how to make your resume and cover letter stand out

Tips for Writing a Cover Letter That Will Stand Out

First tip on how to write a cover letter

Use fewer words to say more, tailor your cover letter to a specific job, be proud of your past accomplishments, address the hiring manager personally, use keywords from the job description, throw in numbers and examples, more ‘don’ts’ when writing a cover letter, last cover letter tip: proofread your work.

In this age of digital recruiting, do you really need to write something to accompany your resume or job application? Is writing a cover letter really important? Here’s a tip for you: The short answer is yes!

Yet, far too often, job seekers treat the process of writing a cover letter as an afterthought to submitting a resume. Or they don’t bother to write one at all.

Your cover letter is your introduction to a prospective employer. It’s also an opportunity to make a great first impression and to showcase why you’d make a great hire. So don’t squander it.

These days, it’s unlikely a cover letter, like your resume , would be something you’d print and mail to a hiring manager. In fact, it may not be a letter at all. The savviest job seekers will include the modern equivalent of a targeted cover letter in the body of an email message or an online job application.

Take a look at these cover letter tips that will convince hiring managers and HR professionals to call you for an interview.

The first cover letter tip is straight to the point: Don’t rehash your resume. Your words should do more than restate salient details from what’s already in your resume. The cover letter is where you should promote yourself, describe your ambition and express your enthusiasm for a new role and company in a way that is distinct from your resume.

Check out this brief checklist of important functions of a targeted cover letter:

• A cover letter specifically relates your skills and experience to the job description and requested qualifications.
• It explains why you would love to have the job in question.
• It shows you’ve done research on the company, by commenting on its mission or key leadership.
• It finishes with a call to action that invites the hiring manager to follow up with you regarding the job opportunity.

The barrage of information coming at all of us today has created attention spans that are shorter than ever before. Cover letters are no exception. Managers are often inundated with applications, so economy of words matters.

In fact, keep it brief with a three-paragraph format, using each paragraph to focus on an aspect of your application.

• Start with an attention-grabbing introduction that expresses your enthusiasm about the position and the company. If you have a referral, drop their name here.
• This is your sales pitch where you address your top skills, accomplishments and attributes, and explain why your qualifications relate to this particular role or company.
• Finally, restate briefly how you can add value, thank the hiring manager for their consideration and initiate the next step by saying you’d like to follow up with a call or an interview.

For more tips related to that last paragraph, read about how to write a cover letter closing .

Don’t use a one-size-fits-all cover letter template for all the positions you apply for. If you do, you’re missing the point: Only a letter that’s targeted to the job at hand will make a positive impression.

Write a cover letter employers can’t ignore by tying it to the elements of the job that match your unique skills and experience. What are they asking for that you’re especially good at? What would make your contribution unique? Those are the points to stress when writing a cover letter.

Just as important, gather facts and figures that support your claims with details. For example, if you’re applying for a managerial role, mention the size of teams and budgets you’ve managed. If it’s a sales role, describe specific sales goals you’ve achieved.

In addition to highlighting your talents, you can further personalize your cover letter by demonstrating your familiarity with the specific industry, employer and type of position.    

Companies want confident employees who love their work. They know these are the people who tend to perform better, serve as stronger team members and have greater potential to grow along with the business.

Draw attention to specific examples of projects you’ve worked on that make you an ideal candidate, and don’t hesitate to brag a little about your most pertinent achievements. Consider adding a sentence or two — or even a bullet list, as long as you’re not duplicating your resume — of key achievements backed up with quantitative data. Did you increase revenue by identifying tax savings worth $50,000 a year, win six design awards, quadruple the company’s social media following? Here’s the place to mention it.

Upload your resume to be considered for jobs that match.

How would you feel if you got an email addressed, To Whom It May Concern? Just as you personalize your resume to the role, you should also address the cover letter to the person actually hiring for the position, as opposed to Dear Employer. If it’s not spelled out in the job posting and you can’t find it on LinkedIn, be proactive and call the organization’s main phone number and ask for the name and title of the hiring manager.

If you’re still in school or just out, your career services office may be able to help you identify the right contact at a company.

Many employers use resume-filtering software that scans for keywords and evaluates how closely resumes and cover letters match the preferred skills and experience. That means your cover letter should incorporate key phrases you’ve identified in the job description — if they honestly match with your background and strengths.

During the writing process, carefully review the job ad for the type of degree required, the number of years’ experience needed, and desired software skills, organization and communication abilities, and project management background.

If you want to know how to write a cover letter that stands out, show how you’ve had a measurable impact on an organization. Did you bring in new clients, make a process more efficient, spearhead some campaigns? Provide specific numbers, percentages to show growth, or a range or estimate to quantify results.

Offering examples can also help you illustrate what you’ve achieved or elaborate on the specifics. Show, don’t tell, whenever possible when you describe what you’ve done and what you can bring to your next position.

• Don’t overshare — Showing some personality is generally fine, but keep the focus on your career. Stick to pertinent facts and omit personal details unrelated to your ability to perform the job.
• Don’t go overboard with self-celebration — Employers expect job candidates to use the cover letter to toot their own horn. (That’s the whole point, right?) Instead of bragging about being the “world’s best UX designer” or a “marketing superhero,” job seekers should provide concrete information that conveys value and impact. Bold statements are OK, as long as you back them up with facts.
• Don’t make demands — Zero in on what you can do for the employer, not what you hope to gain from the company. It’s both presumptuous and off-putting to cite salary demands before you’ve even landed a phone or video interview . The same goes for bringing up the perks and benefits you expect.
• Don’t fail to follow directions — Employers often provide specific instructions in the job ad, such as submitting your resume and cover letter in a certain file format or referencing the job title or requisition number. Before you upload your letter or hit the send button, reread the job posting to make sure you’ve done everything the employer asked so you don’t raise red flags.

Last, but decidedly not least in these suggestions and tips for how to write a cover letter, proofread your work. This is not just a cover letter tip, of course, but also applies to resumes and other important correspondence and documents. After you’ve made a strong argument for your candidacy and given your letter a final polish, ask a friend or family member with a strong eye for typos and good grammar, punctuation and spelling skills to review it. Include a copy of the job posting to make sure you’ve hit all the right points.

Then do it. Press send!

3 Examples of Cover Letters That Stand Out (with Tips)

By Status.net Editorial Team on February 15, 2024 — 12 minutes to read

Crafting a Memorable Introduction

When you’re writing a cover letter, you want to grab the hiring manager’s attention immediately. Your introduction is your first chance to show off your personality and give them a reason to keep reading. Start with a greeting that is polite yet shows you’ve done your homework—use the hiring manager’s name if you can find it.

Dive straight into why you’re excited about the company. Maybe you’re inspired by their mission statement or impressed by their rapid growth in the industry. Then, tie this enthusiasm back to your skills. For example:

“Having followed (…) Company’s evolution as a leader in sustainable practices, I am thrilled at the possibility of bringing my decade of experience in green technologies to your dynamic team.”

It’s important to tell a brief story that highlights your relevant achievements. Pick an accomplishment that aligns with the job requirements and show, don’t tell. Use numbers or outcomes to illustrate your impact. It could look something like this:

“After spearheading a successful social media campaign that increased online engagement by 30%, I am eager to apply my digital marketing expertise to elevate (…) Inc.’s brand presence.”

Close your introduction with a sentence that underscores your enthusiasm and readiness to discuss how you can contribute to the company’s success.

Try to personalize your introduction for each job application. Generic intros are easy to spot and often don’t make it past the first read. Taking the time to craft a unique opening will help your cover letter stand out.

Showcasing Relevant Skills

When crafting your cover letter, highlighting your relevant skills is a key way to grab an employer’s attention. Make sure to tailor these skills to the job you are applying for by matching keywords and demonstrating transferable skills.

Matching Job Description Keywords

Review the job posting carefully and identify the keywords related to the skills and qualifications required .

Use these keywords in your cover letter to show that your experience and abilities align with what the employer is seeking.

This approach not only shows that you’ve paid attention to the details of the job description but also helps your application pass through applicant tracking systems that screen for these specific terms.

• “Experienced in social media management and content creation, as specified in the job description.”
• “Proficient in graphic design software including Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, aligning with your need for a creative professional.”

Highlighting Transferable Skills

Even if you’re changing industries or don’t have direct experience, showcase your transferable skills. These are abilities that can be applied across various jobs and sectors, such as leadership, communication, or problem-solving. Explain how these skills have contributed to your success in past roles and how they can be beneficial in the position you’re applying for.

• “Utilized exceptional organizational abilities to manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring all deadlines were met.”
• “Employed problem-solving skills to resolve customer complaints quickly, increasing customer satisfaction by 35%.”

Incorporating Success Stories

When crafting your cover letter, including success stories can make a significant impact. Highlight your past achievements to show how you can bring value to the position you’re applying for.

Using Quantifiable Achievements

By using numbers and data, you make your contributions concrete. This gives hiring managers a clear picture of your potential impact on their company. For example, if you increased sales, specify by how much, such as “Boosted regional sales by 25% within one financial quarter.”

• Increased team productivity by 30% through strategic workflow redesign.
• Cut customer service response times by 50%, enhancing customer satisfaction.

Narrating Career Milestones

Connect the dots in your career by sharing key milestones. Tell the story of how you solved a difficult problem or took on new responsibilities. This paints a dynamic picture of your growth. Example: “Successfully managed a project that resulted in a patented product, becoming a top-seller for my company.”

• Led the development of a new tracking system that decreased shipping errors by 15%.
• Spearheaded a fundraiser event that raised $20,000 for local charities.

Cover letters that stand out contain specific components that highlight your suitability for a position.

Concluding with a Strong Call to Action

The closing of your cover letter is where you need to reel in the hiring manager with a compelling call to action (CTA). This means directly inviting them to contact you for an interview or further discussion. Here’s how you can effectively do this:

• First, express genuine enthusiasm about the position. You want to communicate your eagerness to take the next step. For example, “I am very excited about the prospect of joining your team and am eager to discuss how I can contribute to the success of your organization.”
• Next, clearly state what you want to happen next. It’s important that there’s no ambiguity about your intentions. A straightforward request, like “I would welcome the opportunity to speak with you about how my skills and experience align with your needs,” can convey your confidence and desire for an interview.
• Make it easy for them to reach out. Include your contact information in the closing paragraph and invite them to call or email you. Phrases like “Please feel free to contact me at your earliest convenience,” followed by a phone number or email address, demonstrate your openness and readiness for communication.
• End on a polite note. Thanking the reader for their time and consideration showcases your politeness and respect. A simple “Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to your esteemed company,” can leave a positive final impression.
• “Please contact me at [your phone number] to discuss how I can bring value to your team.”
• “I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience and can be reached at [your email address].”
• “I look forward to the opportunity to share how I can make a difference in your company.”
• “I’m keen to discuss my fit for the role in greater detail.”
• “I am hopeful for the chance to further discuss my potential impact on your team.”
• “Eager to explore this opportunity with you, please reach out to me via [contact method].”

Template of a Strong Cover Letter

Dear [Employer’s Name or Hiring Manager’s Name],

I am interested in the [Job Title] job at [Company Name] that I saw [where you found the job posting]. I have experience in [Your Field/Industry] and have achieved [specific achievement or skill]. I am looking forward to helping [Company Name] reach its goals.

At my last job at [Previous Employer], I did [describe a relevant achievement or project] which improved my skills in [mention specific skills or areas of expertise] and showed I am good at [mention a quality or achievement that reflects the job requirements, such as problem-solving, innovation, or collaboration].

I like [Company Name] because [mention something specific about the company or its mission that aligns with your values or career goals]. I respect how your company [describe an aspect of the company’s work, culture, or values], and I want to use my [mention a key skill or experience] to help your company succeed.

I am excited to [mention how you would apply your skills in the role, aligning with the job description]. I believe my [mention a personal trait or professional attribute] and [another skill or experience] make me a good fit to help [Company Name] with [mention a goal or project relevant to the position].

I have attached my resume for more information about my qualifications. I would be happy to talk about how I can contribute to [Company Name]. Thank you for looking at my application. I am ready to discuss this job with you and join your team.

Best wishes,

[Your Name]

Dear (…),

I am interested in the Marketing Coordinator position at (…) Solutions that I saw listed on LinkedIn. With a background in marketing and a proven record of increasing customer engagement, I am looking forward to helping (…) Solutions reach its marketing objectives.

At my last job at (…), I led a campaign that increased social media engagement by 40%. This experience improved my skills in social media strategy and analytics and showed I am good at creative problem-solving and effective communication.

What draws me to (…) Solutions is your commitment to leveraging technology for environmental sustainability. I respect how your company integrates eco-friendly practices into its business model, and I want to use my expertise in digital marketing to help your company expand its reach.

I am excited about the chance to use my skills in this role, particularly aligning with your recent initiative to launch an online eco-conscious marketplace. I believe my proactive approach and experience in project management make me a good fit to help (…) Solutions successfully market this new platform.

Enclosed is my resume, which provides more details about my qualifications. I would be thrilled to discuss how I can contribute to the innovative work at (…) Solutions. Thank you for considering my application. I am eager to discuss this opportunity with you and hope to join your dynamic team.

When using this template, customize each cover letter with specific details about the company and the role you are applying for . Personalization is key to making your application stand out.

Examples of Cover Letters That Stand Out

Cover letters that stand out are tailored to the job and company, showcasing the candidate’s relevant achievements and expressing genuine interest in the specific role and organization.

Cover Letter Example for a Graphic Designer Position

Hello [Employer’s Name],

I’m interested in the Graphic Designer job at [Company Name] that I saw [where you found the job posting]. I have a degree in Graphic Design and over five years of experience. I believe I can create great designs for you.

At my current job at [Current Employer], I led a rebranding for a big client that made their online presence grow by 30% in three months. I’m good with Adobe Creative Suite and always keep up with new design trends, so I make modern and attractive designs.

I’m excited about working at [Company Name] because you value creativity and innovation. I really liked your recent campaign for [specific project or client]. It stood out to me as a designer and a shopper.

I’m looking forward to using my skills and creativity at [Company Name]. I’ve attached my resume and a link to my portfolio for you to see. I look forward to the possibility of discussing this exciting opportunity with you. Thank you for considering my application.

Warm regards,

Cover Letter Example for a Marketing Manager Position

I am a marketing professional with over ten years of experience and I’m excited about the Marketing Manager job at [Company Name]. I’ve led campaigns that increased revenue by 20% each year and I’m looking forward to helping [Company Name] grow even more.

At my last job at [Former Employer], I ran a digital marketing campaign that raised online sales by 40% and got more people interacting with us on social media. My hands-on experience with SEO, PPC, and CRM systems, along with my ability to analyze market trends and adjust strategies accordingly, are skills I am eager to bring to your team.

I really admire [Company Name]’s fresh ways of marketing, like your recent [specific campaign or initiative]. I believe my experience with building brands and targeted marketing fits well with what you’re doing.

I’d love to talk about how I can be part of [Company Name]’s success. Please find my resume attached for your consideration. Thank you for your time and I hope to speak with you soon.

Cover Letter Example for an Administrative Assistant

Dear [Employer’s Name],

I am very interested in the Administrative Assistant job at [Company Name] that I found on [where you found the job posting]. I have experience in administrative work and I really enjoy making sure an office runs well. I’m looking forward to the chance to be part of your team.

In my last job at [Previous Employer], I gained skills like managing schedules, preparing documents quickly, and making sure the office works at its best. I work well with different teams and I’m good at using MS Office and CRM software, which has helped make things run more smoothly and helped the business grow.

I once reorganized the filing system at [Previous Employer], which made finding information 30% faster. I would like to do similar work at [Company Name] to help with the quick pace of your work.

I like [Company Name]’s focus on both helping employees grow and working together. I am excited to bring my skills and experience to a place that values hard work and commitment.

I hope we can talk about how I can help with [Company Name]’s administrative tasks. I am available at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email].

Thank you for considering my application. I am eager to support the team at [Company Name] and help with your success.

Best regards,

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key elements to include in a standout cover letter.

A standout cover letter includes a personalized greeting, a compelling opening statement, evidence of your achievements, skills relevant to the job, enthusiasm for the role, and a professional closing.

Can you suggest a structure for an effective cover letter?

An effective cover letter typically starts with a header and salutation, followed by an introductory paragraph, 1-2 body paragraphs detailing your qualifications and fit for the role, and concludes with a call to action and formal sign-off. For instance, “I am excited to discuss how my experience as a digital marketer can drive growth for (…) Corp.”

How can I begin my cover letter to immediately grab the employer’s attention?

Begin your cover letter with an intriguing fact about yourself, a question, or a bold statement related to the job. You could start with, “Reducing customer churn by 30% at my last job makes me eager to apply these strategies to the Client Engagement Specialist position at your esteemed company.”

What are some innovative ways to showcase my personality in a cover letter?

You can showcase your personality by sharing a brief story that illustrates your passion for the field, using a conversational tone, or including an interest that aligns with the company’s culture. For example, “My passion for graphic design started when I redesigned a flyer for a local pet shelter and saw the impact it had on adoption rates.”

Could you provide a model of a concise yet impactful cover letter?

For example, “Dear Hiring Manager, your ad for a creative copywriter caught my eye. At (…) Agency, I increased client engagement for major brands through compelling copy—one campaign saw a 50% jump in CTR.”

What strategies can I use to tailor my cover letter for different job applications?

Research the company and position to include specific details in your cover letter. Use keywords from the job description and speak directly to how your skills and experience meet those needs.

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5 Secrets to Making Your Cover Letter Stand Out

As a career coach, I can tell you that there are plenty of things that make cover letters stand out in a bad way . But how do you move past mediocre and get it to catch the employer's eye in a good way?

That’s the burning question, when one sheet of paper stands in the way of your potential employer seeing your masterpiece of a resume . You’ve worked hard on editing and polishing it, after all, and even harder on earning the experience and accolades it boasts.

So, to avoid your resume landing in the circular file and to achieve your goal of getting an interview, follow these five guidelines—and the easiest-to-remember acronym ever: “C-O-V-E-R.”

Call out leadership positions, relevant awards, and advanced skill sets right at the beginning. This is the easiest way to catch someone’s eye as soon as he or she starts reading. “I am writing because I am interested in the Communications Manager position” doesn't say a lot, but “I believe that my experience securing international media coverage for high-profile tech clients make me the perfect match for the Communications Manager position” does.

Not sure which facets of your experience to include? Start with the points listed specifically in the job description. By proving you meet an employer’s top requirements, you’ll keep her attention to read on.

Offer stats to illustrate your impact on companies or associations you’ve worked for in the past. Employers love to see numbers—it shows them that you speak their language and that you understand what they’re looking for in an employee: results.

Show them that you’ve made your mark in your past positions and didn’t just follow your predecessor’s checklist, whether it was at an internship, your last job, a college club, or a team-building event you organized to boost company morale. Earned your division more money than the person before you? Share that monetary difference. Reeled in more vendors than your peers did to participate in a fundraiser? Show that outstanding work with something no one can argue with—math.

Verify the appropriate contact name to use in the greeting of the cover letter (you would be shocked at how many people don’t do this). If you can’t find it online, do some digging. Call the company and ask who the HR representative or the hiring manager is for the position. You should never have a general greeting like “To whom it may concern” or “Dear [Insert Company Name].” You want it to be as personalized as possible so that the employer sees that you’re resourceful and that you’re OK with doing your homework.

Exemplify your strengths . Avoid , at all costs , describing yourself as a “team player” or a “people-person.” It’s like a graphic designer using the font Comic Sans—it’s overused, oversimplified, and it underplays your unique attributes.

Instead, show off your skills with descriptive statements like “I’m an expert communicator with experience bringing together diverse departments to develop a cohesive program.” It’s longer—but it’s also stronger.

Then follow that point with an instance in which you displayed this skill, saying something like, “For example, when tasked with leading a marketing campaign for the rebranding of my company, I coordinated meetings with all divisions of the marketing department to ensure the promotion’s consistency in all channels of communication, including business-to-business messaging and media materials.”

Remember, too, that your cover letter itself should serve as an example of your skills. Meaning, if you’re an aspiring journalist, you’d better check that you used AP style correctly throughout your cover letter. If you’re applying for a graphic design position, then your cover letter should be a visual masterpiece .

Refrain from regurgitating all of the same information already detailed in your resume. Your cover letter should complement your resume, in that it delves into the high points and provides a fuller picture of who you are after the employer reads both.

In addition, while your resume language is pretty cut-and-dry, your cover letter should have a personal touch—almost like you’d write a letter to a friend or family member —expressing a tone and using language that is true to you. Also be sure to make your letter precise and punchy. You never, never need to go over one page—the goal here is to draw someone in and showcase your qualifications using as few words as possible.

Now, you’ve got a checklist that’s easy to remember and that ensures your cover letter will showcase why you’re right for the job. So, your final checkpoint to get your cover letter ready to go? Make sure the one thing you’d want to say to your dream employer—before the elevator door closes on your conversation —is in your letter. Then, my friend, you’ve done it.

Photo of typewriter courtesy of Shutterstock .

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• Career Advice

3 Keys to Writing Cover Letters That Stand Out

Published: Jan 05, 2021

It’s a myth that high quality job openings are few and far between thanks to Covid. The truth is, despite the economic uncertainty created by the pandemic, there are many great openings out there. And to get them—or, at least, have a chance at getting them—you first need to capture the attention of hiring managers. And the best way to do that is to write compelling cover letters. So here are the three keys to writing cover letters that stand out.

1. Convey your personality, quirks and all.

Showcasing your uniqueness and allowing your personality to shine through in your cover letters can magnetize hiring managers, sending instant messages that you might be the candidate they’re looking for. The secret to achieving this is to use specific details, rather than vague ones.

For example, the following was recently used by an applicant when applying for a Head of Marketing position (shortly after sending this, the candidate was interviewed and then hired):

“I have a passion for data and analytics. I enjoy spending (a little too much time) geeking out in Google analytics, advertising platforms, and BI tools (Tableau and Looker), digging deep into data to identify opportunities that can be leveraged to drive growth and inform testing strategies for campaigns, websites, and products.”

Now compare the above to the below (which has less personality and fewer details, and thus would likely not stand out):

“I am well versed in data analytics, and I am experienced with Google analytics, BI Tools, and other advertising platforms. I have a proven ability to inform testing strategies for campaigns for websites and products.”

Here’s another example of cover letter phrasing that captures the attention of hiring managers:

“I’m rather obsessed with personal organization. I read three organizational blogs on my own time, and I’ve organized my desktop folders into color-coded sub-categories. My friends laugh at me for saying things like, ‘An organized space equals an organized mind,’ but I don’t like wasting time looking for things.” 

Now compare that to this less specific phrasing:

“I have a proven track record of being organized, and I have a passion for it. I have a proven knack for keeping files organized on an ongoing basis, and I have put organizational processes and procedures in place for my department. The bottom line is organization is always my highest priority.” 

2. Prove your level of dedication to your profession.

Another way to stand out is to illustrate specific things about your dedication to your field. In the following example, a candidate showcases her dedication to her profession, proves that she spends a lot of time thinking about driving results in her field, and shows that she takes concrete steps in order to be a high quality contributor in her field. All of which goes a long way when it comes time for hiring managers to decide which candidates to interview. 

“I believe that a good marketing strategy requires seeking out the latest trends and staying one step ahead of the competition. I’ve attended the Traction conference two years in a row and completed the 2018 Reforge Growth Series, a highly credible and exclusive course that only accepts 10 percent of applicants and is built by leaders from Hubspot, Uber, and other firms. Through these professional developments, I’ve opened my mind to uncommon marketing methods, and I pride myself on thinking outside the box to develop strategies that create sustainable, low-cost customer acquisition loops that lead to long-term positive ROI.” 

Now compare the above to the below, which is less detailed and includes less specific phrasing:

“I have the skills and requirements for this position, and I believe I would complete every task asked of me to the highest standard expected. My background and experience make me an excellent fit for this position for many reasons. I am very interested in marketing, and I think I would be a great asset to the team.”

3. Include concrete, quantitative results that show your value.

In any written application, you’ll need to showcase some form of quantitative results to stand out. Note that even if you don’t have a lot of shiny results in your career yet (or even any relevant experience—which is okay!), you can still use words to capture someone’s attention with what you have done. And if you do have a record of achieving quantifiable results, then by all means include them, like in the below:

“I developed several Google ad campaigns that were worth more than $500,000 and that resulted in high-level customers. Also, through testing and optimization, I increased newsletter sign-ups by more than 200 percent.”

Now compare that to this bland sentence:

“I have experience in Google ad campaigns, as well as experience in testing and optimization.”

A final note

When trying to convey your personality, get across your dedication, or communicate your value, there’s a big difference between saying you’re a good fit for the job and actually showing it.

So, when writing your cover letters, try to hold these words in mind: I know you (the hiring managers) don’t know me, so let me show you exactly why I’m completely invested, committed, and passionate about doing this specific type of work. And let me show you the specific reasons why hiring me, over all other candidates, would be beneficial to you.

If you hold all this in mind, the right details and words will flow right out of you—and into your cover letters.

Natalie Fisher is best known for helping professionals land their ideal roles and achieve explosive salary growth (even with little experience). If you want to dive deeper on the topic of your career mindset and become a person who knows exactly how to land their dream job offer, listen to her on the podcast Get a Six Figure Job You Love .

How to Write a Cover Letter That Stands Out: 3 Steps

By Biron Clark

Published: November 10, 2023

Cover Letters

Biron Clark

Writer & Career Coach

People have a love-hate relationship with cover letters. Most hate writing them. When it comes to hiring managers, some love them and some loathe them. But if you want to make a good impression, you NEED a cover letter that stands out.

In my experience, cover letters get read about half the time when they are not required and 100% of the time when they are.

So it’s definitely important to spend time writing a cover letter that stands out and gets you noticed.

So in this article, I’m going to walk you through the 3 steps you need to write a cover letter that stands out.

How to Write a Cover Letter That Stands Out and Gets You Interviews

A stand-out cover letter contains 3 essential sections , designed to show the reader you’re ideally suited for the role.

Let’s start with the first section that you need in order to stand out:

Step 1: Verbalize the Pain

Use the cover letter to show the reader that you understand the company’s challenges, struggles, etc., and how you are the perfect candidate to solve these issues. In other words, show them that you understand the pain and can make it better.

Pain takes many shapes and forms, from seamless project execution in order to not disrupt business, to building or growing a team to capture market share, launching a new product or service to elevate the brand, to saving money by introducing process efficiencies and automation.

In order to do this, you’ll need to research the company and put yourself in their shoes. Read the job description and think about what they seem to need help with.

That leads us perfectly into the second step of how to write a stand-out cover letter…

Step 2: Examples that Show Pain Solving

Once you’ve effectively shown the reader you understand the challenge or the pain, the next step is to convince them that you are the person who can mitigate it.

If it says they need someone who can work in a fast-paced environment and handle a high workload, then they probably have too much work coming in and are stressed/overwhelmed. Show them that you can ease this burden.

If they say they need someone who can make a great impression on clients to help them grow their business, the best way to write a stand-out cover letter is talk about how you can do this – or better yet – how you’ve done this in the past for other employers.

This should NOT be accomplished by describing yourself with adjectives, but by sharing career highlights that quickly show how you’ve solved similar problems in past roles.

You need to give them real accomplishments, and the more detail, the better. Give facts, statistics, numbers, and results. This is really important when you get to the interview  too, so don’t forget this.

(If this is your first job search and you have no past accomplishments you can talk about, read this article on writing a cover letter with no experience ).

Step 3: Moving Past the Pain

Part 3 of a stand-out cover letter should recap your skills and how they can contribute to not just solving pain, but to moving forward to achieve a company’s higher mission, vision or goal.

You need to pull the two previous pieces of your argument together and make your conclusion.

Tell them how their company will improve by having you. What will happen when these problems are solved? Get them excited about a future with you as a part of the company… and show them you’re excited to do the work as well!

The “Secret Weapon” to End Your Stand-Out Cover Letter

After you’ve followed the 3 steps above, you have the main body of your cover letter, and you’ve written it in a way that will stand out to employers and get you interviewed.

But there’s one more thing you should do to stand out further…

You want to finish your cover letter by directly asking for the interview! This seems obvious, but more than 50% of job seekers don’t do this!

So give them your contact details and TELL them to contact you to set up a time to talk. Tell them you’re looking forward to sharing more detail and answering any questions they have about your background, and you’d like to schedule an interview with them to talk further.

This is the final essential piece for how to write a cover letter that will stand out.

Formatting Your Cover Letter Before Sending

So let’s walk through how to format your cover letter well for an electronic format like email:

#1 Contact Information

Unlike a printed cover letter where your contact details must appear at the top, on a digital version, this info should be located below your name in the form of an email signature. Make sure at the very least you include your full name, contact number, email, address, and a LinkedIn  URL.

#2 Screen v. Print Reads

Reading online is a whole different ballgame than print reading. In fact, it is much harder. This is in large part due to the fact that our eyes have a tough time digesting dense blocks of text (large paragraphs, long lists of bullets) on a screen.

To ensure smooth online reading of your electronic cover letter, aim for paragraphs that are two to three lines maximum.

Keep this in mind when you format your resume, too, if you expect it to be read in an online format.

A Stand-Out Cover Letter Can be the Difference Between an Interview and a Rejection

Not every hiring manager puts a lot of weight on cover letters, but some do! And when hiring managers require it, then there’s a high probability that they care a lot and use it to decide who to interview.

If you follow the steps above for how to write a cover letter that stands out to employers, you’ll get more interviews and find a job faster.

The following expert contributed to this post:

Virginia Franco is a multi-certified executive resume and LinkedIn writer and founder of Virginia Franco Resumes. She offers customized executive resume and LinkedIn profile writing services for the 21st century job seeker.

About the Author

Read more articles by Biron Clark

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• Crafting Catchy Cover...

Crafting Catchy Cover Letters: A How-To Guide

10 min read · Updated on May 16, 2024

Today, more than ever, having a catchy cover letter in your job-search toolkit is a must.

A lot of job seekers ask, “Do I really need a cover letter?” The answer is a resounding “Yes!” More often than not, writing a catchy cover letter is something people simply don't do because the overwhelming thought is that employers don't read them. That couldn't be further from the truth. 

On top of that, adding a catchy cover letter to your application can enhance the skills, achievements, and qualifications you include on your resume. Most importantly, though, a great cover letter makes you more human, more real, to the hiring manager reading your application. 

What's most critical is that your cover letter be engaging. Avoid using the same old boring content that everyone else is using. Instead, craft a catchy cover letter that grabs their attention. This is your how-to guide for doing that!

Cookie-cutter isn't the way to go

Everyone has seen cover letters that start like this, 

To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing to express my interest in the [POSITION TITLE] that I saw advertised for [COMPANY NAME].

It's a complete yawn-fest. It's boring. It's overdone. 

Since your cover letter is the first chance you get to make a solid introduction to a new employer, spice it up a bit. Use some humor, indicate that you're passionate about the job you're pursuing, and inject some of your personality to entice hiring managers to actually read what you have to say. 

What is a good opening line for a cover letter?

The main idea behind a great, catchy cover letter is that you want to tell a story. This doesn't mean you should regurgitate what's contained in your resume – no one wants to read the same things twice. It all starts at the beginning. The way you start your cover letter can make or break you.

Do you want the hiring manager to have a “Bleh” moment and toss your cover letter to the side?

Wouldn't you rather they be caught off-guard by your creativity and keep reading?

The best way to shake things up is to go off-script and write something that actually catches their attention. Here are some examples:

Show your passion: “Not too long ago, I came to the realization that my life's goals included giving back to my community through story-telling. After a lot of research, I discovered that a great way to do that was to go into Public Relations and Marketing to help connect consumers with companies to meet needs.”

Show some love: “I recently read an article about how [COMPANY NAME] was involved in improving our community by engaging employees in outreach events that…”

Prove your worth: “When I read about the job opening for [POSITION TITLE] at [COMPANY NAME], I knew I had to apply because I'd already saved my current company over $100K in logistics costs and I knew that I could do that for you, too.”

Highlight your personality: “A few years ago, I was exploring the mountain roads outside of Denver, and a stranded chicken jumped in my car – it's a funny story, I even have pictures. From that moment, I knew working with rescue animals was where I wanted my future to go.”

Now that you have their attention – write the body of your catchy cover letter

One thing to remember is that the introduction of your cover letter isn't supposed to be a monologue – keep that old adage that less is more in mind. The first paragraph of your cover letter is only meant to be a couple of sentences – just enough to pique the hiring manager's interest so they keep reading. Let's face it; it's not every day that some random chicken jumps in your car. That may be just the thing that entices the interviewer to call you in – so they can hear the story. 

The second paragraph of your catchy cover letter

The next part of your catchy cover letter should be a paragraph that transitions into how your introduction will make you a great part of their team. Without repeating all the great things you've written in your cover letter, highlight some of the skills and achievements from your career thus far to prove to them you have what it takes to be a valuable part of their team. 

The third paragraph of your catchy cover letter

You can actually write this third part as a paragraph or use bulleted achievement statements (like you'll see in the template later in this article). The idea here is to showcase your most impressive career achievements and your primary strengths. 

It's a good call to opt for bullets for this part of your catchy cover letter because if the hiring manager is skimming through your cover letter, it'll be easy for them to see what you bring to the table. Don't go crazy, though, and add a bunch of bulleted achievement statements. Stick to between three and five because you don't want the cover letter to go over one page. 

The closing of your catchy cover letter

Your last paragraph should close out the cover letter by reiterating your passion for the job and requesting an interview; this is called a call to action. After all, the whole point of writing a catchy cover letter is to get them to call you for a face-to-face meeting so you can win the job. 

The end of your cover letter is also a great place to explain faux pas in your resume or give details about why you're changing careers . You can even use this part to detail your desire to travel for work or indicate that you're relocating for this job. 

Here's what a catchy cover letter looks like

We know, instructions on how to do something is one thing, but seeing it all come together in an example is something even better. So, with that, here is a catchy cover letter example:

Contact Information

[Name][Company][Address]

Dear [Name],

Would [COMPANY NAME] benefit from having someone on their team who has generated $30K in revenue, increased blog traffic by 14%, and tripled social media ROI – all in one year? Then, I'm your person. Given my background in [EXPERIENCE RELATED TO FIELD] and [EXPERIENCE RELATED TO FIELD], I know I can repeat those results for you and feel that I would make additional significant contributions to the [POSITION TITLE] you currently have available.

Throughout my entire career, I have demonstrated consistent success [SOMETHING YOU HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO] to achieve high-reaching standards and goals. During my time with [COMPANY YOU CURRENTLY WORK FOR], I've built a reputation for [MAJOR ACHIEVEMENT]. On top of that, people often come to me from different departments because I'm known as someone who can [PICK A SKILL FROM THE JOB DESCRIPTION TO INJECT HERE]. 

Additional career experience and achievements include:

Achievement/accomplishment

I think it's a great idea for us to get further acquainted, and would truly value a moment of your time to discuss how my background aligns with your needs. If you agree we may have the basis for a mutually beneficial partnership; please feel free to contact me at your earliest convenience. I'd love to learn more about your team and the [POSITION TITLE] opening.  

I appreciate the time you're taking to review my application, and until we meet, I hope you have a great day!

[Your Name]

Related reading: You can find some career-specific cover letter examples here .

Why this template works

This catchy cover letter starts by discussing quantifiable achievements , which hiring managers drool over. Whenever you can deliver tangible results, the new employer will immediately know what you have to offer. 

Also, the fact that this letter indicates the results are repeatable shows that the applicant has done their research, understands the market, and is confident in their abilities. It helps the employer get the sense that the writer is genuinely passionate about their job. 

There isn't a hiring manager alive who wants to hire someone who is simply interested in earning a paycheck. Employers want employees who are dedicated and care about doing a good job. 

The closing of the cover letter template is proactive, inviting further discussion and reinforcing the applicant's desire to work for the company. 

Tailor your cover letter

You've probably heard about applicant tracking systems , also known as ATS, that companies use to weed out job seekers. Did you know that the ATS also scans cover letters? 

These systems are programmed to search for the right keywords – relevant phrases from the job description – to ensure that you are a good match. So, your catchy cover letter has to get past the ATS before it can impress the hiring manager. 

Did you notice the placeholders in the template? They're there for a reason.

As you read the job description for the position you want to apply to, you'll need to update your catchy cover letter with language that resonates with the new job. Let's say the new company wants someone who can work as a member of a cross-functional team. The last sentence of the second paragraph of the template would be a great place to include that phraseology. 

“On top of that, people often come to me from different departments because I'm known as someone who can bring harmony to processes by working as a member of a cross-functional team.”  

Just like that, you've tailored a bit of your cover letter . 

Catchy cover letter final tips and advice

Since the goal of your cover letter is to work with your resume to land your dream job – one of the most important aspects of anyone's life – it's critical to get it right. Let's talk about a few more things you need to know to craft a catchy cover letter that makes a strong impression and helps you win interviews. 

Use a professional letter format. You're not writing a letter to Grandma to thank her for the gift she got you, so make sure it's professional. Avoid using slang or overly casual expressions. Also, don't pack your cover letter with a lot of jargon that may or may not be understood outside of your current work circle. 

Keep it Short and Simple (K.I.S.S.). Remember the one-page rule. You're not trying to tell the hiring manager everything you've ever done in your career, instead, you're trying to pique their interest so they have a reason to call you to ask you more questions. 

Revise, edit, and do it again. Did you know that the average typed document has an average error rate of 8% ? Proofread your work, then get a friend to proofread it. After that, read it out loud to make sure it all sounds good. Cover letters, and resumes, too, for that matter, should have a 0% error rate.

Follow up. Prove that you're really interested in the position by following up with the employer if you don't hear back from them. 

Learn more: Read 10 of the Worst Cover Letter Mistakes to Avoid to round out your knowledge about having a stand-out cover letter.

Stand out from the crowd, win the interview

It may take a bit of time, but writing a catchy cover letter that lands you an interview is definitely worth the effort. When you follow the tips and strategies in this how-to guide, you'll be able to effectively highlight your skills and achievements in a way that gets the attention of a hiring manager and intrigues them to the point of calling you for an interview.

If you feel like your cover letter is falling short, or you're sending it out and not hearing back from companies, let TopResume check it out for you. While we're at it, we can give your resume a once-over, too. Upload them both for a free review from a resume-writing expert. 

Recommended reading: 

8 Tips to Stand Out in a Competitive Job Market

Perfect Cover Letter Salutations: Start Strong

Resume vs Cover Letter: How They're Different

Related Articles:

How to Maximize Your Resume Action Words to Wow the Employer

Cashier Skills: Add to Improve Your Resume!

Business Analyst Skills: Add to Improve Your Resume!

See how your resume stacks up.

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How to Start a Cover Letter To Keep Recruiters Reading

Customers Interviewed by:

Writing a good cover letter starts with the first word, so you need to know how to start a cover letter right.

Starting a cover letter on the right note is crucial to grab the recruiter’s attention. Whether you’re struggling with a blank document or have a solid foundation, a cover letter needs a punchy opening to make an impact on the hiring team.

What are the key ingredients to starting the perfect cover letter?

Here’s what we’ll cover in this article:

• What to include in your cover letter header.
• How to start a cover letter greeting.
• How to write an impressive cover letter opening paragraph.
• How to start a cover letter off strong.
• Examples of how to start a cover letter.

Each puzzle piece of your cover letter opener creates a detailed picture of who you are as a candidate. It proves to the recruiter that you’re worth contacting for a job interview . Make a standout first impression with your cover letter by including:

• A header with your contact information.
• A personalized greeting.
• A powerful opening statement.

Create your cover letter with AI to customize it for the job description. Optimize your cover letter and resume with Jobscan to get more interviews.

What to include in a cover letter header

The top of your cover letter should include a header with your critical contact information, like:

• Your name and professional title.
• Your phone number.
• Your email address.
• Your LinkedIn profile link.

You can also include other relevant links. These could be to your portfolio website, GitHub, Medium profile, or other industry-specific resources. They will help the recruiter understand your skills.

Include the date, the recipient, the company name, and the address or location of the organization. (This will depend on whether it’s an in-person, hybrid, or remote environment.)

Below is an example of a cover letter including personal information in the header with the date and company information below. This example was created with the Jobscan Cover Letter Generator .

Use our Cover Letter Generator to save yourself time writing your cover letter. The header section will auto-populate based on your resume, so all the details match perfectly.

How to write a cover letter greeting

If you usually start your cover letters with “Dear Sir/Madam” or “To whom it may concern,” it’s time to reinvent your greetings. Not only is this a boring way to start a cover letter, it can come across as lazy.

With a little investigation, it’s easier than ever to find the names of the recruiters or hiring teams. By taking a little time, you can personalize your greeting to boost your chances of a recruiter reading your cover letter from start to finish.

Beat out the 84% of job seekers who don’t find the hiring manager’s name to personalize their applications and go the extra mile.

How can you find the right person to address in your cover letter?

Turn to LinkedIn or the organization’s website.

On LinkedIn, you can either search for the company’s recruiter or talent acquisition team members. Or you can go to the “People” tab of their LinkedIn page to explore the current employees.

Suppose you’re looking for a job at PCL Construction and want to find the name of the recruiter who will likely be reading your cover letter. You can go to the search bar and find the recruiter managing that department by city.

With just a quick search, you’ll find the hiring team members in charge of the role you’re applying for!

You can also go directly to a company’s website and look for the “Team” or “About Us” page for information.

Targeting a greeting to a specific person is easier to do in smaller organizations. If you’re applying for a role at a large company, you can still write an engaging but more general greeting on your cover letter, such as:

• Dear [Department] Hiring Manager,
• Dear [Department] Team,
• Dear [Director of or Head of] Department,
• Dear [Company Name] Hiring Manager,

How to write a powerful cover letter opening paragraph

Recruiters spend just seven seconds scanning a candidate’s application , so it’s critical to capture their attention in the first line.

Be concise in your cover letter and choose your words with the desired impact in mind. Avoid falling into the old traps of opening your cover letter by stating what role you’re applying for and how you found it. Remember, you have a precious few seconds to illustrate how you can help the organization fulfill its needs, so make every sentence count.

Read the examples below and ask which one will have a greater impact on employers.

“I am thrilled to apply for the Research Analyst position at YouGov, where my experience in leading market research projects that boosted client engagement by 25% and my expertise in data interpretation have consistently delivered actionable insights and strategic recommendations. Using my skills in analyzing primary research data, I’m looking forward to helping your organization make data-backed decisions to drive growth and profitability in your projects.”

“I am excited to apply for the Research Analyst position at YouGov, an esteemed global online research company well-known for its accurate data and market insights. With my background in managing market research projects, interpreting data, and delivering actionable recommendations, I believe I can contribute significantly to your team.”

The point of your cover letter isn’t just to restate your skills from your resume . You need to prove the impact of your skills and how you’ll bring that impact to the organization.

It’s not about you, it’s about the company’s needs.

Tips for writing a strong cover letter opener

Now that you know what puzzle pieces you need to start a cover letter right, here are some tips to help wow the recruiter with its content.

1. Let your enthusiasm and passion shine through

Your resume illustrates your skills and qualifications , but your cover letter is the place to tell a story. Share what company qualities excite you, what draws you to the organization’s mission or values, and what direct experience you have with the company’s product or service.

Communicating your enthusiasm gives the recruiter an idea of how engaged and dedicated you’ll be to your performance.

With over five years of hands-on experience in property management, I am deeply passionate about creating exceptional living experiences for residents. Your industry-leading services and premium standards in property management systems make me excited about the opportunity to bring my dedication and expertise to your esteemed team.

2. Mention any mutual connections

If you have a professional connection in the company or were referred to a position, name-drop that connection at the top of your cover letter. A connection can help boost your chances of getting an interview, especially if that person can act as a reference.

Give your connection a heads-up if you discovered the opportunity on your own without a referral. That way, if they’re asked about you informally by the hiring team, they’ll know to expect questions.

If you want to give your cover letter a boost with a connection, you can reach out to someone in the company before you apply. Be genuine and try to connect with someone on the team you would be working with. Ask an authentic question or reach out to discuss their experience in the company. Tell them you want to apply for an opening. But don’t try to reach out to anyone just to get a name to plug in your cover letter. It can come across as disingenuous.

My interest in the Health Systems Analyst role was significantly piqued after speaking with Jane Doe, an eHealth Policy Analyst at your organization. Jane highlighted the cutting-edge technology initiatives and collaborative atmosphere within your IT department, which align perfectly with my 7 years of experience in healthcare IT, focusing on electronic health records (EHR) systems and data security.

3. Incorporate your company research

Writing a compelling cover letter requires that you do some research to show the recruiter that you’re aligned with the company’s values, mission, and culture. You need to express to the recruiter why you want to work at their specific organization .

Keep an eye on industry news and learn about the company’s latest projects. By incorporating details about what the organization is currently achieving, you position yourself as a better interview candidate over other applicants.

Your recognition as an industry leader, demonstrated by winning the Best Employer Award for three consecutive years and your successful launch of the community outreach initiative, highlights [Company Name]’s dedication to both employee well-being and social responsibility. I have a track record of increasing employee satisfaction by 20% through strategic wellness programs and look forward to contributing to your continued success.

4. Highlight your most impressive achievement

A well-written resume illustrates your achievements , but your cover letter is the best vehicle to add context and tell a compelling story to show off your impact. You can directly tie it into the role you’re applying for and help the recruiter forge connections between what you have accomplished in the past to what you can achieve for the future—particularly for their company.

In my previous role as a project manager at Apex Management Co, I spearheaded a comprehensive cost-reduction initiative that saved $500,000 annually by optimizing supply chain operations and renegotiating vendor contracts. This accomplishment directly relates to the efficiency and budget management skills required for the Operations Manager position at your organization, where I am eager to contribute to your mission of streamlining processes and enhancing operational efficiency.

5. Clearly state your unique value

In a sea of applicants, it can feel difficult to set yourself apart. But the truth is, no one has the same combination of experience or skills you do. The key to standing out is learning how to frame your unique value to solve a company’s problems. Expand on the key skills listed in the job description and draw on your research of the organization to explicitly spell out how you’ll benefit the team.

With a unique blend of creative and technical skills, I designed a user interface for the HealthCo App that increased user engagement by 40% through user-centered design principles and rigorous usability testing. I am looking forward to bringing this expertise to your organization as a UX Designer, addressing your need for more engaging and intuitive user experiences, particularly as you expand your digital offerings.

6. Keep your cover letter short

Remember that you want the recruiter to read your cover letter from start to finish, so make sure every sentence is meaningful and cut out the fluff. There should be plenty of white space to break up the text and not overwhelm the reader.

Reference our cover letter examples for inspiration on crafting the perfect cover letter.

Let AI write your cover letter for you

Jobscan’s premium Power Edit includes a cover letter generator that harnesses the power of AI to write a customized cover letter based on your tailored resume and the job description. With one click, you’ll generate a cover letter that follows best practices.

You can use it as a framework to defeat blank page syndrome and include anecdotes, details about your mutual connections, and bits of information from your research to impress the hiring team. You can make any alterations in Power Edit and download the PDF when it’s done and ready to be attached to your tailored resume.

Key takeaways

Your cover letter could be the key to landing the interview. By following these essential tips on how to start a cover letter, you’ll capture the attention of the hiring team from the first sentence.

Remember these cover letter rules as you start your writing.

• Make a clear opening statement that shows passion, knowledge, and your unique value.
• Keep your cover letter short—stick to a few concise paragraphs to make it readable.
• Be specific and clear about what you’ll bring to the role.
• Stay away from humor—the tone can be difficult to read.
• Avoid reusing the same cover letter and write a custom cover letter for each job.
• Don’t overinflate your accomplishments or lie about connections that don’t exist.

When including your contact information on a cover letter or resume, make sure to provide the following details: Full Name: Your first and last name. Phone Number: A number where you can be easily reached. Make sure your voicemail is professional. Email Address: Use a professional email address, preferably one that includes your name. Mailing Address: Include your current street address, city, state, and zip code. LinkedIn Profile: If you have a LinkedIn profile that is up-to-date and professional, include the URL. Professional Website or Portfolio: If applicable, include a link to your personal website or online portfolio showcasing your work. This ensures potential employers have multiple ways to reach you and can view your professional online presence.

A good opening sentence for a cover letter can grab the reader’s attention and introduce your purpose for writing. Here are a few examples: For a job application: “I am excited to apply for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name], as advertised on [where you found the job posting]. With my background in [your field or relevant experience ], I am eager to bring my skills and passion to your team.” For a career change: “With a strong foundation in [current field], I am thrilled to apply for the [Job Title] role at [Company Name] to leverage my skills in [new field].” For a specific achievement: “Having recently led a successful [project or achievement], I am enthusiastic about applying for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name] to bring my expertise in [specific skill or area] to your innovative team.” For expressing enthusiasm: “I have long admired [Company Name]’s commitment to [specific value or mission], and I am excited to apply for the [Job Title] position to contribute to your impactful work with my experience in [relevant experience or field].” For a networking referral: “After speaking with [Referrer’s Name], I am inspired to apply for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name] where I can utilize my skills in [specific skill or area] to further your goals.” These starters aim to make a strong first impression by highlighting your enthusiasm, relevant skills, and connection to the company.

Your cover letter opening should contain the following key elements: Your Enthusiasm for the Position: Show genuine excitement and interest in the role you are applying for. This sets a positive tone and captures the reader’s attention. Specific Mention of the Job Title and Company Name: Clearly state the position you are applying for and the name of the company. This ensures the reader knows exactly what role you are interested in. Brief Introduction of Yourself: Include a concise introduction that highlights who you are and what you bring to the table. This can include your current role, relevant experience, or a key achievement. Connection to the Company: Mention something specific about the company that resonates with you, such as their mission, values, recent achievements, or reputation in the industry. This demonstrates that you have researched the company and are genuinely interested in working there. A Hook or Key Strength: Highlight a key skill or accomplishment that makes you a strong candidate for the position. This can be a significant achievement, a unique skill set, or relevant experience that sets you apart from other applicants. Here is an example that incorporates all these elements: “I am excited to apply for the Marketing Manager position at XYZ Company, where I can combine my passion for innovative marketing strategies with my skills in digital advertising. With over five years of experience in driving successful campaigns that increased brand awareness and sales, I am eager to bring my expertise to your dynamic team. I have long admired XYZ Company’s commitment to sustainability and innovative product development, and I am thrilled at the opportunity to contribute to your impactful work. My recent achievement in boosting social media engagement by 40% through targeted campaigns is a testament to my ability to drive results and my dedication to excellence.”

To start a cover letter greeting effectively, follow these guidelines: Address the Hiring Manager by Name: Whenever possible, find out the name of the hiring manager or the person responsible for hiring. Addressing the letter to a specific person shows that you have done your research and adds a personal touch. Use a Professional Salutation: Use a formal greeting such as “Dear” followed by the person’s title (Mr., Ms., Dr., etc.) and last name. Avoid using first names or informal greetings. When You Don’t Know the Name: If you cannot find the hiring manager’s name, use a general but professional greeting such as “ Dear Hiring Manager ” or “Dear [Department] Team.” Avoid Outdated Phrases: Refrain from using outdated or overly formal phrases like “To Whom It May Concern.” A modern, professional greeting is more effective. Examples: When you know the hiring manager’s name: “Dear Ms. Smith,” When you know the hiring manager’s title and department: “Dear Marketing Team Lead,” When you don’t know the hiring manager’s name: “Dear Hiring Manager,” When applying to a specific department: “Dear Marketing Team,” Starting your cover letter with a proper greeting sets a professional tone and demonstrates your attention to detail.

Kelsey is a Content Writer with a background in content creation, bouncing between industries to educate readers everywhere.

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• Dear Hiring Manager
• Make Your Cover Letter Stand Out
• How To Sign A Cover Letter
• Salary Requirements In Cover Letter
• Referral In Cover Letter
• Cover Letter Body
• Use Dear Sir Or Madam?
• Use Mrs. Or Ms.?

Find a Job You Really Want In

There’s a lot that goes into writing a cover letter . If you’re new on the job scene, you’ve got to scrounge up some experience to include, learn how to make your writing readable to someone other than yourself, and you have to find out which mistakes to avoid so you don’t end up looking like a job-hunting rookie. Ugh, when does it end?

Here’s the deal:

Writing a cover letter can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be scary. In fact, there are many tips and tricks of the trade that can make your cover letter better than you ever thought possible. Lucky for you, we’ve got them all right here. You’re welcome.

Here’s everything you need to make your cover letter stand out in 12 easy steps:

1 Address Your Cover Letter to a Specific Person

Do what you can to find the exact name of the person who’s going to be reading your letter. This will make your cover letter more personalized, and they’ll appreciate that you took the steps to learn about who you’re writing to.

If the person’s name isn’t available directly anywhere in the job listing or on the company website, call the company and ask who the HR representative or hiring manager is for the position.

Never use outdated salutations like “Dear Sir or Madam” or “ To Whom It May Concern .” Using phrases like these shows that you didn’t do your homework and that you’re probably 100 years old.

If you’ve tried your best but haven’t been able to find the recipient’s name, you can use “Dear Hiring Manager” or one of its better-sounding alternatives .

2 Keep It Simple and Concise

Yes, it can be a challenge to describe how awesome you are within one page , but try not to go overboard. Cover letters should be a page or less, and the longer your cover letter is, the more you risk losing the employer’s attention.

Most hiring managers and recruiters agree that the ideal cover letter length is closer to half a page — these are busy people, after all. If you can say everything you need to say in 200 words, that’s great; don’t feel pressured to add more just to fill up space. 400 words is an absolute maximum, but sub-300 is the sweet spot.

If your cover letter is too lengthy, cut out unnecessary information and just leave in only the most important information.

3 Leave Plenty of White Space

You don’t want your cover letter to look cramped or overcrowded with information — this makes you appear to be sloppy and unprofessional. Include spaces between your greeting, the body of your letter, and your signature, and make sure to have appropriate margins (the standard 1-inch margins are fine).

A cover letter that’s tidy and concise is much easier to read than one that’s overloaded with unnecessary details. The hiring manager will thank you for not wasting their time.

4 Use the Same Font as Your Resume

Using a cohesive font with your application materials will make it look like you really have your life together. Using a clean, readable font like Times New Roman or Arial for your cover letter and resume will look neat and professional.

Font sizes should generally be 12-point, and you should avoid busy or distracting visual elements like underlined, highlighted, colored, or capitalized text.

Bold or italics can be used to emphasize key information or separate bullet point entries, but choose one or the other; don’t include both bold and italic text in your cover letter.

5 Don’t Just Rehash Your Resume

Your cover letter should complement your resume and specifically tell the employer how you meet their qualifications and what you can do for their company.

Regurgitating all of the information the hiring manager has already read on your resume is a huge waste of everyone’s time — including yours. Use your cover letter to focus on the specific skills that will benefit the company and provide a fuller picture of you as an employee.

Think of your resume as answering the “who, what, where, when” and your cover letter answering the “how” and “why.” That means your personality, work style , and unique perspective on how to get your job done should come through alongside your passion for the profession. That’s the kind of stuff you can’t find in a resume.

6 Open Strong

What better way to show off your candidacy than to highlight your most impressive skills from the very beginning? Describe your previous leadership positions, relevant achievements, and advanced skills in your first paragraph — this will ensure that you grab their attention as soon as they start reading.

If you’re not sure which of your many amazing experiences or skills to include , refer to the qualifications included in the job listing. When you show that you meet the employer’s top requirements, you’ll make them want to keep reading the rest of your cover letter.

7 Use Numbers and Statistics

Employers love to see numbers, and using statistics to illustrate the achievements you’ve earned with a company is a great way to show them that you’re focused on making an impact and getting results.

If you’ve improved employee participation in company fundraisers, include the percent increase. If you earned more money for your division than your predecessor, share the monetary difference. Using numbers will add value to your past work experiences, and make you seem more credible.

Numbers are your friend, even if you failed math repeatedly in college — we’ll just keep that our little secret.

8 Give Examples of Your Skills

Employers love stories — it helps them visualize you putting to use the skills you claim to have, and it makes you seem like you’re not just talking out of your ass.

Use a descriptive statement to show off a skill, like “I’m an expert maintenance technician with experience working on utility-scale solar fields,” and follow them up with a short anecdote:

“I have personally performed operations and maintenance on utility-scale, high voltage solar farms across the state, repairing and maintaining solar inverters and installing panels as needed.”

And just like that, you’ve made your cover letter more compelling. Way to go.

9 Customize Your Cover letter for Every Application

You should never use a generic, one-size-fits-all cover letter for every job you apply for. Employers can tell, and it basically just says “I literally could not care less about your company or the position.” Ouch.

Customize your letter for the specific job you’re applying for. Mention the company name, the title of the position, and directly address any of your qualifications that match the job requirements.

Your cover letter is your sales pitch to get an interview, so you’ll want to show what you can do for their company specifically.

A good way to make sure you hit all of the employer’s needs is by reviewing the job description and highlighting action verbs in one color and skills or adjectives in a different color. Then, look for ways to naturally incorporate that same language into your cover letter.

10 Leave Out Unnecessary Information

If a sentence doesn’t directly show off your candidacy for the job at hand, it’s not worth including in your cover letter. Never include personal information, and leave out your salary requirements unless the employer specifically asks for them.

Leave out details about leaving your last job , particularly if you were fired, and never badmouth any of your former bosses. Keep your cover letter focused on your credentials and make sure it stays professional.

11 Proofread, Proofread, and Proofread Again

There’s nothing worse than sending in a cover letter and realizing five minutes later that you spelled the company name (or your own name) wrong. Yikes, that would just be embarrassing.

Carefully proofread your letter, and even read it out loud to pick up any mistakes in grammar or syntax. You could even ask a friend or relative to look over it for you. If you can’t find a helper , we recommend reading your cover letter backwards — seeing each sentence in a different order does wonders for recognizing awkward phrases.

Whatever you do, just make sure to proofread your cover letter to avoid any embarrassing spelling or grammar mistakes. You probably won’t get the job of your dreams if your letter is addressed to Walt Fisney World.

12 Include an Email Signature

When you send in your cover letter, include a signature with your name, email address, and phone number. It shows that you’re interested in following up and makes it easier for the employer to get in contact with you. Simple as that.

You can also include a hyperlink to an online portfolio , personal website, or LinkedIn profile . That way, the hiring manager has a ready way to find out more information about you if they’re interested. Just make sure that any extra info you include directs them to a page you’re proud of, not a LinkedIn page with nothing but a headshot and 2 connections.

Final Thoughts

Cover letters can be tricky. You have to learn how to sell yourself the specific wants and needs a particular company is looking for, and you have to do so in a way that’s believable and compelling.

It sounds tough, but it’s not as hard as it seems! Follow these 12 steps and you’re sure to impress employers and land an interview.

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Maddie Lloyd was a writer for the Zippia Advice blog focused on researching tips for interview, resume, and cover letter preparation. She's currently a graduate student at North Carolina State University's department of English concentrating in Film and Media Studies.

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How to Make a Resume That Stands Out in 2024: A Guide That Stands Out

In This Guide:

What makes a resume stand out in 2023, key takeaways.

So you want to know how to make your resume stand out to recruiters?

You’re here because the generic “best practices from recruiters” advice you got until now was not very helpful. You already knew it all. You know what the baseline is .

But do you know how to write a visually appealing resume that makes you stand out from the crowd?

What makes a resume pop?

We, at Enhancv , asked ourselves the same questions. To find the standout factors, we did some research and testing.

We started by analyzing our clients’ resumes that helped them secure jobs at the likes of Amazon, Spotify, PwC, Verizon, and other top companies. We identified all the resume components that catch the eye of employers and recruiters. Then, we performed solid A/B testing, and finally, put together all our findings into one test resume . This test resume gathered over 1 million views, got covered by CNBC and Business Insider, and was praised by Mark Cuban .

BUILD MY RESUME LIKE THIS

To put it simply – it stood out and attracted attention.

The following advice helped thousands of candidates get interviews and land jobs at leading companies. We’ll share their resumes as case studies and explore different ways to make your resume stand out from the rest.

Here’s what you’ll learn from this guide:

• How to make a resume that both stands out and gets you interviews in 2023
• Case studies, tips, and professional examples from candidates that successfully landed jobs at top companies
• What resume layouts are getting more interviews and which are getting less
• How to pass automatic HR filters when creating a stand out resume

At the end of the day, you want your resume to stand out and land you a job, not raise HR’s eyebrows or get shared on Reddit for the sake of it.

So we won’t be using fancy fonts or inserting funny pictures. Every example we provide and each template we use has been thoroughly tested with HR systems to pass automatic filters.

This guide will take your resume from good to great, and here’s how.

• First, for every section we’ll cover a baseline, a bare minimum you need to do in order to have a competitive resume. Unfortunately, the majority of career guides stop at that.
• From there, we take it one step further with specific advice on how to make every section of your resume even more engaging and remarkable with out-of-box techniques.
• Finally, we’ll talk about the power of formatting and layout in creating an outstanding resume.

Along the way, we’ll provide case studies and real-life examples that helped candidates land real jobs at the companies they wanted.

Create attention-grabbing header section

The Header is the top section of your resume. It includes your name, location, job title, and contact details.

• Baseline: provide clear, typo-free contact and location details so that recruiters could contact you with zero effort.
• Stand out: include a link to your developed LinkedIn profile, add a custom headline, consider adding a photo.

Looking for ways to make your header stand out? See how you can perfect your resume header and get noticed .

Link to LinkedIn and/or personal portfolio website

Here’s a thing: 70% of recruiters will be checking your social media profiles. But the real bummer is that 79% of employers can reject candidates based on their social media.

Let’s turn this into our advantage and put a link to your LinkedIn profile in your Header section.

This will earn you extra points with recruiters and guide their attention to where you want them to be.

If you have a personal portfolio website that you want recruiters to see, link to it as well.

Gal included a link to his personal website to guide the recruiter’s attention, but also to keep his resume one-page without having to describe all the projects he’s worked on over the decade.

Pro tip: when applying for code-heavy jobs, consider linking to your Github.

Custom headline

Recruiters will spend most of their time analyzing the top third of your resume, and a custom headline is one of the most influential and often overlooked ways to grab their attention.

Headline goes immediately after your name on the resume and can include anything from your job title to a personal slogan.

However, you can do much better than simply putting your job title there., e.g. “System Administrator”.

Below are two amazing standout resume examples of a customized headline in action:

In the past, Daniel had two different jobs: Customer Support Engineer and Systems Administrator.

So he combined both qualifications in his headline, emphasizing experience with both people and systems.

This way he framed his diverse experience as an advantage before the recruiter even got to see the rest of the resume.

Result? Intercom hired Daniel. Check out the resume template that got Daniel the job.

For other jobs, you might want to get even more creative with your headline. For example, how are you going to stand out from hundreds of other marketers?

Wrong example : PPC specialist with 5 years of experience.

Right example : Fighting shady, aggressive marketing.

In his headline, Louis took a strong stance against something that was at the time a massive problem for established brands: shady viral marketing tactics of competition. Later he was hired by Hotjar. Check out the template that Louis used to get his dream job.

Custom headline allows you to frame the rest of your resume however you need, providing a halo effect. Daniel framed his work experience as an advantage for his next job, while Louis stood out from hundreds of marketers with the same skillset.

And the best part? Headlines can be easily tailored to every job you’re applying for, so you can easily switch between experience-based headlines, slogans, or anything related to your next job. Learn more about how to craft your headline here .

Should you include a photo in your resume or not?"?

Short answer: it depends. The best practice is to check company and government policy (including photos is illegal in some countries). For the long answer, head over to our helpful post on the topic .

Sam wanted to switch careers, but her extensive investment banking background made her resume look a bit boring for a startup-tech world.

So she used one of our resume templates, including her photo and adding some personality to her resume , to successfully score a job at Spotify.

To sum it up – you’ll need an attractive header section to make your resume stand out from the crowd. What you’ll also need is a special Summary section…

Use summary that captivates recruiters

The summary section is a short paragraph or bulleted list that briefly describes your professional experience before the rest of your resume.

Sometimes Summary is called an “Objective”, especially if you are using it to explain why you’re applying for the job.

• Baseline : short, easy-to-read, and impactful description of your professional experience
• Stand out : make your Summary memorable, use a proper layout .

Think of your Summary section as a cold email you’re sending someone you don’t know. If it’s a long, boring, and self-centered cold email, no one wants to read that.

But if you research your recipient, create an engaging and short cold email, you have a much higher chance of someone responding to it.

The Summary section, when done right, is one of the most powerful ways of “aligning” you to the position.

Sometimes you’ll hear the opinion that the Summary section takes too much space on your resume.

First, there’s an easy fix to it.

Let’s look at Daniel’s resume once again.

He puts the Summary section to the right of his Experience section. Why?

When recruiters scan your resume, they are checking your experience section first, but that doesn’t mean they don’t want to learn more about you after.

With his Summary, Daniel once again frames the recruiter’s perception, highlighting that he did the majority of his work experience remotely. It helps a lot given that the company he applied for, Intercom, is a fully remote organization.

At the same time, he also provides some insight into his personality, as he knows how important culture fit is in remote companies.

Learn as much as you can about the company you’re applying for to know what’s important to them, and use this information to make your Summary more memorable.

Another great way to use the Summary section is when you’re switching careers, have no work experience, or have gaps in your work history.

Seeing your experience section, recruiters will immediately ask themselves questions: why are they making the career switch? Do they have enough experience?

Be proactive and address the elephant in the room yourself.

Akshay S. Rao put a brief summary section before his experience section to explain why he wants the internship with Tesla in the first place.

Check out the job-winning resume layout that Akshay used to land a promising internship.

Okay, so you’ve mastered the Summary, and you are one step closer to making a creative resume that stands out from the rest. Now, it’s time to understand how to tie results with responsibilities and present your work achievements on your resume.

Always provide quantifiable achievements

One of the most common pieces of advice we hear from recruiters is “provide results, not responsibilities”.

Well, yeah, it’s great advice. But we can do even better than that.

• Baseline: when describing your experience, demonstrate the impact of your work and contribution to the bottom-line of a company
• Stand out: Add quantifiable achievements to other sections of your resume, creating a cohesive “rainmaker” narrative.

Compare these two Experience sections from our job-winning Tech resume guide.

The first example may seem clean and concise, but in reality, it’s generic and doesn’t bring impact.

When you provide quantifiable achievements in your resume, it’s not about bragging with numbers.

It gives recruiters the impression that the person knows the impact of their work and their value to the company. And knowing your impact makes you more effective and loyal, a recruiter’s dream.

Here’s a formula we are using to describe our experience in an engaging and impactful manner:

Accomplished [A] as measured in [B] by doing [C]

Just remember that quantifiable achievements don’t necessarily mean “numeric achievements”. Simply adding numbers to something doesn’t make it impactful.

As long as what you did makes an impact and benefits the company, it will resonate with recruiters.

The best part is that you can demonstrate impact throughout other sections of your resume, instantly making them more engaging and effective: Summary, Projects, even your headline.

Maximilian Malterer, who now works at Amazon, used our “Most Proud of” section and moved it right next to his experience section.

No matter how recruiters will be scanning this resume, they will notice the impact you made.

Access the job-winning resume of Maximilian layout at our library of top-performing templates .

Now, let’s discover what the Achievement section is and how to use it wisely.

Highlight awards and recognitions

• Baseline : candidates rarely have this section in their resumes
• Stand out : adding an Achievements section to your resume sets you apart from the majority of candidates in the hiring pool.

If we were to summarize what sets apart the majority of our customers whose successful resumes we’ve used throughout this guide, we’d say custom sections.

“Achievements”, “Awards”, and “Most Proud” sections are all great examples.

Adding them within our resume builder is a one-step drag-and-drop process, but the most important part is that you can quickly change the whole layout based on your particular needs.

As mentioned before, Maximilian put his most impactful Achievements right next to his Experience section, amplifying the overall impact, which is critical when you work with Amazon partners.

But Julian Prim, who now works with PwC, took a different approach. His high-stakes analyst job required extra attention to detail and next to perfect time-management skills.

After all, that’s what PwC had in mind for their operations specialist.

So Julian put his skills first to let recruiters know he checks all these boxes and added his “Most Proud” section below.

While Maximillians’s resume narrative is an ambitious and impactful account manager, Julian Prim is an efficient and timid analyst. The layouts of their resumes work great for both of them.

Pro tip : with simple drag and drop you can quickly change layouts and thus how your resume narrative.

Julian can easily become an ambitious superstar data wizard and apply for some hot BigData startup by simply dragging his “Most Proud” section to the top. Experiment with resume layouts by using the top-performing templates directly in our resume builder .

Surely, sharing awards and recognition is a way to make your resume stand out from other applicants and land you the job. But if you want to get things to the next level, you’d spend some time tailoring your resume and make it more specific to the position you are applying for.

Tailor your resume

Tailoring your resume to the job description is an extremely effective strategy for landing more job interviews.

Just don’t overdo it, otherwise, your efforts might seem too obvious.

• Baseline : include in your resume skills and keywords from your target job description
• Stand out : group skills and provide context for your core skills to maximize the impact and prove that you actually have these skills.

There are several ways to feature both technical and soft skills on your resume.

The majority of candidates will simply list them, but for recruiters, it’s as engaging as reading someone’s shopping list.

Instead, we have a few more easy-to-read and effective options you can use.

Daniel is a technical person. It was important for him to showcase his technical skills when applying for a job at Intercom, but he didn’t want to scare off recruiters with a poorly formatted list of 100+ technologies he learned during his career in IT.

He mentioned many skills and technologies he worked with when describing his Experience section, but for the skills section he followed the old wisdom of “less is more”.

So he identified four of the most important groups of skills he has and presented them as engaging infographics.

Adapt this layout and try out various visual styles using our freely accessible resume templates .

Julian went for the jugular with his PwC analyst resume. He was perfectly aware that the majority of analysts lack soft skills, and that was a great opportunity to stand out from his competition.

But instead of simply listing soft skills he presented them in a real-world context. Finally, he renamed the whole section “Strengths” to grab the recruiter’s attention.

Pro tip: Don’t be afraid to experiment with the names for your custom resume sections.

Recruiters are tired of seeing thousands of “My skills” sections to the point they automatically skim them.

But try naming them “Core strengths” or “Tech achievements” and you’ll hold their attention.

If you are interested in learning more about making your resume laser-targeted, read our post on the topic .

Did you know that nothing sets your resume apart from the rest more than sharing your personal story in it…

Show your career and personal story

So far, we’ve managed to make every section of your resume stand out and engage recruiters, showcasing your experience and achievement in the most convincing way.

Let’s apply some final effort with custom sections that will push your resume into a league of its own.

Here are the four custom sections our customers most often add to their job-winning resumes:

• Life philosophy

Marcellus Nixon, now Senior Director of Network Operations, had an excellent work history in the network communications sector.

You can access Marcellus’s full resume template here .

But so did every candidate who was aiming for an executive role at Verizon.

At this level, candidates rarely can outperform each other on a skill basis.

At the end of the day, organizations hire humans, and if recruiters feel that there’s a person behind all the achievements on your paper, they will remember you.

That’s why Marcellus decided to add “A Day In My Life” and “Life Philosophy” sections.

With these two custom sections, his resume narrative switched from “experienced network executive” to “experienced network executive with a strong work ethic and a solid plan.”

Exactly what Verizon, a global network mogul, needs.

Still with us? Good.

It’s all fun and games until we mention proper formatting. Are there any tricks to it? What colors and fonts are appropriate? Let’s see how you can make your resume stand out visually.

Apply formatting tricks to create stand out resume

Watch out for white space.

According to an eye-tracking study from Ladders Inc, resumes that lack white space turn recruiters off.

The easier your resume reads, the more chances there will be that the recruiter reads every section of it.

If you have a lot to put on your resume, use smart layout and custom sections.

The two resume examples feature the same amount of information, yet the second one is much more engaging and comfortable to digest.

Pro tip: after you filled all the sections of your resume, look at it with your eyes squinted. If your resume feels like a big cluttered black spot, start decluttering it.

Declutter your resume with minimalism approach

Make a point of using as few words to describe your experience as possible. The worst thing you can do is trying to sound smart.

Bad example: developed an elaborate testing environment throughout a wide array of 22 company and partner software assets

Good example: Launched a test-to-production environment for 22 software products

Use well-tested fonts and combinations

Don’t be afraid to use several fonts on your resume, especially if you want to bold certain parts of your resume like headers or titles.

Just remember to limit yourself to only three fonts per resume , and try using font pairs that were already tested together by designers and user experience experts.

Make colors work for you

Here’s a really elaborate, but effective trick you can use to earn some extra points: try using the company’s brand colors on your resume.

Surely don’t put a company logo or use the exact color palette, go for a subtle effect .

It’s a bit of reverse psychology: in-house recruiters that know brand colors too well may subconsciously gravitate towards resumes with familiar colors.

Proofread your resume at least 3 times

Even the most elaborate and engaging resume can quickly become a recruiter’s kryptonite when a single typo creeps into your sentences.Make sure to proofread your resumes at least three times before you send them out. If you’re using our resume builder, it will automatically check every resume you create or upload for typos.

Study specific cases of resumes that stood out from competition

Writing a resume that stands out with no work experience.

• Put Education and Projects section on the top left and top right
• Hide GPA if it’s below 3
• Add a link to personal industry-related projects or Github if you’re in development
• Include a short objective to frame the recruiter’s expectations
• Use custom sections (e.g. Projects and Certification) to stand out from hundreds of applicants
• DON’T mention passion in your objective.

Successful example: [internship at Tesla]

Tips for making your resume stand out for senior employees

• Use custom section to stand out from your competition and add personality to your top-management experience (e.g. “A Day In My Life” and “Life Philosophy”  sections)
• Frame your experience with a well-researched custom headline on top
• Add links to a business-related profile (LinkedIn)
• Frame Skills sections in a unique way (e.g. name them “Workflows”, “Strengths”)

Successful example: senior manager resume at Verizon

How to create a standout resume with bad work history

• Go for a functional layout resume where skills and workflows are prioritized over the experience section
• Create a proxy item in your experience section, e.g. “Freelancer”, or “Agency” and list your temporary experiences within it
• Write an engaging Summary section to address the recruiter’s questions about your inconsistent work history and turn it to your advantage (e.g. several areas of competence)
• DON’T mention passion in your objective. Just don’t.

Standout resume for different positions

Over years we’ve shared and updated a library of 530+ professional resume example guides with best practices and tips for specific job titles.

Simply type in the job title you’re applying for, and you’ll get a resume guide similar to this one with actionable tips specific to your dream job.

BROWSE RESUME EXAMPLES

• Small details matter: make every section stand out for the compound effect
• Extensively research the company you’re applying for and use your findings in different sections
• Add custom sections to stand out and boost engagement with recruiters
• Visuals and readability matter more than you think. Watch your white space, fonts, and formatting

Did you like the guide? Anything else that we’re forgetting and you might want to add? What are your tips for creating a stand-out resume? Jump in the discussion below.

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07-10-2020 HIT THE GROUND RUNNING

7 critical steps to make your cover letter stand out

Your cover letter can seal the interview deal even if your résumé can’t. Here’s how to get it right.

[Photo: artisteer/iStock]

BY  Gwen Moran 3 minute read

Résumés get the attention, but a good cover letter can go a long way toward helping you get the attention of hiring decision-makers. A recent survey by ResumeLab found that 83% of respondents claimed that a great cover letter can land an interview even if your résumé isn’t good enough .

But what makes a good cover letter? This seven-point cheat sheet will help you write a letter that’s short, sweet, and gets attention.

First, be interesting

You have just a few seconds to grab the reader’s attention, so start with whatever it is about you that will grab their interest, says Amy Soricelli , vice president of career services at Berkeley College. If you’ve been referred by someone influential, lead with that. Otherwise, think about the fact or brief anecdote that will catch interest. It might be your experience, expertise, or a big impact you made, Scoricelli says. Avoid at all costs the typical—and drab—”I’m writing about your job listing,” she says.

Focus 100% on your value

Let recruiters and hiring managers know exactly how you’re of value. Pick out the most important skills, experiences, training, accolades, and other accomplishments, says career coach Ronald J. Auerbach , author of Think Like an Interviewer: Your Job Hunting Guide to Success . Share them in descending order of importance. Consider how you would use keywords from the job ad in your résumé and integrate them in your cover letter, too.

Think about your salutation

Auerbach says there are a number of salutation options ranging from “Dear Hiring Manager” to “To Whom It May Concern” or “Dear Sir or Madam.” When possible it’s best to address your cover letter to a person. However, if you’re responding to an ad, you may need to choose a generic option. The best one depends on your industry norms, he says. “Some feel these standards are outdated and should be avoided in favor of the more modern salutations. Others feel it’s better to avoid the modern ones and stick with the old standards,” he says.

Keep it short

Many companies now use applicant tracking systems, which can typically accommodate a cover letter up to 250 words, says career coach Rachel Montañez . “There has been some research done that shows that the length that typically gets past an applicant tracking system,” she says.

As for structure, Montañez typically recommends a compelling lead paragraph, then two to three short paragraphs or bullet points in the body highlighting your key strengths, and a closing that includes your interest in the next steps.

Show off (a little)

Between the opening and close, make a powerful case for why you’re the right person for the job and company, Montañez says. Use active words to describe how you truly made a difference . Instead of “I have worked on financial reports,” try “I single-handedly created my team’s financial reports and presented them to senior management.” Bring a sense of enthusiasm to the writing, she advises. Your cover letter shouldn’t just repeat what’s in your résumé. Work on adding something fresh.

It’s common advice, but cannot be overstated, Soricelli says. Typos can indicate carelessness and put you out of the running before you start. Use your word processing program’s spell check and editing functions and get someone who can spot typos and grammatical errors to take a look at it before you hit send. The reason career experts keep telling people to proofread is because the advice is often ignored, she says.

Write intentionally

Your cover letter is an opportunity to give the person reading it a brief glimpse into who you are as a person, Soricelli says. Use it to tell a brief, interesting story about why you’re the best choice to hire. Take a little time with the cover letter to be sure it is tailored to the job and reflects you and your personality.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Gwen Moran is a writer and author specializing in business and finance . Her work has appeared in many leading business publications and websites, including Entrepreneur, Kiplinger.com, Newsweek.com, The Los Angeles Times Magazine, and others   More

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4 tips to help your resume stand out.

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Male indian hr, recruiter or employer holding cv having online virtual job interview meeting with ... [+] african candidate on video call. Distance remote recruitment conference chat. Over shoulder view.

There’s never a bad time to focus on your resume, except when you’re actually in a job interview, or maybe when you’re driving. Regardless, no matter where you are in the job-hunt process, it’s always good to be ready to update your resume. Here are a few tips to make sure it stays fresh.

Customizing your resume for each job application is so big. Begin by carefully reading the job description and identifying the key skills and experiences that are most valued by the employer, and then make sure those words appear on your resume (just like SEO!). Use the same language and keywords from the job description to make it immediately clear how good you’d be for the job. This is tedious, but it’ll also help your resume pass the software that many companies use to filter resumes.

Instead of a super old objective statement, open your resume with a professional summary that highlights your career achievements and key skills. It’s all the rage these days (well, among resume nerds). This section should be a brief, impactful pitch that shows why you are the best fit for the position. And keep it profesh with the aesthetics, too, as Elle Wood herself always taght. The layout and design of your resume are just as important as the content. Opt for a clean, professional format with plentty of white space to make it easy to read. Stick to traditional fonts like Helvetica, Arial, or Times New Roman in a size between 10 and 12. Oh, and avoid excessive use of bold and italics; they’re just so dramatic

Get Numerical

Numbers speak louder than words, I feel like FDR or Cardi B or something said that. Boost your resume by quantifying your achievements with data and statistics. For example, instead of saying "responsible for managing a team," say "managed a team of 10 and increased productivity by 20% within the first year." And try to be honest, because numbers can be fact-checked.

Use Active Language

Use action verbs such as "achieved," "developed," "transformed," and "managed" to convey your professional experiences and accomplishments. That’s way better than saying, idk, random stuff? Honestly, though, active language makes your resume more dynamic and reader-friendly. Run ran fetched scouted. There are all kinds of examples. Each bullet point in your experience section should start with a compelling verb that paints a picture of your expertise and initiative; you’ll look energetic and fun!

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