Structure your application

With a fixed structure, you always know where to start and what to include. It saves time and effort – and creates a stronger application.

The recommended structure

1. Engaging headline
2. Motivation
3. Professional match
4. Personal skills
5. Brief closing

This structure works for both solicited and unsolicited applications.

1. Engaging headline

This is your first opportunity to stand out and capture attention.

Avoid: "Application for the position as [job title]" – it doesn't say anything special.

Instead: Use the headline to show what you can offer:

"Get an engaged and goal-oriented employee with strong organizational and collaboration skills"

Or use a question:

"Do you want a service-minded employee who takes responsibility and creates clarity in everyday work?"

Feel free to use words from the job posting or something you heard in a conversation with the company.

2. Opening: Your motivation

The opening should be short and direct. Get straight to the point.

Do NOT write:

• Where you found the job
• How old you are
• What education you have (that's in your CV)

Instead write: Why this particular job appeals to you. Mention a specific reason.

If you've had contact with the company, mention it:

"After my conversation with Thomas Larsen on the phone, my interest in the position has only grown – especially because..."

3. Professional match

Here you connect your experience and skills to the company's requirements.

Show how you can solve their tasks and create value. Write forward-looking:

"In my previous job, I worked with receiving and shipping goods. Therefore, I can quickly join your team and contribute effectively to the workflows."

This makes it easy for the employer to see you in the role.

4. Personal skills

Many underestimate this part – but it's important. Companies don't hire on professional skills alone; they want to know what you're like to work with.

Write:

• How you approach tasks
• How you collaborate
• What characterizes you in everyday work

Choose a couple of strengths that fit the job and show how they manifest.

5. Brief closing

End positively:

"I look forward to hearing from you and hope to get the opportunity to show how I can contribute to your team."

For unsolicited applications, you can take responsibility for follow-up:

"I'll take the liberty of contacting you again next week to hear what you think."

Common mistakes to avoid

• Boring headline: Use it to stand out
• Starting with "I found the position on...": Go straight to motivation
• Repeating your CV: Write forward-looking
• Forgetting personal skills: They're important

Practical tips

• Use the structure as a template
• Customize the content for each position
• Keep each section short (3-4 sentences)
• Use keywords from the job posting

Try it yourself

1. Write an engaging headline for a job you're applying for
2. Write 3 sentences about your motivation
3. Mention 2 professional skills that match
4. Mention 1 personal strength

Frequently asked questions

Next step

Now you know the structure. The next step is to learn how to write the best application – and avoid the most common mistakes.