- Career Advice
- Cover letter
- How to make a cover letter stand out: top tips and examples
How to make a cover letter stand out: top tips and examples
- What makes a cover letter stand out?
- Crafting an eye-catching opening line
- 1. Be enthusiastic
- 2. Show off a recent achievement
- 3. Show a connection
- Tips for writing a stellar cover letter body and closing
- Writing a cover letter body that sells your skills and achievements
- Closing out your cover letter and landing an interview
- Example of a stand-out cover letter
- Key takeaways
Your cover letter will likely land on a hiring manager’s desk with many more just like it. Learn how to make a cover letter stand out with the help of examples in this guide.
A cover letter is invaluable when you are applying for a new job. It’s what first introduces you to a potential employer, gives them a glimpse of your skills, and explains some of your top achievements. Your cover letter is more than just a formality. It’s your opportunity to communicate directly with a hiring manager, set the stage for your resume, and leave a lasting impact, which is why it’s a good idea to learn how to make a cover letter stand out.
In this guide, we will look at:
What makes a cover letter stand out?
Crafting an eye-catching opening line
Tips for writing a stellar cover letter body and closing
Example of a stand-out cover letter
What makes a cover letter stand out?
When crafting a cover letter, show a hiring manager how you can benefit their organization. Every business has its challenges, and your goal should be to become the missing piece that solves those problems. Your cover letter is your opportunity to show a potential employer you can do just that.
Certain cover letters stand out more than others for a variety of reasons. When you are writing your cover letter, keep in mind that a great cover letter:
Displays a good summary of experience. First and foremost, a stand-out cover letter shows a potential employer that the candidate has the experience needed to be successful in the role. The summary of their skills and work experience should tie in with the job description.
Shows how challenges are addressed. A hiring manager will be looking for candidates who can take on the challenges faced in the open role. Therefore, cover letters that show how a candidate effectively addressed similar challenges will be more impactful.
Portrays a professional and knowledgeable candidate. A cover letter presents a candidate who understands the responsibilities of the role and has a professional demeanor and knowledge about the company.
Ties achievements to data and statistics. Hiring managers love to see achievements that are quantifiable because it demonstrates what types of results they can expect to see in their own organization.
Makes the information easy to read. A good cover letter is thoughtfully organized, has plenty of white space, and is free from spelling and grammar errors.
Solves a problem. Potential employers are drawn to cover letters that show a candidate understands their unique needs and can positively impact the company. A cover letter should illustrate how a company’s current problems will disappear when that candidate is hired.
Crafting an eye-catching opening line
The opening line of your cover letter is where you will first introduce yourself to a hiring manager. To capture their attention immediately, you should spend some time creating a compelling opening line.
Here are some great tips and options to consider when crafting your own cover letter:
1. Be enthusiastic
Hiring managers love candidates who are excited about their role, company, or industry. Not only does being enthusiastic show your interest in the role, but it also shows that you are motivated and passionate about the work you do. Adding that enthusiasm to your opening line can be impactful. Here’s an example of an enthusiastic opening line:
“As a long-time follower of [company name]’s innovative work, I am excited for the opportunity to contribute to your team as a [position title].”
2. Show off a recent achievement
Do you have an achievement that you are especially proud of that relates to the role you are applying for? Consider including that in your opening line. Hiring managers will be drawn to your cover letter because they will instantly see the potential impact you could have on their company. Here’s an example of what to include in your cover letter:
“After successfully driving sales by 30% in my previous role as [position title], I look forward to bringing my proven tactics of exceeding targets to your dynamic team at [company name].”
3. Show a connection
If you’ve been referred to this role by someone in your network or who works at the company, include a mention of that in the opening line. Here’s what that might look like:
“When [referral name] mentioned [company name] had an open [position title] role, I was very excited because my background in [industry name] would be a perfect fit for your team.”
Tips for writing a stellar cover letter body and closing
The opening line isn’t the only area where a cover letter needs to stand out. You also need to ensure the body and closing as well as the other parts of your cover letter continue to catch the attention of the hiring manager.
Writing a cover letter body that sells your skills and achievements
Immediately following your introduction paragraph, you’ll dive into the body of your cover letter. This is the section you will devote to showing a potential employer what your skills and achievements are.
As in the introduction, the body should be customized for the role you are applying for. Look at the job description to determine which of your skills and achievements will best align with the role. Then, you can customize your cover letter around what will make you most successful in that role.
As my enclosed resume shows, my background and experience lie in project management, data analysis, and team leadership. While my current role has provided me an opportunity to grow my skill set and achieve many things I’m proud of, I’m excited to take on a new challenge. The product manager opening at [Company Name] looks like a perfect fit. I’m confident I will be a valuable asset to your team thanks to my communication, problem-solving, and collaboration skills.
Some highlights of my achievements include:
Streamlined project management processes, resulting in 20% increase in efficiency and a reduction in time-to-market for new products.
Increased user engagement by 30% and enhanced customer satisfaction rates by 15%.
Led a team of 10, facilitated training sessions, and enhanced communication and collaboration to improve high-quality products.
Whenever possible, quantify all your achievements. For example, if you’ve increased sales at your previous company, include the specific percentage of increase you achieved. Your goal should be to demonstrate your potential value to the organization, highlight your relevant skills, and show how you will fit with the team’s culture.
Closing out your cover letter and landing an interview
The final step in crafting a compelling cover letter is adding a closing paragraph. In your closing, tie your experience to the role again, express your enthusiasm and gratitude, and ask the hiring manager directly for an interview.
“Thank you for considering my application. I’m excited to discuss how my skills, experience, and passion for product management will contribute to the success of [Company Name]. I look forward to scheduling an interview with you.”
Regards,
[Your Name]
Example of a stand-out cover letter
Now, let’s tie everything together and look at a full example of a stand-out cover letter from start to finish. Feel free to customize this cover letter as your own or use it for inspiration.
[Your Name] [Your City, State, Zip Code] [Email Address] [Phone Number] [Date]
[Recipient’s Name] [Company Name] [City, State, Zip Code]
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
With over 10 years of experience in the marketing industry, I am writing to express my interest in the marketing manager position at [Company Name]. I have a background in digital marketing, customer relationship management, and data analytics, and am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your team and help achieve the company’s strategic goals.
As my enclosed resume shows, I’ve successfully led several cross-functional teams, executed integrated marketing campaigns that increased brand awareness, and drove sales. My experience includes conducting market research, crafting compelling content, and utilizing digital marketing tools.
Some highlights of my achievements include:
Optimized marketing campaign based on trend and campaign data, resulting in 15% increase in ROI.
Oversaw launch of new product, met all project milestones and deadlines, and increased sales by 30% in first quarter.
Analyzed competitor strategies and market trends, developed innovative marketing strategies, and increased competitive positioning by 15%.
Thank you for considering my application. I’m excited to discuss how my skills, experience, and passion for marketing will contribute to the success of [Company Name]. I look forward to scheduling an interview with you.
Regards,
[Your Name]
If you’re still looking for the best cover letter template, Career.io’s cover letter library has many options to choose from.
Key takeaways
When writing your cover letter, focus on highlighting how you can benefit the company by addressing its challenges.
Showcase your relevant experience, skills, and quantifiable achievements that align with the job description.
Catch the hiring manager’s attention from the start with an eye-catching opening, express your enthusiasm, and remain positive and professional throughout the cover letter.
