Cover letter for China: format guidelines

If you want a recruiter to appreciate the content of your cover letter for China, you should submit it in an adequate format.  Like the CV for China, the structure of this one page self-introduction is very similar to what we see in Europe.  However, it is essential to present your cover letter for China in a sober format and to write it in a humble tone.

For more detailed information on the substance of this document, please refer to the Cover letter for China: content guidelines article.

Suggested format and structure for your cover letter for China

Your information

• Full name
• Residential and postal address including country and postcode

Date

• “The 4^th of February 2011” is an appropriate format.  Depending on the country, the use of “2011-02-04” can be misleading as it may mean the 4^th of February or the 2^nd of April.

Employer information

• Name  of contact person
• Title and department of contact person
• Company name
• Company address

Salutation

• Use “Dear Mr / Mrs / Ms / Dr / etc.” and the person’s name.  If you don’t know it, find out and make sure to have the right spelling.
• Never use “To whom it may concern” because it sounds too impersonal.

The first paragraph should mention

• the title and reference number of the position
• how you came about the job offer
• the name of a mutual contact
• your interest, motivation, etc.

The body should

• highlight your experience, education and skills that match the job criteria.
• explain why you want to work for this specific company or in this particular field.

The final paragraph should include

• a statement summarizing your profile
• a call to action: restate your interest and say that you wish to be contacted
• a “thank you for considering” formula
• your contact information (your home, business and mobile telephone numbers including area or country codes and your email address with a decent username)

Complimentary closing

• “Respectfully yours,” or “Sincerely,” are appropriate closing words.

Signature

• Handwritten signature
• Typed name under the signature

Enclosures

• Use for example “Enclosures: CV; List of references”

As a courteous gesture, it is recommended to prepare two versions of your cover letter, that is to say one in English and one in Chinese.  This is all the more important given the fact that some recipients may not understand English.  If you are sending your application per email, type in the title and reference number of the position in the subject line and write a short sentence in the body of your email inviting the recipient to consult the attached documents (your CV and cover letter for China in both languages).