The Power of Good Cover Letter Words
Your cover letter is your first impression on a potential employer, and the words you choose can make or break your chances. It’s more than just a formality; it’s your opportunity to showcase your personality, skills, and enthusiasm for the role. The right words can transform a generic application into a compelling narrative that captures the hiring manager’s attention. This guide reveals the top 5 secrets to using good cover letter words to significantly boost your prospects and land that interview. Understanding the nuances of language in a cover letter isn’t just about avoiding clichés it’s about strategically crafting a message that resonates with the reader and highlights what makes you the perfect fit.
Secret 1: Action Verbs
Action verbs are the workhorses of a persuasive cover letter. They instantly inject dynamism and make your accomplishments come alive. Instead of passively describing your duties, action verbs demonstrate what you did and achieved. They paint a vivid picture of your skills and contributions, making your application more engaging and memorable. Choosing the right action verbs can make your accomplishments shine and give a clear picture of your past experiences. Using action verbs also show the employer that you have the capacity to do the tasks they are asking.
Using Action Verbs Effectively
To use action verbs effectively, begin each bullet point or accomplishment with a strong verb. This immediately grabs the reader’s attention and clearly communicates your actions. Think about the specific tasks you performed in previous roles and identify the verbs that best describe those actions. For example, instead of writing ‘Responsible for managing projects,’ try ‘Managed projects,’ ‘Oversaw projects,’ or ‘Spearheaded project management.’ The key is to be specific and avoid generic verbs. Select the action verbs based on the activities you were tasked with. Select the action verbs that are relevant to the job description.
Examples of Powerful Action Verbs
Some examples of powerful action verbs that can make a significant impact include ‘achieved,’ ‘implemented,’ ‘developed,’ ’led,’ ‘managed,’ ‘created,’ ‘improved,’ ‘increased,’ ‘streamlined,’ ’negotiated,’ and ‘collaborated.’ These verbs showcase a wide range of skills, from leadership and problem-solving to teamwork and innovation. Vary your verb choices to avoid repetition and maintain the reader’s interest. Tailor your verb selection to the specific job requirements. Focus on the verbs that are included in the description. These verbs help you clearly articulate how you contributed in your previous role.
Secret 2: Quantifiable Achievements
Numbers speak louder than words, especially when demonstrating your impact in previous roles. Quantifying your achievements provides concrete evidence of your skills and contributions. Instead of saying ‘Improved customer satisfaction,’ state ‘Increased customer satisfaction by 15%.’ Quantifiable results demonstrate your value to the company and make your achievements more credible. They allow employers to quickly understand the scope and impact of your work, setting you apart from other applicants.
Highlighting Numbers and Results
Whenever possible, back up your claims with data. This could include percentages, dollar amounts, the number of projects completed, or the number of people you managed. Think about the key metrics that defined success in your previous roles and use them to illustrate your accomplishments. For example, if you were in sales, mention your sales figures and the percentage increase you achieved. If you managed a team, highlight the team’s productivity gains or cost savings. When possible, use numbers to compare your achievements to previous standards or to the industry average. Numbers help the employer understand the value you will provide for their business.
Formatting Quantifiable Achievements
Format your quantifiable achievements clearly and concisely. Use bullet points to make the information easy to scan and understand. Include the achievement, the action you took, and the result you achieved. For example, ‘Reduced operational costs by 10% through process improvements.’ or ‘Increased website traffic by 25% within six months by implementing SEO strategies.’ Make sure your numbers are accurate and reflect your true accomplishments. Be prepared to elaborate on your results during an interview. Make sure the numbers you are providing are relevant to the job description.
Secret 3: Keywords and Industry Jargon
Modern cover letters are often scanned by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) before they even reach a human reader. Using relevant keywords and industry jargon helps ensure your application gets noticed by the system and, ultimately, by the hiring manager. These keywords show that you understand the job requirements and have the necessary skills and experience. Understanding the job description and finding the correct keywords will help you advance to the next step.
Identifying Relevant Keywords
Carefully review the job description and identify the key skills, qualifications, and requirements. Make a list of the most frequently mentioned terms and phrases. These are your keywords. Pay close attention to the specific language used in the job posting. Incorporate these keywords naturally into your cover letter, focusing on those you possess and can demonstrate through your experience. Consider using a keyword research tool to find related terms and phrases that you may have overlooked. The main idea is to find the most relevant keywords for your cover letter.
Integrating Keywords Naturally
While keywords are important, avoid keyword stuffing, which can make your cover letter sound unnatural and detract from your credibility. Integrate keywords seamlessly into your sentences, focusing on how you’ve used those skills and experiences in the past. The key is to use keywords in a context that demonstrates your understanding and proficiency. Ensure that each sentence is readable and makes sense. Use keywords to describe your actions in previous roles.
Secret 4: Addressing the Employer
A generic cover letter screams ‘I haven’t put in the effort,’ while a personalized letter shows you care. Addressing the employer directly demonstrates that you’ve researched the company and understand their needs. It’s about more than just using the hiring manager’s name (though that’s a good start); it’s about tailoring your message to the specific role and company culture. This approach greatly increases the chances of making a positive impact.
Personalizing Your Cover Letter
Always address your cover letter to a specific person if possible. Research the hiring manager or the person in charge of the role. If you can’t find a name, use a professional greeting, such as ‘Dear Hiring Manager.’ Within the body of your letter, mention the specific role you are applying for and explain why you are interested in the company. Show that you understand their mission, values, and recent activities. Reference the company’s products, services, or recent news to demonstrate your interest. Make your cover letter about the employer’s needs and how you can meet them.
Researching the Company
Before writing your cover letter, thoroughly research the company. Visit their website, read their ‘About Us’ page, and check their social media profiles. Look for recent news, company values, and any specific initiatives they are working on. Try to understand their culture and what they look for in employees. This information will help you tailor your cover letter to align with the company’s needs and demonstrate your genuine interest. Use what you find to show the employer that you are a good fit for the job.
Secret 5: Show, Don’t Tell
Anyone can claim they are a ’team player’ or ‘detail-oriented.’ The best cover letters provide concrete examples to support these claims. ‘Showing’ your skills involves providing specific examples of how you’ve demonstrated those skills in the past. This creates a more convincing and memorable narrative, allowing the employer to see your capabilities in action. You are showcasing your capabilities, not just listing them out.
Demonstrating Skills with Examples
Instead of simply stating that you are a good communicator, describe a situation where you effectively communicated with a team or client. If you’re detail-oriented, provide an example of how you successfully caught an error or prevented a problem. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your examples. Describe the situation, the task you were assigned, the action you took, and the result you achieved. This format provides a clear and concise narrative that highlights your skills. Include the most relevant examples for the job you are applying for.
Providing Context and Storytelling
Good cover letters tell a story. They create a narrative that links your past experiences to the requirements of the job. Provide enough context for the reader to understand the situation and the impact of your actions. Use storytelling to make your application more engaging and memorable. By weaving a compelling narrative, you can make your application stand out from the crowd and leave a lasting impression. Use language that is friendly and approachable to create a better impression with the reader.
Conclusion
Mastering the art of the cover letter is an ongoing process, but by implementing these 5 secrets, you can significantly improve your chances of landing an interview. Remember to use action verbs, quantify your achievements, incorporate relevant keywords, address the employer personally, and show—don’t tell. By following these guidelines, you’ll craft a cover letter that not only gets you noticed but also clearly demonstrates your value to a potential employer. Now that you’ve learned how to use good cover letter words, it’s time to start applying for jobs and showcasing your skills to the world. Your dream job is only a well-written cover letter away!