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How to Use Bullet Points in a Cover Letter

Cover letter bullet points make your most notable professional achievements and skills stand out immediately. Learn how to grab a recruiter’s attention using bullet points in your cover letter and convince them you’re the right person for the job.

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When should I use bullet points in a cover letter?

Cover letter with bullet points (example), email cover letter with bullet points (example), 3 tips for writing a cover letter with bullet points.

Recruiters only spend a few seconds reviewing a candidate’s resume and cover letter before moving to the next one.

By adding bullet points to your cover letter, you ensure employers don’t miss some of your greatest qualifications.

Our free-to-use cover letter builder can make you a cover letter in as little as 5 minutes. Just pick the template you want, and our software will format everything for you.

You should use bullet points in a cover letter every time you write a cover letter.

Using cover letter bullet points:

• provides a brief snapshot of your most valuable skills and accomplishments to an employer
• features specific keywords or phrases for an employer to see
• helps to break up the content of your letter to make it more scannable

Consider using bullet points in a cover letter in the following situations:

1. When you want to highlight your strongest professional skills

If a recruiter only spends a few seconds reviewing your application, you don’t want them to miss any key information that makes you appear more hireable.

Showcasing your top hard and soft skills and accomplishments with bullet points ensures the recruiter can immediately understand what makes you the most suitable candidate for the role.

Need some ideas for what to write? Try using an AI cover letter generator to get a new spin on your achievements.

2. When you need to narrow down your top achievements

Starting a cover letter can be difficult. If you aren’t sure what aspects of your career to highlight on your cover letter, you can use bullet points to narrow them down to the top three.

A single bullet point can highlight multiple skills and capabilities more directly.

3. When you want to make your cover letter more readable

Bullet points are a great way to enhance both your resume and cover letter for applicant tracking systems (ATS) without making it obvious.

So, optimize your cover letter using job-related keywords and action verbs in your bullet points and give yourself the best chance of getting past a company’s ATS software.

Additionally, these bullet points make your cover letter more readable for actual humans — like your future employer.

A cover letter can improve your application in today’s competitive marketplace by giving an employer an idea about who you are as a potential employee.

Cover Letter With Bullet Points Example (Text Version)

Dear Mr. Willis,

I’m delighted to apply for the Salesperson role at your company, Wal-Mart Greens. After a detailed review of your job description, it’s clear that you seek a candidate that’s highly familiar with marketing products and can meet assigned sales quotas.

Throughout my two-year career, I’ve developed a skill set directly relevant to the Salesperson role you’re hiring for, including customer needs assessment, direct mail marketing, and distributor management.

I believe Wal-Mart Greens would benefit from my skills and experience in the following areas:

• Outstanding interpersonal and persuasive skills
• Eye for excellence and high customer service standards
• Positive attitude even under pressure

Overall, I’ve consistently demonstrated excellent communication and multitasking abilities in every aspect of my Retail Salesperson role at Flutter Stores, and I invite you to review my detailed achievements in the attached resume.

Please contact me at (512) 260-0121 or via email at [email protected] to arrange a convenient meeting time. Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Jeremy Hunt

Following the company’s instructions on how to submit your cover letter is critical.

For instance, some employers may request you to submit your cover letter as an email.

Here’s an example of an email cover letter that uses bullet points to highlight the candidate’s most relevant experience and professional talents:

Cover Letter With Bullet Points Email Example (Text Version)

Dear Mr. Owen,

I read your job advertisement for the Supervisor role with excitement as the criteria you’re looking for match closely with my professional skills and experience.

Here’s what I can offer Grocery Enterprise based on my skills:

• 3+ years of retail sales supervision experience
• Ability to effectively train and manage staff
• Effective management of employee performance from appraisals to support, training, and discipline

In addition to my extensive retail expertise, I always keep a courteous and professional demeanor when talking with others, including customers and store employees. My extensive experience and diverse skill set make me an excellent candidate for this role.

My resume, which is attached, contains more details about my background and qualifications. I look forward to hearing from you soon, and thanks for your consideration.

(646) 885-0586

Now that you know how valuable bullet points can be, here’s how to write a cover letter with bullet points that showcases your top resume skills .

1. Make your bullet points relevant and targeted to the job

Because bullet points are the part of your cover letter that will likely catch a recruiter’s attention, they should:

• contain your most valuable skill and work experience
• list your qualifications clearly
• convey your value to the employer

But you shouldn’t just list any qualifications or experience. The qualifications you include in your bullet points should correspond to the job description’s requirements.

So, carefully check all your bullet points to ensure consistency with the rest of your cover letter.

For example, if you highlighted interpersonal skills in your cover letter, a good way to build on this is to introduce bullet points on how being a people person helped you to reduce complaints from customers.

2. Highlight your strongest professional accomplishments

Determine the skills that emphasize your qualifications for the role and elaborate on them. These skills can include abilities, work accomplishments, or job responsibilities.

Consider what you’ve done in the past that’s relevant to the position you’re looking for.

For example, if the job description calls for a candidate with a wide range of advanced technical skills , write cover letter bullet points that outline your top examples of these skills.

3. Don’t repeat your resume

A cover letter shouldn’t be another resume. Instead, a cover letter should expand upon your resume and provide context into your specific skills, work ethic, and personality.

So avoid the temptation of repeating the same information on your resume in your cover letter’s bullet points.

Recruiters will likely give your resume and cover letter a more extensive look if you meet the requirements.

So use different words and experiences to describe yourself in your resume and cover letter so your application appears detailed and well-thought-out.

Eva Chan, CPRW

Career Advisor & Senior Digital PR Writer (CPRW)

Eva Chan is a Senior Digital PR Writer and Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) at Resume Genius. Born and raised in Vancouver, British Columbia, Eva is passionate about researching and discussing the ever-changing career space and its latest trends, and channels this enthusiasm into supporting professionals of all experience levels so they stand out in a competitive job market. Eva graduated from the University of British Columbia with a bachelor’s degree in English. Eva's insights and career advice have earned recognition from leading platforms including CNBC, The Globe and Mail, Forbes, Newsweek, and U.S. News & World Report. For any media-related queries or for a future quote, you can reach her at [eva] @ [resumegenius.com] or connect with her via LinkedIn. Please note that we don’t accept any guest posts.

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How to Include Bullet Points in a Cover Letter

• Include Bullet Points in a Cover Letter

Use Business Letter Format

Tips for writing bullet points, cover letter bulleted list examples, cover letter sample with bullets.

• Email Cover Letter With Bullets

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The purpose of a cover letter is to persuade hiring managers that you’re a good fit for the job. Think of it as being like a sales pitch: while a resume outlines the entirety of your related work experience and skills, your cover letter gives the highlights. The goal is to grab the hiring manager’s attention and convince them that your application should make it to the next round.

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.  

Bullets can show your experience and skills in a way that stands out immediately.

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.

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.

Use simple bullets such as circles, dots, hyphens, or small squares.

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.").

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 .

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.

Remember that cover letters are intended to persuade. As you write, focus on making the case that you’re the best candidate for the job.

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.

• 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.

Lucy Rogers 86 Maple Street Satchel-on-Hudson, NY 10705 555-323-5432 lucy.rogers@email.com

September 7, 2022

Freya Leigh Manager River Events 15 Main Street, 1 st Floor Satchel-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 skills
• Expert-level knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Excel and PowerPoint, as well as project management software like Asana and Trello
• Typing speed of 80 words per minute
• Attention 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)

Email Cover Letter Sample With Bullets

Subject Line : Sales Manager Job Application from J. Fernandez

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.

Julio Fernandez 3089 Montgomery Avenue Greeneville, SC 29603 (000) 123-1234 jfernandez@email.com

Ladders. " Ladders Updates Popular Recruiter Eye-Tracking Study ." Accessed Feb. 20, 2020.

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Learn more about Writing Style:

Using bullet points in your cover letter.

A cover letter is an opportunity, so make the most of it. Use it to show your potential employer how you’ll be an asset to their team in a way that your resume can’t.

Think of your cover letter as a highlight reel that communicates your standout qualities. Displaying those highlights as bullet points is an effective technique, but be mindful to keep the number of bullet points reasonable. If you use more than 10 bullet points in your cover letter, it starts to read like an impersonal list or shortened version of your resume , rather than a chance for you to dive deeper into your background and experience. ## Why Use Bullet Points in Your Cover Letter?

While you don't want to overuse bullet points in your cover letter, you may choose to include some. Bullet points aren’t a “must-have” for cover letters, but they do serve a purpose. Employers are busy. They need to be able to recognize important information quickly when reading through piles of applications. When you use bullet points in your letter, you help expedite the application-reading process by making your important information obvious and accessible.

What Information Should You Present in Your Bullet Points?

Take the time to review the job posting carefully. Find ways to make specific connections between your experience or professional characteristics and what the position requires. It might help to write down some keywords from the job qualifications to help you make those relevant connections.

Determine which connections work best to show that you’re a great fit for the position. Craft those connections into concise bullet points.

Make sure each bullet point conveys a distinct professional quality, asset, or accomplishment. Avoid repeating similar content in different bullet points or information already available in your resume.

How to Organize Bullet Points in Your Cover Letter

Your cover letter should start with an introductory paragraph. Then, consider which of your bullet points belong together. For example, your bullet points might

• state how your specific experience uniquely qualifies you for the position, or
• show how previous accomplishments relate to/predict success in the position, or
• demonstrate how your professional ethos matches the one this company holds

Group relevant points together. As you organize your letter into paragraphs, determine which groupings belong where.

Make sure your bullet points are parallel (follow the same grammatical pattern) and share the same verb tense. For cover letters, a good practice is to start each point with an action verb. For example,

• Negotiated lucrative agreements with top clients
• Developed hands-on curricula that enhanced student learning
• Cultivated a healthy work environment resulting in increased productivity

An example of non-parallel bullet points might look like this:

• I am skilled at developing creative curricula to enhance student learning
• Colleagues showed increased productivity as a result of my initiative to create a healthy work environment.

Do you hear the difference? The first set has a smooth grammatical rhythm that flows and is easy to read. The non-parallel version is difficult to read and sounds clumsy rather than professional.

Your Cover Letter Should Show How You Stand Out

With your cover letter, your goal is to show the potential employer how you stand out from the rest of the applicants. As you develop your bullet-pointed highlights remember to

• be moderate: do not exceed 10 bullet points
• be selective: choose to highlight accomplishments and experience most relevant to the job
• be distinctive: let each point highlight something unique and specific that isn’t already included on your resume

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Cover Letters  - Crafting Your Cover Letter

Cover letters  -, crafting your cover letter, cover letters crafting your cover letter.

Cover Letters: Crafting Your Cover Letter

Lesson 1: crafting your cover letter, crafting your cover letter.

You've found the job you want and have spruced up your resume in hopes of getting it. Now all you have to do is submit it, right? Not so fast! Every resume should have a great cover letter to go with it. So what's a cover letter? And why do you need one? This lesson will help you answer these questions as you explore interactive examples. Specifically, you will learn the purpose of a cover letter , identify the main parts of a cover letter , find out what makes a cover letter effective , and use several cover letter dos and don'ts as you write your own cover letter.

Watch the video below to learn some tips for creating a great cover letter.

What is a cover letter?

As discussed in our Resume Writing tutorial, prospective employers use your resume to learn about your education, skills, and work history, as well as who you are and how to reach you. Your cover letter has a slightly different purpose.

As the name implies, a cover letter is a document that introduces you and accompanies your resume. It is what a hiring manager will see first.

In a competitive job market, hiring managers may get hundreds of resumes for only one position. Going through all of them can be time consuming. To alleviate the time strain, most hiring managers will quickly read over or scan cover letters to decide which resumes to read more closely.

Cover letters provide YOU with an opportunity to:

• Demonstrate how well you express yourself and that you have researched the organization and position
• Tell prospective employers what position you’re interested in, why you are interested in it, and how you came to know about it
• Highlight a few key skills that demonstrate your qualifications for the specific organization and position
• Thank the hiring manager in advance for her time and consideration

Cover letters provide HIRING MANAGERS with a chance to:

• Decide whether to look at your resume
• Select a small number of resumes to read more closely

Both resumes and cover letters should be customized for each specific job opportunity . If you see a job posting that requests a resume, send both a cover letter and resume.

Include a cover letter every time you submit a resume for a job, even if you are emailing it or uploading it to a job board!

What are the parts of a cover letter?

A cover letter is really just a formal business letter that acts as an introduction to your resume. Because it is a formal business document, it should be in block business letter format . In this format, text is left justified (aligned on the left-hand margin).

• Date : This is the date the letter is written. We recommend using the Month Day, Year format, such as January 27, 2009.
• Address : For the address, you should provide your home mailing address followed by the hiring manager's address .
• Greeting: The greeting is an important part of your cover letter. It establishes who you are sending the resume and cover letter to. We recommend that you try to find the name of the hiring manager to use here. If you can't find a name, use a generic term like Staff Selection Team or Hiring Manager .
• Body : The body is the main part of your cover letter. This is where you explain what job you are interested in and how you learned about it . It should also present you as the best possible candidate for the job, and explain what actions you will take next.
• Close : Use a polite and professional phrase here, such as Sincerely, Respectfully , or Kind Regards .
• Signature : This area should contain your name, a written signature (if you're mailing the letter), and another way to contact you (such as a phone number or email address ).
• Enclosure line : Use this line whenever you include a separate item in the same envelope or email message. It will tell the recipient to look for the enclosed attachment, which will usually be your resume, but could also be samples of your previous work.

If you're sending a cover letter via email , you don't need to include the date , return address , or mailing address at the top of the page. Just include your own address and other contact information, such as your email or phone number, below your name in the signature area .

Writing an effective cover letter

To be effective, the body paragraphs of your cover letter must really sell you as the best candidate for the job. This area should highlight your accomplishments and qualifications, as well as explain how you can benefit the company. It should be easy to read and have a positive tone.

Each paragraph of your cover letter has a different purpose, and there are strategies you can use to make each paragraph effective.

Click the buttons in the interactive below to review the three body paragraphs in this cover letter:

First paragraph

The first paragraph can start with an introduction, but it should always start by stating which job you are applying for . Include the job name and number (if applicable). You should also mention where you found the job posting .

Try to include some details about the company you found while researching the job. This kind of detail can help to demonstrate your interest in the position.

Another good strategy in the opening paragraph is to explain your relationship with the company (if you have one).

Second paragraph

The second paragraph should work to position you as the ideal candidate for the job . It should also describe your career accomplishments , demonstrate that they meet or exceed the job requirements , and explain how you will be an asset to the company .

Bulleted list

You may want to use a bulleted list to make this section easier for the hiring manager to scan.

Third paragraph

The third paragraph should request an interview or meeting, provide your preferred contact information , and thank the hiring manager for considering your application.

Cover letter tips

The following are some tips to make your cover letter the best it can be.

Gather all necessary information first

This includes the job description, name of the hiring manager, and any other research you have gathered about the company.

Follow directions

Some employers may want you to provide additional materials, such as writing samples, with your resume. Others might not accept applications that are sent via email. Before you respond to any job posting, read the directions carefully so you can provide exactly what is required.

Address your letter to a specific individual

If this is not possible, use a gender-neutral greeting, like Dear Hiring Manager or Staff Selection Team .

Write a rough draft

Focus on the purpose of each paragraph:

• In the first paragraph, introduce yourself, indicate the desired position, and explain how you came to know about the position.
• In the second paragraph, sell yourself as the ideal candidate by matching your experience with employer needs.
• In the final paragraph, request action on the part of the employer or explain what actions you will be taking to progress in the job search process.

Use good writing techniques

Characteristics of good writing for cover letters include:

• Using bullet points or bold text to highlight your qualifications
• Using concise and clear language; keep it to one page and focus on what you have to offer an employer
• Using correct grammar; have at least two strong writers edit and proofread your cover letter, and do not rely solely on a spell checker
• Using active verbs in the present tense to illustrate your skills; for example, I consistently exceed customer expectations by offering personal attention and product expertise.
• Varying your word choice; for example, if your specialty is product line management , try to find another phrase for the same function, such as family branding

Format your cover letter to be easy to read

This should be done only after you are completely satisfied with the content of your rough draft.

• Use default margins (1.25” for the right and left margins, 1” for the bottom margin).
• Single-space paragraphs.
• Double-space after the date, each address, the greeting, and each paragraph.
• Leave enough space for your signature.
• Use bold for emphasis and quick reading. Hiring managers will be skimming the letter, so anything you can do to make your qualifications stand out will help focus their attention on you.
• Use a default font that is easy to read, such as Times New Roman, Arial, or Tahoma.

Note: Our Microsoft Office tutorials cover formatting in more depth.

Consider using resume paper

If you want to make your application look extra nice, you can print your cover letter and resume on resume paper. Resume paper is sometimes also known as business or specialty paper, and it is thicker and rougher than regular printer paper. However, it's also more expensive, so you may not want to use it for every job application.

Mistakes to avoid

There are several things job seekers can do in their cover letters that can actually hurt their chances of getting an interview. You will want to avoid these mistakes.

• Don’t write “To Whom It May Concern” or "Dear Sir or Madam". If you don't know the person's name, use something generic and gender neutral, like Candidate Selection Team or Dear Hiring Manager.
• Don’t use slang , like I crushed the highest sales in my region three years running .
• Don’t use correction fluid or make corrections after a letter is printed. Reprint your letter if necessary.
• Don’t write a letter that's longer than one page .
• Don’t provide false information about yourself or your qualifications.
• Don't include erroneous information about a company.
• Don’t include personal information (avoid references to religion, family, etc.).
• Don’t write poorly (avoid using cliches, exaggeration, and typographical or grammatical errors).
• Don’t use form letters and mass mailings . Each letter should be tailored to a specific job.
• Don’t include photos unless it's specifically requested.
• Don’t confess weakness or apologize for lacking a qualification.
• Don’t use an improper tone (angry, demanding, desperate, confessional, or too enthusiastic).
• Don’t include salary information unless it's requested .

Open the Microsoft Word Cover Letter Template and Save it to your computer with a name that makes sense to you.

Enter your own information into the document as you progress through this activity by replacing the text inside the [brackets] . Remove the brackets as well.

The top of your cover letter

Refer to the picture below as you make changes to the top portion of your cover letter.

• Replace [ Month] [Day], [Year] with the current date.
• Replace [Your First and Last Name] with your own name.
• Replace [Your Street Address] and [City], [ST] [Zip Code] with the address where you live and receive mail.

If you do not have a contact name, you can omit this section or include a line that indicates what the letter is in response to, such as RE: Office Manager postion (Craigslist posting CR-01004-OM) . This can help the person handling the mail pass your cover letter and resume on to the correct person within the company.

• Replace [Endearment] [Social Title] [Hiring Manager Last Name], with an appropriate greeting, such as Dear Mr. Grantham or Ms. Keaton . Use social titles (e.g., Mr. or Ms.) ONLY when you know for certain an individual's gender. If you do not have a contact name, you can use something generic and non-gender specific such as Dear Staff Selection Team or Dear Hiring Manager . However, resume experts recommend trying to find the name of the person who will be hiring for the position.

The body of the cover letter

Refer to the picture below as you make changes to the body of your cover letter.

• Write your first body paragraph , replacing the text within the brackets with your own text. Include your name and the position (job name and number) in which you are interested. Explain how you came to know about the position. Make a personal or business connection to the company, if you can, or show what you know about the company.
• Write your second body paragraph , replacing the text within the brackets with your own text. Point out your accomplishments and qualifications that make you the best choice for the job. Focus on what benefits you will bring to the position or company. Think of it as what you can do for them . You may want to use bold text or a bulleted list to emphasize your strong points.
• Write your third body paragraph , replacing the text within the brackets with your own text. Tell them what you would like to have happen next. For example, I look forward to discussing how my expertise in customer service can benefit ABC Company. If I do not hear from you by March 3, I will be contacting you to ensure you have received and reviewed my resume. Don't forget to include a way for someone to contact you. For example, You can reach me at the phone number below after 4 p.m. daily if you have any questions or would like to further discuss my qualifications. Remember to thank the hiring manage for his or her time and consideration!

The bottom of the cover letter

Refer to the picture below as you make changes to the bottom portion of your cover letter.

• Replace [Close], with a polite and professional closing, such as Regards,.
• Hit enter several times to leave enough space for your signature, then delete [Your Signature] . When you have printed the final copy of your cover letter, be sure to sign your name neatly in this area.
• Replace [Your Name (typed)] with your full first and last name. Then, replace [A way to contact you] with either a telephone number or an email address, whichever you prefer as a means of communication.
• On the enclosure line, enter your own name (or the file name if you are submitting your resume electronically) in place of [Your Name] .

Don't forget to have several people review your cover letter before you send it out!

Need More Help? Go to our Microsoft Office tutorials to learn how to format a document in more depth.

• PODCAST : Katherine Mehr speaks with Sue Morem, Founder of Go For the Edge!, about how to create an effective cover letter.
• Karen Hansen discusses Resume, Cover Letter, and Interview Strategies for Older Workers at Quintessential Careers.
• Purdue University's Online Writing Lab offers a Resume Workshop page.
• Knock 'Em Dead Cover Letters: Techniques and Samples for Every Step of Your Job Search by Martin Yate

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When and How to Use Bullet Points in a Cover Letter (with Example)

May 19, 2020 | Cover Letters

Need a new way to structure and focus your cover letter to impress the hiring manager? Check out this guide on the option of using bullet points (featuring an example of a bullet point cover letter we wrote.)

By: Alexis Sicklick | Resume Writer for Let’s Eat, Grandma

Structuring a cover letter is very similar to writing that classic five-paragraph essay in middle school and high school. You need a strong opening, three solid points to discuss, and a clear closing.

That’s it. Easy, right? You’ve done this a million times before.

Why does the task suddenly seem so daunting now? It must be because this may be your only chance to tell your story to a potential employer, and you want to be as clear as possible about why you are the best candidate for the job. While there are a few approaches to writing a cover letter, we are going to focus on the value of using bullet points in a cover letter (including an example later down) .

Before we delve into the details, take a look at this short video of Ross from F.R.I.E.N.D.S.:  

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He is in a high-pressure situation as well, but due to a lack of clear, organized points, he rambles on without responding to the question at hand until the very end. This is definitely not what you want to do.

Of course, the poor format of this conversation leads to great comedy, but it also demonstrates the value of lists and outlines, especially when conversing with someone else. 

Remember, the cover letter is not for you . It is to help your recruiter learn about who you are , so you should make it as easy as possible for them to identify your top credentials in the shortest amount of time.

Why use bullet points in your cover letter?

Bullet points serve the same purpose on a resume and cover letter from a design perspective, but they are not as limiting in this “essay” context.

Instead of two-liner phrases that quickly highlight a key aspect of your job as on your resume, bullets in a cover letter  are the content paragraphs , and they are full-blown explanations providing all the necessary details to make that point as valuable as possible. 

But they are not just paragraphs with bullets next to them . They start with a keyword or phrase that is clearly mentioned upfront and then expanded upon in about three to four sentences. 

Their purpose is three-fold, as seen below:

Bullet points in your cover letter might help you organize the story you want to tell (which is the whole point of a cover letter.)

Bullets produce a strong visual outline for the cover letter, creating a clear path for readers (and the writer when drafting it; see below). They won’t have to search to find out what makes you special — you are presenting it to them on a silver platter.

Use the main point of the ‘paragraph’ as a headline for the bullet and emphasize it with bold font so the recruiter’s eyes are drawn right to it.  

2. Direction

If you aren’t sure what aspects of your career to feature, narrowing the choice down to the top three for bullet points will help you focus the direction of your letter. Often, one skill/accomplishment is an umbrella for one or more skills, so you will still be able to showcase the breadth of your capabilities, only in a more concise and direct format.

And remember, the cover letter is just a sampling of your career , so you don’t need to discuss every aspect in depth. Think about what achievements or obstacles are the most meaningful, impressive, or formative, and focus on presenting them in the most comprehensive manner.

3. Optimization

Don’t forget to tailor your cover letter to the job description as well! Bullet headlines are a great way to utilize ATS keywords without them seeming out of place. And use the same phrasing from the description too — ATS will quickly identify that you do in fact have the desired experience, and you will be recognized as a strong candidate.

An Example of a Great Cover Letter with Bullet Points

Ready to see an example of a bullet point cover letter? Here’s one Let’s Eat, Grandma wrote for a real client (click to expand):

‘To sum up,’ bullets in a cover letter are an ideal tool for any type of reader or writer. They designate certain words or phrases to not only become the matchmaker factor but also to become flashes in memory, reminding the reader of who someone or is and why they are so significant.

The concept is almost like putting together a grocery list for your roommate or significant other. You need to list the product upfront, then elaborate on its special features to make it even more obvious as to what the right item is. You don’t start with a description and just assume they will be able to figure it out on their own — you specify it since you won’t be there to actually guide them, leaving no room for misinterpretation.

Or, think about it like a menu. There needs to be a reference point so that the diner, server, and chef can all be on the same page about what dish is ordered and what is included. Thus, a name is clearly defined and formatted to stand out, and it is followed by an articulate description so the guest understands the chef’s vision. The server, like you in a job interview , will expand upon anything that demands additional description. But in order to get to that point, the menu needs to draw the guest in from the start, just like your cover letter!

Ultimately, if you can ease the job of recruiters at all, they will be thankful and inclined to find out more about you. First impressions matter, and this is the moment where you need to encapsulate all that you are worth into one quick, initial glance.

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The 46 Best Cover Letter Examples: What They Got Right

Published: May 22, 2024

I’ve sent plenty of cover letters throughout my career, so I know it isn’t usually fun to write one. Fortunately, the cover letter examples I painstakingly gathered below show that it’s possible to have a little fun with your job search — and maybe even make yourself a better candidate in the process.

I was shocked upon learning 45% of job seekers don’t include a cover letter when applying for a job. I definitely don’t recommend following the crowd on this matter because your cover letter is a chance to tell the stories your resume only outlines.

It’s an opportunity for you to highlight your creativity at the earliest stage of the recruitment process.

Are you ready to showcase your unique skills and experience? Or are you looking for more tips and cover letter inspiration?

Keep reading for 40+ cover letter examples, then check out tips for cover letter formatting and what makes a cover letter great.

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1. Standard Cover Letter Example

19. Post-Phone-Call Cover Letter Example

In an increasingly digitized world, where customer-centric strategies are vital for business success, I am thrilled to apply for the [Job Title] position at HubSpot."

Unhelpful Cover Letter Introduction:

"To Whom it May Concern,

I am applying for the [Job Title] position at HubSpot. I have some experience in marketing and can help your clients grow their businesses."

Relevant Professional Experience

It can be tempting to use the same cover letter for every job. After all, it‘s about your experience, isn’t it? But it's not enough to rephrase the work history in your resume.

Recruiters and hiring managers are looking to fill a specific role, so you need to show how your experience translates to their unique needs.

So, the body of a great cover letter should showcase the specific professional experiences that are relevant to the job you're applying for. Emphasize your accomplishments and skills that directly relate to what the job needs.

To speed up this part of the cover letter writing process, start by creating a list of your transferable skills . Drafting this list can help you quickly focus on the skills to highlight in your cover letter.

Then, use AI tools to summarize job descriptions and narrow in on where your experience and the needs of the role you're applying for overlap. This post is full of useful AI assistant tools if you're new to AI.

Helpful Cover Letter Experience:

“At [Company Name], I had the opportunity to assist a global ecommerce retailer in enhancing their online customer experience. By conducting in-depth market research and customer journey mapping, I identified pain points and areas of improvement in their website navigation and user interface.”

Unhelpful Cover Letter Experience:

“I also worked with an ecommerce retailer to improve the customer experience. We did some surveys and training, and they were happy with the results.”

Useful Examples

To make your cover letter stand out, add specific examples that show how you've solved problems or gotten results in past roles.

Quantify your accomplishments whenever possible, using data to give the reader a clear understanding of your impact.

Helpful Cover Letter Example:

“I lead a team of five content writers while increasing website traffic by 18% year-over-year.”

Unhelpful Cover Letter Example:

“I have a great track record of leadership and achieving fantastic results.”

Research and Company Knowledge

Hiring teams aren‘t hiring anyone with the skills to do the job. They’re hiring a person they'll work alongside at their specific company.

So, to show that you‘re not just looking for any job anywhere, share your knowledge of the company’s industry, values, and culture in your cover letter.

Spend some time on the company website and take notes on what makes this business interesting to you and why you would want to work there.

Then, explain how your skills align with the company's mission and goals and explain how you could add to their chances of success. This will showcase your interest in the company and help them see if you are a good cultural fit.

Helpful Cover Letter Research:

“I was particularly drawn to HubSpot not only for its industry-leading solutions but also for its exceptional company culture. HubSpot's commitment to employee development and fostering a collaborative environment is evident in its recognition as a top workplace consistently. I strongly believe that my passion for continuous learning, self-motivation, and dedication to contributing to a team will make me a valuable asset to HubSpot.”

Unhelpful Cover Letter Research:

“I have been inspired by HubSpot's commitment to inbound marketing and its comprehensive suite of solutions. HubSpot's dedication to providing valuable content and fostering meaningful relationships aligns with my own values and aspirations.”

Clear Writing

Your cover letter needs to pack in a lot of important information. But it's also important that your cover letter is clear and concise.

To accomplish this, use professional but easy-to-understand language. Be sure to remove any grammar or spelling errors and avoid lengthy paragraphs and avoid jargon or overly technical language.

You may also want to use bullet points to make your letter easier to skim. Then, proofread your cover letter for clarity or ask a friend to proofread it for you.

• Guide to Becoming a Better Writer
• Tips for Simplifying Your Writing

Helpful Cover Letter Writing:

"In addition to my academic accomplishments, I gained valuable practical experience through internships at respected law firms.

Working alongside experienced attorneys, I assisted in providing legal support to clients. This hands-on experience helped me develop a deep understanding of client needs and enhanced my ability to effectively communicate complex legal concepts in a straightforward manner."

Unhelpful Cover Letter Writing:

"Furthermore, as a complement to my academic accomplishments, I have garnered invaluable practical experience through internships at esteemed law firms.

Throughout these placements, I actively collaborated with seasoned attorneys to conduct due diligence and furnish clients with comprehensive legal support. Notably, these experiences fostered a profound comprehension of client necessities, whilst honing my legal acumen to articulately convey intricate legal principles within a lucid and concise framework, adhering to applicable precedents and statutes of limitations."

Genuine Interest and Enthusiasm

Find ways to convey your passion for the role and how excited you are to contribute to the company you're applying to. At the same time, make sure your interest feels authentic and outline how it aligns with your career goals.

Your ultimate goal is an enthusiastic letter that feels honest and leaves a lasting positive impression.

Showing excitement in writing doesn't come naturally for everyone. A few tips that can help you boost the genuine enthusiasm in your letter:

• Record audio of yourself speaking about the role, then use voice-to-text technology to transcribe and add these sections to your letter.
• Choose your words carefully .
• Write in active voice.

Helpful Cover Letter Tone:

“I am genuinely enthusiastic about the prospect of joining [Company/Organization Name] as an accountant. My combination of technical proficiency, eagerness to learn, and strong attention to detail make me an ideal candidate for this role. I am confident that my dedication, reliability, and passion for accounting will contribute to the continued success of your organization.”

Unhelpful Cover Letter Tone:

“Honestly, I can hardly contain my excitement when it comes to reconciliations, financial statement analysis, and tax regulations! Engaging in spirited discussions with professors and classmates has allowed me to foster an unbreakable bond with the fascinating world of accounting, and I'm positively bursting with enthusiasm at the prospect of applying my skills in a professional setting.”

Memorable Conclusion

End your cover letter on a strong note. Summarize your top qualifications, restate your interest in the position, and express your interest in future communication.

Then, thank your reader for their time and consideration and include your contact information for easy follow-up.

To make your conclusion memorable, think about what parts of your letter you‘d most like the hiring manager to keep top of mind. Then, consider your word choice and phrasing. If you’re feeling stuck, this list of ways to close an email can help.

Helpful Cover Letter Conclusion:

"Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the opportunity to further discuss how my qualifications align with the needs of Greenpeace. Please feel free to contact me at your convenience to arrange an interview.

Together, let's make a lasting impact on our planet.

[Your Name]"

Unhelpful Cover Letter Conclusion:

"Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of discussing my qualifications further and how I can contribute to Greenpeace's mission. Please feel free to contact me at your convenience to arrange an interview.

I’d like to add another stage to the job search: experimentation.

In today’s competitive landscape, it’s so easy to feel defeated, less-than-good-enough, or like giving up your job search.

But don’t let the process become so monotonous. Have fun discovering the qualitative data I’ve discussed here — then, have even more by getting creative with your cover letter composition.

I certainly can’t guarantee that every prospective employer will respond positively — or at all — to even the most unique, compelling cover letter. But the one that’s right for you will.

So, get inspired by these examples and templates. Write an incredible cover letter that shows the hiring team at your dream job exactly who you are.

Editor's note: This post was originally published in October 2020 and has been updated for comprehensiveness. This article was written by a human, but our team uses AI in our editorial process. Check out our full disclosure to learn more about how we use AI.

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Your Cover Letter is Better With Bullet Points

Episode 449 | Author: Emilie Aries

Use the rule of three for a compelling, concise cover letter that highlights your top skills right away.

If I surveyed a thousand job seekers about their least favorite parts of the job search, I bet most of them would put “writing a cover letter” near the top of their list. Let’s be honest: cover letters can really slow your job search roll! You’re trying to find the right words to balance between over- and underselling yourself, all while questioning whether anyone is even going to read it. And I can tell you from experience that reading cover letters can be a tedious task, too.

Nevertheless, a cover letter is still an important way to show you’re invested and interested in the opportunity. Done right, this letter puts your best foot forward to highlight the most important details of your application before the employer gets to your rockstar resume.

Read on to discover my go-to strategy that will help you turn any rambling, jargon-filled puff piece into a concise, readable, relevant cover letter.

Embrace the power of bullet points

The sight of huge walls of margin-to-margin text gets people down. Keep your potential future boss interested—break this mold with my favorite de-densifier: the bullet point!

By couching your main takeaways within bulleted sections that are easy to absorb at a glance, you set your cover letter up to be one of the few that’s actually read.

The tried-and-true Rule of Three strategy

The magic number for bullet points (and LinkedIn taglines, and interview answers) is three.

Showcase your discernment by detailing three—and only three—key points in your cover letter. You want the reader to remain interested long enough to flip to your resume, and running through a laundry list of skill after skill is a surefire way to bore them quickly.

How to structure your cover letter

Once you have carefully selected the characteristics or skills most relevant to the job you’re applying for, follow these simple steps:

Write an introduction paragraph that briefly outlines why you’re applying for the role. Don’t waste time sharing how you found out about the job unless you have an impressive name to drop (a key stakeholder, say). Instead, explain in three or fewer sentences (there’s that magic number again) why you’re throwing your hat in the ring. Close your intro with a stand-alone sentence like this: “In my attached resume, you’ll see the following skills and experiences that I believe will make me an asset to your team:”

Now, dive into your bullet points. Remember, these are the most relevant reasons you’re the best choice for this role, the skillsets or experiences that are most foundational to the job. Rather than launching right into a dense explanation, make each skill stand out by starting each bullet point with that phrase or word in bold text before devoting a couple of sentences to a high-level explanation of what you bring to the table in this regard. For example:

Confident communication: In my prior roles as Community Organizer and Team Facilitator, I often found myself speaking publicly and managing multiple stakeholder groups, which requires both sound judgment and at times, delicate diplomacy, which would serve me well in this capacity as Communications Lead.

Repeat this process for your next two bullet points.

Finally, close your letter concisely. Reiterate that you’re excited for the opportunity to speak further about the role, allude to your attached resume, which details your qualifications in full, say thank you, and sign off.

Using a cover letter formula like this not only gives you a solid jumping-off point for one of the more stressful parts of job searching, but after you’ve written a few for different positions, you’ll have a collection of bullet points you can mix and match for any future applications, accelerating your writing time.

If you try this method, I’d love to hear how it works for you. Share your experience, or your own tried-and-true cover letter tips and tricks in our Courage Community on Facebook or in our group on LinkedIn .

Related Links From Today’s Episode:

Hired: my Job Search Accelerator

Episode 365, How To Write A Meaningful Cover Letter For Today’s Competitive Job Market

Episode 415, How To Use AI To Write Cover Letters Faster

Bossed Up Courage Community

Bossed Up LinkedIn Group

SIMPLIFY YOUR NEXT JOB SEARCH:

VIEW TRANSCRIPT WITH AUDIO DESCRIPTION:

[INTRO MUSIC IN]

EMILIE : Hey, and welcome to the Bossed Up podcast, episode 449. I'm your host, Emilie Aries, the founder and CEO of Bossed Up, and today's episode is a quick one. For my job seekers out there, I want to acknowledge that cover letters are the bane of almost every job seeker's existence. They're hard to write, they can feel overwhelming, they can feel cumbersome, and it often leaves you wondering if anyone's actually reading your cover letters, if they're worth the trouble. On the flip side, I would also argue that reading cover letters can be a bore. These can be long, overly wordy, nonsensical, jargon filled puff pieces that can be really boring to read. So, here's my go to strategy that will both make cover letter writing easier, and it'll actually make your cover letter easier for them to read. Making them feel less intimidated by looking at a huge block of text and make the employer more likely to actually read your cover letter, which, while a pain in the butt to write, is a really powerful opportunity to frame your entire application before they get to the resume.

The best way to write cover letters is to leverage the power of bullet points. Let me explain what I mean. I'm a big believer in the rule of three. Whether you're preparing for an interview or writing a cover letter, or just coming up with a catchy tagline for your LinkedIn tagline right below your name, I think you really only have three arguments to make, three points to fit into any one of those places as to why you're a good fit for this role. So, for example, in my LinkedIn tagline, I have leadership development, learning and development, and community organizer. Those are the three foundational things you need to know about me to know if we'd be a good fit working together.

Similarly, you've got three arguments to make in your cover letter, in your interview as to why you're a good fit for the role. Anything more than three starts to feel too long or people start to lose track of. So if you want folks to follow an argument, stay focused on no more than making three concise points. So I leverage the rule of three in a lot of different places. But here's what it looks like when you leverage the rule of three to make your cover letter easier to write and easier to read.

First, you open with an intro paragraph that frames why you're applying for the role. Spare them the details regarding how you heard about the role unless you have a VIP name to drop, like I know your president and they invited me to apply for this role. If that's the case, then by all means drop it. Otherwise, get to the point quickly. In one paragraph, I'm talking three sentences or less ideally as to why you are making a transition at this point in your career, why you've decided to throw your hat in the ring, and then I recommend my job seekers use a little line like this, in my attached resume you'll see the following skills and experiences that I believe would make me an asset to your team: bullet point one, there's your first main point. Bullet point two, there's your second main point. And bullet point three, there's your third main point. And I'll get more into how to write those bullet points in just a moment.

But you want to frame the top to say, here are the three biggest reasons why I am a no brainer for this role. It's a focused cover letter, it gets straight to the point, and it's less intimidating for readers because they don't see a huge page full of line to line text, margin to margin, they see a nice use of bullet points that creates a little bit of white space that makes it look easier and more concise to read. So, leave off that first top section before your bullet points with a nice little sentence that ends in a colon.

Now, after you end that intro paragraph, when you go into the bullet points, I recommend this specific formatting that makes your bullet points easier to read. These are going to be chunky bullet points, right? Dense bullet points, but there's only going to be three of them. I'm not saying, like, you should have a laundry list of ten one line bullet points. No, I just want to use bullet points to make your paragraphs a little easier and tighter to read. So the first bullet point is going to have a word, a phrase, a noun, something that says, I am a confident communicator. Let's say you're going to lean into the communication skills that you're bringing to the table, and that part of it should be in bold, like you might write confident communication over the past decade. As a speaker, podcaster and author, I'm comfortable addressing crowds of all different sizes and would be confident that my ability to communicate effectively would be an asset in this position on your team.

So you're going to give that bolded first inclination of the skill set. You're speaking to a little colon, and then one to two more sentences in that bullet point that explain the experiences you're bringing to the table at a very high level. Remember, you're really just framing your resume. You can save all the metrics and details in your resume. Let those do a more detailed job of telling your story. This is just setting the stage, setting the table, so to speak. And then you move on to bullet point number two, which might be something like, experience in cross functional roles colon, at both x-corporation and my prior role at, Acme corporation, I operated in highly matrixed environments that leveraged my cross functional leadership skills. So again, you're giving a very high level, but key picture of a key skill that you know is foundational to the role that you're applying to. And you're not going into the details here about what you did and when you did it. That's what your resume does. But you're giving a nice little bullet point that says, here's number two. The second reason why I am a no brainer shoo in for this role and then repeat for step three. You've got three bullet points there that have the skill set or experience that you know is foundational to this role. And a little sentence or two, explaining how your resume will go into more detail on your experience and credibility confidently sets you up to be capable in this capacity and this is why you're a good fit. Now, this requires discernment, right? This requires boiling it down to three, but let your resume have many more skills and experiences than your cover letter does. But your cover letter should speak to some of the foundational, central, essential to the role skills and experiences that you know you bring to the table.

Now, once you've illustrated those skills and experiences in those three bullet points in your cover letter, you sign off. You make it short, you make it sweet. Say that you're excited at the opportunity and you'd hope to get the chance to talk further. Mention that you've attached your resume or in my included resume in my application. You'll see lots more details, experiences about these skills and more. Thank you for the consideration. Sign off that creates a template for your cover letters that is easy to replicate. All you do is zhuzh which bullet points you're using per application. Maybe verbal communication, cross functional leadership and writing skills are really relevant for job A, but for job B, you might lean into the verbal and written communication, but ditch the cross functional leadership if that's not relevant to the role and add something else like, your editorial skills.

Whatever it may be, you're going to end up having multiple iterations of your cover letter with kind of easy to pick and mix style bullet points that can stand on their own or be picked and mixed as needed for different jobs, but always try to limit yourself to that rule of three. What I find is that letters formatted this way are a lot easier to write and therefore easier for you to get more applications out the door. We know the modern job search requires a bit of a numbers game to it. It's a high volume job search process these days, so it helps you get out the door, get that application in and show that you're really interested and invested in the role by always including a cover letter. But a cover letter that's just easier to write and bonus points, it's also easier to read.

If you want lots more strategies and tips for navigating the modern job search, make sure to check out HIRED my on demand job search accelerator. You can learn more at bossedup.org/gethired and if you put this cover letter strategy to use for you, I want to hear about it.

[OUTRO MUSIC IN]

Let's keep the conversation going, as always in the Bossed Up Courage Community on Facebook , or in our Bossed Up LinkedIn group . And until next time, let's keep bossin’ in pursuit of our purpose and together let's lift as we climb.

[OUTRO MUSIC ENDS]

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When and How to Use Bullet Points in a Cover Letter (with Example)

May 19, 2020 | Cover Letters

Need a new way to structure and focus your cover letter to impress the hiring manager? Check out this guide on the option of using bullet points (featuring an example of a bullet point cover letter we wrote.)

By: Alexis Sicklick | Resume Writer for Let’s Eat, Grandma

Structuring a cover letter is very similar to writing that classic five-paragraph essay in middle school and high school. You need a strong opening, three solid points to discuss, and a clear closing.

That’s it. Easy, right? You’ve done this a million times before.

Why does the task suddenly seem so daunting now? It must be because this may be your only chance to tell your story to a potential employer, and you want to be as clear as possible about why you are the best candidate for the job. While there are a few approaches to writing a cover letter, we are going to focus on the value of using bullet points in a cover letter (including an example later down) .

Before we delve into the details, take a look at this short video of Ross from F.R.I.E.N.D.S.:  

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He is in a high-pressure situation as well, but due to a lack of clear, organized points, he rambles on without responding to the question at hand until the very end. This is definitely not what you want to do.

Of course, the poor format of this conversation leads to great comedy, but it also demonstrates the value of lists and outlines, especially when conversing with someone else. 

Remember, the cover letter is not for you . It is to help your recruiter learn about who you are , so you should make it as easy as possible for them to identify your top credentials in the shortest amount of time.

Why use bullet points in your cover letter?

Bullet points serve the same purpose on a resume and cover letter from a design perspective, but they are not as limiting in this “essay” context.

Instead of two-liner phrases that quickly highlight a key aspect of your job as on your resume, bullets in a cover letter  are the content paragraphs , and they are full-blown explanations providing all the necessary details to make that point as valuable as possible. 

But they are not just paragraphs with bullets next to them . They start with a keyword or phrase that is clearly mentioned upfront and then expanded upon in about three to four sentences. 

Their purpose is three-fold, as seen below:

Bullet points in your cover letter might help you organize the story you want to tell (which is the whole point of a cover letter.)

Bullets produce a strong visual outline for the cover letter, creating a clear path for readers (and the writer when drafting it; see below). They won’t have to search to find out what makes you special — you are presenting it to them on a silver platter.

Use the main point of the ‘paragraph’ as a headline for the bullet and emphasize it with bold font so the recruiter’s eyes are drawn right to it.  

2. Direction

If you aren’t sure what aspects of your career to feature, narrowing the choice down to the top three for bullet points will help you focus the direction of your letter. Often, one skill/accomplishment is an umbrella for one or more skills, so you will still be able to showcase the breadth of your capabilities, only in a more concise and direct format.

And remember, the cover letter is just a sampling of your career , so you don’t need to discuss every aspect in depth. Think about what achievements or obstacles are the most meaningful, impressive, or formative, and focus on presenting them in the most comprehensive manner.

3. Optimization

Don’t forget to tailor your cover letter to the job description as well! Bullet headlines are a great way to utilize ATS keywords without them seeming out of place. And use the same phrasing from the description too — ATS will quickly identify that you do in fact have the desired experience, and you will be recognized as a strong candidate.

An Example of a Great Cover Letter with Bullet Points

Ready to see an example of a bullet point cover letter? Here’s one Let’s Eat, Grandma wrote for a real client (click to expand):

‘To sum up,’ bullets in a cover letter are an ideal tool for any type of reader or writer. They designate certain words or phrases to not only become the matchmaker factor but also to become flashes in memory, reminding the reader of who someone or is and why they are so significant.

The concept is almost like putting together a grocery list for your roommate or significant other. You need to list the product upfront, then elaborate on its special features to make it even more obvious as to what the right item is. You don’t start with a description and just assume they will be able to figure it out on their own — you specify it since you won’t be there to actually guide them, leaving no room for misinterpretation.

Or, think about it like a menu. There needs to be a reference point so that the diner, server, and chef can all be on the same page about what dish is ordered and what is included. Thus, a name is clearly defined and formatted to stand out, and it is followed by an articulate description so the guest understands the chef’s vision. The server, like you in a job interview , will expand upon anything that demands additional description. But in order to get to that point, the menu needs to draw the guest in from the start, just like your cover letter!

Ultimately, if you can ease the job of recruiters at all, they will be thankful and inclined to find out more about you. First impressions matter, and this is the moment where you need to encapsulate all that you are worth into one quick, initial glance.

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Cover Letter Samples

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Here are three great examples of cover letters that each demonstrate different ways of formatting and tailoring your content to fit your position of interest.

The classic style is often what you may think of when you imagine what a cover letter may look like. It is also the formatting that you will see most often when looking up examples and guides online. It allows you to tell your story in a simple format that works wonderfully for putting your best professional foot forward.

Bullet-Pointed

The bullet-style letter allows you to share your main skills, achievements, and qualifications for a role in succinct bullet points versus fully fleshed out paragraphs. One thing to keep in mind if you decide to write a bullet style cover letter is that you should not simply copy your favorite bullet points from your resume, but instead write new thoughts about tasks and skills that relate to why you will be a good fit for the role you are applying for.

Skills & Results-Centered

The skills and results centered style allows you to have a hybrid approach. By focusing on a few relevant skill areas (titled in bold), how you’ve gained them, and the results of your work, you can share your fit for a role in a concise and easy-to-read way. Consider naming skill areas directly listed on the job description.

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