Writing a personal letter

A personal letter, also known as a cover letter or motivational letter, is a way to introduce yourself when applying for a job. It is sent along with your CV and gives you the opportunity to demonstrate why you are the right person for the job. Use our tips and templates to create your personal letter.

Free templates for personal letters

Many companies and organizations provide templates for personal letters. You can find several good suggestions by searching for "personal letter examples" or "personal letter template" on Google.

Arbetsförmedlingen offers three templates for personal letters that you can download and customize. Replace the text in the templates with your own information. Choose the template that best matches the format of your CV.

Matching templates for CV

Download free templates for personal letter

Personal letter template green with photo

Personal letter template, green with photo Word, 1 MB.

This template has a green header where you can insert a photo of yourself. We provide examples within the template to help you create a personal letter.

Personal letter template with blue colour

Personal letter template with blue colour Word, 77 kB.

This template has blue accents and does not include a photo. We give examples within the template to help you create a personal letter.

Simple personal letter template

Simple personal letter template Word, 25 kB.

This is a simple template without a photo. We provide examples within the template to help you create a personal letter.

How to write a personal letter

A personal letter is a more detailed presentation of yourself that you send along with your CV when applying for a job. It is important to ensure that your CV and personal letter complement each other and do not repeat information. A good length for a personal letter is a maximum of one A4 page.

  1. Start with the most important information. Write a brief and compelling introduction, explaining the job you are applying for and why you are the right fit. This will immediately capture the reader’s attention.
  2. Customize your letter for the specific job you are applying to. Include exactly what the employer is looking for, so that your letter addresses their requirements.
  3. Express yourself professionally, but avoid being overly formal or using industry-specific jargon that may not be understood by everyone. Avoid getting too detailed.
  4. Provide examples that illustrate your personal qualities. Rather than listing your personal qualities, describing situations that demonstrate them will leave a lasting impression on the reader. You can draw examples from your work, studies, or leisure activities.
  5. Avoid using clichés. Instead of generic phrases like "I work well under pressure" or "I'm outgoing", be specific and provide examples of how you work and what kind of person you are.
  6. You can end your letter with a positive statement, such as: "I look forward to meeting you and having the opportunity to share more about myself."

Visit our Play service to find more tips if you need inspiration on how to write a personal letter.

Podcasts, films and webinars about job application (in Swedish)

Which words describe you best?

When writing a personal letter, it is important to highlight your personal qualities. You can find inspiration in our list of personal qualities.

Personal qualities A–Z

Not sure how to present yourself effectively?

Make use of our careers guide and map out your skills.

Map out your skills

More information

Writing a CV

Things to bear in mind when writing a CV. Download CV templates.

The job interview

Prepare for your interview in advance with the help of some practical tips.

Choose the right references

References should be people who know you well, preferably from previous jobs.