Argumentation

Your argumentation has to clarify which aspects from your education, experience and personality make you into the ideal candidate. While writing, consider the recruiter's perspective and focus on what you can do for the company. Find the most important information about a company you are applying with and about the job you are applying for.

The job ad and the applicant's profile can serve as a clear starting point for a letter. Stress the elements which you have in common with the requirements. Mention abilities and experiences which correspond to the job content or the candidate's profile.

Be factual

Stick to facts to prove that you are right for a job. Judgements and assertions mean nothing when they are not supported by facts. Do not mention too many details however. Do not rephrase your CV.

Wrong

I can safely state that I am perfectly fluent in Dutch, German, English and French.

Right

I have always been a proficient student of Dutch, German, English and French, both in secondary education as at university. Moreover, my French has greatly improved during my year in Paris as an exchange student, and I have always been a voracious reader of English novels.

The first statement sounds like a bold overestimation of one's own abilities and is not likely to impress a recruiter. The second example however is more convincing since it uses facts to give body to statements.

Sometimes you do not have to mention certain abilities literally. Instead of stating that you are a good communicator, you could simply write a good letter.

Be specific

The more general your argumentation is, the less it will impress.

A large and professional company such as yours will undoubtedly offer a variety of possibilities.

Tailor your information to the needs of the recruiter.

  • Stress the facts that single you out from the other candidates. Create an individual profile instead of one that fits everybody with the same degree.
  • Focus on individual assets that are specifically relevant for a vacancy. Do not dwell on irrelevant or vague characteristics.

Be clear

Clearly distinguish between reason, motivation and argumentation

By reason we understand the combinations of all the elements which made you apply: For example: you are looking for a job, you read an ad and fit the profile and you decided to apply.

Your motivation is the combination of everything about a job that appeals to you and makes you want to get it.

In your argumentation you set out to convince the employer of all the assets that make you into the ideal candidate.

Quite logically, your letter should respect this order: reason, motivation and argumentation (which is the core of your letter).

In the example below, reason and motivation are mixed up.

Since I fully meet all the requirements from the job ad, I would love to apply for the job of Marketing Manager.

Be relevant

Avoid using arguments that only matter to you and not to the employer.

I would love to start working in the heart of Antwerp immediately.

Be tactical

Use a positive argumentation. Consider the following sentence for example:

Even though I might be overqualified, I consider this position a promising start.

A statement like this might raise the impression that you are not really looking forward to this job. It also makes you sound quite condescending.

Always use a positive argumentation. In this case, you could mention that you would love to move up in the company. This shows ambition and commitment to the company.