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:

Deepanwita Dey

Deepanwita is a seasoned practitioner of ‘jumping the ship’. She started out her journey with literature and now holds a double graduation degree, one of which is in psychology. As a result, she is now using this skill to help confused job seekers to pick a direction. Given her academic background, her writing is laden with analytical analogies and deep research. As one of Content Rally’s most regular contributors, readers can find a sense of confidence in her writing.

View all posts

Top things to know before entering a medical career

Have you always dreamt of a career in medicine? If so, then you will not be alone. Many people have the urge to work in this sector that really makes a difference and helps people in a tangible way. With around 17,000 students graduating from medical school each year, the medical profession is enduringly popular still. Though you may feel like this, it is key to really understand what this kind of career involves before embarking on it. By getting a thorough picture of what you need to know when entering the medical profession, you will be much better prepared to enjoy it. What do you need to know? The first thing to point out is that there are many disciplines within the medical sector when you have passed your basic training. These will have different challenges and various working practices to get used to when you move on to specialize in a certain field. However, below are the most common things to know about working in medicine as a whole: Lifelong learning is key – to really excel and provide the best medical care that you can, you will need to keep learning throughout your career. Continuous medical education is very important in a medical career, so you need to be able to handle taking exams as you go along to get re-certified or pick up valuable new skills to progress. From cardiology CME to dermatology CEM among others, this is one area to know about in advance. It will be emotional – you must be prepared to be in situations that are highly emotional and may leave you feeling drained or very sad. To enter into medicine means that you care about people, but this is what can also leave you exposed. Be ready to deal with this side of the job and not let it affect you too much. Teamwork is king – being a medical professional anywhere means being part of a larger team. You must be ready to fit into the team and do all that you can to help it function. After all, there will be lives at stake, so everyone must work together effectively when treating patients. Prepare to work hard – even if you have done very well at university and found it quite easy, the medical school will be a whole different ball game. Be prepared to find it difficult, challenging and at times frustrating. If this happens, then it is key to not give up and work through it to succeed. Medical careers are rewarding While there is no doubt that they can be challenging to get into, there is also the little argument as to how rewarding a medical career is. You will be wanting to work in medicine to protect people and make them better when ill. A medical role will help you do just that and really give you that sense of satisfaction that is hard to get anywhere else. Just make sure that you know what is in store and you will be ready to meet it head-on. Read Also : Top 6 U.S. Universities That Offer Health Science Course The Disturbing Trend Of Multiple Chronic Medical Conditions Ten Interview Tips That Might Surprise You: The Medical Edition Information Technology And Business Success: The Things That Connect Them How To Boost Traffic To Your Small Business

Is Consumer Durables a Good Career Path In 2021?

Is consumer durables a good career path in 2021? How many jobs are available in consumer durables? If you are searching for these queries, you are reading the correct blog! Choosing your career path in consumer durables can be your best decision because it is highly rewarding, and the future is truly bright. Consumers take irregular career paths, and they regret the same in the long run. This is the reason why you need to be very focused and alert while choosing any career path. Some of the other top career paths can be precious metals, basic industries, energy utilities, public utilities, hotels/resorts, etc. Consumer Durables - What You Need To Know? Consumer durables are also known as durable goods or just durables, are a category of consumer goods that do not wear out instantly and thus, do not have to be bought frequently. These are known as “durable goods” as they tend to last for more than three years and are the opposite of consumer non-durables goods. Hence, in a more simple term, commodities that are purchased repeatedly over a prolonged period are known as consumer durables. Examples of consumer durable are toys, medical equipment, jewelry, sports equipment, furniture tools, consumer electronics, books, automobiles, and much more. Shoes and clothing are examples of semi-durable goods. Is Consumer Durables A Good Career Path In 2021? The answer to this question is Yes. Consumer durables are a good career path in 2021. Most of the durable consumer companies are operating at 100% production capacity. Actually, consumer durables consist of particular features that set them apart from other consumption expenditure items. Besides, in the European System of Accounts, consumer durables are defined as durable goods utilized by many households. This sector is in huge demand at present, and even non-consumer durables are a good career path and you should know this at the earliest. How Many Jobs Are Available In Consumer Durables? There are many jobs available in consumer durables, and you must be aware of the same if you are willing to grow your career in this field. Now, let’s have a look at the best-paying jobs in consumer durables. The following data is derived from LinkedIn. i). Category Manager The Category Manager is responsible for determining the positioning of a product category. Here, you need to increase visibility, partner with Supply Chain to place appropriate orders, build relationships with vendors, develop exit strategies, devise long-term development strategies, analyze data to consumer trends and the industry. ii). Sales Operations Specialists Sales Operations Specialists is one of the top jobs available in consumer durables. Here, you need to support all the stages of the sales cycle and provide high-quality support as a part of consumer services. You need to maintain a clear process for the sales team, accurate data reporting dashboards, prepare sales documents, and also handle all CRM records, deals, and contacts with input from the sales team. iii). Product Development Manager To get the role of Product Manager, you must have a bachelor’s degree in Business or Marketing. At the same time, you must possess good communication and writing skills. Besides, your main role will be managing pricing and promotions, utilize strong financial acumen, implement several activities and strategies, and build relationships with customers. iv). Events Manager The Events Manager works closely with corporate communications teams on activation opportunities and related events. You need to manage budgets and track all consumers. Moreover, you need to identify opportunities for participation in key consumer events that will increase your exposure. At the same time, you need to build marketing initiatives via consumer-facing marketing activations. v). Ecommerce Analysts The Ecommerce Analysts are responsible for creating pathways to deliver profitable growth and annual revenue. You need to facilitate alignment across all eCommerce customers. You need to manage all the eCommerce content testing roadmap for businesses, collaborate with marketing and product development, monitor trends in user behavior, and maintain a consistent flow of the work. The Final Thoughts Is consumer durables a good career path in 2021? Now, you know why it is regarded as a good career path among millennials in the USA and also other countries. You can grow your career in this particular field and acquired the skills that can be useful in other sectors as well. Read Also: Is Capital Goods A Good Career Path Is Business Services A Good Career Path Is Packaged Foods A Good Career Path Is Public Utilities A Good Career Path Is Photography A Good Career Path? Is Homebuilding A Good Career Path In 2021? Is Major Banks A Good Career Path In 2021? Is Clothing/Shoe/Accessory Stores A Good Career Path Is Electric Utilities Central A Good Career Path In 2021? Is Major Pharmaceuticals A Good Career Path In 2021?

Secrets to the Perfect Bedroom Light

Gorgeous atmosphere in a home is essential, and nowhere more so than in your bedroom. Seeing how this is a place where we go when we want to rest or be romantic, the setting needs to reflect the mood. Now, this can be done in several ways, mostly by using eye soothing colors and cozy furniture, but for the overall atmosphere, tending to the lighting the right way is a must. Here are a few secrets for a perfect bedroom light. Read also: A Rundown of the Basic Led Lighting Natural Light: The first thing you need to consider when it comes to your bedroom is having a good natural light source. However, this is a slippery slope. If the bedroom faces your backyard, you could easily replace an entire wall with folding glass system and maximize the amount of natural light. On the other hand, if your bedroom is on the ground floor and facing the street, this is the last thing you want to do for both security and privacy reasons. Finally, there is nothing more beautiful than being woken up by sunlight gleaming through your window. However, when this happens at 5 AM on a Sunday, you might want to consider getting quality blinders. For an extra touch, you can always add curtains that will match the rest of your interior. Spice it Up: Apart from being a place where you rest, the bedroom is also a romantic hotspot. This is why it needs to have a lighting system to match. Dimming your lights can do the trick, but truth be told, there are many, more interesting solutions you could resort to. Some of them are DIY, like homemade lanterns and lamps, while others are of more traditional. Using candles to enhance the bedroom atmosphere is the oldest trick in the book. However, the choice of these candles matters as well. If you are planning a special evening, you might want to go with something more daring like a heart- or flower-shaped candles. Color-wise any shade of red will do, but you can also go with purple, white or even black. Candles also come in different scents so going with cherry, vanilla or strawberry may spice up the atmosphere. Lighting System: No matter how romantic or sexy it may feel, using candles and natural light won’t be enough on its own. You will need an artificial lighting system as well. There are several interesting solutions. While a lot of people go for luxurious chandeliers in their bedroom, others see this as a bit over the top. Some think that there is nothing more elegant, tasteful and efficient than using LED downlights. Apart from looking good, these fixtures also save energy, to a great extent, especially on the annual level, making them quite convenient, both visually and practically. A bedside nightlight for the nighttime reading sessions is also essential. As you can see, the bedroom light is not to be taken lightly. In fact, if done correctly, it can bring numerous benefits to both your health and your love life. There are only a few principles you have to follow and few rules to abide by. The first one is that you should use natural light for as much as you can, not only to be frugality but for the soothing effects it has on one’s psyche. The second one, light bulbs are not the only artificial light source and they are definitely not the most romantic one. Finally, saving some more on your power bill by switching to LED is never a bad idea. Read More: Seven Simple Ways For Achieving Cozy Bedroom Environment: For Perfectly Night Sleep 5 Perfect Ways To Create Size Illusion In Room With Home Accessories How To Make Your Home Look Like A Splendid Hotel?

What Makes A Cover Letter For Resume Stand Out?