You finally found a job position at an international company that seems tailor-made for you. Your resume looks solid, your skills align perfectly with the requirements — but then comes the cover letter. What should you write to stand out among hundreds of candidates worldwide?

While some may think cover letters are outdated, the numbers say otherwise. About 49% of hiring managers believe that attaching a cover letter to your resume can improve your chances of getting the job, according to TeamStage. A well-written cover letter remains one of the best ways to make a personal impression, showcase your communication skills, and express genuine enthusiasm for the position.

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) emphasizes this point in its guide to writing effective cover letters:

“Lastly, cover letters are a chance to demonstrate the communication skills necessary to most jobs. Careful composing and revision are essential.”

Whether you’re applying for a fully remote role or relocating abroad, mastering the art of the cover letter for international jobs can be the factor that gets you noticed. Below are the most important dos and don’ts to guide you through writing a letter that truly reflects your voice and professionalism.

The Dos

1. Tailor Each Letter to the Company

A generic cover letter can do more harm than good. Hiring managers can easily tell when an application is copy-pasted. Instead, take time to research the company’s mission, values, and recent projects. Connect them to your experiences or achievements.

For instance, if the company has recently expanded to new markets, mention how your international experience or cultural adaptability could contribute to that growth. Showing this level of interest demonstrates that you’ve done your homework — and that you’re serious about the position.

2. Ask Someone to Proofread Your Letter

Even the best writers can miss small errors. One of the smartest moves you can make is to ask a trusted friend or mentor to proofread your cover letter. Ideally, choose someone fluent in English or familiar with professional writing. They can spot awkward phrasing, grammar mistakes, or inconsistencies in tone that you might overlook.

Remember, clarity and professionalism are key. A single typo might not disqualify you, but a clean, well-edited letter sends the message that you value accuracy and care about quality.

3. Follow International Standards

Writing a cover letter for international jobs means being aware of cultural differences in communication. A tone that works in one country might seem too casual or too formal in another.

For example, U.S. companies often appreciate confidence and self-promotion, while European employers may prefer a more modest and structured tone. Some Asian firms emphasize teamwork and humility above individual achievements. Before you send your application, research business etiquette in that region or industry.

Candidates who study how companies present themselves online — especially on their career pages and LinkedIn will find success. Their tone can guide you in finding the right voice for your letter.

4. Focus on Value, Not Just Experience

Your cover letter is not a repetition of your resume. Instead of listing job titles and responsibilities, highlight what you can offer to the company. What unique value can you bring? How can your skills solve their challenges or help them achieve their goals?

Think of your letter as a pitch. If you’re applying for a marketing role, don’t just say you “managed campaigns.” Mention how you improved engagement by 30% or helped launch a product successfully in a new market. Results speak louder than responsibilities.

5. Keep It Short and Structured

Hiring managers receive dozens — sometimes hundreds — of applications. Aim for a single page, with three or four concise paragraphs:

• Introduction: State the position you’re applying for and how you found it.
  
• Body: Highlight your most relevant experience and achievements.
  
• Conclusion: Express enthusiasm for the opportunity and mention your willingness to discuss your qualifications further.
  

A simple, well-structured letter reflects professionalism and respect for the reader’s time.

The Don’ts

1. Don’t Let AI Write It for You

This might sound surprising, but using ChatGPT or other AI tools to write your entire cover letter can harm your chances. While AI can help you brainstorm or organize ideas, the final text must sound authentic.

As Forbes contributor Julia Korn notes:

“74% of hiring managers claim they can spot when AI has been used in a job application, and that’s a surefire way to get disqualified for a competitive role. Even worse, an AI-crafted cover letter can backfire in an interview if your voice doesn’t match what’s written.”

Hiring managers value honesty and human connection. A letter that sounds too polished or impersonal raises doubts about your authenticity. Use your own words — even if imperfect — to express why you’re the right fit.

2. Don’t Copy and Paste the Job Description

Many candidates simply rewrite the company’s job posting in their cover letter. This doesn’t show initiative; it shows a lack of originality.

Instead, use the job description as a guide to identify what the company is looking for. Then, illustrate how your skills and experiences align with those expectations through specific examples. Step back and ask yourself: Is this what hiring managers want to know about me? Usually, they’re looking for insight — not repetition.

3. Don’t Overuse Buzzwords

Phrases like “team player,” “results-driven,” or “innovative thinker” have become meaningless through overuse. The best way to show these traits is through examples, not adjectives.

For instance, rather than saying “I’m a problem solver,” describe a situation where you identified a challenge and implemented a creative solution. Specifics make you memorable.

4. Don’t Forget Formatting and Details

Attention to detail reflects professionalism. Keep your layout clean, use a readable font, and align text neatly. Avoid images or fancy graphics unless you’re in a design-related field.

Include your name, email, phone number, and LinkedIn profile at the top of the page. And don’t forget to double-check that the company name and hiring manager’s title are correct — a small mistake like that can send the wrong message.

Finding Your Voice Across Borders

Writing a cover letter for international jobs is about more than following rules — it’s about communicating who you are in a way that resonates across cultures. Global employers aren’t just hiring for skills; they’re hiring for adaptability, integrity, and authenticity.

Take time to craft a letter that reflects your personality and professionalism. When your words sound sincere and your intentions clear, you’ll stand out in a crowded global job market.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re serious about finding a remote or international job that fits your skills and ambitions, ZIVA can help.

ZIVA connects professionals like you with verified global employers, offering tools and insights to help you succeed in your international job search. From improving your profile to understanding hiring standards across countries, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Explore global opportunities and learn how to stand out in your next application at ZIVA.