Cover Letters Need Key Words!

Cover Letters Need Key Words! ShareShare When you apply to jobs online, typically your cover letter is uploaded along with your resume and becomes part of your profile in the employers applicant tracking system (ATS). An ATS is basically a searchable database of job candidates. Most big corporations use them, and many mid-sized companies as well. The employer then searches for key words and phrases related to the position, such as marketing, PeopleSoft, human resources generalist, led team, award and so on. This generates a ranked list of candidates based on factors such as how often the key words occur and in what context. (Thats why listing key words doesnt work nearly as well as using them in sentences or sentence-like bullet points.) How do you know what the right key words are for your cover letter, resume, LinkedIn profile, etc.? Read several postings for jobs typical of your goal. Highlight or underline the words recruiters are most likely to search for, as in the example below. (Of course, different recruiters may use different key words, so choosing these is not an exact science. Give it your best shot, and youll be ahead of many job seekers who dont even try.) Eastern Regional Sales Manager, XYZ Enterprises Inc. Position Summary: Manage and lead the activities of independent sales reps (field reps). Position Responsibilities: Lead field reps to promote and sell companys manufactured brands to retail accounts. Implement all distribution and merchandising objectives including new items. Develop programs and sales tools for field reps to increase sales within their territories. and so on. List these key words, and then prioritize the list. Give extra priority to key words that: appear often appear in a Summary section at the top of the posting appear in a Requirements section appear in the job title Of course, the job title itself is one of the most important key words! Now include the most important key words in your cover letter (and resume, LinkedIn profile and other career marketing materials) while keeping the letter short. Yes, its a challenge thats why so many people hire me to help them write these materials. For more tips on writing cover letters, read my post Cover Letters Whats the Point? Be smart about cover letters and get a job faster! Cover Letters Need Key Words! ShareShare When you apply to jobs online, typically your cover letter is uploaded along with your resume and becomes part of your profile in the employers applicant tracking system (ATS). An ATS is basically a searchable database of job candidates. Most big corporations use them, and many mid-sized companies as well. The employer then searches for key words and phrases related to the position, such as marketing, PeopleSoft, human resources generalist, led team, award and so on. This generates a ranked list of candidates based on factors such as how often the key words occur and in what context. (Thats why listing key words doesnt work nearly as well as using them in sentences or sentence-like bullet points.) How do you know what the right key words are for your cover letter, resume, LinkedIn profile, etc.? Read several postings for jobs typical of your goal. Highlight or underline the words recruiters are most likely to search for, as in the example below. (Of course, different recruiters may use different key words, so choosing these is not an exact science. Give it your best shot, and youll be ahead of many job seekers who dont even try.) Eastern Regional Sales Manager, XYZ Enterprises Inc. Position Summary: Manage and lead the activities of independent sales reps (field reps). Position Responsibilities: Lead field reps to promote and sell companys manufactured brands to retail accounts. Implement all distribution and merchandising objectives including new items. Develop programs and sales tools for field reps to increase sales within their territories. and so on. List these key words, and then prioritize the list. Give extra priority to key words that: appear often appear in a Summary section at the top of the posting appear in a Requirements section appear in the job title Of course, the job title itself is one of the most important key words! Now include the most important key words in your cover letter (and resume, LinkedIn profile and other career marketing materials) while keeping the letter short. Yes, its a challenge thats why so many people hire me to help them write these materials. For more tips on writing cover letters, read my post Cover Letters Whats the Point? Be smart about cover letters and get a job faster!