How do you use keywords and SEO techniques in your cover letter for online job boards?

When you apply for a job online, you want your cover letter to stand out from the crowd and catch the attention of the hiring manager. But how do you do that when there are hundreds of other applicants competing for the same position? One way is to use keywords and SEO techniques in your cover letter to optimize it for online job boards. In this article, you will learn how to identify and use relevant keywords, how to format and structure your cover letter for SEO, and how to avoid common pitfalls and mistakes.

1 What are keywords and why are they important?

Keywords are words or phrases that describe your skills, qualifications, and achievements that match the job description and the employer's needs. They are important because they help online job boards and applicant tracking systems (ATS) to scan and rank your cover letter based on how well you fit the criteria. Keywords also help the hiring manager to quickly see if you have what they are looking for and why you are a good candidate for the job.

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Maiya Litvina 🦄

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To effectively utilize keywords, conduct a thorough analysis of the job description and the company's website to identify specific terminology used in the industry. Integrate these keywords into your resume and cover letter naturally, avoiding overload. This will help your resume pass through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and attract the employer's attention. Additionally, participate in professional seminars and webinars to stay updated on industry changes and refresh your list of keywords.

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Paul Guilhamon

Co-founder @ jobRxiv - Working to improve the scientific ecosystem | Computational Biologist
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First, don't keyword-stuff your CV or cover letter in an attempt to 'beat' some often-fictional robot scanner. This should not be over-complicated: read the job description, make sure you mention how your experience relates to the required skills/experience. In the case of technical skills or industry-specific 'jargon', it is helpful to use the same terms as were used in the job description to make sure the person reading your application (who may not be an expert in your field) makes the connection easily.

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2 How to find and use relevant keywords

To find relevant keywords, you need to do some research on the job posting, the company, and the industry. Look for words or phrases that are repeated, emphasized, or listed as requirements or preferences. For example, if you are applying for a marketing manager position, some keywords might be: digital marketing, SEO, analytics, content creation, social media, etc. You can also use tools like Google Trends, Keyword Planner, or WordStream to find related keywords and synonyms. To use keywords effectively, you need to incorporate them naturally and strategically into your cover letter. Don't just list them or stuff them randomly. Use them to highlight your achievements, skills, and value proposition. For example, instead of saying "I have experience in digital marketing", you could say "I increased website traffic by 50% through SEO and content creation strategies".

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3 How to format and structure your cover letter for SEO

Formatting and structuring your cover letter for SEO is essential to make it easily readable and scannable for online job boards and ATS. To achieve this, use a clear, professional font such as Arial or Times New Roman in a font size of 10 or 12 points, with standard margins, spacing, and alignment. Additionally, avoid using graphics, images, or colors that could be distracting or confusing for the ATS. Additionally, include a simple and consistent header with your name, contact information, and the date. Address your cover letter to a specific person if possible, or use a generic salutation such as "Dear Hiring Manager" or "To Whom It May Concern". Start with a catchy and concise opening paragraph that introduces yourself, states the position you are applying for, and summarizes your main qualifications and interest in the company. Use 2-3 body paragraphs to expand on your relevant skills, achievements, and fit for the role; use keywords and examples to support your claims. End with a strong and polite closing paragraph that restates your interest, expresses your appreciation, and invites the reader to contact you for further discussion or an interview. Sign off with a professional closing such as "Sincerely" or "Best Regards", followed by your name.

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CDC Barnishikha At ADA

Career Strategist | Job Search Consultant | Certified Resume Writer & Interview Coach | Networking Essentials Author | Academic Writing & Publishing Consultant | Portfolio & Presentation Expert | Topmate 1%
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Formatting and structuring your cover letter for search engine optimization (SEO) is vital to ensure it is easily readable and scannable for online job boards and applicant tracking systems (ATS). Start by using a clear and professional font, such as Arial or Calibri, and ensure adequate spacing between paragraphs for better readability. Divide your cover letter into distinct sections, including an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion, to make it easier for recruiters to navigate. Additionally, incorporate relevant keywords and phrases related to the job position and industry throughout your cover letter to increase its visibility on online platforms and improve its chances of being picked up by ATS.

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4 How to avoid common pitfalls and mistakes

In order to improve your chances of getting noticed and landing an interview, using keywords and SEO techniques in your cover letter is essential. Remember to proofread and edit for spelling, grammar, punctuation, and clarity. Additionally, avoid copying and pasting from another source or using a generic template; instead, customize your cover letter for each job and company, and show off your personality and voice. Use action verbs, quantifiable results, and specific details to showcase your accomplishments and skills. Additionally, make sure not to make your cover letter too long or too short; aim for one page or less with 3-4 paragraphs that cover the main points. Lastly, follow the instructions and guidelines of the online job board or ATS. Use the appropriate file format such as PDF or Word and include relevant keywords or phrases in the file name and subject line.

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5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How do you use keywords and SEO techniques in your cover letter for online job boards?

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1 What are keywords and why are they important?

2 How to find and use relevant keywords

3 How to format and structure your cover letter for SEO

4 How to avoid common pitfalls and mistakes

5 Here’s what else to consider

Job Search Strategies

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How do you use keywords and SEO techniques in your cover letter for online job boards?

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2

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4

5

1 What are keywords and why are they important?

2 How to find and use relevant keywords

3 How to format and structure your cover letter for SEO

4 How to avoid common pitfalls and mistakes

5 Here’s what else to consider

Job Search Strategies

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