how to sell yourself on a cover letter

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How To Sell Yourself In A Cover Letter (With Examples)

How To Write A Cover Letter
When Is A Cover Letter Necessary
Free Cover Letter Templates
Cover Letter Mistakes To Avoid
Cover Letter Tips
How To Sell Yourself In A Cover Letter

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When sending in a job application, cover letters are your chance to show off your personality and why you’re a great fit for the position. It can be difficult to strike a good balance between talking about your qualifications and adding some personality and flavor to your cover letter .

Making sure your cover letter shines is a great way to make your job application stand out and get noticed by hiring managers.

So many of the cover letters and applications that pass through hiring teams are bland, so taking the time to perfect your cover letter can really impress hiring teams.

Key Takeaways:

Selling yourself in a cover letter is your chance to show how you are qualified, unique, and valuable.

To sell yourself in a cover letter, first match your skills and values with that of the employer.

Use the four paragraph, 250-400 words structure of a cover letter to demonstrate your skills and how they can be used for the employer.

Use keywords from the job description to stand out.

How To Sell Yourself In A Cover Letter (With Examples)

Why Is It Important To Sell Yourself In A Cover Letter?

Using the cover letter format to sell yourself, tips for writing a winning cover letter, sample cover letter, why are cover letters important.

Cover letters are opportunities to promote your qualifications in a manner that is more personal and in-depth than a resume . You will want to use this opportunity because a cover letter lets you show:

How you are qualified. A cover letter gives you a chance to explain your skills and experience with more context. The reader should be able to see that you can back up your resume.

Why you are unique and valuable. You can use a cover to stand out among other applicants and show what you will be able to contribute to as an employee.

Personality. Inevitably, with writing, your personality and interpersonal skills come through. The reader can interpret a little bit more about who you are as a person and what kind of fit you would be for the company.

Combined, all these should impress the reader and make them want to learn more about you.

To sell yourself in a cover letter you want to:

Match your skills and values with the employer. You need to be relevant. What’s more, you need to be indispensably relevant. By aligning yourself to the needs of the company, you show that you have potential to be an invaluable asset.

Demonstrate your skills with an engaging example. Now that your skills are matched up, you need to back them up. Provide an example that shows how your skills were successfully put into action.

Show how your skills can help the employer. Underscore how your skills can contribute to success. You want to convince the reader that your skills are tools that would be best put to use within the company.

You are making an argument for yourself. Take the reader along, prove to them your worth, and convince them that you are exactly who they need.

A successful cover letter all comes down to how you structure your argument and what you focus on. The format of a cover letter should explore how your skills have been successfully put into action in the past and demonstrate what you can offer to your potential employer.

A cover letter is between 250 and 400 words long and is broken up into four paragraphs. Generally a cover letter follows this structure:

Introduction. This both provides context and is your hook that makes the reader want to learn more about you.

Previous experience. Explore one or two previous experiences that demonstrate how your skills were put into action and led to success. It is particularly helpful if you can provide quantifiable results.

What you have to offer. Match your skills and values with that of the company to show how you can fulfill their needs. You want to make yourself an asset to their success.

Conclusion. Wrap everything up in a logical manner and provide a call to action to prepare for the next steps of the application process.

However, understand that is is only a guideline. What’s more important is that you show how you are qualified and what you have to offer for your employer’s future success.

While there’s no sure-fire formula for writing a winning cover letter, there are a few things that you can do to make sure your letter stands out. Here are a few tips to help you get noticed and write the perfect cover letter every time:

Switch it up. When you apply for a new job , you should write a new cover letter. Not every job description and company is the same, so it’s best to edit your cover letter to specifically address each job posting and company.

Focus on the opening. Cover letters are often dull, so to really put your best foot forward you should make the opening extra interesting.

If you can pull your reader in from the beginning, you can make a great impression. If you want to make your opening extra attention-grabbing you can start by:

Showing off your passions

Connecting with the company

Telling a story

Writing a belief statement

Highlight a mutual connection

List your accomplishments

Avoid rewriting your resume. Cover letters get a bad rap since they often repeat what’s already written on a resume. While you can’t avoid repeating some things on the two documents, it’s a good idea to make them pretty separate.

Keep it positive. You should always have a positive tone and show that you love what you do. Talk about your favorite professional experiences or what you loved doing in past jobs.

Make it personal. If you can find the name of the hiring manager, you should personally address them in the salutation.

Talk about potential deal-breakers. Sometimes you might have something on your resume that would give an employer pause , so cover letters are the perfect time to try and calm their worries.

Leave your education behind. If you’re a few years out of school and you have your education history on your resume , you don’t have to detail your education. Only bring up your college or advanced degrees if it’s particularly relevant to the job.

Go short and sweet. You might think that the more you can pack into your cover letter, the more impressive it will be, but you should go for short and sweet.

Find job keywords. Job postings usually use certain keywords that are related to the skills employers are looking for and the responsibilities that they’re looking for someone to fill.

Highlight what you can do for the company. Often people write cover letters to express why the company is the best fit or what the company can do for them. Instead, you should focus on what skills and expertise you can bring to the company.

Pick the most relevant examples. Cover letters can get lengthy when you try to include everything that might be useful for a hiring manager to know. Instead, focus on what’s most relevant to the job description and the industry of the company.

Bring out stats. Whenever you can use numbers and stats, you have a chance to impress hiring managers. Instead of explaining that you boosted sales, find a number that expresses that better, like “increased sales by 125%” to give proof.

We’re going to show you a sample cover letter that will stand out from the rest of the applicants’ letters. You can use this as a starting point to make your cover letter the best it can be.

Dear Mrs. Smith, As soon as I learned that ABC Tech was hiring, I knew that I had to apply. Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve loved working with computers . That has followed me into my professional life and I am passionate about connecting people with their perfect device, starting with my first job at ABC Tech’s New York City location as a sales associate . My extensive history in sales for tech companies uniquely positions me to excel with ABC Tech. I have worked in consumer-facing tech sales since 2009 and have worked in managerial positions since 2016. My first job was with ABC Tech and I understand the catalog extensively after working with you and keeping up with your new product releases. In response to the responsibilities that were listed on the job description, I have: Experience in customer-facing sales positions Experience with customer service Managerial skills A proven record of exceeding sales goals Award-winning leadership skills I am eager to hear back from you. If you have any questions about my skills or qualifications, please do not hesitate to reach out. Thank you for taking the time to consider my application. Sincerely, David Baum

Cover letters are an important way to highlight how your unique blend of experience and skills matches the job description’s requirements. This gives you the opportunity to stand out among other applicants.

To really get the most out of your cover letter, you need to include experiences that aren’t on your resume or explain your work history , plus add a little bit of personality.

Since cover letters are more open-ended than resumes, you get a unique opportunity to really sell yourself to an employer . They can be especially helpful if employers don’t require you to fill out questions when submitting your application.

Cover letters are also a chance to show off your personality and help the employer determine if there’s a culture fit . These days, companies look for new hires who will not only contribute their skills to advance company goals, but also help them create a welcoming and vibrant company culture.

Finding ways to include personality in your cover letter can help you stand out and prove that you’d be a great culture fit.

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Amanda is a writer with experience in various industries, including travel, real estate, and career advice. After taking on internships and entry-level jobs, she is familiar with the job search process and landing that crucial first job. Included in her experience is work at an employer/intern matching startup where she marketed an intern database to employers and supported college interns looking for work experience.

Matt Warzel a President of a resume writing firm (MJW Careers, LLC) with 15+ years of recruitment, outplacement, career coaching and resume writing experience. Matt is also a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and Certified Internet Recruiter (CIR) with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Marketing Focus) from John Carroll University.

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How to Sell Yourself in a Cover Letter

In This Guide:

Research, baby, get personal, your top 3 secret sauce ingredients, add substance, call your wolf-pack, go and get it, takeaways: how to sell yourself in a cover letter.

Have you ever gotten all excited about a job ad you saw, only to bump into the “writer's block” minutes later, while starting to write your Cover letter? Typically, most of us find it easier to “shower” others with superlatives, but feel more or less challenged when we have to showcase our own skills. So if you answered “yes” to the above question, you`re definitely not the only one. Not to worry, though – we`re here and got you covered with expert tips on How to sell yourself in a Cover letter!!

In this post, we will take you through the following Cover letter tips let you in on how to sell yourself in a Cover letter. This is what you are going to learn:

“RESEARCH, BABY !”: Turn into a Secret agent .

Get personal : Address the recruiter by their name, if you know it.

Your top 3 secret sauce ingredients : tell them why they need to choose YOU.

Add substance: Make the second paragraph a firework of your achievements.

No clashes : Be relatable to the role and the company.

Creativity – WHEN & HOW MUCH: to create the WOW effect.

Call your wolf-pack : Establish a connection.

Go and get it : Finish it off with a strong CTA (Call to action).

Take a look at this Cover letter that has all of the above components:

Dear Mrs Stavropolou,

I am delighted to share with you my motivation for the position of Architect at company a2o.

As a child I have always been mesmerized by looking at streets and buildings` sizes, colours and the emotions that they infused in me and other people as well.

At age 12 I already dreamt of becoming an Architect.

That explains why I am naturally drawn to a2o as an “agency of dreamers with a firm grip on reality”.

What better mission for a dreamer with sparkling vision and firmly planted in reality than being united for success with other dreamers? ☺

Hello! My name is Tanya! I`m an Architect with 4 years’ experience in Interior design (Hotel & Home furniture, Leisure and Innovative Montessori classroom designs) and Landscape design, paired with a strong motivation to span the effects of 3D art beyond merely just comfort and functionality to elegance and exquisite style.

Moreover, I constantly upgrade my professional skills in line with the latest industry trends. As you can see from my portfolio, in order to create certain ambience and transmit emotions with it, I combine a large number of software’s:

However, I`m always inspired to get acquainted and certified in new professional software. I love to keep it fresh and lively, when it comes to creating my every next 3D art design.

What attracts me to a2o, apart from the diverse range of nationalities in the company, is the fact that via expert knowledge sharing you cross “borders” and “build” bridges (literally and metaphorically) between the academic world, the arts and society.

I am eager and excited to bring to the “table” my set of Creative Artist skills to a2o`s multidisciplinary team.

I am happy to further discuss with you a2o projects and our mutual collaboration.

By browsing our 500+ carefully designed Cover letter examples here , you'll kick to the curb any fear to present yourself in the best possible light and sell yourself with a memorable Cover letter, without selling yourself short. Not only you'll find the right template, but the dreaded Cover letter will turn into a piece of cake.

Does it still sound a bit overwhelming?! Let`s get down to business and craft your Cover letter to be proud of!

Upload & Check Your Resume

Drop your resume here or choose a file . PDF & DOCX only. Max 2MB file size.

Turn into a Secret agent for a day with One mission – of the company. Show that you know the organization inside out.

Have you ever been on a date where you could barely open your mouth, as the other person was talking on and On and ON about them and did not ask you a single question?

Well, I guess this is pretty much how Recruiters feel, when they read a Cover letter, full of fluff that says nothing about the company or how the candidate can meet the employer`s needs.

Of course, you don’t need to memorize the organization`s history by heart or cite it year by year as a boring history lesson, but investing the necessary time in a proper preliminary research will demonstrate to the Recruiter that you are serious, committed and don’t just apply blindly to any jobs, hopping from one to another.

Moreover, interpret the Mission, Vision and Goals of the organization through your own prism of aspirations and enchant your readers by stating exactly why you resonate with their mission. Imagine a day in your life as an employee of that company and transmit in your Cover letter the enthusiasm with which you will start your work every day! This is a powerful way to build rapport and end up on a shortlist for an interview for the darn job!

Address the recruiter by their name, if you know it.

Take a good look at the job ad for the names of the job poster. If you don’t find it there, double check as well on the company website for the correct HR representative for the role you are interested in.

Another creative way to get the right contact, that leaves a lasting impression, is to simply call the HR department, express interest in the job role and ask to which name you should address in your Cover letter.

Try it next time you are applying and let us know what the result was!

Take a look at this example:

“Dear Mrs Stavropolu,

I am delighted to share with you my motivation for the position of Account manager at company XYZ.”

And if you want to dive deeper, here is plenty more to read and learn on how to address your Cover letter, so it sells you how it should: What's The Best Way To Address A Cover Letter? .

tell them why they need to choose YOU.

To charm the HR at “Hello” is required a bit more than just copy/pasting some company facts in a generic Cover letter that drains the life out of anyone reading it. So to infuse your motivation with more selling power, in the very first, introductory paragraph you need to demonstrate flawlessly two simple, but crucial things:

You know really well the company and resonate with its mission;
You bring to the “table” the right skills combo that the managers die to have in-house.

Best way to go about it is to read carefully the job description and clearly highlight the TOP 3 skills you have that make you a catch that the company couldn’t afford to miss.

Once you have started on point with this hook statement, rest assured your Cover letter will be read from start to end.

Example of a more formal Opening of a Cover letter:

“I would like to express my interest in the job post Grant writer, currently open at the European Commission. The devotion to social innovation and inclusion of underrepresented groups that the EC demonstrates has always been an inspiration for me. Also experiencing the potential of EC ERASMUS+ program as an international student has been one of the lead factors that have inspired me to pursue a career as a Grant writer. In addition, my extensive 6+ years’ experience as a Lead EU Funds Project writer for various international companies and NGOs is asset for the European Commission, as well as for communities worldwide”

More on the proper structure of how to sell your skills in a Cover letter, you can find here: What Should Your Cover Letter Say .

Make the second paragraph a firework of your achievements.

As they say, talk the talk and walk the walk!

Stating your skills right at the start of your Motivation wouldn’t necessary guarantee you a seat for an interview, unless you back it all up with the relevant achievements and work experiences. Think of situation/s where you successfully solved a work issue and briefly note it, leaving your audience confident that you will rock it at the current role too.

This would definitely intrigue them to find out more about you! So don’t be timid to take the stage!

Bring numbers to your aid, especially if you`re after a Sales or another related position.

“Via the customized Branding strategy I have created at my past role as Lead Marketing manager, we have increased our Amazon eBook sales by 70% for 2021.”

One disclaimer, though : make sure you avoid exaggerating or untruthful statements, as they are quickly detected, especially by experienced HR managers. Plus, there`s nothing that wins others quite like authenticity.

Be relatable to the role and the company.

Now that we spoke so much about what you should write in a Cover letter, let`s touch on what you better avoid.

As you probably would not go to an interview for a Preschool teacher, groomed in Prom dress and on high heels, the same way you would not want to apply for an Accountant position at a very conservative company with a Cover letter that would better suit a Graphic Artist role by design and word choice. Right?

Rather than saying you are motivated, let your examples speak about your passion for the job. Hence, stay away from over-worn words that you can see in 90% of the Cover letters out there:

“Self-starter”, “Detail-oriented”

“I`m confident I would be the perfect person for the job”

And some more:

“To whom it may concern”

“I`m not sure you know”

“Please, feel free to”

To increase the capacity of your Cover letter to sell yourself as an expert, aim to use Power Adjectives and Action verbs to describe yourself.

For some fresh ideas, check out here: https://enhancv.com/blog/words-to-describe-yourself-on-resume-and-cover-letter/ .

WHEN & HOW MUCH to get the WOW effect.

Try to match the tone of the organization, while still keeping your unique voice. Being relatable keeps you in the game! Of course, for more Artistic or Humanitarian roles you can let yourself experiment with bold graphic design of your Cover letter, emotions display and storytelling.

More tips on Cover letter design consistency for success, you can read in our post here: https://enhancv.com/blog/cover-letter-design/ .

However, always keep in mind that while you need to come across as approachable and let your personality shine, too much sharing may overkill your chances to be moved forward in the selection process.

So the best strategy here is striking a fine balance between personality appeal and professional tone.

Example of infused originality and demonstrated passion and personality, without using beaten up clichés :

Dear Mr. Wilson,

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

If you are in the mood to play with creativity and bring some freestyle taste into your mission to sell your skills in a Cover letter, this post explains exactly how to do that by telling a story to the Recruiters: https://enhancv.com/blog/how-to-tell-a-story-in-a-cover-letter/ .

Establish a connection.

Just like Diversity and Inclusion, Organizational culture is a buzz word with growing popularity in recent years. And that is not to be changed any time soon.

Sure enough, company culture is far more than just ping-pong tables in the office and free healthy breakfast. However, if you liked a certain perk that they are offering, no matter how small or big – SAY IT! Maybe the organization has a fantastic Employee Wellness program or inspirational Volunteer or Corporate responsibility policy! You name it!

Anything that you fancy – again – Say it! It will not get unnoticed – as you will – first of all - reaffirm again that you did your research, and secondly – that you are a close match not only for the job role itself, but are an organizational fit too. And any recruiter knows, the more you fit organizationally, the shorter your adaptation is going to be. Ultimately, the happier you will feel!

Here is an example:

“The healthy “work-life” balance is important for me, hence I highly value that you provide your employees the opportunity for home office and have various policies to support (new) parents. Moreover, what a great team climate can be sensed from photos of happy employees on company`s socials!

Finish it off with a strong CTA (Call to action).

Finally, after so many aces you have just poured in your Cover letter, it`s time for one last power-move – the Call to Action. After all, you're selling the best product you've got to offer, right?!

A lot of people feel very weary to use this “card”, as asking for a meeting may seem a bit too pushy or even desperate in their eyes. But don’t let yourself get fooled. You didn’t put all these efforts in your Cover letter, to let it end on a low accord and not seal the deal.

Here are some examples of a great CTA:

√ I look forward to meeting you soon and further discussing this exciting role and the company`s projects.

√ I'm particularly excited about the opportunity to learn more about the company`s current projects and how I can contribute to that effort.

√ I'd love a chance to learn more about this position and demonstrate how I can help (company or team) reach its organizational goals.

For more closing phrases to ramp up selling your professional persona in your Cover letter, check out here: How To End A Cover Letter - Free Samples, Examples, Formats .

So now you`re geared up to steal the show and sell yourself like a PRO by following what you have just learned:

√ Bring your confidence on-board.

√ Let your personality shine.

√ Get personal.

√ Know the company and tell exactly what you've got to offer them.

√ Establish a connection between yours and company`s values.

√ Demonstrate passion.

√ Showcase your successes.

√ Be relevant.

√ Don’t be generic or cliché-parroting.

To guarantee you will captivate the recruiters with your brand-new Cover letter, refer to this checklist:

Cover Letter Checklist : Learn How To Impress Recruiters

Ready to roll up your sleeves and start writing? If you feel like you need some guiding points, rather than starting your Cover letter from a blank canvas, we`ve got you covered on that one too – check out our 500+ Cover letter examples here: 500+ Cover Letter Examples & Samples for 2023 .

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How to Convey Who You Are in a Cover Letter With Hobbies, Activities & Interests

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Cover letters are read in a matter of seconds. Making a quick, positive impression on a future employer is essential if you want to get to the next step. A cover letter is about making the connection between you and the company you're seeking to work for; a letter should be tailored to each job but still contain the key elements about what you have to offer in a way that makes it easy for recruiters to read and decide to give you a call.

Keep it short. Cover letters must be brief and dynamic; three paragraphs should suffice. The first paragraph should identify the job you are seeking. The second should summarize your career and accomplishments. The final paragraph should request a response, such as an interview invitation.

Identify a personal contact. If you've been referred or have a network connection with the person doing the hiring, mention it in the first paragraph. This tidbit of information will keep recruiters reading and may tip the scales in favor of getting you an interview.

Focus on accomplishments. Your application materials should highlight what you've achieved. A cover letter should connect your successes to the job you're after. When applying for a sales position, for example, highlight the fact that you exceeded sales targets for previous employers. Cover letters make a big impression; striking the right tone is important, so it's important to point to your qualifications without bragging. Include only accomplishments directly relevant to the position.

Tailor the letter to the company. A brief sentence that indicates you have done your research about the company demonstrates you are focused on the specific organization and are willing to put in the effort to impress company managers. For example, before you mention your past success in sales, you may say, "Since you have recently expanded in this area and plan to increase the size of your sales force, my past successes in sales will make me a good fit for the position."

Remove typos and other writing errors before you send the letter. Your ability to mind the details demonstrates you have professional standards and does not give employers a reason to dismiss your application. If you are applying to several companies simultaneously, review the company information in detail to make sure the appropriate information is included.

Massachusetts One-Stop Career Center: Selling Yourself On Paper -- The Cover Letter
Forbes: How to Write a Cover Letter
USA Today: Catch Their Eye With a Captivating Cover Letter
Forbes: The Worst Cover Letter in the World and How to Avoid Its Mistakes

Catherine Lovering has written about business, tax, careers and pets since 2006. Lovering holds a B.A. (political science), LL.B. (law) and LL.L. (civil law).

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1 3 Action Steps to Reaching Stated Career Goals & Objectives
2 How to Put Organizational Skills on a Cover Letter
3 How to Write Interview Acknowledgement Letters
4 Guidelines for Writing a Letter Requesting a Job Interview

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Strategically Selling Yourself in Your Cover Letter

Posted September 6, 2019 by Madelenie Webster

In our technology-based world, applying to jobs can feel like nightmare. When you’re applying to jobs on Google, LinkedIn, Indeed, etc. and have no contact information to follow-up with the job poster or HR department, it can feel like you’re sending your resume into the void and crossing your fingers that you’ll hear back from someone.

Looking for a job is a full-time job and applying to jobs is a numbers game. Sometimes you can spend hours submitting applications to numerous positions and end up getting maybe one or two responses.

While there’s no guarantee that a cover letter will land you an interview, there’s a chance that it could appeal to the right Hiring Manager. Here are some tips for writing strategically sell yourself in your cover letter to make your application stand out:

Answer the important questions

“Why are you the right for the job?” Explain how your current/past duties are directly related to the those of the position you are applying to.

“How will you benefit the organization?” If you have them, include metrics on how you impacted your current/previous company. You can also discuss how you impacted company culture here!

Show enthusiasm for the employer and their mission

A candidate that’s excited about a role and specific organization will look better than the candidate who doesn’t seem to care. In a paragraph or so, explain why you’re interested in this company and this position. For instance, if you’re applying to a sales position at a company that produces pharmaceuticals, talk about how you enjoy developing strong working relationships and how you believe medicine positively impacts patients’ lives.

Tell a story that may not be gathered from your resume

Resumes are a concise summary of your current/past employment and education while cover letters allow you to discuss other important, related matters. If there are things you’d like to explain/highlight on your resume, whether it be gaps in employment, changing positions/industries, or how you repeatedly exceeded your quota , the cover letter is where you can say this.

“You can have multiple cover letters that speak to different industries but be sure to use the right one. Compensation and gaps in employment should definitely be addressed – but briefly – very briefly!” says Sharon Tsao , CMO at Contemporary Staffing Solutions.

Keep in mind: LinkedIn can be your best friend and the ultimate tool in finding a new position—especially if you can find contact information!

Before being invited to interview, employers will typically review your resume and your LinkedIn profile. Make sure your LinkedIn profile is completely up to date. Think of it like a mix between resume, cover letter, and even references!

LinkedIn can connect you to employees of companies you’re applying to. If you can find the recruiter for a specific position or the Hiring Manager, consider sending them an In-mail via LinkedIn with a very brief cover letter to get their attention.

“Cover letters are secondary to your resume and LinkedIn profile! Keep everything in perspective and keep bringing your passion to the fun of finding your next gig!” says Sharon Tsao .

Want a hand with your job search? Partner with our staffing specialists at CSS!

Check out our current job opportunities on our job board or contact your local staffing specialist to help you in your job search!

Read More helpful & inspiring tips here.

Contemporary Staffing connects job seekers to hiring managers nationally in the following professions: Accounting & Finance , Call Center & Office , Human Resources , IT , Salesforce , and Sales & Marketing .

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Selling Yourself in Your Cover Letter

Published: Jun 20, 2016

Your cover letter has two important roles: (1) it's a marketing document designed to sell a product (you), and (2): it's a business document that, while giving a glimpse of your personality, needs to remain professional. It therefore stands to reason that lessons from those who sell, and those who write for business, can teach us a little something about composing an effective letter.

What are you really selling?

Yes, you're selling yourself and all that you have to offer: your skills, your experience, your attitude, and your personality. But think about it for a moment. Is that what you're really selling? Take the example of a health club membership. What is it that members are buying when they join the club? Access to classes and a large variety of strength training and cardio equipment? Sure, at the outset this is what it looks like you're buying when you sign that one-year contract. But in reality, health clubs are selling desire : the desire to be in shape, the desire to be muscular, the desire to be healthier.

When you're selling yourself to an employer, think about what the employer is really buying. An employee who shows up to work, does the job, and leaves? Or a person who can come to work and identify and solve problems, make money, serve customers, and be a positive asset? Likely the latter. And to find people to do all that, the company needs employees who can save or generate profits, save time, enhance service, and represent the company … qualities that help propel the company forward.

In your cover letter, identify a need and offer a solution. Who can find hidden costs and eliminate them? Who is great at sales? Does this company need someone efficient? When you identify a specific need and show how you can meet that need, you become someone who will be a benefit to the company, not merely just another employee.

Think about how you can sell technical skills, for example. You can list all the technical skills that you have, such as software, hardware, and computer networking. Or you can convey that your knowledge of accounting software allowed you to introduce a better program at your summer position as an intern, thereby reducing the time creating reports by 40 percent. The first method is simply a list of features. The second method demonstrates the benefit gained from putting those features (your knowledge) to work.

What sets you apart? Refer to everything you learned about yourself from your assessments. Pull accomplishments from your résumé, and show in your cover letter why you're a benefit to the company—because you can accomplish X, Y, and Z. Go beyond simply stating your features.

Select the most impressive quantifiable achievements, reword them—or, better yet, present them differently, such as converting information to percentages—and highlight them in the cover letter. If some of your accomplishments are dated, this is a great place to emphasize that information without drawing attention to the timeframe.

Know your audience

Who will be reading your letter? Someone in human resources? Or the head of a certain department? If you're writing to human resources, for example, be sure to write in "plain" English rather than using a lot of technical jargon. But if you're writing to a senior scientist, demonstrate your knowledge of the terminology used in your field or you may come off looking inept. Write a personalized letter every time, keeping your audience in mind.

What's the atmosphere in the company? Is it corporate or a small, family-owned business? How you would address a hiring manager of a Fortune 500 company is very different from how you would address the CEO of a mid-sized private company.

Support your claims

You say you're skilled at obtaining contracts. Great. Now prove it. When writing your letters, don't simply state what you're good at. Show it. Give examples. Mine your past and come up with every possible example you can think of where you used the skills you claim to have. Make a list, and then choose the best ones to include in your letter. If you have a lot to choose from, keep the list so you can use different examples with each subsequent letter you send to a company.

Write professionally

Remember that your letters are much different from your résumé. You will not use the telegraphic style that you did in your résumé. Write complete sentences; even bullet lists are generally an extension of a lead-in phrase, with each line of the bullet list creating a complete sentence as "add on" information. Use words instead of abbreviations. Use the active voice and sprinkle your letters with action verbs. Keep your correspondence brief and to the point. Don't include irrelevant information. Use a tone that exudes professionalism, not amateurism. Avoid using clichés and slang, and avoid any references to political or religious beliefs, or other unnecessary, unrelated information.

This post was adapted from the new Vault Guide to Resumes and Job-Hunting Skills .

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Are you struggling to write a cover letter that effectively highlights your skills and achievements?

Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Many job seekers face the challenge of effectively selling themselves by showcasing their accomplishments to grab the attention of prospective employers. We have written this article to help you write a compelling and winning cover letter.

In this article, we will provide you with practical tips and tricks to help you craft a compelling cover letter that will leave a lasting impression on any hiring manager.

So, let’s dive in and discover how to sell yourself in a cover letter like a seasoned professional!

Why is it important to sell yourself in a cover letter?

Selling yourself in a cover letter is vital as it allows you to stand out in a highly competitive job market. A well-crafted cover letter not only complements your resume but also provides a personalized narrative of your qualifications.

It serves as your initial introduction to a potential employer, giving them a glimpse of your capabilities, experience, and what you can bring to the table.

By effectively selling yourself through your skills and achievements, you demonstrate your value and suitability for the specific role, capturing the employer’s attention and increasing your chances of securing an interview.

Table of Contents

5 Tips to Sell Yourself in a Cover Letter

Here are five tips to effectively sell yourself in your cover letter:

Tell a Compelling Story

Craft your cover letter as a narrative that takes the reader on a journey through your professional life. Start with an engaging introduction that draws the reader in. Describe key moments or challenges in your career where you effectively applied your skills to overcome obstacles and achieve success.

Use storytelling techniques to vividly illustrate these experiences, making them come alive for the reader. Conclude your cover letter by summarizing how your story aligns with the job you’re applying for and how it has uniquely prepared you for success in the new role.

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Highlight Transferable Skills

While it’s crucial to focus on job-specific skills, remember to emphasize transferable skills that can add value to the new role. Give concrete examples of situations where these transferable skills have made a positive impact in your previous roles, regardless of the industry or position.

Explain how these skills can bring a fresh and adaptable perspective to the role you’re applying for, showcasing your versatility and readiness to take on new challenges.

Emphasize Soft Skills

Identify key soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, leadership, adaptability, and problem-solving, and discuss their importance. Share specific anecdotes or instances where these soft skills played a critical role in your achievements or contributions.

Highlight how these soft skills have not only benefited your individual performance but also positively influenced your work relationships, collaboration with colleagues, and the overall success of projects or teams.

Show Professional Growth

Outline your professional journey by highlighting significant milestones that reflect your growth and development. Mention promotions, advancements, or certifications that showcase your dedication to improving your skills and knowledge.

Discuss how your professional growth has equipped you with the expertise and leadership qualities necessary for the new role, providing evidence of your continuous commitment to self-improvement and career progression.

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Demonstrate Industry Knowledge

Showcase your deep understanding of the industry by referencing relevant trends, challenges, or innovations that you’ve actively engaged with. Describe your involvement in industry-related developments, whether through participation in conferences, contributions to publications, or active membership in professional associations.

Convey your commitment to staying informed about changes in the field and your readiness to apply this knowledge to the benefit of the company, underscoring your passion for your chosen industry.

By incorporating these tips into your cover letter writing, you’ll create a compelling and customized document that effectively showcases your skills and achievements to potential employers.

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In conclusion, crafting a cover letter that effectively showcases your skills and achievements can be a challenging task. However, by following the tips and tricks discussed in this article, you can create a personalized and compelling narrative that will capture the attention of any potential employer.

Remember to focus on telling a compelling story, highlighting transferable and soft skills, emphasizing professional growth, and demonstrating your industry knowledge. Additionally, quantifying your impact and articulating your career aspirations can further enhance your cover letter’s effectiveness.

With these strategies in mind, you can confidently present yourself as a standout candidate and increase your chances of securing your dream job.

Sample Letters

Sample 1: Highlighting Unique Achievements

Dear [Employer’s Name],

I am writing to express my interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name], as advertised on [where you found the job posting]. My unique ability to drive results was prominently showcased in my previous role at [Previous Company], where I spearheaded a marketing campaign that not only increased brand visibility but also resulted in a 20% boost in customer engagement within a short timeframe.

This accomplishment underscores my innovative approach and capacity to deliver tangible results. I am confident that my experience in achieving measurable outcomes can significantly contribute to the success of [Company Name]. I am eager to bring my skills in [relevant skills] to a dynamic and forward-thinking organization like yours.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of discussing how my achievements align with the needs of your team.

Sincerely, [Your Full Name]

Sample 2: Demonstrating Adaptability and Learning Orientation

I am writing to express my interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. Throughout my career, I’ve consistently embraced new challenges and technologies. For instance, I swiftly acquired proficiency in a new project management software at [Previous Company], streamlining our workflow and illustrating my commitment to adaptability and continuous learning.

My ability to adapt and learn quickly aligns with the dynamic nature of your organization. I am confident that my versatile skill set and eagerness to expand my expertise make me a valuable asset to your team.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing how my adaptability and learning orientation can contribute to the success of [Company Name].

Sample 3: Illustrating Problem-Solving Abilities

I am excited to apply for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. In my previous role at [Previous Company], I encountered a significant challenge where [describe the issue]. Through strategic problem-solving and collaboration with cross-functional teams, I not only resolved the issue promptly but also implemented preventive measures, ensuring long-term success.

This experience underscores my ability to navigate complex situations and contribute proactively to organizational goals. I am eager to bring my problem-solving skills and commitment to excellence to [Company Name], and I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to your team’s success.

Thank you for considering my application. I am enthusiastic about the possibility of discussing my problem-solving abilities and their relevance to the needs of [Company Name].

[Your Full Name]

You may also want to read about the smartest questions to ask a recruiter at the end of an interview.

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Home Career Advice Blog

Selling Yourself in Your Cover Letter

What are you really selling?

Know your audience

Support your claims

Write professionally

This post was adapted from the new Vault Guide to Resumes and Job-Hunting Skills .

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How to Sell Yourself

When employers read your cover letter they need to be certain that your skills and experiences are relevant to your future career. To convince recruiters that you’re right for a role, follow these top tips for writing your cover letter:

Match yourself to the company’s requirements…

Identify the competencies they are seeking and think about how you match those. You can do this by reading the literature on their website. Think about the tasks and activities you could be involved in on a daily basis in the role and the skills they require.

Also consider your colleagues, the range of clients and other organisations you could be working with. If the job description has an extensive list of essential skills, try not to refer to each and every single one. This will make your cover letter overly long. Instead, focus on a few of the required skills which demonstrate your major strengths.

Furthermore, try to anticipate which skills are the most important to the job and make sure you address these concisely, but with sufficient detail.

Market yourself…

No one is going to do this for you. It’s a good idea to draw on a range of recent experiences and activities that demonstrate you have got the competencies the company is looking for. Think about the different areas of your life, such as your studies, your work experience, your leisure interests and the voluntary activities that you’ve done.

Consider the tasks and activities that you have been involved in, especially if they are linked to the industry. How did you contribute? What was the end result? What did you learn? This will provide you with a ‘skills bank’ of examples which you can use.

Promote your interpersonal skills…

Most companies place huge emphasis on working in teams, developing relationships and collaborating with colleagues. Your statement needs to reflect your excellent interpersonal skills. Relevant experiences to highlight are: involvement with clubs, societies and sporting activities at university and part-time jobs, internships or placements; especially if they have been in the relevant industry sector.

Even working in groups for projects whilst at university or college are relevant. These activities will highlight to a recruiter that you are a team player and will enable you to demonstrate that you have developed valuable skills such as leadership, teamwork, negotiation, communication and persuasion.

Demonstrate your industry awareness…

You need to make it clear to a recruiter that you have a genuine interest in the area of work you are applying for and that you understand how the particular company and industry sector operates as a whole. One way that you can develop this knowledge and begin to demonstrate this in your cover letter is to keep up-to-date by reading relevant industry websites, journals, publications and newspapers.

Create the right impression…

Make a positive impact by keeping your writing concise and to the point. Check for spelling and grammatical errors. This will show that you have effective written communication skills, an eye-for-detail and accuracy. These are all key skills in most career paths.

Don’t cut & paste…

When you’re actively seeking a new role, it’s all too easy to copy and paste sentences from previous cover letters into others. After all, nobody wants to put the wrong company’s name on their cover letter. It might well end up in the bin pretty quickly. It’s important that each cover letter is specifically targeted at the individual company.

This will instantly make your writing more genuine, honest and interesting for the recruiter. Furthermore, as the roles and competencies sought vary for each job, it is basically impossible to make your cover letter completely relevant to the individual job if you are copying and pasting big chunks of text.

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How to sell yourself in your CV

Your CV is your way of marketing yourself in your job search.

Think of it like a leaflet for the services you provide to companies as an employee.

Hiring managers will read it and make an instant decision as to whether they want to interview you or not.

So, you need to sell yourself in your CV, if you want to land a top job.

Here’s how to do it in 6 simple steps .

CV templates

Add a sales-pitch-style CV profile

The CV profile is the introductory paragraph at the top of your CV and is one of it’s most critical sections, as it serves as your elevator pitch to the hiring manager.

Get it wrong and tons of recruiters will skip past your CV – Get it right, and you will start seeing the interviews roll in.

To sell yourself effectively, you must give a high-level overview of your experience and skills, but you must also explain the benefits an employer will get from hiring you.

Benefits are what YOU can do for THEM.

For example, will you help them to generate more revenue? or are you a whizz at solving their biggest IT problems, saving them time and money?

By demonstrating how you will benefit potential employers, you will make yourself a much more attractive hire.

Example CV profiles

Remember, the goal is to grab the employer’s attention and make them want to learn more about you, so be concise, persuasive, and authentic in your approach. By crafting a compelling CV profile, you can set yourself apart from the competition and increase your chances of landing an interview.

Highlight in-demand skills at the top

If you really want to sell yourself in your CV , try adding a core skills section underneath the profile.

This section is essentially a bullet-pointed list of skills and knowledge that directly relate to the requirements sought by your potential employers.

Each point will jump out of the page at the reader, demonstrating that you are a good fit for the role, even with just a quick glance at your CV.

This approach helps to create an instant impact when your CV is opened, increasing your chances of receiving a response from job applications.

Relevant skills to include can range from IT skills and industry knowledge to education results and achievements. Just be sure they are pertinent to the roles you are applying for by researching relevant job advertisements.

Use power verbs

When crafting your CV, it is essential to incorporate powerful verbs .

Verbs are words that describe your actions, thus demonstrating what you actually do in the workplace – this is key to showing what you personal contribute to a company’s success.

Here are some example power verbs, along with how you can add them to your CV.

Managed – “Managed a 6-month project to improve customer retention levels.”

Optimised – “Optimised delivery driver routes to avoid overlap and ensure efficient service.”

Delivered – “Delivered the project two months ahead of schedule and under budget by £40,000.”

Streamlined – “Streamlined the accounts payable process to improve invoice processing speed and accuracy.”

Strengthened – “Strengthened brand awareness by expanding the company’s online and social media presence.”

Negotiated – “Negotiated with IT vendors, resulting in a monthly savings of £300K.”

Oversaw – “Oversaw a team of 10 software engineers in the development of client software solutions.”

Formulated – “Formulated a new performance review policy to ensure employees received regular feedback.”

Executed – “Executed six projects in a year, generating a 252% increase in revenue.”

Motivated – “Motivated team members to provide regular feedback, increasing overall team morale.”

Powe verbs will be most useful in your role descriptions, but can be used throughout your CV.

Prove your impact with achievements

Of course you must talk about your responsibilities, buy to sell yourself effectively in your CV, it’s essential to include your achievements

Achievements show the outcome your skills and experience and provide concrete evidence of your value to potential employers.

Add achievements to the end of your role descriptions to prove the impact you made at each workplace.

To make your achievements even more impressive to hiring managers – you should quantify them .

Quantifying your accomplishments by using numbers, percentages, or dollar amounts makes your achievements more impactful and memorable, and helps hiring managers understand the magnitude of your contributions.

Example CV achievements

Increased sales revenue by 25% through the implementation of a new marketing strategy.
Reduced operational costs by 15% through the introduction of a new inventory management system.
Generated £100,000 in new business sales by establishing partnerships with three new key clients.
Boosted website traffic by 50% through the creation of a targeted content marketing campaign.
Achieved a customer satisfaction rating of 95% by implementing a new customer service training program.
Reduced customer complaints by 75% through the development and implementation of a new complaint resolution process.
Improved product quality by 20% by introducing new quality control measures in the manufacturing process.
Increased employee retention by 30% through the implementation of a new employee engagement and recognition program.
Successfully managed a budget of £500,000 for a major project, delivering it on time and within budget.
Reduced project delivery time by 40% by implementing a new project management methodology.

Be specific, concise, and honest in your approach, and highlight achievements that demonstrate your suitability for the jobs you are targeting.

By effectively communicating your accomplishments, you can set yourself apart from other candidates and prove that hiring you will be worth while.

Use a professional format

Appearance is a key tool in any type of sales process.

And using a professional-looking format is crucial when selling yourself in your CV.

A well-designed CV reflects well on you as a candidate and helps to catch the eye of busy hiring managers and make a strong first impression.

It also shows recruiters that you have put effort into presenting your skills and experience in a clear, concise, and visually appealing manner.

A professional-looking CV format also conveys attention to detail, a valuable trait in many job roles.

Don’t forget a cover letter

Although this is not strictly a CV tip – you must write a cover letter every time you apply for a job.

It doesn’t have to be a whole page of A4, just a few sentences in the body of your application message will do the job perfectly.

The purpose of the cover letter is to encourage recruiters to open your CV in the first place.

It allows you to introduce yourself to the hiring manager, explain why you are interested in the role and the company, and highlight your relevant skills and experience.

When writing your cover letter, start with a friendly greeting, and a strong opening statement that captures the hiring manager’s attention and explains why you are interested in the role.

Next, highlight your relevant skills and experience, using specific examples that demonstrate your abilities.

Be sure to customise your cover letter for each job you apply for, showing that you have researched the company and understand their needs.

Finally, close with a strong statement that emphasises your interest in the position and your willingness to get started in the job as soon as possible.

Seven Essentials When Preparing to Sell Your Business

Before you put your business up for sale, make sure these seven ducks are in a row to help with a smooth process and transition.

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Awareness and preparation are critical in understanding the complexities and nuances involved in selling a business. It's a significant decision that requires meticulous planning and strategic considerations.

Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or a first-time business owner, preparing to sell your business demands careful attention to detail. Here, I outline the seven essentials to consider when embarking on this transformative journey.

1. Ensure your financial readiness.

Before listing your business for sale, ensure your financial house is in order. Review your financial statements, including income statements, balance sheets and cash flow projections. Identify areas for improvement and implement strategies to maximize profitability .

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A potential buyer will scrutinize your financials, so transparency and accuracy are paramount.

2. Establish valuation and a pricing strategy.

Determining the value of your business is a critical step in the selling process. Seek professional valuation services to assess both tangible and intangible assets accurately. Avoid overpricing or undervaluing your business, as this can deter potential buyers or lead to missed opportunities.

A well-researched pricing strategy based on market trends and industry comparables can help attract qualified buyers and optimize sale proceeds.

3. Optimize your operations.

Streamline your business operations to enhance efficiency and maximize value. Identify areas for improvement, such as cost-reduction initiatives, process automation and scalability enhancements.

A well-oiled operation not only improves your business's attractiveness to buyers but also ensures a smoother transition post-sale.

4. Do a legal and compliance review.

Conduct a comprehensive review of your business's legal and regulatory compliance to mitigate risks and avoid potential liabilities. Address any outstanding legal issues, such as contracts, leases, permits and intellectual property rights.

Engage legal experts to draft necessary agreements, including sales contracts, nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) and noncompete agreements , to protect your interests throughout the transaction.

5. Determine market positioning and a marketing strategy.

Develop a compelling narrative that highlights your business' unique value proposition, competitive advantages and growth potential. Tailor your marketing materials, including prospectuses, pitch decks and online listings, to resonate with potential buyers.

Leverage various marketing channels, such as industry networks, online marketplaces and business brokers, to reach a diverse pool of qualified buyers and generate interest in your business.

6. Prepare for due diligence.

Anticipate the due diligence process by organizing all relevant documents and records in advance. Provide prospective buyers with access to financial statements, tax returns, customer contracts, employee agreements and other pertinent information in a secure and organized manner.

Proactively address any potential red flags or areas of concern to instill confidence and facilitate a smoother due diligence process.

7. Get professional guidance and negotiation expertise.

Seek guidance from experienced professionals, including financial advisers , attorneys and business brokers, to navigate the complexities of selling your business. Collaborate with trusted advisers to develop a negotiation strategy that maximizes your interests while fostering a mutually beneficial outcome for all parties involved.

Remain flexible and open-minded during negotiations, focusing on achieving your overarching goals and objectives.

In conclusion, selling a business requires careful planning, diligent preparation and strategic execution. By prioritizing these seven essentials — financial readiness, valuation, operational optimization, legal compliance, market positioning, due diligence preparation and professional guidance — you can enhance the likelihood of a successful and lucrative business sale.

Embrace the opportunity to embark on this transformative journey with confidence, knowing that you have the support and expertise needed to navigate the complexities of the selling process.

Remember, selling your business is not just a financial transaction — it's a milestone that marks the culmination of your hard work and dedication as an entrepreneur. With careful planning and strategic foresight, you can unlock the full potential of your business and embark on a new chapter of growth and prosperity.

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