What Makes A Cover Letter For Resume Stand Out?

23 September 2024

When job hunting, a standout resume is the first step in the door with a potential employer. But another component that should never be overlooked is the cover letter for the resume.

It’s your chance to show some personality in addition to your resume and tell a story.

Whether it is how and why you’ve made it to this point or why you are right for the candidacy.

Let’s run through some other resume tips and how they all fit together. Especially when you’re writing that ever-important cover letter for your next big opportunity.

Why A Cover Letter?

Before discussing structure and style, it’s worth considering why a cover letter is still essential to any job application.

While a resume or CV offers the facts about your experience and skills to date, the cover letter sets you apart. It sets the scene for who you are and why you’ll be perfect for the role.

1. A Strong Opening

At any given time, on average, there may be anywhere between 50 to 200 applications sent in for one advertised position.

So, how do you make your application shine while ensuring accuracy?

The best way to grab the reader at hello (or, indeed, their first sight of your application). How about a quick taste hinting at what they will soon discover?

Show them an enthusiastic interviewee brimming with excitement over the prospect of working with them.

2. Personalize & Make It Stand Out

One of the most important resume tips is never to be generic when writing a cover letter.

You want your cover letter for your resume to stand out!

Not sound like it was written by someone who submitted their application for every company advertised on the job boards.

Make sure you speak specifically about why you are interested in that job with that company.

Also, do some research before you apply for the job to get a feel for the type of company it is. Then, try incorporating similar values or beliefs about the industry into your cover letter.

For Example,

If the company you’re applying to is big on innovation and you’ve previously worked on a creative project, put it at the very start. It’ll make your cover letter more memorable.

“I am interested in applying for the Marketing Manager position at [Company Name]. I’m passionate about being able to tell creative stories and have developed and delivered some innovative campaigns. Which I feel would be a great fit for your team!”

3. Show, Don’t Just Tell

One of the most important resume tips when writing a cover letter is to support your claims with evidence.

Instead of saying, “I have strong conceptual skills,” give an example showing your leadership in action.

For Example,

“I oversaw leading a team of 10 to create a social media strategy that boosted engagement by 30% in 6 months. My direction helped the team to work together effectively.”

By giving specific examples, you don’t just make the hiring manager understand what you can do, but you also talk about your achievements.

4. Connect Daily Work To Job Title

Another great resume tip is to read the job posting closely and consider connections between your day-to-day experiences and what the company seeks. Now, highlight the same for your cover letter for your resume.

If the job description mentions that you need experience with customer relationship management (CRM) systems, you have it; mention it!

Don’t leave it up to the hiring manager to determine your qualifications.

For Example:

“I have worked with Salesforce for five years and know I can oversee and enhance CRM systems to facilitate customer engagement and business development.”

5. Don’t Just Paste Your CV

Your cover letter shouldn’t be a rehash of your CV!

Plus, recruiters get frustrated when they must read the same thing after reading your resume.

To take advantage of the ‘cover’ part of the cover letter. Yes, you need to use it as an opportunity to explain how you would benefit from an employer.

The best way to do this is not with complex and lengthy sentences but with clear and confident writing.

Let your cover letter show enthusiasm (a love, even) for the job.

For Example,

“I’ve always been impressed with [Company Name]’s reputation for sustainability, and amazingly. Your team is truly committed to innovation and the future.”

You can end it well with this!

“Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing how my experience and skills could contribute to your organizational goals. Please contact me at your convenience so that we can schedule a time to speak or meet.”

6. End It Well!

End your cover letter for your resume on a high note!

Politely let the employer know that you’ll be in contact to schedule an interview. Plus, don’t forget to mention how excited you are to apply for the position.

For Example:

“I would welcome the chance to speak with you further about how I could benefit [Company Name]. Thank you for your consideration. I hope to have the opportunity to contribute to your team.”

7. Proofread For Perfection

This is probably the most important part of writing a cover letter!

Keep it free from grammatical errors!

Typos and grammatical errors can make even the best-written cover letter appear sloppy and unprofessional!

One of the most basic yet frequently overlooked resume tips is double-checking your cover letter for typos. You want to show that you’re careful, and typos don’t give that impression!

Before you submit it, take the time to re-read your cover letter. Especially if it is a fresher cover letter. Get a friend or mentor to read it and provide feedback. A peer removal can always be useful in catching something that you missed.

7. Keep The Format Simple And Professional

Also, remember to pay attention to the formatting of your cover letter. Keep the contents on a single page and use spacing effectively.

In addition, maintain a professional tone while providing insight into your personality so that your letter leaves an employer wanting to learn more about you.

They shouldn’t lose track while reading huge paragraphs! That is a major buzz kill, and they might not even finish reading it!

At the top of the letter, include your name and address (alternatively, you can include your phone number/ email but not both), followed by the date and the recipient’s name and address.

If you can’t find this information easily, you can put yourself ahead of other applicants by addressing it properly: “To the Hiring Manager” or “To Whom It May Concern.”

Yes, (Before You Ask Again), It Is Important!

Never ignore the power of a cover letter for a resume. A resume is just data, but a cover letter is your chance to tell why you became the person you are today and why the position you’re applying for is the perfect next chapter in your career.

Many job seekers may think the cover letter is less important than the resume. However, writing a strong introduction makes it easier for the employer to connect with you and put your resume on top of the stack.

Employers won’t even look at your resume if they aren’t impressed with your cover letter.

So, consider it an opportunity to bridge your resume to an interview.

To show personality and excitement about the position and get them to want to know more about you!

It’s a process, so be patient.

Work on personalizing each one before sending it out, and spell-check everything!

If our tips got you at that job interview, don’t forget to check out the interview questions to prepare yourself better!

Read Also:

Content Rally

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

View all posts

Copywriting Jobs 101: Essential Steps To Become A Copywriter

If you are looking for high-paying remote jobs, you must start looking for copywriting jobs. It does not matter whether you are a beginner writer or someone with experience writing marketing content and blogs. In fact, if you are someone looking to evolve your writing career, starting out with copywriting can be a great option. In this article, you will learn about copywriting jobs in general. Apart from that, you will also learn about the basic requirements of becoming a copywriter. Moreover, this article will explain the difference between copywriting and marketing. Finally, you will get a step-by-step guide about how to become a copywriter. Hence, to learn more, read on to the end of the article. What Do Copywriting Jobs Require? Copywriting jobs require the copywriter to use persuasive words to bring a potential buyer close to buying. Although copywriting generally falls under the category of business, sales, and marketing, it actually goes beyond it. In fact, copywriting is a form of persuasion that has been in vogue for many years. Basically, advertising does not always get a business to sell to customers. This is because many ads contain poor usage of words. Hence, they become ineffective in persuading people to decide to buy the product. Writing a persuasive copy is a major factor for success, no matter which industry you work in. Basically, the way you write your content matters more than you think. Copywriting is the word for writing that businesses use in marketing strategies. Here, the goal is to improve sales and conversions. Copywriting Jobs requires you to write compelling text to persuade customers to buy products. Here, the company aims to market a particular product, service, or concept to a target audience. In this case, you will persuade readers to take action, like buying a product/service, subscribing to an offer, or attending an event. Understanding Copywriting Jobs Copywriting is an important part of advertising and marketing. In a copywriting job, you will write persuasive words (a copy) to motivate your target customers to take action. The following are some examples of content writing you can check out: A full-page advertisement of a perfume inside a magazine. An advertisement for an insurance company is in a newspaper. An ad on a website that is prompting you to buy something. There are many more examples you can see around print and digital media, all of which are copywriting. In fact, copywriting is almost everywhere you see. Here, the job of a copywriter is to craft words in such a way that they can connect with their target audience. Basically, the goal is to move the customer to take action to buy the product or service. Generally, businesses hire an in-house copywriter to create copies for their organization. On the other hand, other businesses hire copywriters on a contract basis. Hence, if you are applying for copywriter jobs, make sure to check whether a job is full-time or contract-based. Copywriting vs Marketing: What’s The Difference? When you look for copywriting jobs, your client or employer will want someone who understands the differences between copywriting and marketing. Here is a difference between copywriting and marketing: Marketing Copywriting It focuses on the big picture, like what to sell to prospects and how to do it. It is a part of marketing and focuses on using words in such a way as to invoke the emotions of prospects. Here, the focus is to grab the interest of target customers and persuade them to buy products and services. Getting Copywriting Jobs: What Are The Requirements? As a copywriter, your job is to move your audience to take action. Although there are many types of copywriting, there are some basics that all copywriters follow. Here, you must study the target audience and understand their needs and desires. Apart from that, you must create a strategy to find the best way to connect with these potential customers. In this case, you must show that you understand their problem. The following are some of the major skills that a copywriter needs to have: 1. Strong Ability to Write: As a copywriter, you must create clear, concise, and engaging copy. Moreover, you have to write with correct grammar and punctuation. 2. Understand Your Audience Needs: You must be able to analyze your readers and empathize with them. This will help you tailor your copy to their wants and needs. 3. Use Persuasion: Here, you must use storytelling and various persuasive techniques. Basically, your job is to motivate readers to buy the products and services of your client/employer. 4. Adaptability: As a copywriter, you must write for various industries, products, formats, and platforms. In all these cases, your copy’s tone and style will change. 5. Research and Analysis: To write a good copy, you must know how to research and analyze data. This will help you to create better and more accurate copy, which resonates well with others. Earning Potential In Copywriting Jobs If you are a good copywriter, you can make good money. However, your income depends on your experience, industry, location, and the type of projects you handle. Basically, in the United States, the average salary of a copywriter is $72,185 per year. Here, the salary range is $38K to $230K. The following are some of the factors on which the earning potential of copywriters depends: 1. Experience: If you have over seven years of experience in copywriting, you can earn an average of $83,890. On the other hand, if your experience is less than a year, the average earning is $61,250. 2. Size of the Company: If you work in a company with 501-1000 employees, you can earn an average of $75K. Apart from that, there are additional pay, commission, cash bonuses, etc. In the digital age, copywriting is a skill that is in high demand. Hence, if you can write copy that resonates with your target audience, you can be extremely successful in the field of marketing. How To Excel In Copywriting Jobs? – Steps To Follow The following are some of the major traits of good copywriting that every copywriter needs to learn: 1. It Challenges Perspectives A silent tilt in perspective is all a piece of message needs to make a major impact. Generally, people are accustomed to blocking marketing messages. Hence, they do not see those messages anymore. Therefore, as a copywriter, you must take an unexpected approach to break your reader’s guard. 2. It Connects With The Audience There are different angles in all stories. Here, your job is to find that angle that resonates with your target readers. Here, as a creative writer, you must connect things. Basically, a creative person sees things that later seem obvious. Hence, you must connect an existing problem with the solution that the company provides. 3. It Has Amazing Leads The leads in your copy must make the readers read the next line. Moreover, the purpose of the first line of your copy is to get the reader to read the second line, and so on. Basically, if the first line does not attract the readers of your copy, this means the copy is not good enough. 4. There Is No Jargon/Hyperbole Generally, copywriters use jargon and hyperbole to state their point when they struggle to convey the specialty of their company, products, and service. Basically, a good copy does not need a lot of pompous and flowery words. It must be able to speak to the reader by connecting to them more humanly. 5. Strong Voice And Creative You must have a strong voice in your copy that reflects your brand personality, identity, and values. This will allow your copy to stand out in the competitive marketplace. At the primary level, it must be able to communicate the unique tone, attitude, and style of the brand. As a result, it helps you to build a connection with readers and establish a relationship. Copywriting Jobs For Beginners: How To Get One? The following are the steps to follow if you want to land a copywriting job: Check for copywriting job descriptions from job postings. This will give you an idea of what skills you need. Understand that apart from writing skills, you will also need to develop conceptual skills for copywriting. Learn all you can about copywriting from books and websites. Moreover, you can also consider taking a copywriting course. Practice as many times as you can. Start by writing about topics in your field of experience or interest. You can also start as a freelancer to get experience as a beginner. This way, you can build your online portfolio and your presence as a copywriting expert. Getting Your Copywriting Job: The Way Forward Hence, you now know the requirements of copywriting jobs and how you can start copywriting as a beginner. Apart from that, you must also study the fundamentals of marketing, advertising, human psychology, etc. Moreover, never cease to practice writing copies. To gain real-world experience, you can start an internship. Do you have more suggestions on how to get a copywriting job? Please share your ideas and opinions in the comments section below. Read Also: Why AI Can’t Replace A Skilled Copywriting Agency In London What Can Financial Services Copywriting Help You With? Writing Web-Copy: How to Keep Your Readers Engaged

Cégep 101: Everything You Need To Know About Quebec’s Education System

It is mandatory in every education system to establish a primary and secondary program for all children in the state. However, there are differences involved in the system when talking about tertiary education. A unique feature of the education system in Quebec is the implementation of a transition program that serves as a bridge that students should take after finishing high school and before entering the university. Essential Things You Need To Know About Quebec’s Education System This pre-university education is publicly funded and provided by institutions called CEGEPs, which stands for Collège d'enseignementgénéral et professional. Typically, it is considered a general and vocational education system. Everything You Need To Know About Quebec’s Education System College: One should not confuse it with a university education since it should be taken before being admitted to a bachelor’s program. This pre-university program, which they term as college, is established to compensate the required 12 years of studying to be admitted in a university or a post-secondary institution. This is because Quebec is the only province in Canada that allows the student to graduate from high school even after 11 years of studying in compulsory education. There are several CEGEPs institutions, one of which is CEGEP Garneau Formation Continue. These institutions offer several college programs: 1. Pre-university education program: This program has a 2-year duration. It aims students to prepare for the lessons taught in the university that will, later on, guide them to get the Diploma of College Studies. It also fills the required knowledge that will be helpful in pursuing university studies. which are not included in the secondary curriculum. Students who take this program path usually attend the university, skipping the first year, and often considered as a sophomore. They might also earn extra credits or a higher standing upon enrolling in the university. Courses taught in this program are geared towards what the students will choose as their major in the university. 2. Technical training program: This extensive training program is designed for three years. The objective of this program is to provide knowledge and expertise to students that will enable them to work after completion and will make them ready for employment. Students from this program are expected to enter the job market after graduation. Courses taught under this program are specialization courses which depend on what students want for their future careers. Completion of this program also provides graduates with a Diploma of College Studies. Some of the programs under this are: Theater Nursing Electronics Computer Science Programs involving construction and building infrastructures Future careers of the students who completed this program are HVAC technicians, actors, IT specialists, computer technicians, and others. 3. Short term technical training program: This program is a shorter version of what is mentioned above. Around 500-1000 class hours are allotted for these short term programs. It also aims students to be equipped in the professional world after completion of their program. The only difference of this program to the technical program is the absence of a core curriculum. Adults can also take it as an additional knowledge for their chosen careers. Some programs under this category are: Real Estate Marketing Upon completion of this program, students are provided with Attestation of College Studies. University: Before one can be admitted to a university, a requirement needed is the Diploma of College Studies. Students who are under the pre-university and technical training programs have the privilege of continuing education in the university. The system of tertiary education in Quebec is similar to any universities in the world. The interesting feature of university education in Quebec is that one can complete a bachelor’s degree after three years, compared to other universities that usually requires four years the least. This is because of the pre-university programs that they have. Upon receiving a college diploma, the student can have the choice to pursue a master’s degree, which usually lasts for 1-2 years, and a doctoral degree, which is 2-3 years in duration. Universities in Quebec also offer some non-degree programs, which are usually short courses. Completion of these short term university programs will give the students specialized certificates and diplomas. Conclusion In general, the educational system of Quebec provides outstanding advantages to its students. It offers educational excellence, great environment, and infrastructure and technologies which make it certain that the province is providing its people a high-quality education. There is an increased number of international students studying in Quebec because of these factors. The unique features of Quebec’s educational system were strategically implemented to ensure that all CEGEP institutions produce highly competitive and outstanding students that will, later on, be future leaders and successful individuals that will strengthen the economic standing, not just the province, but the country as well. Read Also: 4 Emerging Trends In The Education Sector Academic Writing For UK Students – Why It’s Important?

Is Marine Transportation A Good Career Path?

If there is something that young adults worry about, then it is hands down their career and future. And speaking of that, there is one question that I have frequently come across in my life. It goes something along the lines of "is marine transportation a good career path?" If you are someone who is thinking about having a career in the marine industry, then this article is for you. Want to know more about marine transportation and whether Transportation is a good career path or not? If yes, then keep on reading this article till the end… Overview Of The Industry The maritime sector presents numerous prospects for advancement and is an exciting and fulfilling area of work. Although it has been a part of the economy for centuries, this sector has expanded significantly in the last several years. One of the biggest and fastest-growing segments of the world economy is the marine transportation sector in particular. This sector of the economy includes cargo ships, cruise ships, ferry services, and all other forms of maritime shipping and goods transportation. It makes sense that so many people are interested in this exciting field. There is always something new to discover and learn in the maritime industry, given the growing demand for freight and marine travel services. Individuals who choose to work in this field should anticipate intellectual challenges as well as numerous opportunities for professional development. Salary For individuals who are enthusiastic about the sector, a career in maritime transportation can be very profitable. When making decisions about the future, it's critical to take into account the potential salary of a given profession. Let's examine a range of salaries for various job titles in the maritime logistics industry as of March 2023 to aid with this. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that in 2021, the median annual wage for workers in the marine transportation industry was $62,768. Pay varies according to job title and location. Salary levels for the most sought-after jobs are typically higher than those for less desirable positions. Many people can gradually increase their salary with training and experience. It's crucial to take into account a variety of factors, including travel opportunities and personal interests, in addition to the potential salary when deciding whether or not a career in marine transportation is right for you. What Is Marine Transport? Also known as maritime transportation, it is a job that refers to the transportation of cargo or passengers through sea routes. Currently, it is one of the major ways of transportation when it comes to transporting goods. These goods can be anything. Some of the items that are transported through marine transportation are: Oil Spices Medicines Electronics Beverages Vehicles Machines It is undoubtedly one of the strongest sources of trading and transportation in the world when it comes to transporting heavy and bulky commodities. Moreover, it is still the backbone of the international economy and trading. So, if you are asking, "is marine transportation a good career path," the answer to that is positive. Skills: What Do You Need To Become A Part Of The Journey? Even if a particular job exists, you cannot just be eligible for the role. You need to have certain skills to be a member of that industry. The field of marine transportation is no exception to that rule. Here are the skills that you need to bag a job in marine transportation: 1. Communication Skills I cannot stress this point enough. You must be able to communicate with the crew members while you are on board. That is because, in the field of marine transportation, people come from different backgrounds. This makes it necessary for everyone to interact with each other. Therefore, it not only facilitates brotherhood but also ensures smooth functioning. 2. Mechanical Skills If you want to become successful in the field of marine transportation, it is important that you have knowledge about mechanical things. This skill will come in handy in times of need and urgency. That's the reason why it is necessary for all crew members on the ship, irrespective of their posts and ranks, that they have mechanical skills. 3. Vision (Eyesight) This is one of the most important things that you need to have is great eyesight. The fact that you are working in a shipping vessel, away from the land, makes it crucial for you to be able to see things afar. This is because you need to scout the horizon to notice the smallest changes. Job Types: What Jobs Can You Find In Marine Transportation? If you think that there is no variety in the field, then I would ask you to reconsider. There are a lot of jobs that you can find in the field of marine transportation. Some of them are as follows: Marine Engineer Port Engineer Port Captain Naval Architect Deckhand Employee Motor Man Employee Foodservice Oiler There is much more to this list, but here are the basics. Answering The Question, “Is Marine Transportation A Good Career Path?” Now, coming to the pain questions. Is marine transportation a good career path? The answer to that is YES, it is. If you are someone who loves to travel overseas and likes to explore, then you are going to love this job. At the same time, the payment or the wage in the field of marine transportation is also not that bad. The best paying jobs in the field of marine transportation are Vessel Captain, Marine Engineer, Naval Architect, Data Scientist, and Port Captain. If you are someone who is looking for a high paying job, then this might be the key for you. This is because, according to reports, the average salary of a Vessel captain (the one who is in command of the ship) is nearly 100,000 dollars USD. However, even if you want to settle for the role of a Port captain, you will still be able to have a comfortable life at home. The salary of the Post Captain is nearly 65,000 dollars USD on an average. In simpler words, marine transportation is a great career path for people who are looking for a secure future, a steady and good source of income, and the opportunity to travel overseas and over seas (get the pun?) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Now that you have almost read the end of the article, I really hope that most of your questions have already been answered and cleared. If, however, there is still some confusion left, I would advise you to read some of the questions that users frequently ask. Q1. What Is Marine Transportation Management? The task or job of being able to manage and shift the rules and policies of the marine industry, specifically the marine transportation industry, regarding safety and other important points is called marine transportation management. Q2. Which Job Pays You The Highest? There are many jobs at present that can provide a high salary. Some of them are:1. Machine Learning.2. Medical Professionals.3. Data Scientists. 3. Is Marine Transportation A Risky Job? Even though it is true that marine transportation is a job that pays you well and also gives you the opportunity to travel overseas, it is still a little risky. That is because any problem that occurs in and on the ship or vessel can be life threatening to the crew. Bottom Line: Decide If You Want A Job In Marine Transportation! Marine transportation is one of the most stable jobs that you can apply for. But, at the same time, if you are looking for the opportunity to travel while earning a sufficient amount as salary, then marine transportation is the career that you should choose. In case you were looking for the answer to the question “is marine transportation a good career path,” I hope that you found this article to be of help. If there are any questions or doubts regarding the same, kindly write them down in the comment section below. Till then, Stay safe! Read Also: Is Capital Goods A Good Career Path? Is Precious Metals A Good Career Path Is Medical/Dental Instruments A Good Career Path How Many Jobs Are Available In Real Estate Investment Trusts?

What Makes A Cover Letter For Resume Stand Out?