cover letter vocabulary

How to Write a Cover Letter [Full Guide & Examples for 2024]

After weeks of heavy job searching, you’re almost there!

You’ve perfected your resume.

You’ve short-listed the coolest jobs you want to apply for.

You’ve even had a friend train you for every single interview question out there.

But then, before you can send in your application and call it a day, you remember that you need to write a cover letter too.

So now, you’re stuck staring at a blank page, wondering where to start...

Don’t panic! We’ve got you covered. Writing a cover letter is a lot simpler than you might think. 

In this guide, we’re going to teach you how to write a cover letter that gets you the job you deserve.

We're going to cover:

What Is a Cover Letter?

• How to Write the Perfect Cover Letter, Step by Step
• 15+ Job-Winning Cover Letter Examples

Let’s get started.

A cover letter is a document that you submit as part of your job application, alongside your resume or CV.

The purpose of a cover letter is to introduce you and briefly summarize your professional background. On average, it should be around 250 to 400 words long .

A good cover letter is supposed to impress the hiring manager and convince them you’re worth interviewing as a candidate.

So, how can your cover letter achieve this?

First of all, it should complement your resume, not copy it. Your cover letter is your chance to elaborate on important achievements, skills, or anything else that your resume doesn’t give you the space to cover. 

For example, if you have an employment gap on your resume, the cover letter is a great place to explain why it happened and how it helped you grow as a person. 

If this is your first time writing a cover letter, writing about yourself might seem complicated. But don’t worry—you don’t need to be super creative or even a good writer .

All you have to do is follow this tried and tested cover letter structure:

• Header. Add all the necessary contact information at the top of your cover letter.
• Formal greeting. Choose an appropriate way to greet your target audience.
• Introduction. Introduce yourself in the opening paragraph and explain your interest in the role.
• Body. Elaborate on why you’re the best candidate for the job and a good match for the company. Focus on “selling” your skills, achievements, and relevant professional experiences.
• Conclusion. Summarize your key points and wrap it up professionally.

Now, let’s take a look at an example of a cover letter that follows our structure perfectly:

New to cover letter writing? Give our cover letter video a watch before diving into the article!

When Should You Write a Cover Letter?

You should always include a cover letter in your job application, even if the hiring manager never reads it. Submitting a cover letter is as important as submitting a resume if you want to look like a serious candidate.

If the employer requests a cover letter as part of the screening process, not sending one is a huge red flag and will probably get your application tossed into the “no” pile immediately.

On the other hand, if the job advertisement doesn’t require a cover letter from the candidates, adding one shows you went the extra mile.

Putting in the effort to write a cover letter can set you apart from other candidates with similar professional experience and skills, and it could even sway the hiring manager to call you for an interview if you do it right.

Need to write a letter to help get you into a good school or volunteer program? Check out our guide to learn how to write a motivation letter !

How to Write the Perfect Cover Letter

Now that you know what a cover letter is, it’s time to learn how to write one!

We’ll go through the process in detail, step by step.

#1. Choose the Right Cover Letter Template

A good cover letter is all about leaving the right first impression.

So, what’s a better way to leave a good impression than a well-formatted, stylish template?

Just choose one of our hand-picked cover letter templates , and you’ll be all set in no time!

As a bonus, our intuitive AI will even give you suggestions on how to improve your cover letter as you write it. You’ll have the perfect cover letter done in minutes!

#2. Put Contact Information in the Header

As with a resume, it’s important to 

start your cover letter

 with your contact details at the top. These should be in your cover letter’s header, separated neatly from the bulk of your text.

Here, you want to include all the essential contact information , including:

• Full Name. Your first and last name should stand out at the top.
• Job Title. Match the professional title underneath your name to the exact job title of the position you’re applying for. Hiring managers often hire for several roles at once, so giving them this cue about what role you’re after helps things go smoother.
• Email Address. Always use a professional and easy-to-spell email address. Ideally, it should combine your first and last names.
• Phone Number. Add a number where the hiring manager can easily reach you.
• Location. Add your city and state/country, no need for more details.
• Relevant Links (optional). You can add links to websites or social media profiles that are relevant to your field. Examples include a LinkedIn profile , Github, or an online portfolio.

Then it’s time to add the recipient’s contact details, such as:

• Hiring Manager's Name. If you can find the name of the hiring manager, add it.
• Hiring Manager's Title. While there’s no harm in writing “hiring manager,” if they’re the head of the department, we recommend you use that title accordingly.
• Company Name. Make sure to write the name of the company you're applying to.
• Location. The city and state/country are usually enough information here, too.
• Date of Writing (Optional). You can include the date you wrote your cover letter for an extra professional touch.

#3. Address the Hiring Manager

Once you’ve properly listed all the contact information, it’s time to start writing the content of the cover letter.

The first thing you need to do here is to address your cover letter directly to the hiring manager.

In fact, you want to address the hiring manager personally .

Forget the old “Dear Sir or Madam” or the impersonal “To Whom It May Concern.” You want to give your future boss a good impression and show them that you did your research before sending in your application.

No one wants to hire a job seeker who just spams 20+ companies and hopes something sticks with their generic approach

So, how do you find out who’s the hiring manager?

First, check the job ad. The hiring manager’s name might be listed somewhere in it.

If that doesn’t work, check the company’s LinkedIn page. You just need to look up the head of the relevant department you’re applying to, and you’re all set.

For example, if you’re applying for the position of Communication Specialist at Novorésumé. The hiring manager is probably the Head of Communications or the Chief Communications Officer.

Here’s what you should look for on LinkedIn:

And there you go! You have your hiring manager.

But let’s say you’re applying for a position as a server . In that case, you’d be looking for the “restaurant manager” or “food and beverage manager.”

If the results don’t come up with anything, try checking out the “Team” page on the company website; there’s a good chance you’ll at least find the right person there.

Make sure to address them as Mr. or Ms., followed by their last name. If you’re not sure about their gender or marital status, you can just stick to their full name, like so:

• Dear Mr. Kurtuy,
• Dear Andrei Kurtuy,

But what if you still can’t find the hiring manager’s name, no matter where you look?

No worries. You can direct your cover letter to the company, department, or team as a whole, or just skip the hiring manager’s name.

• Dear [Department] Hiring Manager
• Dear Hiring Manager
• Dear [Department] Team
• Dear [Company Name]

Are you applying for a research position? Learn how to write an academic personal statement .

#4. Write an Eye-Catching Introduction

First impressions matter, especially when it comes to your job search.

Hiring managers get hundreds, sometimes even thousands, of applications. Chances are, they’re not going to be reading every single cover letter end-to-end.

So, it’s essential to catch their attention from the very first paragraph.

The biggest problem with most opening paragraphs is that they’re usually extremely generic. Here’s an example:

• My name is Jonathan, and I’d like to work as a Sales Manager at XYZ Inc. I’ve worked as a Sales Manager at MadeUpCompany Inc. for 5+ years, so I believe that I’d be a good fit for the position.

See the issue here? This opening paragraph doesn’t say anything except the fact that you’ve worked the job before.

And do you know who else has similar work experience? All the other applicants you’re competing with.

Instead, you want to start with some of your top achievements to grab the reader’s attention. And to get the point across, the achievements should be as relevant as possible to the position.

Your opening paragraph should also show the hiring manager a bit about why you want this specific job. For example, mention how the job relates to your plans for the future or how it can help you grow professionally. This will show the hiring manager that you’re not just applying left and right—you’re actually enthusiastic about getting this particular role.

Now, let’s make our previous example shine:

Dear Mr. Smith,

My name’s Michael, and I’d like to help XYZ Inc. hit and exceed its sales goals as a Sales Manager. I’ve worked as a Sales Representative with Company X, another fin-tech company , for 3+ years, where I generated an average of $30,000+ in sales per month and beat the KPIs by around 40%. I believe that my previous industry experience, passion for finance , and excellence in sales make me the right candidate for the job.

The second candidate starts with what they can do for the company in the future and immediately lists an impressive and relevant achievement. Since they’re experienced in the same industry and interested in finance, the hiring manager can see they’re not just a random applicant.

From this introduction, it’s safe to say that the hiring manager would read the rest of this candidate’s cover letter.

#5. Use the Cover Letter Body for Details

The next part of your cover letter is where you can go into detail about what sets you apart as a qualified candidate for the job.

The main thing you need to remember here is that you shouldn’t make it all about yourself . Your cover letter is supposed to show the hiring manager how you relate to the job and the company you’re applying to.

No matter how cool you make yourself sound in your cover letter, if you don’t tailor it to match what the hiring manager is looking for, you’re not getting an interview.

To get this right, use the job ad as a reference when writing your cover letter. Make sure to highlight skills and achievements that match the job requirements, and you’re good to go.

Since this part of your cover letter is by far the longest, you should split it into at least two paragraphs.

Here’s what each paragraph should cover:

Explain Why You’re the Perfect Candidate for the Role

Before you can show the hiring manager that you’re exactly what they’ve been looking for, you need to know what it is they’re looking for.

Start by doing a bit of research. Learn what the most important skills and responsibilities of the role are according to the job ad, and focus on any relevant experience you have that matches them.

For example, if you’re applying for the position of a Facebook Advertiser. The top requirements on the job ad are:

• Experience managing a Facebook ad budget of $10,000+ / month
• Some skills in advertising on other platforms (Google Search + Twitter)
• Excellent copywriting skills

So, in the body of your cover letter, you need to show how you meet these requirements. Here’s an example of what that can look like:

In my previous role as a Facebook Marketing Expert at XYZ Inc. I handled customer acquisition through ads, managing a monthly Facebook ad budget of $40,000+ . As the sole digital marketer at the company, I managed the ad creation and management process end-to-end. I created the ad copy and images, picked the targeting, ran optimization trials, and so on.

Other than Facebook advertising, I’ve also delved into other online PPC channels, including:

• Google Search

Our example addresses all the necessary requirements and shows off the candidate’s relevant skills.

Are you a student applying for your first internship? Learn how to write an internship cover letter with our dedicated guide.

Explain Why You’re a Good Fit for the Company

As skilled and experienced as you may be, that’s not all the hiring manager is looking for.

They also want someone who’s a good fit for their company and who actually wants to work there.

Employees who don’t fit in with the company culture are likely to quit sooner or later. This ends up costing the company a ton of money, up to 50% of the employee’s annual salary , so hiring managers vet candidates very carefully to avoid this scenario.

So, you have to convince the hiring manager that you’re passionate about working with them.

Start by doing some research about the company. You want to know things like:

• What’s the company’s business model?
• What’s the company’s product or service? Have you used it?
• What’s the company’s culture like?

Chances are, you’ll find all the information you need either on the company website or on job-search websites like Jobscan or Glassdoor.

Then, pick your favorite thing about the company and talk about it in your cover letter.

But don’t just describe the company in its own words just to flatter them. Be super specific—the hiring manager can see through any fluff.

For example, if you’re passionate about their product and you like the company’s culture of innovation and independent work model, you can write something like:

I’ve personally used the XYZ Smartphone, and I believe that it’s the most innovative tech I’ve used in years. The features, such as Made-Up-Feature #1 and Made-Up-Feature #2, were real game changers for the device.

I really admire how Company XYZ strives for excellence in all its product lines, creating market-leading tech. As someone who thrives in a self-driven environment, I truly believe that I’ll be a great match for your Product Design team.

So, make sure to do your fair share of research and come up with good reasons why you're applying to that specific company.

Is the company you want to work for not hiring at the moment? Check out our guide to writing a letter of interest .

#6. Wrap It Up and Sign It

Finally, it’s time to conclude your cover letter.

In the final paragraph, you want to:

• Wrap up any points you couldn't make in the previous paragraphs. Do you have anything left to say? If there’s any other information that could help the hiring manager make their decision, mention it here. If not, just recap your key selling points so far, such as key skills and expertise.
• Express gratitude. Politely thanking the hiring manager for their time is always a good idea.
• Finish the cover letter with a call to action. The very last sentence in your cover letter should be a call to action. This means you should ask the hiring manager to do something, like call you and discuss your application or arrange an interview.
• Remember to sign your cover letter. Just add a formal closing line and sign your name at the bottom.

Here’s an example of how to end your cover letter :

I hope to help Company X make the most of their Facebook marketing initiatives. I'd love to further discuss how my previous success at XYZ Inc. can help you achieve your Facebook marketing goals. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at the provided email address or phone number so that we may arrange an interview.

Thank you for your consideration,

Alice Richards

Feel free to use one of these other popular closing lines for your cover letter:

• Best Regards,
• Kind Regards,

Cover Letter Writing Checklist

Once you’re done with your cover letter, it’s time to check if it meets all industry requirements. 

Give our handy cover letter writing checklist a look to make sure:

Does your cover letter heading include all essential information?

• Professional Email
• Phone Number
• Relevant Links

Do you address the right person? 

• The hiring manager in the company
• Your future direct supervisor
• The company/department in general

Does your introductory paragraph grab the reader's attention?

• Did you mention some of your top achievements?
• Did you use numbers and facts to back up your experience?
• Did you convey enthusiasm for the specific role?

Do you show that you’re the right candidate for the job?

• Did you identify the core requirements for the role?
• Did you show how your experiences helped you fit the requirements perfectly?

Do you convince the hiring manager that you’re passionate about the company you’re applying to?

• Did you identify the top 3 things that you like about the company?
• Did you avoid generic reasons for explaining your interest in the company?

Did you conclude your cover letter properly?

• Did you recap your key selling points in the conclusion?
• Did you end your cover letter with a call to action?
• Did you use the right formal closing line and sign your name?

15 Cover Letter Tips

Now you’re all set to write your cover letter! 

Before you start typing, here are some cover letter tips to help take your cover letter to the next level:

• Customize Your Cover Letter for Each Job. Make sure your cover letter is tailored to the job you're applying for. This shows you're not just sending generic applications left and right, and it tells the hiring manager you’re the right person for the job.
• Showcase Your Skills. Talk about how your skills meet the company’s needs. And while your hard skills should be front and center, you shouldn’t underestimate your soft skills in your cover letter either.
• Avoid Fluff. Don’t make any generic statements you can’t back up. The hiring manager can tell when you’re just throwing words around, and it doesn’t make your cover letter look good.
• Use Specific Examples. Instead of saying you're great at something, give an actual example to back up your claim. Any data you can provide makes you sound more credible, so quantify your achievements. For example, give numbers such as percentages related to your performance and the timeframe it took to accomplish certain achievements.
• Research the Company. Always take time to learn about the company you're applying to. Make sure to mention something about them in your cover letter to show the hiring manager that you're interested.
• Follow the Application Instructions. If the job posting asks for something specific in your cover letter or requires a certain format, make sure you include it. Not following instructions can come off as unattentive or signal to the hiring manager that you’re not taking the job seriously.
• Use the Right Template and Format. Choose the right cover letter format and adapt your cover letter’s look to the industry you’re applying for. For example, if you’re aiming for a job in Law or Finance, you should go for a cleaner, more professional look. But if you’re applying for a field that values innovation, like IT or Design, you have more room for creativity.
• Express Your Enthusiasm. Let the hiring manager know why you're excited about the job. Your passion for the specific role or the field in general can be a big selling point, and show them that you’re genuinely interested, not just applying left and right.
• Address Any Gaps. If there are any employment gaps in your resume , your cover letter is a great place to mention why. Your resume doesn’t give you enough space to elaborate on an employment gap, so addressing it here can set hiring managers at ease—life happens, and employers understand.
• Avoid Quirky Emails. Your email address should be presentable. It’s hard for a hiring manager to take you seriously if your email address is “[email protected].” Just use a [email protected] format.
• Check Your Contact Information. Typos in your email address or phone number can mean a missed opportunity. Double-check these before sending your application.
• Mention if You Want to Relocate. If you’re looking for a job that lets you move somewhere else, specify this in your cover letter.
• Keep It Brief. You want to keep your cover letter short and sweet. Hiring managers don’t have time to read a novel, so if you go over one page, they simply won’t read it at all.
• Use a Professional Tone. Even though a conversational tone isn’t a bad thing, remember that it's still a formal document. Show professionalism in your cover letter by keeping slang, jargon, and emojis out of it.
• Proofread Carefully. Typos and grammar mistakes are a huge deal-breaker. Use a tool like Grammarly or QuillBot to double-check your spelling and grammar, or even get a friend to check it for you.

15+ Cover Letter Examples

Need some inspiration? Check out some perfect cover letter examples for different experience levels and various professions.

5+ Cover Letter Examples by Experience

#1. college student cover letter example.

Check out our full guide to writing a college student cover letter here.

#2. Middle Management Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing a project manager cover letter here.

#3. Team Leader Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing a team leader cover letter here.

#4. Career Change Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to a career change resume and cover letter here.

#5. Management Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing a management cover letter here.

#6. Senior Executive Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing an executive resume here.

9+ Cover Letter Examples by Profession

#1. it cover letter example.

Check out our full guide to writing an IT cover letter here.

#2. Consultant Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing a consultant cover letter here.

#3. Human Resources Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing a human resources cover letter here.

#4. Business Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing a business cover letter here.

#5. Sales Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing a sales cover letter here.

#6. Social Worker Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing a social worker cover letter here.

#7. Lawyer Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing a lawyer cover letter here.

#8. Administrative Assistant Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing an administrative assistant cover letter here.

#9. Engineering Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing an engineer cover letter here.

#10. Receptionist Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing a receptionist cover letter here.

Need more inspiration? Check out these cover letter examples to learn what makes them stand out.

Plug & Play Cover Letter Template

Not sure how to start your cover letter? Don’t worry!

Just copy and paste our free cover letter template into the cover letter builder, and swap out the blanks for your details.

[Your Full Name]

[Your Profession]

[Your Phone Number]

[Your Email Address]

[Your Location]

[Your LinkedIn Profile URL (optional)]

[Your Personal Website URL (optional)]

[Recipient's Name, e.g., Jane Doe],

[Recipient's Position, e.g., Hiring Manager]

[Company Name, e.g., ABC Corporation]

[Company Address]

[City, State/Country]

Dear [Recipient's Name],

As a seasoned [Your Profession] with [Number of Years of Experience] years of industry experience, I am eager to express my interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. With my experience in [Your Industry/Sector] and the successes I've achieved throughout my education and career, I believe I can bring unique value and creativity to your team.

In my current role as [Your Current Job Title], I've taken the lead on more than [Number of Projects/Assignments] projects, some valued up to $[Highest Project Value]. I pride myself on consistently exceeding client expectations and have successfully [Mention a Key Achievement] in just a [Amount of Time] through [Skill] and [Skill].

I've collaborated with various professionals, such as [List Roles], ensuring that all [projects/tasks] meet [relevant standards or objectives]. This hands-on experience, coupled with my dedication to understanding each [client's/customer's] vision, has equipped me to navigate and deliver on complex projects.

My key strengths include:

• Improving [Achievement] by [%] over [Amount of Time] which resulted in [Quantified Result].
• Optimizing [Work Process/Responsibility] which saved [Previous Employer] [Amount of Time/Budget/Other Metric] over [Weeks/Months/Years]
• Spearheading team of [Number of People] to [Task] and achieving [Quantified Result].

Alongside this letter, I've attached my resume. My educational background, a [Your Degree] with a concentration in [Your Specialization], complements the practical skills that I'm particularly eager to share with [Company Name].

I'm excited about the possibility of contributing to [Something Notable About the Company or Its Mission]. I'd be grateful for the chance to delve deeper into how my expertise aligns with your needs.

Thank you for considering my application, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

The Heart of Your Job Search - Creating a Killer Resume

Your cover letter is only as good as your resume. If either one is weak, your entire application falls through.

After all, your cover letter is meant to complement your resume. Imagine going through all this effort to leave an amazing first impression in your cover letter, only for the hiring manager to never read it because your resume was mediocre.

But don’t worry; we’ve got you covered here, too.

Check out our dedicated guide on how to make a resume and learn everything you need to know to land your dream job!

Just pick one of our resume templates and start writing your own job-winning resume.

Key Takeaways

Now that we’ve walked you through all the steps of writing a cover letter, let’s summarize everything we’ve learned:

• A cover letter is a 250 - 400 word document that’s meant to convince the hiring manager that you’re the best candidate for the job.
• Your job application should always include a cover letter alongside your resume.
• To grab the hiring manager’s attention, write a strong opening paragraph. Mention who you are, why you’re applying, and a standout achievement to pique their interest.
• Your cover letter should focus on why you’re the perfect candidate for the job and why you’re passionate about working in this specific company.
• Use the body of your cover letter to provide details on your skills, achievements, and qualifications, as well as make sure to convey your enthusiasm throughout your whole cover letter.
• Recap your key selling points towards the end of your cover letter, and end it with a formal closing line and your full name signed underneath.

At Novorésumé, we’re committed to helping you get the job you deserve every step of the way! 

Follow our career blog for more valuable advice, or check out some of our top guides, such as:

• How to Make a Resume in 2024 | Beginner's Guide
• How to Write a CV (Curriculum Vitae) in 2024 [31+ Examples]
• 35+ Job Interview Questions and Answers [Full List]

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Resume and Cover Letter Action Verbs

• What Are Resume Action Verbs and Keywords
• Why and How to Include Action Verbs in Your Resume

Alphabetical List of Action Verbs

• Resume Example With Action Verbs

Why should you use action verbs in your resumes and cover letters? Hiring managers want to see what you can do to accomplish goals. Using keywords and action verbs cuts to the chase and demonstrates your abilities.

But choosing the right words doesn’t just show what you have accomplished in previous jobs. These words also help your resume , cover letter, and other application materials get selected by the software and hiring managers who screen your documents.

What Are Resume Action Verbs and Keywords?

Action verbs show your ability to succeed. For example, words like accomplished, developed, managed, and handled describe what you have achieved.

Keywords  are the words you use to search for available positions. They’re also the terms that hiring managers use to screen resumes and cover letters to find applicants that are a good fit for a job. Job keywords describe the  hard skills  you have that qualify you for a job.

The closer the keywords in a resume are to those in a job description, the better a candidate's chances of being selected for a job interview.

Why and How to Include Action Verbs in Your Resume

The keywords in your resume will help you get selected for a job interview. Hiring managers search by keywords to find resumes that match the  job qualifications  they established when they listed the job.

In addition to  listing keywords  specific to your occupation (like software or sales skills), include action words that show you what you have accomplished. Rather than just stating a list of duties, including action keywords in your position descriptions.

Here's an example:

• Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel
• Specialized in product order management
• Helped manage associates on the sales floor

Review these tips for how to get your resume past the applicant tracking systems  employers use, and this list of action keywords to use to get your application noticed when applying for jobs.

The Balance

A Achieved, accomplished, acted, adapted, addressed, analyzed, authored, authorized, assessed, assisted, appraised, amended, advised, allocated, altered, accelerated, acquired, aided, assembled

B Budgeted, built, brainstormed, balanced, blended, boosted

C Compiled, combined, challenged, chaired, committed, communicated, coordinated, calculated, contributed, commissioned, confirmed, customized, created, challenged, critiqued

D Decided, developed, disclosed, documented, discovered, designed, determined, demonstrated, deferred, distributed, directed, devoted, drafted, doubled, diversified, designated, dedicated, discussed

E Exercised, expected, earned, elected, engaged, entered, engineered, employed, edited, evaluated, entertained, eliminated, exchanged, ended, estimated, exempted, endorsed, expedited, experienced, enforced, explained

F Facilitated, focused, financed, fueled, figured, fit, formed, fortified, functioned, formulated

G Guided, grouped, gave, garnered, granted, generated, guaranteed, gathered, graphed

H Hired, handled, helped, headed

I Improved, identified, installed, inspired, interviewed, issued, invested, illustrated, implemented, incurred, innovated, inspected, invented, interpreted, inaugurated, informed, induced, instilled, incorporated

J Judged, joined, justified

L Located, lectured, launched, litigated, lobbied, led, listened

M Mastered, managed, merchandised, modified, met, minimized, modeled, measured, moderated, motivated, multiplied, marketed, maximized, moved, mediated

N Negotiated, noticed, navigated, networked

O Operated, owned, observed, oversaw, organized, obtained, oriented

P Participated, printed, proposed, pursued, persuaded, perceived, preserved, processed, produced, promoted, planned, performed, pioneered, passed, prioritized, proficiency, provided, profiled, polled, presented, procured, purchased, placed, permitted

Q Quoted, qualified, questioned, queried

R Ranked, resolved, received, rewarded, revised, revitalized, revamped, responded, restored, rejected, reinforced, reinstated, rehabilitated, remedied, redesigned, recruited, recovered, recorded, reduced, replaced, retained, retrieved, reversed, ran, raised, reached, reviewed, researched

S Saved, secured, stabilized, scheduled, screened, settled, separated, sent, selected, shaped, shortened, showed, signed, simplified, sold, specialized, staged, standardized, steered, stimulated, strategized, surveyed, supported, supplied, substantiated, set goals, supervised, studied

T Trained, tabulated, took, traveled, transformed, tested, transferred, tailored, targeted

U Utilized, uncovered, united, updated, undertook, unified, upgraded

V Verified, valued, validated, visited, visualized

W Witnessed, worked, weighed, wrote, won, welcomed

Resume Example With Action Verbs 

This is an example of a resume with action verbs. Download the resume template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online),

Resume Example With Action Verbs (Text Version)

Lewis Givens 18 Oak Lane Houston, TX 77009 Cell: 555-555-5555 lgivens@email.com

PHARMACEUTICAL SALES REPRESENTATIVE

Physician Education / Territory Development / Relationship Building

Nationally top-ranked pharmaceutical sales representative with unprecedented success establishing market dominance for antidiabetics products. Charismatic presenter and negotiator, deftly forging and maintaining lasting relationships with physician groups and pharmacies.

Notable Sales Achievements

• Scored Pharma Sales Rep of the Quarter regional and national titles every year between 2010 and 2021.
• Pioneered new territories for newly launched Bleudacan® family of products, leading product to top 5% ranking nationally within six months of release.
• Consistently earned Chairman’s Circle and National President’s Club accolades throughout my career.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Biomed Corporation, Houston, TX Pharmaceutical Sales Representative  (06/2016 to Present)

Orchestrated market launch and territory penetration for Bleudacan® antidiabetics across the Southwest region of Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and Nevada.

• Leveraged network of major accounts across the four-state territory to ensure immediate market dominance of novel Bleudacan® products.
• Authored well-received whitepaper on sales trends in the antidiabetics market.

Biogenics LLC, Houston, TX Pharmaceutical Sales Representative  (06/2009 to 06/2016)

Established reputation as a winning physician educator as a representative for the antidiabetics Restorex® and Historelb® in the Texas regional market.

• Captured Chairman’s Circle rankings for each year of tenure.
• Increased sales of Restorex® by 58% and of Historelb® by 46% within six months of hire.

The University of Texas, Austin, TX Bachelor of Science in Marketing

Professional Development Antidiabetics Sales, Value-driven Sales Techniques, Territory Growth Strategies, Regulatory Issues

10 Proven Cover Letter Phrases FREE to use in your cover letter

The cover letter is the most important part of applying for a job. It’s the first contact that a potential employer has with you. It’s where the employer forms their first opinions. The cover letter decides who gets a job interview and who doesn’t. That’s why it’s crucial to include these 10 key cover letter phrases to ensure a callback!

“Dear Mrs. Jane Doe or Mr. John Doe”

This may seem like such a small phrase. It’s one that you need to use, otherwise, you run the risk of having your cover letter tossed out before a potential employer even reads it. Why’s that? It’s because you have to be very careful with pronoun choice. Many will start their cover letter by saying “Dear Sir” because its a habit. If the hiring manager is a women it is possible that you may offend her and she might toss your resume out. It’s ideal that you get the hiring managers name. This shows that you took a little time to do a little research.

“Your company ranks number one in companies I prefer to join. I admire your mission statement”

In the cover letter it’s alright to go ahead and tell them what you admire about them. This shows them that you’re not just looking for any job, rather you’re passionate about their company and what they have to offer. Also, take the time to read the company’s mission statement and mention a little bit about what strikes you about the company.

“The position strongly appeals to me because”

Follow up with why you want to work for the company. If you go into great detail about why you want a certain position, it shows that you have a passion for the career path you are on. Potential bosses admire someone who knows what job they want to hold. That’s because this shows that an employee will potentially stick with the job for years to come.

“My friend John Doe has worked for your company for the past 5 years and has made me interested because… He has told me all about…”

It’s common knowledge that internal referrals count for a huge number of hires. Therefore, you’ll want to highlight your connections fairly early on. Employers generally trust their employees, especially the good ones, and they take into account their opinions. Often times, employers will ask their employees if they know anyone who is looking for a job.

“I feel that I could help your company grow by”

This is a tricky area when it comes to cover letter writing. It’s one that many shy away from. If you thoroughly do your research on the company, this is one of the key cover letter phrases that will help you land a job. All companies want to be the best. Potential employers will admire someone who isn’t afraid to point out what they’ve been known to do wrong and give examples of how they will help. All you have to do is search for a few challenges that the company is having. Perhaps they’re a restaurant that’s not getting positive reviews on social media? Take a sentence or two to explain specific examples of how you’ll be able to help this. It shows that you’re just what they’re looking for.

“Last year I was tasked with a few challenges. First I was responsible for…”

Show your potential boss that you know how to work well under pressure. Explain to them a few times where you were really in boiling water and how you got out of it. Bosses want tough employees who have proven their worth. This is how you show them that nothing gets you down and that you persevere under pressure.

“I’ve been awarded, recognized, selected for, etc.”

Now is your time to shine! Make sure to talk yourself up in just a few sentences. Mention a few key awards you’ve won or that you were recognized for. This shouldn’t turn into a long paragraph because some of this will be touched upon in your resume. Instead, mention a few proud moments so that you can peek their curiosity and get them interested in meeting you!

“I am the candidate for the job”

This is a short phrase that you can add almost anywhere in your resume. It shows that you’re confident in your abilities. This phrase will please a potential employer because it shows that you’re not afraid to make bold statements about your abilities. It sounds much better than using if and maybe statements.

“I am very excited to learn more about this opportunity and share why I’ll be a great fit”

As you near the end of your cover letter, you’ll want to include a call to action. State to your potential employer that you will be following up with them. A statement like this is great. It’s concrete without being too pushy. Avoid giving an exact date of when you’ll be following up because that may turn a potential employee off from wanting to hire you.

“If I am offered this position, I will be ready to hit the ground running”

Finally, conclude your cover letter by further reiterating that you are serious about landing the job. It’s also okay to include an example here of one thing you’d like to try and contribute to the company.

Conclusion: Key Phrases are Importance

Cover letter writing can be hard but if you include these key phrases, you have a better chance of landing an interview and the job! Cover letters are your chance to get a little bit personal so don’t be afraid to reveal a few details about yourself and your job passions.

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Harvard College Resumes & Cover Letter Guide

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A resume is a concise, informative summary of your abilities, education, and experience. It should highlight your strongest assets and skills, and differentiate you from other candidates seeking similar positions.

English Cover Letter

In most cases, the cover letter is your first contact with potential employers. Use this opportunity to make a strong and convincing impression, otherwise you may not get the attention you want.

Before writing, ask yourself why you are the right person for the job.

• Which of your qualities might be essential for the job?
• What contributions can you make to the company?

In your cover letter, emphasise why you are the ideal candidate for the position.

Structure and Content

• Introduction Mention where you found out about the job offer and show interest in the position.
• Details Give reasons for your application: Why are you the ideal candidate? What relevant qualifications, experiences do you have? (Important: refer to the requirements given in the job description.)
• Conclusion Demonstrate your interest in the position once more.

Important Tenses

• Present Perfect / Simple Past (for experiences gained)
• Simple Present (for general information)

Even if there are hundreds of experiences that you wish to emphasise on, keep your cover letter short (no longer than 1 page). Employers usually have to read lots of applications and usually cannot afford spending all day reading lengthy cover letters.

When writing a cover letter, keep to following rules:

• Write an interesting cover letter that impresses the employer.
• Emphasise on qualifications and experiences that are relevant for the job. Explain why you are the right person for the job.
• Avoid negative statements (e.g. I have no / very view experiences ...).

Use a nice letterhead for your cover letter. Check your word processor for templates on formal letters.

• Sender's Address in a Cover Letter
• Date in a Cover Letter
• Recipient's Address in a Cover Letter
• Salutation in a Cover Letter
• Subject Line in a Cover Letter
• Body of a Cover Letter
• Greeting in a Cover Letter
• Enclosure in a Cover Letter

Word Lists on Cover Letters

• Introduction
• Conjunctions

• All Lessons
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Get a new job: Vocabulary & grammar for your RESUME & COVER LETTER

Test your understanding of this English lesson

86 comments.

wow.. 100% correct answer…

Thank you so much for the lesson Emma. I got 90% correct.

Thanks Emma!!Interesting lesson

thank you 80%

It’s an awesome lesson, I’d like to appreciate the effort you have gave, many thanks teacher.???

Thanks Emma

I got 10 correct out of 10.thanks Emma.

Hello! I would like to ask you about using present perfect. If I tell about my achievements and results, can I use present perfect instead past simple? For example: (I) have implemented new planning process. Or it will be mistake?

I think that you can do that because even the present perfect can be used to express things of the past.

Thank you Emma. Even if I am retired and have no intend to find a job, I learned your lesson with pleasure.

I wasn’t nice in the firts test.

Thank you 70%

Thank you Emma. You are a great teacher, but I still starting my english course. Congratulations

Thanks, Mam for your great lesson. The problem comes when we start writing the intro part of a cover letter. It is the most important and main part to make ourselves noticeable to someone. For the intro part, we need the power verb as you told on the video. In this part we some smart sentence but we are failed most of the time on that part.

It would be extremely helpful for us if you suggest us how we could structure a sentence with some powerful word and how to practice this?

vow, 90 percent correct answer!

Thank you Emma! Your lesson is great!

09. Thanks Emma. <3 you!

Thank you. I got 8 out of 10. your lesson amazing.

If I didn’t get 90 or 100 Make a review

I got 7, but I understood the lesson! Thanks Emma

Your class will be very useful. Thank you Emma.

Hii Emma! Please make one lesson on USE OF LIKE AND UNLIKE AS PREPOSITION.. ☺.. I really enjoy your lessons!

The class was clear and easy to understand, thank you Emma. I have got 90 in the quiz.

Thank you Mrs Emma , I benefited from this lesson, and I got 10 correct out of 10.

I get 100% Thank you Emma ?

Thank you Emma… great lesson.

Thank you Emma.

Thanks…scored 100%

thanks Emma, i was made 8 out of 10. Now i know that we can use paragraph in cover letters.. i wrong this one !!

Now I’m ready to write CV: 100% correct answers ! ;-)

nice lesson clear voice thanks alot Emma

It is so interesting Emma thank you

Wow 90% Thank you

thanks a lot

Thank you Enmma. Your video class are amazing. You are great !

Thank you for the video. It’s helpful for me.

70% correct answer, thanks emma

It’s my first test ,so thank you

i get 90% as well as usually

Thx emma. This video so helpful for me

100 % . Thank you for test.

100 % thank you for support.

Nice tips and english lessons Emma, thank you!

I got 90%. Thanks Emma.

Great lesson, thank you.

Thank you Maam! 100per it,s never possible before this support.

Thank you Maam! 100per it,s never possible before this wonderful teaching method.

80% Nice lesson. Thank you, Emma.

Hello my name is Emma …..i love when You say it dear teacher Emma awesome clase as always by the way please emma i would like you make a class about Canadá’cities its pronunciations ,spelling and a little bit of history about the names …Toronto,Alberga,Calgary ,Montreal And so on……bye greetings from surco

That’s a good idea! I’ll add it to the list of lesson requests.

Thanksgiving forma considering me

Good lesson!

Thank you for lesson. It’s really nice 100%

Thank you very much Mrs. Emma.

90% great :)

Thank Emma. Every day I follow your lessons.

I am really confused about the third question.. Could anyone explain it to me please.

“I increased sales by 20%.” better than others + active voice ( I do…) + strong word (increased) + no using slang

I think that the structure differenc between a resume and cover letter explains the difference in grammer applied to them. In my opinion, cover letter is a bit like an essay, you should use full sentences and expresstions in a cover letter should use active voice as teacher Emma said in the video. while expressions in a resume are intended to let the interviewer know the achievements you got in your past working experience. Use bullet points and write down your achievements briefly without a subject. Hope it won’t make you more confused.

the verb increased is more strong than others (made, ….)

100% Thanks

Thank you Emma, your lessons are great.

Best regards!!

Thank you very much Emma! I recommended you to my friends!

Ema, you are an excellent teacher.

Your lessons are very clear and the topics are very useful.

i got 80%, Thank you

80 2 were wrong.

Thank you so much for this Emma. I love all of your classes!

Thanks for the lesson, I got 100%. You’re the best.

thanks Emma for this great lesson, i almost understood 90% of your explication, now i’m able to write a cover letter and resume without practically so much mistakes, bu i have to practice more your tips and advice. from tomorrow i’ll start to write them and i’ll try to apply all those steps and tips, i feel i can really start writing cover letter and resume correctly. thank very much for this video and i hope you all the best in your podcast.

Thank for this excelent test. I have a question for you or i need a suggestion about. I ear to you and I understood your explanation . But i have a hard problem with people that speed fast, am affected by the speed of some when they speak how I can improve this.

oh i got 70. i should review this lesson again. tnx emma

thanks a lot,Emma.

I have appreciated this lesson. Very helpful, thanks!

Thanks a lot Emma. I got 100/100.

Thanks, Mrs.Emma! I got 70%, but I understood your tips!

I need to focus on this , 70 out of 10 is not bad but I n Ed to push more??

Thanks a lot Emma. You are amazing. (Azores Islands, 30Jan2022);

This lesson is very useful. I am improving my English with your videos. Thank you very much.

Thanks Sweet Emma for another superb lesson great for us

Thank you very much Emma.

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