How to Write an ATS-Friendly Cover Letter That Gets Noticed

You've spent hours perfecting your resume for the Applicant Tracking System (ATS). But what about your cover letter? Many job seekers don't realize that the ATS scans your cover letter too. A poorly formatted or keyword-lacking cover letter can get your entire application downgraded.

Here's how to write a cover letter that not only pleases the ATS but also captivates the human reader.

Key Insight:

According to a Jobscan study, 63% of recruiters say a great cover letter can convince them to interview a candidate they were otherwise unsure about. It's your chance to tell your story.

Rule #1: Formatting for the ATS#

The ATS is not sophisticated. It can be easily confused by complex formatting.

• Keep it Simple: Avoid columns, tables, and text boxes. A single-column layout is best.
• Use Standard Fonts: Stick to fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.
• No Header/Footer Info: Don't put your contact information in the document's header. The ATS might not read it. Put it directly in the body of the letter.
• Submit as a .PDF or .docx: Unless the application specifies otherwise, these are the safest formats.

Rule #2: Keywords are Still King#

Just like your resume, your cover letter must be tailored with keywords from the job description.

How to Incorporate Keywords:

1. Analyze the Job Description: Identify the key skills and qualifications.
2. Mirror the Language: If the description asks for "experience in digital marketing," use that exact phrase, not just "marketing experience."
3. Weave Them Naturally: Don't just list keywords. Weave them into the narrative of your letter.

Example: Job Description Keyword: "strong project management skills"

In your cover letter:

"In my previous role, I honed my strong project management skills by leading a project from conception to launch, which resulted in a 20% increase in team efficiency."

The ATS-Friendly Cover Letter Template#

Here is a structure that works for both the ATS and the human reader.

[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number] | [Your Email Address] | [Your LinkedIn Profile URL]

[Date]

[Hiring Manager Name] (If you can find it, otherwise use their title)
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]

**Re: [Job Title] Application**

Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Last Name],

**Paragraph 1: The Hook**
Start with your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention the specific job title you are applying for. Briefly introduce yourself and highlight 1-2 of your most impressive qualifications that match the job description.

**Paragraph 2: The Pitch (Body Paragraphs)**
This is where you connect your experience to the company's needs. Pick 2-3 key requirements from the job description and dedicate a short paragraph to each. Use the "Problem-Action-Result" framework to tell a mini-story about how you've successfully used that skill. This is where you'll naturally include your keywords.

**Paragraph 3: The "Why Us?" Paragraph**
Show that you've done your research. Mention something specific about the company that excites you—their mission, a recent project, their company culture. This shows you're not just mass-applying and that you have a genuine interest.

**Paragraph 4: The Closing**
Reiterate your interest and enthusiasm. State your confidence in your ability to succeed in the role. Include a call to action, such as "I am eager to discuss how my experience in [Key Skill] can benefit your team."

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Related Resources#

• The Job Search Checklist: Everything You Need Before You Apply
• Keywords Are King: How to Find and Use the Right Keywords for Any Job Description
• Crafting the Perfect Resume Summary/Objective: Stand Out in 6 Seconds

Applyr.co can help you identify the key skills and keywords you need for both your resume and cover letter. Get started today!