When writing a cover letter to accompany your resume as part of a job application, it’s important to ensure that every word counts. Your cover letter should enhance the employer’s view of your qualifications so you can shift from being an applicant to a recipient of an interview invitation.
Types of Keywords in Cover Letters
Keywords are a vital element of a compelling cover letter as they can depict the candidate as a highly qualified applicant for the job. These keywords fall into three general categories: skill words, results-related words, and recognition words related to achievements.
How Keywords Show You’re a Good Fit for the Job
Keywords work in different ways. First, you’ll use the keywords included in your resume and cover letter to match your application with the skills required by the employer in the job posting.
This matching process is often carried out by automated applicant tracking systems (ATSs), which are programmed to identify specific keywords and classify all resumes accordingly before they reach the hiring manager. If your cover letter and resume lack these keywords, they may be automatically cut from consideration at this stage of the evaluation.
How Keywords Show You’re Qualified
Second, the keywords embedded in your cover letter will demonstrate how and why you are highly qualified for the position, allowing the employer to rank you among competitors and ideally offer you one of their interview opportunities.
Skill Words
Job seekers should analyze the skills required to excel in the targeted job and incorporate them into their cover letters. These words should also be listed in your resume. You will be more credible if you rephrase the skills mentioned in the job postings rather than listing them verbatim. Skill words are most effective when linked to a specific role or project in which the skills were critical to success.
Results-Related Words
All employers are looking for employees who will add value and generate positive outcomes for their organizations. For this reason, it’s essential to incorporate results-related language into your cover letters. Consider the end result of each job listed in your resume and how you may have contributed to improving things in your role.
Recognition Words
Hiring managers are more likely to believe that you will perform exceptionally if it’s clear that previous employers saw you this way. You can achieve this by integrating language that shows former employers recognized your contributions.
Take the Time to Match
When selecting keywords to include in your cover letter, you can find the best words to use by matching your qualifications with those mentioned in the job posting.
Using Keywords in Your Resume
It’s also important to use keywords in your resume that reflect the requirements of the job the employer is seeking and indicate how your credentials match them. The keywords in your resume should include your skills, competencies, relevant credentials, education, past positions, and employers.
Source: https://www.thebalancemoney.com/cover-letter-keywords-2060289
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