Working abroad sounds like an adventure to many people. However, jobs in Mexico need more than just the obvious Mexico cover letter and Mexico CV writing and translation – they require thorough preparation for Mexico job interview. You will experience problems that probably did not even cross your mind when you decided to apply for employment in Mexico.
Do not take too lightly the big impact the Mexico job search can have on the results of your adventure! For example, issues that are new to you will confront you – i.e. strange practices and habits related to immigration, job application procedures and selection procedures.
The purpose of your cover letter is to make sure that the recipient will read your CV
In Mexico, the terms “CV” and “resume” are interchangeable. Your Mexico cover letter should accompany your CV or resume, whether e-mailed, posted on a job site, mailed or hand-delivered to an employer.
When applying for a job in Mexico, you need to apply in the same language as the job advertisement is written in. Depending on the company write in Spanish to Mexican companies and submit a bilingual application (in English and Spanish) to international ones.
Knowledge of Spanish is expected. You need to accept that not knowing the language will put you at a real disadvantage from the local job seekers as it is necessary to cope with daily office life and life outside work.
It is common to send a one-page cover letter with your CV. A cover letter should not repeat your CV. Your cover letter is the very first thing an employer will see. It is a sales tool. You need to focus on the position you are looking for. You need to convince the person reading your letter that you are the best candidate for a potential interview or position.
It is also an opportunity to show potential employers your writing skills. If you are sending a letter in a language other than your native tongue, is an excellent opportunity to show that you can express yourself fluently. No matter what the level of your language skills and your writing skills are, be sure that your letter contains no errors.
If you are submitting your cover letter in Spanish, be sure to have a native speaker read it first – grammar, spelling and punctuation can make a difference.
Take time. Your first step in writing a cover letter should be to research your prospective employer/recruiter. Go through the job ad and find the keywords and the selection criteria for the role. As long as you can back up your claims to fit the position, use these keywords in the customization of your cover letter and CV.
Even when applying to a blind ad or box number you can use the ad information to personalize your cover letter. If possible, personalize each letter with a real person’s name and title. Such personalization would increase the retention of your application. If the name of the recipient is unknown, address the letter to “Human Resources Manager”.
A personalized, targeted, well-written cover letter written in a short and professional style using power words and action verbs is your chance to set yourself apart, pique the employer’s interest and draw them in for a closer look at your CV. Highlight the most important points of the accompanying CV and the items most relevant for the position being pursued.
Create the letter in a similar style and font as your Mexican CV. Keep the letter to no more than one page. Paragraphs should be between two to four sentences. Break any paragraph, which is longer than seven lines, into a short easily understandable one. Do not repeat information that appears on your CV and does not include information that would not be easy to explain during a potential interview.
Employers are only interested in the information relevant to the position.
A human or a piece of software scans job applications in seconds. In both cases, the reader is checking if your skills and experience match the criteria detailed in a job ad
Often the cover letter is more relevant to employers than the accompanying CV because CVs refer mainly to the past time with the exception of your present job. Employers are interested mostly in the future of the company they work for. Therefore, your letter should refer to your present and future plans, showing your prospective employers what you want to do now and what you will do for them in the future, rather than your achievements.
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Usually, a Mexican cover letter has three basic parts:
1. Who are you? How did you hear about the position? Why write to us?
Take the time to research the employer’s organization and customize your Mexican cover letter to fit the position. Write the letter based exactly on the type of position you are looking for.
If possible, personalize each letter with a real person’s name. Such personalization would increase the retention of your application.
Begin your Mexican cover letter with your name and contact information including your address, phone/fax and e-mail. Often, employers keep cover letters and CVs on file for a long time, so any contact details you give have to remain accurate in the long term. A daytime phone number with an international access code and e-mail address are most important.
In the first paragraph, write the title of the position you are interested in and specify how you inquired about the position and/or company.
Write your goals. Concentrate on your present and future plans, showing your prospective employers what you want to do now and what you will do for them in the future, rather than on your past achievements because employers are interested in the future of companies.
2. Why are you interested in this position/program?
Describe how your qualities might fit the specific needs of the position you are looking for. Give an example of your experience in that field. You can mention other important skills you have, qualities and achievements that make you the best candidate.
By quoting examples, emphasize how you can add value or contribute to the workplace in Mexico. Indicate what skills you will bring to the position to get the job done, not what you expect the employer to do for you.
3. Repeat your interest in the position and company.
Close your cover letter formally with a sentence expressing your willingness to come to an interview and explain your application in more detail during a personal interview.
Always include a CV with your cover letter, but never attach any official documents, like diplomas or testimonials to your application.
Thank the employer for their attention and make sure you really follow up on your request (I will call…; expect call).
When ending the letter do not forget to write ‘Sincerely” and your signature.
Some large multinational companies use their own application forms instead of personal cover letters and CVs. Pay attention to the open questions that try to establish your social and transferable skills. Never leave any blank spaces.
Check the spelling and grammar of your Mexican cover letter. Use the word processor’s spell and grammar checker. If you are not confident of your ability to detect grammatical, punctuation in English or Spanish language usage errors or if you need help in organizing your cover letter, send it to a professional for assistance.
Remember that your Mexico cover letter must be targeted, scannable and generate hits. We recommend that you send your Mexico CV together with a cover letter.
If you have difficulty with your cover letter writing use a cover letter sample and cover letter template.