Submitting an effective cover letter with your resume can help make a stronger first impression on an employer. This letter expands on the information in your resume to further demonstrate the value you provided to previous employers and can provide to your next employer.
Including a cover letter with your resume helps you stand out from the applicants who did not include a cover letter. Showing you go the extra mile encourages the hiring manager to contact you for an interview.
Implement these tips to create a cover letter that helps make a strong first impression on an employer:
Tailor Your Cover Letter
Customize your cover letter to show you truly are interested in the role:
- Check the job posting, company website, or LinkedIn page to learn the name of the hiring manager and use it in your greeting.
- Use the job description to provide details about how your knowledge, skills, and experience equip you for the position.
- Share stories and metrics that demonstrate your relevant contributions and results for previous employers that can benefit your next employer.
Include Keywords
Use relevant keywords throughout your cover letter. Include the keywords from the job description and those commonly used in your industry.
Including relevant keywords shows you have the knowledge, skills, and experience required to succeed in the role. These keywords help your cover letter and resume get past an applicant tracking system (ATS) and to the hiring manager. Your abilities encourage the manager to contact you for an interview.
Use Strong Adjectives and Active Verbs
Choose adjectives that describe your abilities in a positive manner. Examples include:
- Innovative
- Tenacious
- Creative
- Self-Directed
Include verbs that demonstrate the value you provided for previous employers. Examples include:
- Analyzed
- Quantified
- Designed
- Collaborated
Highlight your ability to generate results. Examples include:
- Increased
- Reduced
- Upgraded
- Generated
Proofread Your Cover Letter
Use spell check or an online editing program to ensure your cover letter is free from spelling, grammatical, and punctuation errors. Also, read your letter out loud to ensure your information is clear and concise.
When your cover letter is complete, submit it with your resume to the designated place. Then, repeat the process for other opportunities until you complete your job search.
Would You Like Additional Help with Your Cover Letter?
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