Boost Your Cover Letter: 70 Words You Put on an Application to Get Hired

What are the keywords in a cover letter?

Employers search cover letter key phrases in your application that show your skills, competencies, proficiencies, and expertise when employers review applicants, resumes, or cover letters. These keywords enhance the value of your cover letter. Action verbs are the most common keywords, but some adjectives or nouns are helpful sometimes. Keywords and phrases may be carefully included in your cover letter to highlight your qualifications and experiences for the job you’re looking for. Some keywords can help highlight your cover letter to the recruiters and directly match the job requirements. Recruiters use these keywords or phrases to pass your cover letter from the ATS screening process. Keeping keywords balanced according to ATS or job requirements would be best and can stand out in your cover letter, which consists of 70 in words. 

Why are they important for a cover letter?

Cover letter keywords and phrases help stand out from the other applicants in several ways. These keywords are beneficial for employers because they use ATS software; you submit your resume or cover letter, and they put them into the software for scanning; they have already fixed some keywords in this software; for example (recognition keywords” honoured for or credited with”); they scan your application in this system, this system filters those applications which matched to these keywords. Likewise, they retain those applications that they’re seeking. 

Many employers have specific qualifications and certifications; they look for these specialities in the candidates for specialized companies and roles. An employer seeks a graphic designer with accurate keywords that prove his experience and accomplishments in this field. Therefore, you must craft a cover letter that uses keywords or phrases that make your cover letter ATS-friendly or match the job requirements.

Types of keywords for cover letter

Here are some types of keywords that are used in cover letters. These can help tailor your cover letter to your employer’s requirements and make it stand out. To increase the chances of passing ATS scanning, a cover letter may be searched for keywords related to the job description. Action verbs highlighting your previous work experience and skills-based keywords matching your cover letter with job description. Here are four types of keywords for cover letter:

1. Action verbs
2. Skill-based keywords
3. Result-oriented keywords
4. Recognition keywords

1- Action verbs keywords

These are the most common keywords or phrases that hiring managers might search for in your cover letter. Action verbs highlight your active involvement in your previous job work. Action verbs are essential because these words highlight your experiences and accomplishments. Your cover letter could use following action verbs or keywords related to your previous work experience. Here are some action keywords which are related to your past work:

• Presented 
• Instructed
• Implemented 
• Collaborated
• Developed 
• Communicated 
• Motivated 
• Initiated
• Monitored
• Succeeded
• Led
• Handled 
• Planned 
• Introduced 
• Headed 
• Analyzed 
• Applied 
• Pioneered
• Spoke  
• Mentored
• Administrated 
• Chaired 
• Built 
• Created 
• Devised 
• Executed 

2- Skilled base keywords

Skill-based keywords are specific phrases and words that show how your experience and knowledge align with position’s job requirements and are searched for by employers. This is evidence of your expertise in previous work. You can use skilled-based keywords or phrases for specific hard skills like software development, data analysis, etc. These combine the skills required for a job and show your unique strengths. Here are a few instances of these kinds of keywords, which are skilled-based:

• Build 
• Created
• Delegated
• Facilitated
• Generated
• Launched 
• Planned
• Achieved 
• Analyzed
• Directed
• Wrote 
• Typed 
• Created
• Researched
• Trained
• Networked 
• Achieved 
• Drafted 
• Solved 

3- Result-oriented keywords

Result-oriented keywords focus on results of your career. Result-oriented keywords and phrases that highlight accomplishments you have made in the previous position. Result-oriented keywords help employers determine how applicants contribute their skills and abilities to the company’s success. For example, you may underline how you assisted your prior employer in achieving objectives and moving toward growth and development by using descriptions similar to the following keywords: 

• Saved
• Secured 
• Increased 
• Achieved 
• Gained
• Leverage 
• Recorded
• Resolve 
• Upgrade 
• Persuaded 
• Contributed
• Modernized
• Updated 
• Established
• Generated 
• Innovated
• Improved 

4- Recognition keywords

Recognition keywords highlight your previous accomplishments, such as awards, honours, or other types of success, such as being honoured for something at a previous work company. These keywords increase reliability and show that you’re appreciated. The list of recognition keywords can help improve your cover letter. 

• Awarded with 
• Selected from
• Promoted
• Chosen for
• Honored for
• Accomplished 
• Appointed to
• Credited with 
• Designated 
• Distinguished 
• Recognized for 
• Lauded for 

Tip to add keywords in your cover letter

 It’s essential to remember some tips when adding these keywords to your cover letter and ensure that it is ATS-friendly. 

Read the job description carefully

when you use keywords or phrases in your cover letter, you should read the job description carefully. Firstly, ensure that what the company is looking for is that the job description contains different targeted keywords; when you’re crafting your cover letter, make sure that your keywords match the job requirements. Attempt to match your cover letter keywords with your specific experience and for the required position by the employers. 

Tailor your skills, qualifications, and experiences

when you express your qualifications and experiences in your cover letter, you must use the exact keywords from the job description. For example, if you’re applying for web development, see that the job description includes strong keywords for technical skills like “HTML” or “coding.” Using the keywords precisely mentioned in your cover letter would be best. Include keywords or phrases related to your experiences or abilities in the cover letter. 

Include a mix of keyword types

you should use a mixture of keywords like result-oriented, skill-based, etc., whenever you pen down your cover letter. Employers can also get excellent proof of your previous activities and performance from you by using action verbs. 

Formatting for cover letter keywords

use the format for including keywords in your cover letter. Use some bullet points, use some heading, and a short paragraph. It will make it easier for ATS and employers to recognize. When you’re uploading your cover letter, use the best format, which the ATS scans, and there is no chance of rejection. 

Avoid using buzzwords

When including keywords in your cover letter, avoid using buzzwords like “hardworking” and “self-motivated.” Instead, include the keywords related to the employer's demand; keep it brief and straightforward. 

Use active voice instead of the passive voice

when you include the keywords or phrases in your cover letter, use active voice instead of passive voice. For example: (active voice) “A manager explained the presentation.” (passive voice)

The presentation is explained by the manager. Using active voice phrasing in your cover letter proves you’re energetic or confident. 

Key Takeaways

Cover letter keywords and phrases highlight your experiences and skills and show your interest and spirit for the post. In every engagement with the prospective employer, you must present yourself in the best possible light in a way that truly stands out. Crafting your cover letter, but you still need clarification. Don’t worry. Our team will help you write a professional cover letter showing you’re a proactive, confident and qualified candidate.

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