Your cover letter will often be screened by Applicant Tracking Systems before it reaches the human eye. These systems screen for keywords and qualifications. It’s difficult to strike the right balance between optimizing your cover letter for algorithms and maintaining an engaging, natural tone.
Cover Letters and ATS Systems
Many job seekers are aware that ATS systems scan resumes, but few are aware that they also analyze cover letters. Modern ATS systems evaluate cover letters by:
- Keywords related to job descriptions can be found by scanning the text.
- Industry-specific terminology
- Evidence of skills and qualifications
- Assessment of the overall relevance of the position
According to studies, 75% of resumes are never reviewed by a human because they’re filtered by ATS. Cover letters are another way to include keywords that will increase your chances.
Find the right keywords with keyword research
The first step to ATS optimization involves identifying the keywords that should be included. Here’s how to do it in a systematic way:
1. Analyze the job description
Start by reading carefully the job description and underlining:
- Skills and Qualifications Required
- Terminology specific to the industry
- Mentioned software or tools
- Recurring words and phrases
- Values and Culture Indicators of a Company
Term repetitions are important for ATS optimization. They indicate that the employer is likely to be focusing on these terms.
2. Research the Company
You can go beyond the job description to:
- Look at the website of the company to see what terminology is used by them to describe their services/products
- You can find out more about their values by reading the mission statement or about page.
- You can find similar employees by checking LinkedIn profiles
3. Industry Standards Analysis
Include industry standard terminology, particularly for:
- Certifications and technical skills
- Methodologies, approaches and methodologies
- Terms of compliance and regulation
Strategic Keyword Placement
It is important to place keywords in the right places for both natural flow and ATS optimization.
Opening Paragraph
Include 1-2 keywords that are important early in the letter. These keywords should be related to the title of the position and your main qualifications.
Example: “With my five years’ experience in Digital Marketing, and a track record for developing successful Search Engine Optimization strategies I was thrilled to discover the position of Marketing Manager at XYZ Company.”
Body Paragraphs
Include your most important keywords in your main body, which should be woven naturally into your descriptions of experiences and accomplishments.
Example: At ABC Inc. I led cross-functional team to implement data driven campaigns that increased conversion rate by 45% and reduced customer acquisition costs of 30%.
Final Paragraph
Reinforce 1-2 key words that are aligned with your company’s culture or values.
Example: “I am particularly attracted to XYZ’s commitment to innovative solutions and client-centric solutions. These values have guided my professional approach.”
Avoid “Keyword Stuffing”.
Modern ATS systems and human readers can detect “keyword stuffing.” How to optimize while maintaining authenticity:
- Use context.Surround keywords by relevant content to demonstrate understanding
- Variate terminology:Use synonyms, related terms and exact matches in addition to the original term
- Prioritize Readability:Rephrase or reconsider a sentence if a keyword is making it awkward.
- Give evidence:Support keyword mentions and achievements with specific examples.
Keep your voice and readability personal
It is important to create a cover that will pass ATS screening and still connect with readers. These techniques help:
Tell Your Story
As you describe your career journey, use keywords to frame your experience.
Use Concrete Examples
Specific examples engage readers and provide opportunities for keywords to be included in context.
Read Aloud Test
After optimization, read your cover letter aloud. Revise any parts that sound robotic or unnatural.
Personalize beyond Keywords
Include references to your company and any personal connections you have that show genuine interest.
Use Our Tool for Balanced Optimizing
CoverLetterGenerator.co is designed to strike the perfect balance between ATS optimization and human appeal:
- The algorithm will identify keywords relevant to both your resume as well as the job description.
- Natural language processing ensures that keywords are contextually incorporated
- The generated letter has a conversational style and includes optimal keyword density
- The letter can be further personalized while still maintaining the ATS-friendly format.
The conclusion of the article is:
With CoverLetterGenerator.co, you don’t have to choose between ATS optimization and compelling writing. CoverLetterGenerator.co’s technology allows you to create cover letters that pass digital screening as well as connect with hiring managers.
Optimizing your cover letters for ATS in today’s competitive market is not an option, but a necessity. This technical requirement does not mean that you have to sacrifice your voice. Understanding how ATS systems function, researching and placing keywords strategically, and focusing your cover letter on natural language flow will help you create a document that impresses algorithms as well as humans.
Keep in mind that your ultimate goal for your cover letter should be to make a connection with the hiring supervisor. ATS optimization will get you in the door. But your unique story, and your genuine passion for the job are what will land you an interview.