Motivationsschreiben (Cover Letter)
A Motivationsschreiben is a one-page letter accompanying the CV in which a candidate explains their interest in the role and relevant strengths. Swiss employers often request one to assess writing quality and motivation, though it is not legally required. The most common mistake is setting no clear deadline or format, creating inconsistent submissions.
A Motivationsschreiben is a written statement, typically one A4 page, in which a job candidate explains why they are applying for your position and what makes them suited to it. It sits alongside the CV and other application documents.
In Swiss recruiting, the Motivationsschreiben serves two purposes: it filters for communication skills and shows genuine interest in your specific role, not just any job. Whether you request one depends on the role's seniority and your screening resources.
When You Request One
Request a Motivationsschreiben for roles where written communication matters—office management, project coordination, customer-facing positions, or any Pensum above 60%. For production or skilled trades roles, a simple application form often suffices.
Include the request clearly in your job ad: state the language (German, French, English, or Italian), the format (PDF, plain text), and the deadline. Vagueness here invites poor-quality or missing letters.
- Clerical, administrative, and management roles almost always require one
- Technical roles (engineering, IT) may skip it in favor of a code sample or portfolio
- Apprenticeship (Lehrstelle) applications almost always include one by custom
- Remote or part-time roles (e.g., 30% Pensum) may use a simple cover email instead
- Specify maximum length: 250–400 words is standard in Switzerland
- Never request one if you cannot realistically read them all
Your Obligation as Employer
Swiss employment law (ArG) does not require you to request a Motivationsschreiben. You are free to hire on CV, interview, and references alone. However, if you do request one, you must treat all applicants equally—do not ask some candidates but not others for the same role.
Under the revised Federal Data Protection Act (revDSG), keep submitted letters only as long as the hiring process lasts. Delete or return them once you have made your hire. Document your retention policy in your privacy notice if you collect applications digitally.
- No legal requirement to request a Motivationsschreiben under Swiss law
- If you request one, apply the same rule to all candidates for that role
- Retain application letters only during the active hiring period
- Publish a data-handling notice if you collect applications online (revDSG compliance)
- Do not use a Motivationsschreiben alone to reject a candidate—always review CV and interview
- For roles in certain cantons (e.g., Zurich, Bern) with GAV agreements, check if the collective labor agreement specifies application format
The Most Common Mistake
The single most common error is requesting a Motivationsschreiben but then reviewing it inconsistently or ignoring spelling errors you would not notice in a CV. If you value writing quality, define what you are looking for: clarity, no more than two grammar errors, or a maximum of 350 words.
Many Swiss hiring managers ask for a letter, receive dozens, and then judge harshly only the final candidates' writing. Be fair: either screen all letters carefully from the start, or do not request one. Inconsistent evaluation invites bias and unfair rejections.
- Asking for a letter but not reading it carefully is unfair to applicants
- Not defining length or format leads to wildly different submissions
- Rejecting candidates on writing alone without a clear written standard is risky
- Forgetting to delete letters after hiring violates revDSG retention principles
- Requesting a letter only for some candidates (e.g., women, or non-native speakers) is discrimination
- Using a Motivationsschreiben as your only screening tool wastes time—combine it with a brief phone call
Frequently asked questions
- Is a Motivationsschreiben required by Swiss law?
- No. Swiss employment law (ArG) does not require you to request a cover letter. You may hire on CV, interview, and references. However, if you do request one, you must ask all candidates for the same role equally.
- How long should a Motivationsschreiben be?
- Typically 250–400 words on one A4 page. Specify this in your job ad. Letters longer than half a page signal poor editing; very short letters may indicate low motivation. Be consistent in what you request.
- Can I reject a candidate based only on their cover letter?
- Not fairly. A Motivationsschreiben is one data point. Screen it alongside the CV, and always conduct at least a brief interview before rejecting. Sole reliance on a letter invites bias and does not reflect true fit.
General information for Swiss employers, not legal advice. Have a lawyer confirm anything with legal consequences.