Cover letter for bilingual jobs: structure, example and common mistakes
Applying for a bilingual English/Spanish role in the US or for a remote job? A cover letter is not a summary of your résumé: it is a short letter explaining why this job and why you. Here is the structure Harvard's career center recommends, an example and the mistakes we see most often when Spanish speakers write in English.
1. Structure: three parts, one page
Harvard's Mignone Center for Career Success suggests:
- Opening: say why you are writing, name the position and, where relevant, how you heard about it. Briefly explain why you are interested in this role and employer.
- Middle (one or two paragraphs): connect your story to the job with one or two specific examples. Do not repeat your whole résumé.
- Closing: restate your interest, give your email and phone number, say you would welcome an interview and thank the reader.
The same guide recommends addressing a specific person when possible (with a colon: Dear Ms. Smith:), not overusing "I", and remembering that the reader will treat the letter as a sample of your writing.
2. Annotated example
Fictional example: the person, company and details are made up to show the structure.
Dear Ms. Carter:
I am applying for the Bilingual Customer Success Specialist position posted on your careers page. I have followed Northwind's expansion into Latin America, and I would like to help your Spanish-speaking customers get the most out of your platform.
In my current role at a software distributor in Quito, I handle onboarding and support for clients in Ecuador and Colombia, in Spanish and English. I rewrote our onboarding guide in both languages and now train new clients with it. I also work daily with Zendesk and HubSpot, the two tools listed in your job description.
I would welcome the chance to discuss how I can support your Latin American accounts. You can reach me at [email protected] or +593 99 000 0000. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
María Ruiz
Why it works: it names the exact role and source in the first line, gives a specific reason for this employer, uses a verifiable example and the tools from the job ad (no invented numbers), and fits on one page.
3. Common mistakes when translating from Spanish
- Long formal openings. "Por medio de la presente…" has no natural English equivalent. Go straight to I am applying for…
- Dear Sir/Madam when a name is findable. Check LinkedIn or the company site. If you can't find one, Dear Hiring Manager: is a neutral option.
- False friends: actually ≠ "actualmente" (use currently); assist ≠ "asistir" to an event (use attend); career ≠ "carrera universitaria" (use degree).
- Personal details. As on a US résumé, leave out age, marital status and photo.
4. Making the bilingual part concrete
- Write the letter in the language of the job ad (usually English) and say where you use each language: customers, documents, meetings.
- State your English level honestly; name any certificate you actually hold.
- If the role covers a specific market (Mexico, Colombia, Spain), mention what you know about it only if it is true.
Your résumé and cover letter, in English and Spanish
Our Bilingüe plan includes your résumé in both languages plus a cover letter tailored to the job. We never invent experience.
See plansFree ATS checkSources
- Harvard FAS Mignone Center for Career Success, HES: Create Impactful Resumes and Cover Letters (accessed Oct 12, 2026).