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Here's How to Write a Cover Letter That's Sure to Get You a Callback

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Follow these five easy steps to write a successful cover letter for a job, including how to draft, write, and send a cover letter with a resume.

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The first step to landing your dream job is to create a stand-out resume. In this article, a recruitment specialist shares his top tips for impressing recruiters and landing your dream job. We also show you exactly how your resume should look in 2019, and make it easy to create your own with customizable resume templates.

If there's one experience that many professionals dread, it's creating a resume. Not only are you required to cram all of your experience into one A4 sheet of paper, but you also need to think like a recruiter.

When it comes to your career, you always want to put your best foot forward. And part of this equation is making sure that you are up-to-date with the specific requirements recruiters are looking for when choosing job candidates.

To help us navigate this tricky terrain, Andrew Morris, the director of recruitment agency Robert Half Australia, shares his tips for building a resume that is easy to read, and sure to impress anyone who reads it.
If you work within a creative industry, you can afford to go bold with your resume design. Why not try the Orange Graphic Designer Resume or the Blue Brush Strokes Resume.
Make your resume easily scannable

We know that recruiters are extremely busy, so it's best to make their job as easy as possible. Robert suggests using an easy-to-read format and favoring bullet points instead of long sentences.

"No matter how professionally job seekers conduct themselves in person, a resume will not receive serious consideration if it's difficult to read. Resumes should not include several quirky fonts (no Comic Sans or Marker Felt), the sections need to be lined up neatly and easy to read with the judicious use of columns, bold fonts, bullet points, and white space."

By opting for these design elements, with one quick scan, recruiters are able to analyze your expertise and have a better understanding of what your specialties are, without needing to sift through the information for it.
Show some personality by choosing a bright, or muted color palette to work with. For a subtle pop of color, try customizing The White and Black Customer Service Resume or the Grey Modern Professional Resume.
Provide clear examples of your achievements

While it's one thing to explain your daily tasks in previous roles, Robert suggests giving specific examples of the achievements you've had and the unique value you've offered to your previous teams.

"One big mistake applicants can make is listing their skills and experience, yet not paying enough attention to giving examples of their achievements. This is essential so hiring managers can understand why a job seeker's skills and experience are the best match for the job they're applying for."

Robert also suggests highlighting your growth trajectory within the company.

You need to highlight your accomplishments and promotions. Try writing miniature case studies that include specific results.

Stand out from the other piles of resumes with a dark background and contrasting text. To do this try the Classy Businessman Resume or the Simple Dark Gradient Resume.
Choose your words carefully

While grammar is one thing, Robert also suggests carefully selecting the words you use when writing your resume. "Misused words and careless spelling on a resume can bring trouble to the job search. Grammatical mistakes in a resume make candidates look sloppy and negligent."

When writing your resume, here are a few points to consider asking yourself:

What specific skills am I trying to highlight?

How can I highlight the qualities required for the job in my resume?

How can I explain my experience in the most concise way possible?

Once you've completed the first draft, Robert suggests leaning on the help of online grammar tools to avoid mistakes. "Job seekers should rely on spelling and grammar checkers as they might not catch extra or missing words, subject-verb disagreement, inconsistent tenses or wrong punctuation choice."
Sometimes, simple is best. The Green Watercolor Modern Resume and Painter Artist Creative Resume are perfect templates to personalize for a minimalistic effect.
Choose simple font

In design, font plays a vital role in communicating your message. And this is no different for resumes.

When choosing fonts to use, Robert suggests choosing simple font types that will allow your talent to shine. "Job seekers should make sure their resume font is not distracting. When a jobseekers' resume lands in the hands of a hiring manager, the idea is to have their experience and skills to shine through, not the font."

Design tip: Create a website to add to your resume

Unsurprisingly, digital resumes and portfolios are only growing in popularity. While this has been prominent for freelancers and those in creative industries who rely on portfolio presentations, the importance of an online presence is now widespread no matter your industry.

When creating your website, clearly display your contact information, previous experience and examples of work, plus links to your other public profiles like LinkedIn.

Having a sleek, professional website also allows for greater exposure, and helps the recruiter learn more about you before you even enter an interview.
When designing your website, make a lasting impression by designing a bold cover page that has your name, a picture of yourself and what your specialty is. Be inspired by Scallop Seashell Photographer Portfolio Website and Pink Events Planner Portfolio Website.

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Here's what your resume should look like for 2019 - Learn

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The first step to landing your dream job is to create a stand-out resume. In this article, a recruitment specialist shares his top tips for impressing recruiters and landing your dream job. We show you exactly how your resume should look in 2019, and make it easy to create your own with customizable resume templates.

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Please be aware that some companies do not give any attention to people who call in. They want you to walk in the front door. It's the actions speak louder than words thing. Companies are in business to make money and now that summer is here, their phones are ringing with students looking for work, not just internships.

Face up to the fact that some companies do not offer internships. Hospital nurses? You cannot get a summer internship as a nurse, no matter how great you are. Sheriff's office? No, you cannot get a summer internship as a local Sheriff.

Your search for an internship is going to cover 3 areas: Online, in person and over the phone.Make it your goal every day to push out 15 inquiry letters to businesses within 25 miles of your front door.

Google "small business, xxxxx (your zip code)" and copy that list into your word processor. Now Google "Industrial park, xxxxx (your zipcode)" and copy that list on another page in your word processor. See if there are any duplicates between the lists. Eliminate those. If you need to,check the bus schedules for those locations and figure out how hard it will be to get to work, if hired.

Your in-person game plan means putting on clean pressed slacks, a clean long-sleeved button up shirt, shaving or minimal makeup and combing your hair back off your face. Nobody wants to hire a slouching, smelly fool that won't make eye-contact. Nobody owes you a job and even if you have the cure to the common cold, they won't hire you because of the way you look.Make yourself look presentable. You are going to put miles on those shoes and your face is going to hurt from smiling.Every office in that industrial park is your destination, no matter what they do, make or sell. It's a job and you've got everything to learn.

Here is your script for over the phone:

"Hi, my name is Anthony (not Tony, or Buzz-Buzz) and I'm astudent over at XYZ University. I'm looking for summer work as an__________________. Can you tell me howto apply for that? Follow their instructions and do it in the next 10 secondsbecause you had better believe there are 20 more students looking for that job.Get in there before they do.
"Do you have any jobs available?" Automatic answer is no and you hear the phone click. "I want to find out how I get a job with you." You don't, my nephew is doing it. Click.
Here's what you don't know. 75% of all jobs in the USA arenot advertised on job boards. I just got through a hunt to find a VicePresident / Manager and I didn't advertise that. When you call these places orwalk in, you have to assume that they do have a job inside the front door andyour goal is to find out about it. Getting past the gatekeeper is another wholearticle and I'm not going to get into that here.

Step 1: Always startlooking and getting your feelers out there in the month prior to your last dayof school. That's 30 days in advance. Face it, it is June and most studentsstarted looking for work back in May.

Step 2: Decide if youare looking for an un-paid internship (no money or paycheck) or if you want apaid internship (money and a paycheck).

Step 3: Assembleevery minute of work experience, home and family volunteer experience, anduseful projects onto your word processor. Create a one-page sheet of everything you know how to do, software youcan operate, any computer systems you know how to run, and any specializedequipment operations.

Can you operate a backhoe, a forklift, a pallet jack, or atrencher? That is specialty equipment.When you walk in that front door, that one-pager has to be ready and present inyour hand. You may have only 20 seconds before the next job seeking studenttramples you trying to get to that open job.

One last thing: student workers fall through and end up out of a job. That should beexactly where you are standing the moment that happens. As part of your interview process, let thatrecruiter/HR manager know that you can be on the job and ready to work with 1 days'notice. That eagerness and flexibility sometimes is not present even in a20-year veteran. Make it plain that you are ready to hit the ground running.

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How do I cold call companies to get summer internships?

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Answer (1 of 3): Please be aware that some companies do not give any attention to people who call in. They want you to walk in the front door. It's the actions speak louder than words thing. Companies are in business to make money and now that summer is here, their phones are ringing with student...

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Once you've finished crafting your resume, it would be nice to think your work is done. You've triple-checked for spelling errors, picked the right font and feel ready to apply to any job.

But according to experts in human resources and online job hunting, you're work isn't over just yet. Customizing your resume each time you apply to a new type of role or to a new company can help you stand out from other applicants.

"It's a job seeker's best bet," says Brie Weiler Reynolds, senior career specialist at job search website FlexJobs. "I've heard the same advice over and over from recruiters who spend their days reviewing resumes looking for the best candidates."

How to make your resume stand out

Here's what Reynolds and others suggest: Start by creating one resume that features all of your work experience, skills and certifications. This will be your "master resume." Then, make a copy of it and adjust it depending on either the role of the job, or the company, she suggests.

"This doesn't mean you have to recreate the resume in its entirety," says Paul Wolfe, SVP of human resources at job search site Indeed, "but you can make subtle changes according to specific roles."

Adjust the wording and what parts of your work you highlight so that it aligns with what the job posting entails. For example, an entry-level videographer should have three slightly different versions of her resume that showcase different abilities for jobs in video shooting, editing or producing.

When you should definitely customize your resume

Of course, you don't have to change your resume every time you apply to a job, especially if the jobs you are applying to are very similar. But in certain instances, recruiters and hiring managers say it will significantly boost your chances of scoring an interview.

If you find a job listing that really excites you, don't hesitate to put extra effort into making a custom resume, says Scott Dobroski, community expert and director of communications at salary and jobs website Glassdoor.

"Get specific," Dobroski says, "Take the time to customize your resume for what the employer is looking for and make clear how you would be a fit for that role, and why."

Those looking to make a career move should also make sure to adjust their resume to showcase how their skills translate to other industries.

Wolfe suggests you "highlight your work experience in a way that makes sense for the new role."

For example, an academic researcher looking to work as a business analyst should make a resume that looks totally different from the one he would use to apply to academic jobs, taking time to show how his research skills are transferable to other areas.

"Once you get the hang of it, it's actually not as much work as people imagine," Reynolds says.

"Yes, you'll probably apply to fewer job listings overall," she adds, "but your applications will be far more likely to be effective in getting chosen for interviews."
Check out some of the most creative resumes ever. Like this story? Like CNBC Make It on Facebook.

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Why you should be creating a unique resume for each job application

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Once you've finished crafting your resume, it would be nice to think your work is done. You've triple-checked for spelling errors, picked the right font and feel ready to apply to any job. But according to experts in human resources and online job hunting, you're work isn't over just yet.

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23 Creative Resume Examples for 2023 | Enhancv

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Gone are the days when a resume was only about showing your work experience.
A great creative resume needs to stand out.
Whether it’s at a career fair or in an HR department, when recruiters have looked at 100s of resumes in a single day, they should remember yours.
But that’s easier said than done.…

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There are several basic types of resumes you can use to apply for job openings. You can choose to write a chronological, functional, combination, or a targeted resume. Each resume type is used for different purposes. Therefore, when deciding which type of resume to use, you have to think about your current circumstances.

This type of resume works well for job seekers with a strong, solid work history. If you are starting your career, or if you are changing career fields, you might consider a different resume type.​

A functional resume also sometimes includes a resume summary or headline at the top, which details a person's skills and achievements. A functional resume might not include one's employment history at all or might have a concise list of work history at the bottom of the resume.

A combination resume is a mix between a chronological resume and a functional resume. At the top of the resume is a list of one's skills and qualifications. Below this is one's chronological work history. However, the work history is not the focus of the resume and typically does not take up much space on the resume.

With this type of resume, you can highlight the skills you have that are relevant to the job you are applying for, as well as provide your chronological work history. After all, most employers want to see your chronological work history, even if that history is not very extensive.

This kind of resume helps you highlight what makes you the best fit for the job, while still giving the employer all the information he or she wants.​

Infographic resumes include graphic design elements in addition to or instead of text. A traditional resume uses text to list a candidate's work experience, education, and skills, while an infographic resume uses layout, color, design, formatting, icons, and font styling to organize content.​

Adding a profile is helpful for almost any applicant. If you have extensive experience, a profile can concisely explain that experience to the hiring manager right away. If you have limited work experience, a profile can help you highlight the skills that you do have.

A targeted resume is a resume that is customized to specifically highlight the experience and skills you have that are relevant to the job you are applying for. It takes more work to write a targeted resume than to click to apply with your existing resume. However, it's well worth the effort, especially when applying for jobs that are a perfect match for your qualifications and experience.

Try to write a targeted resume for every job. Employers can easily see when you submit a generic resume, rather than thinking about why you are qualified for that specific job.

A nontraditional resume is a unique version of your resume that may include photos, graphics, images, graphs, and other visuals. It might be an online resume, or a physical resume with infographics, as mentioned above. It could also be a video or a resume on a social networking website.

Nontraditional resumes are ideal for people in creative fields, who want to demonstrate their ability to create visually engaging designs or to create web pages. It can be a good way for a job candidate to stand out from the crowd in professions like design, web design, journalism, and more.

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What Are the Different Types of Resumes?

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There are several basic types of resumes you can use to apply for job openings. You can choose to write a chronological, functional, combination, or a targeted resume. Each resume type is used for different purposes. Therefore, when deciding which type of resume to use, you have to think about your current circumstances.

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What's the best job for you?

Use The Muse to find a job at a company with a culture you love. Select the career path that aligns with you:

How many years of experience do you have?

What company benefits are most important to you?

Calculating your job matches...

Responsible for ...
Experience in...
Most resume bullet points start with the same tired old words hiring managers have read over and over-to the point where they've lost a lot of their meaning. They also don't do much to show off your accomplishments, and instead tend to just communicate your job duties.

So let's get a little more creative, shall we? Next time you update your resume, switch up a few of those common words and phrases with strong, compelling action verbs that will catch hiring managers' eyes.

What are action verbs and how can you use them on your resume?

Action verbs convey doing-for example, "She walked to the door," or, "The dog chased the ball." On your resume, action verbs show readers you accomplished something at your past jobs, you weren't just "responsible for" it. Instead you "streamlined" or "coordinated" or "executed" it. You got the job done and you achieved something in the process.

But be careful: Not all action verbs are as strong as others. For example, words like "led" or "handled" may have their place on a resume (sparingly), but don't give the reader any details about how you did it. Did you lead by assigning work to a team; by creating a road map for a project; by organizing resources, people, and deadlines; or by doing some combination of the three?

No matter what duty or accomplishment you're trying to show off, we've got just the resume action verb for you. Check out the list below, and get ready to make your resume way more exciting.

Action verbs for when you led a project

Actions for when you envisioned and brought a project to life

Action verbs for when you increased efficiency, productivity, profit, sales, revenue, or customer satisfaction (or reduced costs or time spent)

Action verbs for when you changed or improved something

Action verbs for when you managed a team

While "managed" may have a place on your resume (especially if it's a keyword), phrases like "Managed a team..." or "Managed employees..." are just reciting your job duties. Instead, you can show what an inspirational leader you were with terms like:

Action verbs for when you brought in partners, funding, resources, or clients

Were you "responsible for" a great new partner, sponsor, source of funding, or client? Try:

Action verbs for when you supported customers

Because monitoring the phones, answering questions, or providing customer service really means you're advising customers and meeting their needs, use:

Action verbs for when you did research or analysis

Action verbs for when you communicated

Action verbs for when you oversaw or regulated

Action verbs for when you achieved something

Did you hit your goals? Win a coveted department award? Don't forget to include that on your resume, with words like:

The Muse is a values-based careers site that helps people navigate every aspect of their careers and search for jobs at companies whose people, benefits, and values align with their unique professional needs. The Muse offers expert advice, job opportunities, a peek behind the scenes at companies hiring now, and career coaching services. You can also find The Muse on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, and Flipboard.

More from The Muse Editors

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185+ Action Verbs That Will Majorly Impress Hiring Managers

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No matter what duty or accomplishment you're trying to show off, these resume action verbs will show hiring managers you're the best candidate for the job.

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Resume Vocabulary | Business English | EnglishClub

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Useful language for preparing your CV or resume. Learn the action words and power words you need to get that job. Business English for English learners.

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We love having examples. It's so much easier to follow a recipe, build a puzzle, or yes, even write a cover letter when you know what the end product should look like.

So that's what we're going to give you-all the cover letter examples and tips you need to make yours shine (we're unfortunately not experts in recipes or puzzles).

Want to get right down to business? Skip ahead to:

Why Bother With a Cover Letter at All?

Before we jump in, it's worth emphasizing why cover letters still exist and are worthy of your attention. I bet when you see a job listing where one's "optional" you gleefully submit a resume and move on. But you're truly doing yourself a disservice by not creating one (or by writing one that's super generic or formulaic).

"When you're writing a resume you're oftentimes confined by space, by resume speak, by keywords-you're up against a lot of technical requirements," says Melody Godfred, a Muse career coach and founder of Write in Color who's read thousands of cover letters over the course of her career, "whereas in a cover letter you have an opportunity to craft a narrative that aligns you not only with the position you're applying to but also the company you're applying to."

It helps you explain your value proposition, stand out from the stack, and create "continuity between your application and the person you're going to be when you walk into the room," Godfred says. If there's a gap in your resume, you have the opportunity to explain why it's there. If you're changing careers, you have the chance to describe why you're making the switch. If your resume's pretty dull, a cover letter helps you add personality to an otherwise straightforward career path.

Convinced? A little less worried? Maybe not sold on the idea but now know why you need to spend time on it? Either way, let's get started-we promise this will be painless.

The Elements of a Perfect Cover Letter

Let's go back to puzzles for a second. They're made up of bits and pieces that fit together a specific way to complete the whole, right?

Cover letters are a little like puzzles. When you put each component in its proper place (and remove any parts that don't fit), you create a complete picture.

Every great cover letter includes the following:

An Engaging Opening Line

Not "I'm applying for [position]." Not "I'm writing to be considered for a role at [Company]." Not "Hello! How's it going? Please hire me!"

Your opening line is everything. How you start a cover letter influences whether someone keeps reading-and you want them to, right?

"Starting with something that immediately connects you to the company is essential-something that tells the company that this is not a generic cover letter," says Godfred. "Even if your second paragraph is something that doesn't ever change, that first intro is where you have to say something that tells the employer, 'I wrote this just for you.'"

It can be a childhood memory tying you back to the company's mission. It can be a story about the time you fell in love with the company's product. It can be an anecdote from another job or experience showing how hard of a worker you are. Whatever you decide to open with, make it memorable.

A Clear Pitch

The next few paragraphs, Godfred explains, are where you include one of two things: "If you're someone who's transitioning careers, and you need to explain that transition, you do it there." But if you're not a career changer, use this section to "hit them with the strongest results you have that are aligned with the opportunity," she states.

Ryan Kahn-Muse career coach and founder of The Hired Group -calls this your pitch. In other words, the part where you're "selling yourself for the position and why you're qualified for it."

Godfred emphasizes that this section should have a balance of soft and hard skills. Talk about your experience using Salesforce or doing SEO work (and get those job description keywords in! More on that later), but also highlight your ability to lead teams and communicate effectively.

"Companies are embracing authenticity, they're embracing humanity, they're looking for people who are going to fit their culture. So what are your values? What do you stand for?" says Godfred. These values should be as much a part of your cover letter as the nitty-gritty.

A Great Closing Line

Kahn explains that your closing line could include your next steps, such as "I welcome the opportunity to speak with you more about how I can contribute to [team]" or "I would love to schedule a time for us to discuss this role and my experience."

But more importantly, "you want to make sure that you're gracious and thanking them," he says. While seemingly cliché, it never hurts to end on a simple "thank you for your consideration."

You can, however, exclude the "references upon request" line. "If an employer wants your references, you better believe they'll ask for them," says Godfred.

A Few Other Cover Letter Essentials

First off-please, I beg you, address your cover letter to a person. No "To Whom It May Concern" or "Dear Sir or Madam." People don't talk that way, so why would they want to read it?

Secondly, keep the applicant tracking system, or ATS, in mind. This robot will be sifting through your cover letter much in the way it does with your resume, so you'll want to scatter relevant keywords from the job description throughout your cover letter where it makes sense.

Third of all, get your contact information on there, including your name, phone number, and email (most of the time, your address and theirs is irrelevant)-and on every page, if yours goes over one.

"Imagine you come across a cover letter and you print it out with a bunch of applications to review and it doesn't have the person's contact information on it," states Godfred. "You never want to put yourself in a situation where you're the right person and they can't find you."

And know that the ATS can't read crazy formatting, so keep your font and layout simple.

How to Get Started Writing a Cover Letter

Overall, says Godfred, "when you're up against dwindling attention spans, the more concise you can be the better. Make every single word count."

To get started, she always suggests that her clients do a "brain dump." Once you just get your ideas onto the page, then "ask yourself how you can cut half of it." Through this process, "you'll find that those very generic phrases oftentimes are the first to go," she says. You only have so much space to get your point across, so focus on the information that isn't stated elsewhere rather than simply regurgitating your resume.

This can feel like a lot to do on one cover letter, let alone several, so Kahn likes to remind his clients that quality comes first. Target the jobs you're most closely drawn to and qualified for and give them all your energy, rather than try to churn out hundreds of cover letters. You may not be able to apply to as many jobs, but you're guaranteed to have better results in terms of response rate.

Cover Letters Come in All Shapes and Sizes

Whether you're writing a cover letter for a data scientist or executive assistant position, a startup or a Fortune 500 company, you're going to want to tailor it to the role, company, and culture (not to mention, the job description).

Don't fret! We've got examples of the four basic types of cover letters below: a traditional cover letter, an impact cover letter, a writing sample cover letter, and a career change cover letter. We've also included the exact job descriptions they're written for-to help inspire you to tailor yours to a specific position.

One note before you read on: There's a difference between your cover letter and the email you send with your application. If you're not sure whether to copy and paste your letter into your email or attach it as a document, common practice is to pick either/or, not both.

A traditional cover letter, is, as you guessed it, based on your average cover letter template. You'll most likely write this version if you're applying to a very traditional company (like a law firm or major healthcare company) or a very traditional role (like a lawyer or accountant), or when you're just looking to lean more conservative and safe.

The Job Description

Let's say you're applying to a paralegal job opening. The job description might look something like this:
Responsibilities Requirements
The Cover Letter Example

Under the constraints of keeping things strictly professional, here's what you could write without sounding too boring or jargon-y:
Dear Ms. Jessica Tilman, In my five-year career as a paralegal, I have honed my legal research and writing skills, and the attorneys I've worked with have complimented me on my command of case law and litigation support. Spiegel Law Firm's 20 years in practice proves that the firm has strong values and excellent attorneys, which is why I want to be a part of the Spiegel Law Firm team. I currently serve as a paralegal for Chandler LLC, where I work closely with the partners on a number of high-priority cases. During my time here, I implemented a new calendar system that ensures timely filing of court papers. This system has prevented missed deadlines and allowed for better organization of internal and client meetings.
Previously, as a paralegal for the Neuerburg Law Firm, I received praise for my overall support of the legal team and my positive attitude.
My further qualifications include a bachelor's degree from Rutgers University, a paralegal certificate, and training in LexisNexis, Westlaw, and Microsoft Office Suite. I would love the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to your legal team. Thank you in advance for your consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you.
Why This Works

It's short, sweet, and to the point. It shows both a knack for getting things done in a thorough and timely matter and an energy for helping out wherever it's needed. They also toss some important keywords in there: implemented a new calendar system, My further qualifications include a Bachelor's Degree..., training in LexisNexis, Westlaw, and Microsoft Office Suite...

Finally, it expresses a genuine interest in this specific firm in its opening lines.

The impact cover letter works best for roles where you're expected to deliver on certain goals or results. Maybe you're in sales and the job calls for hitting a certain quota each quarter. Or maybe you're an event planner looking to show you can run X number of conferences or create Y number of marketing campaigns. The key for this, then, will be to put your accomplishments front and center.

The Job Description

You've come across an opening for an email marketing manager. The job description states the following:
Responsibilities Requirements
The Cover Letter Example

Your personality can shine more directly through this kind of cover letter, but you'll want to make sure your hard skills and successes stand out:
Dear Russ Roman,
I have a problem. See, my inbox currently (and embarrassingly) hosts 1,500 unread emails-including newsletters from at least 50 different brands.
But this problem only fuels my passion for creating emails that are worth opening. Because from my perspective, as someone who can barely get through their own stack of mail, that's a true win. I've been following Vitabe for years, and can proudly say that I open every single email you send to me. I'm a sucker for a good subject line-"Take a Vitamin-ute-We'll A-B-C You Soon" being my favorite-and the way your email content feels both fun and expert-backed really speaks to me. This is why I'm thrilled to submit my application for a role as email marketing manager at your company. I have over four years of experience working in the email marketing space. In my current role at Westside Bank, I was able to implement new email campaigns centered around reengaging churned clients. By analyzing data around the types of clients who churn and the engagement of our current email subscribers, as well as A/B testing headlines and newsletter layouts, we were able to increase email subscribers by 15% and convert 30% of those subscribers to purchase our product, a significant increase from the previous year. I also launched a "Your Credit Matters" newsletter focused on educating our clients on how they spend and manage their credit-which became our highest performing campaign in terms of open-rates and click-through to date. Previously, as a member of the marketing team at Dream Diary Mattresses, I collaborated with the sales and product team to understand how I could best support them in hitting their quarterly goals. One specific project involving creating personalized emails for customers drew more people to come back to our site after 30 days than direct paid ad campaigns, leading to a 112% increase in revenue from the last quarter. I take the content I write and the calendars I manage seriously, editing and refining to the point beyond being detail-oriented into scary territory, and I feel my experience and drive would greatly help Vitabe further develop their email program for success. Thank you very much for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.
Why This Works

This sample cover letter concisely highlights the person's significant achievements and ties them back to the job description. By adding context to how their projects were created, monitored, and completed, they're able to show just how results-driven they are.

One thing worth noting: This person didn't include skills such as Google Analytics, HTML, CSS, Photoshop, Microsoft Excel, and SEO-all of which are listed in the job description. The reason they decided not to was simply because those skills are most likely in their resume, and they wanted to use the space they had to discuss specific projects and tell a story not visible on other parts of their application.

Often for roles where communication is king, such as PR, copyediting, or reporting, your cover letter will either substitute for or complement your writing samples. So it's just as important to write eloquently as it is to showcase your skill set.

The Job Description

Let's take the example of a staff writer position. The requirements might include the following:
Responsibilities

Pitch and write editorial content and collaborate with teams to report on timely issues and trends

Evaluate content performance and digital trends on a daily basis to constantly adjust pitches and packaging

Utilize CMS tools, strategically select photos and videos, and request original graphics to optimize all written content for maximum engagement

Requirements
The Cover Letter Example

Have fun with this one, but make sure you've tripled-checked for spelling and grammar mistakes, and are showing off your best writing tactics:
Dear Mr. Kolsh, Since I could walk, I've been dancing. And since I could read, I've been glued to Arabesque Weekly. At one point, you featured one of my local heros-a ballerina who struggled with an injury early in her career and went on to become a principal at Pacific Northwest Ballet-and I plastered the article above my childhood bed. It's still there today. Of course, I never became a star myself, but it was that article and so many others you've published that taught me that dancing was about more than just pirouettes and arabesques (sorry, I had to)-and that the right kind of writer can shed light on aspects of the art that make it surprising, impactful, and universal. I can be that writer.
As an editorial assistant for The Improv Group for the past two and a half years, my main responsibility was to get all of our content ready to go live. This included a final round of proofreading, adding in HTML where necessary, fact-checking, and finding photos, videos, and GIFs that would complement the content and optimize audience engagement. As I tinkered with each post, I became intimately familiar with our internal CMS and what makes a piece perfect.

But, by far, my favorite aspect of this role has been writing. Each week, I pitch and write at least one article, from 250-word news items to 900-word advice pieces to even longer personal essays. I love the challenge of developing pitches that align with the trends we see in the data, fit in with the company's brand and mission, and allow me to flex my creative muscles.

Collaborating with my team to form the best content library we can has been a dream come true. I am ready to use my experience to help Arabesque Weekly achieve all its big and small goals. And I hope to one day write a story that another child tapes to their wall forever.

It would be an honor to be a part of your editorial team, and I look forward to the possibility of discussing the opportunity with you.

Why This Works

This candidate is clearly passionate about this specific publication and leads with a unique personal anecdote tied to the company's mission and further showing their ability to tell stories in a compelling way. There are relevant keywords and phrases, sure, but they're not just thrown in there. Every sentence carries a specific voice, proving this person knows how to communicate effectively.

Like I said earlier, cover letters can play a big part in helping career changers prove their worth-especially when it's unclear how your skills transfer over to this new field.

Writing a career change cover letter requires a bit more strategy. You'll want to highlight the obvious skills you have that relate to the job description, but you'll also want to draw a line between experiences you've had in the past and responsibilities you might have in this new role. Finally, you'll want to explain, if not emphasize, why you're making the switch and what's driving you toward this specific industry, company, or position.

The Job Description

Let's say you're someone who has experience supporting a sales team as an administrative assistant, and you're now looking to become a sales representative. You come across the following job posting:
Responsibilities

Develop new sales techniques and strategies to build pipeline and hit team goals

Coordinate with other teams to increase lead generation efforts

Assist in the processing of new business, including contacting customers to finalize sales and service transactions

Requirements
The Cover Letter Example

Here's how you might translate your past experience over to this new (and exciting) prospect:
Dear Maria Ross,
The head of sales at Sunshine Inc. was in a bind. She needed six client meetings scheduled, 18 service transactions processed, and a summary of the team's new lead generation campaign drafted before getting on a flight to Austin-in three hours. So, she turned to her cool-headed, sales-savvy administrative assistant for help. That assistant was me. Not only did I execute everything on her to-do list, I did it all before her plane left the ground.

For three years, I worked in lockstep with a busy, growth-oriented sales leader to support the business development team. As the sole administrative assistant in the department, I balanced a swath of competing priorities, ranging from data entry and meeting coordination to contacting customers, finalizing transactions, and creating promotional materials. This role helped me to develop a comprehensive understanding of the sales cycle, sales strategy, and pipeline growth.

Like many others, my career path hasn't been entirely straightforward. After leaving Crabapple Media, I enrolled in a local coding training program. Six months later, I emerged with a certificate in computer programming and a certainty that I did not want to be a coder. But education is never wasted. I'm now an aspiring sales representative with experience supporting a thriving sales team and extensive knowledge of the tech space.
Here's a little bit more about how my experience would translate into this role:

At Crabapple Media, I assisted in coordinating three annual sales strategy rollouts, each yielding a 26% increase in pipeline YoY.

At Sunshine Inc., I supported 12 independent team members in their lead generation efforts. I also assisted in processing an average of 300 sales transactions every quarter.

I thrive in busy, ever-changing environments that require me to communicate clearly and concisely. Supporting a high-volume team and a busy executive helped me to hone these skills-I typically sent more than 200 emails a day!

I would, of course, love to schedule a time for us to discuss this role and my experience, and I truly want to thank you for considering me.
Why This Works

The opener draws you in, leading you to want to learn more. It toots the person's horn, but in a way that's traceable. Then, the next couple sections explain both their experience in the sales space and in roles before, eventually tying that back to why they're applying to this specific job. Similar to the impact cover letter, the author lists some of the more important qualities they bring to the table, doing a bit of keyword stuffing and resume gap explaining along the way.

Hopefully these cover letter examples help as you go to tackle your own. Remember: This is just one small step in the process! Take your time, but learn to move on when you've given it your all.

To further guide you, read some of the best cover letters we've ever encountered.

And, don't forget to edit! Read about how to cut a cover letter down to one page (because any longer and no one's reading), plus everything you should double check before pressing submit.

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Cover Letter Examples for Every Type of Job Seeker

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We love having examples. It's so much easier to follow a recipe, build a puzzle, or yes, even write a cover letter when you know what the end product should look like. So that's what we're going to give you-all the cover letter examples and tips you need to make yours shine (we're unfortunately not experts in recipes or puzzles).

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Cold Calling is typically the step after you have sent a cold email. Cold Calling is generally looked down upon unless you have already sent an email beforehand. If they don't respond then it's okay to cold call but don't expect to have the full conversation right then.

There are 3 types of cold calls.

1) A complete cold call where there has been no previous contact. This is the hardest one to pull off. (I strongly suggest sending the email before, even if they don't respond. It gives an excuse for calling)

2) You sent a cold email and they agreed to speak with you on the phone.

3) You were referred over by a friend or colleague, but have never spoken with the person before.
Complete Cold Call
With this one start it off with a quick, "Hello/hi my name is XX from XXX." If they question that, say that you recently sent an email and "wanted to follow up". Ask them if they are busy right now and if they want to reschedule for later or speak right now. I'd say 3 times out of 4 they want to reschedule. Some in my experience took the call right away though, so be prepared for it. If they want to reschedule send the follow up email immediately (within 15 minutes).

Pro-tip: On the off chance they are rude, apologize and quietly hang up. Do NOT get into an argument or blast off an email with curse words. That is the quickest way to ruin your entire career. Emails can be forwarded and are a deadly paper trail.

The other two calls are typically easier since you're not trying to fight for their time.
The Meat of the Call
Your goal in the first 2-3 minutes of the call is to sound very sharp, intelligent, friendly, and personable. Usually it's you telling them your "story" or background and please say it with some enthusiasm and excitement (don't overdo it). No one wants to listen to someone who's not even interested in their own story. And I hope you narrate your story in an interesting way. Not all of us have amazing things, but it's about spinning it in a cool way. If you mess up the story or tell a boring one, I guarantee you will not do well with networking or in interviews itself for the matter.

After you tell your story, turn it back on them, asking "if you could tell me a little bit about your background". They will usually talk for 3-5 minutes. PAY ATTENTION TO WHAT THEY ARE SAYING. You will use what they say to ask intelligent questions from your knowledge of the given field. Plan to ask around 5 questions at the minimum.

Also have some standard ones questions prepared ahead of time, like "how has your experience been at XX firm", "do you prefer this or that", "what are some characteristics of the ideal analyst in your division", etc. Google and create your own unique questions. I have 2 questions that are gold and always make the people remark "good questions, I've never heard that one before". It'll take some while to generate those ones, but it's well worth it. I've also stolen some really good questions from Wall Street Oasis. Be sure to do a couple searches on there and Google.

The networking calls typically take around 15 minutes. If you are well over then that's a good sign. If it's under then it probably means you didn't have enough questions prepared or they were in a rush.
The End of the Call
Towards the end of the call, push for it and ask whether they could refer you to someone else at the firm. If they're nice they'll refer you to multiple people (a sign that they are a strong helper). Most of the times they will refer you to one person and a few won't help at all (but still ask). It never hurts to ask. Also don't straight out ask for a job, but ask "how could I best position myself for an opportunity at XX place?" Everyone knows what you are trying to do, but still you can't be blunt about it.

Don't forget to thank them for their time, end the call on this good and positive note.

And there you go, on your way to being a pro networker. Also, everything discussed can be applied to in-person meetings over coffee.
-The author is a college junior in the USA and recently accepted a summer internship role at a major investment bank in New York City. He is currently a contributing blogger for WallStreetOasis.com.

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How to Cold Call for an Internship or Job - College Recruiter

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Cold Calling is typically the step after you have sent a cold email. Cold Calling is generally looked down upon unless you have already sent an email beforehand. If they don't respond then it's okay to cold call but don't expect to have the full conversation right then.

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The days of job 'fishing' - sending out your resume or application and sitting back to wait for a response - are over. Most job openings attract far too many applicants for it to be so easy.

Hiring managers, business owners, and human resources personnel are often spread thin and receive heaps of email each day. Naturally, this presents a problem for those wanting to get noticed and hired for a job or internship opportunities.

It's a challenge, but there is an answer - go job hunting.

Job hunting means taking a proactive approach. It means shifting from a mindset of waiting to one of actively seeking through job search sites and recruiting networking events. It's for those determined to create an opportunity rather than waiting for one to present itself.

So how do you do it? Cold calling is one approach you could take, but a better use of your time is cold emailing. A cold email strategy can be an excellent tool to start a conversation, and it's much more scalable.

Cold emailing might sound daunting, but in a world where so many things are competing for people's attention, you've got to do something to set yourself apart. Email can do that for you.

With that in mind, here's how to successfully cold email for an internship or job.

1. Master the Delivery

The factors that go into a successful cold email outreach campaign are many. However, if you focus on a select few, you can see serious results. Here are some of the most important:

Email the right people. Your message is only as good as the people you send it to, so a little prospecting and research goes a long way. LinkedIn is a great way to prospect for free. Once you've made a list of potential contacts and companies to reach out to, use a lead intelligence software to verify email addresses for each person.

Send at the optimal time. One study shows the time of day with the highest open rate is 2 p.m. Another study says the best day to send email is Tuesday. Don't limit yourself to only this time and day, of course, but take it into account when scheduling your weekly email cadences. And try testing out different days and times for yourself - you might find your results vary.

Nail the subject line. If your email never gets opened, it doesn't matter if you've got the right person, at the right time, and the best pitch imaginable. 47% of emails are opened or discarded based solely on their subject line, so spend extra time crafting yours. The ideal subject line is short, personal, and has a conversational tone.

Craft the Perfect Email Pitch

Make no mistake: you are pitching yourself just like a product. And similar to selling a product to a customer, you shouldn't talk about yourself, but rather what you can do for them.

Tailor your email as much as possible to the person/company you're emailing. Ideally, the initial email will include a brief introduction of who you are and what you can do for them, and end with a call-to-action.

Be surgical about the body of your email. Cut any extra content that isn't absolutely necessary. Each line should build off the last and entice them to read the next. Repeat any buzzwords you find on their website, LinkedIn profile, promotional materials, and in the job posting itself in your email body wherever you can fit them in naturally.

It's critical you don't overdo it. If they open a small novel with several long paragraphs or one large block of text, they're less likely to read it. Instead, keep your emails short and to the point to increase the chances of getting a response.

How you end the email is just as important as how you start it. It's a good idea to keep your call to action or request simple, especially if it's your first interaction with them. Whatever it is, make it easy for them to say "yes." Ask them to meet for coffee near their office, or request a five-minute call (instead of an hour-long meeting).

Consider Alternative Approaches

Unpaid internships have come under fire recently, and may be falling out of favor. However, offering free work - especially in certain creative professions - can help you get your foot in the door and show you're a serious candidate.

If you're dead set on working for a certain individual, company, or sector, then you may have to make sacrifices. If you've exhausted all avenues seeking out paid work, then offering services free of charge could be the way to get started. It significantly lowers the barrier to entry and gives you the opportunity to impress.

Again, make it easy for them to say "yes." Rather than asking "How can I help?" - which creates a burden on them to figure out what task they can give you - try offering solutions. Do some research and determine what specific skills or expertise you have that they might find useful, or where you could bring value to their life or business.

It could be doing graphic design work for their marketing campaign, transcribing a podcast audio, sending ideas for articles, performing research, or turning their data into infographics. Get creative with it. Do your homework and find out if they're struggling with certain areas where they're lacking time, resources, or experience.

If you find the concept of free work crazy or unreasonable, consider the fact that you've been working for free for most of your life. You likely worked for years at school for free. In fact, if you went to college or private school, you likely paid someone to work there. What's a few more months of working for free to gain access to a high-profile mentor or hard-to-reach company?

As Warren Buffett once said, "Price is what you pay; value is what you get." Free work is a small price to pay for a tremendous amount of value.

Make Time for Follow-up

Standing out amongst dozens (if not hundreds or thousands) of applicants is hard. One of the best ways to set yourself apart is by following up.

In sales, 92% of salespeople give up after four "no's," but 80% of prospects say "no" four times before they say "yes."

When emailing about a job or internship, you're likely emailing some of those same business owners and company leaders, and you're likely to see some of the same results. So be persistent.

Keeping track of who you've sent emails to and when you should follow up can be difficult and time-consuming, so consider automating the process with an email automation software. Many of these tools let you create templates to start conversations and to follow up on unanswered emails you sent.

You can also set the frequency at which the follow-up emails go out. And as soon as the recipient answers, you're notified so you can take the conversation to a more personal level.

The right job, internship, or mentor can literally change your life. Rather than leaving it up to chance, take the path less traveled and go on the offensive. Cold email is one of the greatest tools at your disposal for reaching "unreachable" people and positions. It can start conversations and build connections you would otherwise never come across naturally.
Want to learn more about cold emailing? Check out these cold email outreach templates!

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A Guide to How to Cold Email for an Internship or Job

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The days of job 'fishing' - sending out your resume or application and sitting back to wait for a response - are over. Most job openings attract far too many applicants for it to be so easy. Hiring managers, business owners, and human resources personnel are often spread thin and receive heaps of email each day.

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17 Great Internship Cover Letter Examples for 2019 | Internships.com

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Looking for cover letter examples and templates for internship applications? Browse cover letters by college major and download templates for free!

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Whether it's a paid internship, an unpaid internship, or an internship for school credit and no matter where the opportunity is, internships are not easy to come by and they definitely are not easy to get. People often think that just because internships aren't a full-time career that the time and effort needed to succeed in obtaining one is minimal. Take it from me, this is definitely not the case.

As long as you put in the work, you can land your dream internship (or at least a fantastic internship), but you want to make sure you are putting in a smart effort, not a hard effort. I'm not saying that the process won't be hard, but if you are organized and do your research, you won't feel miserable during the entire application process. That's where I come in. Let me help you work smart and not hard when it comes to you landing an amazing internship! Read on!
Cover Letter
Most of you may be shocked that I'm starting off with talking about cover letters and no resumes, but you will see why in a second. Often times, people make one cover letter template and use it for every internship that they apply to. DO NOT DO THIS! I know it takes more time and effort, but if you individualize each cover letter to the company you are sending it to, it will show the company that they aren't just one on a list of 50; it will show them that you want to get hired because you put in the extra effort. Another cover letter tip has to do with optional cover letters. Some companies don't ask you to submit such a document; even if this is the case, still write and submit one along with your resume. It will show that you went the extra mile and that you aren't just taking the easy route (it shows a strong worth ethic and diligence)
Interview Process
If you make it to the interview process, make an appointment at a career center to set up a mock interview with a counselor. Career centers not only have a background in the field and will help you be your best self in the interview, but they will also help with your interview outfit. In addition, as the saying goes, practice makes perfect. The more that you practice your interview, the less likely you are to use silly filler words (i.e. "like," "um," and "so"). Another way to prepare for your interview is to go on websites, such as Glass Door, in which people who interview at that same company will post the questions that they were asked, along with the position he/she was applying for. If you don't want to go to the career center, practice in front of the mirror, practice in front of friends and family, and type out or handwrite questions and responses so that they are forever engrained in your head. An additional note: have a strong, firm, confident handshake. A handshake says a lot about a person.
Resume
If you have a friend who offers to help you with your resume, that's really nice, but take into consideration the job he/she is going into. I say this because a friend of mine offered to help me with my resume, but she was going into finance and I was originally going into creative writing. Potential creative writing employers are going to want to see a more creative-looking resume, while finance employers will want to see something business-formal and extremely direct. You want your resume to highlight who you are, your accomplishments, your educations, your honors and awards, etc., but that doesn't mean it needs to look or be boring. Go on Etsy and look up cool resume and cover letter templates that will make you stand out on paper since it's impossible to get to know each applicant on a personal level. Microsoft Word also has some free resume templates if you don't want to pay. Just remember to include the following, regardless of what your template is:

Name

Description (who you are and what you're looking to do)

Contact information (e-mail, phone number, address, LinkedIn profile link, website/portfolio link, etc.)

Academics from the past 4 years

Jobs/internships/extracurricular positions from the past for years

Award and honors held from the last 4 years (National Honor's Society can be mentioned since you are inducted for life, even if you were inducted more than 4 years ago)

Leadership and activities from the last 4 years

Skills and strengths

In addition, don't just list everything; provide a brief description (it can be bullet-pointed) under each thing you mention.

Landing a great internship won't take the same pathway for everyone, but what is talked about above are most of the common denominators that have to be considered in most internship application processes. I'm warning you now: there are going to be a lot of ups and downs throughout the application journey, but don't get discouraged and please don't give up. Remember that everything happens for a reason and you will find a great internship as long as you work hard and smart! Good luck!

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how to land your dream internship: advice on how to best prepare

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How to Land Your Dream Internship: Advice on How to Best Prepare

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Whether it's a paid internship, an unpaid internship, or an internship for school credit and no matter where the opportunity is, internships are not easy to come by and they definitely are not easy to get. People often think that just because internships aren't a full-time career that the time and effort needed to succeed in obtaining one is minimal.