How to write a cover letter in Switzerland

In Switzerland, the cover letter is still a key part of your application file. Recruiters often read it first to judge your real interest in the position, your ability to express yourself clearly and how well you fit the company. A generic letter sent to dozens of employers is spotted immediately. It is better to send fewer applications, but to take care over each one.

The letter fits on a single page. Your full contact details (name, address, phone, email) go at the top left, followed by the company's address, ideally with the name of the contact person mentioned in the job advert. Then come the place and date, a subject line stating the position you are applying for (and the advert reference, if there is one), the salutation, three or four paragraphs, the closing formula, your signature and a list of enclosures.

The body of the letter follows a simple logic. An introduction states the position and how you found out about the vacancy. A second paragraph presents what you bring: relevant experience, skills and concrete results, with figures if possible. A third explains why this particular company interests you. The conclusion suggests an interview and mentions when you are available, taking your current notice period into account.

The tone expected in Switzerland is formal, precise and understated. Use the formal form of address, avoid exaggeration and favour facts over superlatives. If you are a foreign national, state your residence permit (B, C, G or L permit, for example) or say whether you need a work permit: employers look for this information quickly. Write the letter in the language of the job advert, and mention your other national languages, which are highly valued in a multilingual country.

The letter is part of a complete application file, which is more extensive than in many other countries. It usually includes a CV, often with a professional photo even though this is not mandatory, the employment references (work certificates) from your previous employers (art. 330a CO), copies of your diplomas and training certificates, and sometimes a list of referees. Recruiters read employment references carefully: make sure they are complete and that no period is missing.

Tailor each letter to the job advert. Pick up the key requirements of the position and show, with examples, that you meet them. The most common mistakes are spelling errors, the wrong company name left over from a previous application, a letter that repeats the CV, a text that is too long, or missing salary expectations when the advert asked for them. Have someone else proofread your letter before you send it.

Most applications today are made by email or through an online portal. Combine the letter, CV, employment references and diplomas into a single, well-ordered PDF file with a clear name (for example Name_FirstName_Application_Position.pdf), and write a short accompanying message. If you have not heard back after about ten days and the advert did not set a timeline, a polite follow-up by email or phone shows your interest without seeming pushy.

SwissDoc helps you write a well-structured cover letter, with your contact details, the position you are applying for and your availability, ready to add to your PDF application file. Your first three documents are free, no credit card required.