How to Write a Cover Letter that Lands an Interview in European Tech

Source: Dev.to

You’ve polished your CV, your GitHub is clean, and you’re scrolling through jobs in the EU. You find the perfect role at a startup in Berlin or a scale‑up in Warsaw. Then you see it: “Cover Letter (Optional).”

Is it really optional? Let’s be blunt: no.

In the European tech market, “optional” is a test. It’s your first chance to prove you’re a serious candidate who can communicate, not just a CV‑blaster. A great cover letter is your personal introduction, and it’s what convinces a human to spend more than six seconds on your application.

✍️ The European Tech Format: Clean, Formal, and Direct

Photos?

While in some traditional German or Spanish industries a photo on your CV is still common, in tech it’s a distraction. Recruiters are trained against bias. Stick to the US/UK model for tech: no photos, no marital status, no date of birth. Let your skills do the talking.

Formality

European business culture, especially in Germany, leans more formal. Always use “Dear Mr. Müller,” or “Dear Hiring Team” if you can’t find a name. Avoid “Hi” or “Hey!”

Length

One page. Period.

The Recruiter’s Perspective

When you work with a recruitment agency get‑talent.eu in Europe or a staffing agency in the EU, they’ll tell you the same thing: we can get your CV on the desk, but your cover letter is what makes them want to talk to you. It shows professionalism, high motivation, and clear communication—three skills no code test can measure.

Take the extra 20 minutes. It’s the highest‑ROI activity in your job search.

For more information, please refer to our blog.