When you should put hobbies on your resume

When should you include your hobbies and/or interests on your resume?

A list of hobbies and interests that you should include on your resume.

Common mistakes when it comes to your resume hobbies & interests

How to list your resume hobbies and interests?

5 unique examples from Enhancv-made resumes!

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Should You Have Hobbies & Interests on Your Resume?

❌ 1. Missing Essential or Having Wrong Information

❌ 2. Including (too much) Too Personal Details

❌ 4. Vague or Irrelevant Objective Statement

❌ 7. Lacks Visual Appearance (Font, Colour, Design, and Layout)

❌ 8. Typographical and Grammatical Errors

❌ 14. Responsibilities VS Accomplishments

❌ 16. You’re Only Crafting One Resume

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Keep Getting Rejected Job Applications? 16 Resume Mistakes You’re Probably Making

Can’t get a job after sending hundreds of resumes that only get rejected by employers? I hear you.
It comes as no surprise that you’re now wondering if anything could be wrong with your resume.
Job search is no easy process.
The lack of employment not only has an impact on your bank account but your confidence and self-esteem. After we get nothing but “good luck in your future job applications”, it’s difficult not to feel frustrated or bitter, especially when we know we’re a good fit.
The best thing your resume can do is stand out and make an impression. There’s just one caveat, it should be a positive impression. Unfortunately, there are plenty of all-too-common resume mistakes which make HRs and recruiters remember you as that person they don’t want to hire.
(If you want to know whether your resume is good or not, use this resume-checker to get it reviewed within 5 minutes)

In this article, we’ll go through the 16 easily avoidable resume mistakes you need to know about before you apply to your next job, starting with the basics.

❌ 1. Missing Essential or Having Wrong Information
As a job seeker, having an unprofessional email address is something you should avoid at all costs. It’s an instant deal-breaker for hiring managers, trust me.
Along with that, missing vital contact information in your resume and including wrong employment dates, are one of the biggest resume mistakes out there.
Also, not including your email address at all, or putting incorrect contact information, can easily be recognized as unprofessional by headhunters and recruiters. As for education and employment dates errors, it’s best to resubmit your application if you find any after you’ve sent your resume.
So, it’s definitely worth it to double-check these small details that can highly influence your chances of getting hired.

❌ 2. Including (too much) Too Personal Details
Going (tmi) makes it to the list of bad resume examples, easily.
Resumes used to include marital status, country of origin, and even religious views. This was because this was something recruiters wanted to know back in the days.
Now, it’s illegal for employers to ask about these things when making a hiring decision. This is why you shouldn’t occupy your resume with details recruiters may not be interested in. Instead, focus on the important information, and grab the employer’s attention by presenting yourself as the ideal candidate for the position.

❌ 3. No Personality
To me, failing to weave your personality in the document is honestly one of the top resume mistakes. People are still worried about showing their personality in a resume. They think it’s somewhat childish and unprofessional. They believe that this type of information is supposed to be written in a cover letter, but do employers even read cover letters anymore?
It’s 2021, and resumes have changed…
Think about how many resumes those job recruiters are going to be reading. Then imagine your resume is exactly the same as everybody else – it’s difficult to distinguish you from the other applicants who have applied for the same position.
Company Culture, the personality of a company, is being taken more and more seriously as a way to brand a company and keep employees happy. For employers, one way to create a good company culture is to hire people who are similar or have similar interests. That’s why they need to see more personality revealing sections in your resume – so make their job easier and present your charming self!
There’s nothing wrong with exposing your character as long as you do it in a smart and authentic way. This is why creativity can be helpful – emphasize the unique experiences you have that others probably don’t.
Enhancv is one of the only resume builders that offer a wide variety of human-centric sections. Try to start there, it got Sam a job in Spotify.

❌ 4. Vague or Irrelevant Objective Statement
When writing your resume, are you being specific, or do you start taking a detour and going off in the wrong direction? Maybe, you’re using one too many buzzwords?
Whatever you talk about, it must be specific and aligned with the things the recruiters are looking for, so delete anything irrelevant and unrelatable.
And for your resume to connect, it needs to be consistent by maintaining a good flow.
To check everything flows well, read your resume out loud. You will notice where some parts might sound off. For those parts that do sound odd, that’s where you need to rephrase and change the wording around until it sounds about right.
Also, vague language is a no-go. Here are a few examples of words you should avoid:

“Some”“Might”“Probably”“Could”“Maybe”
As for any past accomplishments that you want to talk about – be specific when you’re bringing it up and use statistics or evidence, if possible. For example, which of the following sounds more authentic:
1. “I probably excel in closing prospects over the phone. In my previous role as a salesman, I generated more sales…”
2. “I excel in closing prospects over the phone. In my previous role as a salesman, I generated 20% more sales…”
From the examples, the second one sounds better. There’s certainty behind the statement and it sounds genuinely authentic because of the statistic that makes it more credible – “I’ve generated 20% more sales.”
Tip: Incorporate action verbs in your resume to make the text sound more powerful.
The list of mistakes is continuing to increase every day. At least use a content analyzer that helps you focus on being straight to the point and showing the value you need to be showing without being ambiguous.
Be specific and listen to Jefferson’s wise words:
❌ 5. DishonestyDid you really spend six months as an intern in that company? Are you sure you speak six languages? Did you increase that Twitter account by 6,000 followers in just a month? If your answer to questions like this is “well, basically”, then you need to reconsider.In short, all the information you provide must be 100% true. Remember that in today’s world, recruiters can verify most details within a few clicks and phone calls.If you have gaps in unemployment, explain why the situation happened. As long as you justify it with a good reason, there shouldn’t be any major problems.In any case, the greatest asset you could have in an interview is confidence. Holding the thought you weren’t quite truthful on your resume is a sure-fire way to replace that confidence with guilt and paranoia: not exactly a recipe for success.So stick to the truth and be proud of it.❌ 6. Obvious Skills and ClichésIf you’re writing your resume on autopilot (and let’s face it, lots of us are), it’s easy to slip into the habit of relying on clichés and passive voice, and perhaps, even some fluff. The problem with this is that at best, it’ll get your resume ignored, and at worst, it’ll give the reader a big eye-roll. Needless to say, it’s not how you land an interview, and this is another resume mistake you should be careful of.Avoid talking about obvious skills anyone could talk about. For example, you’re talking about how you developed your basic IT skills using software everyone knows how to use, such as Microsoft Word and PowerPoint.Don’t focus on topics centered around basic skills, and don’t use any joke skills either, like saying you’re an amazing wingman who was able to set up a date between two other employees in your previous workforce – it’s cringe for anyone that’s reading.❌ 7. Lacks Visual Appearance (Font, Colour, Design, and Layout)Wouldn’t you rather use software that’s easy to use and simple to follow through rather than something that’s overly complex and confusing?The same thing for your resume – if it’s difficult to read or it’s not visually appealing, it’s going to cause the following symptoms:HeadacheStressFrustrationThere might even be a chance you’ll get rejected before they even start reading your resume because it’s an eye-sore…Make sure your resume doesn’t get out of hand by using a number of different fonts, graphs, and neon colors. Be mindful of white space and font size, use bullet points, and keep your margins at least one inch on all sides. Also, it’s a good idea to stay away from sentences that are too long.In other words, keep it neat, clean, and easy to read.So, back to fonts. While often overlooked, fonts play a big part in whether you’re going to get the job or not.Try identifying the good and bad font choices from these examples:1.) My Resume2.) My Resume3.) MY ResumeThe second font is the best to use compared to the others, it’s more important to have a readable and scannable resume that’s clear rather than trying to look extravagant or as complicated as the universe. If you aren’t completely sure about your choice of fonts, read our helpful post on the topic.Make it easy for your employers, don’t give them a hard time deciphering your resume.(Sometimes, you’re required to send your resume in a certain format depending on the company’s Applicant Tracking System. Unless there are specific instructions, the safest way to send your resume is in the form of a PDF – the main reason being a PDF doesn’t change depending on the computer’s operating system.)What matters more is having clarity – it should look sensible and authentic.Not only should you have a clean font that makes it readable, but you should also be using modern resume templates that stand out. The best layouts are the ones that get the job done, so don’t go overboard and use certain fonts or layouts just because they look fancy.Color choices also have an impact so make the right choices but again, don’t overdo it and keep it professional.Here’s an example of what a good format looks like:❌ 8. Typographical and Grammatical ErrorsAny typo errors, spelling, punctuation, or grammar – any of these will get your resume tossed straight into the reject pile.You’d be amazed by the number of bad resumes that make it to recruiters’ desks. There’s simply no excuse for sloppiness, misused words, grammar errors, or punctuation overuse on your resume.But how do you catch these simple but easily missed resume mistakes?After you finish with your resume, sleep on it and take your mind off it. Then give it a look with fresh eyes. You can prevent your resume from being thrown into the trash easily just by properly proofreading your work.A technique I use sometimes is reading all the content backward, which forces you to slow down and catch more errors. Then just to be safe, let a trusted friend look at it (obviously, a spell-checker should factor in as well). Once you’ve done all this, you can send your resume off with confidence.Remember that you can always edit but once you click ‘send’, there’s no going back.❌ 9. Not Tailored For The Job PostingIn return for the work you’ve put into creating your resume for that job posting, you get nothing. That’s straightforward and expected if you don’t know exactly what you’re getting yourself into.Before you craft your resume, there are two steps you should do:1. Know Exactly What You’re Getting IntoBefore you even start on your resume, one of your first steps should be reading through the job requirements carefully. Pay close attention to the keywords they use and get the grip of who they’re actually looking for.You should know what type of person they are looking for and what exactly you need to include and what you need to avoid.2. Research The CompanyGo through the company website, social media profiles, blog, and anywhere else they’re active. Then ask yourself the following questions:“What’s their company culture?”“What kind of people work there?”“Would you fit in the team?”All this information will give you a head start and provide clues for your resume design, content, and overall feeling. Make it specific to the company and the job requirements.After that’s done, check your resume accurately matches the job description using an Enhancv free assessment tool.❌ 10. Keywords and PhrasesSomething you should be doing to increase your chances of getting a response is to use keywords and phrases. If you’ve read the guidelines properly and you understand what the job requires, as mentioned earlier, then you might even be doing this unconsciously.However, the keywords on your resume should be the exact words that the recruiters want to see. For example, if the role you’re applying for requires attention to detail, your resume would be scanned to see if you’ve included that phrase.Take a look at what words and phrases they would want to see on your resume and implement them. Use those words directly to make your resume more compelling to get them eager to work with you.You can match your resume easily to the job description in 3 easy steps using this free tool.(Quick reminder: don’t just blatantly copy and paste the job description)❌ 11. Your Social Media AccountYou might be applying for a position in the business, finance, or marketing space, such as social media manager or content marketer. In roles like this, there’s a good chance they are going to judge your social media profile. Assuming your profile doesn’t contain anything inappropriate, there shouldn’t be a problem.On the other hand, if there’s a video of you being drunk on a Saturday night, it could influence the decision on whether they want to hire you or not.It’s worth taking the time to clean out anything inappropriate on your social media just before sending your resume to optimize your chances. And when it comes to your LinkedIn profile – yours should be spotless.❌ 12. Looking In The Wrong PlaceThere’s a chance that you’ve made it this far without making any of the resume mistakes that have been mentioned.But you might not be getting the response you’re expecting because you’re looking in the wrong place.For example, if your resume is specifically tailored for the job position as a mechanical engineer, but you’re applying to work as a doctor in a medical health center, your chances are little to none.As a result, no matter how good your resume is, you won’t be valued the same way if you’re in the wrong place. It won’t matter how good it is because ultimately, it’s not going to count – you won’t have the experiences, qualifications, or achievements they want…Even if you’re applying in the right places, who knows how long it’s going to take before you actually land a new job. It depends on multiple factors. For some, it might be easy and quick, but for others, it’s going to take a bit longer. One way to get an estimate for how long it will take is by using our job calculator.❌ 13. Outdated ResumesDon’t ever submit a resume that’s out of date – it should always be up to date with relevant information at all times.Consider leaving out that summer job you did 10 years ago…Unless you achieved something significant and relevant to the job position you’re applying for, it’s just a distraction in your work history. A rule of thumb I like to use is to look at every piece of information on my resume and ask myself whether it makes the resume more effective. If it doesn’t add any value, I cut it.The experience content of your resume should exponentially progress with you.❌ 14. Responsibilities VS AccomplishmentsThis is one key area where we see how resumes are changing in 2021.Just a few years ago this wasn’t a very common practice, but today it’s absolutely expected that you list accomplishments and not just responsibilities on your resume.Ultimately, it’s your accomplishments that make you stand out from all the other applicants, and it’s those achievements that make you feel proud when you step into that interview.Also, make sure you quantify these accomplishments wherever possible – specifics always have a greater impact.❌ 15. Paid vs Unpaid Work ExperienceAnother common mistake on resumes is the fact that people believe that the only experience that counts is paid experience. But this massively limits you in how you can go about showing off your skills and accomplishments.Think about volunteering, that old car you restored, a disease you overcame, or how you learned how to sew and make your own clothes. In other words, what makes you proud and shows your skills?These don’t necessarily have to be connected to your job title. It can be one of the most striking sections on a resume, as long as you back it up with concrete facts, numbers and figures. Plus, an experience like this can be a great conversation starter in an interview.❌ 16. You’re Only Crafting One ResumeForget your one size fits all mindset because resumes in 2021 need to be tailored for the specific job. A small start-up and IBM certainly don’t hire the same way, so you shouldn’t apply to them the same way.Use the other tips mentioned in this article to craft your resume for each job position you’re applying for.Takeaways: Resume MistakesIt can be a nightmare creating your resume and perfecting it as best as you can – that’s why Enhancv’s resume builder is one of the easiest you can use to create a unique resume that wins job opportunities. You can start off using our templates that got people job positions into big brand names such as Tesla, Spotify, and Amazon.Now that you’re confident and ready to stand out, you can finally get that job you’ve been waiting for!Crafting an outstanding resume isn’t an easy job. Sometimes, we just need a little push, a reminder of what’s important to add or leave out.If you haven’t yet, try Enhancv’s Content Analyzer feature. It was developed after reviewing over 300,000 resumes to help you improve your content and make the most out of any job opportunity.Go ahead and craft your resume with Enhancv now.Good luck!

Which Resume Sections Are The Best to Use?

The Main Sections On A Resume You Need to Include

The Optional Resume Sections To Improve Your Chances Of Getting Hired

What Order Should Your Resume Sections Be?

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Resume Sections: Everything You Need to Know

Examples of Resume Headlines from People Who Got Hired

Using Your Resume Headline To Your Advantage

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How to Write A Resume Headline (5 Examples You Need to Steal)

How effective is your resume headline and title?
They’re both key components that make up your resume header. And more than half of recruiters look for your name and title when screening your resume. It’s important you choose the most appropriate title to introduce yourself, describe your value proposition, and ensure recruiters can see you take on the role with ease.
Now here’s the question that’s probably on your mind: how do you write a resume headline to stand out and get noticed?
In this guide, we are going to explore the most important questions, including:
What is a resume headline?How to write your resume headline.How to use your resume headline to your advantage.
Stay tuned because there are also 5 examples you can steal that is going to get you one step closer to getting an interview.



What Is A Resume Headline?
A resume headline is a short description of who you are as a candidate, and it has the goal to catch the hiring manager’s attention. Typically, it’s positioned on top of your resume, just below your name, and above your resume summary. 
For those of you who are experienced applicants, your resume headline gives you the opportunity to summarize your achievements and experience in a quick one-liner. But for less experienced candidates, it allows you to give insight into who you are and the impact you intend to deliver.
All it takes is a dedicated 6 seconds to review your resume and determine whether you should be hired or not.
The effectiveness of your resume headline could be the difference between being looked over, or just falling short for the interview phase.

What's the difference between a resume title and a resume headline?
Simply put, a resume title shows the professional title that you’re applying for.
On the other hand, your resume headline expands on the title by eloquently giving the hiring manager a glimpse into your professional experience. You can use keywords to ensure you go through the ATS system as well.
Example of a resume title: 

Jack ReacherData AnalystTel: 202-555-0170      LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jack         Email:jack.reacher@email.com 
Example of a resume headline: 
Jack ReacherAn experienced data analyst who increased sales by 53% in 3 years. Tel: 202-555-0170      LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jack         Email:jack.reacher@email.comWhat’s the difference between a resume headline and a resume summary?You already know what a resume headline is – a concise description of who you are as a candidate.You might think that this is the same as the resume summary, but there are some key differences.Your resume headline expands on the job title you have decided to put on your resume and uses keywords to show your best features in it, while your resume summary focuses on your overall experience and skill set.How do I write a resume headline?In essence, it means you should always consider what you’re hoping to accomplish with your resume headline.The purpose of it isn’t to tell the recruiter everything you’ve done in your career. And it’s not even to go in-depth about your experiences, that’s what your resume sections are used for. Not the header.You also shouldn’t be giving instructions for how the recruiter can contact or find you. The resume header and address already does that – so what’s left?Catching and focusing the recruiter’s attention. See below.Make it short and attention-grabbingYour resume headline should read exactly like a news headline – short and snappy.It must be good enough to grab the reader’s interest. And it needs to give enough information to make you want to continue reading to the end. Here’s an example, a resume headline that reads:“Software engineer who has been working in the field for 10 years. Experienced working with large companies including Microsoft and Google. Goal-orientated and looking for full-time work”.The example above simply doesn’t make the cut. It doesn’t have a striking impression to engage the recruiter. It’s better if it used fewer sentences that are more impactful, like so:“Decade-long software engineer with experience in disruptive technology”.Sometimes, less is more.What matters is having clarity (even if it’s short) that packs a punch. Don’t be afraid to inject personality and be creative with it! It’s better than having something that’s boring, long, and descriptive which takes double the effort to read.In Louis’ marketing resume, he did just that. Now, he’s working with Hotjar – Louis advises that it was important to describe his approach to marketing. It’s simple and short, but it tells you specifically what you should expect.Louis Grenier's resume headline.Louis GrenierFighting shady, aggressive marketing.Tailor it to the job position you are applying forBackground research is absolutely essential. It always makes the difference between being a prime, or a beta candidate who has quickly thrown their resume together at the last second.Take the time to analyze the job listing. Understand precisely what the company is looking for.In the data scientist resume right here, Pavel noted Booking.com wanted applicants with extensive knowledge of data analysis. Look how he implemented this in his resume headline when he made his application and take notes.Use appropriate keywords and phrasesAs you might be aware, large organizations that receive a large influx of job applications use an ATS (Applicant Tracking System) to scan your resume. What it looks for in particular are keywords and phrases that meet the expectations that the job recruiters are looking for.This is another reason why it’s so important to fully understand the job board description.Just to reiterate, do make sure you commit to spending 5 minutes doing the basic research. So you can accurately tailor and correspond your resume to the job vacancy.Prove your abilities using metricsDo you have any tangible proof of your ability?You can bet that it’s something the recruiters are going to be looking for. One way to do this is to provide a statistic or form of measurement alongside your achievements.For example:“Increased sales by 20% in Q1”.“Customer support representative with a 90% retention rate”.While this is typically seen in your previous experiences section, it doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t include metrics in your resume headline. In fact, this actually aids your resume headline in being short, tidy, and tailored to the job position.(Tip: When creating your resume with Enhancv, try using our content analyzer to check for areas where you might have forgotten to include a metric with your achievements!)Stay away from clichésYou’re goal-orientated, you strive for success, and you’re dedicated. But seriously, aren’t we all?Common phrases like this will do nothing but distance the recruiter’s attention from your resume as if it had caught the flu…When you’re putting your resume together, think about all the others who’ve probably used the exact same phrase you have. If you think it’s something that’s overused and rinsed out, try something new.Be like André. In his growth marketing resume, he described himself as a growth marketing aficionado who used to analyze data in banks.André's growth marketing André Nunes PedroA growth marketing aficionado who used to analyze data in banks.Not only does it set him apart from all the others, making him unique, but it intrigues us with his unusual career path. It even tells you exactly who he is, and you would assume at first glance he was successful. Especially because he later went on to get hired at Microsoft.Tailor your resume for every position you apply forCreating your resume can feel like a long, lengthy process. This often lends itself to using the same resume for as many positions as possible once we’ve created one. But as we’ve learned from Robert Coombs’ story, quantity does not always equal results.Make sure you’re taking the time to write a resume headline specific to each job you apply for. It goes a long way with showing the recruiter you’re serious, and that you mean business.(Tip: Using Enhancv’s resume builder, you can easily create copies of your resume and save versions that are specific to certain areas and jobs.)Keep it mistake-freeIf your resume headline is any longer than a sentence, you’re doing it wrong.And if you have any mistakes in it, the recruiter will notice straight away. It’s a given for what comes next…Seeing that it’s the first part of your resume that the recruiter reads, a resume headline with typos instantly ruins your credibility. Not to mention, you’re going to make your way into the reject pile and lose your chance of getting called for an interview.So, do make sure you conduct a resume review. It’s worth it to even have a colleague read over your resume just before you press send and submit your application.Or if you’re unable to get someone to read over your resume, check out our guide for resume spelling and proofreading strategies to avoid grammar mistakes at all costs.(Tip: You can easily have a colleague review your resume with Enhancv’s built-in referral link. This allows you to send a link to friends who can later add comments on sections that need improvement.)Examples of Resume Headlines from People Who Got HiredIT Sales Resume Hedline That Got Adam Hired at Software AGAdam LechockiA professional salesperson with 2+ years of experience in IT and healthcare sales, looking for an external role in business development.Check out how Adam started off his resume with this header. It’s very simple and gets the job done. The job recruiter, or for anyone in general who’s reading this would know from the get-go that he’s an expert in I.T and healthcare (seeing that he has 2+ years of experience) and it’s easy to identify what he’s looking for.Product Manager Resume Headline That Got Ramsey Hired at American ExpressRamsi AbdulhamidDigital Product Leader | Early Adopter | InnovatorHere’s another exceptional example to learn from. For job recruiters and for when the ATS scan the different resumes, it’s easy to see that Ramsey fits the criteria for product manager because of the precise use of keywords they’re exactly looking for. Although he might not have 2+ years of experience to showcase, it doesn’t have much description but it says a lot of positive things about him. It’s fair to assume he’s an expert in the field since the titles are precise keywords the job position is demanding.Network Engineer Resume Header That Got Marcellus Hired at Verizon DMSMarcellus NixonGlobal Network Strategist and World TravelerMarcellus takes a very straightforward approach in this example. It’s easy for the job recruiter at Verizon to know what he’s capable of, and it draws our eyes in to want to continue reading since it draws curiosity about what he’s accomplished and capable of.Marketing Resume Headline That Got Eric Hired at SidewagonEric L HuViolinist turned marketer, still a great performerEric makes a great impression on the job recruiters at Sidewagon. He doesn’t only just stand out in front of all the other marketers who are applying for the same job position, but he makes us interested to learn more about his background. The pun and word-play especially make this makes his resume headline unique compared to all the others. So, don’t be afraid to show off anything you’ve done in the past you’re proud of. Just don’t throw in any of the clichés we’ve discussed.Program Manager Resume Header That Got Tobias Hired at DeepmindTobias HorstmannEntrepreneurial minded, passionate for tech, driven by intellectual curiosityThe fifth example from Tobias is an extraordinary example of letting job recruiters know a bit about your character and intentions. We can see he’s business-minded and has a passion for technology. Not only is he showing that he’s an ideal fit to take on the role of the program manager, but we can sense that he’s a strongly motivated person. This is one great way to make up for any lack of experience by conveying how you’re willing to learn, adapt, and to go above and beyond.Using Your Resume Headline To Your AdvantageYour resume headline should be concise. Capitalize on metrics where possible, be specific to the job description, and it should hook the recruiter in on your resume in the short time they take to read it.Not only does your resume headline help with cutting down content to hone in on the most important skills for the job position you’re applying for, but it’s going to get you one step closer to the interview.From what we can see above, it’s one part of the puzzle and answer to landing your dream job.TakeawaysWe are all done.Now you know how to write your resume headline in the best possible way.Once again, what you need to do to make it right is:Keep it short and to the point, that’s the way to grab the hiring manager’s attentionTailor it to the job position you are applying for, so that you can show the hiring manager you really care about the positionUse appropriate keywords, you can always scan the job listing for thoseUse metrics to show off your abilities and provide proof for them, as the hiring manager would be looking for thatStay away from clichés, you need to make your resume headline more impactful than thatTailor your resume for each job position you apply for, otherwise, the hiring manager might be in doubt if you are really interestedLast, but not least, make sure your resume is mistake-free before you click the send buttonIf you’re using a resume template that has everything outlined for you, it’s easy to transform it into something extraordinary.It might be overwhelming, but we can help you. Try signing up for free with Enhancv. It’s trusted by professionals and gotten people hired at large organizations such as Spotify, Tesla, and Verizon.Is there anything else we’ve missed you want us to cover? Let us know in the comments below!

What should I say in a cover letter? It's all about the reader

Cover letter vs resume, what's the difference?

What are the cover letter sections you need to include?

Do generic statements spoil your otherwise potential great cover letter?

How can your cover letter sound confident without being cocky?

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What Should A Cover Letter Say? Here's What You Need to Know

Okay, you’ve built your resume and you’ve managed to avoid the top resume mistakes.
Now you’ve realized you need a cover letter.
If you’ve made your resume using Enhancv’s resume builder, you know your cover letter needs to be just as good. But with jobs and the industry constantly changing, you’re probably asking the golden question:
What should your cover letter say?
While there are several areas that need to be covered, don’t fret.
We’ve compiled a list of the most common questions people have about cover letters and explained everything you need to know. After reading this guide, you’ll know exactly what you need to put on a cover letter and how to write one that leaves a positive impact.
Are you ready? Let’s get straight to it!
What should I say in a cover letter? It's all about the reader
Truth is, many companies tend to be impressed by different styles and approaches.
The art of getting one step ahead of competitors when writing a cover letter CANNOT, and SHOULD NOT be limited to simply following a set of rules.
Ultimately, the effectiveness of your job application depends on the “taste” of the hiring company.
That being said, it’s important you understand the company you’re writing for.
Every company has different values and missions. The goal is to not tell them you’re a perfect fit but to show them why you’re a perfect fit.
The most effective way to do this is by understanding your reader and relating everything back to what they’re looking for. It’s one reason why we stress doing the background research to understand the company so you can apply these ideas on your cover letter to keep them engaged.

The purpose of using a cover letter
Your cover letter is sent alongside your resume or CV. There are two main reasons why they’re needed:

Recruiters have asked you to send a cover letterTo give recruiters a more detailed and tailored application for what you can do for their company
In essence, you’re giving the employers a better idea and understanding of the value you bring to the industry. If you can convey enthusiasm, experience, and unique benefits that make you a valuable asset for their team, you’ll have the recipe for a game-winning cover letter.
Like resumes, cover letters have their own sections that need to be covered too. At the same time, your cover letter shouldn’t be completely identical to your resume.
In fact, it should be complimenting your resume.
You do this by adding further depths of description and personalization to what’s already been mentioned.
To make sure you’re not mixed up with what to say in a cover letter to what you should put on a resume, we’ll take a look at the key differences.

Cover letter vs resume, what's the difference?

At first glance, the answer might seem obvious.
But it’s actually more complex and important than you realize…
A cover letter that resembles your resume content-wise is bad by definition.
If you’re blatantly stating facts about your education and previous job occupations throughout the whole thing, you’re missing the whole point. Quoting from your resume verbatim on your cover letter will have the reverse effects.
It’s misleading.
And it can lead to the wrong ideas or impressions than what you initially planned.
When printing out your resume, it’s most likely going to be stapled to your cover letter. It’s useless to make them twins and exactly the same as one another.
It’s a mistake.
You’re saying the same thing twice if you do – talk about being boring and redundant…
So, don’t do it.
Here’s what you can do instead, it’s simple:
Be honest.
Think of these three things when thinking about what to include in your cover letter:

Write about who you are: what are your passions? Why are you curious about this job posting?
Tell the reader a story about yourself that emphasizes your compatibility with the position
Consider tasteful humor – it adds more personal thought and making your reader smile can give you a competitive edge
Here’s an example of what a cover letter SHOULD NOT say:
“My name is James. I graduated from Intellectual Property in 2009, then I had an internship in Scotland. I then had an internship in Scotland, I then got hired at this and that company where I worked for a period of 2 years. I don’t work there anymore (obviously), and here I am – a perfect fit for your job opening. I deserve the position, are you interested?”
Yikes…
That’s no good.
The candidate sounds robotic, and there’s no taste for personalization or aspects that make them sound unique.
On the other hand, here’s what a cover letter SHOULD include:
“I worked (or studied) Psychology (or whatever it is that you’ve studied). This experience taught me how to understand and approach difficult people in a way that nurtures effective communication and minimizes conflicts. It also fortified my ability to give the best I am capable of even under stressful and perplexing circumstances.”
Now, that sounds a lot better.
Rather than the systematic approach, you’re talking about how one of your experiences has helped you grow and develop skills that are going to be useful. Notice that the description will match the job demands for the job vacancy being applied for.
By matching the job requirements, employers will instantly see you as qualified for the role.
Bear in mind it’s not just about listing valuable things out. But, by showing the hows and whys through a specific, detailed explanation.
What are the cover letter sections you need to include?What are the main cover letter sections? Which ones do I need to include?These are the main parts you need that make up your cover letter:Cover letter headerSalutationThe opening paragraphMain bodyDisclosureFor the full cover letter checklist, check out our guide by clicking here.Before seeing how it looks in action, let’s first ensure you’re familiar with the cover letter header.Take a look at Alvin’s retail cover letter example below:Like the resume header, it contains your contact details so recruiters will know how to reach out to you. He’s also included his LinkedIn profile so employers can learn more about him without having to ask for more information.Now, here’s what he put on his cover letter:Dear Kylie,I am applying for the position of Senior Retail Leasing Executive as advertised.My professional background includes as a Director in a multi-outlet haircare and skincare business, as an operator where I leased, fitted out, and ran my own business, and as the General Manager of a gourmet grocer where I coordinated the operations and offer of five separate departments.I am passionate about retail and have devoted interstate and international travel to identify the style, process, and offers of high-quality, high-turnover retailers. Recently I visited Sydney to look at the best practice in gourmet grocers and was impressed by the scale of Harris Farm Markets, the industrial chic of the Tramsheds food precinct, and the fine hand-crafted offering of the Victor Churchills butchery.Whilst my background is in retail operations, the skills that I have gained in these positions are directly translatable into retail leasing operations – the ability to identify talented operators, understand contemporary trends, and negotiate to achieve a win:win outcome according to the terms of the landlord.I am adept at picking up new skills quickly, becoming fluent in the language, and quickly understanding the parameters set, to ensure I hit the ground runnings.I look forward to the opportunity to learn more about the role.Regards,Alvin BakerWhy did Alvin's cover letter work?There are multiple things to notice – we’ll look at each one step by step.First, is the salutation. This is how he greets the hiring manager and he does this professionally in a formal manner – “Dear Kylie.”If you know the name of your employer, don’t be afraid to namedrop. It’s not a problem as long as you’re doing it appropriately. If it’s not professional and you’re greeting your recruiter by saying “Hey Kylie” or “Yo Kylie”, it’s a big no.Next, the opening paragraph.Alvin gets straight into it by stating his experiences working in retail. He summarised his skills and expertise through that short paragraph and one reason why it was effective is because of how specific and relevant his responsibilities are.Remember, your opening paragraph needs to grab the reader’s interests. If it doesn’t, your cover letter won’t get the attention you want.After the introduction, it leads to the main body of the cover letter. This is where he goes into more detail not just about his experiences but his personality.You’ve shown what you’re capable of.Now you need to show employers the reasons why. Bear in mind that the purpose of your cover letter is to give employers insight to what makes you the best candidate to hire. If you want to get called in for that interview, this is what you need to dig deeper on in your cover letter.Your resume has already stated the facts.The reason why Alvin managed to do this successfully is that he made it into a short story where it’s easy for him to highlight key information. Above all, he’s made it easier for us to understand his perspective.Lastly, the disclosure.To finish, use a professional signoff and review. Here are some synonyms that you can include at the end of your cover letter:Regards,Sincerely,Thank you for your consideration,Best,So you don’t get a blank the next time you’re thinking about what to include on a cover letter, consider the questions below that’ll help you find the answers you need:Why is it an ideal job? How is there mutual benefit for the company & yourself?Throughout your cover letter, you need to be answering the employer’s question:What makes you the candidate our company needs? Why should we hire you?Talk about exactly why you would be a benefit to their team and how it’s going to benefit both of you.Don’t just answer what you can do for them, but also answer why you want to.What are your passions, skills, and motivations?How will all of this be helpful?This all needs to relate back to the company’s best interests.Other than the necessary hard skills required, bring up any transferable skills or relevant background that puts you one step ahead of the curve.There’s more to consider for hiring a potential worker not just for what they can do. But to see if they’re strongly compatible with the company’s cultural values.What keywords do you need to use?Resume or cover letter, background research is a must.However, when you’re describing things it shouldn’t be 100% identical to your resume.To avoid this, you need to shift your perspective and change your approach when using the keywords for your cover letter. But just by including them, it demonstrates that you have a good understanding of what it takes to get the job done.Try to remember this:If recruiters feel that you understand what you need to do better than how they can explain it to you without coming off as arrogant, your chances of landing that job opportunity will be higher.What this does is sets their mind at ease and positions you as an expert. In order to do this, you need to include the right keywords. When you’re describing something, buzzwords work well in amplifying the meaning and perceived value.Don’t forget to use the terms they want to see in your cover letter. Explain in their line of thinking why you’re a valuable asset.Do generic statements spoil your otherwise potential great cover letter?Generic statements can kill an otherwise promising cover letter.A catchy declaration of what you excel at should be based on specifics and not general assumptions.For instance, when you want to highlight your ability to overcome challenges, refrain from writing, “I usually overcome challenges bravely.”Instead, you want to illustrate your statement by using real examples or a story (preferably a one- or two-sentenced story).Who doesn’t love a good story?Give numbers, name places, and companies, be concrete and clear.Stories are memorable. On top of that, they’re effective when it comes to helping someone understand an idea or concept.Not only that, but it makes you stand out as a candidate.By using stories, the recruiter will also consider your statements more legit. What you say won’t seem like a stretched out truth since the storytelling will make you sound confident in yourself.Those are the three of the most important things a cover letter can do.This is what a cover letter SHOULD NOT include:“My previous occupation involved working closely with the Legal Department. I participated in various processes and activities. I was also responsible for the proofreading and editing of their documentation.”Here’s the alternative for what a cover letter should include:“For 3 years I worked as a marketing specialist – I had to write, proofread, and edit legal, pharmaceutical, and marketing-related documentation. In addition, I participated in the development of 4 marketing campaigns that tripled our monthly revenue (quote any relevant number that you can). It was my responsibility to write and edit site contents for the official website of the company (give a link to the website).”How unique should a cover letter be?Did you know that hiring managers have to read through piles of cover letters all the time?Because of this, standing out and showing your personality is necessary.To be clear, your personality is not what or where you studied. Nor is it based on how much your previous employer fancied your punctuality and diligence.It’s deeper than that.Your personality is engraved in your passions and what you love to do most.In other words, what a hiring manager really wants to see in a never-ending pile of redundantly polite, monotonous, personality-free cover letters is YOU.Tell them who you are and why you like them.Be sincere, concise, and passionate. Leave a link to your portfolio, blog, website, or whatever there is that proves you’re savvy, resourceful, and unique.Remember, you’re not a robot.You’re a human being with certain hobbies and interests that makes you who you are today. These are the things employers want to see from you, not just rigid work, work, work.What a cover letter should NOT say:“I am a huge fan of your company. I’ve always liked you because your commercials are entertaining, your services – flawless, and your CEO is a friend of my mother’s third cousin.”What a cover letter should say:“I really loved the marketing campaign you launched last April. I was impressed to see the subtle way you presented [their product] as a tool for people to give their best to the ones they love and treasure. I want to be part of the development of such ideas because they have liveliness, beauty, and that extraordinary ordinariness we can find everywhere, in everything – if we only looked with our heart and not with eyes only.”How can your cover letter sound confident without being cocky?Confidence is classy, self-promotion is not.Confidence is being sure without being arrogant, and cockiness is being defiant because you’re afraid of being beaten. It points to having unstable self-esteem.Here’s another way to see the difference between the two.Arrogance: “I’m the best at what I do. Everyone is simply not as good as I am – no one else out there is near my level.”Confidence: “I’m the best at what I do. I’ve worked harder than everyone else and no one’s better than me at my craft.”There’s a slight difference between the two.The first example leans more towards arrogance because that mindset steps down on others.Whereas, the second example leans more towards confidence because there’s a sense of humility. More importantly, this perspective doesn’t look down on others. Instead, it states that no one is better because of how hard they’ve worked. This exudes confidence in their ability over insecurity.It might be useful to remember that suggestion when you feel tempted to boldly declare your awesomeness.What a cover letter should NOT say:“Ever since I first started school I’ve been a high achiever. In the fourth grade, I was voted “most likely to succeed”. Today, not much has changed. I’ve been a star employee at my last two positions and want to advance my career even more.”What a cover letter should say:“In the course of recent years, I had the chance to live and work in various cultural environments, an experience which has helped me to better understand how people communicate. Even working in environments where I did not speak the language, I was able to effectively build professional networks. I believe these skills will greatly contribute to your team.”How long should a cover letter be?What’s the best length for your cover letter?You’ve heard it before – size matters.The motion of the ocean is just as important, but in the end, the size itself has a role. And just to make sure we stay on the right topic, you should know that sometimes smaller can be better.Hopefully, we’re not getting any wrong ideas here…At Enhancv, we encourage you to keep your cover letter one-page long. This way, it’s more concise and specific, which leaves a bigger impact on the recruiter.On our top 5 successful cover letter examples, you’ll notice that each example is a one-page cover letter.Anywhere more than that can be a sign of inefficiency since you’re not capable of putting everything together on a single page. It could also put employers off because it’s pretty much a college dissertation which they don’t have time to fully analyze.Great cover letters have one feature in common:They briefly present relevant information.What this means is you should tell the truth. And, tell it very briefly in an engaging way.Save yourself the effort of filling your cover letter with ambiguous sweet talk and lengthy references to previous endeavors (remember, that should all be in your resume).Skip the exposition and jump right into what’s essential about you.If you want to get started on the right foot, have a go with Enhancv’s cover letter templates. They’re designed to leave an impact on your reader and our content analyzer feature will give you ideas so you won’t be stuck thinking about what you should write!“Enhancv is an easy way for me and my coaching clients to transform their unique and seemingly unrelated work experiences into a compelling story.” – MicheleConclusionNow that we’ve answered the common questions floating in the air, it’s time to make sure your cover letter is just as polished and prepared as your resume.Here’s a quick rundown of the elements of a successful cover letter:Compelling hook right from the get-go of your opening paragraph – pique your reader’s interests by getting them engaged in the beginning.Tinder match – like Tinder, you want to match with the company you’re applying for. So through the body of your cover letter, give the recruiter all the points that make it obvious you’re a perfect match.Don’t be generic – it’s vital you stand out, otherwise, your cover letter will be skipped. Reveal your personality through a story that demonstrates your passions and motivations.It’s all about the reader.Simultaneously, the recruiter will want to know more about yourself too. So, don’t be afraid to add personal elements that reveal your personality.

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