When applying for a job in Belgium, it is imperative to write an excellent Cover Letter attached with your CV. As this task is essential to increase your chances of getting a job, you should learn the main stages of writing this letter. When you log into cover letter websites, you may find countless cover letter samples. But, you cannot copy paste them as the ready-made content may not be suitable to your chosen career. The best solution is to learn how to write your own. Here are 15 exclusive tips for writing a job winning cover letter.

Why Cover Letters are needed to Get a Job in Belgium?

A cover letter is a written document addressing recruiters. It is mainly a speech which lists reasons for choosing this position and what makes you a suitable candidate. It is also a way to remind recruiters to contact you for a job interview. As this letter will facilitate your recruitment process, you should learn the main writing skills to convey your message to employers. For this reason, you need to sign up to Fratres and learn about crafting a professional cover letter. Fratres is a worldwide job portal; you should select your country to know the specific requirements in employment.

15 Tips for Writing a Cover letter in Belgium:

Writing a cover letter according to Belgian standards allows you to include all the necessary information to meet recruiters. This letter is not only about grabbing the reader's attention. It is rather about mastering the etiquettes of correspondence between you and employers. Here are 15 tips to learn before getting engaged into the Belgian job market:

1.Write a Professional CV:

A cover letter is the second step after crafting a CV. It should be suitable with the CV information and template. Therefore, whenever you are planning to write a cover letter, you should see your CV. A cover letter is not an independent document. It is attached stylistically and literally to your CV. That’s why it is not recommended to send a copy-pasted downloaded cover letter sample. It is because the content may not be relevant to your CV information. This can be also the reason why many applicants fail at obtaining a job interview; it is just because they send a cover letter that doesn’t fit the written CV.

2. Prepare and Plan for your Cover Letter:

Writing a cover letter is not a typing task. You should rather think how your letter can make a difference in the eyes of recruiters. A cover letter is a serious writing exercise that does not take 5 minutes. It requires a minimum of concentration. The ideal way is to reorder your thoughts and see what is suitable to the selected position. For example, if you are an experienced candidate, you should identify experiences that show your eligibility for the job. take a look at; Seven Secrets That Experts Of Getting Started Don't Want You To Know.

3. Choose a Readable Font:

 When writing a cover letter, choose the appropriate size and font to make it readable and eye catchy. It is recommended to go for Times New Roman font and choose 12 or 11 letter size.

4. Download a Cover letter Template:

 We are in 2021 now. Although Microsoftword is already equipped with templates, you can go for new and modern templates available online. Try to choose a template having the same visual features as your CV.  Take a look at; Belgian job applications: writing a Belgian CV and interview tips

5. Select Keywords:

There are some specific words that recruiters are looking for. These words are known as keywords. They attract the recruiters attention and they go well with the target position. Try to write down a set of keywords to use in your cover letter. These words are simply those that relate to the company, the industry, the offer. If the company does a screening (that it filters the applications using an algorithm), it will more easily come across yours. The catchy phrases of your cover letter are essential and will encourage the recruiter to continue reading or not.

6. Think about the Ideal Structure of your Cover Letter

Your cover letter should be page maximum, composed of 3 to 4 paragraphs. It consists of:

• An introduction: it’s a paragraph to introduce yourself and state what appeals to you or motivates you to apply for this specific job.
• A body: it is a paragraph where you recap your skills and experiences. Be careful not to repeat your CV. Show instead what makes you the ideal candidate for this position by always remaining humble and open to learning: This is also a good occasion to use the keywords you noted earlier, when you have read the job description.
• A conclusion: it is a final paragraph in which you will sum up your eligibility and interest in the job. You can also request a potential meeting to discuss your application with the recruiter. You can invite your reader to check your CV and re-write your contact information and where to find you.

7. Write a header:

A Belgian Cover letter includes the following header:

- A date: to explain to the recruiter the application time

-your name and contact information:

- The company’s/ the organization’s name.

8. Choose a Professional Cover Letter Opening:

It is essential to know how to address your reader. If you know the recruiter’s name you can write his/ her last name following this formula:

-To Mr./ Mrs or to Mr/ Mme ( the recruiter’s last name). Do not employ expressions such as Dear Sir/ Ma’am, as these openings are not professional in the Belgium correspondences. In case of not knowing the addressee, write To whom it may concern. Always address your cover letter to a specific person. If you haven't been given a name, do some research on the recruiter on LinkedIn or Google to find the HR manager of a small organization.

9. Know How to Introduce the Subject:

Many applicants think that by writing about their struggle about obtaining a job, they will get the recruiter's empathy. Do not start your letter by a begging tone such as: "I am sending you this letter to apply for the suggested position. I have been looking for a job for over a year now, I'm trying my luck with this offer which would fit perfectly with what I've always wanted to do.

You should not also be too sure of yourself such as: "I'm writing this letter because I am the one for you." You should simply introduce yourself, by showing your interest in the job, your current professional situation ( an entry-level applicant, an experienced applicant, a trainee, etc..) and your application details.

10 . Have a Tone in your Cover Letter:

The cover letter should be structured like a speech, with short sentences, to create rhythm. Always keep in mind the reaction of the recruiter who will read it: he must feel your motivation. For that: be positive in your cover letter! There is no shame in showing enthusiasm for a position.

11. Mind the Writing Style:

The best cover letter doesn't have to be very developed: keep it simple. Avoid long sentences and passive voice. Just employ simple sentences to sum up your candidacy and appeal recruiters to read your letter. Example: "After 6 months as a Start-up Developer, today I want to bring my technical skills in UX / UI to a larger company. "

12 . Punctuation and Capitalization:

Punctuation is essential to help readers have a break between lines. Try to punctuate properly in your cover letter. Avoid bullet points if you have tasks to list. Write your listed material in a coherent paragraph. Don’t forget to capitalize names and places.

13. Mention Relevant People  in your Letter:

 You can mention previous managers, trainers, as these people can give credibility to your letter. They also reflect your professional network and to what extent you have a perfect professional image.

14.  Avoid too much Information:

When you write about yourself, avoid impersonal formulations, views and reviews in the cover letter: Do not expand sections related to your studies, while recruiters are expecting you to talk about experience or internships.

15. Make the Recruiter want to Meet You

Be explicit about the follow-up you want to give to this cover letter. Thank your recruiter and give the impression of expecting a positive response by writing similar sentences such as;

  "Thank you for the attention paid to my application. I am at your disposal for any further information. Hoping to have shared my interest and motivation with you, I will be delighted to present the strengths of my application to you during a possible interview. Please accept the expression of my best regards. "

These were the top 15 tips to learn while writing a cover letter meeting the Belgian standards. Please proofread your letter before submitting your application.