Your cover letter should explain why you are interested in the position and why you are a strong match for the role.

In Norway, employers generally expect cover letters to be concise, relevant and tailored to the specific position. Rather than repeating your CV, focus on your motivation, relevant experiences and how your skills can contribute to the organisation.

A well-written cover letter can help you stand out and increase your chances of being invited to an interview.

Before writing your cover letter:

• Read the job advertisement carefully and identify the qualifications and skills the employer is looking for.
• Research the organisation and the role so you understand their needs and priorities.
• Save a copy of the job advertisement for future reference. Job postings are often removed after the application deadline.
• A well-written cover letter will make you stand out, and will open the door to the next step - the interview.
• Write your cover letter in the same language as the job advertisement.
• Tailor every cover letter to the specific position. Employers can easily recognise generic applications.
• Aim to keep your cover letter to one page, unless the employer asks for something different.
• Use clear and precise language. Avoid unnecessary details, overly formal expressions and long sentences.
• Cover letters in Norway often use a relatively direct and strightforward style. You normally do not need highly formal or elaborate language. Adapt your tone to the job advertisement and the organization.

A strong cover letter should answer three questions:

1. Why do you want this position?
2. Why do you want to work for this organisation?
3. Why should the employer choose you?

The elements in a cover letter

Opening paragraph

Start by explaining why you are applying for the position. Mention the position title and how you learned about the opportunity. Then briefly explain why the role and organisation interest you. The opening should quickly capture the employer's attention and demonstrate genuine motivation. Tips Opening Paragraph

2. The main part

Education, work experience and personal skills. Give specific information of how your skills and experience relate directly to the new position. Always provide examples. Only write about topics that demonstrate your match with the company’s needs. Your job is to figure out what the employer wants, and to make it clear that you meet the challenges.

3. Closing Paragraph

Conclude by expressing your continued interest in the position and summarising why you are a strong match. Thank the employer for considering your application and indicate that you look forward to the opportunity to discuss your qualifications further.

To write an speculative application

Not all opportunities are advertised. If you are interested in a particular organisation, you can send a speculative application to introduce yourself and explain how you could contribute.

Before sending a speculative application:

• Research the organisation thoroughly
• Identify potential needs you could help address
• Contact the organisation to ask whether they accept speculative applications
• Clearly explain your motivation and the value you can offer
• Speculative application should be specific and targeted, not a general request for employment

Academic positions

Application requirements for academic positions vary considerably. Follw the job advertisement carefully and provide exactly the documentation requested.

Make your international experience understandable to the employer

If you refer to qualifications, organisations, job title or experience from another country, briefly explain anything that may be unfamiliar in Norway. Focus on what you did, the responsibility you had and the skills you developed.

Language skills

If language skills are relevant to the position, describe them accurately and focus on the language you can use professionaly. If you are current learning Norwegian, you can mention your current level and ongoing language learning where relevant.