Of course, hiring managers and recruiters are busy. One study found that recruiters spend an average of just 7.4 seconds reviewing a resume before moving it to the “yes” or “no” pile. Adding bullets to your cover letter can help you make the most of those seconds, highlighting your relevant experience and matching it to the job listing’s requirements. Readers may skim through your opening paragraph, but their eyes will automatically pause when they see a bulleted list of qualifications. There’s something about the white space and the formatting of bullet points that’s very eye-catching.
How to Include Bullet Points in a Cover Letter
Start your cover letter with an introductory paragraph that explains why you are writing. Then, when explaining your related experience, use a bullet for each of your job qualifications. Each bullet point should include a concise phrase or sentence that begins with an action word; you can include a period at the end of each sentence. Avoid having too much text for each bullet point; once the text following a bullet point spreads to three lines, it might make more sense in paragraph form. Avoid other symbols that might look too confusing or may not upload properly when you apply for jobs online. Keeping it simple will avoid funky formatting in your cover letter. To generate your bullet points, match your qualifications to the job description. Include the skills that are the closest match to the job. You might also include keywords related to the job, but not specifically listed in the job listing. To figure out which keywords to include, scan job postings for other, related positions at other companies, or scan this list of skills to include in a cover letter or resume. As well as listing skills, you can use bullet points to convey accomplishments (e.g., “Drove record-breaking sales numbers.”).
Use Business Letter Format
Follow business-letter format for your cover letter. If you send your cover letter via email, omit the’ address paragraphs and choose a clear subject line, e.g., “Teacher’s Aide Application – Kim Fleming.”
Letter Introduction
The first paragraph of your letter should include information on why you are writing. Refer to the position you are applying for and tell the hiring manager where you found the job listing. If you were recommended by a contact, now’s the time to mention it. Next, provide a brief introduction, followed by the bullets.
Bullet Points
The middle section of your cover letter should include what you have to offer.Mention how your qualifications match the job you are applying for.Highlight your most relevant experience and accomplishments.Show the employer why you’re a great match.Be selective: you don’t need to include every skill and achievement, no matter how impressive they might be. Restrict yourself to qualifications that match the job description and show that you’re an outstanding fit for the position.
Letter Closing
Finish your cover letter with a closing paragraph and your signature.
Tips for Writing Bullet Points
When you’re writing your bullet points, don’t copy from your resume or from the employer’s job posting. Take the time to write unique statements for each, based on your qualifications for the job. Include 3-6 bullet points listing your expertise and accomplishments. Once you’ve set up your letter with an introduction, bullets, and a closing, you can simply swap out the bullet points when you write each new cover letter. It is a quick and easy way to customize your job application letters for each position you apply for.
Cover Letter Bulleted List Examples
Manage company communications including extensive social media experience.Experience with C+, UNIX, Shell, and Python scripting.Work with students to educate and prepare them for careers using career advising techniques, career development strategies, and career preparation techniques.Experience as a teacher’s aide in elementary school classrooms.Certified human resources professional with extensive recruiting and hiring experience.Manage complex projects from start to completion while ensuring client satisfaction and meeting all scheduled dates.
Cover Letter Sample With Bullets
Email Cover Letter Sample With Bullets
September 7, 2022 Freya LeighManagerRiver Events15 Main Street, 1st FloorSatchel-on-Hudson, NY 10705 Dear Ms. Leigh, I was excited to see your recent advertisement for a receptionist on Local-on-Hudson.com. As an experienced receptionist and Satchel native, I’d love to help support beloved local events like the Waves Concert Series and the Food Truck Fair. I have five years of administrative experience for event planning companies. Currently, I’m the weekend receptionist at Big Five Events. I’ve also held several internships for entertainment and event planning companies while I was attending Southern New York State, and have acquired the following skills:
Excellent phone manner, customer service, and communication skillsExpert-level knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Excel and PowerPoint, as well as project management software like Asana and TrelloTyping speed of 80 words per minuteAttention to detail and high degree of accuracy Patience and problem-solving skills
I have attached my resume for your review and would love to talk to you more about your needs and how I can help. I hope you’ll contact me at your convenience to arrange an interview. Thanks and best regards, Lucy Rogers (signature for a hard copy letter) Lucy Rogers (printed) Dear Mr. Williams: It was with much interest that I learned, through your recent advertisement on Indeed.com, about Hamilton Motors’ current search for a Sales Manager. Please accept the attached résumé as an expression of my deep interest in accelerating the profitability of your new car sales department. As an accomplished sales producer with 8 years’ experience in automotive sales management for two dealerships in Greenville and Spartanburg Counties, I have consistently demonstrated leadership and motivational talents that produced steady YOY growth throughout my tenures. A few of the credentials I bring to the table include:
Consistently meeting ambitious monthly sales forecasts, exceeding profit objectives by 32% in 2016, by 49% in 2017, and by 58% in 2018.Proven effectiveness recruiting, onboarding, and training retail sales teams that have led their territories in production from 2014 through the present, capturing top CAR sales awards each year.More than doubling customer traffic by hiring dedicated automotive internet sales team members.Introducing stringent inventory control policies that reduced overhead by 40% while maintaining an optimal range of vehicle types.
As a self-driven and charismatic sales manager, my “super hero” talent is my ability to inspire others to own their sales quota responsibilities and enthusiastically work as a team to smash ambitious sales targets. Excited at the prospect of bringing these strengths to Hamilton Motors, I thank you for your consideration and look forward to your response. Sincerely, Julio Fernandez3089 Montgomery AvenueGreeneville, SC 29603(000) 123-1234jfernandez@email.com
