how can i make my resume and cover letter stand out?
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to express my strong interest in the Customer Service position at Vivo Energy. With my extensive experience in customer-facing roles and a proven track record of delivering exceptional service, I am confident in my ability to contribute to your company's success.
Throughout my career, I have consistently demonstrated a passion for providing outstanding customer experiences. In my current role as a Customer Relations Officer at Green Wells Energies, I have successfully managed high-volume customer inquiries across multiple channels, ensuring timely and satisfactory resolutions. I have a keen ability to analyze customer data and feedback, identify recurring issues, and implement process improvements to streamline operations and enhance efficiency.
Additionally, I have experience in collaborating cross-functionally to train and mentor junior staff on best practices and company policies. This has allowed me to foster a customer-centric culture and drive consistent service quality across the organization.
Previously, as a Manager at Transet Ventures Properties, I overhauled filing and documentation systems, resulting in a 30% productivity increase for administrative staff. I also developed robust budgetary management protocols and implemented proactive tenant relationship strategies, reducing vacant property rates by 90%. These experiences have honed my skills in process improvement, budgeting, and customer relationship management.
Throughout my career, I have consistently demonstrated exceptional communication, organizational, and multitasking abilities, which have been instrumental in delivering outstanding results. I am adept at building trust with customers, resolving issues promptly, and consistently exceeding expectations.
Vivo Energy's reputation for excellence in customer service aligns perfectly with my values and professional goals. I am confident that my skills and experience make me an ideal candidate for this role, and I am excited about the prospect of contributing to your company's continued success.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to discussing my qualifications further and learning more about this opportunity.
Sincerely,
Sharon
8 answers
Michelle’s Answer
This would be a great cover letter to send along with a CV or Resume ! I am impressed with this because it is very focused on accomplishments and not vague adjectives and that is the best type of cover letter. It greatly supports what could be on a persons' resume. I think I would call this person in for an interview. It also exhibits a high level of literacy and that would be very important in any job but especially for customer service. This cover letter is already outstanding and I can't say much needs to be changed. Employers want to know your skills and the cover letter smoothly makes them clear.
I wouldn't worry too much about the "standing out" factor when it comes to resumes and cover letters. I have read that if you keep it simple, stick to a one page resume and avoid the fancy graphic type formats, you should be fine. Where one needs to stand out is at the interview.
Physical appearance is important as far as grooming and attire. Even if it is for a position in which you don't deal with the public in person, wear the traditionally accepted business attire which you can learn about through searches on line. I even dress that way for Zoom interviews ! Your first intent is to make the interviewer as comfortable as possible (these are just my own tips for interviews). You will impress the interviewer with your skills and accomplishments, but they are also getting a feel for what type of person you are, pleasant, understanding, a good conversationalist, etc. It's hard to know beforehand what the chemistry might be so the rule of thumb is to be yourself. Avoid any questions about time off, salary or benefits. That information is usually indicated in the job ad or when you get the job. Let the employer initiate that information in the interview if they choose to.
As for your resume, search and look at various resume formats and styles and pick one or two that you like. The impressive content will be your work experience, skills and education.
I hope that this is helpful and I wish you all the best !
Javier’s Answer
Tara’s Answer
First, show them, don't just tell them. You say that you have "a proven track record of delivering exceptional service", but doesn't mean much to a hiring manager. Instead of just telling them that you have a track record of delivering exceptional service, show them with a specific instance that you delivered exceptional service and what the outcome was. Give them specifics, like actual numbers or stats, just like you did in the fourth paragraph. Be specific.
Make sure you don't repeat anything that is already on your resume! Use the cover letter as a way to show them who you are beyond a resume and why you are the best candidate. If you have genuine interest in the company or are truly excited about the chance to apply, let them know in your cover letter. And tell them why! Be yourself, not just a stuffy proper number in line. Still keep it just like you do now, it's perfect. Just don't be afraid to let your personality shine through.
Make sure to keep your cover letter short and to the point. No need to say anything other than what is needed to get your point across. Eliminate anything that isn't absolutely necessary for them to know right now at this stage in the hiring process. And only include past experience that is relevant to the job you're applying for.
You have two paragraphs that begin with " throughout my career, I have..."... redundancies like that should be fixed.
Overall, you've done an exceptional job at writing your cover letter! It's impressive. But I think if you add a bit of your personality and honesty, like exactly how your values and professional goals align with the company's, you'll make a much better impression.
Kari’s Answer
These paragraphs are all very well written, but you may be trying to cover too much in a singular letter. I would recommend, as others have mentioned, customizing your cover letter to each role, so using only the paragraphs that pertain directly to the job you are applying for.
Good luck in your search!
Anna’s Answer
Customize your resume for each job you apply for - Be sure to extract key words from the job descriptions and incorporate them into your resume and cover letter.
Remember, there's no need to cram every single achievement into your resume - Highlight your most significant experiences, and only include items that you're confident discussing in an interview.
Leverage AI to polish your resume, but always double-check the changes made by AI and don't depend on it to fully construct your resume.
Josefa’s Answer
Below, see a very effective outline for your cover letter. Cover letter are best written in concise terms, and they should highlight skills sets, accomplishments, recognition that may not be included in your cv. Do note if you do mention something that is in your cv, be specific as to why you're highlighting it. Secondly, formatting your cv is especially important!! Regardless if it is uploaded online or hard copy (will return to this point), it has to look as good as you do!
Meaning, leave room for white space (some HR mgrs may want to write notes directly on a printed copy!) the eye needs to travel and rest. Too much text can fatigue (espc. if you're reading tons of CVs). Obviously you will want to demonstrate how well your skills sets, experience, or education matches what they are asking for. One more thing, in this time of Social Media platforms, be sure to clean up anything that may compromise or complicate your professional development and goals. Keep private posting/pictures/tags private!
If you're applying for Jobs in the USA 🇺🇸, unless your are an actor, model, visual spokesperson, be caution's about including any pictures of yourself on your CV! Many HR mgrs have had to disqualify candidates as this may violate EOE guild lines. Think of it as a blind date, they get to see you on the first interview!
Your Name
Your Address, Your City, State or Country, Postal Code
e-Mail:
Tel.:
(Your Social Media, Website, if it relates to your work: ex, an artist, filmmaker).
Company
Department or Person Cover Letter is Directed to
Their Address
City, State Zip Code
Date:
Subject: Pos.: Job Requisition # & Title of Position or (In this case you may omit “subject” line)
Dear Sir/Madam: (Note if possible obtain the name of the HR, hiring manager, or principle contact for this positon)
I learned of your recruitment effort on
1st Paragraph: Indicate where or how you learned of position, give date, and source, which web site or newspaper, etc. (if in-person or social group you may refer to first contact conversation, ex.: We met on ?? at?? On ?? It was a pleasure discussing the possibility of working with your film production company)
2nd Paragraph: Discuss what you are currently doing, work, school, job training that is relevant to the position you are seeking/applying for.
3rd Paragraph: Point out any relevant information from your resume if applicable. Ask for the interview and close with your contact information
Michaela’s Answer
When writing your cover letter, personalize it for each job application by addressing it to the hiring manager or recruiter whenever possible. Start with a strong opening paragraph that grabs the reader's attention and expresses your enthusiasm for the position. Use specific examples from your resume to demonstrate how your skills and experiences make you a strong candidate for the role. Be sure to highlight your unique selling points and what sets you apart from other applicants, whether it's your relevant experience, industry knowledge, or passion for the company's mission.
In both your resume and cover letter, focus on showcasing your achievements and contributions rather than just listing your responsibilities. Use action verbs and quantifiable metrics to illustrate your impact and demonstrate your value to potential employers. Finally, proofread your documents carefully to ensure they are free of errors and typos, and consider asking a trusted friend or mentor to review them for feedback before submitting your application. With a well-crafted resume and cover letter that effectively highlight your strengths and qualifications, you'll increase your chances of standing out and landing interviews for your desired positions.
Sodiq’s Answer
For your Resume:
1.Tailor it to the job.
Don't use a generic resume for every application. Instead, read the job description carefully and highlight the skills and experience that are most relevant to the position. Use keywords from the job description throughout your resume.
2. Focus on achievements, not just duties:
Instead of simply listing your responsibilities at past jobs, focus on what you accomplished in those roles. Use numbers and metrics to quantify your achievements whenever possible. For example, instead of saying "managed social media accounts," you could say "Increased social media engagement by 20% through targeted content campaigns."
3. Keep it clear and concise:
Hiring managers typically spend only a few seconds scanning each resume, so make sure yours is easy to read and understand. Use a clear and concise format, with bullet points to highlight your skills and experience.
4. Proofread carefully:
Typos and grammatical errors can make you look unprofessional. Proofread your resume carefully before submitting it, and ask someone else to proofread it for you as well.
For your Cover Letter:
1. Don't just repeat your resume:
Your cover letter is an opportunity to expand on your resume and tell your story. Use it to explain why you're interested in the specific position and company, and how your skills and experience make you a perfect fit.
2. Show your research:
Take some time to learn about the company and the position you're applying for. Mention something specific in your cover letter that shows you've done your research. This will show the