good adjectives for a cover letter

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Describing Words for Cover Letter: Examples & Tips

When it comes to crafting the perfect cover letter, choosing the right words is crucial. After all, your cover letter is your chance to make a strong first impression and stand out from the competition. That’s why it’s important to use adjectives that accurately describe your skills, experiences, and qualifications. In this article, I’ll be sharing a comprehensive list of adjectives that you can use to enhance your cover letter and make it more impactful. Whether you’re applying for a job in finance, marketing, or any other industry, these adjectives will help you showcase your strengths and make a lasting impression on potential employers.

One of the most effective ways to make your cover letter stand out is by using descriptive adjectives that highlight your unique qualities. By carefully selecting the right adjectives, you can paint a vivid picture of your capabilities and demonstrate why you’re the perfect fit for the job. Throughout this article, I’ll provide examples of how you can incorporate these adjectives into your cover letter to make it more compelling and persuasive. So, whether you’re a seasoned professional or a recent graduate, get ready to supercharge your cover letter with these powerful describing words.

Table of Contents

How to Describe cover letter? – Different Scenarios

When it comes to describing a cover letter, it’s important to tailor your language to fit different scenarios. Whether you’re applying for a job, seeking an internship, or contacting potential clients, here are some tips on how to effectively describe your cover letter:

• Job Application – When applying for a job, it’s crucial to highlight your qualifications and experiences that match the specific requirements of the role. Use adjectives that showcase your expertise and skills in a way that aligns with the job description. For example:
• Internship Application – Applying for an internship requires a slightly different approach. Highlight your willingness to learn and your dedication to gaining valuable experience. Here are some descriptive words to consider:
• Client Communication – If you’re reaching out to potential clients, your cover letter should showcase your professionalism and expertise. Use words that demonstrate your ability to solve their problems and meet their needs. Some examples include:

Remember to use specific examples and provide evidence of your skills and accomplishments. Tailoring your language to different scenarios will make your cover letter more impactful and increase your chances of success.

Describing Words for cover letter in English

When crafting a cover letter, choosing the right words to describe yourself and your qualifications is crucial. It’s important to use adjectives that not only highlight your skills and qualities but also align with the specific requirements of the job or opportunity you’re applying for. Here are some powerful adjectives that can make your cover letter stand out:

• Motivated : Employers are always looking for individuals who are driven and proactive. Expressing your motivation shows that you have a strong work ethic and are committed to excelling in your role. For example, you can say, “I am a highly motivated individual with a passion for exceeding expectations.”
• Adaptable : Demonstrating your flexibility and adaptability is valuable as it shows that you can handle various tasks and adjust to changing circumstances. Use this adjective to convey your ability to thrive in different environments, such as, “I am an adaptable professional who can easily navigate through diverse projects.”
• Innovative : Employers are seeking candidates who can bring fresh ideas and creative solutions to the table. Present yourself as someone who can think outside the box and contribute to the organization’s growth and success. For instance, you can say, “I am an innovative thinker who enjoys finding unique solutions to complex problems.”
• Detail-oriented : Attention to detail is an essential quality in many positions. Showcasing your meticulousness conveys that you are thorough and committed to delivering high-quality work. For example, you can say, “I have a keen eye for detail and strive for excellence in all aspects of my work.”
• Collaborative : Teamwork is often a key aspect of many roles, so highlighting your ability to work well with others is essential. Employers appreciate candidates who can collaborate effectively and contribute to a harmonious work environment. You can mention, “I am a collaborative team player who values open communication and cooperative problem-solving.”

Remember, it’s not enough to simply use these adjectives in your cover letter. It’s equally important to back them up with concrete examples that demonstrate how you embody these qualities. By using powerful and descriptive adjectives, you can make a strong impression on potential employers and increase your chances of landing your desired opportunity.

Adjectives for cover letter

When it comes to crafting a cover letter, choosing the right words is essential. Using adjectives can help you effectively describe yourself and make a strong impression on potential employers. In this section, I will provide you with a list of positive and negative adjectives to use in your cover letter, along with example sentences to help you understand how to incorporate them into your writing.

Positive Adjectives for Cover Letter with 12 Example Sentences

• Motivated : I am motivated to take on new challenges and learn new skills.
• Enthusiastic : I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute to your team.
• Dedicated : I am dedicated to delivering high-quality results and meeting deadlines.
• Reliable : As a team player, I am reliable and always strive to exceed expectations.
• Creative : I bring a creative approach to problem-solving and enjoy thinking outside the box.
• Detail-oriented : I have a detail-oriented mindset, ensuring accuracy in all aspects of my work.
• Adaptable : I am adaptable and thrive in fast-paced, dynamic work environments.
• Collaborative : I enjoy working in collaborative settings and value diverse perspectives.
• Organized : My organized nature allows me to effectively manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively.
• Responsible : I take responsible ownership of my work and strive for excellence.
• Excellent communicator : I am known for my excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Proactive : I take a proactive approach to problem-solving, always anticipating issues and seeking solutions.
• Impatient : I acknowledge that in the past, I have been impatient at times, but I have learned to manage it effectively.
• Detail-oriented : While being detail-oriented is generally a positive trait, I understand the importance of balancing it with efficiency.
• Perfectionist : I am aware that being a perfectionist can sometimes cause delays, and I am continuously working on finding a healthy balance.
• Reserved : Although I might come across as reserved at first, I quickly warm up in collaborative environments.
• Independent : While I value independent work, I recognize the importance of independent collaboration and teamwork.

Synonyms and Antonyms with Example Sentences

Synonyms for cover letter

When writing a cover letter, it’s important to use a variety of words to effectively convey your skills and attributes. Here are some synonyms that you can use in your cover letter to make it more impactful:

• Creative – Innovative, Imaginative
• Responsible – Reliable, Trustworthy
• Proactive – Self-motivated, Initiative-taking
• Detail-oriented – Meticulous, Thorough
• Adaptable – Flexible, Versatile

Antonyms for cover letter

To create a well-rounded cover letter, it’s also important to include a mix of positive and negative adjectives. Here are some antonyms that you can use to showcase your self-awareness and ability to reflect on areas of improvement:

• Impatient – Patient, Composed
• Inflexible – Adaptive, Open-minded
• Indecisive – Decisive, Confident
• Disorganized – Organized, Systematic
• Inattentive – Attentive, Focused

Remember, using a mix of synonyms and antonyms in your cover letter will help you showcase your varied skills, self-awareness, and ability to reflect on personal growth. Incorporate these words thoughtfully and always back them up with examples to strengthen your overall message. Keep honing your cover letter and you’ll increase your chances of landing the desired opportunity.

Crafting a cover letter that stands out from the competition is crucial when applying for a job. Throughout this article, I have emphasized the importance of choosing the right words to describe yourself and your qualifications. By utilizing a range of adjectives, both positive and negative, you can effectively showcase your skills, attributes, and personal growth.

Incorporating synonyms and antonyms into your cover letter adds depth and variety to your language, making it more engaging for the reader. Remember to back up these adjectives with specific examples to strengthen your overall message and demonstrate your abilities.

However, the work doesn’t stop there. It’s essential to continuously refine and hone your cover letter to increase your chances of landing the desired opportunity. By using the adjectives and examples provided in this article, you can create a compelling cover letter that captures the attention of potential employers.

So, take the time to carefully choose your words and make your cover letter a powerful reflection of your skills and qualifications. With the right adjectives, you can make a lasting impression and secure the job of your dreams.

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Best Words To Describe Yourself (For Resumes, Cover Letters, and Interviews)

• How To Write A Resume
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• How To Build A Resume
• Specific Resume Words
• Action Verbs On A resume
• Words To Describe Yourself
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Using the right words can make a huge difference in a resume, cover letter , or interview. You only get a show time to sell yourself as a candidate, meaning that picking the right descriptors can make a huge difference. Make sure to use strong adjectives, action words, power words, and language specific to your industry when describing yourself.

Word choice in a resume and cover letter are extremely important, as they’re both short documents that need to impress a hiring manager in a hurry. If you’re writing a resume, cover letter, or going to an interview and want to know the right adjectives to use, then keep reading.

Key Takeaways

You can use action verbs, industry-specific skill words, and powerful adjectives to describe yourself in resumes, cover letters, and interviews.

Stay away from buzzwords, slang terms, and hyperbolic descriptors.

Incorporate keywords from the job description into your resume and cover letter in order to get past ATS filters and to a real person.

Power words are words that evoke an emotional reaction. They’re often used in marketing techniques, but can also be useful for resumes, cover letters, and interviews.

The best words to use to describe yourself

Tips for using power words in your resume, tips for incorporate power words into your cover letter, how to answer “how would you describe yourself” at a job interview, example answers to “how would you describe yourself”, resume-killing phrases to avoid, best words to describe yourself faqs, ask the experts.

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It’s important to use evocative words when describing your personality, skills, or accomplishments. You have to make sure you don’t go overboard, but be sure to use active voice and powerful adjectives. You want to sound proactive and results-oriented.

Emphasize using these types of words:

Strong verbs. On your resume, you want to make sure that you start your sentence with a verb, and the stronger the better.

For instance: Arranged and organized weekly team meetings.

Rather than: Responsible for arranging and holding weekly meetings.

The first once sounds much more proactive and punchier, emphasizing the active part of your duties. A well-written cover letter will prioritize stronger verbs as well, as will an interviewer . For instance, replace commonly used verbs with stronger one, such as:

Change cut costs to decreased, streamlined, economized, reduced expenses, or controlled costs

Replace led with: orchestrated, conducted, directed, or spearheaded

Created with designed, crafted, developed, formulated, or conceptualized

Boosted with increased, accelerated, drove, improved, or optimized

Improved with advanced, enhanced, increased, or strengthened

Trained with facilitated, educated, instructed, taught, guided, or coached

Industry skill words

If you want to catch a recruiter ’s attention, consider what industry you’re in. There are certain skills or keywords that show your expertise in a particular industry and are likely to be skills that hiring managers are looking for. It also shows that you’re familiar with the skills and expertise required in the job you’re applying for.

Here are a few examples:

Sales: relationship building, negotiation, persuasive communication, prospecting, closing, territory development

Management: leadership, supervisory skills, coaching, mentoring

Marketing: SEO, conversion optimization, email marketing, content marketing

Accounting: taxation compliance, automatic data processing (ADP), reconciliation, accounts payable, accounts receivable , return on assets

Project management: budget management, proposal writing, compliance, vendor management, risk mitigation

Administration: attention to detail, creating macros, confidentiality, Microsoft Office suite, scheduling

Engineering: quality control , troubleshooting, materials management, research and development, systems integration

Web development: graphic design, user experience, e-commerce, web design, front end/back end, Java, HTML/CSS

Finding these industry-related keywords is easier than you think. Just do a quick Google search for the job openings in that industry. Read the job descriptions and look for any keywords that stand out. Jot down any that describe the qualifications and skills that you have.

Or, even better, identify keywords from a specific job description. Then include these keywords in your resume. When you know what your potential employers are looking for , it’s easy to reverse engineer your resume to show you are a perfect match for their needs.

Powerful Adjectives

When you are writing your resume you want to come across as a rock star, but not sound like a commercial. You need to strike that perfect balance between strong and enticing and blatantly promotional. Choosing the right adjectives for your resume summary statement and the body of your resume will help you find that sweet spot.

Employers are looking to attract and retain top talent. Leadership shows that you have initiative and can drive results for their organization.

You don’t want to use the word leadership over and over. You want to vary it a bit. Here are some words to describe your leadership qualities. Below are a couple of examples. Leadership Adjectives:

Authoritative

Goal-Oriented

Teamwork Adjectives:

Deadline Driven

Detail Oriented

Communication Skills

Collaborative

Cross-functional

Team-player

Using power words, strong verbs, and powerful adjectives are a great way to catch a recruiter’s attention — so long as you don’t overdo it. There are ways that you can incorporate strong language into a resume more effectively, and here are tips to writing up an excellent resume.

Be concise. Short pithy sentences beat longer sentences. Simple direct sentences have more power.

Keep bullet points to one line. Try not to have bullet points wrap around. Shorten them to one line if possible.

Eliminate any widows. A widow is a single word that is wrapped around and is alone on the next line. Don’t do this:

Spearheaded initiative to go green and eliminate delivery truck gas emissions by August 2021

Include ATS friendly words. You may have the best resume in the world, but if your resume is not ATS-friendly , it may never be seen by the potential employer. ATS stands for applicant tracking system and is the robot filter that companies use to handle large amounts of resumes — you need to make it past the filter to be seen.

If you want to get your resume seen, you’ll want to include the right ATS keywords. You write resumes both for people and for the applicant tracking system. Many bigger companies scan and search through resumes pulling top applicants to the top. If your resume doesn’t make it through the ATS system, it may never be seen by a recruiter or hiring manager.

The keywords that the ATS system checks for are determined by the future employer. That’s why it’s important to closely read a job description, look for keywords, and include these keywords in your resume.

Cover letters are where you showcase both your writing skills and other interests and skills that don’t fit well into your resume. That means that it’s your employer’s first introduction to you as more than just a list of skills. Here are some ways to use power words to ensure you have an engaging cover letter.

Focus on the opening line . The first line of the cover letter is where you can hook your reader . Make sure that it’s powerful and gives them an idea of why you’re interested in the job. Don’t be afraid to be enthusiastic, so long as you maintain professionalism.

Don’t just rehash your resume. Your cover letter isn’t just your resume in paragraph form. Make sure to include skills and interests that aren’t in the cover letter. Once again, pay attention to industry skills, and the verbs and adjectives you use.

Showcase your passion. Part of a cover letter’s job is making you interesting. Don’t list any interesting thing about yourself — try to make it relevant to the job. But beyond that, draw in whatever passion or interest you have and make it applicable to the job you’re applying for.

Add a call to action. Don’t forget to add a call to action. This can be as simple as saying you look forward to hearing from them, or it can be that you are excited to discuss your qualifications in an interview. But make sure to use strong verbs and active voice.

Make sure it’s ATS friendly. Not every ATS will scan cover letters, but that does’t mean that you should overlook the importance of keywords. Make sure to put both industry specific keywords as well as ones listed on the job description. If the ATS does scan your cover letter, it’ll show you to be eminently qualified.

It’s always difficult to balance being underprepared for an interview and coming off overly scripted. That means that you need to consider what you know about the position and the company and come up with good off-the-cuff answers, which is a difficult skill to master. But here are some ways to help you answer this question.

Get to the point and stay relevant. It can be easy to go off on a tangent when this question comes up. Get straight to the point and give one or two personality traits that showcase the professional skills you feel the employer values most.

Be honest. Of course, it’s not just about telling the interviewer what you think they want to hear. You’re not doing anyone any favors by lying about your personality or work style . Answer honestly so that both you and the hiring manager can decide whether the job is a good fit for you.

Pick universally likeable traits. Words like “authoritative” or “tolerant” might be positive to some, but others might read negative traits into them. Instead, stick with personal qualities that everyone can agree are positive, like “collaborative,” “curious,” or “diligent.”

Give context. This is the most important part of your answer. It’s not enough to simply rattle off a few adjectives and call it a day. The interviewer will appreciate a story in which the descriptive words come to life.

For example, if you describe yourself as persistent, describe a professional situation in which your persistence paid off with fantastic results.

I would describe myself as a team player who always puts big-picture objectives over personal gain. When I was working on a design project with other graphic designers, we realized late in production that there a number of small, difficult-to-ingrain elements that we failed to implement. While it was a group mistake, I took up the extra work to make sure that the other designers could start work on the client’s next project. That client ended up being impressed with our attention to detail and remains a customer to this day.

Persistence is what sets me apart. When I had a dream for a social media marketing campaign, I worked tirelessly at it. For months, we saw no traction as posts went un-shared and engagement was rock bottom. While I was by no means an expert on this part of digital marketing, I made it a goal to seek out advice and study up on best practices. After six months and countless trials and errors, I was able to earn us over 15,000 subscribers and engagement had gone up by over 1000%. When I know an idea is a winner, I’ll stop at nothing to make it a reality.

My biggest asset is my creativity, and it’s a word my former supervisor used to describe me a lot. We once had a project that involved coding multiple landing pages with similar assets. When I saw that this was going to be a long-term project, I took a few hours to write a Python script that could automate a lot of the grunt work while ensuring consistency. Nobody had approached the problem that way or indicated that this was a possible solution, but my manager was impressed. She credited this creative idea as saving over $10,000 in hours of labor.

As an executive assistant , I find that organization is the trait that defines me in my professional life. When you have a boss who handles dozens of client accounts worth over $1M, you need to make sure that each and every client is receiving the attention they need, when they need it. By creating a master spreadsheet that included all important information, and condensing that master list into highly readable notes for the VP of sales, I was able to streamline client meetings and account management.

You know the feeling you get when your parents try to use phrases to be cool? Like when your mom is hanging out with you and your friends and says something is “sick”. It’s kind of icky, inappropriate, and disgusting. That’s how hiring managers feel when you use buzzwords on a resume.

Are resume buzzwords worth it ? Many of these phrases were cool in their day, but now, these cliches have seriously lost their staying power and it’s time to retire them.

Are you guilty of using any of the following outdated terms? Here are the resume buzzwords and things to avoid putting on a resume .

If you don’t want to make recruiters cringe, explain what you mean in engaging conversational language. Don’t lean on these overused terms.

How do you describe yourself in a resume?

You describe yourself in a resume by using action words, industry-specific skills, and powerful adjectives throughout it. By making the most of the words you use to describe your goals and accomplishments, you can give hiring managers a solid understanding of who you are and what you’re about.

What are three words to describe yourself for a job?

Three words to describe yourself for a job are “motivated,” “reliable,” and “strategic.” There are plenty of other words out there to describe you as well, but these are likely to please almost any employer (just make sure they actually describe you before you use them).

How can I describe myself in one word?

You can describe yourself in one word by choosing a word that can be applied to you in many situations. For example, “tenacious” and “positive” are both words that you can exemplify in a variety of settings.

What are good action words to use on a resume?

Good action words to use on a resume include words like “achieved,” “conducted,” and “assisted.” Use stronger words that evoke more specific meanings, and avoid more bland terms like “managed” or “worked on.”

University of Colorado Boulder – Action Verbs to Use on Your Resume

Harvard Business Review — How to Respond to “So, Tell Me About Yourself” In a Job Interview

Forbes — 34 Words and Phrases That Scream ‘I’m a Leader’ on Resumes

What tips would you give to optimize a resume?

Bill Gutches The Path To Inkc

In an Overview or Value Proposition, use power verbs to start each bullet or statement and be sure to quantify the amount of benefit your client / employer received as a result of your work.

Make sure the Start and Stop dates for each Employer or Contract are contiguous: that there are no gaps in the work timeline.

Create a unique resume with appropriate key phrases for each application so that the words in the resume match as closely as possible to the job description you are applying for.

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Hope Stebbins is an experienced writer and editor within the field of finance and contracts, sales, and business operations. She combines operational analysis with creativity to develop compelling written content. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Eastern University.

Don Pippin is an executive and HR leader for Fortune 50 and 500 companies and startups. In 2008, Don launched area|Talent with a focus on helping clients identify their brand. As a Certified Professional Resume Writer, Certified Digital Career Strategist, and Certified Personal Branding Strategist, Don guides clients through career transitions.

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Top Adjectives to Use on a Cover Letter

• Cover Letters
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Characteristics of an Effective Application Letter

How to write a letter looking for work, how to demonstrate professionalism.

• How to Write a First-Class Cover Letter
• How to Create a Guerrilla Resume That Stands Out

Jazz up your cover letter with catchy adjectives that will spotlight your best personal attributes. Undoubtedly, you have a long list of adjectives that describe you, but you should select the adjectives that match the job you’re seeking. If the job description is vague, then go with adjectives that employers commonly prefer. Adjectives such as team oriented, flexible, adaptable, hard working, creative and organized are among the top choices, according to a 2018 National Association of Colleges and Employers report.

Personality Descriptors

Write down words that you and others would use to describe you. For instance, are you an upbeat, imaginative and resourceful person? If so, add the adjectives to your list and consider using them in your cover letter. Pursue jobs that sound like they were written with someone like you in mind. In your cover letter, insert at least three personal qualities that best describe you.

In addition to five years of experience in auto parts sales, I am an outgoing, ambitious and assertive individual, which makes me well-suited for a sales position at your fast-paced auto dealership.

Job Skill Qualifiers

Tailor your cover letter to the coveted position as best you can. Many human resources departments outright reject applications that don’t specifically talk about how the applicant meets the required qualifications. In other words, if the ad says attention to detail is required, you must mention something about that in your cover letter.

I am a detail-oriented secretary who carefully proofreads my emails, correspondence and reports.

Degree of Motivation

Employers know that most applicants who look qualified on paper could do the job. The tricky part is deciding which person would be a super star and add value to the organization. For instance, many jobs seek a dynamic, bold, confident and poised self-starter. Cover letters give valuable insight into the applicant’s values, priorities, character and drive.

My references will confirm that I am a determined, tenacious, and goal-driven real estate agent.

Interpersonal Relations

Add impact to your cover letter by using adjectives that make your best qualities pop out on the page. For instance, don’t just simply say you are a waitress. Describe yourself as a fast, friendly, customer-service oriented server. Most jobs require people skills, so employers check the cover letter for examples of how you get along with people and relate to others. Use adjectives that highlight your interpersonal qualities.

I continually strive to be an organized, efficient, poised, loyal and dedicated executive assistant.

Ethics and Integrity

If you are hoping to work in a job that involves handling confidential information, you should note any previous training and experience working in the area of data privacy, if any. Employers prefer applicants who understand the potentially damaging consequences of data breaches. Use adjectives in your cover letter that provide assurance of your commitment to following privacy rules and regulations.

I pride myself in being an ethical person. I only apply to jobs at companies that have an established reputation for honesty and integrity. I thoroughly understand the importance of storing sensitive data securely, out of respect for patient privacy.

• California State University, Sacramento: Career Handbook
• Kent State University: Adjectives & Adverbs Add Impact
• Aultman College: Adjective and Adverbs List

Mary Dowd holds a doctorate in educational leadership and a master’s in counseling and student affairs from Minnesota State Mankato. Helping students succeed has been her passion while serving in many areas of student affairs and adjunct teaching. Currently she is a dean of students at a large, public university. Dr. Dpwd’s writing experience includes published research, training materials and hundreds of practical online articles.

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The Best Words to Describe Yourself on a Resume

In This Guide:

Use power adjectives and action verbs, words to describe yourself, words not to describe yourself with, tips and tricks.

Quick Answer: To describe yourself in the best way possible, use powerful adjectives and action verbs, but provide proof to avoid coming across as self-praising. For leadership positions, highlight traits such as rationality, charisma, and decisiveness. For teamwork, emphasize observance, organization, and personability. Avoid words like amazing, awesome, humble, and visionary. Use concise sentences and keywords from the job listing, and take your time to perfect your description. Remember, your resume is an extension of you.

One of the most tricky parts of the job-seeking process is using the right words to describe yourself. You would want to show your positive traits, but you need to be careful with borderline self-praising.

You need to make your words show who you are in the best possible light. Just like resume action verbs , the words you use to describe yourself are extremely influential, and it is important to make them strong enough to be remembered.

But how to do so? There are over one million words in the English language. It might seem near impossible to pick the right words to describe yourself.

Lucky for you, we got you covered. In this article, we are going to examine topics like:

• How to choose the best words to describe yourself
• Different words you can use for different effect

And, of course, we are going to wrap things up with some great tips and tricks . If you first want to make your resume stand out , check out our Resume Builder . But if you really want to work on the words you describe yourself with, stick around.

One of the most essential things you need to do when describing yourself is use powerful adjectives. But don’t overdo it. Don’t forget that the hiring manager doesn’t really know you that well.

If you praise yourself too much, you might blow your chances of getting the job. But the more important thing you need to remember here is to provide proof.

Whatever powerful adjective you use for yourself, you need to show some proof that it is in fact real. Anyone can say that they are detail-oriented, but without proof, that means nothing to the hiring manager.

Even more importantly, you would want to use action verbs . The main idea is to sprinkle a few powerful adjectives to help you out, but let action verbs do the heavy lifting.

As we mentioned, there is a great variety of words you can describe yourself with. Luckily, the list drastically shrinks when we want words that would match a specific skill or ability needed for a job position

So the first thing you need to think about is what are the words you would want your potential employer to remember you by. It may sound hard and scary, but that’s why we have a few examples for you to get you started.

Words to describe yourself for leadership

If you are applying for any kind of leadership role, you should be really careful with the words you use to describe yourself.

The hiring manager would be on the lookout for some specific ones. Let’s go through the most important ones and get you ready to nail them.

That’s a trait possessed largely by extroverts. Using it to describe yourself shows the hiring manager not only that you are extroverted, but also that you are outgoing, cheerful and joyful.

That would be of great importance in order to create a sustainable team that would achieve all the company’s goals. But don’t forget to provide some proof, as it would be extremely easy for the hiring manager to catch you with a lie with this one.

Describing yourself with this adjective shows the hiring manager that you are driven by logic and reasoning.

That would be really important when you are in a place to make an important decision. A rational thinker would depend on their logic, rather than emotions, when it comes to tough situations

self-motivated

Describing yourself as self-motivated shows the hiring manager that you are self-driven. That means that you require no external pressure or monitoring to see out a project. That would be really significant for a leadership role, as you would be more independent than most employees.

This trait is extremely important, no matter the position. Being ethical shows that you have a high professional moral standing. It would be fair for the hiring manager to assume that you are honest and have the ability to know what’s right and wrong professionally.

Charismatic

In order to be charismatic, you are quite definitely emotionally intelligent. Furthermore, it shows the hiring manager that you have the ability to earn love, trust and affection of others with ease.

You most certainly need this trait if you are applying for a leadership position.

Being decisive is another trait that is a must for leadership roles. It shows the hiring manager that you are a spontaneous thinker and can make accurate decisions on the go. Being able to act quickly and accurately in tough spots would really raise your score in the eyes of the hiring manager.

Imaginative

While this one is not a must for a leadership role, the hiring manager would probably look for it. It would show them that you are very ingenious and clever in your dealings.

If you don’t feel right using that adjective, you can switch with creative or innovative, which are just as strong.

Words to describe yourself as a team player

For a great deal of professions, being a team player is crucial. That’s why it is important to catch the hiring manager’s attention with some teamwork adjectives.

And we have some of the most essential ones here for you.

This adjective might sound negative at first, but hiring managers don’t see it that way.

If you describe yourself as persistent, they would assume that you are very determined, relentless and tenacious in your pursuit of anything, but without losing your positive mindset.

This trait would be helpful for lots of things.

It shows the hiring manager that you have the ability to notice details and compose logical analysis. And that would always be appreciated.

That shows one of the most influential traits you can show for yourself - discipline. A discipline to plan and execute strategies correctly is greatly appreciated by hiring managers.

Being personable is great not only for leadership, but also to show that you are a team player. Once again - that trait shows the hiring manager that you are both extroverted, and that you are really outgoing and cheerful.

This is a trait that should be possessed not only by the leader of the team, but also by every team member.

That’s another trait that is applicable to both leadership and teamwork.

In this case, its importance is mostly because of the emotional intelligence of the person, as it is extremely important for team work.

Other words you can describe yourself with

As words have started repeating, we need to save some time for those we have not yet mentioned, but are extremely significant.

Here is a list you might want to consider when describing yourself:

This is always a good trait to assign to yourself, if you have anything to back it up with. It shows the hiring manager that you have a high level of trust and honesty. Usually such a trait is built over the years, especially with positions like finance executive, marketing executive, etc.

This is one of the adjectives that one could use, no matter the job position. It shows the hiring manager that you have determination to grow and survive, no matter the job, and no matter the organization.

It is a really great quality to have, if you really strive for growth.

Compassionate

This trait is typically used in healthcare and in the legal system, but it wouldn’t hurt to describe yourself with it otherwise as well.

It shows the hiring manager that you are caring and concerned for others by default.

That’s one more trait that could be applicable no matter the position and the organization.

Interestingly enough, it is important just because the position and the organization matter to you.

It shows that you have unending commitment to a cause and a leader.

Describing yourself as practical can quite often be a pleasant surprise for the hiring manager.

It shows them that you are guided by experience, rather than mere theories or ideas.

straightforward

And last, but not least, being straightforward. That trait shows the hiring manager that you understand and value integrity. People possessing that trait are usually very understandable.

It would not surprise you that there are also words that you should absolutely stay away from. When it comes to your professional description, these, and many similar adjectives, would probably be misunderstood.

And you don’t want that, you want to present yourself in the best light possible. So, what are these adjectives that you should stay away from?

Here is a short list, but keep in mind that there are many similar ones to these:

• Intelligent

You get the idea, you wouldn’t want to give such an impression to the hiring manager.

As promised, we are going to leave you off with some tips and tricks to use when describing yourself.

First, be concise. Keep your sentences short and to the point. Short, concise sentences have more power.

And, as we mentioned earlier, provide some proof. Any catchy word without context is meaningless to the hiring manager.

And last, but not least, make sure you use any keywords you have seen on the job listing. That’s why it’s important to closely read the job description and include any keywords you find in your resume.

We are all done. Now you know what words to use to describe yourself in the best possible way. You are now ready to show yourself in the best possible light in front of the hiring manager.

Take your time and have a closer look at the job position, so that your description would include more keywords, that the hiring manager would be looking for.

Don’t forget to use action verbs and powerful adjectives, but also give them some context. Keep our example words in mind and make your description perfect for the job you seek.

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How to write a great cover letter in 2024: tips and structure

A cover letter is a personalized letter that introduces you to a potential employer, highlights your qualifications, and explains why you're a strong fit for a specific job.

Hate or love them, these brief documents allow job seekers to make an impression and stand out from the pile of other applications. Penning a thoughtful cover letter shows the hiring team you care about earning the position.

Here’s everything you need to know about how to write a cover letter — and a great one, at that.

What is a cover letter and why does it matter?

A professional cover letter is a one-page document you submit alongside your CV or resume as part of a job application. Typically, they’re about half a page or around 150–300 words.

An effective cover letter doesn’t just rehash your CV; it’s your chance to highlight your proudest moments, explain why you want the job, and state plainly what you bring to the table.

Show the reviewer you’re likable, talented, and will add to the company’s culture . You can refer to previous jobs and other information from your CV, but only if it helps tell a story about you and your career choices .

What 3 things should you include in a cover letter?

A well-crafted cover letter can help you stand out to potential employers. To make your cover letter shine, here are three key elements to include:

1. Personalization

Address the hiring manager or recruiter by name whenever possible. If the job posting doesn't include a name, research to find out who will be reviewing applications. Personalizing your cover letter shows that you've taken the time to tailor your application to the specific company and role.

2. Highlight relevant achievements and skills

Emphasize your most relevant skills , experiences, and accomplishments that directly relate to the job you're applying for. Provide specific examples of how your skills have benefited previous employers and how they can contribute to the prospective employer's success. Use quantifiable achievements , such as improved efficiency, cost savings, or project success, to demonstrate your impact.

3. Show enthusiasm and fit

Express your enthusiasm for the company and the position you're applying for. Explain why you are interested in this role and believe you are a good fit for the organization. Mention how your values, goals, and skills align with the company's mission and culture. Demonstrating that you've done your research can make a significant impression.

What do hiring managers look for in a cover letter?

Employers look for several key elements in a cover letter. These include:

Employers want to see that your cover letter is specifically tailored to the position you are applying for. It should demonstrate how your skills, experiences, and qualifications align with the job requirements.

Clear and concise writing

A well-written cover letter is concise, easy to read, and error-free. Employers appreciate clear and effective communication skills , so make sure your cover letter showcases your ability to express yourself effectively.

Demonstrated knowledge of the company

Employers want to see that you are genuinely interested in their organization. Mention specific details about the company, such as recent achievements or projects, to show that you are enthusiastic about joining their team.

Achievements and accomplishments

Highlight your relevant achievements and accomplishments that demonstrate your qualifications for the position. Use specific examples to showcase your skills and show how they can benefit the employer.

Enthusiasm and motivation

Employers want to hire candidates who are excited about the opportunity and motivated to contribute to the company's success. Express your enthusiasm and passion for the role and explain why you are interested in working for the company.

Professionalism

A cover letter should be professional in tone and presentation. Use formal language, address the hiring manager appropriately, and follow standard business letter formatting.

How do you structure a cover letter?

A well-structured cover letter follows a specific format that makes it easy for the reader to understand your qualifications and enthusiasm for the position. Here's a typical structure for a cover letter:

Contact information

Include your name, address, phone number, and email address at the top of the letter. Place your contact information at the beginning so that it's easy for the employer to reach you.

Employer's contact information

Opening paragraph, middle paragraph(s), closing paragraph, complimentary close, additional contact information.

Repeat your contact information (name, phone number, and email) at the end of the letter, just in case the employer needs it for quick reference.

Remember to keep your cover letter concise and focused. It should typically be no more than one page in length. Proofread your letter carefully to ensure it is free from spelling and grammatical errors. Tailor each cover letter to the specific job application to make it as relevant and impactful as possible.

How to write a good cover letter (with examples)

The best letters are unique, tailored to the job description, and written in your voice — but that doesn’t mean you can’t use a job cover letter template.

Great cover letters contain the same basic elements and flow a certain way. Take a look at this cover letter structure for ref erence while you construct your own.

1. Add a header and contact information

While reading your cover letter, the recruiter shouldn’t have to look far to find who wrote it. Your document should include a basic heading with the following information:

• Pronouns (optional)
• Location (optional)
• Email address
• Phone number (optional)
• Relevant links, such as your LinkedIn profile , portfolio, or personal website (optional)

You can pull this information directly from your CV. Put it together, and it will look something like this:

Christopher Pike

San Francisco, California

[email protected]

Alternatively, if the posting asks you to submit your cover letter in the body of an email, you can include this information in your signature. For example:

Warm regards,

Catherine Janeway

Bloomington, Indiana

[email protected]

(555) 999 - 2222

2. Include a personal greeting

Always begin your cover letter by addressing the hiring manager — preferably by name. You can use the person’s first and last name. Make sure to include a relevant title, like Dr., Mr., or Ms. For example, “Dear Mr. John Doe.”

Avoid generic openings like “To whom it may concern,” “Dear sir or madam,” or “Dear hiring manager.” These introductions sound impersonal — like you’re copy-pasting cover letters — and can work against you in the hiring process.

Be careful, though. When using someone’s name, you don’t want to use the wrong title or accidentally misgender someone. If in doubt, using only their name is enough. You could also opt for a gender-neutral title, like Mx.

Make sure you’re addressing the right person in your letter — ideally, the person who’s making the final hiring decision. This isn’t always specified in the job posting, so you may have to do some research to learn the name of the hiring manager.

3. Draw them in with an opening story

The opening paragraph of your cover letter should hook the reader. You want it to be memorable, conversational, and extremely relevant to the job you’re pursuing. 

There’s no need for a personal introduction — you’ve already included your name in the heading. But you should make reference to the job you’re applying for. A simple “Thank you for considering my application for the role of [job title] at [company],” will suffice.

Then you can get into the “Why” of your job application. Drive home what makes this specific job and this company so appealing to you. Perhaps you’re a fan of their products, you’re passionate about their mission, or you love their brand voice. Whatever the case, this section is where you share your enthusiasm for the role.

Here’s an example opening paragraph. In this scenario, you’re applying for a digital marketing role at a bicycle company:

“Dear Mr. John Doe,

Thank you for considering my application for the role of Marketing Coordinator at Bits n’ Bikes.

My parents bought my first bike at one of your stores. I’ll never forget the freedom I felt when I learned to ride it. My father removed my training wheels, and my mom sent me barrelling down the street. You provide joy to families across the country — and I want to be part of that.”

4. Emphasize why you’re best for the job

Your next paragraphs should be focused on the role you’re applying to. Highlight your skill set and why you’re a good fit for the needs and expectations associated with the position. Hiring managers want to know what you’ll bring to the job, not just any role.

Start by studying the job description for hints. What problem are they trying to solve with this hire? What skills and qualifications do they mention first or more than once? These are indicators of what’s important to the hiring manager.

Search for details that match your experience and interests. For example, if you’re excited about a fast-paced job in public relations, you might look for these elements in a posting:

• They want someone who can write social media posts and blog content on tight deadlines
• They value collaboration and input from every team member
• They need a planner who can come up with strong PR strategies

Highlight how you fulfill these requirements:

“I’ve always been a strong writer. From blog posts to social media, my content pulls in readers and drives traffic to product pages. For example, when I worked at Bits n’ Bikes, I developed a strategic blog series about bike maintenance that increased our sales of spare parts and tools by 50% — we could see it in our web metrics.

Thanks to the input of all of our team members, including our bike mechanics, my content delivered results.”

5. End with a strong closing paragraph and sign off gracefully

Your closing paragraph is your final chance to hammer home your enthusiasm about the role and your unique ability to fill it. Reiterate the main points you explained in the body paragraphs and remind the reader of what you bring to the table.

You can also use the end of your letter to relay other important details, like whether you’re willing to relocate for the job.

When choosing a sign-off, opt for a phrase that sounds professional and genuine. Reliable options include “Sincerely” and “Kind regards.”

Here’s a strong closing statement for you to consider:

“I believe my enthusiasm, skills, and work experience as a PR professional will serve Bits n’ Bikes very well. I would love to meet to further discuss my value-add as your next Director of Public Relations. Thank you for your consideration. I hope we speak soon.

Tips to write a great cover letter that compliments your resume

When writing your own letter, try not to copy the example excerpts word-for-word. Instead, use this cover letter structure as a baseline to organize your ideas. Then, as you’re writing, use these extra cover letter tips to add your personal touch:

• Keep your cover letter different from your resume : Your cover letter should not duplicate the information on your resume. Instead, it should provide context and explanations for key points in your resume, emphasizing how your qualifications match the specific job you're applying for.
• Customize your cover letter . Tailor your cover letter for each job application. Address the specific needs of the company and the job posting, demonstrating that you've done your homework and understand their requirements.
• Show enthusiasm and fit . Express your enthusiasm for the company and position in the cover letter. Explain why you are interested in working for this company and how your values, goals, and skills align with their mission and culture.
• Use keywords . Incorporate keywords from the job description and industry terms in your cover letter. This can help your application pass through applicant tracking systems (ATS) and demonstrate that you're well-versed in the field.
• Keep it concise . Your cover letter should be succinct and to the point, typically no more than one page. Focus on the most compelling qualifications and experiences that directly support your application.
• Be professional . Maintain a professional tone and structure in your cover letter. Proofread it carefully to ensure there are no errors.
• Address any gaps or concerns . If there are gaps or concerns in your resume, such as employment gaps or a change in career direction, briefly address them in your cover letter. Explain any relevant circumstances and how they have shaped your qualifications and determination.
• Provide a call to action . Conclude your cover letter with a call to action, inviting the employer to contact you for further discussion. Mention that you've attached your resume for their reference.
• Follow the correct format . Use a standard cover letter format like the one above, including your contact information, a formal salutation, introductory and closing paragraphs, and your signature. Ensure that it complements your resume without redundancy.
• Pick the right voice and tone . Try to write like yourself, but adapt to the tone and voice of the company. Look at the job listing, company website, and social media posts. Do they sound fun and quirky, stoic and professional, or somewhere in-between? This guides your writing style.
• Tell your story . You’re an individual with unique expertise, motivators, and years of experience. Tie the pieces together with a great story. Introduce how you arrived at this point in your career, where you hope to go , and how this prospective company fits in your journey. You can also explain any career changes in your resume.
• Show, don’t tell . Anyone can say they’re a problem solver. Why should a recruiter take their word for it if they don’t back it up with examples? Instead of naming your skills, show them in action. Describe situations where you rose to the task, and quantify your success when you can.
• Be honest . Avoid highlighting skills you don’t have. This will backfire if they ask you about them in an interview. Instead, shift focus to the ways in which you stand out.
• Avoid clichés and bullet points . These are signs of lazy writing. Do your best to be original from the first paragraph to the final one. This highlights your individuality and demonstrates the care you put into the letter.
• Proofread . Always spellcheck your cover letter. Look for typos, grammatical errors, and proper flow. We suggest reading it out loud. If it sounds natural rolling off the tongue, it will read naturally as well.

Common cover letter writing FAQs

How long should a cover letter be.

A cover letter should generally be concise and to the point. It is recommended to keep it to one page or less, focusing on the most relevant information that highlights your qualifications and fits the job requirements.

Should I include personal information in a cover letter?

While it's important to introduce yourself and provide your contact information, avoid including personal details such as your age, marital status, or unrelated hobbies. Instead, focus on presenting your professional qualifications and aligning them with the job requirements.

Can I use the same cover letter for multiple job applications?

While it may be tempting to reuse a cover letter, it is best to tailor each cover letter to the specific job you are applying for. This allows you to highlight why you are a good fit for that particular role and show genuine interest in the company.

Do I need to address my cover letter to a specific person?

Whenever possible, it is advisable to address your cover letter to a specific person, such as the hiring manager or recruiter. If the job posting does not provide this information, try to research and find the appropriate contact. If all else fails, you can use a generic salutation such as "Dear Hiring Manager."

Should I include references in my cover letter?

It is generally not necessary to include references in your cover letter. Save this information for when the employer explicitly requests it. Instead, focus on showcasing your qualifications and achievements that make you a strong candidate for the position.

It’s time to start writing your stand-out cover letter

The hardest part of writing is getting started. 

Hopefully, our tips gave you some jumping-off points and confidence . But if you’re really stuck, looking at cover letter examples and resume templates will help you decide where to get started. 

There are numerous sample cover letters available online. Just remember that you’re a unique, well-rounded person, and your cover letter should reflect that. Using our structure, you can tell your story while highlighting your passion for the role. 

Doing your research, including strong examples of your skills, and being courteous is how to write a strong cover letter. Take a breath , flex your fingers, and get typing. Before you know it, your job search will lead to a job interview.

If you want more personalized guidance, a specialized career coach can help review, edit, and guide you through creating a great cover letter that sticks.

Ace your job search

Explore effective job search techniques, interview strategies, and ways to overcome job-related challenges. Our coaches specialize in helping you land your dream job.

Elizabeth Perry, ACC

Elizabeth Perry is a Coach Community Manager at BetterUp. She uses strategic engagement strategies to cultivate a learning community across a global network of Coaches through in-person and virtual experiences, technology-enabled platforms, and strategic coaching industry partnerships. With over 3 years of coaching experience and a certification in transformative leadership and life coaching from Sofia University, Elizabeth leverages transpersonal psychology expertise to help coaches and clients gain awareness of their behavioral and thought patterns, discover their purpose and passions, and elevate their potential. She is a lifelong student of psychology, personal growth, and human potential as well as an ICF-certified ACC transpersonal life and leadership Coach.

3 cover letter examples to help you catch a hiring manager’s attention

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Soft Skills

8 minute read

100 Resume Adjectives (and How to Use Them Right)

Kat Boogaard

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You’re up against a lot of competition in your job search . While numbers can vary a lot depending on the company and position, a recruiter receives an average of 250 resumes for every job opening.

That’s where resume adjectives can help. Choosing the right adjectives can add some oomph to your otherwise cut-and-dried document.

But which ones should you choose and how can you use them effectively? Let’s break down 100 strong adjectives, as well as some do’s and don’ts, so you can use them right. Use this as your guide, and you’ll take your resume up a notch — and maybe even end up at the top of that recruiter’s stack.

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Resume adjectives to describe your analytical ability

• Detail-oriented
• Inquisitive
• Investigative

Resume adjectives to describe your communication style

• Conscientious
• Diplomatic 
• Thoughtful 

Resume adjectives to describe your collaboration skills

• Cooperative
• Encouraging
• Sympathetic
• Team-minded

Resume adjectives to describe your work ethic

• Disciplined
• Persistent 
• Strong-willed

Resume adjectives to describe your adaptability

• Extensible 
• Multifaceted
• Open-minded
• Resourceful

Resume adjectives to describe your creativity

• Cutting-edge
• Forward-thinking
• Groundbreaking
• Imaginative
• Progressive
• Revolutionary 

Resume adjectives to describe your leadership style

•  Accountable
• Compassionate
• Constructive
• Humble 
• Influential

Where should you use resume adjectives?

All of those words are great, but that doesn’t mean you can just plop them into random places on your resume. You need to be strategic about where you use them so that they add value, rather than distract from your qualifications.

Let’s dig into the details of a few different places where you can leverage resume adjectives. 

1. Your career or professional summary

This is the blurb that you include at the very top of your document. Not every resume has one, but it can be an effective way to provide a little more context that won’t be captured in your bullet points. It’s also a great spot to include some adjectives to describe your skills and experiences.

EXAMPLE:  

Content marketing manager with 5+ years of experience creating and executing forward-thinking content strategies. Possesses an inquisitive eye for performance analytics and dynamic writing, editing, and SEO skills. Committed to providing energizing leadership for content teams.  

2. Your job description bullet points

Think the bullet points under your previous jobs need to be straightforward and boring? Think again. You can incorporate some adjectives there to make those bullets more impressive and engaging to read. 

Content Marketing Manager, January 2017 - July 2020

Company XYZ | New York, New York

• Strategized and created a groundbreaking content strategy, which resulted in an 85 percent increase in free trial conversions.
• Led and mentored a multifaceted content team of 14 writers, editors, graphic designers, and SEO specialists. 
• Pursued and exceeded ambitious content goals, including boosting website traffic 50 percent within one year.

3. Your key skills section

Have you heard of “tailoring” your resume for each job you apply for? Your skills section is an easy place to do this, as you can swap in some different key terms you see listed in the job description. However, it’s also a spot where you can incorporate resume adjectives to elaborate on your competencies. 

• Advanced knowledge of Google Analytics and Clearscope
• Thorough audience research
• Persuasive and respectful communication

See? Peppering some adjectives into your resume isn’t as tough as you might think it is.

Be aware that you can also incorporate them in your cover letter . Your resume needs to be as concise as possible, but your cover letter provides a little more wiggle room to use this type of descriptive language.

Using resume adjectives effectively: do’s and don’ts

You don’t just want to use resume adjectives — you want to use them well . Here are a few do’s and don’ts to help you do that.

1. Do be honest

Honesty is always the best policy on your resume, and that applies to your adjectives too. You can’t pick one just because you think it sounds good. You need to be able to back it up. So, when you select an adjective, ask yourself if that honestly describes you. If you hesitate even a little bit, it’s best to choose another word.

2. Don’t overdo it

Everything is better in moderation. If you pack your resume full with dozens of adjectives, your document might seem like all fluff and no substance. Make sure you’re only using one at a time — there’s no need to string them all together. 

3. Do use them as a complement

Adjectives are meant to emphasize and elaborate on the qualifications you bring to the table. Use them when you feel like you need to add more detail and impact to a statement. For example, you don’t just have knowledge of Google Analytics — you have expert knowledge.

4. Don’t use them as a replacement

With that said, adjectives don’t really carry much weight on their own. They can’t serve as a substitute for your experience, and you’re still better off highlighting results and quantifying achievements wherever you can. Remember, “ Strategized and created a content strategy, which resulted in an 85 percent increase in free trial conversions” is still more powerful than only saying “Strategized and created a groundbreaking content strategy.”  

Resume adjectives can help you stand out (as long as you use them correctly)

Your resume is your golden ticket in the door when you’re job searching. But, when recruiters are receiving piles and piles of documents that look the same, how can you stand out?

Resume adjectives can take your resume from good to great. Use this guide to leverage those words, elevate yourself above the competition, and land an interview — and maybe even the job.

Adjectives are powerful, but they’re no replacement for cold, hard skills. GoSkills has courses to help you build some hard skills to impress your next employer, as well as soft skills courses and resources to help you stand out even more. Try a few today!

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Kat is a writer specializing in career, self-development, and productivity topics. When she escapes her computer, she enjoys reading, hiking, golfing, and dishing out tips for prospective freelancers on her website.

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© 2024 GoSkills Ltd. Skills for career advancement

• Search Search Please fill out this field.
• Career Planning
• Finding a Job
• Cover Letters

How to Show Your Personality in a Cover Letter

Write a Unique Cover Letter

Avoid clichés, try a creative first sentence, make a connection, think of unique examples.

• Show You’ll Fit the Company Culture

Tailor Your Tone to Fit the Industry

• Keep It Professional

Don’t Go Negative

More cover letter examples.

Hiring managers read dozens, if not hundreds, of applications for every job they post. If you want to get the job, you have to stand out. It’s important to show the hiring manager not only that you are qualified, but also that you are the best candidate for the position.

One way to get your application noticed is to write a unique, engaging cover letter that shows not only your qualifications but also your personality. Go beyond some of the clichéd, formulaic language found in many letters.

If you make your personality stand out in your letter, the hiring manager will more likely give your application a second look.

Of course, there is also such a thing as putting too much personality in your letter. You want to remain professional, and focus on what makes you an ideal candidate. Find the right balance between showing your personality and being professional in your cover letter, and you will be on your way to a job interview.

The best way to show who you are to the company is to avoid writing one generic cover letter for every job listing . Instead, tailor your letter to the specific job and company.

You can write a targeted cover letter in a number of ways:

• Include keywords from the job listing in your letter.
• You can also reference the company itself–for example, mention a particular success the company has had, or explain why you are interested in working for the company.
• Perhaps most importantly, send your letter to a specific person , if possible.

If you have to, do some digging to find the name of the hiring manager, and address your letter to them.

Avoid the phrase “ To whom it may concern ” unless you can't find a contact. It's important to do your best to show a hiring manager that you have taken the time to write a unique cover letter for the specific job.

One of the best ways to avoid sounding like everyone else in your cover letter is to leave out some of the most overused phrases in cover letters. For example, don’t say you are a “hard worker” or that you “go above and beyond.” Try to find unique ways to explain who you are. One way to do this is to focus on particular examples —show them who you are, rather than tell them.

So many cover letters start with the sentence, “I am applying for X position.” While this is a fine way to start, the hiring manager has likely seen this sentence hundreds of times. Try starting with a more engaging first sentence (or first sentences) that shows who you are.

You might express why you are passionate about the job or the company. For example, you could start, “I have always been a storyteller. As a child, I would write countless stories about princes and princesses. Now, I have turned my passion for storytelling into a career in marketing.” Or, “When I first researched your company for a project in a business class over five years ago, I became inspired by your mission to provide low-cost tech solutions.”

A great “hook” will keep the hiring manager reading and will show him or her a bit about why you are a good fit for the job and company.

If you know anyone at the company, or if someone at the company referred you to the job , mention this early on in your cover letter (ideally in the first couple of sentences).

This humanizes you, and makes you seem more like you are already a part of the company culture . It also shows that someone in the company already thinks you are qualified for the job.

Remember that a cover letter should not simply restate your resume. While your resume lists your qualifications, your cover letter goes deeper, providing examples of times you demonstrated particular skills and abilities necessary for the job.

One way to show your personality is to include some unique, even surprising, examples that demonstrate your skills. For example, if you are applying for a job that requires organizational skills, you might mention how you accurately manage and process dozens of monthly shipments from your Etsy account. These kinds of examples are particularly useful if you do not have much relevant work experience.

Of course, only include examples that are relevant—they need to connect back to a skill or trait necessary for the job.

Show You’ll Fit in With the Company Culture

Hiring managers want to know not only that you are qualified, but also that you will fit in with the company culture. Before writing your letter, research the organization. Check out the company’s website, and talk to anyone you know who works there. Then you can mention ways that you might fit into the culture.

For example, if you know they do a lot of after-work team sports, you might briefly mention at the end of the letter that you would love to put your pitching skills to good use.

Some job listings also give you a peek into the company culture . For example, if the listing itself is very silly or funny, feel free to add a little humor to your letter, if that feels natural.

Similarly, you can tailor your letter to fit the personality of the industry. If you are applying for a corporate job, for example, you might want to write a more traditional cover letter. You can still include some personal examples, and maybe a catchy first sentence, but you should avoid too much humor or zaniness.

If you are applying for a job in an industry that is a bit more informal—say, a tech startup company—you can get a little bit more creative. Your tone can be more lighthearted, and you can include some creative examples.

If you’re applying for a job in a visual, creative field, consider showing your personality through the form of your letter. You might include bullet points , or even a visual (such as an infographic). You can include some of these nontraditional elements in your resume too.

Keep It Professional 

No matter how much of your personality you decide to put into your cover letter, keep the letter professional. It needs to be well written and error-free. It also needs to stay focused on the main topic: why you are a terrific fit for the job.

Some people try to add personality by using phrases like “I know you hate reading cover letters, but…” or “I know I am one of many candidates, but…” Avoid any phrases that sound negative.

Also, avoid phrases that imply you know how the hiring manager feels. You don’t actually know whether he or she hates reading cover letters, and you don’t know how many candidates applied for the job. Focus on the positive, and don’t make assumptions about the hiring manager, the job, or the company.

Sample Cover Letter Showing Personality

Sara Jones 7 Chestnut Street Anytown, Anystate Zip Code 555-555-5555 email@email.com

January 5, 2019

John Wilson Editorial Director XYZ Magazine 5 Main Street, Suite 1 Anytown, Anystate Zip Code

Dear Mr. Wilson,

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

Jane will tell you that I’ve been eager to apply for a role at XYZ Magazine since we worked together, first at our student magazine, where I was managing editor and she was editor in chief, and then at ABCmag.com as assistants. I’ve always valued XYZ’s showcase for diverse and emerging voices, as well as its commitment to fact-checking and copyediting.

In fact, my desire to work for your magazine informed my studies at Large Public University. I took several copyediting and multimedia graphic design courses in my last year and have continued taking classes after graduation.

In addition to my background in multimedia design and copyediting – and my passion for XYZ – I have:

• Three years of experience brainstorming, pitching, and assigning stories
• Excellent research and reporting skills
• Extensive experience analyzing traffic trends with Google Analytics
• Expert-level social media management skills
• An intense love affair with the Oxford Comma (which I know you share)

I’ve also had a few bylines on XYZ over the years:

I’d love to speak with you about the role. Please feel free to contact me at 555-555-5555 or email@email.com to discuss it or to arrange an interview.

Thanks, and best regards,

Sara Jones [signature for hard copy]

Review cover letter examples for many different types of jobs and get templates you can use to write your own letters.

Power/Action Verbs for Your Resume and Cover Letter

by Dice Staff Sep 13, 2023 12 min read

Power verbs and action verbs bring your resume to life. By inserting power and action verbs into the work experience section of your resume (and other application materials), you’ll enhance your results and impact—and hopefully impress hiring managers.

However, you can’t just slap random action verbs into sentences and hope that’ll convey your effectiveness. You must choose your verbs carefully, especially if you also insert them into sections like your mission statement where you have very little space to play with. (You also don’t want to go too overboard; no hiring manager will keep a straight face if they read that you “totally decimated all challenges,” for example).

With all that in mind, let’s dig into powerful action words that can boost your resume power!

Refining Your Resume Ahead of Time

Before inserting your power and action verbs, make sure your resume is in excellent shape. You must always tailor your resume to each individual position you’re applying for; re-read the original job posting and make sure that your skills, work experience, and other resume sections accurately reflect what the prospective employer actually wants.

From there, tweak your resume in the following ways :

Match your resume’s skills with those listed in the job posting. This will enable your resume to pass the automated resume checkers used by many businesses, which check to see if you mention the same skills and terms as the original job posting.

Show your results. Each element within your work experience section must show how you delivered for your previous employers. Drop stats if possible (“increased revenue by 25 percent through streamlining cloud spending,” etc.).

Keep it streamlined. Hiring managers and recruiters will only give your resume a few seconds for their first read, so make sure you convey as much information as quickly as possible; you’ll also need to place your biggest achievements and wins closer to the top of the document for easy access.

Don’t over-optimize. It’s tempting to layer as many keywords, action verbs, skills, and other details into your resume as possible. Please don’t: automated resume scanners are trained to recognize “keyword stuffing,” and even if you pass that stage, you might accidentally bury your best achievements under a pile of random stats and jobs.

Once you’ve locked all that down, it’s time to move onto…

The Best Power and Action Verbs

Remember to use present tense verbs in your profile and qualifications summary and when creating task, responsibility and accomplishment bullets for a current position. Use past-tense verbs to describe prior positions and experience in your work history.

Achievements/Awards

Communication, creativity/innovation, management/supervisory, technical work, user/technical support experience.

Curious to find out more about the state of the tech job industry? You’ve got the questions and we’ve got the answers. Tune in here.

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390 Adjectives to Use in a Recommendation letter

by Talha Omer, MBA, M.Eng., Harvard & Cornell Grad

In recommendation letters.

Some of my favorite words to describe an applicant in a recommendation letter include:

Critical-thinker

Team-player

Enterprising

Below is a long list of adjectives, words, and superlatives that you can use in your recommendation letter to describe an applicant. These words have been divided into 7 categories by function. Every recommendation letter should strive to comment on each of these categories.

In this Article

Words to describe the applicants Academic Performance

• Words to describe the applicants Professionalism
• Words to describe the applicants Personal Qualities and Strengths
• Words to describe the applicants Career Goals
• Words to describe the applicants Skills and Abilities
• Words to describe the applicants Accomplishments
• Words to describe the applicants Character and Personality

Accomplished

Exceptional

Fast Learner

High-Achiever

Intelligent

Outstanding

Progressive

Resourceful

Results-Driven

Top-Performer

Trustworthy

Well-Prepared

Well-Rounded

Words to describe the applicants  Professionalism

Accountable

Attentive To Detail

Businesslike

Experienced

Hard-Working

Knowledgeable

Persevering

Professional

Responsible

Well-Mannered

Words to describe the applicants  Personal Qualities and Strengths

Charismatic

Compassionate

Conscientious

Cooperative

Enthusiastic

Far-Sighted

Hardworking

Imaginative

Independent

Intellectual

Multitalented

Quick-Witted

Words to describe the applicants  Career Goals

Career-Driven

Entrepreneurial

Goal-Oriented

Industrious

On-The-Ball

Pace-Setting

Self-Driving

Self-Starting

Success-Driven

Words to describe the applicants  Skills and Abilities

Inquisitive

Self-Reliant

Team-Oriented

Words to describe the applicants  Accomplishments

Astonishing

Breathtaking

Extraordinary

Magnificent

Most valuable

Sensational

Unbelievable

Unparalleled

Unsurpassed

World-class

Words to describe the applicants  Character and Personality

Adventurous

Considerate

Good-Natured

Magnanimous

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