Writing a cover letter that offers specific examples of your strengths while hitting on relevant keywords and demonstrating competency around the job you're applying for.

Decided to make this post as I know it can feel like you need to be everything under the sun when looking at a lot of the jobs today regardless of industry. It's tiring trying to constantly rework resumes to include every one of the tags many companies ask for.

To get around this as much as possible I've practiced writing a detailed, descriptive cover letter where you can adjust key sentences to get all the right buzzwords in based on what you're applying for. It takes far less time to adjust than a resume if a certain skill--especially a soft skill--is requested that isn't in your resume/profile.

I hope this template of sorts is helpful for those applying through job boards or companies that use keyword flaggers. I've seen some people mention using 1 pt font and white text to squeeze in all relevant keywords, but it's not necessary when you can achieve the same even in a concise letter. Some parsers will also pick up the text from the white font trick and you'll be disqualified anyway. Better to both write a well-formed letter and include all the keywords within it.

I also hope the template is a better format than me trying to write out one letter that only touches on skills for one industry. If anything isn't clear please let me know.

Hello (or To Whom It May Concern if you want to be more formal),

I am applying for your current opening based on my (most) recent title/position as (blank) at (company #1) and as (blank) for (company #2; you can add a third role, but it will likely be harder to keep the letter to one page if you do). During my (job #1) posting, I (implemented/created/oversaw executed amazing thing one, two, and three). My continual focus on executing these tasks was an integral part of (company #1)’s (specific effort/continual operation/update to new practices/etc.). While with (company #2), I (leveraged my abilities/stepped in to do/took on responsibilities around) (awesome thing you did). Wherever I have been I have always worked to (meet customer needs/assure management’s expectations were carried out/deliver products or services in a timely manner).

Carrying out my job to the best of my ability is the norm for me. While at (job #1) I (regularly worked as part of a team to accomplish…/was regularly tasked with achieving…/made it a priority to do x). I accomplished (this/these things by utilizing some industry best practices or software instances you employed that appear in the job requirements). Communicating and delivering on the needs of (the highest level of management or group of customers you worked with regularly). Further, I (used/deployed/became familiar with industry standard software/hardware/frameworks that appear in the job descriptions). Through the experience gained in this role, I (big thing that you did, such as maintaining high items per transaction, increasing customer retention, reducing lead time for data generation, reducing error rates in reports or projects, finishing projects ahead of schedule, constantly passing safety inspections). At (job #2) it was normal for me to (do things related to what you illustrated at job #1, showing a cohesive skillset that has been valuable at more than one company). I was also further able to hone my abilities in (additional software/hardware/frameworks that appear in the job description) during my time there. My experience makes me ready to take on whatever I might encounter relating to (using or deploying new technologies/working with and learning to operate new machinery or systems). Aside from the technologies/hardware/frameworks mentioned above, I have also (become practiced with/begun learning about additional items that are relevant to your industry and appear as keywords/requirements on the application. You want to get them in both for effect when being read and because there may be skills you have that you couldn’t squeeze on your resume but are in the job description. You want your cover letter to be adaptive, as it’s much easier to adjust quickly than a well-formatted resume is).

As part of those and other prior roles, I constantly (demonstrated valuable soft skills such as clear communication, the ability to understand complex situations quickly, a reliable work ethic and dedication to seeing tasks through from start to finish). I understood the importance of (phrase about deploying that soft skill) and (example of how you did this at job #1). At (job #2) I furthered my capabilities by (using an additional, preferably related, soft skill). I have seen how important it is to bring multiple strengths to the table, both in using things such as (additional tech/hardware/frameworks you’ve had at least some experience with) while also (another example of how you’ve used communication/focus/understanding effectively in either role mentioned above). (Insert relatable anecdote about how your experiences have helped you to see how much you enjoy the field or become aware of your natural talent around it if you like).

I have enjoyed and grown in understanding of the industry through my prior roles and look forward to what’s next. The scope of my knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience make me a great candidate for this role. I appreciate you considering me for your (position name) opening.

 Sincerely/Regards, (Your Name Here) 

Examples of the “fill in the blank” sentences in completed form:

• I was also able to further hone my abilities in Excel, Word, and Access during my time there.

• I was also able to further hone my data wrangling abilities in ETL and pipeline utilization by pairing Python and SQL as I progressed in my role.

• I was also able to expand my knowledge of POS, back of house, and inventory management systems during the team lead training I was recently recommended for.

• Further, as my responsibilities increased, I was able to complete training modules in VBA, Excel, and QuickBooks, gaining additional certifications.

• As my responsibilities increased and I took on my own delivery routes, I became more familiar with the inventory tracking and scheduling systems being utilized and how they operated.

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