should cover letters have bullet points

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How to Include Bullet Points in a Cover Letter

• Include Bullet Points in a Cover Letter

Use Business Letter Format

Tips for writing bullet points, cover letter bulleted list examples, cover letter sample with bullets.

• Email Cover Letter With Bullets

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The purpose of a cover letter is to persuade hiring managers that you’re a good fit for the job. Think of it as being like a sales pitch: while a resume outlines the entirety of your related work experience and skills, your cover letter gives the highlights. The goal is to grab the hiring manager’s attention and convince them that your application should make it to the next round.

Of course, hiring managers and recruiters are busy. One study found that recruiters spend an average of just 7.4 seconds reviewing a resume before moving it to the “yes” or “no” pile. Adding bullets to your cover letter can help you make the most of those seconds, highlighting your relevant experience and matching it to the job listing’s requirements.  

Bullets can show your experience and skills in a way that stands out immediately.

Readers may skim through your opening paragraph, but their eyes will automatically pause when they see a bulleted list of qualifications. There's something about the white space and the formatting of bullet points that's very eye-catching.

Start your cover letter with an introductory paragraph that explains why you are writing. Then, when explaining your related experience, use a bullet for each of your job qualifications.

Each bullet point should include a concise phrase or sentence that begins with an action word ; you can include a period at the end of each sentence. Avoid having too much text for each bullet point; once the text following a bullet point spreads to three lines, it might make more sense in paragraph form.

Use simple bullets such as circles, dots, hyphens, or small squares.

Avoid other symbols that might look too confusing or may not upload properly when you apply for jobs online. Keeping it simple will avoid funky formatting in your cover letter.

To generate your bullet points, match your qualifications to the job description . Include the skills that are the closest match to the job.

You might also include keywords related to the job, but not specifically listed in the job listing. To figure out which keywords to include, scan job postings for other, related positions at other companies, or scan this list of skills to include in a cover letter or resume .

As well as listing skills, you can use bullet points to convey accomplishments (e.g., "Drove record-breaking sales numbers.").

Follow business-letter format for your cover letter. If you send your cover letter via email , omit the’ address paragraphs and choose a clear subject line , e.g., “Teacher’s Aide Application – Kim Fleming.”

Letter Introduction

The first paragraph of your letter should include information on why you are writing.

Refer to the position you are applying for and tell the hiring manager where you found the job listing. If you were recommended by a contact , now’s the time to mention it.

Next, provide a brief introduction, followed by the bullets.

Bullet Points

• The middle section of your cover letter should include what you have to offer.
• Mention how your qualifications match the job you are applying for.
• Highlight your most relevant experience and accomplishments.
• Show the employer why you're a great match.
• Be selective : you don’t need to include every skill and achievement, no matter how impressive they might be. Restrict yourself to qualifications that match the job description and show that you’re an outstanding fit for the position.

Letter Closing

Finish your cover letter with a closing paragraph and your signature .

When you’re writing your bullet points, don’t copy from your resume or from the employer’s job posting. Take the time to write unique statements for each, based on your qualifications for the job. Include 3-6 bullet points listing your expertise and accomplishments.

Remember that cover letters are intended to persuade. As you write, focus on making the case that you’re the best candidate for the job.

Once you’ve set up your letter with an introduction, bullets, and a closing, you can simply swap out the bullet points when you write each new cover letter. It is a quick and easy way to customize your job application letters for each position you apply for.

• Manage company communications including extensive social media experience.
• Experience with C+, UNIX, Shell, and Python scripting.
• Work with students to educate and prepare them for careers using career advising techniques, career development strategies, and career preparation techniques.
• Experience as a teacher’s aide in elementary school classrooms.
• Certified human resources professional with extensive recruiting and hiring experience.
• Manage complex projects from start to completion while ensuring client satisfaction and meeting all scheduled dates.

Lucy Rogers 86 Maple Street Satchel-on-Hudson, NY 10705 555-323-5432 lucy.rogers@email.com

September 7, 2022

Freya Leigh Manager River Events 15 Main Street, 1 st Floor Satchel-on-Hudson, NY 10705

Dear Ms. Leigh,

I was excited to see your recent advertisement for a receptionist on Local-on-Hudson.com. As an experienced receptionist and Satchel native, I’d love to help support beloved local events like the Waves Concert Series and the Food Truck Fair.

I have five years of administrative experience for event planning companies. Currently, I’m the weekend receptionist at Big Five Events. I’ve also held several internships for entertainment and event planning companies while I was attending Southern New York State, and have acquired the following skills:

• Excellent phone manner, customer service, and communication skills
• Expert-level knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Excel and PowerPoint, as well as project management software like Asana and Trello
• Typing speed of 80 words per minute
• Attention to detail and high degree of accuracy
• Patience and problem-solving skills

I have attached my resume for your review and would love to talk to you more about your needs and how I can help. I hope you’ll contact me at your convenience to arrange an interview.

Thanks and best regards,

Lucy Rogers (signature for a hard copy letter)

Lucy Rogers (printed)

Email Cover Letter Sample With Bullets

Subject Line : Sales Manager Job Application from J. Fernandez

Dear Mr. Williams:

It was with much interest that I learned, through your recent advertisement on Indeed.com, about Hamilton Motors’ current search for a Sales Manager. Please accept the attached résumé as an expression of my deep interest in accelerating the profitability of your new car sales department.

As an accomplished sales producer with 8 years’ experience in automotive sales management for two dealerships in Greenville and Spartanburg Counties, I have consistently demonstrated leadership and motivational talents that produced steady YOY growth throughout my tenures. A few of the credentials I bring to the table include: 

• Consistently meeting ambitious monthly sales forecasts, exceeding profit objectives by 32% in 2016, by 49% in 2017, and by 58% in 2018.
• Proven effectiveness recruiting, onboarding, and training retail sales teams that have led their territories in production from 2014 through the present, capturing top CAR sales awards each year.
• More than doubling customer traffic by hiring dedicated automotive internet sales team members.
• Introducing stringent inventory control policies that reduced overhead by 40% while maintaining an optimal range of vehicle types.

As a self-driven and charismatic sales manager, my “super hero” talent is my ability to inspire others to own their sales quota responsibilities and enthusiastically work as a team to smash ambitious sales targets. Excited at the prospect of bringing these strengths to Hamilton Motors, I thank you for your consideration and look forward to your response.

Julio Fernandez 3089 Montgomery Avenue Greeneville, SC 29603 (000) 123-1234 jfernandez@email.com

Ladders. " Ladders Updates Popular Recruiter Eye-Tracking Study ." Accessed Feb. 20, 2020.

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Bullet Points in Your Cover Letter—Do or Don't?

Published: Jul 16, 2012

There's a cover letter circulating the internet right now that's quite unique. First, its subject line: I want to work for you!

Second, its bullet points. Or rather, numericals. The email opens simply with "To Claire, I want to work for you and here is why:" She then goes on to make a list of 5 credentials/statements of experience and education. Then she lists another 5 points, a list of commonalities with "Claire" (who is Claire Diaz-Ortiz, leader of social innovation at Twitter, and blogger for the Huffington Post, where she posted the cover letter).

So did it work?

Yes! Diaz-Ortiz was stunned--in a good way! She breaks down what she likes about the letter on her blog (mainly the humor, the wealth of shared interests, and the grabby writing style). But since she experienced the letter on a personal level, we'd like to take it a step further and examine the merits of it objectively.

Though I'm a little reticent to recommend such a bold tactic (it's hard to imagine being able to back up this kind of bravado at an in person interview), I do agree with Diaz-Ortiz that there's a lot working here.

Let's break it down! (In numericals, of course, naturally):

1. (Safe) Humor

"We both have bangs... you can always trust someone with bangs." The writer's jokes are cute without being cloying, and nonsensical enough to be truly funny without the offending. It also endears the reader by casting the writer as a bit of a kook (which works for do-gooder/social media sector). But it's not strange enough to make anyone question her competence. (That part's important).

2. Show of Genuine, Purposeful Interest

The writer is obviously passionate about the work: "I love social media such and believe in harnessing the power of marketing to use for good." Ignoring the typo (Diaz-Ortiz didn't seem to notice it), note how she makes room for both the "enjoyment" aspect of being a good fit for the job  as well as the greater-good side.

She then backs up general mission statements with actual experience in her industry. The takeaway: she doesn't just talk a good game about her interests, she gets out there and makes progress towards them.

3. Specific Flattery

It's always a good idea to say nice things about the person or company you're pinging. But it's not enough to call them "amazing," as Diaz-Ortiz says in her blog. When you don't know someone personally, vague statements of praise ring false-- and shines an embarrassing spotlight on exactly how little you know about them.

On the other hand, specifically calling out what you admire in the person you're sending a cover letter to (information you can discover through researching them, hint hint), it's much more effective. It shows you care enough about the job to follow the work of the company and its leaders, and that see a future for your best self there—alongside your role models.

4. Research

"We both love a good poncho, ballet flats, chai tea, the real housewives, brie and people with calming voices according to your new favorite things part on your website. I promise I am not a stalker but I just love the idea of social innovation with the idea of using social media to spotlight the organizations that are changing the world."

This little excerpt is doing a lot of heavy lifting: First, it's proving the jobseeker is interested enough in the job, the company, and Ms. Diaz-Ortiz to spend time reading up on them. Second, it shows serious consideration of cultural fit (and proof that it's there!). And lastly, it involves practical application of the tools required by the job—social media! A+, in our book.

Cutting to the chase is usually a good idea. But it's an especially useful tactic for the field the writer's applying in, social media. Not only does her immediacy hook the reader (a good thing in any context), it proves that the writer can hook the reader, and in a very short period of time, without a lot of flowery text. Could it be any more perfect for Twitter, the 180-characters-or-less tool?

If you're on the fence about using bullets, skip them. But here's a great overall takeaway from this cover letter: words are speaking for you on several levels.

On the surface, what you write conveys information you're disclosing about yourself. But on another level, you're cluing the hiring manager in on your communication style, attitude and intent.

Wasting no words is a great way to show your professionalism, razor sharp wit, and best of all, your refusal to fritter away words or time. So even if you skip the bullets, crafting a clean, purposeful letter can only work to your advantage.

--Cathy Vandewater, Vault.com

Read More: How to Get a Job: A True Story (Part 1) (Huffington Post) Avoiding Cage-gate: Cover Letter Mishaps The Anti-Resume: Is non-traditional the new answer?

Cover Letter Design: 5+ Tips & Examples for Success

In This Guide:

Cover letter templates, why does design matter for a cover letter, what needs to go into my cover letter design, our favorite cover letter designs, frequently asked questions, cover letter design is about nailing the basics.

Quick Answer: The design of your cover letter matters as much as the content. Recruiters are under immense pressure to filter through all the applications they receive, so design can make the difference in terms of standing out. Optimize your header, update links, choose colors scheme thoughtfully, think how it looks on paper, be consistent with the design of your resume, and always keep a cover letter to a single page.

Recruiters go through hundreds of resumes and cover letters each day.

This means the key to getting hired is making it through their initial scanning methods.

This scanning involves checking the basics , and one of the most basic parts of your cover letter is how you design it.

The design you choose can help you stand out, direct the recruiter’s attention, and leave a lasting impression. What is there to consider when designing your cover letter?

Keep on reading below to find out!

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Check out these cover letter examples from 50+ different job titles to inspire your own writing.

Much like with your resume design , it all comes down to impression. Recruiters are under severe pressure to sort through all of the applications that come across their desks as quickly as possible.

This means it’s important to create an immediate impression.

One of the best ways to create an impression on someone who is on auto-pilot is to cause disruption.

You want to catch the recruiter’s attention, give them something that makes them pause and hold your application for an extra second, something that holds their eye and centers them. “Hold on, this one looks good”.

That’s what you’re going for.

Design choices are an excellent way to accomplish this.

Optimize your header

If you’re including a cover letter on top of your resume, your header will be the first thing the recruiter looks at . Think about what information recruiters want from your resume header. They want to find your name, contact information, and spot anything that individualizes your application.

This means your name should be the largest font of all text in your cover letter, and there should be clear sections dedicated to your contact information.

You can personalize your header by introducing a color scheme and resume headline .

Take a look at Marcellus’ header on his network engineer’s resume to see all of this in action.

Be sure to update any links you’re including in your cover letter as time goes on.

While we all know to update the body of your cover letter and ensure it’s specialized to each position you’re applying for, you may forget to update your contact information and header.

Ensure you’re including a professional email address and update your voicemail, too.

Think about your color scheme

As mentioned, the color you use in your cover letter can draw attention and convey personality. While I wouldn’t recommend using color in the main body of your cover letter, it can be used to accent essential sections. For example, your title can be included in color.

The key number is three. One color for main headings, one color for your body (I’d recommend one shade lighter than your main headings), and an accent color to highlight the important stuff.

When Pavel was applying for a job with Booking.com, he matched his resume colors to Booking’s famous blue.

Using photos

Beyond simply including a photo of yourself, including a photo of a personal logo can help a cover letter stand out.

Not only does this allow you to use photographs to your advantage in states where personal photographs are prohibited, but it’s also professional.

This is especially true for freelancers. You can go on to include personal photographs in your resume thereafter.

How does it look on paper?

Part of the design process is thinking about how your cover letter looks from beginning to finished product. This means checking how your design translates across different mediums.

Are your colors as vibrant in print as they were in design?

Is your font legible when printed out, can you read it without having to zoom in?

You never know what format the recruiter will request your application to be sent in, so you should ensure you’re putting your best foot forward every time.

Tip: Using different resume paper styles can add to the individuality of your application and cover letter!

Be consistent

Remember, your cover letter is the icing on the cake of your resume. They should compliment one another.

This doesn’t mean your cover letter should be designed in the exact same way as your resume, in fact, in most cases it shouldn’t be.

But, they should lie in the same design family. One great feature of Enhancv’s resume builder is the ability to write your cover letter and choose from the same great template, color, and text styles.

You can have a resume and cover letter that go hand-in-hand.

1. Default Cover Letter

The default cover letter design was our first, and we’ve never stopped loving it. It’s perfect for matching the Enhancv resume design you all know and love, and is functional for everything a cover letter should accomplish.

With the bold typeface, simple sections, and sleek backgrounds, the default cover letter is perfect for every job from entry-level all the way to executive.

2. Compact cover letter

Much like our compact resume template, the compact cover letter is direct and to-the-point. It can be used to give a quick introduction to the recruiter and further direct them to your resume where they can comb through the fine details.

This type of cover letter is perfect for when you’ve already been referred to a job and have already introduced yourself, or when for seasonal work.

3. Modern cover letter

The modern cover letter is the perfect middle-point between the compact and default cover letters. Each section is downsized to provide more room for the body of your cover letter, while still leaving room for your personal photo or logo.

This is perfect for applying to high-level senior roles where great detail of your prior accomplishments and desire to work for the organization is needed.

Why is the cover letter important?

Most jobs require you to submit a cover letter with your resume and application. A cover letter is important because it directly speaks to the employer, showing them why you’re the right fit for the job.

In this one-page cover letter, you can cover your main skills and achievements, your relevant experience to the position you’re applying for, and any other information that shows that you’re passionate about the role.

What font should you use in your cover letter?

Your cover letter should always be written in a standard, easy-to-read font like Times New Roman or Arial. It should be 12pt or slightly bigger.

Your cover letter is not the place to experiment with fun new fonts. It’s best to keep it professional.

Who should you address the cover letter to?

We recommend that you try to find the actual hiring manager’s name before defaulting to the “Dear Hiring Manager” line.

Check the job description first to see if they’ve listed the hiring manager’s name.

If their name isn’t there, you can do some research on LinkedIn to see if you can find the hiring manager there. Otherwise, you can call or email the company to ask them who you should address your cover letter to.

If neither is an option, it’s acceptable to address the cover letter as: “Dear Hiring Manager”.

Can a cover letter be two pages?

No, you should always keep a cover letter to one page. Hiring managers read a ton of job applications. They only have time to read one-page cover letters. If you make it two, they likely won’t read it.

Can a cover letter have bullet points?"?

Yes! Bullet points are a great way to organize your thoughts in a cover letter.

The entire cover letter shouldn’t be written with bullet points, but some parts of it can be. For example, when highlighting your accomplishments, you can list them off with bullet points to make a bigger impact.

Can a cover letter be an email?

Short answer, it doesn’t matter. Unless the hiring manager specifically said how they want the cover letter sent, you can either attach it to the email or write it as the body of the email. Up to you!

Should you sign your cover letter?

If you’re sending your cover letter over the computer, you don’t need to include a formal signature. Instead, use a professional sounding sign off, like “Sincerely”, and then type your full name underneath.

How should you export your cover letter?

Exporting your cover letter as a PDF is the best option. You’ll have confidence that your cover letter format won’t change, no matter what computer or browser the hiring manager is reading it from.

With your cover letter, it comes down to the basics. Make sure to provide enough space to the essential information you’re including by sectioning off your header where you can include your name and contact details.

Stick to three simple colors to direct attention, detail, and highlight important elements. You should ensure to match your cover letter to your resume so the recruiter gets you in one cohesive package.

Using Enhancv , you can pick the background, template, font, colors, and more to personalize both your resume and cover letter in this fashion. No need to worry about margins and spacing, we’ve got that covered!

Match your cover letter to your resume perfectly by using Enhancv’s resume builder . You can choose customizable resume templates that suit your style. Looking for inspiration on what to write? We have resume examples covering hundreds of different job roles.

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When and How to Use Bullet Points in a Cover Letter (with Example)

May 19, 2020 | Cover Letters

Need a new way to structure and focus your cover letter to impress the hiring manager? Check out this guide on the option of using bullet points (featuring an example of a bullet point cover letter we wrote.)

By: Alexis Sicklick | Resume Writer for Let’s Eat, Grandma

Structuring a cover letter is very similar to writing that classic five-paragraph essay in middle school and high school. You need a strong opening, three solid points to discuss, and a clear closing.

That’s it. Easy, right? You’ve done this a million times before.

Why does the task suddenly seem so daunting now? It must be because this may be your only chance to tell your story to a potential employer, and you want to be as clear as possible about why you are the best candidate for the job. While there are a few approaches to writing a cover letter, we are going to focus on the value of using bullet points in a cover letter (including an example later down) .

Before we delve into the details, take a look at this short video of Ross from F.R.I.E.N.D.S.:  

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He is in a high-pressure situation as well, but due to a lack of clear, organized points, he rambles on without responding to the question at hand until the very end. This is definitely not what you want to do.

Of course, the poor format of this conversation leads to great comedy, but it also demonstrates the value of lists and outlines, especially when conversing with someone else. 

Remember, the cover letter is not for you . It is to help your recruiter learn about who you are , so you should make it as easy as possible for them to identify your top credentials in the shortest amount of time.

Why use bullet points in your cover letter?

Bullet points serve the same purpose on a resume and cover letter from a design perspective, but they are not as limiting in this “essay” context.

Instead of two-liner phrases that quickly highlight a key aspect of your job as on your resume, bullets in a cover letter  are the content paragraphs , and they are full-blown explanations providing all the necessary details to make that point as valuable as possible. 

But they are not just paragraphs with bullets next to them . They start with a keyword or phrase that is clearly mentioned upfront and then expanded upon in about three to four sentences. 

Their purpose is three-fold, as seen below:

Bullet points in your cover letter might help you organize the story you want to tell (which is the whole point of a cover letter.)

Bullets produce a strong visual outline for the cover letter, creating a clear path for readers (and the writer when drafting it; see below). They won’t have to search to find out what makes you special — you are presenting it to them on a silver platter.

Use the main point of the ‘paragraph’ as a headline for the bullet and emphasize it with bold font so the recruiter’s eyes are drawn right to it.  

2. Direction

If you aren’t sure what aspects of your career to feature, narrowing the choice down to the top three for bullet points will help you focus the direction of your letter. Often, one skill/accomplishment is an umbrella for one or more skills, so you will still be able to showcase the breadth of your capabilities, only in a more concise and direct format.

And remember, the cover letter is just a sampling of your career , so you don’t need to discuss every aspect in depth. Think about what achievements or obstacles are the most meaningful, impressive, or formative, and focus on presenting them in the most comprehensive manner.

3. Optimization

Don’t forget to tailor your cover letter to the job description as well! Bullet headlines are a great way to utilize ATS keywords without them seeming out of place. And use the same phrasing from the description too — ATS will quickly identify that you do in fact have the desired experience, and you will be recognized as a strong candidate.

An Example of a Great Cover Letter with Bullet Points

Ready to see an example of a bullet point cover letter? Here’s one Let’s Eat, Grandma wrote for a real client (click to expand):

‘To sum up,’ bullets in a cover letter are an ideal tool for any type of reader or writer. They designate certain words or phrases to not only become the matchmaker factor but also to become flashes in memory, reminding the reader of who someone or is and why they are so significant.

The concept is almost like putting together a grocery list for your roommate or significant other. You need to list the product upfront, then elaborate on its special features to make it even more obvious as to what the right item is. You don’t start with a description and just assume they will be able to figure it out on their own — you specify it since you won’t be there to actually guide them, leaving no room for misinterpretation.

Or, think about it like a menu. There needs to be a reference point so that the diner, server, and chef can all be on the same page about what dish is ordered and what is included. Thus, a name is clearly defined and formatted to stand out, and it is followed by an articulate description so the guest understands the chef’s vision. The server, like you in a job interview , will expand upon anything that demands additional description. But in order to get to that point, the menu needs to draw the guest in from the start, just like your cover letter!

Ultimately, if you can ease the job of recruiters at all, they will be thankful and inclined to find out more about you. First impressions matter, and this is the moment where you need to encapsulate all that you are worth into one quick, initial glance.

Not landing interviews? Get a free resume critique from one of our top writers to learn why.

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Top 21 Cover Letter Tips [to Land the Job!]

You’ve narrowed in on the perfect job and you’ve got your resume down.

There’s one more step before you send out that application: the cover letter.

The cover letter is ESSENTIAL in the job application process. It complements your resume by giving the hiring manager a taste of your personality and enthusiasm for the position.

If you’re wondering whether you’re doing it right, stop worrying. We’ve got you covered!

In this article, we’ll give you all the cover letter tips you’ll ever need!

We’ve divided  our cover letter tips into three main parts, in order of importance:

• Essential Tips - These tips are fundamental to writing a killer cover letter.
• Important Tips - These cover letter tips are also important, but not as essential.
• Nice-to-have Tips - Not super important, but these tips can still be a nice addition to your cover letter.

9 Essential Cover Letter Tips

Tip #1 - get the basics right.

Before we get into any of the other tips, we want to make sure you know what a great cover letter looks like .

In a nutshell, a cover letter consists of six main parts:

• A header , which contains your contact information
• A greeting for the hiring manager
• The opening paragraph , where you open with an attention grabber and list your top achievements
• The second paragraph , where you explain why you’re the perfect candidate for the job
• The third paragraph , where you explain why you’re compatible with the company, its work culture, and its goals
• The closing remarks

Tip #2 - Tailor your cover letter to the position

You might be tempted to write one awesome cover letter and use it for every position you apply to.

After all, if it’s so good, it should work everywhere, right?

The thing is, the whole point of a cover letter is to show your achievements and enthusiasm about the particular company and position you are applying to.

Different positions have different requirements and responsibilities. You can convince a recruiter to hire you if you make a case for why you’re great for that particular position , not why you’re great in general. 

This is why a one-letter-fits-all approach does not work.

To personalize your cover letter to the exact position you are applying for, you should:

• Identify the position’s key responsibilities and get a sense of what kind of person they are looking for.
• Write a cover letter that demonstrates how you can handle those responsibilities and how you’re the right person for the job.

Both candidates are applying for the position of brand development manager in company XYZ.

I am responsible and creative. I have also done well in all my previous positions. I enjoy the work culture in your company and I believe I would be a great fit here.

A brand development management position in XYZ is key to successfully launching XYZ’s brands into e-commerce. In my previous positions, I have led 14 projects and have developed four separate brand launch plans, all of which have raised awareness of the brands within 6 months of the launch plan application.

Rose obviously sends the same cover letter to all job applications because there is nothing position-specific about the way she describes her skills. 

Candance, on the other hand, has identified the position’s requirements and key roles and demonstrates how she’s a great fit for it.

Now, which one would you hire based on what you read?

Tip #3 - Use your professional email

This might sound obvious, but it’s something important that might easily slip your attention.

If you use that [email protected] email you made in the fourth grade in your cover letter, the hiring manager immediately X-s you out.

No silly puns and no pop culture references: use a professional email that has your first name and last name.

Tip #4 - Don’t repeat your resume

The hiring manager already has your resume. If you simply repeat the information you’ve provided there, what’s the point in writing a cover letter at all?

So what exactly can you say besides what they already know?

Think of the cover letter as the “story” behind your resume. Write about what makes you passionate to do what you do and why you’re a good fit for the position.

Let’s say that in your resume you mention that you worked as a tech assistant and highlighted your key responsibilities. 

In your cover letter, you want to highlight how working as a tech assistant prepared you for the position you are applying for and why you’re passionate about joining the team. 

This way, the hiring manager can also see part of your personality and motivation.

Tip #5 - Make it easy to read

You might be tempted to use long, convoluted sentences and SAT words to show how you’re a professional, sophisticated person.

You don’t want the hiring manager to spend five minutes on one sentence wondering just what the heck you are trying to say.

Keep your language simple and your sentences short and straightforward.

Tip #6 - Keep it short

This one’s pretty simple: don’t drag out your cover letter. One page is more than enough.

The golden rule is to keep it between 250-400 words long in 3-6 paragraphs .

You don’t want to risk the hiring manager getting tired and stopping halfway through reading it.

Tip #7 - Follow submission instructions

The company usually specifies the format you should use when submitting your application.

Look out for specifications about:

• File format (Word, PDF)
• Font & margins
• Content specifics, like which sections or contact information to include

Follow those instructions to a T or the Applicant Tracking System (ATS) might end up not reading your file at all .

If there is nothing specific in the job posting, your best bet is to submit your cover letter in PDF format . Use the same font and design as your resume to enhance your personal brand .

You can pick one of our custom Novorésumé cover letter templates and start writing. 

Once you’re done creating your resume, it automatically downloads as a PDF.

Tip #8 - Proofread your cover letter

Once you’re done writing, make sure your cover letter doesn’t have any spelling mistakes or grammatical errors. They’re absolute turn-offs for recruiters.

Use a spelling checker or the online writing app Grammarly to make sure your letter is flawless.

Tip #9 - Match your cover letter with your resume

Want your application to stand out from the rest?

Match your cover letter style & formatting to your resume.

CIt will make you more memorable as a candidate and show that you care to put in the extra effort by presenting a unified application package.

And you know what's the best part? Creating a matching resume and cover letter doesn’t have to be hard!

At Novorésumé, each of our resume templates comes with a matching cover letter design, so all you have to do is pick a style you like, and half the work is already done for you. 

9 Important Cover Letter Tips

Tip #1 - address the letter to the hiring manager.

The days when you used “To whom it may concern” or “Dear Sir/Madam” to address your cover letter are long gone.

The best practice is to address your cover letter directly to the hiring manager , as “Dear Mr. Doe”.

That’s usually the head of the department you are applying for or the HR manager.

How can you find his or her name??

• Check the job posting for any contact details.
• Check the company’s LinkedIn and website for the job title.
• Ask any contacts you might know inside the company.

If you still don’t have any clue who to address your cover letter to, here’s what you can use:

• Dear [Department] Team,
• Dear [Department] Hiring Manager,
• Dear Hiring Manager

Tip #2 - Open up with your achievements

The first impression you make is vital because you only get one chance, and it can make or break your application.

The opening paragraph of your cover letter serves as the first impression to the hiring manager. He or she has countless cover letters to read so yours should pop out from the start.

Thus, you must start outlining why you’re a great candidate for the position in the introduction .

Let’s demonstrate how to do it correctly by looking at the two examples below.

What’s the difference between these two cover letter introductions :

“My name is Justin Brown and I would like to contribute towards ABC’s goal to create an outstanding visual experience for end customers throughout the world. Previously, I’ve worked for XYZ, a renowned graphic design company, for 5 years, where I helped create high-quality visual designs from concept to specs to final product. I believe my updated industry experience, along with my ability to adjust between the bigger picture and concrete problems, as well as my attention to detail, makes me the right candidate for the position.”

“Hi, my name is Josh and I really want to work for your company. I heard about the job opening from LinkedIn and decided to apply. I used to work as a graphic designer for XYZ for 5 years, and this is the perfect opportunity for me.”

If there’s one obvious thing, it is that the second one is a WINNING introduction. 

Why? Well, unlike Josh, Justin’s introduction:

• Opens with an attention-grabbing sentence , highlighting how Justin can contribute directly towards the company’s goals.
• Outlines his responsibilities and achievements in his previous position.
• Describes what makes him the perfect candidate .

Meanwhile, Josh’s introduction doesn’t say much about him as a candidate except that he used to be employed for five years. 

Granted, Josh could be better qualified than Justin, but you could never tell from his cover letter. The hiring manager probably stopped reading and added Josh to the “Rejected” pile.

That’s why you should go beyond the basics in your cover letter’s introduction. Make your intent, contribution, and skills known upfront.

Tip #3 - Use bullet points for your qualifications

There’s a good reason why we use bullet points so much:

• They help us list things effectively 
• They get the point across
• They break up the paragraphs into smaller chunks and overall makes the cover letter easier to skim or read
• They summarize a lot of information in a digestible manner

See what we did there?

That’s what you should do when you list your qualifications in your cover letter as well. 

Instead of writing everything out, use bullet points to sum up all your successes. The hiring manager will be immediately drawn to them and WON’T just skim through your cover letter mindlessly. 

Tip #4 - Use numbers and facts

Whenever you describe your successful experiences, you want to enrich them with actual percentages, numbers, and tangible facts.

When achievements are backed up by real performance metrics, they boost your credibility.

So, instead of simply describing your achievements:

“I have previous experience with transfusion therapies and taking care of people with rare diseases. I also speak three languages, which can come in handy with patients from different nationalities.”

Use the power of numbers (and bullet points) to convince the hiring manager.

My 10 years of experience in the medical field have contributed towards my excellence in:

• Managing the medical care of 75+ patients with rare diseases.
• Assisting 25+ patients attending transfusion therapy. 
• Taking care of 50+ patients from different nationalities, made easy by my fluency in English, German, and Spanish.

Tip #5 - Avoid cliches

Cliches are so overused, they risk making you look as if you have no original thoughts.

Any of the following can be a cliche (but not only):

• I am a great team player.
• I am a multi-tasker.
• I have great attention to detail.
• I am a good communicator.

After all the insights we’ve shared with you so  far, you might guess why cliches are a NO:

They add nothing of substance to your content. And you want to use the valuable space in your cover letter to showcase why you’re a great fit for the job. 

Whenever you are tempted to write a cliche, twist it by providing facts to back up your experience.

So, instead of saying : 

“I am a great team player”.

Show them why you are one by describing your experience: 

“In my previous position, I worked with five other colleagues from three different departments to arrive at a marketable digital solution for our customers. Working with individuals with diverse opinions taught me the value of effective teamwork, a lesson I am happy to utilize in this position.”

Tip #6 - Use acronyms correctly

Acronyms are great. They save up space and show the hiring manager that you speak the industry lingo, especially if you’re applying for a technical position.

And yes, chances are the recruiter understands all the acronyms you might use in your cover letter. 

Nonetheless, you should never use acronyms thinking the recruiter understands them. Instead,  write the word the first time around and put the acronym into brackets, and then you can go ahead and use just the acronym if it repeats throughout the text. 

Here’s what we mean:

I have two years of experience with Amazon Web Services (AWS). I have specifically worked with Amazon Elasticsearch (AES) in my previous position. I believe the cloud computing service model provided by AWS can be successfully applied to your business model. 

I have two years of experience with AWS. I have specifically worked with AES and AMI in my previous positions.

Tip #7- Don’t include your address

By all means, you should include your contact information in your cover letter.

However, your address or area of work goes into your resume , not the cover letter.

Tip #8 - Don’t apologize

There comes a time when you have to account for possible red flags in your work experience.

These can include:

• Getting fired or being laid off
• Having too many short-lived jobs
• A gap in your resume
• Lack of experience

You might want to rush and explain these red flags in your cover letter, just to let the hiring manager know there’s nothing to worry about.

We’re here to say NO.

Do not apologize or explain anything you think is “negative”. The hiring manager will bring up any concerns he or she might have in your interview. You’ll have an opportunity to answer there.

Tip #9 - Don’t be arrogant

Just as being apologetic is not a good look, being over-confident is equally damning.

Nobody likes someone cocky, so avoid talking in superlatives or praising your abilities. 

Let your work experience and achievements speak on your behalf.

In my previous position, I surpassed my yearly conversion targets by 34%.

I am a great employee. All my previous managers loved having me around because I was the best at my job.

4 Nice-to-Have Cover Letter Tips

Tip #1 - insert your social media and personal website.

Including your professional social media or personal website adds an extra touch to your cover letter.

Hint: We’re not talking about your Facebook or VSCO. You probably take great pictures of your food, but that will not get you hired.

If you have a LinkedIn, Github, Behance, or Dribble account, however, it can give the hiring manager something extra to look at.

If you have a personal website with your showcased work or portfolio, even better!

Make sure to add a link to those under your contact information

Tip #2 - End with a call to action

Ending a cover letter is usually the hardest part. You’ve described all your achievements, thanked the manager for their time, now what?

We recommend concluding your letter with a “call to action”, inviting your hiring manager to take further steps.

For example, you could write something like: 

“I look forward to further discussing how my legal skills and experience can help ABC with corporate and commercial transactions for its international operations.”

Tip #3 - Use power words and action verbs

Power words and action verbs are selected words you can use throughout your cover letter to make your achievements *pop* more .

So, instead of saying “I was responsible for” fifteen different times, you can use some action verbs to make your language more diverse, like:

• I managed a team of five people.
• I facilitated the communication and task allocation of five people.
• I coordinated a team of five people.

They make your text flow smoothly, enhance the power of your actions, AND make your language more versatile.

If you want to sprinkle some of these magical words in your resume, check out our complete list of 340+ action verbs and power words .

Tip #4 - Get a second opinion

Sometimes when we’re writing we get so lost trying to put our thoughts into words, we lose sight of the bigger picture.

If you have a capable friend, recruiter, or career advisor, it doesn’t hurt to ask them to take a look at your cover letter. 

Have them check it for spelling and grammatical mistakes (just in case you missed any) and whether they think your cover letter does your skills and qualifications justice.

Got the green light?

Ready to go!

And that’s it!

The road to writing your cover letter is filled with Dos, Don’ts, and lots of caffeine. 

We hope you enjoyed the guide and have a good sense of what’s expected of you.

Now stop procrastinating and get to writing!

Or, check out some of our other top articles:

• How to Write a Resume | Professional Guide w/ 41+ Examples
• Top Cover Letter Examples in 2024 [For All Professions]
• How to Write a Motivational Letter (and Get Accepted Anywhere in 2024)

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Harnessing the Power of Bullet Points in a Cover Letter

Bullet points can be a powerful tool in your cover letter especially when used effectively. They allow you to highlight your most relevant qualifications making it easier for hiring managers to identify why you’re a good fit for the job. In this article we’ll explore how to incorporate bullet points in your cover letter to enhance your application’s strength and appeal.

What are Bullet Points?

Bullet points are graphical elements typically used to highlight specific information in a piece of text. They can either be unordered (using symbols such as circles or squares) or ordered (numbered or lettered sequentially). In a cover letter , bullet points are often utilized to emphasize key qualifications or achievements.

When used correctly, bullet points can:

• Make your cover letter more readable and scannable.
• Highlight your most relevant skills and accomplishments.
• Improve the overall visual structure of your cover letter.

When to Use Bullet Points in a Cover Letter

Including bullet points in your cover letter is generally recommended, but knowing when to use them can make a significant difference. Consider incorporating bullet points in the following scenarios:

• Showcasing Your Top Skills : Use bullet points to spotlight your strongest professional skills relevant to the job you’re applying for. This helps the recruiter to instantly recognize your suitability for the role.
• Highlighting Key Achievements : Bullet points can be an effective way to underline your top career accomplishments. By focusing on your most significant achievements, you can demonstrate your potential value to the employer.
• Enhancing Readability : Large blocks of text can be overwhelming and potentially discourage the hiring manager from reading your cover letter thoroughly. Breaking up your text with bullet points can enhance readability and ensure your key qualifications don’t get overlooked.

How to Include Bullet Points in a Cover Letter

Effectively including bullet points in your cover letter involves more than just listing your skills or accomplishments. Here are some tips to maximize their impact:

• Ensure Relevance : Your bullet points should be relevant to the job you’re applying for. Match your qualifications to the job description to demonstrate that you understand what the role involves and that you possess the necessary skills.
• Highlight Your Achievements : Rather than just listing your duties in previous roles, focus on what you achieved. For example, if you increased sales by a certain percentage or implemented a new system that improved efficiency, highlight these accomplishments.
• Don’t Simply Repeat Your Resume : Your cover letter should complement your resume, not replicate it. Use the bullet points to provide additional context or explain the skills and experiences listed on your resume in more detail.
• Use Action Verbs : Start your bullet points with action verbs to make them more dynamic and compelling. Words like ‘managed,’ ‘developed,’ ‘achieved,’ and ‘implemented’ can portray you as a proactive and results-driven candidate.
• Keep It Concise : Each bullet point should be succinct and to the point. Avoid long, complicated sentences and aim to convey your point in as few words as possible.

Bullet Points in a Cover Letter: Example

Below is an example of how bullet points can be effectively used in a cover letter:

Bullet points can add significant value to your cover letter, making it easier for hiring managers to identify your key qualifications and understand why you’re a good fit for the job.

By using them effectively you can enhance the impact of your cover letter and increase your chances of landing an interview. Remember the goal is not just to list your skills, but to tell a compelling story about your professional journey and highlight how you can bring value to the prospective employer.

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How long should a cover letter be in 2024, how to structure a cover letter, cover letter do’s and don’ts: art of first impressions, how to show your personality in a cover letter: an essential guide.

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Cover Letter Samples

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Here are three great examples of cover letters that each demonstrate different ways of formatting and tailoring your content to fit your position of interest.

The classic style is often what you may think of when you imagine what a cover letter may look like. It is also the formatting that you will see most often when looking up examples and guides online. It allows you to tell your story in a simple format that works wonderfully for putting your best professional foot forward.

Bullet-Pointed

The bullet-style letter allows you to share your main skills, achievements, and qualifications for a role in succinct bullet points versus fully fleshed out paragraphs. One thing to keep in mind if you decide to write a bullet style cover letter is that you should not simply copy your favorite bullet points from your resume, but instead write new thoughts about tasks and skills that relate to why you will be a good fit for the role you are applying for.

Skills & Results-Centered

The skills and results centered style allows you to have a hybrid approach. By focusing on a few relevant skill areas (titled in bold), how you’ve gained them, and the results of your work, you can share your fit for a role in a concise and easy-to-read way. Consider naming skill areas directly listed on the job description.

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