The cover letter aims to convince hiring managers that you are suitable for the job. Think of it as if you are making a business proposal: while the resume outlines all your work experience and relevant skills, the cover letter emphasizes key points. The goal is to catch the hiring manager’s attention and persuade them that your application should move to the next stage.
Of course, hiring managers and recruitment staff are busy. A study found that hiring managers spend an average of just 7.4 seconds reviewing a resume before moving it to a “yes” or “no” pile. Adding bullet points in your cover letter can help you make the most of those seconds, highlighting your relevant experience and aligning it with the job listing’s requirements.
Note: Bullet points can showcase your experience and skills in a way that stands out immediately. Readers might skim the opening paragraph quickly, but their eyes will naturally pause when they see a bullet-point list of qualifications. There’s something about the white space and the formatting of bullet points that attracts attention significantly.
How to Include Bullet Points in a Cover Letter
Start your cover letter with an introductory paragraph explaining why you are writing. Then, when discussing your relevant experience, use a bullet point for each job qualification you have.
Each bullet point should include a brief phrase or sentence that begins with an action verb; you can add a period at the end of each sentence. Avoid putting too much text in each bullet point; when the text following a bullet point stretches over three lines, it may make sense to convert it to a paragraph.
Note: Use simple bullet points like circles, dots, dashes, or small squares. Avoid using other symbols that may seem overly confusing or may not load correctly when applying for jobs online. Steer clear of unusual formatting in your cover letter.
To create bullet points, match your qualifications with the job description. Highlight the skills that most closely align with the job.
You may also include keywords related to the job that are not explicitly listed in the job listing. To find out what keywords to include, scan job postings for other related positions at different companies or review lists of skills to include in a cover letter or resume.
In addition to listing skills, you can use bullet points to convey achievements (for example, “Achieved record sales numbers”).
Using Business Letter Formatting
Follow business letter formatting for your cover letter. If you are sending the cover letter via email, omit the address paragraphs and choose a clear subject line, such as “Application for Teaching Assistant – Kim Fleming.”
Opening of the Letter
The first paragraph of your letter should include information about why you are writing.
Reference the job you are applying for and tell the hiring manager where you found the job listing. If you were referred by someone, this is the time to mention it.
After that, provide a brief introduction, followed by the bullet points.
Bullet Points
The middle section of your cover letter should include what you have to offer. Mention how your qualifications match the job you are applying for. Highlight your relevant experience and accomplishments. Show the employer why you are a great fit. Be selective: you don’t need to list every single skill and accomplishment, no matter how impressive. Limit yourself to qualifications that align with the job description and show that you are particularly well-suited for the position.
Closing the Letter
Close your cover letter with a concluding paragraph and your signature.
Tips for Writing Bullet Points
When writing bullet points, do not copy them from your resume or the job posting. Take the time to write unique phrases for each point, based on your qualifications for the job. Include 3-6 bullet points that outline your experience and achievements.
Note:
Remember that cover letters are meant to persuade. While writing, focus on proving that you are the best candidate for the job.
Once you’ve prepared your letter with an introduction, bullet points, and a closing, you can simply replace the bullet points when writing each new cover letter. It’s a quick and easy way to customize your job application letters for each position you apply for.
Examples of Bullet Point Lists in a Cover Letter
Managing the company’s communications, including extensive experience in social media. Proficiency in C +, UNIX, Shell, and Python programming. Working with students to teach and prepare them for jobs using career counseling techniques, career development strategies, and job preparation techniques. Experience as a teacher’s aide in elementary school classrooms. Certified HR professional with extensive experience in recruitment and hiring. Managing complex projects from start to finish while ensuring client satisfaction and meeting all deadlines.
Example of a Cover Letter with Bullet Points
Lucy Rogers
86 Maple Street
Satchiel-on-Hudson, NY 10705
555-323-5432
lucy.rogers@email.com
September 7, 2022
Freya Lee
Manager
River Events
15 Main Street, 1st Floor
Satchiel-on-Hudson, NY 10705
Dear Ms. Lee,
I was excited to see your recent advertisement for a Receptionist position on Local-on-Hudson.com. As an experienced receptionist and an Satchiel resident, I would love to help support local beloved events such as the Wave Party Series and the Food Truck Fair.
I have five years of administrative experience in event planning companies. Currently, I am a receptionist at Big Five Events on the weekends. I have also completed several internships with entertainment and event planning companies while studying at the International South New York University, where I acquired the following skills:
– Excellent phone communication, customer service, and communication skills
– Expert-level knowledge of Microsoft Office programs, including Excel and PowerPoint, as well as project management software like Asana and Trello
– Typing speed of 80 words per minute
– Attention to detail and a high degree of accuracy
– Patience and problem-solving skills
I have attached my resume for your review and would love to discuss your needs and how I can assist. I hope you will contact me at your convenience to arrange an interview.
Thank you and best regards,
Lucy Rogers (signature for printed letter)
Lucy Rogers (printed)
Example of an Email Cover Letter with Bullet Points
Email Subject: Application for Sales Manager Position from J. Fernandez
Dear Mr. Williams,
I learned with great interest, through your recent advertisement on Indeed.com, about Hamilton Motors’ current search for a Sales Manager. Please accept the attached resume as an expression of my deep interest in enhancing the profitability of your new car sales department.
As a top-performing sales producer with 8 years of experience in automotive sales management for dealerships in Greenville and Spartanburg counties, I have consistently demonstrated leadership and motivation skills that have resulted in sustained growth during my tenures. Some achievements I bring to the table include:
– Consistently meeting ambitious monthly sales expectations, exceeding profit goals by 32% in 2016, 49% in 2017, and 58% in 2018.
– Proven effectiveness in recruiting, hiring, and training retail sales teams that led their regions in productivity from 2014 to present, receiving top automotive sales awards each year.
– More than doubling customer traffic by hiring dedicated members for the online car sales team.
– Implementing strict inventory control policies that reduced overhead costs by 40% while maintaining an optimal range of vehicle types.
As a manager
Enthusiastic and persuasive sales, my “super” talent lies in my ability to inspire others to take responsibility for their own sales quotas and work enthusiastically as a team to achieve ambitious sales goals. I am excited about the opportunity to bring this strength to Hamilton Motors, and I appreciate your consideration of my application and look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
Julio Fernandez
3089 Montgomery Street
Greenville, SC 29603
(000) 123-1234
jfernandez@email.com
Source: https://www.thebalancemoney.com/how-to-include-bullet-points-in-a-cover-letter-2062299
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