What’s in a word? Tips on how to improve your cover letters and resume

Last year I advertised a position vacant on one of the well-known online job search sites.  Sixty-two applications were received, ten applicants were short-listed for a telephone interview, five attended a face-to-face interview and one was the successful candidate. It is interesting to reflect upon what makes a cover letter and resume stand out from the crowd.  Did the successful applicant do anything differently?

In this instance, the answer is YES. Of the sixty-two applications received, only one – that of the successful applicant – was personally addressed to the individual doing the recruitment, even though this information had not been included in the job ad. Did this one act secure the job for this individual? Well no, yet it did demonstrate the attributes of professionalism, attention to detail and resourcefulness key to the role. The Internet, LinkedIn, Twitter and the like make it easier than ever to obtain relevant information to enhance your job application. Or simply call the organisation and ask for the relevant details.

In all job applications, you are selling yourself to an employer. And yourself specifically means your skills, abilities and attitude. Communicating your strengths, skills and abilities is the essence of applying for a job. Below you will find a handy list of synonyms to assist you when describing your skills, abilities, attitude and experience in a cover letter or resume. It is important to sell yourself quickly, clearly and persuasively at all opportunities. Employers have limited time to get to know you and then be convinced that you have the best skills, abilities and attitude. You have only limited time to influence them.

Words to use when describing skills:

Words to use when describing attributes: