Working abroad sounds like an adventure to many people. However, a job search in Norway needs more than just the obvious Norway CV with Norway cover letter writing and translation – it requires thorough preparation for passing the Norway job interview. You will face issues that probably did not even cross your mind when you decided to apply for work in Norway.
Do not undervalue the huge impact the Norway cover letter can have on the outcome of your adventure! For instance, you will experience different immigration rules and practices, odd job application procedures, bizarre selection trends and unusual management culture.
Since most Norwegians speak English, you may write your job cover letter and CV in English, unless you are fluent in Norwegian. Stick to one language once chosen. On the other hand, you need to accept that not knowing the Norwegian language will put you at a real disadvantage to the local job seekers.
Your Norway cover letter is the very first thing an employer will see. The Norway cover letter is an integral part of your job application process. It 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.
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The cover letter often is more important to employers than the accompanying CV because CVs refer mainly to the past time with exception of your present job and employers are interested in the future of the companies and organizations they represent.
It is common in Norway to send a one-page typewritten job cover letter with your small photo and CV. Take the time to research every employer’s organization and customize your Norway cover letter to fit the position.
The beginning of the Norway cover letter is always anonymous – “Dear Sir / Madam”. If you know to whom you have to direct the letter, you mention his or her name in the address of the company, if you do not have this information you mention the department (in the address section) to which you are applying. Irrespective of whether you know the name or not, the beginning of the letter is always anonymous (“Dear Sir/Madam”).
Begin your Norway cover letter with your name, nationality and contact information including your address, phone/fax and e-mail. Often cover letters and CVs are kept on file for long periods, 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.
Try to grab the employer’s interest in the first paragraph of your letter. Write about why you are applying for this job and why you are the right candidate for it. Your cover letter should be typed in a short and professional style using power words and action verbs. Usually, it contains three or four paragraphs and never is longer than one page. Finish your cover letter formally with a sentence expressing your willingness to come to an interview.
If requested, enclose certified copies of grades, diplomas and recommendations translated into Norwegian or at least in English. Otherwise, mention in your letter that these documents will be available during an interview.
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 Norway cover letter. Use the word processor’s spell and grammar checker. If you are not confident of your ability to detect grammatical, punctuation and language usage errors in Norwegian or other languages or if you need help in organizing your cover letter, send it to a professional for assistance.
Remember that your CV must be targeted, scannable and generate hits. If you have difficulty with your CV writing instead of staring at a blank piece of paper, use CV samples and CV templates.
Most recruiters expect to receive a cover letter together with your CV. So, prepare a cover letter convincing the reader why you are the best candidate for the interview using cover letter writing tips.
