selling yourself on a cover letter

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How To Sell Yourself In A Cover Letter (With Examples)

How To Write A Cover Letter
When Is A Cover Letter Necessary
Free Cover Letter Templates
Cover Letter Mistakes To Avoid
Cover Letter Tips
How To Sell Yourself In A Cover Letter

Find a Job You Really Want In

When sending in a job application, cover letters are your chance to show off your personality and why you’re a great fit for the position. It can be difficult to strike a good balance between talking about your qualifications and adding some personality and flavor to your cover letter .

Making sure your cover letter shines is a great way to make your job application stand out and get noticed by hiring managers.

So many of the cover letters and applications that pass through hiring teams are bland, so taking the time to perfect your cover letter can really impress hiring teams.

Key Takeaways:

Selling yourself in a cover letter is your chance to show how you are qualified, unique, and valuable.

To sell yourself in a cover letter, first match your skills and values with that of the employer.

Use the four paragraph, 250-400 words structure of a cover letter to demonstrate your skills and how they can be used for the employer.

Use keywords from the job description to stand out.

How To Sell Yourself In A Cover Letter (With Examples)

Why Is It Important To Sell Yourself In A Cover Letter?

Using the cover letter format to sell yourself, tips for writing a winning cover letter, sample cover letter, why are cover letters important.

Cover letters are opportunities to promote your qualifications in a manner that is more personal and in-depth than a resume . You will want to use this opportunity because a cover letter lets you show:

How you are qualified. A cover letter gives you a chance to explain your skills and experience with more context. The reader should be able to see that you can back up your resume.

Why you are unique and valuable. You can use a cover to stand out among other applicants and show what you will be able to contribute to as an employee.

Personality. Inevitably, with writing, your personality and interpersonal skills come through. The reader can interpret a little bit more about who you are as a person and what kind of fit you would be for the company.

Combined, all these should impress the reader and make them want to learn more about you.

To sell yourself in a cover letter you want to:

Match your skills and values with the employer. You need to be relevant. What’s more, you need to be indispensably relevant. By aligning yourself to the needs of the company, you show that you have potential to be an invaluable asset.

Demonstrate your skills with an engaging example. Now that your skills are matched up, you need to back them up. Provide an example that shows how your skills were successfully put into action.

Show how your skills can help the employer. Underscore how your skills can contribute to success. You want to convince the reader that your skills are tools that would be best put to use within the company.

You are making an argument for yourself. Take the reader along, prove to them your worth, and convince them that you are exactly who they need.

A successful cover letter all comes down to how you structure your argument and what you focus on. The format of a cover letter should explore how your skills have been successfully put into action in the past and demonstrate what you can offer to your potential employer.

A cover letter is between 250 and 400 words long and is broken up into four paragraphs. Generally a cover letter follows this structure:

Introduction. This both provides context and is your hook that makes the reader want to learn more about you.

Previous experience. Explore one or two previous experiences that demonstrate how your skills were put into action and led to success. It is particularly helpful if you can provide quantifiable results.

What you have to offer. Match your skills and values with that of the company to show how you can fulfill their needs. You want to make yourself an asset to their success.

Conclusion. Wrap everything up in a logical manner and provide a call to action to prepare for the next steps of the application process.

However, understand that is is only a guideline. What’s more important is that you show how you are qualified and what you have to offer for your employer’s future success.

While there’s no sure-fire formula for writing a winning cover letter, there are a few things that you can do to make sure your letter stands out. Here are a few tips to help you get noticed and write the perfect cover letter every time:

Switch it up. When you apply for a new job , you should write a new cover letter. Not every job description and company is the same, so it’s best to edit your cover letter to specifically address each job posting and company.

Focus on the opening. Cover letters are often dull, so to really put your best foot forward you should make the opening extra interesting.

If you can pull your reader in from the beginning, you can make a great impression. If you want to make your opening extra attention-grabbing you can start by:

Showing off your passions

Connecting with the company

Telling a story

Writing a belief statement

Highlight a mutual connection

List your accomplishments

Avoid rewriting your resume. Cover letters get a bad rap since they often repeat what’s already written on a resume. While you can’t avoid repeating some things on the two documents, it’s a good idea to make them pretty separate.

Keep it positive. You should always have a positive tone and show that you love what you do. Talk about your favorite professional experiences or what you loved doing in past jobs.

Make it personal. If you can find the name of the hiring manager, you should personally address them in the salutation.

Talk about potential deal-breakers. Sometimes you might have something on your resume that would give an employer pause , so cover letters are the perfect time to try and calm their worries.

Leave your education behind. If you’re a few years out of school and you have your education history on your resume , you don’t have to detail your education. Only bring up your college or advanced degrees if it’s particularly relevant to the job.

Go short and sweet. You might think that the more you can pack into your cover letter, the more impressive it will be, but you should go for short and sweet.

Find job keywords. Job postings usually use certain keywords that are related to the skills employers are looking for and the responsibilities that they’re looking for someone to fill.

Highlight what you can do for the company. Often people write cover letters to express why the company is the best fit or what the company can do for them. Instead, you should focus on what skills and expertise you can bring to the company.

Pick the most relevant examples. Cover letters can get lengthy when you try to include everything that might be useful for a hiring manager to know. Instead, focus on what’s most relevant to the job description and the industry of the company.

Bring out stats. Whenever you can use numbers and stats, you have a chance to impress hiring managers. Instead of explaining that you boosted sales, find a number that expresses that better, like “increased sales by 125%” to give proof.

We’re going to show you a sample cover letter that will stand out from the rest of the applicants’ letters. You can use this as a starting point to make your cover letter the best it can be.

Dear Mrs. Smith, As soon as I learned that ABC Tech was hiring, I knew that I had to apply. Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve loved working with computers . That has followed me into my professional life and I am passionate about connecting people with their perfect device, starting with my first job at ABC Tech’s New York City location as a sales associate . My extensive history in sales for tech companies uniquely positions me to excel with ABC Tech. I have worked in consumer-facing tech sales since 2009 and have worked in managerial positions since 2016. My first job was with ABC Tech and I understand the catalog extensively after working with you and keeping up with your new product releases. In response to the responsibilities that were listed on the job description, I have: Experience in customer-facing sales positions Experience with customer service Managerial skills A proven record of exceeding sales goals Award-winning leadership skills I am eager to hear back from you. If you have any questions about my skills or qualifications, please do not hesitate to reach out. Thank you for taking the time to consider my application. Sincerely, David Baum

Cover letters are an important way to highlight how your unique blend of experience and skills matches the job description’s requirements. This gives you the opportunity to stand out among other applicants.

To really get the most out of your cover letter, you need to include experiences that aren’t on your resume or explain your work history , plus add a little bit of personality.

Since cover letters are more open-ended than resumes, you get a unique opportunity to really sell yourself to an employer . They can be especially helpful if employers don’t require you to fill out questions when submitting your application.

Cover letters are also a chance to show off your personality and help the employer determine if there’s a culture fit . These days, companies look for new hires who will not only contribute their skills to advance company goals, but also help them create a welcoming and vibrant company culture.

Finding ways to include personality in your cover letter can help you stand out and prove that you’d be a great culture fit.

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Amanda is a writer with experience in various industries, including travel, real estate, and career advice. After taking on internships and entry-level jobs, she is familiar with the job search process and landing that crucial first job. Included in her experience is work at an employer/intern matching startup where she marketed an intern database to employers and supported college interns looking for work experience.

Matt Warzel a President of a resume writing firm (MJW Careers, LLC) with 15+ years of recruitment, outplacement, career coaching and resume writing experience. Matt is also a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and Certified Internet Recruiter (CIR) with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Marketing Focus) from John Carroll University.

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How to Sell Yourself in a Cover Letter

In This Guide:

Research, baby, get personal, your top 3 secret sauce ingredients, add substance, call your wolf-pack, go and get it, takeaways: how to sell yourself in a cover letter.

Have you ever gotten all excited about a job ad you saw, only to bump into the “writer's block” minutes later, while starting to write your Cover letter? Typically, most of us find it easier to “shower” others with superlatives, but feel more or less challenged when we have to showcase our own skills. So if you answered “yes” to the above question, you`re definitely not the only one. Not to worry, though – we`re here and got you covered with expert tips on How to sell yourself in a Cover letter!!

In this post, we will take you through the following Cover letter tips let you in on how to sell yourself in a Cover letter. This is what you are going to learn:

“RESEARCH, BABY !”: Turn into a Secret agent .

Get personal : Address the recruiter by their name, if you know it.

Your top 3 secret sauce ingredients : tell them why they need to choose YOU.

Add substance: Make the second paragraph a firework of your achievements.

No clashes : Be relatable to the role and the company.

Creativity – WHEN & HOW MUCH: to create the WOW effect.

Call your wolf-pack : Establish a connection.

Go and get it : Finish it off with a strong CTA (Call to action).

Take a look at this Cover letter that has all of the above components:

Dear Mrs Stavropolou,

I am delighted to share with you my motivation for the position of Architect at company a2o.

As a child I have always been mesmerized by looking at streets and buildings` sizes, colours and the emotions that they infused in me and other people as well.

At age 12 I already dreamt of becoming an Architect.

That explains why I am naturally drawn to a2o as an “agency of dreamers with a firm grip on reality”.

What better mission for a dreamer with sparkling vision and firmly planted in reality than being united for success with other dreamers? ☺

Hello! My name is Tanya! I`m an Architect with 4 years’ experience in Interior design (Hotel & Home furniture, Leisure and Innovative Montessori classroom designs) and Landscape design, paired with a strong motivation to span the effects of 3D art beyond merely just comfort and functionality to elegance and exquisite style.

Moreover, I constantly upgrade my professional skills in line with the latest industry trends. As you can see from my portfolio, in order to create certain ambience and transmit emotions with it, I combine a large number of software’s:

However, I`m always inspired to get acquainted and certified in new professional software. I love to keep it fresh and lively, when it comes to creating my every next 3D art design.

What attracts me to a2o, apart from the diverse range of nationalities in the company, is the fact that via expert knowledge sharing you cross “borders” and “build” bridges (literally and metaphorically) between the academic world, the arts and society.

I am eager and excited to bring to the “table” my set of Creative Artist skills to a2o`s multidisciplinary team.

I am happy to further discuss with you a2o projects and our mutual collaboration.

By browsing our 500+ carefully designed Cover letter examples here , you'll kick to the curb any fear to present yourself in the best possible light and sell yourself with a memorable Cover letter, without selling yourself short. Not only you'll find the right template, but the dreaded Cover letter will turn into a piece of cake.

Does it still sound a bit overwhelming?! Let`s get down to business and craft your Cover letter to be proud of!

Upload & Check Your Resume

Drop your resume here or choose a file . PDF & DOCX only. Max 2MB file size.

Turn into a Secret agent for a day with One mission – of the company. Show that you know the organization inside out.

Have you ever been on a date where you could barely open your mouth, as the other person was talking on and On and ON about them and did not ask you a single question?

Well, I guess this is pretty much how Recruiters feel, when they read a Cover letter, full of fluff that says nothing about the company or how the candidate can meet the employer`s needs.

Of course, you don’t need to memorize the organization`s history by heart or cite it year by year as a boring history lesson, but investing the necessary time in a proper preliminary research will demonstrate to the Recruiter that you are serious, committed and don’t just apply blindly to any jobs, hopping from one to another.

Moreover, interpret the Mission, Vision and Goals of the organization through your own prism of aspirations and enchant your readers by stating exactly why you resonate with their mission. Imagine a day in your life as an employee of that company and transmit in your Cover letter the enthusiasm with which you will start your work every day! This is a powerful way to build rapport and end up on a shortlist for an interview for the darn job!

Address the recruiter by their name, if you know it.

Take a good look at the job ad for the names of the job poster. If you don’t find it there, double check as well on the company website for the correct HR representative for the role you are interested in.

Another creative way to get the right contact, that leaves a lasting impression, is to simply call the HR department, express interest in the job role and ask to which name you should address in your Cover letter.

Try it next time you are applying and let us know what the result was!

Take a look at this example:

“Dear Mrs Stavropolu,

I am delighted to share with you my motivation for the position of Account manager at company XYZ.”

And if you want to dive deeper, here is plenty more to read and learn on how to address your Cover letter, so it sells you how it should: What's The Best Way To Address A Cover Letter? .

tell them why they need to choose YOU.

To charm the HR at “Hello” is required a bit more than just copy/pasting some company facts in a generic Cover letter that drains the life out of anyone reading it. So to infuse your motivation with more selling power, in the very first, introductory paragraph you need to demonstrate flawlessly two simple, but crucial things:

You know really well the company and resonate with its mission;
You bring to the “table” the right skills combo that the managers die to have in-house.

Best way to go about it is to read carefully the job description and clearly highlight the TOP 3 skills you have that make you a catch that the company couldn’t afford to miss.

Once you have started on point with this hook statement, rest assured your Cover letter will be read from start to end.

Example of a more formal Opening of a Cover letter:

“I would like to express my interest in the job post Grant writer, currently open at the European Commission. The devotion to social innovation and inclusion of underrepresented groups that the EC demonstrates has always been an inspiration for me. Also experiencing the potential of EC ERASMUS+ program as an international student has been one of the lead factors that have inspired me to pursue a career as a Grant writer. In addition, my extensive 6+ years’ experience as a Lead EU Funds Project writer for various international companies and NGOs is asset for the European Commission, as well as for communities worldwide”

More on the proper structure of how to sell your skills in a Cover letter, you can find here: What Should Your Cover Letter Say .

Make the second paragraph a firework of your achievements.

As they say, talk the talk and walk the walk!

Stating your skills right at the start of your Motivation wouldn’t necessary guarantee you a seat for an interview, unless you back it all up with the relevant achievements and work experiences. Think of situation/s where you successfully solved a work issue and briefly note it, leaving your audience confident that you will rock it at the current role too.

This would definitely intrigue them to find out more about you! So don’t be timid to take the stage!

Bring numbers to your aid, especially if you`re after a Sales or another related position.

“Via the customized Branding strategy I have created at my past role as Lead Marketing manager, we have increased our Amazon eBook sales by 70% for 2021.”

One disclaimer, though : make sure you avoid exaggerating or untruthful statements, as they are quickly detected, especially by experienced HR managers. Plus, there`s nothing that wins others quite like authenticity.

Be relatable to the role and the company.

Now that we spoke so much about what you should write in a Cover letter, let`s touch on what you better avoid.

As you probably would not go to an interview for a Preschool teacher, groomed in Prom dress and on high heels, the same way you would not want to apply for an Accountant position at a very conservative company with a Cover letter that would better suit a Graphic Artist role by design and word choice. Right?

Rather than saying you are motivated, let your examples speak about your passion for the job. Hence, stay away from over-worn words that you can see in 90% of the Cover letters out there:

“Self-starter”, “Detail-oriented”

“I`m confident I would be the perfect person for the job”

And some more:

“To whom it may concern”

“I`m not sure you know”

“Please, feel free to”

To increase the capacity of your Cover letter to sell yourself as an expert, aim to use Power Adjectives and Action verbs to describe yourself.

For some fresh ideas, check out here: https://enhancv.com/blog/words-to-describe-yourself-on-resume-and-cover-letter/ .

WHEN & HOW MUCH to get the WOW effect.

Try to match the tone of the organization, while still keeping your unique voice. Being relatable keeps you in the game! Of course, for more Artistic or Humanitarian roles you can let yourself experiment with bold graphic design of your Cover letter, emotions display and storytelling.

More tips on Cover letter design consistency for success, you can read in our post here: https://enhancv.com/blog/cover-letter-design/ .

However, always keep in mind that while you need to come across as approachable and let your personality shine, too much sharing may overkill your chances to be moved forward in the selection process.

So the best strategy here is striking a fine balance between personality appeal and professional tone.

Example of infused originality and demonstrated passion and personality, without using beaten up clichés :

Dear Mr. Wilson,

I’m writing this cover letter to you at 11 pm. Why? Because I just finished speaking with my former co-worker, Jane Smith, who tells me that you’re hiring for the position of editorial assistant, and I wanted to apply immediately.

If you are in the mood to play with creativity and bring some freestyle taste into your mission to sell your skills in a Cover letter, this post explains exactly how to do that by telling a story to the Recruiters: https://enhancv.com/blog/how-to-tell-a-story-in-a-cover-letter/ .

Establish a connection.

Just like Diversity and Inclusion, Organizational culture is a buzz word with growing popularity in recent years. And that is not to be changed any time soon.

Sure enough, company culture is far more than just ping-pong tables in the office and free healthy breakfast. However, if you liked a certain perk that they are offering, no matter how small or big – SAY IT! Maybe the organization has a fantastic Employee Wellness program or inspirational Volunteer or Corporate responsibility policy! You name it!

Anything that you fancy – again – Say it! It will not get unnoticed – as you will – first of all - reaffirm again that you did your research, and secondly – that you are a close match not only for the job role itself, but are an organizational fit too. And any recruiter knows, the more you fit organizationally, the shorter your adaptation is going to be. Ultimately, the happier you will feel!

Here is an example:

“The healthy “work-life” balance is important for me, hence I highly value that you provide your employees the opportunity for home office and have various policies to support (new) parents. Moreover, what a great team climate can be sensed from photos of happy employees on company`s socials!

Finish it off with a strong CTA (Call to action).

Finally, after so many aces you have just poured in your Cover letter, it`s time for one last power-move – the Call to Action. After all, you're selling the best product you've got to offer, right?!

A lot of people feel very weary to use this “card”, as asking for a meeting may seem a bit too pushy or even desperate in their eyes. But don’t let yourself get fooled. You didn’t put all these efforts in your Cover letter, to let it end on a low accord and not seal the deal.

Here are some examples of a great CTA:

√ I look forward to meeting you soon and further discussing this exciting role and the company`s projects.

√ I'm particularly excited about the opportunity to learn more about the company`s current projects and how I can contribute to that effort.

√ I'd love a chance to learn more about this position and demonstrate how I can help (company or team) reach its organizational goals.

For more closing phrases to ramp up selling your professional persona in your Cover letter, check out here: How To End A Cover Letter - Free Samples, Examples, Formats .

So now you`re geared up to steal the show and sell yourself like a PRO by following what you have just learned:

√ Bring your confidence on-board.

√ Let your personality shine.

√ Get personal.

√ Know the company and tell exactly what you've got to offer them.

√ Establish a connection between yours and company`s values.

√ Demonstrate passion.

√ Showcase your successes.

√ Be relevant.

√ Don’t be generic or cliché-parroting.

To guarantee you will captivate the recruiters with your brand-new Cover letter, refer to this checklist:

Cover Letter Checklist : Learn How To Impress Recruiters

Ready to roll up your sleeves and start writing? If you feel like you need some guiding points, rather than starting your Cover letter from a blank canvas, we`ve got you covered on that one too – check out our 500+ Cover letter examples here: 500+ Cover Letter Examples & Samples for 2023 .

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Selling Yourself in Your Cover Letter

Published: Jul 09, 2019

Ah, advertisers. They try to suck us in within a matter of seconds. Sound familiar? Hiring managers typically spend less than 30 seconds reviewing a cover letter or resume—unless it grabs their attention enough so that they read on. The average television commercial is 30 seconds long. What about print? How long do you spend looking at an ad in a magazine before flipping the page? Or reading a bulletin board along the freeway (assuming you are not stuck in rush-hour traffic)? Those who write ad copy have to get a message across quickly. That means sharp, succinct, to-the-point writing.

What Are You Really Selling?

Yes, you are selling yourself and all that you have to offer: your skills, your experience, your attitude, and your personality. But think about it for a moment. Is that what you are really selling? Take the example of a health club membership. What is it that members are buying when they join the club? Access to classes and a large variety of strength training and cardio equipment? Sure, at the outset it looks like this is what you buy when you sign that one-year contract. In reality, health clubs are selling a desire: a desire to be in shape, a desire to be muscular, or a desire to be healthier.

When you are selling yourself to an employer, think about what the employer is really buying. An employee who shows up to work, does the job, and leaves? Or a person who can come to work and identify and solve problems? Someone who can fill the need of the company to make money, serve customers, and be a positive asset. To do that, the company needs employees who can save or generate profits, save time, enhance service, represent the company … qualities that help propel the company forward. In your correspondence, identify a need and offer a solution. Who can find hidden costs and eliminate them? Who is great at sales? Does this company need someone efficient? When you identify a specific need and show how you can meet that need, you become someone who will be a benefit to the company, not just another employee.

Think about how you can sell technical skills, for example. You can list all the technical skills that you have, such as software, hardware, and computer networking. This is like listing the features of the cell phone mentioned earlier. Or you can convey that your knowledge of accounting software allowed you to introduce a better program at your summer position as an intern, thereby reducing the time creating reports by 40 percent. The first method is simply a list of features. The second method demonstrates the benefit gained from putting those features (your knowledge) to work.

What sets you apart? Refer to everything you learned about yourself from your assessments. Pull accomplishments from your resume, and show in your cover letter why you are a benefit to the company—because you can accomplish X, Y, and Z. Go beyond simply stating your features.

Select the most impressive quantifiable achievements, reword them—or better yet, present them differently, such as converting information to percentages—and highlight them in the cover letter. If some of your accomplishments are dated, this is a great place to emphasize that information without drawing attention to the timeframe.

Know Your Audience

Who will be reading your letter? Will it be someone in human resources or the head of the department? If you are writing to human resources, for example, be sure to write in "plain" English rather than using a lot of technical jargon. If you are writing to a senior scientist, demonstrate your knowledge of the terminology used in your field, or you may come off looking inept. Write a personalized letter every time, keeping your audience in mind.

What is the atmosphere in the company? Is it corporate or a small, family-owned business? How you would address a hiring manager of a Fortune 500 company is very different from how you would address the CEO of a mid-sized private company.

Support Your Claims

You say you are skilled at obtaining contracts. Great. Now prove it. When writing your letters, do not simply state what you are good at. Show it. Give examples. Mine your past and come up with every possible example you can think of where you used the skills you claim to have. Make a list, and then choose the best ones to include in your letter. If you have a lot to choose from, keep the list so you can use different examples with each subsequent letter you send to a company.

Write Professionally

Remember that your letters are much different from your resume. You will not use the telegraphic style that you did in your resume. Write complete sentences; even bullet lists are generally an extension of a lead-in phrase, with each line of the bullet list creating a complete sentence as “add on” information. Use words instead of abbreviations. Use the active voice and sprinkle your letters with action verbs. Keep your correspondence brief and to the point. Do not include irrelevant information. Use a tone that exudes professionalism, not amateurism. Avoid using clichés and slang, and avoid any references to political or religious beliefs, or other unnecessary, unrelated information.

This content is excerpted from The Vault Guide to Resumes and Job-Hunting Skills, Second Edition . See the full guide for more information about cover letters, interviewing, and other skills you’ll need to land that perfect job.

How to Sell Yourself in a Cover Letter

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Cover letters are read in a matter of seconds. Making a quick, positive impression on a future employer is essential if you want to get to the next step. A cover letter is about making the connection between you and the company you're seeking to work for; a letter should be tailored to each job but still contain the key elements about what you have to offer in a way that makes it easy for recruiters to read and decide to give you a call.

Keep it short. Cover letters must be brief and dynamic; three paragraphs should suffice. The first paragraph should identify the job you are seeking. The second should summarize your career and accomplishments. The final paragraph should request a response, such as an interview invitation.

Identify a personal contact. If you've been referred or have a network connection with the person doing the hiring, mention it in the first paragraph. This tidbit of information will keep recruiters reading and may tip the scales in favor of getting you an interview.

Focus on accomplishments. Your application materials should highlight what you've achieved. A cover letter should connect your successes to the job you're after. When applying for a sales position, for example, highlight the fact that you exceeded sales targets for previous employers. Cover letters make a big impression; striking the right tone is important, so it's important to point to your qualifications without bragging. Include only accomplishments directly relevant to the position.

Tailor the letter to the company. A brief sentence that indicates you have done your research about the company demonstrates you are focused on the specific organization and are willing to put in the effort to impress company managers. For example, before you mention your past success in sales, you may say, "Since you have recently expanded in this area and plan to increase the size of your sales force, my past successes in sales will make me a good fit for the position."

Remove typos and other writing errors before you send the letter. Your ability to mind the details demonstrates you have professional standards and does not give employers a reason to dismiss your application. If you are applying to several companies simultaneously, review the company information in detail to make sure the appropriate information is included.

Massachusetts One-Stop Career Center: Selling Yourself On Paper -- The Cover Letter
Forbes: How to Write a Cover Letter
USA Today: Catch Their Eye With a Captivating Cover Letter
Forbes: The Worst Cover Letter in the World and How to Avoid Its Mistakes

Catherine Lovering has written about business, tax, careers and pets since 2006. Lovering holds a B.A. (political science), LL.B. (law) and LL.L. (civil law).

3 action steps to reaching stated career goals & objectives, how to put organizational skills on a cover letter, how to write interview acknowledgement letters, guidelines for writing a letter requesting a job interview, parts of a resume cover letter, writing a cover letter for a general manager position, how do companies use cover letters to screen applicants, how to write a letter to appeal a job offer withholding, how to upload a resume on linkedin, most popular.

1 3 Action Steps to Reaching Stated Career Goals & Objectives
2 How to Put Organizational Skills on a Cover Letter
3 How to Write Interview Acknowledgement Letters
4 Guidelines for Writing a Letter Requesting a Job Interview

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Are you struggling to write a cover letter that effectively highlights your skills and achievements?

Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Many job seekers face the challenge of effectively selling themselves by showcasing their accomplishments to grab the attention of prospective employers. We have written this article to help you write a compelling and winning cover letter.

In this article, we will provide you with practical tips and tricks to help you craft a compelling cover letter that will leave a lasting impression on any hiring manager.

So, let’s dive in and discover how to sell yourself in a cover letter like a seasoned professional!

Why is it important to sell yourself in a cover letter?

Selling yourself in a cover letter is vital as it allows you to stand out in a highly competitive job market. A well-crafted cover letter not only complements your resume but also provides a personalized narrative of your qualifications.

It serves as your initial introduction to a potential employer, giving them a glimpse of your capabilities, experience, and what you can bring to the table.

By effectively selling yourself through your skills and achievements, you demonstrate your value and suitability for the specific role, capturing the employer’s attention and increasing your chances of securing an interview.

Table of Contents

5 Tips to Sell Yourself in a Cover Letter

Here are five tips to effectively sell yourself in your cover letter:

Tell a Compelling Story

Craft your cover letter as a narrative that takes the reader on a journey through your professional life. Start with an engaging introduction that draws the reader in. Describe key moments or challenges in your career where you effectively applied your skills to overcome obstacles and achieve success.

Use storytelling techniques to vividly illustrate these experiences, making them come alive for the reader. Conclude your cover letter by summarizing how your story aligns with the job you’re applying for and how it has uniquely prepared you for success in the new role.

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Highlight Transferable Skills

While it’s crucial to focus on job-specific skills, remember to emphasize transferable skills that can add value to the new role. Give concrete examples of situations where these transferable skills have made a positive impact in your previous roles, regardless of the industry or position.

Explain how these skills can bring a fresh and adaptable perspective to the role you’re applying for, showcasing your versatility and readiness to take on new challenges.

Emphasize Soft Skills

Identify key soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, leadership, adaptability, and problem-solving, and discuss their importance. Share specific anecdotes or instances where these soft skills played a critical role in your achievements or contributions.

Highlight how these soft skills have not only benefited your individual performance but also positively influenced your work relationships, collaboration with colleagues, and the overall success of projects or teams.

Show Professional Growth

Outline your professional journey by highlighting significant milestones that reflect your growth and development. Mention promotions, advancements, or certifications that showcase your dedication to improving your skills and knowledge.

Discuss how your professional growth has equipped you with the expertise and leadership qualities necessary for the new role, providing evidence of your continuous commitment to self-improvement and career progression.

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Demonstrate Industry Knowledge

Showcase your deep understanding of the industry by referencing relevant trends, challenges, or innovations that you’ve actively engaged with. Describe your involvement in industry-related developments, whether through participation in conferences, contributions to publications, or active membership in professional associations.

Convey your commitment to staying informed about changes in the field and your readiness to apply this knowledge to the benefit of the company, underscoring your passion for your chosen industry.

By incorporating these tips into your cover letter writing, you’ll create a compelling and customized document that effectively showcases your skills and achievements to potential employers.

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In conclusion, crafting a cover letter that effectively showcases your skills and achievements can be a challenging task. However, by following the tips and tricks discussed in this article, you can create a personalized and compelling narrative that will capture the attention of any potential employer.

Remember to focus on telling a compelling story, highlighting transferable and soft skills, emphasizing professional growth, and demonstrating your industry knowledge. Additionally, quantifying your impact and articulating your career aspirations can further enhance your cover letter’s effectiveness.

With these strategies in mind, you can confidently present yourself as a standout candidate and increase your chances of securing your dream job.

Sample Letters

Sample 1: Highlighting Unique Achievements

Dear [Employer’s Name],

I am writing to express my interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name], as advertised on [where you found the job posting]. My unique ability to drive results was prominently showcased in my previous role at [Previous Company], where I spearheaded a marketing campaign that not only increased brand visibility but also resulted in a 20% boost in customer engagement within a short timeframe.

This accomplishment underscores my innovative approach and capacity to deliver tangible results. I am confident that my experience in achieving measurable outcomes can significantly contribute to the success of [Company Name]. I am eager to bring my skills in [relevant skills] to a dynamic and forward-thinking organization like yours.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of discussing how my achievements align with the needs of your team.

Sincerely, [Your Full Name]

Sample 2: Demonstrating Adaptability and Learning Orientation

I am writing to express my interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. Throughout my career, I’ve consistently embraced new challenges and technologies. For instance, I swiftly acquired proficiency in a new project management software at [Previous Company], streamlining our workflow and illustrating my commitment to adaptability and continuous learning.

My ability to adapt and learn quickly aligns with the dynamic nature of your organization. I am confident that my versatile skill set and eagerness to expand my expertise make me a valuable asset to your team.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing how my adaptability and learning orientation can contribute to the success of [Company Name].

Sample 3: Illustrating Problem-Solving Abilities

I am excited to apply for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. In my previous role at [Previous Company], I encountered a significant challenge where [describe the issue]. Through strategic problem-solving and collaboration with cross-functional teams, I not only resolved the issue promptly but also implemented preventive measures, ensuring long-term success.

This experience underscores my ability to navigate complex situations and contribute proactively to organizational goals. I am eager to bring my problem-solving skills and commitment to excellence to [Company Name], and I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to your team’s success.

Thank you for considering my application. I am enthusiastic about the possibility of discussing my problem-solving abilities and their relevance to the needs of [Company Name].

[Your Full Name]

You may also want to read about the smartest questions to ask a recruiter at the end of an interview.

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7 Sales Cover Letter Examples & Writing Guide for 2024

Sales Manager Cover Letter
Sales Cover Letters by Experience
Sales Cover Letters by Role
Write Your Sales Cover Letter

Sales are the lifeblood of business. Whether selling products or services, you take care of customers as they invest in your company.

Sales mean selling well, and that makes all the difference in keeping clients happy and hungry for what you’ve got. Every business needs someone with sales skills—it’s just a matter of what you’re selling and to whom, which makes sales a versatile option for those looking to broaden their horizons.

Whether you’re joining sales or a seasoned veteran, you may need to write a cover letter with your sales resume when job hunting. So, we have seven sales cover letter examples, plus tips for selling your cover letter. We’ve done the heavy lifting to help you present your top job skills at every sales interview.

Sales Manager Cover Letter Example

USE THIS TEMPLATE

Microsoft Word

Google Docs

Block Format

Why this cover letter works

Before writing a cover letter , research the job role. If you’re familiar with the products and services the company sells and its target market during the interview, that’ll help you stand out among other potential hires.
Your resume tells employers about you, but your cover letter takes it further by telling them how you’ll fit in with their work culture. Some things just can’t be summarized into resume bullet points, and your cover letter is where you illustrate how you’ll apply your previous job experience in a new environment.

Sales Assistant Cover Letter Example

For example, Leo executes a seamless transition of his data querying expertise solidified as a data entry clerk at North Face into his sales assistant masterpiece. Therefore, never write off certain indirect experiences when applying for junior positions.

Pharmaceutical Sales Cover Letter Example

Pharmaceutical sales cover letter template

Emulate how Priya weaves in how she used Clear Spider and Fishbowl for stock management and BatchGeo and eSpatial for sales territory mapping. It’s about showing off your ability to use technology to skyrocket efficiency and results.

Digital Sales Representative Cover Letter Example

Digital sales representative cover letter template

You won’t be a perfect fit for every role. Still, past experience might offer an alternate perspective to draw on as you write your digital sales representative cover letter.
Company websites and sales representative job descriptions are a treasure trove of information. Just as you’d research a sales lead before pitching, do the research to show a potential employer how you understand and align with the company.

Sales Consultant Cover Letter Example

Credentials and experience can influence the company’s decision. Even if you don’t have exactly what they need, unique proof of results can help make up for what you might lack—or even bring a little extra something to the table.
It’s not enough to just understand the company—show the prospective company how you plan to meet the needs of its target market to set you apart from other applicants.

Medical Sales Cover Letter Example

Following the method of “tooting your own horn”, this cover letter takes advantage of supporting enclosures/documents like 2 letters of recommendation and a transcript of records to support her candidacy.

Car Sales Cover Letter Example

Here you’re very much going to depend on powerful metrics. This car sales cover letter includes eye-catching achievements like – ‘34% growth in sales of hybrid and electric vehicles’ and ‘23% uplift in sales of eco-friendly models’. As a hiring manager, this is quite convincing of the candidate’s ability to make a profit for the company.

Sales Resume

Sell the package by including a sales resume with your cover letter.

or download as PDF

Sales consultant resume example with 2+ years of experience

Outsell Your Competition with Your Sales Cover Letter

Salesperson pops out of computer screen to depict outselling the competition with sales cover letter

As a salesperson, there are a few things you must do to raise the odds of closing the deal: do your research, show proof of value, and bundle it all up into an appealing package.

Your cover letter is the same—demonstrating that you’re a candidate familiar with the company and its requirements is one thing, but if you can back that up with good examples of past results in a neatly presented document, that’s even better. All of that makes you downright irresistible as a prospective hire.

Step 1: Know the company and role

Before you apply for a job, consider how you’ll stand out from the many applicants crossing the recruiter’s desk. Between your sales resume and cover letter, the latter is your best bet at making a unique first impression.

To hunt down a sales role, use the information in the job description and the organization’s website to set the perfect bait (we mean your cover letter). Different companies have different values, and tailoring your sales cover letter to address each company’s needs will help convince them you’re the right person for the role.

Step 2: Demonstrate achievement with details

The format of your resume works like a product pamphlet or brochure; it contains all the specifications you have that will meet the job description’s requirements. Your cover letter, on the other hand, functions like a sales pitch that helps convince employers you’re the best fit for the job.

If you acquired an industry-specific certification like the CFA charter to boost your credibility as a salesperson, tell the hiring manager how you did it and how it affected your sales performance. If your sales team implemented a different approach to the sales process that positively impacted your win rate, elaborate on how the change helped you and what you learned.

Going beyond resume bullet points helps employers paint a complete picture of your person, so don’t skimp on the details.

Step 3: Presentation matters

Like selling products and services, your cover letter will draw more attention if presented in a neat, appealing package. While writing your sales cover letter, remember that hiring decision-makers often process hundreds of job candidates. Your document should end within one page, so reading it doesn’t feel like drudgery instead of an application.

On that note, keep your writing simple, professional, and sincere. You’re applying for a job, not waxing poetic or jamming jargon into each paragraph. The language in your cover letter should be easy to read. Recruiters will pay attention to how you present yourself in your cover letter because how you sell yourself will often indicate how well you can sell on behalf of the company.

The language in your cover letter should be accessible and easy to read so recruiters can grasp the material.

Once you’re done writing your sales cover letter, give it time to breathe before editing so that you can come back to it with a fresh perspective. If you have trusted people who can look over your document, even better—revise your cover letter using their feedback, and catch any errors or typos before sending your application, resume, and cover letter to the company.

Your Sales Cover Letter Outline: Start with Strategy

Group of 4 colleagues work on yellow laptops around large screen to outline sales cover letter

Now that you’re ready to craft your sales cover letter, we’re here to help. Let’s strategically go about this, much like any sales process you might already be familiar with from previous sales engagements.

How to start a sales cover letter

Your contact info: If you’re using a template, fill in the letterhead with your name, email, and phone number. Any filler text in the template should be replaced with the relevant details or omitted if they’re not required.

Formatting : If you’re using a block format instead of a template, include your address. While a template has your name on the letterhead, your name will be omitted from your address in a block format as it’s already present in your signature line.

Date: Sales processes sometimes take a while, and job applications are no different. The date written on your career documents should be the day your entire application is submitted.

Formatting : Write the date entirely, e.g., February 1, 2023. This format keeps the month and date clear and straightforward compared to the DD/MM/YYYY and MM/DD/YYYY difference in regional date formats.

Inside address: In short, the inside address is how you’ll contact the hiring decision-maker at your organization of choice. Start by naming the specific person in charge, then list their position, the company’s name, and finally the company’s address.

David Durfey, Director of Human Resources Trek Bikes 801 West Madison Street Waterloo, WI 53594

Formatting : Each part of the address should be on a new line, but you can list the hiring decision-maker’s position next to their name. Add a double space between your greeting and the inside address.

Greeting: First impressions count, and a good greeting or salutation can help your cover letter start with a bang. Try looking for the hiring decision-maker’s name on the organization’s website or social media, as that will add a personal touch to your writing. It also shows you’ve done your research to find out with whom you’ll be working.

Dear Mr. Lloyd:

Formatting : Commas after the greeting are great for companies with more casual work culture, such as tech startups. If you’re applying to a bank or somewhere with a more formal setting, use a colon after the greeting.

How to write your sales cover letter

Body: Your sales cover letter should have a maximum of four paragraphs, where you state your interest, demonstrate your enthusiasm, and show your eagerness for further discussion. Here’s where we get to the meat of the matter.

Formatting: The body of your cover letter should be single-spaced, with double-spacing between paragraphs for easy reading.

Opening paragraph: Like your greeting, your opening paragraph is where the recruiter will glean their first impression of you. State your interest in the job and mention one or two relevant credentials. Don’t be generic here, like:

I am interested in the sales consultant role at your company. I have three years of relevant sales experience in an adjacent field.

This doesn’t tell the recruiter anything they don’t already know, and if you’re trying to get a sale on the street with this introduction, they’ll walk past you without a second glance. Instead, try:

ProSites’ focus on innovation and growth in the medical and dental web marketing sphere speaks to me as a digital marketer and salesperson. While some treat sales as just another job to put food on the table, I believe my calling lies in empowering clients with practical tools to bring their business to the next level, and that shows in how I build relationships with each customer I serve.

This opening catches the reader’s attention by first addressing the organization’s values, then showing how the candidate’s approach to work aligns with those values.

Paragraphs 2-3: The next couple of paragraphs are where you’ll elaborate on the credentials and qualifications introduced in your opening paragraph. For each paragraph, discuss one clear and relevant accomplishment relevant to the job description requirements. Be detailed and specific, and quantify your results whenever possible like this:

Having developed specific experience in both B2B and B2C sales during 3 years at Adobe, I know how vital it is to foster the business-to-client connection, especially in our current digital age. My understanding of B2C marketing gave me a unique perspective in empathizing with our clientele’s pain points to help me exceed target sales metrics by 6% each year. To do so, I habitually nurtured viable sales leads by following up on them at designated intervals and establishing a two-way street by not just listening to their problems but also resolving them whenever possible.

This paragraph tells the reader about specific, industry-relevant experience and links this experience with company values and metrics to further justify the candidate’s successful skill application.

Closing paragraph: You’ve done well introducing yourself and selling your capabilities as a competent candidate for the job; now, finish it with a sentence summarizing how your values and qualifications align with the company’s needs. Add a call to action at the end for some extra polish. This is bad:

I think I’ll do well in this sales consultant role. Thank you for your time and kind consideration.

It doesn’t exactly inspire confidence, and as a salesperson, one of the key personality traits is confidence, both in your product and in yourself. Instead, try something like:

Participating in and supporting client growth is an enriching experience that pushes me to excel in the context of my sales career. I look forward to joining Morgan Stanley, where I know we will achieve great things together. I hope to hear from you soon about how I can contribute as your next internal sales consultant. Thank you for your time.

How to end a sales cover letter

Signature: This is the time to say “thank you” if you didn’t do so in the closing paragraph. Use a professional close like “sincerely,” or “best regards,” along with your real name.

Best regards,

Natalie Walton

Formatting : If you’re sending any hard copies of your cover letter by mail or in person, make sure to quadruple-space, so you have room to sign your name in blue or black ink.

Enclosure(s): The sale isn’t final until all documents are complete. State “Enclosure(s)” at the end of your cover letter to let the reader know there’s more to come. Here, you’ll list in order of appearance your job application, resume, and other supporting documents required or relevant to the job description.

Enclosures: Resume Application Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Certification FINRA Series 7 Certification

Formatting : If you’re listing more than one document, use “Enclosures” instead of “Enclosure,” so the reader knows what to expect.

Snag Your Next Sales Role with a Selling Resume

Horse runs with yellow envelope in mouth to deliver sales resume and cover letter

So, you’ve figured out how to sell your best cover letter, and you’re sure you’ve cracked the code to get the sale in the bag. But what about your sales resume?

If your resume is as ready to go as you are, that’s great! However, if you need to check your resume or use a free resume template , that’s why we’re here. Pressed for time? Try plugging your details into this one right now.

Sales Manager Resume

Need a resume to pair with your sales manager cover letter?

You’re a heckuva sales pro, and you deserve a dazzling sales strategy to match—our cover letter and resume tips will get you on your way to becoming a sales superstar. With our tools keeping you polished and fresh, you’re sure to shine at your next interview.

Include as much information as you can about translatable skills and why you want to get into a sales career. For example, customer service is very important in sales, and you can gain experience in it from a variety of previous jobs. Additionally, if you’ve obtained a business or marketing degree, you could emphasize marketing analytics or lead generation skills that you picked up in your studies.

You understand the importance of metrics like conversions or customer satisfaction. Aim to include some pivotal metrics from your previous work achievements while relating them to how you’ll help the company achieve its goals. Additionally, connecting your passion for the position will help a lot. For example, if you’re applying to be a sales rep for a gym, you could explain how you’re passionate about getting more membership signups to help others improve their health and well-being.

You can keep a similar structure for each cover letter, but you should customize the specifics to connect with each new job you’re applying to. It’s the same as how you’d tailor your message for each prospective customer’s needs when you’re on a sales call or adjust your strategies for a specific target market.

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Strategically Selling Yourself in Your Cover Letter

Posted September 6, 2019 by Madelenie Webster

In our technology-based world, applying to jobs can feel like nightmare. When you’re applying to jobs on Google, LinkedIn, Indeed, etc. and have no contact information to follow-up with the job poster or HR department, it can feel like you’re sending your resume into the void and crossing your fingers that you’ll hear back from someone.

Looking for a job is a full-time job and applying to jobs is a numbers game. Sometimes you can spend hours submitting applications to numerous positions and end up getting maybe one or two responses.

While there’s no guarantee that a cover letter will land you an interview, there’s a chance that it could appeal to the right Hiring Manager. Here are some tips for writing strategically sell yourself in your cover letter to make your application stand out:

Answer the important questions

“Why are you the right for the job?” Explain how your current/past duties are directly related to the those of the position you are applying to.

“How will you benefit the organization?” If you have them, include metrics on how you impacted your current/previous company. You can also discuss how you impacted company culture here!

Show enthusiasm for the employer and their mission

A candidate that’s excited about a role and specific organization will look better than the candidate who doesn’t seem to care. In a paragraph or so, explain why you’re interested in this company and this position. For instance, if you’re applying to a sales position at a company that produces pharmaceuticals, talk about how you enjoy developing strong working relationships and how you believe medicine positively impacts patients’ lives.

Tell a story that may not be gathered from your resume

Resumes are a concise summary of your current/past employment and education while cover letters allow you to discuss other important, related matters. If there are things you’d like to explain/highlight on your resume, whether it be gaps in employment, changing positions/industries, or how you repeatedly exceeded your quota , the cover letter is where you can say this.

“You can have multiple cover letters that speak to different industries but be sure to use the right one. Compensation and gaps in employment should definitely be addressed – but briefly – very briefly!” says Sharon Tsao , CMO at Contemporary Staffing Solutions.

Keep in mind: LinkedIn can be your best friend and the ultimate tool in finding a new position—especially if you can find contact information!

Before being invited to interview, employers will typically review your resume and your LinkedIn profile. Make sure your LinkedIn profile is completely up to date. Think of it like a mix between resume, cover letter, and even references!

LinkedIn can connect you to employees of companies you’re applying to. If you can find the recruiter for a specific position or the Hiring Manager, consider sending them an In-mail via LinkedIn with a very brief cover letter to get their attention.

“Cover letters are secondary to your resume and LinkedIn profile! Keep everything in perspective and keep bringing your passion to the fun of finding your next gig!” says Sharon Tsao .

Want a hand with your job search? Partner with our staffing specialists at CSS!

Check out our current job opportunities on our job board or contact your local staffing specialist to help you in your job search!

Read More helpful & inspiring tips here.

Contemporary Staffing connects job seekers to hiring managers nationally in the following professions: Accounting & Finance , Call Center & Office , Human Resources , IT , Salesforce , and Sales & Marketing .

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7 Painless Tips To Writing A Good Cover Letter

Young professional writing a successful cover letter

Do you hate writing cover letters? Most people do.

However, employers expect to see a cover letter with your resume . They read your letter and form impressions of you as a candidate based on what they read. A bad cover letter (or a lack of one at all) can cause you to lose the chance to interview.

The good news is that it's easier than you think to write a cover letter that gives them a very positive first impression, makes you stand out from other candidates and gets you an interview.

Use Your Cover Letter To Begin Selling Yourself For The Job

The job search itself is psychologically a sales process, and this cover letter is the very first 'ad' that will grab attention and interest—even before they read your resume.

The employer is a customer in this process, and just like with any customer, you have to get their attention by talking about what THEY need and what THEY are interested in. "I am very excited to speak with you about this job" is not nearly as attractive as "I am excited to speak with you about how I helped my last company triple sales."

Target Your Cover Letter

This cover letter should apply only for this job. Don't try to use the same letter for each opportunity—it won't work.

That doesn't mean that you can't use elements of a good letter for multiple opportunities. It just means that you should have this particular job, at this particular company in mind when you put together your letter.

Remember That You Are Writing To A Person In Your Cover Letter

This is one of the reasons that generic, formal letters fall flat. If you would not be interested in reading an overly formal, stilted piece of prose, chances are that the hiring manager (your future boss) won't, either.

Be professional, but use your own voice and inject some personality in your letter.

Build Your Cover Letter With Three Paragraphs

- 1st paragraph: Introduction - Say what job you're interested in and why they should be interested in talking to you about it.

- 2nd paragraph: Evidence - This paragraph is where you highlight some of the most significant things you've done. Do yourself a favor and use bullet points here.

- 3rd paragraph: Close - Don't just say that you're looking forward to hearing from them. Tell them when you'll call to follow up . Usually, this would be in a day or two.

Quantify The Evidence Of Your Accomplishments In Your Cover Letter

To quantify means to describe in terms of numbers, dollars, or percentages. This is a powerful attention-grabber for employers. Numbers break up the expanse of text, and numbers don't lie.

So, instead of saying that you 'reduced operating costs,' say that you 'reduced operating costs by 30%' or whatever it was. That will grab their attention.

Use Spell-Check AND Proofread Your Cover Letter

Don't rely on spell-check. I've had it suggest some words that were absolutely wrong, and it doesn't catch everything. Use spell-check at a beginning. Then proofread it, and then have someone else proofread it, too.

This is your first impression. Don't let something as simple as a typo ruin their image of you as a competent professional.

Don't Email Your Cover Letter As An Attachment

If you are emailing your resume to an employer, the resume will be attached to the email.

The cover letter should never be attached. If you attach it, all your work will be wasted. Use your cover letter as the body of the email that you then attach your resume to.

There are even MORE ways you can write a cover letter recruiters and potential employers will love. Head over here to learn how.

If you need help with your cover letter, resume, or LinkedIn profile , we invite you to join Work It Daily today!

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This post was originally published at an earlier date. Disclosure: This post is sponsored by a Work It Daily-approved expert an opinions are his/her own. Not all advice reflects Work It Daily guidance.

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Spring Cleaning: 4 Ways To Fix Your Job Search

Is your job search turning into a grind with no end in sight? It may be time to take a step back and reevaluate your entire approach.

In cold weather climates, the beginning of spring is a time to clean the house and get organized—a practice known as spring cleaning. Through the years, spring cleaning has taken on a larger meaning with people using the time to organize and declutter things in their lives.

For professionals on the job hunt, a little spring cleaning (metaphorically speaking) could be a great way to reinvigorate your job search. Here are a few strategies your job search spring cleaning should include.

Reevaluate Your Job Search Approach

Make a list of the last handful of jobs you applied for and see if you can identify any positive or negative trends. Consider things like:

How did I learn about this job?
How did I apply for the job?
Did I earn an interview?
What was the ultimate result?

A lot can be learned about your job search approach just by answering these questions and identifying patterns. For example:

Negative Trends

You discovered five jobs through job boards, applied to all of them via the job boards, and never heard back from any of them.

The common pattern here is applying through job boards. This isn't to say that job boards don't serve a purpose in the job search process, but they have their limitations , and you can't run your job search entirely off of them. When you apply through a job board, there's a good chance that your materials will never get past the applicant tracking system (ATS) and never be seen by an actual person.

One simple fix is to research who the hiring manager or recruiter is that posted the position and email your materials to them directly.

The more efficient fix would be to take a proactive approach by putting together a bucket list of companies that you want to work for and start making connections on LinkedIn with people who work at those companies. You may already know some people who work there or have connections that can refer you to some individuals.

This is a great way to network your way onto a company's radar.

Positive Trends

You applied to three jobs via referral, were invited to two job interviews, and made it through multiple rounds of interviews for one of the jobs before being passed over for someone with a little more experience.

The pattern here is that getting referred to a job by a professional acquaintance is a great way to land a job interview . This indicates that you're leveraging your network well and you should continue to focus on your networking efforts.

The next step is to review the interview process and determine what went well and what needs to be improved. Sometimes the interviewer will provide feedback , and that feedback can be valuable. However, not everyone is comfortable with giving feedback.

Chances are you probably have a good idea about areas of improvement and the skills you need to gain. Put together a plan for addressing those shortfalls.

The good news in making it deep into any interview process is that it indicates that the company likes you as a potential employee (even if the timing just wasn't right) and the experience could be a roadmap to a job with that company at a later date, or another similar opportunity elsewhere.

Give Your Resume & Cover Letter Some Much-Needed Attention

Are you continuously sending similar resumes and cover letters to each job opening with only minor adjustments? If so, your strategy needs some serious spring cleaning.

Let's start with resumes!

Every resume should be tailored to the position in order for it to stand out to recruiters and hiring managers . It may seem like a lot of work, but it's actually less work than submitting the same resume over and over again and never hearing back.

The reason why it's so important to tailor your resume is that throughout your career, you acquire numerous skills, but the job you're applying for may only be focusing on 6-8 of those skills. In that case, those skills must rise to the top of the resume with quantifiable examples of how you successfully used those skills at previous jobs.

Remember, recruiters go through hundreds of resumes. They need to be able to tell from a quick glance whether or not you're a potential candidate for the position.

While updating your resume, you could also spruce up your LinkedIn profile by highlighting the skill sets that you want to be noticed for by recruiters.

As for writing a good cover letter , the key to success is writing a disruptive cover letter . When you write a disruptive cover letter , you're basically telling a story. The story should focus on how you connect with the particular company and job position. The story could also focus on your personal journey, and how you got to where you currently are in your career.

If your resumes and cover letters aren't unique, now is the time to clean things up and get on track.

Build Your Personal Brand

Just because you're looking for work doesn't mean that you don't have anything to offer. Use previous career experiences and passions to build your personal brand .

Ask yourself, "How do I want other professionals to view me?"

Pick an area of expertise and start sharing your knowledge and experience with your professional network by pushing out content on your LinkedIn and social media accounts. Good content can include blogs, social media posts, and videos.

By sharing content about your experiences and passions, you slowly build your personal brand, and others will start to notice. The content could lead to good discussions with others in your network. It could also lead to reconnecting with connections that you haven't spoken to in years, or making new connections.

You never know when one of these connections could turn into a job lead or referral. The trick is to get on people's radars. So, when you're cleaning up your job search, be sure to build a plan for personal branding.

Maintain Healthy Habits During Your Job Search

Your job search is important, but it's even more important to know when to pull back and focus on personal health and spending time with family and friends.

There are actually things that you can do for your own enjoyment that could help your job search in the long run, such as:

Grab coffee with a friend - It's good to engage in light conversation with friends during challenging times. And if your job search does come up, remember that most people have been through it themselves and you never know when a friend may provide you with a good idea or lead on a job.
Volunteer - Volunteering is a great way to get involved in the community and help others. In addition, if you develop a little bit of a career gap while looking for a job, you can always talk about how you filled that time volunteering, if you're asked about it during a job interview.
Continue to focus on other passions - Are you a fitness nut? Blogger? Crafter? Continue to do the things that bring you happiness. And if you're in a position to profit from your passion through a freelance job or side hustle , even better!

Spring is the perfect time to clean up and improve your job search so you can land the job you want. If you're struggling to find a job, follow the tips above to reinvigorate your job search—and watch your career blossom!

Need more help with your job search?

Become a member to learn how to land a job and UNLEASH your true potential to get what you want from work!

This article was originally published at an earlier date.

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Selling Yourself In A Cover Letter

By: Vanessa Vidal

Date: 05/30/22

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How To Sell Yourself in a Cover Letter (With Tips and Examples)
Selling yourself in your cover letter can help you draw attention to the work experience, skills and education that make you a talented candidate. Distinguishing you from other job candidates: The job search can be competitive, where you and multiple other professionals are vying for the same position. Submitting an impressive cover letter can ...
How To Sell Yourself In A Cover Letter (With Examples)
Selling yourself in a cover letter is your chance to show how you are qualified, unique, and valuable. To sell yourself in a cover letter, first match your skills and values with that of the employer. Use the four paragraph, 250-400 words structure of a cover letter to demonstrate your skills and how they can be used for the employer.
How to Sell Yourself in a Cover Letter? Guide + Examples
Here's how to sell yourself in a cover letter: Research the company before you write. The more you know about their needs, the more you can know what parts of your career to share with them. Find your best 2-3 achievements that fit what they're looking for. Share those in the middle paragraph (s) of your letter.
How to sell yourself in a cover letter (with example)
How to sell yourself in a cover letter. The following steps can guide you on how to sell yourself in a cover letter: 1. Examine the job description. Organisations announce open job positions with a brief description of the qualities, skills and experience they require of a professional. Review the list of requirements for the role and identify ...
How to Sell Yourself in a Cover Letter
Turn into a Secret agent . Get personal: Address the recruiter by their name, if you know it. Your top 3 secret sauce ingredients: tell them why they need to choose YOU. Add substance: Make the second paragraph a firework of your achievements. No clashes: Be relatable to the role and the company.
How to Sell Yourself in a Cover Letter (With Steps and Tips)
A well-composed cover letter is particularly important if you're applying for a job that requires written communication, as it shows the hiring manager that you're suitable for the role. Impressing a hiring manager with the writing in your cover letter can motivate them to invite you for an interview. 5. Customise each cover letter.
Selling Yourself in Your Cover Letter
Selling Yourself in Your Cover Letter. Your cover letter has two important roles: (1) it's a marketing document designed to sell a product (you), and (2): it's a business document that, while giving a glimpse of your personality, needs to remain professional. It therefore stands to reason that lessons from those who sell, and those who write ...
Selling Yourself in Your Cover Letter
Refer to everything you learned about yourself from your assessments. Pull accomplishments from your resume, and show in your cover letter why you are a benefit to the company—because you can accomplish X, Y, and Z. Go beyond simply stating your features. Select the most impressive quantifiable achievements, reword them—or better yet ...
How to Sell Yourself in a Cover Letter
1. Keep it short. Cover letters must be brief and dynamic; three paragraphs should suffice. The first paragraph should identify the job you are seeking. The second should summarize your career and accomplishments. The final paragraph should request a response, such as an interview invitation.
How to Sell Yourself in a Cover Letter (With Tips and Samples)
Craft your cover letter as a narrative that takes the reader on a journey through your professional life. Start with an engaging introduction that draws the reader in. Describe key moments or challenges in your career where you effectively applied your skills to overcome obstacles and achieve success.
Selling Yourself in Your Cover Letter
Your cover letter has two important roles: (1) it's a marketing document designed to sell a product (you), and (2): it's a business document that, while giving a glimpse of your personality, needs to remain professional. It therefore stands to reason that lessons from those who sell, and those who write for business, can teach us a little something about composing an effective letter.
The Art of Selling Yourself in a Cover Letter: Tips and Examples
The best way to sell yourself in a cover letter is by showcasing your accomplishments. Focus on specific examples of how you've used your skills to achieve results in previous roles. Use quantifiable data, such as percentages or numbers, to back up your claims and demonstrate your value to the employer.
How to Make a Good Cover Letter
Like a great resume, a well-crafted cover letter can help you sell yourself to an employer. Cover letters offer you an opportunity to say share that you can't address on your resume and let you express your enthusiasm for the position and show the hiring manager exactly how your skills and experience make you the best person for the job.
Persuasive Sales Cover Letter Examples & Templates
A sales cover letter is a chance to sell yourself. It's an opportunity to personalize your job application and explain why you're the best person for the sales job you want. Moreover, it gives you a chance to prove that you have the selling skills necessary to succeed in a role. Research shows ...
7 Sales Cover Letter Examples & Writing Guide for 2024
7 Sales Cover Letter. Examples & Writing Guide for 2024. Stephen Greet February 23, 2024. Sales are the lifeblood of business. Whether selling products or services, you take care of customers as they invest in your company. Sales mean selling well, and that makes all the difference in keeping clients happy and hungry for what you've got.
Selling Yourself in Your Cover Letter
Sure, at the outset it looks like this is what you buy when you sign that one-year contract. In reality, health clubs are selling a desire: a desire to be in shape, a desire to be muscular, or a desire to be healthier. When you are selling yourself to an employer, think about what the employer is really buying.
Strategically Selling Yourself in Your Cover Letter
Contemporary Staffing connects job seekers to hiring managers nationally in the following professions: Accounting & Finance , Call Center & Office , Human Resources , IT , Salesforce, and Sales & Marketing. filed under: Job Seekers. Tags: Contemporary Staffing Solutions, cover letter, Job Seekers, where people and opportunity meet.
PDF Sell Yourself Meet the Employe Properly Address Your Cover Letter Get
An important but often confusing part of the job application process is the cover letter. Your résumé tells employers about your qualifications, education, and experiences, but it is your cover letter that piques their interest enough to move you ... SELL YOURSELF Get the reader interested in you and your experiences. Show how you are the ...
Use Your Cover Letter To Begin Selling Yourself For The Job
Build Your Cover Letter With Three Paragraphs Bigstock - 1st paragraph: Introduction - Say what job you're interested in and why they should be interested in talking to you about it. - 2nd paragraph: Evidence - This paragraph is where you highlight some of the most significant things you've done. Do yourself a favor and use bullet points here.
Selling Yourself in Your Cover Letter
Selling Yourself in Your Cover Letter. Your cover letter is a marketing document designed to sell a product—you—and a business document to give employers a glimpse of your personality. Sign up for free. We Serve. Employers. Schools.
How Do I Sell Myself on a Resume?
Here's how you sell yourself on a resume: 1. Add skills listed in the job ad to your resume. Employers look for the specific skills they list in their job ads, so include them on your resume to make sure it isn't overlooked. 2.
Selling Yourself In A Cover Letter
Selling Yourself In A Cover Letter In the rush to secure a position, many attorney job seekers unwittingly toss together ineffective attorney cover letters, hoping to beat out other eager applicants. When applying for a legal position, you need to craft your attorney cover letter carefully and deliberately.
How To Sell Yourself on a Resume in 5 Steps (With Steps)
Here are five steps you can follow to sell yourself to an employer on your resume: 1. Use professional contact information. The first step toward standing out when submitting a resume for a job application is to ensure you're providing employers with accurate and professional contact information.
How to Write a Cover Letter When You're Changing Careers (Sample + Tips
How to write a career change cover letter. A cover letter is a chance to expand upon the bullet points outlined in your resume. It's a space where you can explain your interest in the role and company, highlight your experience and skills, and sell a recruiter on the overall fit you'd make. But a career changer needs to do all of that and more.

How To Sell Yourself In A Cover Letter (With Examples)

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Step 1: Know the company and role

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Strategically Selling Yourself in Your Cover Letter

Answer the important questions

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Reevaluate Your Job Search Approach

Give Your Resume & Cover Letter Some Much-Needed Attention

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