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• What to Include in Your Cover Letter

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How to format a cover letter, how to format an email cover letter, communications cover letter examples, more cover letter examples.

If you're applying for a communications job, a position that requires  excellent communication skills , it's especially important to write a compelling cover letter. 

Each cover letter you write for a communications role should showcase your abilities and experience. It also should be customized—yes, that means writing a new letter for each job application.

By creating a targeted cover letter, you'll be able to highlight your relevant skills and experiences as they relate to the specific position, as well as show your understanding of the company.

Here's what you need to know to write a cover letter that'll grab the attention of hiring managers. 

What to Include in Your Cover Letter

Start with an attention grabber.  Point to leadership roles and  advanced skills  right at the beginning of the cover letter to catch your reader's attention from the start. “I'm writing in response to the communications manager position you have advertised" doesn't say much. Instead, try something like, "My experience securing international press coverage for large healthcare clients makes me well suited for the communications manager position that has opened with XYZ Corporation.” This kind of statement grabs attention.

Use the company's  job description  to identify and call out your relevant skills.

Show that you’ve done your homework.  You should  research the company  you’re applying to and show them that you've done it by referring to their mission statement or other information you’ve discovered about them. You might say, “As assistant communications manager at ABC Company, I helped introduce the theme of global responsibility to our branding, inspired by how your executive leadership at XYZ Corporation has championed corporate philanthropic commitment to international relief efforts.” 

Use numbers when possible.  Offer  quantitative examples  to demonstrate your achievements. Employers love to see bottom line results. Did you increase your predecessor’s PR placements by 50%? Did you increase web traffic to your previous employer's website by 40%? Or, did you raise $1.5 million in donated funds for a nonprofit organization? Illustrate your accomplishments with numbers.

Be specific about your skills and strengths.  Illustrate your strengths with detailed descriptions. Don't describe yourself as a team player or people person since these terms are cliché and overused. Instead, go for detailed descriptions such as, "I'm a seasoned communicator with experience working on international PR campaigns to convey a cohesive brand across all marketing channels."

Follow that up with a concrete example such as, "When I worked on rebranding the marketing for our largest healthcare client, I coordinated communication throughout the client's international offices to create unified media materials."

Repeating your resume.  Your cover letter should enhance your resume, showcasing the high points and painting a richer picture of who you are.

While a resume is straightforward, a cover letter should have some flair and personal touches along with a tone that's warm and speaks directly to your reader.

Focusing on your own needs instead of the employer’s needs.  Cover letters are essentially marketing documents, and in writing one you should think of yourself as engaging in a needs-based sales tactic. What are the needs of the employer, and how can you fulfill those needs? 

Using the pronoun “I” too much.  Limiting the use of "I" to four or five instances in the entire cover letter is ideal. Your goal is to capture the employer’s serious interest by advertising what it is you can do for them, not by telling them what you want from them or what you're hoping to get from the experience.

When it comes to cover letters, there's a very specific style and format required. You'll want to be aware of these  guidelines for cover letters , including: 

• Length:  Stick to a page at most—a few paragraphs are all you need. 
• Fonts and font size: Go with a professional  font , in a standard, legible size. Stick to standard margins, too. 
• Follow general business letter guidelines:  Start with contact information if you're sending a printed out letter (or attaching a Word doc or PDF cover letter to your email).
• Proofread carefully:  Spelling someone's name incorrectly, having wonky formatting, or other small errors can discredit your application. 

For  emailed cover letters , include your contact information below your name in your  email signature . Your subject line for emails should be your name and the job title. Include a  salutation , followed by the body of the letter, and a polite close.

The body of the email should kickoff with details about why you're writing (mention specifics about the job title and where you saw it listed). Then describe your experience, achievements, qualifications, and what you'll be able to provide if hired. 

Take a look at these cover letter examples for communications-related jobs to get an idea of how to construct a professional cover letter that will effectively sell your credentials to a hiring manager.

• Communications for Higher Education
• Communications Director
• Editorial Assistant
• Entry Level Marketing
• Public Relations
• Social Media
• Writer/Freelance

Here are more  examples of cover letters for a variety of occupations, with templates to download.

Key Takeaways

FOLLOW THE RULES. There are set guidelines for writing a cover letter — make sure to keep them in mind as you write your letter. 

PERSONALIZE YOUR LETTER. If you send the same letter in with every application, you're not getting the most out of the space. Make your letter relevant to the company and role at hand. 

MAKE IT ABOUT THE COMPANY, NOT YOU. Yes, hiring managers want to get a sense of you, but their biggest priority is to hire someone who will advance the company's goals and bottom line. 

Communications Cover Letter Example

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Start your Communications cover letter by addressing the hiring manager directly, if possible. Then, introduce yourself and briefly mention the position you're applying for. For example, "Dear Mr. Smith, I am Jane Doe, a seasoned communications professional, and I am excited to apply for the Communications Specialist position at your esteemed organization." Follow this with a compelling hook that highlights your most relevant achievements or skills. For instance, "With over five years of experience in managing successful PR campaigns, I am confident in my ability to contribute significantly to your team." This approach not only shows that you've done your research but also immediately presents you as a strong candidate.

The best way for Communications professionals to end a cover letter is by summarizing their interest in the role and their qualifications. They should also express enthusiasm for a potential interview. For example, "I am excited about the opportunity to bring my unique skills to your team and am confident that my experience in strategic communication will be an asset to your company. I look forward to the possibility of discussing my application with you further." It's also important to end with a professional closing, such as "Sincerely" or "Best regards," followed by their name. This ending reiterates their interest, highlights their qualifications, and shows eagerness to move forward in the process.

Communications professionals should include the following elements in their cover letter: 1. Contact Information: This includes your name, address, phone number, and email address. It's also a good idea to include your LinkedIn profile if you have one. 2. Salutation: Address the hiring manager directly if possible. If you can't find their name, use a general greeting like "Dear Hiring Manager". 3. Introduction: Start by introducing yourself and stating the position you're applying for. Mention where you found the job posting. 4. Relevant Skills and Experience: Highlight your most relevant skills and experiences that make you a strong candidate for the position. As a communications professional, you might want to highlight your experience in areas like public relations, media relations, social media management, content creation, and crisis management. 5. Achievements: Provide specific examples of your achievements in your previous roles. For instance, you might mention a successful PR campaign you led, or a significant increase in social media engagement you achieved. 6. Knowledge about the Company: Show that you've done your research about the company and explain why you're interested in working there. This could include mentioning a recent news article about the company, or explaining how your skills align with the company's mission. 7. Call to Action: Conclude your letter by thanking the hiring manager for their time and expressing your interest in discussing the position further in an interview. 8. Professional Closing: Close the letter with a professional sign-off like "Sincerely" or "Best regards", followed by your name. Remember, your cover letter should complement your resume, not duplicate it. It's your chance to tell a story about your career and explain why you're the perfect fit for the job. Be sure to proofread your letter carefully before sending it.

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Communication Skills on Your Cover Letter

Having strong communication skills is crucial for your cover letter as it highlights your ability to effectively convey ideas and collaborate with others. These skills enable you to listen attentively, speak confidently, and write clearly, which are all essential in professional settings.

Additionally, effective communication skills help build rapport, resolve conflicts, and foster positive relationships with colleagues and clients. Therefore, showcasing your communication skills in your cover letter will demonstrate your potential to be an excellent addition to the team and contribute to the organization’s success.

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Table of Contents

Importance Of Communication Skills In Cover Letters

Communication skills play a vital role in a successful cover letter. When it comes to job applications, attracting attention and demonstrating professionalism are essential. Your cover letter is the first opportunity to make a strong impression on potential employers. By highlighting your communication skills effectively, you can enhance your chances of securing that coveted interview. In this blog post, we will dive deeper into the importance of communication skills in cover letters, focusing on two key aspects: attracting attention and demonstrating professionalism.

Attracting Attention

When employers receive numerous cover letters for a single position, they often skim through them quickly. This is where your communication skills come into play as they can help you capture and retain their attention. Employers are looking for candidates who can express themselves clearly and concisely, making it crucial to craft your cover letter with precision.

One way to attract attention is by structuring your cover letter effectively. Start with a compelling introduction that immediately grabs the reader’s attention. Use bold headings and bullet-points to break up the content, making it easier to read and allowing important information to stand out.

Highlighting your strongest communication skills is also essential for attracting attention. Whether it’s your ability to articulate ideas, write persuasively, or actively listen, make sure to emphasize these skills in your cover letter. Consider including specific examples that demonstrate your expertise in these areas.

Demonstrating Professionalism

A cover letter also serves as a reflection of your professionalism. Employers want to see that you can communicate effectively and maintain a high level of professionalism in your written communication. By showcasing your communication skills in the cover letter, you demonstrate that you are knowledgeable, competent, and serious about the position.

To demonstrate professionalism, use a formal tone and avoid slang or colloquial language. Be concise and to the point, providing relevant information without going off on tangents. Proofread your cover letter carefully to ensure proper grammar, punctuation, and spelling. These small details can make a significant difference in how professionally you come across.

Furthermore, demonstrating active listening and attention to detail can set you apart from other applicants. Show that you have thoroughly researched the company and the position by including specific details in your cover letter. This will not only demonstrate your professionalism but also your genuine interest in the role.

Overall, communication skills are paramount in a cover letter as they can directly influence whether your application moves forward. By attracting attention and demonstrating professionalism, you increase your chances of standing out from other candidates and securing an interview. Remember to tailor your cover letter to the specific job requirements and use concrete examples to showcase your communication skills effectively. With a well-crafted cover letter, your communication skills will shine through, making a compelling case for why you are the ideal candidate for the position.

Credit: resumaker.ai

Key Communication Skills To Highlight

Highlight your key communication skills on your cover letter to make a strong impression. Emphasize your ability to effectively articulate ideas, listen actively, adapt to different audiences, and demonstrate empathy in your written and verbal communication.

When it comes to writing a cover letter, your communication skills play a crucial role in making a strong impression on potential employers. By highlighting specific communication skills, you can demonstrate your ability to effectively convey information and collaborate with others. In this section, we will discuss the key communication skills you should emphasize on your cover letter, including written communication skills, verbal communication skills, and interpersonal communication skills.

Written Communication Skills

Your written communication skills are essential to showcase your ability to express yourself clearly and professionally through written correspondence. As a candidate, you can emphasize your strength in written communication by highlighting the following:

• Accuracy: Demonstrate your attention to detail and precision in written communication by providing examples of error-free, meticulously written documents.
• Clarity: Showcase your ability to convey complex information in a simple and comprehensible manner, ensuring your audience can easily understand your message.
• Conciseness: Clearly and concisely express your ideas, using precise language and avoiding unnecessary jargon or long-winded explanations.
• Grammar and Spelling: Highlight your strong grasp of grammar rules and impeccable spelling, as these skills are crucial for effective written communication.

Verbal Communication Skills

Verbal communication skills are vital as they demonstrate your ability to articulate ideas, actively listen, and engage in effective conversations. Include the following points to emphasize your proficiency in verbal communication:

• Articulation: Highlight your ability to clearly and confidently express your thoughts and ideas verbally, demonstrating your effective communication style.
• Active Listening: Showcase your attentiveness and ability to actively listen, understand, and respond appropriately to the needs and concerns of others.
• Non-verbal Communication: Mention your skill in using body language, facial expressions, and gestures to effectively convey messages and establish rapport.
• Presentation Skills: If relevant to the role you are applying for, mention your experience in delivering presentations, public speaking, or leading group discussions.

Interpersonal Communication Skills

Interpersonal communication skills are crucial for building relationships and collaborating with colleagues and clients. Emphasize the following aspects of your interpersonal communication skills in your cover letter:

• Collaboration: Highlight your ability to work effectively with others, showcasing examples of successful teamwork, conflict resolution, and compromise.
• Empathy: Mention your capacity to understand and relate to others’ emotions and perspectives, which enables you to build strong, empathetic connections.
• Adaptability: Demonstrate your flexibility and ability to communicate effectively with diverse individuals and in different situations.
• Professional Relationship Building: Showcase your aptitude for establishing and maintaining professional relationships, which can contribute to a positive work environment and successful outcomes.

By highlighting these key communication skills, you can effectively demonstrate your ability to communicate clearly, collaborate with others, and build strong relationships – qualities that employers value in potential candidates. Incorporate these skills into your cover letter to make a lasting impression and increase your chances of securing your desired position.

Tips For Including Communication Skills On Your Cover Letter

Enhance your cover letter by effectively showcasing your communication skills. Craft concise and engaging sentences to captivate the reader’s attention and create a lasting impression.

When it comes to your cover letter, showcasing your communication skills is crucial. An effective cover letter not only introduces you to potential employers but also highlights your ability to effectively convey your ideas and collaborate with others. In this section, we will discuss some tips for including your communication skills on your cover letter to impress hiring managers and increase your chances of landing that dream job.

Tailor Your Skills For The Job

One of the most important aspects of writing a cover letter is tailoring it to the specific job you are applying for. This applies to your communication skills as well. Just like you would highlight the most relevant experiences and qualifications, it’s essential to emphasize the communication skills that are most relevant to the position.

For example, if you are applying for a customer service role, you can highlight your ability to empathize, actively listen, and resolve conflicts in a calm and professional manner. On the other hand, if you are applying for a sales position, you might want to emphasize your persuasive communication skills and your ability to build relationships with clients.

Provide Specific Examples

When discussing your communication skills on your cover letter, it is important to provide specific examples that demonstrate your abilities in action. Instead of simply stating that you have strong communication skills, provide concrete examples of situations where you effectively communicated to achieve positive outcomes.

For instance, you can mention a time when you successfully led a team meeting and effectively conveyed complex information to your colleagues. Alternatively, you can discuss a situation where you managed to resolve a customer complaint through clear and concise communication, resulting in customer satisfaction and retention.

Highlight Relevant Accomplishments

Employers are always interested in candidates who have achieved tangible results in their previous roles. Therefore, it’s crucial to highlight any relevant accomplishments that showcase your communication skills on your cover letter. This could include awards for effective communication, successful project collaborations, or positive feedback from clients or colleagues.

For example, if you received a performance award for your exceptional communication skills in a previous position, be sure to mention it. Additionally, if you worked on a team project where your communication skills were instrumental in achieving the desired outcome, highlight it as well.

By tailoring your skills to the job, providing specific examples, and highlighting relevant accomplishments, your cover letter will effectively communicate your strong communication skills to potential employers. Remember, your cover letter is your chance to make a great first impression, so make sure to showcase your ability to communicate effectively and stand out from the competition.

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Frequently Asked Questions For Communication Skills On Your Cover Letter

How do you say you have good communication skills in a cover letter.

In a cover letter, convey your strong communication skills by emphasizing your ability to effectively express ideas, listen actively, and engage in professional conversations. Demonstrate your knack for clear and concise communication and highlight experiences where you successfully collaborated, presented information, or resolved conflicts through effective communication.

How Do You Mention Skills In A Cover Letter?

To mention skills in a cover letter, be concise and specific. Use bullet points or a short paragraph to highlight your relevant skills for the position. Avoid using passive voice and long sentences. Instead, focus on active language and keep your sentences under 20 words.

This will make your cover letter easier to read and understand.

How Do You Write Communication Skills In A Job Description?

To effectively write communication skills in a job description, use clear and concise sentences that highlight the candidate’s ability to express themselves clearly, listen actively, and collaborate with others. Emphasize skills such as strong verbal and written communication, the ability to convey complex ideas, and active listening.

Create an engaging and unique job description that showcases the importance of communication in the role.

How Do You Say You Have Good Written Communication Skills On A Resume?

Highlight your strong written communication skills on your resume by emphasizing your ability to write clearly, concisely, and effectively. Showcase your experience in writing professional documents, such as reports, emails, and presentations. Demonstrating your expertise in grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary can also validate your exceptional written communication skills.

What Are Communication Skills And Why Are They Important On A Cover Letter?

Communication skills refer to the ability to effectively convey information, thoughts, and ideas to others. They are important on a cover letter because they showcase your ability to interact and collaborate with others.

Including strong communication skills on your cover letter is essential for grabbing the attention of potential employers. By effectively highlighting your ability to express ideas, listen actively, and collaborate effectively, you can demonstrate your value as a candidate. Remember to tailor your language to the specific job requirements and use concise, impactful sentences to make your case.

Ultimately, focusing on your communication skills can greatly improve your chances of success in the job market.

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• Resume Tips

Communication Skills on a Resume (Examples + Tips)

13 min read

Communication skills are something that almost every employer is looking for – and for good reason. Most jobs require some level of human interaction with coworkers, supervisors, subordinates, customers, or other stakeholders. Employers need employees with these abilities to ensure that their operations run smoothly and productively. It is thus vital to include communication skills on your resume if you want to ensure that you capture an employer’s attention during any job search.

In this post, we will explain why you need to include communication skills on your resume, examine the top five skills you need to highlight and 10 others that you may want to consider, and provide a communications skills resume template you can use to showcase your abilities.

Why should you include communication skills on your resume?

While hard skills will help show that you have the right qualifications for most jobs, soft skills are just as important for success. And when it comes to soft skills, few are as vital as the ability to communicate in a skillful way. By including communication skills on your resume, you demonstrate to employers that you can not only interact with customers, colleagues, and supervisors but also work as part of a cohesive and effective team.

How to include communication skills on a resume

Of course, you need to know how to include communication skills in a resume if you want to effectively convey these abilities to employers. To do that, you need to illustrate these skills in various sections of the resume rather than simply claim that you possess them. The following tips can help you ensure that your inclusion of these skills is as compelling as possible:

Don’t just list “excellent communication skills” in your skill section and assume that you’re done. You’ll need to include examples of how you used those abilities to solve problems, create value, or otherwise benefit your previous employers.

Make sure that your resume includes all the key qualifications you find in the job posting, using those exact terms. If a skill like team leadership is cited as a qualification, use that term in one of the achievement examples that you include in your resume.

Use real numbers to quantify the results your achievements provided for those prior employers. For example, instead of just writing that you used negotiation skills to close multiple deals for your last employer, show real value by quantifying those results: “Successfully negotiated and closed new client deals valued at more than $27 million.”

Communication skills resume template

If you’re wondering how all this might look in your resume, it may be helpful to see a simple template for including communication skills on your resume. Below, we’ve provided an easy-to-follow template that you can use to organize your own resume.

[Your name, phone number, email, LinkedIn URL]

[Headline, including desired job title]

[Summary statement. This should be 3-5 sentences highlighting your key skills and achievements to demonstrate value. Think of it as an elevator pitch that sells your qualifications to employers.]

[Core competencies section. This section should include both hard and soft skills. You can list any required communication skills here but be prepared to also highlight them in achievements in other sections of the resume.]

[Professional experience. This section should list your previous jobs in reverse order, beginning with your current or most recent position. Include the company name, job title, and employment dates for each position. Below each job, include several bullet point achievements – including those that relied on your communication skills.]

[Education. Your educational section needs to include the schools you attended, the years of attendance, course of study, degrees earned, and any relevant coursework. ]

Communication skills resume example

We’ve also put together a sample resume that highlights communication skills that you can use for inspiration or as a customizable guide for your own resume.

John Johnson

555-555-5555 • [email protected] • https://www.linkedin.com/in/JohnJohnson

Lead Corporate Negotiator with 10 Years of Fortune 500 Experience

Proven corporate negotiator and deal-closer with 10 years of success in closing multimillion-dollar client deals in the finance and manufacturing sectors. Organized, managed, and led a 20-person acquisition and merger team that created more than $500 million in value for our clients. Personally negotiated ABCD Corp. merger with EFG Inc, increasing company value by 23% while saving more than 1300 jobs.

Core competencies

Motivational speaking

Team building

Presentation

Copywriting

Computer proficiency

Data analysis

Media relations

Negotiation

Professional experience

ABCD Corp, 2015-2023

Chief Negotiator, Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) Division

Led teams responsible for identifying M&A prospects to further company growth plans

Oversaw creation of M&A outreach, negotiation, and closure plans

Negotiated deals worth more than $400 million, with 72% M&A success rate

 Alpha, Inc., 2009-2015

Lead strategist, M&A

Created merger and acquisition strategies that successfully led to more than 35 completed deals in a 6-year period

Developed negotiation presentation plans that were used to achieve a 62% success rate by negotiation teams

Created and managed negotiator training program that boosted overall closure success rate for M&A by 29%

  Education

Bachelor of Communications, GoodSpeak College, 2008

Coursework: Digital Communications, Media Relations, Public Relations, Persuasive Speaking, Negotiation Theory

Different communication skills to highlight on your resume

When you’re evaluating your own communication skills, it’s important to remember that they all fall into two main categories. Those two forms of communication include verbal and nonverbal communication. Let’s consider each to get a better idea of how they can help you in your career.

Verbal communication

Most people are intimately familiar with verbal communication, which involves the use of words to convey ideas and messages. Verbal communication can occur person-to-person, in a phone call, during a video conference, or through text, email, and other forms of writing. This type of communication is an effective way to deliver information, share new concepts, and solve problems.

Nonverbal communication

While verbal communication is important, many experts believe that seventy percent or more of all human communication occurs without words. This nonverbal communication includes subtle things like facial expressions, body language, posture, and the tone of your voice. Even something as simple as maintaining or avoiding eye contact can impart useful information to other people.

Top 5 communication skills employers look for

Before you start listing communication skills in your resume, it can be helpful to ensure that you have a better idea of the type of abilities today’s employers are looking for. In the following sections of this post, we will examine some of those key communication skills, beginning with the top five communication skills that most employers always appreciate.

Emotional intelligence is more important than ever before. As the workplace grows ever more complex, employers need to know that each member of their team is cognizant of their colleagues’ emotions and points of view. This is especially true in environments where collaboration and workplace harmony are essential for success.

It is one thing to be able to communicate an idea. It is often quite another to do with the type of clarity that most people need if they are to fully understand your message. Whether you are giving directions or taking them, it is important to be able to do so in a direct and clear way. For example, if you not only provide instructions but offer an example that effectively illustrates those directions, you’re more likely to be understood by others.

Honesty and integrity in your communications are the most important keys to gaining others’ trust. Every employer wants to build a team made up of people who say what they mean and follow through on their word. Honest employees can be relied upon to be both responsible and accountable for their actions, transparent in their actions, and authentic in all their dealings.

Team building is a powerful skill that demonstrates an ability to communicate with others, collaborate as part of a group, and even motivate colleagues to reach new heights of success. Good team builders are adept at things like delegation, inspirational messaging, and problem-solving. This skill is one that is often associated with managers – but make no mistake: employers appreciate seeing it on the resume of any job candidate.

Active listening

Active listening is a skill prized by many employees because those who possess this ability can do more than just hear messages from others. They are also adept at understanding the true meaning of any message because they actively engage in conversations and know how to use questions and reflective listening to ensure clarity.

10 other communication skills to highlight in a resume

Of course, those five critical skills are just a small subset of the full range of abilities you can cite to demonstrate your communication skills. Below, we’ve compiled a list of 10 other communication-related skills that you can include in your resume to illustrate your ability to articulate information to others.

1.      Presentation

Are you experienced in giving presentations ? If so, then turn that skill into an accomplishment in your work experience section. For example:

Supplied superior customer service training and presentations to external and internal stakeholders, reducing training time and costs by 10% over 2 years.

2.     Negotiation

Negotiation skills will benefit you in many different industries including sales, business development, and law. Showing that you successfully negotiated a deal will display your great communication skills. Here is an example of how that might be conveyed in a resume:

Experienced in delivering high-quality work products in a variety of subject matter areas, building effective case strategies, and negotiating high-value, multimillion-dollar contracts for corporate clients.

3.     Coordinating human resources

It is impossible to manage or coordinate other people’s activities without effective communication skills. If you’ve ever managed people at any level of an organization, you can illustrate this ability in your resume through a well-constructed example of a quantifiable achievement.

Managed a team of 26 customer service employees, decreasing staff turnover by 20% with improved morale, and increasing customer satisfaction and retention by 15%.

4.     Written communication

Written communication is a vital skill for writers, marketers, office staff, and many other workers. While your whole resume serves as a testament to your writing ability, you can give more weight to your writing skills by mentioning how they've helped you succeed professionally. For example:

Created headlines, edited copy, and designed graphics and pages for both print and digital platforms.

5.     Conflict resolution

Whenever humans interact, there is always the potential for interpersonal conflict. If you’re adept at resolving these types of issues, you should demonstrate that by citing examples of your conflict resolution skills in your resume.

Regularly called upon to defuse conflicts within the team to reduce distraction and ensure that our combined attention remained 100% focused on our collective mission objective.

6.     Collaboration

As we mentioned earlier in the post, teamwork is essential in many different types of jobs. If your talents include the ability to collaborate effectively with others, then you should make sure that your resume includes that skill. Pick one or more jobs where you relied on this ability for success and include a bullet point example of how it benefited the company.

In collaboration with my team and other departments, successfully reorganized our sales process to increase lead generation by 22%, improve sales conversions by 18%, and increase profits by 19%.

7.     Persuasion

The ability to persuade others can be a vital communication skill that can help you supercharge your career. It is also one of those skills that most employers will prize, especially if you can demonstrate how your persuasiveness can add value to their bottom line. One way to illustrate that persuasive ability is to highlight instances where you’ve been able to persuade others in ways that benefited your employers. For example:

Led acquisition advance team tasked with persuading target company leaders to consider selling their enterprises. Utilized persuasive techniques to achieve more than 19% success rate on first attempts, 52% success rate on second contact.

8.     Open-mindedness

One of the most important communication skills these days involves the ability to maintain an open mind. Are you someone who values other people’s perspectives and ideas? Do you enjoy brainstorming with others to come up with new and creative solutions to problems? If so, then that open-minded approach to new information and points of view is a strength that you should share on your resume.

Led diverse team in collaborative effort to brainstorm new ideas and solutions for needed technological system changes, resulting in implementation of new systems that improved company logistical efficiency by 33%.

9.     Motivational speaking

Your ability to inspire others by using your voice to motivate them to new heights of success can also be an attractive communication skill for many employers. After all, motivational skills are essential for any management or leadership position. If you’ve ever been in any situation where you needed to motivate your colleagues to achieve a goal, be sure to include that as one of your achievements.

As team leader, incorporated daily stand-up meetings to motivate and focus team members, which helped increase productivity by 28% in just 6 months.

10.  Giving and receiving feedback

Employers also want to know that you’re capable of receiving feedback, and even providing it depending on your role. Are you someone who always wants to hear constructive criticism or even negative feedback? That desire to be accountable so that you can continue to improve is something that employers will be eager to know about you. They’ll also appreciate your ability to offer constructive advice to other members of your team.

This is one of those skills that you may want to highlight in your summary statement if you’re focused on receiving criticism. For example:

Dedicated team leader who seeks out constructive feedback to fuel consistent growth and improvement in performance metrics.

On the other hand, if you’re usually the one providing the feedback, you may want to mention that in one of your work history achievements.

Provided monthly, quarterly, and annual performance reviews for team members, as well as more frequent feedback designed to prevent performance issues before they became serious problems.

Your communication skills on a resume can make all the difference

Knowing which communication skills to put on a resume could help determine the type of impression you make on any prospective employer. That’s why it’s so important to understand which skills employers are looking for and make sure that your skills align with those needs. 

So, take the time to assess your key communication skills and pay careful attention to the qualifications cited in any job posting. If you can ensure that those cited skills align well with the communication skills on your resume, you can increase your chances of landing an interview.

Want to ensure that you have the right communication skills on your resume? Head on over to get your free resume review from our team of experts to learn whether your resume has what it takes to help you achieve your job search goals.

Recommended reading:

The Best 10 Skills to Put on Your Resume

Top 15 Skills Employers Are Hiring For in 2023

Interpersonal Skills Can Give You the Competitive Career Advantage You Need

Ken Chase, Freelance Writer

During Ken's two decades as a freelance writer, he has covered everything from banking and fintech to business management and the entertainment industry. His true passion, however, has always been focused on helping others achieve their career goals with timely job search and interview advice or the occasional resume consultation. When he's not working, Ken can usually be found adventuring with family and friends or playing fetch with his demanding German Shepherd. Read more resume advice from Ken on  ZipJob’s blog .

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• Resume and Cover Letter
• 11 Best Communication Skills...

11 Best Communication Skills for Your Resume (With Examples)

11 min read · Updated on February 13, 2024

Are you properly conveying communication skills in your resume?

When it comes to employment skills, few are more important than the ability to effectively communicate with others. No matter your profession, chances are that you'll need some level of communication skill to interact with co-workers, managers, subordinates, and customers. As a result, employers who are evaluating potential hires always want to see evidence of communication skills in a resume.

But which communication skills should you include in your resume to make the best possible impression on employers?

In this post, we'll explain why you need to highlight these skills in your resume, examine 11 of the top communication skills, and offer tips to help you demonstrate those abilities. We'll also provide examples that show you how to include this critical information.

Why should you include communication skills in your resume?

While your hard skills - specific, measurable, job-related abilities - typically form the core of any job description's required qualifications, soft skills cannot be overlooked in your resume. In fact, those interpersonal abilities can play a significant role in any hiring decision that involves two otherwise equally competent candidates. If you're competing for a job against someone with equivalent technical capabilities and experience, that difference in soft skills may determine who gets hired.

When you include communication skills in your resume, you're letting an employer know that you have interpersonal abilities that can make you a valuable member of their team. That's an important consideration for any employer, of course. Companies want new hires who can do more than just fulfill their duties; they want team players who fit well within their organization.

Related post : The Essential Steps of Your Communication Process

Types of communication skills

It's important to understand what we mean when we talk about communication skills. For our purposes, we can categorize these skills into three distinct types:

Verbal skills . These communication skills include everything from conveying information or persuading others to public speaking and dealing with customer complaints.

Written skills . Many jobs require the ability to write in a concise and informative manner. These skills can include everything from informal emails to professional briefs, client presentations, and detailed reports for superiors.

Interpersonal skills . The third type of communication skill involves all those abilities that you use to interact with others. They can include things like empathy, active listening, and conflict resolution.

  What are the top 11 communication skills employers want to see?

Below are 11 of the top communication skills for resumes. As you might expect, there are many others that you might want to consider as well. However, these 11 skills are among the most sought-after that employers are looking for in job candidates.

1.     Active listening

Active listening is a prized communication skill. This ability goes well beyond simply hearing what others say, and instead involves the ability to actively understand their message. People with these skills can connect with others, build trust, and participate in collaborative problem-solving efforts.

Active listening includes a host of other skills, including the ability to ask probing questions, provide nonverbal and verbal cues that show that you're paying attention, and paraphrase what you're hearing to confirm your understanding of the message.

Related post : What are the Types of Listening Skills? 8 Types Explained

2.     Empathy

Empathy is a vital interpersonal trait and one of the most important leadership communication skills. People with empathy tend to be more curious and open-minded, have a keener sense of self-awareness, and are less likely to be hostage to their own natural biases and preconceptions. They value other people's perspectives and are willing to entertain ideas that challenge their beliefs.

3.     Conflict management and resolution

Conflict is an inevitable feature of human interaction - including in the workplace. If you have excellent conflict resolution skills, it's important to highlight them in your resume. Employers will be interested in knowing that you're capable of resolving interpersonal conflict in your work setting, since that can have a direct and positive impact on productivity and workplace harmony.

4.     Presentation skills

There are many jobs that require the ability to make presentations to superiors, customers, shareholders, or even coworkers. Good presentation skills enable you to compellingly convey information to others, persuade them to consider your point of view, or simply keep your target audience apprised of relevant developments.

5.     Writing skills

Effective writing skills are important in virtually every industry and a wide variety of roles. Obviously, many jobs will require simple writing tasks like composing emails, but there are a whole host of other writing abilities that employers may be looking for. These can include everything from legal briefs or technical writing to advertising copy, marketing presentations, contract creation, and more. Depending on the job you're seeking, including these important communication skills in your resume could be vital.

6.     Team building

The ability to build and work with teams is another important leadership communication skill for your resume. Whether you're interested in a managerial or executive role, this skill set is something that you'll need to succeed in that leadership position. Effective team builders know how to work with others to solve problems, are skilled in delegating work to competent subordinates, and know how to help team members reach their full potential.

Related post : 20 Key Leadership Competencies for Success (Plus Tips!)

7.     Motivation

Employers also appreciate candidates who possess useful motivational skills. While the ability to set goals, maintain a positive attitude, and rally others to achieve a shared objective is essential for leadership, it can also be an invaluable skill for anyone who works in a collaborative setting. By including these communication skills in your resume, you can ensure that employers recognize your ability to inspire others and drive productivity in the workplace.

Related post : 6 Qualities of Managers Who Practice Inspiring Leadership

8.     Openness to feedback

Hiring managers also want to see that you're capable of receiving feedback, whether it's constructive criticism or praise. These skills reflect a commitment to teamwork and continual improvement, both of which are highly prized by today's employers. It's a bonus if you're also adept at providing feedback to others. That desire to develop as an employee and help others to reach their full potential can make you an attractive candidate for many jobs.

9.     Honesty

You might not think of honesty as a communication skill, but it is. Whether you're an entry-level worker or a manager, it's important for others to know that they can trust your words. Of course, honesty encompasses more than just being truthful. It also includes character traits like trustworthiness, responsibility, accountability, and reliability. Honest people are seen as authentic and confident, traits that all good leaders possess.

10.  Emotional intelligence

As the workplace has grown more complex in recent years, hiring managers have placed greater emphasis on employees' emotional intelligence. That's a fancy term that simply describes your ability to manage your own emotions, understand your own interactions with others, and use that knowledge and insight to control stress, relate to others, communicate in a clear and effective way, and manage conflict.

People with high emotional intelligence often excel at interpersonal relations in the workplace and tend to be competent leaders. Their ability to recognize their own emotions and the feelings of others around them can help them to make more informed decisions. Including examples of your use of emotional intelligence can help to highlight those critical interpersonal communication skills in your resume.

11.  Negotiating

Negotiation skills are also highly prized in most industries, so make sure that you highlight these abilities in your resume too. Successful negotiators are adept at problem-solving, persuasive communication, and conflict resolution - skills that are useful in nearly every industry. Include an achievement in your professional experience section that highlights your negotiation skills, demonstrating how those abilities provided measurable value to a previous employer. 

Tips you can use to highlight these skills in your resume

Of course, being familiar with these different communication skills is just the first step. You also need to know how to highlight them in your resume. The following tips can help you with that process.

Match your skills to keywords in the job posting

Always make sure that you review the job posting to identify specific communication-related skills that are listed as job requirements. Wherever possible, use those exact terms in your resume as you describe various communication skills that you've used in previous jobs. That will help to ensure that your resume is found by an applicant tracking system when an employer conducts a search.

Focus on measurable achievements

Don't just say that you have certain communication skills. Show that you have them by including them as achievements in your resume summary or professional experience section. Make sure that you describe how you used those skills to produce measurable value for your employer. Use real numbers to help the reader understand the type of value you can provide as a potential hire.

Always be brief and to the point

Brevity is important, since hiring managers often sift through dozens or even hundreds of resumes. Make sure that you highlight communication skills and other abilities as concisely as possible to optimize space in your resume. Remember also that your writing skills will be on full display as you create the resume, so you probably won't need to spend much time boasting about them.

Communication skills: resume examples you can use

As we noted, there are several ways that you can highlight communication skills in your resume. You can include mention of them in your resume summary, list several within your core competencies section, and highlight examples of their use in your professional experience section. Below are some examples to show you how this is done.

Communication skills in your resume summary

Detail-oriented Office Manager with 10 years of experience managing office operations and interdepartmental communications. Managed 21-person team responsible for accounts totaling $123 million a year. Researched, drafted, and implemented interoffice communication changes that reduced waste by 22%, expedited internal processing and increased departmental revenue by 19% in the first year.

Communication skills in your skills section

Including these communication skills in your core competencies, or skills, section is a simple matter. Pick the skills that most closely align with the job requirements, and list them in bullet point form alongside other key soft skills and your technical proficiencies. For example:

Copywriting

Email management

Media communications

Presentations

Team building

Training management

Office management

Organization

Time management

Decision-making

Communication skills in your work experience section

When it comes to including your communication skills in a work experience section, you again need to focus on notable achievements. Use real numbers that demonstrate value and create several bullet point accomplishment examples for each job listing in this section. You only need to include a couple of examples of how you used your communication skills, of course, since you'll likely also want to highlight other core job-related skills too. Here are some examples that show how to do this:

Reorganized office information flow to speed up client onboarding and account management, resulting in growth of 12% in client acquisition and an increase of 40% in retention

Created an innovative training program for new office transfers, focused on new skills and employee growth. Program resulted in 60% drop in employee attrition, contributing to a 13% increase in revenues in the first quarter of implementation

Negotiated resolution to client conflict that saved a $2 million project contract and led to a 30% expansion in business with the customer over the next two years

Related post : 47 Accomplishment Examples for Your Resume: Expert Picks

Achieve job search success by including communication skills in your resume

Much of your resume will be devoted to highlighting your job-related skills and experiences, but that's no reason to neglect these important soft skills. Conveying effective communication skills in your resume can be a terrific way to demonstrate that you're the best candidate for any job, and may be just what you need to differentiate yourself from your competition!

Are you still not sure if you've properly included your communication skills in your resume? Get a free resume review from our team of experts today!

Recommended reading:

Soft Skills Explained - and the Top 7 for Your Resume

What Are Skills? (With Examples and Tips on How to Improve Them)

These 14 Leadership Traits Can Fuel Your Career Success

Related Articles:

Do Hiring Managers Actually Read Cover Letters?

How to Create a Resume With No Education

Why You Lose When You Lie on Your Resume: Learning From Mina Chang

See how your resume stacks up.

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Module 14: Finding a Job

Writing effective cover letters, learning outcome.

• Identify characteristics of an effective cover letter

What Is a Cover Letter?

A cover letter is a letter of introduction, usually three to four paragraphs in length, that you attach to your résumé. It’s a way of introducing yourself to a potential employer and explaining why you are suited for a position. Employers may look for individualized and thoughtfully written cover letters as an initial method of screening out applicants who may lack necessary basic skills or who may not be sufficiently interested in the position.

Often an employer will request or require that a cover letter be included in the materials an applicant submits. There are also occasions when you might submit a cover letter uninvited: for example, if you are initiating an inquiry about possible work or asking someone to send you information or provide other assistance.

With each résumé you send out, always include a cover letter specifically addressing your purpose.

This purpose is to let the receiver know how well you match their needs. It is a careful blend of the direct and persuasive letters you read about earlier in this book.

Characteristics of an Effective Cover Letter

Cover letters should accomplish the following:

• Get the attention of the prospective employer
• Set you apart from any possible competition
• Identify the position you are interested in
• Specify how you learned about the position or company
• Present highlights of your skills and accomplishments
• Reflect your genuine interest
• Please the eye and ear

The following video features three tips on how to create a letter that highlights your strengths and how they are relevant to the employer.

Practice Question

Cover letter resources, contribute.

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If You Want to be Successful, Become a Better Speaker — Follow This 7-Step Process for Effective Speaking Discover the transformative power of mastering presentation skills with this 7-step process.

By Scott Deming • Mar 13, 2024

Key Takeaways

• Whether you're leading a team, pitching to stakeholders, or inspiring at conferences, learn how to communicate with passion, precision, and impact.

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Back in the late 1980s, when I was in the early stages of establishing my advertising agency, an invitation came my way to speak at a Chamber of Commerce event in Upstate New York. I turned it down. At that moment, the idea of declining might have seemed counterintuitive, especially given my aspirations to grow my business.

The reason? I was afraid. Fear held me back from seizing an opportunity that could have propelled my agency forward. Not long after that failed opportunity, a pivotal moment arrived during a staff meeting. A few days after the meeting, my Art Director approached me with feedback that was both unsettling and enlightening. He said that everyone had been confused about a particular topic I had discussed, yet no one felt comfortable confronting me about it.

This incident served as a wake-up call, prompting me to confront my fears and recognize the crucial role effective communication plays in business success. It was clear that if I intended to thrive as a businessperson, especially in a leadership role, mastering the art of public speaking was not just an option — it was a necessity.

Fast forward to today, forty years later. I started and ran a very successful advertising agency for nearly twenty years. I have been speaking and training globally for over twenty years. I can say with 100% certainty that focusing on better presentation skills after that feedback from my employee was the most important career decision I've ever made.

Related: The Complete, 20-Step Guide to Ace Public Speaking

You don't have to be a professional speaker to speak like a professional

Throughout my career, I've had the distinct privilege of coaching aspiring professional speakers as well as numerous executives, guiding them toward becoming not just better communicators but compelling presenters. Whether it's delivering a critical pitch to board members, leading a staff meeting, or captivating an audience at industry conferences, the power to communicate with both passion and precision is paramount. And by precision, I mean far more than just covering bullet points. It's about hitting those crucial, emotionally charged points that truly connect with your audience.

Related: What is a Keynote Speaker and Why Are They Important?

Improving presentation skills is an ongoing process that can significantly enhance a leader's effectiveness and ability to achieve organizational objectives . Here are seven steps to becoming a better presenter and a more effective communicator.

• Understand your audience: Begin by researching and understanding your audience. What are their interests, challenges, and expectations? Tailoring your message to the audience's needs and perspectives increases engagement and impact.
• Master your content: Know your material inside and out. This doesn't mean memorizing your presentation word for word but being comfortable with the content so you can adapt on the fly, answer questions, and engage in meaningful dialogue.
• Practice relentlessly: If possible, practice your presentation multiple times in various settings. This can include practicing in front of a mirror, with a trusted friend or colleague, or recording yourself to review your performance. The goal is to become comfortable with your delivery and refine your pacing, tone, and body language.
• Engage with storytelling: Incorporate storytelling into your presentations. Stories are powerful tools for making complex information understandable and memorable. Use personal anecdotes or hypothetical scenarios that resonate with your audience's experiences.
• Hone your nonverbal communication: Pay attention to your body language , eye contact, and use of space. Nonverbal cues can reinforce your message or, if not managed well, distract from it. Ensure your posture is confident, your gestures are purposeful, and you maintain eye contact with your audience to build a connection.
• Manage nervous energy: Learn techniques to manage anxiety and nervous energy. This can include deep breathing exercises, positive visualization, or a pre-presentation routine that helps you center yourself. Recognize that some nervousness is natural and can be channeled into dynamic energy that enhances your presentation.
• Seek feedback and continuously improve: After each presentation, seek constructive feedback from peers, mentors, or audience members. Reflect on what worked well and what could be improved. Consider working with a coach or joining organizations like Toastmasters International to gain insights and practice in a supportive environment.

By following these steps and committing to continuous improvement, you'll become a better speaker or presenter and a more effective communicator, capable of inspiring and leading others with confidence and clarity.

Related: 10 Public Speaking Hacks I Learned From My TED Talk

Remember, effective public speaking is essential in leadership — it's not just a skill. It's a necessity. Now, let's delve into the key benefits of mastering presentation skills for any leader.

• Influence and persuasion : Effective presentation skills enable leaders to influence their audience's attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors. Persuasive presentations can motivate teams, sway stakeholders, and drive organizational change. A leader who is a compelling presenter can better advocate for their vision , inspire action and garner support for initiatives.
• Clarity and direction : Leaders often need to communicate complex information, strategies, and visions to a diverse audience. Being a better presenter helps ensure that messages are delivered clearly and concisely, reducing misunderstandings and aligning the team with organizational goals. Clear presentations help demystify complex issues and provide a roadmap for what needs to be done.
• Credibility and trust : Presentation skills are directly tied to a leader's credibility. Leaders who present confidently and effectively are more likely to be perceived as knowledgeable and competent. This perception builds trust within the team and among stakeholders, which is essential for effective leadership and collaboration.
• Engagement and inspiration : Dynamic presentation skills help leaders engage their audience emotionally and intellectually. By being a better presenter, a leader can connect with their audience on a personal level, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose. This engagement is crucial for inspiring teams and driving them to embrace challenges and achieve goals.
• Adaptability and impact : Leaders must be able to tailor presentations to different audiences and situations. Effective presenters can adjust their message, tone, and delivery to suit the situation, whether they're motivating a team, pitching to investors, or speaking at a large conference. This adaptability maximizes the impact of their communication, ensuring that their messages resonate broadly and drive desired outcomes.

In conclusion, becoming an exceptional presenter is a personal and professional evolution, marking a leader's commitment to excellence and influence. It's a path that amplifies a leader's effectiveness and elevates the entire organization. For leaders aiming to leave a lasting imprint on their teams, stakeholders, and industry, refining presentation skills is not just a strategy — it's a mission. As we've seen, the benefits are clear, transformative, and within reach for those ready to embrace the challenge and harness the power of truly impactful communication.

Entrepreneur Leadership Network® Contributor

Speaker, Trainer, Author

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

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More From Forbes

5 good work skills for leaders to include in their resume in 2024.

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While all leadership skills are essential, some are more critical to job search and career success ... [+] than others, therefore this weighting should reflect you in your resume

How exactly does one select the most essential and mission-critical work skills to include in a resume for a leadership position?

Being a leader or manager is a tall order, and identifying the most appropriate and essential skills to showcase throughout one's resume when applying for a managerial or leadership role is perhaps the most difficult decision to make in your job search. This is because you will need to know what's important to include, and what can be omitted and better discussed at the interview stage. So it's a careful balancing act.

Now of course, you should always include the core competencies listed in the job advert, so that your resume passes through ATS (applicant tracking systems that recruiters use to sift out resumes) and demonstrates that you are a matching candidate based on the keywords.

However, if you are planning on eliminating any extra skills from your master resume copy, be certain that you do not remove any evidence or mention of the following work skills:

1. Analytical Decision-Making

Analytical skills are the backbone of confident decision making as a leader, and is number two in the World Economic Forum's list of "skills on the rise" in their Future of Jobs 2023 report , with almost 72% of organizations considering it of high importance when evaluating new hires.

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When you make a decision, and have the data to create the rationale underpinning it, this inspires your employer, team, and stakeholders with confidence and trust that you know what you're doing and are acting in the best interest of your organization and industry.

Reflect on examples of times when you have used your analysis of data to inform conclusions or decisions within your role, and ask yourself, What was the quantifiable impact of this in the long term? Scatter examples of where you've demonstrated analytical decision-making skills throughout your resume.

2. Communication Skills

Every professional needs to have good communication skills to cope with a range of environments, as we interact and engage with people within the constraints of our roles every day, though some may need to improve their communication skills to a greater or less degree.

As a leader, it's even more imperative to ensure your communication skills are above par, and that this is listed as a skill in your resume. Additionally, be intentional about incorporating examples of where you've demonstrated exceptional communication and its impact throughout your professional profile and work experience sections.

For instance, a good way to talk about your communication skills would be to relate how you are adept at adapting your communication style to the individual, at all levels of an organization. You can also mention how you are a clear and confident communicator, or how you motivate and coach your team within your one-to-one performance reviews, or how you chair weekly meetings.

These are just a few examples of how you can showcase communication in your resume.

3. Performance Coaching And Team Management

As workplaces evolve, so are leadership styles. There is a stronger focus on people-centered, morally-based leadership styles such as coaching, transformative leadership, and leading with emotional intelligence and empathy.

Any organization who is forward-thinking and seeking to achieve a cohesive company culture will be mindful of what leaders and managers they bring in from external sources, and how they can affect the workplace dynamics. This means you will need to ensure that your skills and experience sections highlight your dominant leadership style(s), and includes phrases such as "coaching" and "boosted morale and performance by X%".

4. Technology

It's not merely soft or "power" skills and leadership qualities that need to be included. You need to make mention of any technology or software that you are familiar with, or have a working knowledge of. It might be hard to do this initially, beyond the commonly used Microsoft Office suite perhaps, so allocate some quiet time to list in detail every software tool you've used at work—which you probably take for granted.

And don't forget to take advantage of this opportunity to highlight if you have any AI skills or knowledge, particularly with generative AI applications. Organizations are beginning to prioritize up-skilling their workers this year with understanding how to apply artificial intelligence, so any existing knowledge and experience you may bring will be helpful and enable you to stand out in your job application.

5. Adaptability

Last but not least, you need to include adaptability and resilience as a skill in your resume for a leadership or management role.

This skill, which was named LinkedIn's top "skill of the moment" for 2024, means that you are able to adjust to change and risk, and lead your team and organization to navigate these challenges effectively.

Data analysis build trust in you as a leader and helps you feel confident in your decision-making

All five of these skills are non-negotiables for your resume and job application. But it's essential to remember to not slip into the trap of copying and pasting them verbatim and assuming the job is done. You need to not only list these skills in your skills highlights section, but you should take it a step further and give context to each skill, proving your leadership potential and philosophy to attract your next employer and persuade them to call you for an interview.

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75 Sample Phrases and 3 Examples of Manager Cover Letters

By Status.net Editorial Team on March 7, 2024 — 15 minutes to read

Crafting an effective manager cover letter can dramatically increase your chances of landing an interview. This document is your first opportunity to showcase your leadership skills, industry knowledge, and personal qualifications. Whether you’re applying for a role in project management, retail management, or any leadership position, your cover letter should be tailored to demonstrate your ability to handle the specific responsibilities of the job.

Writing a strong cover letter means highlighting your achievements and how they align with the job description. You should detail experiences that show your expertise in managing teams, overseeing projects, and driving results. Your cover letter is also a chance to express your enthusiasm for the role and explain why you’re a good fit for the company’s culture.

Understanding the Manager Role

Key responsibilities.

In any organization, your responsibilities as a manager include overseeing operations, leading a team, and ensuring that your department or group meets its goals. You’ll be expected to plan, execute, and track projects to successful completion. Examples of specific responsibilities might include:

• Setting goals: You define objectives for your team that align with the company’s strategy.
• Delegating tasks: You identify the strengths of your team members and assign tasks accordingly.
• Performance monitoring: You evaluate both team and individual performance and provide feedback.

Essential Skills

To be successful in a manager role, certain skills are fundamental. These skills enable you to perform your responsibilities effectively. Key skills include:

• Leadership: Your ability to motivate and guide your team is paramount.
• Communication: You need to be able to clearly convey information and instructions as well as listen to feedback.
• Problem-solving: You’ll often find yourself in situations where quick thinking and decision-making is required to resolve issues.

Having a firm grasp of these roles and skills will help you create a compelling cover letter that demonstrates your suitability for a managerial position. Try to provide real-world examples that illustrate how you’ve successfully applied these skills in your past experiences.

Crafting Your Cover Letter

When you apply for a managerial position, your cover letter is your opportunity to make a memorable first impression. Here’s how to personalize and tailor your message to stand out.

Addressing the Hiring Manager

Start with a personal touch by addressing the hiring manager directly:

• “Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],”
• “Hello [Hiring Manager’s Name],”
• “To [Hiring Manager’s Name],”
• “Good day [Hiring Manager’s Name],”
• “Greetings [Hiring Manager’s Name],”
• “Hi [Hiring Manager’s Name],”
• “[Hiring Manager’s Name], I am writing to you because…”
• “I hope this message finds you well, [Hiring Manager’s Name].”
• “[Hiring Manager’s Name], I am excited to connect with you regarding…”
• “I have been looking forward to discussing with you, [Hiring Manager’s Name],”

Opening Statement

Your opening statement should grab attention and introduce your intent:

• “I am thrilled to apply for the role of [Managerial Position].”
• “I’ve always admired [Company’s Name] and am excited about the [Managerial Position].”
• “With a proven track record in [Industry], I am eager to bring my experience to [Company’s Name].”
• “The chance to lead your team as a [Managerial Position] intrigues me because…”
• “Applying for [Managerial Position] at [Company’s Name] feels like a natural next step in my career.”
• “Your opening for [Managerial Position] immediately caught my eye.”
• “I am keen to leverage my skills in [Specific Skill] to benefit [Company’s Name].”
• “With [Number] years of experience, I am well-prepared to meet [Company’s Name]’s challenges.”
• “Aligning with [Company’s Name]’s values, I see a great fit for the role of [Managerial Position].”
• “Harnessing my expertise in [Specialization], I am interested in the opportunity at [Company’s Name].”

Why You’re the Best Fit

Demonstrate why you are the ideal candidate for the position:

• “My background in [Specific Sector] uniquely positions me to lead [Company’s Name]’s team.”
• “Having led a team of [Number], I understand the importance of [Specific Skill].”
• “Driving [Specific Result] at [Previous Company] prepares me to contribute similarly to [Company’s Name].”
• “Your mission to [Company’s Mission] resonates with my professional philosophy because…”
• “I am adept at [Specific Skill], which aligns with the needs of the [Managerial Position].”
• “My hands-on experience with [Specific Tools/Software] would be an asset to your team.”
• “An increase of [Specific Statistic] under my leadership is testament to my managerial capabilities.”
• “My ability to [Specific Achievement] fits perfectly with the responsibilities of the role.”
• “[Unique Personal Attribute] is something I bring to the table, enhancing team dynamics.”
• “I am deeply committed to continuous improvement, a key aspect for the [Managerial Position].”

Highlighting Your Achievements

When crafting your manager cover letter, you want to draw attention to the professional milestones you’ve reached during your career. Here’s how you can highlight your achievements in a way that is upfront and engaging.

Start by quantifying your accomplishments to make a stronger impression. This means specifying numbers, percentages, or other figures that accurately represent the impact you’ve made in previous roles.

• Boosted sales by 20% within the first quarter of implementation.
• Reduced operational costs by 15% through strategic supplier negotiations.
• Spearheaded a project that increased customer satisfaction ratings by 25%.
• Led a team of 10 and successfully completed 4 major projects on time.
• Implemented a new CRM system, increasing lead conversion rates by 30%.

Next, demonstrate how you have excelled in leadership roles by providing concrete examples.

• Directed a cross-functional team to streamline workflow processes.
• Mentored 5 junior managers who have since been promoted.
• Orchestrated the turnaround of an underperforming department.
• Established and led weekly team meetings that enhanced project communication.
• Initiated a leadership workshop that developed the skills of 15 team members.

Lastly, showcase innovations or initiatives you have introduced in your past roles. Share the outcomes to paint a picture of your creativity and strategic thinking.

• Created an employee incentive program that reduced turnover by 20%.
• Designed a customer feedback system that identified key areas for improvement.
• Launched a cost-saving initiative that saved the company $50K annually.
• Pioneered a digital marketing strategy that doubled online engagement.
• Developed a risk management plan that mitigated potential losses by 40%.

You can tailor these examples to suit your own experiences and the job you’re applying for. Personalizing your cover letter is key to showing your potential employer why you’re the perfect fit for the position.

Conveying Leadership Qualities

When you’re writing a cover letter for a managerial position, showcasing your leadership skills is key to standing out. Your cover letter offers a prime opportunity to highlight your ability to lead and inspire teams, manage projects, and drive results.

Start by reflecting on past experiences where you demonstrated leadership. Maybe you spearheaded a project, mentored new team members, or resolved a conflict. Now, think about how you can describe those instances with strong, active verbs and specific details.

• Directed a team of 10 sales associates to exceed sales targets by 15% quarter over quarter.
• Innovated cost-saving measures that reduced operational expenses by 20%, enhancing overall profitability.
• Cultivated a collaborative environment that increased project efficiency and improved team morale.

Communication and Vision

You understand that clear communication and translating your vision into actionable goals are fundamental to leading effectively.

• Articulated strategic objectives that increased market share by 5%.
• Championed a customer service initiative that improved satisfaction ratings by 10%.
• Energized the team by clearly outlining achievable milestones aligned with the company’s vision.

Problem-Solving and Decision-Making

Leaders are often faced with challenges. You show your ability to navigate these with:

• Devised innovative solutions to streamline workflow and increase productivity by 30%.
• Judiciously allocated resources to prioritize high-impact projects and optimize ROI.
• Negotiated key contracts, balancing firmness and fairness, to secure advantageous terms.

Team Building and Development

A true leader knows their team’s value.

• Fostered a culture of continuous learning that reduced staff turnover by 25%.
• Mentored high-potential employees, preparing them for leadership roles and ensuring succession planning.
• Orchestrated team-building activities that reinforced mutual trust and collaboration.

By directly linking your leadership successes to tangible outcomes, you give potential employers a clear glimpse of the value you bring to the table.

Final Touches

In crafting your manager cover letter, the final enhancements you make can be pivotal to leaving a lasting impression. These tweaks ensure your cover letter is action-oriented and ends on a courteous, professional note.

Call to Action

The call to action in your cover letter encourages the hiring manager to move forwards with your application. It’s important to convey your excitement about the job and to invite further discussion.

• “I look forward to the possibility of discussing how I can contribute to your team.”
• “Please feel free to contact me at your earliest convenience to schedule an interview.”
• “I am excited about the opportunity to discuss my fit for the role in more detail.”
• “I would be thrilled to provide further insights into my approach to management in a personal meeting.”
• “I am eager to discuss how my skills can benefit your company and would welcome an interview at your convenience.”
• “I invite you to consider my application and am available for an interview at your earliest convenience.”
• “I am ready to bring my expertise to your team and would be delighted to discuss this in an interview.”
• “I welcome the chance to explore how I can make a positive impact on your team.”
• “I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss how my experiences align with your needs.”
• “I am available to discuss this exciting opportunity with you at a time that suits your schedule.”

Professional Closing

Closing your cover letter professionally helps maintain a lasting positive impression. Choose a closing that reflects your professionalism and respect for the recipient’s time.

• “Warm regards,”
• “Sincerely,”
• “Best regards,”
• “Kind regards,”
• “With appreciation,”
• “Respectfully,”
• “Thank you for considering my application,”
• “With sincere thanks,”
• “Looking forward to your reply,”
• “Thank you for your time and consideration,”

Integrating these elements into your manager cover letter will likely enhance the document’s effectiveness and increase the probability of securing an interview.

Examples of Manager Cover Letters

When you’re applying for a management position, your cover letter needs to reflect your leadership experience and your ability to meet the demands of the role.

Manager Cover Letter Example 1

Dear (…),

I am writing to express my interest in the [Job Title] position listed on [Where You Found the Job Posting]. With over [Number] years of experience in [Industry or Field], I have developed a comprehensive skill set that I believe aligns perfectly with the goals of [Company Name].

During my time at [Previous Company], I successfully [Specific Achievement or Task], which resulted in [Positive Outcome]. I bring a unique combination of [Skill 1], [Skill 2], and [Skill 3] that I am eager to contribute to your team.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my experience and vision can drive success at [Company Name].

Best regards, [Your Name]

Dear Mr. Smith,

I am writing to express my interest in the General Manager position listed on Linkedin. With over 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry, I have developed a comprehensive skill set that I believe aligns perfectly with the goals of Prestige Hotels & Resorts.

During my time at Oceanview Retreat, I successfully spearheaded a comprehensive staff training program, which resulted in a 40% improvement in guest service satisfaction scores and contributed to a 20% increase in repeat customer visits. I bring a unique combination of strategic leadership, operational excellence, and customer service expertise that I am eager to contribute to your team.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my experience and vision can drive success at Prestige Hotels & Resorts.

Best regards, Jordan Morris

Manager Cover Letter Example 2

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

As an accomplished professional with extensive experience leading teams and driving business growth, I am thrilled to apply for the role of [Job Title] with [Company Name], as advertised on [Where You Found the Job Posting]. My [Number] years in [Industry or Field] have equipped me with a solid foundation in [Related Field or Skill], making me a strong fit for your company’s exciting goals.

At [Previous Company], one of my key accomplishments was initiating a [Specific Project or Initiative] that enhanced [Specific Aspect of the Business], leading to [Quantifiable Result or Achievement]. This experience honed my skills in [Skill 1], [Skill 2], and [Skill 3], all of which are directly relevant to the [Job Title] role.

I am particularly drawn to the opportunity at [Company Name] because of its commitment to [Something You Admire About the Company]. I am enthusiastic about the chance to bring my unique blend of skills and experience to contribute to your team’s success.

Enclosed is my resume for your review. I am looking forward to the possibility of discussing this exciting opportunity with you. Thank you for considering my application.

Warmest regards, [Your Name]

Dear Ms. Thompson,

As an accomplished professional with extensive experience leading teams and driving business growth, I am thrilled to apply for the role of Regional Sales Manager with Apex Dynamics, as advertised on your company careers page. My 12 years in sales and marketing have equipped me with a solid foundation in customer relationship management, making me a strong fit for your company’s exciting goals.

At Global Tech, one of my key accomplishments was initiating a targeted outreach program that enhanced our market share in the Midwest region, leading to a 25% increase in annual sales revenue. This experience honed my skills in strategic planning, team motivation, and market analysis, all of which are directly relevant to the Regional Sales Manager role.

I am particularly drawn to the opportunity at Apex Dynamics because of its commitment to innovation and excellence in the industry. I am enthusiastic about the chance to bring my unique blend of skills and experience to contribute to your team’s success.

Warmest regards, Daniel Smith

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Manager Cover Letter Example For Career Changers

If you’re shifting into a management role from a different career, your cover letter should highlight your transferable skills and enthusiasm for the new field:

The opportunity to work as [Job Title] at [Company Name] excites me due to my strong interest in transitioning into [Industry or Field]. Despite my background in [Previous Industry or Field], I possess skills that are highly applicable to management roles, including [Transferable Skill 1], [Transferable Skill 2], and [Transferable Skill 3].

My experience at [Previous Company] has taught me the importance of clear communication and team leadership, and I’m skilled in [Relevant Skill or Task]. I am confident in my ability to leverage these skills in a way that benefits your team and propels [Company Name] forward.

Thank you for considering my different background as a strength for the diversity and innovation it can bring to your team. I am keen to bring my passion and unique perspective to [Company Name].

The opportunity to work as Operations Manager at Widget Corp excites me due to my strong interest in transitioning into the technology sector. Despite my background in retail management, I possess skills that are highly applicable to management roles, including strategic planning, team development, and operational efficiency.

My experience at Trendy Apparel Ltd. has taught me the importance of clear communication and team leadership, and I’m skilled in driving sales growth and managing large-scale operations. I am confident in my ability to leverage these skills in a way that benefits your team and propels Widget Corp forward.

Thank you for considering my different background as a strength for the diversity and innovation it can bring to your team. I am keen to bring my passion and unique perspective to Widget Corp.

Best regards, Jane Smith

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45 Strong Career Change Statement Examples

With these templates, you can demonstrate your readiness for the management position, whether you have a traditional background or are taking a bold step into new territory. Tailor these examples to fit your experiences and the specific job you’re applying for.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the essential components of a cover letter for a management role.

Your cover letter should start with a personal greeting and an engaging opening paragraph. You’ll want to highlight your leadership experience, communication skills, and problem-solving abilities. Tailoring your cover letter to the job description ensures you’re addressing the specific needs of the company.

How can someone craft an effective manager cover letter when they lack prior experience?

Focus on your transferable skills that are relevant to the management role, such as team coordination, project planning, or any leadership roles you’ve handled in other contexts. Use examples of times you’ve led a project or motivated a team to achieve certain goals, even if it wasn’t in a conventional workplace setting.

What tips can help when writing a cover letter for a promotion within the same company?

You should build on your existing knowledge of company processes and culture. Detail specific achievements in your current role and how they’ve prepared you for new responsibilities. Demonstrate your commitment to the organization’s goals and your readiness to step into a more challenging position.

Where can one find free templates or samples for management cover letters?

Many online resources offer free templates and samples for manager cover letters, such as career advice websites, job boards, and university career centers. These samples can help you see different formatting options and give you ideas for structuring your own cover letter.

What content should be included in a manager’s cover letter when applying for a hotel position?

When applying for a hotel management position, be sure to discuss your customer service skills, ability to manage and coordinate staff, and experiences with hospitality management. Emphasize any experience you have managing budgets and any specific hotel industry knowledge you possess.

How should one structure an application letter for the post of a manager?

Your application letter should include an engaging introduction, a body that highlights your management skills and achievements, and a closing paragraph where you express your enthusiasm for the role. Always thank the reader for their time and include a professional closing.

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