughout the whole time that you’re applying to the bank.

Head to our article on impressing banking recruiters with your commercial awareness to fully prepare for commercial questions before your Deutsche Bank interview.

…Deutsche Bank interview questions continued: ‘What is one thing not on your application that we should know about?’

How to answer: The first thing is not to panic, although the Deutsche Bank recruiters may be testing to see how you react to a leading question.

This is a great opportunity to reveal a pleasant surprise, and one which has a bearing upon your selection for the role. One strategy is to reveal a few more personal details about something you’ve already told them. For instance, perhaps they know you’ve excelled in a hobby or some aspect of study but not that you’ve succeeded despite a hardship or difficulty.

Or there’s the brand-new revelation. Perhaps it’s your life’s ambition to visit all the major capital cities of the world in the next few years, and that’s a sign of your global outlook. Say more: what is it about travel that broadens your horizons? What have you learned by being ‘globalist’?

Potential follow-up question: Why did you omit this information from your application?

Get the insights and skills you need to shape your career journey with Pathways. We’ll help you become clued up on a range of challenging interview questions, so you can feel confident showcasing your skills and potential on the day.

Deutsche Bank interview question: ‘Tell me about a recent piece of news involving Deutsche Bank that has interested you.’

How to answer: ‘Most recent’ does not necessarily equate to ‘best’. Recent news is relative to the world in which it operates – a recent deal could be in the last week or it could be in the last three months; it all depends on the context in which you present it.

Whatever news you reference – a recent merger, a press release from Deutsche Bank and so on – you should be able to show that you researched this in more detail before coming to your interview. Don’t just regurgitate what you hear in the news; it’s better to give your own analysis of the situation. Make it relevant to the division that you’ve applied to. If you talk about a tax issue when you’re applying for a role in the risk department, things might look a little odd.

Potential follow-up question: How would you use this information in your daily working life?

Deutsche Bank interview question: ‘What have you done in the past that makes you suitable for this role?’

How to answer: Once again, this is all about keeping things relevant. Tie in your knowledge of the specifics of the graduate role and match it up with examples from your past. Ideally, you’ll be able to show knowledge of the markets and, at least, a little bit of experience in the tasks that you’ll be doing as part of your job.

In addition to the factual details, you should also be able to emphasise aspects of your character that make you stand out. Show that your attitude and values will fit in with Deutsche Bank and with the division you’ll be working in.

What kind of traders does Deutsche Bank want? Do you need to show a level of patience in your role within operations? Will an inquisitive mind help you in your role? You should be asking yourself these questions, and more, if you wish to be properly prepared for this question.

Potential follow-up questions: What skills are vital for the role? How do you see your career developing in the future?

Deutsche Bank interview question help for technical roles

If you’re applying for a technical graduate role at Deutsche Bank, such as the technology, data and innovation stream of the graduate analyst programme, be prepared for curveball technical questions based on the projects mentioned in your CV. Our research of anonymous employer survey websites found that several graduates who’d applied to this stream were asked about specific aspects of their projects. In one such example, a graduate was asked about the system design implemented in one of their projects.

It’s wise, therefore, to ensure you know the details of the projects that you include in your CV, and to have examples prepared before your Deutsche Bank interview of why you approached projects in the way that you did.

A final helping hand from targetjobs

Check out the following articles to further prepare for an interview with Deutsche Bank. We’ve also included a guide to investment and banking assessment centres for you to get a head start.

And don’t forget to create your targetjobs account . This will give you the best of what targetjobs has to offer in the way of tailored careers advice based on your specific career interests. So don’t miss out!

FOLLOW ON HELP FOR YOUR DEUTSCHE BANK INTERVIEW PREP

targetjobs editorial advice

This describes editorially independent and impartial content, which has been written and edited by the targetjobs content team. Any external contributors featuring in the article are in line with our non-advertorial policy, by which we mean that we do not promote one organisation over another.

People reading this also searched for roles in these areas:

• Investment banking graduate jobs
• Investment banking internships

We've got you

German Cover Letter Guide [With English Sample]

Researched & written

by Yvonne Koppen

February 13, 2024

A cover letter ( Anschreiben ) might be the least important thing of the application in some countries; however, not so in Germany. Depending on the company and recruiter receiving your application, a German cover letter might be the most essential part after your CV.

A  survey  of HR Recruiters in Germany states that 42% ignore an application without an individual cover letter. The same survey also shows that for 71% of HR, a cover letter is an essential document in a job application. A job application letter conveys your level of professionalism, research capabilities, and ability to sell yourself without much fluff. 

🖌️ Table of Contents

Simple German cover letter sample in English

A cover letter in Germany ( Anschreiben ) needs to complement  your CV , but not repeat it. You can regard a cover letter as a letter of motivation filled with examples and facts. A cover letter in Germany is a very formal document that should follow a particular layout.

Read Our Related Guide

German CV Template in English

Our German-Style CV Template In English helps you to craft a killer CV. We have also created a German cover letter sample in English for you to understand what your finished document should look like.

To save you loads of time, you can download our German cover letter template . Simply go to ‘file’ and select ‘ make a copy ‘. You can then edit it to your needs.

How to write a cover letter in Germany?

We will walk you step-by-step through the areas you should include in a German cover letter. You will also learn about what the content of the cover letter should convey. 

German cover letter formal format

As mentioned before, the German cover letter is a very formal letter that should follow the following format for it to look familiar to the German eye:

• Maximum one page and don’t fill it up completely. Leave enough white space when glancing over it.
• Put your full address, including email (ideally including your name) and phone number, in the top right corner.
• Put the company’s full address on the left with one paragraph below your address. Include the name of the contact person in the second line.
• Place the date of your application right-aligned underneath the addresses.

As you might know already, Germany has tons of rules, regulations, and guidelines. Naturally, there is also a guideline for professional letter writing and correspondence, the so-called  DIN 5008 norm . It states the following margins on a DIN A4 (standard German letter paper format):

Left margin: 2,5 cm Right margin: 2,0 cm Top margin: 4,5 cm Bottom margin: 2,5 cm

Please take this information with a grain of salt. Not following this layout does not mean that any German manager or recruiter will ignore your cover letter; however, the German eye is trained and used to reading this format. Anything appearing too much out of the ordinary might get noticed negatively. Again, you can shine with your cover letter’s content, but don’t try to stand out with the format unintentionally.

1. Subject Line

The subject line in a German cover letter needs to stand out. It needs to convey with one look what position you are applying for, and you should bold it. 

2. Salutation

The salutation is extremely important – the more personalized, the better. Reflect your understanding of the company’s culture by using the first name or last name; however it is appropriate. If you can’t find enough information or are unsure, always refer to the last name. If you can’t find the relevant person’s name, don’t be shy and pick up the phone to find out more. This shows initiative and determination.

When it comes to the cover letter’s main body, you should try to stick to four paragraphs. Remember to point out what value you will bring to the company, not what you can get from the company. Your cover letter’s content needs to reflect the expectations and requirements mentioned in the job ad. So make sure to connect the dots and position yourself ahead of other candidates.

Introduction (3 – 4 lines)

The introduction should answer why you are applying for the position and how you became aware of it (through a friend, an employee at the company, a job portal, etc.). Be confident in your word choice. Don’t use insecure words such as ‘I think I would be a good fit’ but rather ‘I am confident that I will contribute to …’.

Second paragraph (5 – 6 lines)

Now it is time to shine with your skills, experience, and qualifications. Never just list things, but choose the relevant achievements and prove them with results. Don’t only refer to achievements in your work life, but if relevant, also mention efforts with private projects. This will show your personality, drive, and willingness to learn and grow beyond what you get paid for. It is absolutely ok to also write in bullet list style in this part, as long as you don’t just list things.

Third paragraph (5 – 6 lines)

After you have showcased yourself, it is time to translate how these experiences and skills will contribute to the role and company. Convey that you have taken the time to research the company by referring to the company culture, possible awards the company has won, or projects that inspire and motivate you. Be authentic and confident.

Closure (3 – 4 lines)

To close your cover letter:

• Reemphasize your eagerness to join the company in the relevant position.
• Describe your future goals and the value you can bring to the company.
• State when you will be available to start work.
• Emphasize that you’d be happy to answer any questions via phone or in a personal interview . 
• Only mention salary expectations if they are asked for in the job ad.
• Be sure to sign the cover letter with your name. 

4. Attachments

Add the word ‘Enclosure’ ( Anlage ) underneath your signature. List all the additional documents you will hand in with your application, like your CV, certificates and diplomas, reference letter, etc.

Further cover letter and job applications tips

Don’t use the same CV and cover letter for different applications. As mentioned above, you must individualize your application to each company’s needs and requirements.

If you send your application directly by email, you have two options. You can either make the email body your cover letter. In this case, remove the address and date part from the email and place the subject line in the email’s actual subject. The body of the email remains a formal letter, though.

Or you can attach the cover letter to the email and briefly point out your application to the specific position in the body of the email, referring to the attachments. 

Ensure that any attachment always has the pdf format, regardless of whether you send it by email or upload it to an online application system. Also, pay attention to the naming of the attachments and keep it clear and professional.

Your job application, namely your resume and cover letter, should answer the recruiter’s main three questions:

• Can you do the job? (Skills)
• Will you do the job? (Motivation)
• Will you fit in with the company culture? (Personality)

Be sure to evaluate your documents based on these questions before you hand them in. The goal of your CV and cover letter is to get an invitation for a job interview .

Job Interview In Germany [How-To + Tips In English]

We hope that you now have a better understanding of how a German cover letter looks and feels like. But never forget to adapt your cover letter and application to the style of the company you are applying for. There is a big difference in culture between a young international StartUp and a big traditional German enterprise. 

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About the Author

Yvonne Koppen is a researcher and writer at Simple Germany, focusing on demystifying German bureaucracy for international skilled workers.

She has lived and worked abroad, which helps her understand how difficult a move to a new country can be. Beyond her professional pursuits, Yvonne loves to plan and go on road trips, puzzle, and do a triathlon here and there.

She is committed to creating accessible, empowering content through her writing and YouTube videos. Yvonne's passion for continuous learning and her ability to simplify complex topics make her an invaluable resource for expats seeking to navigate their new life in Germany.

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How to Draft a Perfect German Cover Letter [Format, Guide]

In Germany, the employment market is highly competitive. Many qualified and skilled individuals are looking for jobs in Germany, so it's critical to make an excellent first impression with your cover letter.

A well-written cover letter can differentiate between securing job interviews and being overlooked when submitting a job or visa application. A great cover letter demonstrates that you are serious about the position and have what it takes. 

Read on for a guide on   how to write the ideal German cover letter and an example format , plus some pointers and shortcuts to ensure that your cover letter is flawless.

What is a German Cover Letter?

You may submit a one-page cover letter ( Anschreiben ) from Germany when   applying for a job   or an internship. The cover letter introduces you to the potential employer and explains why you are the ideal applicant.

The German cover letter should be formal and polite. The tone should be positive and professional.

Tip:   You may submit your resume ( Lebenslauf ) and cover letter in English or German when applying for a   position . If the employment opening is in German, it is advisable to write your cover letter in German.

German Cover Letter Format

It is critical to use the correct format for your cover letter when applying in Germany. This implies that you should include your   contact information   (name, address, phone number, email) and the date at the top of the page. The letter should be addressed to the person in charge of hiring at the firm (if you do not have a name, you can use something more general, such as " Dear Hiring Manager ").

It is essential to   keep it professional and easy to read   regarding font style and size for your German cover letter. Times New Roman or Arial font in size 12 should be sufficient.

Begin your letter with a   brief introduction   and explain why you are interested in the position. Then, go into detail about your qualifications and accomplishments that make you the perfect candidate for the job. Be sure to   emphasize any skills or experience   relevant to the position.

In the second section,   underline the skills and accomplishments   that make you the perfect candidate. Be sure to emphasize any skills or work experience relevant to the position. Finally, in the third part,   thank the company for their time and consideration . You may also include a statement of availability for an interview or mention that you will be in touch soon.

Close the letter with a professional sign-off (" Sincerely," "Best regards ," etc.), followed by your full name and signature.

Tip:   If you've   studied German , say so in your cover letter. This will demonstrate to the employer that you're serious about the position and have taken the time to learn more about their culture and country.

What not to include in a German Cover Letter

When writing your German cover letter, there are a few things that you should avoid doing.

• Do not repeat information   from your resume or CV verbatim.
• Personal information   such as your age, marital status, or the number of children should not be included. This data is irrelevant to the employer and may lead to your being discriminated against.
• Do not use   informal language or contractions . The phrases "I'd want to," or "I'll be" are examples of informal language.
• Avoid a generic cover letter . Make sure that your cover letter is tailored to the position you're applying for. This will demonstrate to the employer that you are genuinely interested in working for them.
• Do not include a   photograph   of yourself.
• Do not use humor   or try to be witty in your cover letter. This is a formal business correspondence; therefore, keep it serious unless stated otherwise.
• Do not make any   negative comments   about your current or previous employers.
• Do not reveal your salary expectations or demands   during the interview. This may be discussed at length during the hiring process.

Keep the following in mind while drafting a German Cover Letter

A German cover letter should be concise and direct, as stated in the job description.

There's no need to include details about your interests or hobbies. The emphasis should be on your abilities and qualifications rather than your personality.

Employers may not be familiar with overly formal or technical language, so avoid it. Stick to simple, straightforward speech that anyone can comprehend.

Finally, double-check it for spelling and grammatical errors before submitting your cover letter.

German Cover Letter Template Ideas

Finding the ideal German cover letter template may be a challenging task.

The internet is your best friend for locating the perfect German cover letter template. Several excellent, free websites provide templates for various letters, including German cover letters.

Some of our favorites include:

Novoresume   is a website that provides free templates for various letters, including German Cover Letters. The website offers several templates for different types of letters and varying levels of experience.

Resume.io  is another website that has compiled the best German cover letter examples and templates to help you land your dream job.

Zety  is a website that provides cover letter templates for various professions. The website offers both free and paid templates.

Cover letters can be tricky, but following a specific format can make the time to research much more accessible and help you get your dream job. Remember to personalize your letter for each job application and highlight relevant qualifications and experience.

Need help with your German CV?

Don't worry! Check out our German CV guide below to know everything you need to create an outstanding German CV

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60+ Cover Letter Examples in 2024 [For All Professions]

No matter where you are in your career, or what job you’re applying for, submitting a cover letter with your resume is a must . 

Done right, a cover letter will effectively complement your resume and explain to the hiring manager in more detail why you’re the right person for the job.

Writing a cover letter, however, is easier said than done. 

You have to effectively demonstrate that you’ll be able to perform the responsibilities listed in the job description and that you’d be a better fit for the company compared to other candidates. 

And unless you’re a professional writer, this can be a very hard task.

Fortunately, we created these cover letter examples to inspire you and help you get started with your own cover letter!

Let’s dive in!

21 Cover Letter Examples 

#1. career change cover letter example .

Here’s what this cover letter does right:

• Has an ideal length. This cover letter includes all the relevant information for the hiring manager without getting into too much detail.
• Relevant introduction. The candidate explains that they’re changing careers and why they want to work in this new field from the get-go.
• Explains their related experience. The candidate explains how their previous experience in retail sales can help them succeed in PR.

Check out our guide video guide to learn how to write a Cover Letter that gets you HIRED!

#2. Recent Graduate Cover Letter Example 

• Personally greets the hiring manager. The candidate has taken the time to find the hiring manager’s name and address them by it, which makes the opening of the cover letter much more personal.
• Wraps up with a call to action. The candidate wraps up the cover letter by suggesting a meeting with the hiring manager, which makes them more memorable.
• Explains why the candidate is the right person for the internship. In this cover letter for an internship , the candidate explains how they’ve previously interned in a different firm, which gives them the experience to succeed in this role.

Have you just graduated from college? Make sure to check out our guide on writing an entry-level cover letter from start to finish! 

#3. Middle Management Cover Letter Example

• Use of bullet points. The candidate presents the information in a concise and reader-friendly way, making it easy for the hiring manager to find their key achievements. 
• Formal closing. The candidate has used a formal and polite tone to conclude their cover letter, which combined with a call to action makes them look professional and passionate about getting the job. 
• Explains how the company would benefit from hiring them. The candidate outlines exactly what they could do for the company, which not only highlights their skills but also shows they’ve done their research on the company’s needs. 

#4. Business Manager Cover Letter Example

• Detailed header. In addition to the must-have contact details, this candidate has also included their professional Twitter and LinkedIn profiles, making it easy for the hiring manager to look more closely into their career. 
• Concise and to the point. This candidate has used short paragraphs and bullet points to make the cover letter easy to skim through. 
• Wraps up with a call to action. By letting the hiring manager know they’ll be contacting them soon, they’re more likely to make an impression.

Check out this article for a complete writing guide and an inspiring business manager resume sample. 

#5. Ph.D. Cover Letter Example

Here’s what this cover letter does right: 

• Attention-grabbing introduction. In the opening paragraph, this candidate explains why they’re passionate about pursuing a Ph.D. in great detail. 
• Explains the candidate’s qualifications in detail. The candidate builds on their passion by explaining how they’re also qualified for the degree because of their education history and academic achievements. 

#6. Senior Executive Cover Letter Example

• Professional and minimalistic template. This senior executive has used a professional but minimalistic template that lets their work experience do the talking. 
• Achievement-oriented opening paragraph. Right from the get-go, this candidate explains what makes them so good at their job, effectively grabbing the hiring manager’s attention.  
• Wraps up with a call to action. By suggesting to have a meeting and discussing how they can help the company meet its goals, the candidate stands more chance to make a positive lasting impression. 

#7. Architect Cover Letter Example 

• Modern resume template. This architect has picked a template that perfectly matches his industry, as it is professional and modern at the same time. 
• A personal greeting to the HR. They address the hiring manager by their first name, which helps make a better first impression. 
• Measurable achievements. By quantifying their achievements, the candidate proves their achievements instead of just claiming them.

Struggling with your architect resume ? Check out our full guide!

#8. Business Analyst Cover Letter Example 

• Detailed contact information. The candidate has listed both their LinkedIn and Twitter profiles, providing the HR manager an opportunity to learn more about the candidate.  
• Mentions what the candidate can do for the company. This cover letter doesn’t just explain why the job would be great for the candidate, but also how the candidate would benefit the company. Win-win, right? 
• Error-free and reader-friendly. It’s super important for the cover letter to have no spelling or grammatical errors and be reader-friendly. This candidate made sure they did both.

Need a resume alongside your cover letter? Check out our guide on how to write a business analyst resume . 

#9. Consultant Cover Letter Example 

• Professional cover letter template. Being an experienced consultant, this candidate has picked a professional template that doesn’t steal the spotlight from their achievements. 
• Experience and achievement-oriented. The candidate has effectively elaborated on their top achievements relevant to the job. 
• Highlights the candidate’s passion. To show they want the job, this candidate has also explained how passionate they are about their profession.

For more advice on landing a job as a consultant, check out our guide to writing a consultant resume .

#10. Digital Marketing Cover Letter Example

• Creative cover letter template. This digital marketer highlights their originality by picking a creative cover letter template. 
• Lists the candidate’s awards. The candidate has taken advantage of the cover letter to list their most noteworthy awards in the industry. 
• Concludes with a call to action. As they used a call to action to conclude their cover letter, the HR manager will be more likely to remember them.

Want to take your digital marketing resume to the next level? Check out our guide!

#11. Graphic Designer Cover Letter Example 

• Detailed contact information. The candidate has included additional contact information such as their website link, as well as their LinkedIn and Twitter profiles.  
• Ideal length. This cover letter is concise, which means that the HR manager is more likely to read it from start to finish.  
• Draws attention to the candidate’s strong points. Although this candidate is a recent college graduate, they’ve managed to effectively show that they have enough knowledge and experience to do the job right.

Read this guide to write a graphic designer resume that’s just as good as your cover letter!

#12. Administrative Assistant Cover Letter Example

• Minimalistic cover letter template. The candidate picked a well-designed but minimalistic template for their cover letter. 
• Focused on skills and achievements. This cover letter is packed with the candidate’s skills and achievements, proving he can be an excellent employee. 
• Formal closing. Politeness can go a long way and the candidate has used this to their advantage to make an impression. 

Our article on how to write an administrative assistant resume can help you take your job application to the next level.

#13. Front Desk Cover Letter Example

• Modern cover letter template. This template incorporates memorable colors and clear lines, which make the cover letter very visually appealing. 
• Attention-grabbing introduction. Using an attention-grabbing intro, the candidate is more likely to make an impression. 
• Calls the HR to action. By including a call to action, the candidate is reminding the HR of their immediate availability. 

#14. Human Resources Cover Letter Example

• It is concise and to the point. The candidate doesn’t dwell on unimportant details the HR won’t be interested in. 
• Uses a traditional cover letter template. The cover letter design is more on the conventional side, which fits the industry better. 
• Highlights the candidate’s strong points. The candidate has rich work experience and they use the cover letter to elaborate on it. 

This HR resume guide can help you get your resume just right.

#15. Sales Agent Cover Letter Example 

• Attention-grabbing cover letter template. As a salesperson, this candidate knows how important first impressions are, so they’ve picked a catchy cover letter template. 
• Has an ideal length. At the same time, they’ve also made sure to keep their cover letter at just the right length. 
• Lists the candidate’s career highlights. The candidate has made perfect use of the space by mentioning their most impressive professional achievements. 

Check out this sales agent resume guide to create an attention-grabbing sales resume .

#16. Receptionist Cover Letter Example

• Modern but minimalistic cover letter template. The template’s design hints the candidate is creative but professional at the same time. 
• Uses a catchy introduction. The candidate has used an attention-grabbing opening paragraph to catch HR’s attention. 
• Concludes the cover letter formally. The candidate proves that they’re polite and well-spoken, a quality very much important for the role they’re applying for. 

Take your receptionist resume to the next level with this receptionist resume guide .

#17. Information Technology Cover Letter Example

• Mentions measurable achievements. Numbers make an impact, which is why this candidate has included measurable achievements. 
• Lists both soft and hard skills. The candidate has mentioned a great mix of soft and hard skills, showing how well-rounded they are. 
• Contains relevant contact information. The candidate’s GitHub, website name, LinkedIn, and Twitter profiles are all great additions to the resume. 

Looking for tips to help you write a great IT resume ? Check out our guide!

#18. Real Estate Cover Letter Example

• Ideal length. Short and to the point, this cover letter is bound to get noticed by the HR manager. 
• Wraps up with a call to action. This candidate reinforces the HR to call them back through a final call to action. 
• Mentions the right skills. On top of their sales accomplishments, the candidate touch upon important soft skills such as customer service and communication . 

This real estate resume guide will help you take your resume from good to great.

#19. Teacher Cover Letter Example

• Mentions relevant contact information details. This candidate has included optional (but relevant) contact information details, such as their LinkedIn, Quora, and Medium profiles. 
• Achievement-oriented. The candidate has elaborated on their achievements in more detail throughout their cover letter. 
• Highlights the candidate’s passion. For some jobs, being passionate is much more important than for others. Teaching is one of these jobs, which is why this candidate explains their passion for the job. 

Our guide on how to write a teacher resume has all the tips you need to land the job.

#20. Project Manager Cover Letter Example

• Leverages a catchy introduction. Through a catchy introductory paragraph, this candidate is sure to grab the HR’s attention and get them to read the rest of their cover letter.
• Lists measurable accomplishments. This candidate explains exactly what they’ve achieved using numbers and hard data. 
• Personally greets the HR. A personal greeting sounds much better than “Dear Sir/Madam,” and the candidate knows this. 

This guide on how to write a project manager resume can help you perfect your appication.

#21. Paralegal Cover Letter Example

• Minimalistic cover letter template. This cover letter design looks good but doesn’t steal the show from the candidate’s abilities.
• Mentions the candidate’s academic achievements and extracurricular activities. Although the candidate is a recent graduate, they’ve used the cover letter to explain they have enough skills and achievements to do the job.
• Lists measurable achievements. The candidate proves they did well in their internship by mentioning quantifiable achievements.

Check out this paralegal resume guide to perfect yours.

40+ More Cover Letter Examples and Guides 

Couldn’t find a cover letter example for your field? Do not worry.

Below you can find a number of other cover letter examples for different fields and industries:

• Acting Cover Letter Examples
• Accounting Cover Letter Examples
• Administrative Assistant Cover Letter Examples
• Architecture Cover Letter Examples
• Attorney Cover Letter Examples
• Barista Cover Letter Examples
• Bartender Cover Letter Examples
• Business Cover Letter Examples
• Business Analyst Cover Letter Examples
• College Student Cover Letter Examples
• Computer Science Cover Letter Examples
• Construction Cover Letter Examples
• Consultant Cover Letter Examples
• Customer Service Cover Letter Examples
• Data Analyst Cover Letter Examples
• Data Entry Cover Letter Examples
• Dental Assistant Cover Letter Examples
• Digital Marketing Cover Letter Examples
• Elementary Teacher Cover Letter Examples
• Engineering Cover Letter Examples
• Executive Assistant Cover Letter Examples
• Finance Cover Letter Examples
• Graphic Design Cover Letter Examples
• Healthcare Cover Letter Examples
• Human Resources Cover Letter Examples
• IT Cover Letter Examples
• Law Cover Letter Examples
• Management Cover Letter Examples
• Marketing Cover Letter Examples
• Mechanical Engineering Cover Letter Examples
• Medical Assistant Cover Letter Examples
• Nurse Practitioner Cover Letter Examples
• Physician Cover Letter Examples
• Project Manager Cover Letter Examples
• Receptionist Cover Letter Examples
• Retail Cover Letter Examples
• Sales Cover Letter Examples
• Social Work Cover Letter Examples
• Software Engineer Cover Letter Examples
• Substitute Teacher Cover Letter Examples
• Teacher Assistant Cover Letter Examples
• Team Leader Cover Letter Example

What is a Cover Letter? 

A cover letter is a one-page document that you submit as part of your job application, alongside your resume . 

Its purpose is to introduce you and briefly summarize your professional background. On average, your cover letter should be from 250 to 400 words long .

A good cover letter can give the hiring manager more insight into what makes you a good candidate and help them make up their mind about whether they should invite you for an interview. A bad cover letter, though, will get ignored (at best) and lose you the job (at worst).

So, to make sure this doesn’t happen, it’s essential to know how to write a convincing cover letter.

The first thing to remember is that a cover letter is a supplement to your resume, not a replacement. Meaning, you shouldn’t just repeat whatever is mentioned in your resume and call it a day. 

Optimally, you should use your cover letter to shed more light on your skills and qualifications, as well as explain anything you didn’t have space for in your resume (e.g. a career gap or why you’re changing careers).

If you’re writing a cover letter for the first time, though, putting all this together might seem pretty tough. 

Fortunately, you can follow our tried-and-tested format to make the experience much easier:

• Header - Input your contact information.
• Greeting the hiring manager - Open the cover letter with a “Dear Sir or Madam,” or use the hiring manager’s name if you know what that is.
• Opening paragraph - Grab the hiring manager’s attention by getting straight to the point. Mention what your professional experiences are, and what role you’re applying for.
• The second paragraph - Explain why you’re the perfect candidate for the job. Mention your top 2-3 achievements, your top skills, why you want to work in that specific industry, and whatever else is relevant.
• The third paragraph - End your cover letter with a call to action. E.g. “I would love to meet personally and discuss how I can help Company X.”
• Formal closing - Something like this: “Thank you for your consideration. Best, John Doe.”

Here’s what this looks like in practice:

9 Tips to Write a Cover Letter (the Right Way)

Now that we've covered the basics, let's talk about cover letter tips . Below, we'll give you all the knowledge you need to take your cover letter from "OK" to "great."

#1. Pick the right template

A good cover letter is all about leaving the right first impression.

And what’s a better way to leave a good impression than through a professional, well-formatted, and visual template?

You can simply pick one of our tried-and-tested cover letter templates and you’ll be all set!

#2. Add your contact details on the header

The best way to start your cover letter is through a header. 

Here’s what you want to include there:

• Phone Number
• Name of the hiring manager / their professional title
• Name of the company you’re applying to

Optionally, you can also include the following:

• Social Media Profiles - Any type of profile that’s relevant to your field. Social Profiles on websites like LinkedIn, GitHub (for developers), Medium (for writers), etc.
• Personal Website - If you have a personal website that somehow adds value to your application, you can mention it. Let’s say you’re a professional writer. In that case, you’d want to link to your content portfolio site or blog.

#3. Greet the hiring manager the right way

Once you’ve listed all your relevant contact information, it’s time to address the hiring manager reading your cover letter. 

A good practice here is to find the hiring manager’s name and address them directly instead of using the traditional “dear sir or madam.” This shows that you’re really invested in the company and that you took your time to do some research about the job.

So, how can you find out the hiring manager’s name?

One way to do this is by looking up the head of the company’s relevant department on LinkedIn. Let’s say you’re applying for the position of Communication Specialist at Novoresume. The hiring manager is probably the Head of Communications or the Chief Communications Office.

Or let’s say you’re applying for the position of server at a restaurant. In that case, you’d be looking to find out who the restaurant manager is.

If this doesn’t work, you can also check out the “Team” page on the company website; there’s a good chance you’ll at least find the right person there.

If you still can’t find out the hiring manager’s name, here are several other greetings you can use:

• Dear [Department] Hiring Manager
• Dear Hiring Manager
• To whom it may concern
• Dear [Department] Team

#4. Create an attention-grabbing introduction

Recruiters get hundreds, sometimes even thousands, of applications. Chances are, they’re not going to be reading every single cover letter end-to-end.

So, it’s essential to catch their attention from the very first paragraph.

The problem with most cover letter opening paragraphs, though, is that they’re usually extremely generic, often looking something like this: 

Hey, my name is Jonathan and I’d like to work as a Sales Manager at XYZ Inc. I’ve worked as a sales manager at MadeUpCompany Inc. for 5+ years, so I believe that I’d be a good fit for the position.

As you can probably tell, this opening paragraph doesn’t tell the hiring manager anything other than that you’ve worked the job before - and that’s not really helpful in setting you apart from other candidates. 

What you want to do, instead, is start off with 2-3 of your top achievements to really grab the reader’s attention. Preferably, the achievements should be as relevant as possible to the position. 

For example:

My name’s Michael and I’d like to help XYZ Inc. hit and exceed its sales goals as a Sales Manager. I’ve worked with Company X, a fin-tech company, for 3+ years. As a Sales Representative, I generated an average of $30,000+ in sales per month (beating the KPIs by around 40%). I believe that my previous industry experience, as well as my excellence in sales, makes me the right candidate for the role of X at Company Y.

The second example shows how the candidate is a top performer. The first just shows that they’ve worked a sales job before.

Which one are YOU more likely to invite for an interview?

#5. Show you’re the perfect person for the job

One great thing about cover letters is that they allow you to expand more on the top achievements from your resume and really show the hiring manager that you’re the right person for the job. 

A good way to do that is to first read the job ad and really understand what skills/experiences are required, and then to ensure that your cover letter touches upon the said skills or experiences.

In my previous role as a Facebook Marketing Expert at XYZ Inc. I handled customer acquisition through ads, managing a monthly Facebook ad budget of $20,000+. As the sole digital marketer at the company, I managed the ad creation and management process end-to-end. This means I created the ad copy and images, as well as picked the targeting, ran optimization trials, and so on.

Other than Facebook advertising, I’ve also delved into other online PPC channels, including:

• Google Search

#6. Explain why you’re a great company fit

The HR manager doesn’t only look at whether you’ll be good at the job or not. They’re looking for someone that’s also a good fit for the company culture.

After all, employees that don’t fit in are bound to quit, sooner or later. This ends up costing the company a ton of money, up to 50% of the employee’s annual salary . 

To convince the hiring manager that you’re a great company fit, do some research on the company and find out what it is you like about them, or about working there. You want to know things like:

• What’s the company’s business model?
• What’s the company's product or service? Have you used it?
• What’s the culture like? Will someone micro-manage your work, or will you have autonomy on how you get things done?

Then, turn your top reasons for liking to work there into text and add them to your cover letter! 

#7. Wrap up with a call to action

To make the end of your cover letter as memorable as possible, you want to:

• Wrap up any points you couldn't in the previous paragraphs. Mention anything you’ve left out that you think could help the hiring manager make up your mind.
• Thank the hiring manager for their time. After all, it never hurts to be polite. 
• Finish the cover letter with a call to action. A call to action is a great way to make your cover letter ending as memorable as possible. 

#8. Write a formal closing

Once you’re done with the final paragraph, all you have to do is write down a formal “goodbye” and you’re good to go.

Feel free to use one of the most popular conclusions in a cover letter:

• Best Regards,
• Kind Regards,

#9. Proofread your cover letter

Last but not least, make sure to always proofread each and every document that you’ll be including in your job application - cover letter included. 

The last thing you want is to be claiming you’re a great candidate for the job with a cover letter full of typos! 

For an even more comprehensive guide on how to write an impactful cover letter , check out our article ! 

Cover Letter Writing Checklist 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you still have some questions about cover letters? Check out the answers below:

1. How do I write a simple cover letter? 

To write a cover letter that’s simple but also professional, make sure to include a header with your personal information, a formal greeting to the hiring manager, an attention-grabbing opening paragraph, a second paragraph explaining why you’re a good candidate for the job, and a formal closing (preferably with a call to action). 

2. What are the 3 parts of a cover letter? 

The three parts of a cover letter are: 

• The introduction , namely the header, the greeting to the hiring manager, and the opening paragraph. 
• The sales pitch is usually the body of the cover letter. 
• The conclusion involves a formal closing and a signature line.

3. What makes a great cover letter?

A great cover letter should be personalized for each job you’re applying for, instead of being overly generic. It’s also preferable to address the hiring manager by their name and not use the overly-used “Dear Sir/Madam.”

To make a great first impression, you should mention 1-2 of your top achievements in your opening paragraph - the more job-specific they are, the better. Also, don’t stop at showing the hiring manager why you’re a great candidate for the job. Make sure to also talk about how you’re a good culture fit for the company.

Last but not least, wrap up your closing paragraph with a call to action to give the hiring manager a little extra something to remember you by. 

4. When is a cover letter necessary?

Unless the job ad specifically states otherwise, you should always include a cover letter with your job application .

Even if the hiring manager doesn’t read it, you will look more professional simply by including one.

And that’s a wrap! We hope our cover letter examples and writing tips will inspire you to write a cover letter that will land you your next job.

If you’re looking for more invaluable career advice and articles, make sure to check out our career blog , or any of these related articles: 

• How to Write a Resume
• Cover Letter Mistakes to Avoid at All Costs
• Cover Letter Format (w/ Examples & Free Templates)

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Sample cover letter for Internship position at Deutsche Bank

Sales & trading.

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am currently in my first year of study at XXXXXXXXX, pursuing a BSc degree in XXXXX. I am writing to apply for your 2015  Programme in the Corporate Banking & Securities (Markets) Division, which I heard about at XXXXX. I am particularly drawn to Deutsche Bank’s dynamic environment with its wide range of products and its emphasis on teamwork and client needs. I enjoy working in roles which involve diverse activities. As XXX of my school’s XXXX team, I had the opportunity to acquire leadership skills and experience in managing time and risk which increased my interest in the financial services industry. I learnt how crucial teamwork is for meeting deadlines (e.g. reports and presentations), and also how to negotiate deals with other teams for mutual business benefit. Most importantly, I learnt how to tailor business decisions and products to suit the needs of our clients.

My interest in financial markets and trading was sparked during my work shadowing in the Equities and FX Trading division at XXXX and I enjoyed learning some of the key aspects such as analysis/valuation of trades and need for frequent communication. I would like to further this knowledge and am keen to find out more about the different client solutions that Deutsche Bank offers, particularly those in equity capital markets.

As a presenter in my school’s XXXXX team, I needed to constantly adapt my monetary analysis based on changing macroeconomic news/data. I welcomed the challenges of the question-and-answer sessions throughout the competition and was always looking for ways to improve the quality of my analysis and presentation. My desire for challenges and self-improvement and interest in dynamic roles with diverse tasks drew me to the corporate banking/securities division. I believe my growing interest in macroeconomics and the performance of major economies/emerging markets would improve my understanding of financial markets and help me thrive in a trading environment Thank you for your time and effort in reviewing my application. I am very excited by the programme that Deutsche Bank has to offer and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Yours faithfully,