Created by CakeYou'll learn: How to write a BI resume: 6 Basic StepsWhat to include in a business intelligence resume?Advice for making the best business intelligence resume How to write a cover letter for a business intelligence job Business Intelligence Resume Sample (Text Format) The business world is founded on strategic decision-making. What makes the difference between a successful company and a failing one relies on correct and timely decision-making processes. To be able to carry this out, it is essential to have adequate and timely information that supports all the management of the company's operations in an agile and fast way. Business Intelligence (BI) is a set of strategies, technologies, applications focused on the administration and creation of knowledge about our business, through the analysis of data from an organization or company. More concretely, it is the ability to transform data into information, and information into knowledge, so that the decision-making process in business can be optimized.Writing a business intelligence resume requires the best practices available to land that job you desire. It takes its due process to write a BI resume that stands out. This thorough article will help you write a top-notch business intelligence resume. How to write a BI resume: 6 Basic Steps 1. Understand the differences between a CV and a resume. Before proceeding on how to write a resume, we have to distinguish between a business intelligence CV and a business intelligence resume. In several parts of Australia, Asia, and North America, a business intelligence CV is used to present your academic credentials based on your life. A business intelligence resume, on the other hand, highlights your skills and qualifications.A business intelligence CV can be long and extensive detailing your life; while a business intelligence resume can be only one page, sometimes 2 pages. In terms of purpose, a business intelligence CV is ideal for academia or research positions, while a business intelligence resume is preferred for job searching. 2. Choose the right business intelligence resume format. Picking a format for your business intelligence resume relies on the extent of your professional career. Therefore, you need to see which type of BI resume format suits you. The four types of format for a BI resume are: chronological, functional, hybrid/combination, and targeted resumes.Chronological: Emphasizes professional experience and accomplishments.Functional: Emphasizes your skills over work history with skill sets.Hybrid/combination: Combines the chronological format and functional format.Targeted: A resume format tailored for a specific position.📍 A chronological format would be appropriate for your resume if you are a business intelligence specialist with a lot of experience. 📍 For entry-level professionals making a BI resume, you can opt for either a functional resume or a combination format to show your qualities with the experience you have so far. 3. Look up business intelligence resume samples templates online as references. Get inspired by searching a few business intelligence resume examples and note down any elements you find useful. Adapt these elements into your business intelligence resume. 4. Tailor your business intelligence resume for the job position. Tailoring an entry-level business intelligence resume will be quicker due to less trajectory compared to higher levels. However, if you are an experienced job seeker, you will decide what elements are relevant to the job opening when tailoring your business intelligence resume, as experienced BI specialists have a diverse range of work experience. 5. Proofread your business intelligence resume. Double-check your business intelligence resume for any mistakes and avoid including irrelevant information.6. Craft a business intelligence cover letter. Use your cover letter to reach out to employers in order for them to review your business intelligence resume. Cake helpsbusiness intelligencebuild professional resumes! Start from choosing a suitable resume template layout, you can learn from our step-by-step guide to make a perfect business intelligenceresume for free.Create Resume What to include in a business intelligence resume With so much information online, it may be cumbersome to decide what is the best approach for writing the best business intelligence resume. Just like any decision-making process in BI, we have already established the following parts that will take a business intelligence resume to a top form.Resume Header (Contact Information)A resume’s profile section is on top of your business intelligence resume and shall display your full name, email address, phone number, and LinkedIn profile (optional). You can also include a portfolio or personal website if you have one.📝 Note: Make sure your information is up-to-date and do not include personal details such as salary, marital status, religion, etc.Resume HeadlineThe headline in your BI resume is your “value” in one sentence. By value, this means it shows you as an asset towards employers by putting a highlight in your professional career.Business Intelligence Analyst Resume Headline Example:Business Analyst Who Increased Sales by 10% and Decreased Accounts Receivables by 20%Business Intelligence Developer Resume Headline Example:Experienced Business Developer Who Made 100+ High-Quality Project DeliverablesResume SummaryA summary of your qualifications based on prior work experience is ideal for those who have solid work experience. Using a summary over a resume objective in a business intelligence resume is suitable for candidates with vast work experience in the past. In 3-4 lines, highlight your current position title, years of experience, specialization, accomplishments, and skills in the business intelligence resume summary.Business Intelligence Manager Resume SummaryBusiness Manager with 8 years of experience managing and creating reports to analyze the profits and sales of various brands sold to stakeholders and potential retailers. Possess an eye for detail and great interpersonal skills.Business Intelligence Analyst Resume SummaryBI analyst with 3 years of experience in designing and managing projects for past employers, impacting a $2 billion business segment, transforming the company from selling basic retail products to internet marketing services.Resume ObjectiveA resume objective focuses on your career goals and your desire to work in an organization. It is a great way to show how your interests align with the company and how you'll help them accomplish their goals based on the position.Business Intelligence Engineer Resume Objective ExampleDedicated, detail-oriented BI professional with 4 years of experience. Proven track record of evaluating and consolidating request criteria for enhancing the decision-making process and meeting project deadlines. Seeking a job with Atkinson Solutions as a Business Intelligence Engineer to apply data analysis skills in influencing key decisions.Business Intelligence Analyst Resume Objective ExampleBI Analyst with 4 years of experience and a strong background in data model management, performance metric analysis, elaboration of reports, and statistical model development. Looking to use analytics and statistical skills to help the company meet sales targets and inventory placement goals.SkillsIt’s recommended to include both soft skills and hard skills in your business intelligence resume. Here are some examples:Hard SkillsSoft SkillsStrategic PlanningWork under PressureData AnalysisAttention to DetailForecasting PlanningLeadershipRevenue DevelopmentSelf-DrivenPowerBITime ManagementWork ExperienceList, in ascending order, your related work experience in this section. In the following format, you can list each organization you have worked for with details including: Job TitlesName of OrganizationDates of EmploymentDuties and ResponsibilitiesAwards or Accomplishments (if any)Example for a Business Intelligence Resume Work Experience SectionBusiness Intelligence DirectorAtkinson Solutions Nov. 2017 - Apr. 2020 Provided technical advice to more than 150 clients and oversaw clients’ strategic project design. Monitored data processing and modeling to reinforce decision-making in different lines of business developed by the company.Managed and controlled data flow design, functional analysis, and databases.EducationInclude the following details from your educational background for each school you attended: School or UniversityDegree and Major (Bachelor, Master, and Doctoral)Graduation YearHonors Awards (if any)GPA (optional)Relevant Courses (optional)Example University of New Orleans Master’s Degree in Business Administration 2012-2014 📝Follow this layout for each school you attended when making a business intelligence resume. Advice for making the best business intelligence resume To make a top-notch business intelligence resume, here is some advice: Use keywords from the job description.Job requirements include keywords, such as technical skills and expertise in BI, so make sure these terms are in your business intelligence resume. Customize the resume for the job.Modify your business intelligence resume depending on what recruiters are asking, as there are various demands for each job position. For example, a business intelligence manager resume might look very different from a business intelligence engineer resume. Quantify work results in resumes.Measurable achievements demonstrate your capabilities in the field. If you have accomplished any results, write them in your BI resume. Choose an ATS-friendly resume format/layout.ATS (Applicant Software System) is a tool used by employers to check on job applications.Make sure your business intelligence resume is excellent in readability. Use keywords from the job listing and adopt a simple, text-based format so your business intelligence resume can go through the screening process. Use action words (verbs).Using active voice gives an assertive tone to your business intelligence analyst resume. Make sure to use action verbs like the examples in thisverb listto show you are a capable candidate. Mention your field expertise.Business Intelligence (BI) covers a wide range of industries, such as IT, economics, manufacturing, among other fields. Emphasizing your expertise, especially if they are relevant to the job position, will give your business intelligence resume an edge in your application. How to write a cover letter for a business intelligence job A cover letter for a business intelligence position is composed of the following sections: Header: List yourcontact information here. List your name, email, and phone number.Introduction: Give abrief introductionat the beginning of your business intelligence cover letter. It is a huge plus to start with an attention grabber, an opening statement employers would find unique.Intention: Then, proceed to state yourmotivation to applyfor the position and why you think you are a suitable candidate for the organization. If you can also tell how you can relate to the company and how you learn about the opening, that would be a great advantage in a business intelligence cover letter.Body: The next part of a business intelligence cover letter is all aboutqualifications. Describe your past roles and duties, what aspects you were involved in BI, skills obtained, achievements made, and how your past experiences have influenced your professional career. Remember this is a letter, so do not just list your relevant skills as you do in a business intelligence resume.Closing:Reaffirmwhy you are interested in the job, why you’re excited to work in the company, and how you are a good match in your business intelligence cover letter. Finish by letting recruiters know you are looking forward to a response and thank them for reviewing your business intelligence cover letter.Business Intelligence Resume Sample Leonel MistaBI Analyst Who Mentored Over 50 BI Professionals Mobile: (+51) 004-3612Email: leomista@cakeresume.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/leomista Professional Summary Business Analyst with 6 years of experience in understanding and analyzing the business context and processes of organizations in the manufacturing field, with a proven track record of implementing improvements in their business process and applications. Experienced in using SQL software and well-versed in BI common practices. Work ExperienceBusiness Intelligence Analyst, Valvo Company May 2017 - August 2020 Established relationships with key business partners, leading to new business opportunities for the organization.Mentored over 50 junior analysts to enhance work efficiency and performance in the company.Analyzed business requirements and identified needs for change or improvement on business processes and applications. Business Data Analyst, TX CompanyJuly 2014 - April 2017 Improved efficiency by up to 25% in case analysis and implementation of methods.Monitored maintenance and creation of the company’s portal.Developed databases through systems, such as Oracle, to improve process applications and data entries. Education Doctoral Degree in Physical (DPT) and Occupational Therapy School, UCSD, 2010 LanguageEnglishPortuegeseItalian SkillsHard SkillsSoft SkillsData MiningAttention To DetailOracleProblem SolvingData WarehousingCommunicationSQLCritical ThinkingBusiness ProcessesPatient --- Originally written by José J. Rosales ---

Created by CakeIn this article, we'll discuss:Why Recruiters Ask “What Are Your Strengths” Interview QuestionHow to Answer “What Are Your Strengths” in a Job InterviewDos Don’ts When Answering “What Are Your Strengths”How to Know Your Strengths“What Is Your Greatest Strength” Answer SamplesAlong with “Tell me about yourself”, the “What are your strengths?” interview question is one of the most commonly asked questions, regardless of position and industry. The reason is that through an interview, employers expect to find out if you are a better match for the position than other candidates, and asking you to describe your strengths is the most straightforward way to do so. When answering this question, sharing your own strengths for a job could come off as bragging or too modest, if not practiced properly. Therefore, this article shares what strengths to say in an interview, along with some of the best answers for “wWhat is your strength?”, to help you prepare for your next interview.Why Recruiters Ask “What Are Your Strengths” Interview QuestionInterviewers ask this question in job interviews mostly to explore the following 4 things about you. To know your skills/ability. Recruiters are most interested in whether what you’re good at matches well with the responsibilities you have to take on if you get the position. Knowing about what you consider to be your greatest strength will allow them to decide whether or not you are more fitting for the role than other interviewees. To know how you can add value to the company. If you hear the question “What strengths would you bring to our company?”, it becomes more apparent that they want to know the immediate picture of how you will help the company. Those who can answer this question realistically also show that they are serious about the job, and have thought about the responsibilities and how they can contribute through the applied position. To know your communication skills. How you respond when asked “What are your strengths?” will show whether or not you possess on-the-spot, quick-thinking skills, which will be reflected in your response’s structure and flow. For example, recruiters will see if you answered the question clearly, or whether your response is backed by proof or real examples. To know your personality. Interviewers want to know whether you are confident and self-aware by asking you what your strengths are. Many researches have shown that those who indicate confidence performs better at their job, which is obviously preferable for recruiters. On the flip side, those who brag too much about themselves will be labeled as self-centered and unable to work well in a team. How to Answer “What Are Your Strengths” in a Job InterviewBelow are the steps to help you come up with the best answer to this question. Step 1: Identify your own strengths. The most simple way would be to ask yourself, “What are my strengths?”, but more detailed methods will be listed in the ‘How to Know Your Strengths’ part below. The key is to identify and list out several of your top strengths and narrow it down to the 5 strengths you think are most relevant to the job you’re applying for. Step 2: Connect them to job requirements. You are not advertising yourself as the number one candidate in the world. Therefore, remember to look for keywords in the job requirements and connect the strengths you possess to those, informing the recruiters that you are indeed fit for the role. Step 3: Select one or two relevant strengths. When talking about your strengths for a job interview, select one or two strengths that are most significant and needed for the position you’re applying for. It’s better to explain the one or two strengths in detail, than weakly listing out several. Step 4: Provide specific examples and/or details to back them up. Explaining your own strengths will sound very similar to bragging if not backed by evidence. To make a more direct connection between your strengths and the job, describe the impact you have made in your previous role. It’s even stronger if there is solid, accountable proof like statistics or certifications. Dos Don’ts When Answering “What Are Your Strengths”In the following, we share what to do and what not to do when answering the commonly asked “What is your biggest strength?” interview question. Hopefully, you will know what are “good strengths” for a job interview and have a better idea of how to answer “What are your strengths?” that will work in your favor. 💡Be assertive. You want to advertise yourself and be confident in your own strengths, but not to the point of bragging or worse, fabricating strengths just for the sake of passing the interview. 💡 Be specific. Be as specific as you can when sharing your strengths for a job interview, especially if it’s stronger with a specialization. For example, saying that you specialize in “motion design” is better than saying “design”. 💡 Be relevant. Pick out strengths that are needed and important, and will bring value to the position. Start from the posted job description and identify keywords in the ‘job requirements’ section. 💡 Keep your answer under 2 minutes long. Keep in mind to keep your answer to “What are your strengths?” within 1-2 minutes. Recruiters will possibly hear dozens of responses to the same question, so keeping it short and impactful is definitely the best way to go. 💡 Practice until it sounds natural. After strategizing your response with the 4 steps mentioned above, practice until it stays within 2 minutes and sounds “unscripted”. Think of this as a presentation about yourself, and go over the “script” until you’re familiar and ready for follow-up questions. ❌ Don’t be too modest. Be clear and confident about what you’re good at, instead of undermining your own strengths to the point of showing the recruiters that you are unmotivated for the job. ❌ Don’t choose strengths that don’t stand out. Refrain from picking out strengths that are too general, or applicable to all positions. As an example, writing emails and scheduling meetings are skills necessary, but not special in a marketing team leader position. ❌ Don’t give too many strengths without proof to back them up. Anyone can say that they have good teamwork, communication and leadership skills. What differentiates a valid and invalid response is whether there are the greatest strengths’ examples, such as previous related experience to support that it is indeed true. Remember “Quality over quantity.” ❌ Don’t give irrelevant answers. You might be tempted to share skills you excel at, but make sure that it will bring value to the position. A case in point, programming skills are critical for a programmer, but not an English teacher. ❌ Don’t memorize your response like a script. As much as you prepared for this “What is your greatest strength” interview question, you are eventually still talking about yourself. Memorizing and staying too true to the “script” will make you sound like you don’t know about yourself, potentially giving off the vibe that you’re unconfident and under-prepared. How to Know Your StrengthsIf, after asking yourself, “What are my strengths?”, you are still unsure of what to share, here are 3 ways to find out your own strengths. 💭 Go over your resume carefully again. Your resume is, in a way, a summary of your experience. Revisit the things you did, whether related or unrelated to the applied job. For an accountant, ‘volunteering for a stray dogs sanctuary for 7 years’ might look unrelated, but it might mean that you stay loyal to your own principles and are emotionally stable, for example. 💭 Ask your friends and/or family. This is actually the most straightforward method to find out about yourself, as you might be biased or even blind to your own traits or behavior. For instance, the people around will know that you are a compassionate person, without you even being aware of it. 💭 Reflect on analyze your past achievements. If you have any, this is the most accountable example to share with the recruiters. Look back at your past achievements, but focus on ‘what strengths you need to have’ in order to achieve it. It’s impossible to achieve something without utilizing your strengths, so you just have to think backwards to find it. “What Is Your Greatest Strength” Answer SamplesBelow are some sample answers for “what is your greatest strength” interview question. “What Are Your Greatest Strengths” Sample Answer for FreshersInterviewer: “Why should we hire you for this position? What’s your strengths?”Sample answer: “I pride myself in being able to quickly adapt to change. I was the MC for several university-wide events during the past 4 years, and together with my MC partner, we had to improvise and change up the schedule to ensure the event went smoothly from both the audience and committees’ point of view!” “What Are Your Greatest Strengths” Example Answer for TeachersInterviewer: “What is your greatest strength? Are there examples of how you applied those strengths in your previous experiences?”Sample answer: “I completed a one-year training program from X training center in visualization. I am good at explaining complex processes, concepts or groups of ideas to elementary students. I was the lead curriculum designer for Y school, where my team redesigned the Biology teaching style into a more visually engaging one. Our students’ average score for Biology increased from 67 to 84 in one year.” “What Are Your Greatest Strengths” Example Answer for Nursing ProfessionalsInterviewer: “What do you consider to be your greatest strength?”Sample answer: “I tend to be calm and collected at all times, even in emergencies. I was head nurse for X hospital’s emergency room for 4 years, where we have had minor to major cases enter the room during midnight. Dr. James has also acknowledged my quick decision making skills critical to providing correct first-aid. I also brought his recommendation letter here, for your reference.” “What Are Your Greatest Strengths” Sample Answer for Civil Service ProfessionalsInterviewer:“What are your greatest professional strengths?”Sample answer: “I maintain a really good physical and mental condition. During the last 3 years, I served as an officer at the police station in the neighborhood town. We took turns for midnight patrol shifts, and 90% of the number of robbery cases were caught by my partner and I. Most of my colleagues reported that the robbers were so fast that they often lost sight of them.” “What Are Your Greatest Strengths” Sample Answers for a Call Center InterviewInterviewer: “What do you consider to be your greatest strength?”Sample answer:“I have had 8 years experience as an administrative assistant, where I helped customers who explained their problems via phone solve those problems. I have dealt with myriad types of customers, from those who talked in circles, those who shouted to those who spoke in inaudible voices. These experiences definitely helped me hone my active listening skills and patience, if you will.” “What Are Your Greatest Strengths” Sample Answers for a Software Engineer InterviewInterviewer: “What is your greatest strength? Examples from your past projects would also be helpful.”Sample answer: “I am highly specialized in technical communication to those without background in software development, as well as leadership. One of my 8 projects was for a very big supermarket chain, whose name is confidential. The team was 2 months behind on that project led by the previous leader. Our CTO then gave me the opportunity to lead the project, from where I started reshaping how our team and the client communicated. I succeeded in solving the internal and external miscommunication and managed to lead the team to finish the project on time.” “What Are Your Greatest Strengths” Sample Answers for Business Development SpecialistInterviewer: “What strengths would you bring to our company?”Sample answer: “My previous managers have acknowledged my sales pitches and negotiation skills. In my past role as a market growth director, there was a client very important for our market expansion strategy. My colleagues have contacted them twice, but they refused to accept our order agreement proposal. I identified what the client wanted that my previous colleagues had missed, negotiated from there, and succeeded in acquiring partnership with the client.” “What Are Your Greatest Strengths” Sample Answers for Accountant Job InterviewInterviewer: What are your greatest professional strengths?”Sample answer: “I am an Accredited Tax preparer (ATP), as well as International Accredited Business Accountant (IABA) from ACAT. I also finished Oracle Enterprise Taxation Management 2 Essentials Certification recently. Even though I only have 2 years experience in tax accounting, I am confident that my taxation skills will contribute to your company.” “What Are Your Greatest Strengths” Sample Answers for Website DesignerInterviewer: “Why should we hire you?”Sample answer: “What differentiates me from my peers is my flexibility in designing websites from clients. As I graduated with a degree in graphic design from X University, I am familiar with the basic principles of website design, as well as the technical aspects when realizing my design. This allows a high flexibility in matching whatever requests made by clients.” “What Are Your Greatest Strengths” Sample Answers for IT ProfessionalInterviewer: “What do you consider to be your greatest strength?”Sample answer: “My strength lies in my familiarity with all types of security issues, thanks to my 13 years experience as the head facility for a certain multinational company’s headquarters. My team has encountered several black hacking and data breaches in the past, but we were all able to solve it without much issues.” 🔑 Key Takeaway:Through this article, you have learnt how to identify and choose good strengths for an interview, how to generate your own “what are your strengths” interview answer, with sample interview answers for different roles at the end. Keep in mind that there are no “perfect” strengths for a job, so research more on how to answer “what are your strengths”, make connections with the job description and most importantly, practice for maximum results, you can do it! With Cake, you can easily create a resume online, free download your resume’s PDF formats, and utilize ATS-compliant templates to create a resume. Land your dream job, create your resume online (free download) now!Create Resume--- Originally written by Evelyn Peng---

Created by CakeIn this article, you'll read about:Strategies on How to Start a Cover Letter EffectivelyHow to Begin a Cover Letter (Format, Things to Include)Tips for Writing a Cover Letter OpeningHow to Start a Cover Letter – ExamplesWhile your resume tells a lot about your skills and expertise, it's usually not enough to convince someone to invite you for an interview. So how do you persuade the hiring manager to send you an invitation? Well, you make your case by sending a cover letter. A cover letter is a document that you attach alongside your resume that further elaborates your skills and qualifications. Hiring managers evaluate cover letters to narrow down the applicant pool and to estimate whether or not it is worth his/her time to read through the applicant’s resume. Thus, having a striking cover letter opening sentence is important to catch the eye of whoever reviews your application. A good intro for an application letter should intrigue the reader and make them more curious about you. If you are wondering, "How do I start a cover letter that will intrigue the hiring manager to keep reading?" You're in luck! Because in this article we will uncover different approaches to writing your cover letter opening lines, guide you on what you should include at the beginning of a cover letter, share tips on how to start off a cover letter, and give examples of memorable cover letter opening paragraphs. Let’s get right into it! Strategies on How to Start a Cover Letter EffectivelyYou've been staring at a blank page on your computer and nothing comes into mind, or if there are any, they're cookie cutter cover letter opening lines. And you know better, they just won't cut it. Thinking of writing a cover letter opening paragraph is like creating art. There's no right or wrong, but there are impressive ones. We know that the start is usually the most challenging part. So, to make it easier for you when writing the cover letter intro part, here are some cover letter opening ideas to help you get started. 1. Clearly state your purpose for writing. The easiest way to kickstart a cover letter when you don't know how to begin is by conveying your intention. Although it isn't the most compelling intro, most recruiters do appreciate simplicity.To-the-point cover letter opening example:“I am writing to express my interest in the entry-level procurement position at Awesome Company. I graduated from Awesome University with an International Business, and my courses in marketing, supply chain, and finance have equipped me with the necessary skills to build my career in the Fintech industry.” 2. Mention a mutual connection. Referral applications can take you a long way. Putting the reference as a part of your cover letter opening lines grabs the attention of the hiring manager. It will put you ahead of the rest of the candidates because they would want to know what makes someone they know and respect recommend you for the job.How to start a referral cover letter example:“I was excited to learn from John Doe that your company is looking for a full-stack developer. John and I worked together for 4 years at our previous company and he recommended that I reach out to you for this opportunity.” 3. Mention a notable accomplishment or skill related to the position. The humblebrag technique is probably one of the most obvious ways to attract the hiring manager. The achievements work as proof of your skills, and which managers dislike actionable skills?How to start a cover letter with accomplishment example::“I'm known as the best at throwing dinner parties amongst my peers. But more than that, I was awarded Event Manager of the Year in 2019 at my previous company.” 4. Highlight what values you can bring to the position. Instead of writing why you want that job so badly, put what contributions you can make to the position and the company at the beginning of your cover letter. It shows that you truly understand the role and are proactive.Example of how to point out value as a cover letter intro:“Teamwork, strong communication, and attention to detail are what I implement in order to reach my targets. Supported with my 7-year of expertise, I am confident that bringing me as your healthcare consultant will enrich your team.” 5. Express your passion. Passion is one of the greatest components of success. Exuding one's passion as an opening statement of a cover letter is a good way to appeal to recruiters. Companies always look for people who can advocate for their brand, vision, and values.Example of how to communicate one's passion to start off a cover letter:“Growing up in Hawaii, I always lived near the ocean and many of my fondest memories happened either around or at sea, for instance, helping my father rescue a washed-up seal. Thus, I have been dedicating my life and career to protecting marine life.” 6. Be direct. Cut to the chase with a persuasive intro for your application letter. With only so much space to tell the recruiter how you make the perfect candidate for that job, straightforwardness becomes an essential part of writing an impactful cover letter opening paragraph.Example of how to begin a cover letter directly:“I would like to officially submit my application for the Content Strategist position at Amazing Company. As the lead strategist for Startup Company, I successfully drove their subscriber count organically from 0 to over 100,000 in 3 years, with over 50% of those converted to leads and sales." 7. Express your beliefs or goals. Declaring what you deeply care about at the beginning of your cover letter allows recruiters to get a quick peek at you as a person. It is a great way to add a personal touch to your application and can be an advantage over the other candidates.Example of a belief statement in a cover letter opening paragraph:“For me, graphic design is not only about creating pleasant-looking logos or posters and selecting the perfect font and color. It's about representing values, ideas, vision, and who you are for the world to see.” How to Begin a Cover Letter (Format, Things to Include)To successfully write an impressive cover letter, there are 3 components that you must include: 1. Cover letter header A proper intro for an application letter always has a header that contains these information: Your contact information:Full nameProfessional email addressPhone numberLocation or mailing addressDate of writingRecipient's information:Hiring manager's full nameHiring manager's job titleCompany nameCompany address 💡 Tip: If you don’t know the hiring manager’s name and job title, this cover letter header section can be replaced with [Department Name]) 2. Cover letter greetings or salutations If you happen to know the hiring manager's name, be sure to mention it again in the greeting. However, most of the time the hiring manager's name is undisclosed. What do you do then?Here are alternatives on how to start a cover letter with no name:Dear Hiring Manager,Dear [Company Name] Hiring Team,Dear [Department Name] Hiring Manager, 3. Cover letter opening paragraph After the formal greeting, you can start off your cover letter by mentioning the information below: Job titleCurrent or most recent company nameExperienceSkillsAchievements Below is a sample of a cover letter header template that you can copy and paste: [Your First Last Name][Your Email Address][Your Phone Number][Your current city and country of residency] [Date of Writing] [Hiring Manager’s Name/Department Name][Hiring Manager’s Job Title][Company’s Name][Company’s Address] Dear [Hiring Manager/Department Name]: [Opening Paragraph] Tips for Writing a Cover Letter Opening In this section, we'll share more tips to make an attention-grabbing cover letter intro: 💡 Always tailor each cover letter to the job. Don't mass-produce your cover letter opening lines. Put thought and spend some effort to customize the intro for your application letter to show that you've done your homework for the role and the company. 💡 Show your excitement. Be enthusiastic in starting off your cover letter because the emotions you project through your cover letter opening lines can affect how the recipient feels throughout reading the rest of your cover letter. 💡 Be sincere. The first rule for any job application is always be honest. Express genuine interest and intention in your cover letter intro. 💡 Introduce yourself properly. Even if the company you're applying to has a laid back and casual work culture, always use a formal introduction in the beginning of your cover letter. That means don't omit any essential information and always use proper language. 💡 Be creative and use a bit of humor. If you dare to be different to make a lasting impression, go for light humor to start your cover letter. Big, blasting disclaimer: do your research thoroughly before you try using jokes as a cover letter opening. You want to make sure you’re not offending anyone before you’re even part of the company. How to Start a Cover Letter – ExamplesStill stuck and wondering how to start writing a cover letter that will awe the hiring manager? We have more cover letter opening paragraph examples. Check them out below. Cover Letter Opening Example #1 “I used to grow up eating frozen food because my parents worked a lot and did not have enough time to properly cook for me. That childhood memory motivated me to be able to cook. At the age of 15, I learned how to prepare food for my family and that's how I discovered my passion for cooking and decided to pursue a career as a chef.” Cover Letter Opening Example #2 “I stumbled upon a recent news article mentioning that Super Great Company is working toward reducing their carbon footprint to zero in the next 5 years. I must say that it intrigues me and I applaud your company's mission. With that said, as an engineer who specializes and has been working on renewable energy, I would like to apply for the Senior Field Engineer position.” Cover Letter Opening Example #3 “When I go camping and am surrounded by nature, I feel that I'm in my element. The first time I encountered Super Cool Brand was on my third hiking trip. I have always admired how your company has been creating eco-friendly products without compromising quality and also donating 10% of your profits every year to the Amazon Conservation Association. When I saw the job posting for a marketing position, I knew that I had to apply immediately.” Cover Letter Opening Example #4 “As a teacher, I believe that every kid deserves proper education regardless of their background. Education should not only be accessible to those who can afford it. That's why for the past 4 years, I have been working as a teacher volunteer in Kenya to provide the means for Kenyan children to receive quality education.” Cover Letter Opening Example #5 “A simple principle that I live by every day is: work smarter. I am the kind of person who observes inefficient procedures, analyzes the problem, and comes up with a refreshing way to maximize productivity while also ensuring that my team members grow together. I am confident that these qualities will be assets if I get the chance to be the Head Sales at your company.” Cover Letter Opening Example #6 “My former colleague, Jane Doe, whom I used to work closely with, mentioned that your company is in the search of a photographer and recommended that I contact you. At Super Inspirational Company where I was an Assistant Photographer, we worked on editorials, commercials, live events, and many more. Thus, when I heard Jane suggested that your company is hiring, I was excited to take this opportunity.” Cover Letter Opening Example #7 “At my previous company, my supervisor would call me "The Scrutinizer" as I have always been able to notice flaws that others don't. During my last year as the Quality Assurance Manager at Dope Company, I saved the company almost $1,000,000 because a fault was detected early on before the manufacturing process was initiated.” Cover Letter Opening Example #8 “My adolescence years wouldn't have been complete without Really Awesome Magazine. It helped me go through many phases from my awkward teen years to heartbreak to career dilemmas. Working for your magazine as an intern would be an absolute dream come true.” Cover Letter Opening Example #9 “I'd like to officially submit my application for a Research Intern position at Great Research Company. The courses I took in university on Immunology, Virology, Biochemistry, and their laboratory experiment classes have provided me with a solid foundation for the position. Through this opportunity, I am looking to expand my knowledge in a more practical way and learn the ropes in research and development.” Cover Letter Opening Example #10 “I am writing to express my interest in the Social Media Manager listed on your company's LinkedIn profile. Given my 6 years of experience in digital media management, I have the knowledge and practical skill to enhance Really Great Brand's online presence that will further strengthen the brand's community on and offline. I have built a solid online community for my previous company from the ground up and I firmly believe I have what it takes to strive for Really Great Brand.” 🔑 Key TakeawaysThat’s on how to begin a cover letter! Hopefully, you are more confident now and have some ideas on how you can write an eye-catching cover letter opening paragraph. To sum up the most important points of this article, here are the key points to keep in mind when starting a good cover letter: Always personalize your cover letter intro to the job position and company.Project genuine excitement and interest in the opening paragraph of your cover letter.Do not omit the header, and try your best to research the hiring manager's full name. If you don't have any luck with it, simply address them with Dear Hiring Manager or Dear [Department} Hiring Manager. Write a unique cover letter opening statement. You can express your passion, mention your achievement, name-drop a mutual connection, or lay the values you can bring to the company.With Cake, you can easily create a resume online, free download your resume’s PDF formats, and utilize ATS-compliant templates to create a resume. Land your dream job, create your resume online (free download) now!Create Resume--- Originally written by Teresa Edria---

In this article, we will discuss:A Quick Glance at Employee ReferralsHow to Create an Employee Referral ProgramEmployee Referral StrategiesEmployee Referral Program Examples If you have been struggling to find the right candidates, you're not alone. When it comes to hiring, many recruiters and employers encounter similar problems for various reasons, for example: The job posts fail to deliver the intended messages to the candidates, or are not posted on the right platforms.Candidates are more selective in applying for openings.Candidates fail to meet the skill-set combination or job requirements that you’re looking for.Some positions are hard to fill, especially in food service, education, childcare, elderly care, cleaning, and construction sectors.Other factors like employer branding, salary negotiation, hiring strategies, etc. If you've been experiencing these issues, employee referrals may be worth a try. As the most powerful source of finding suitable candidates, employee referral programs can give your recruitment efforts a significant boost while saving a lot of time. In this article, you will find the ultimate guide to internal referral - why it matters, how to develop an effective referral program in recruitment, and more.A Quick Glance at Employee Referrals What is an employee referral? By definition, an employee referral is when companies or organizations ask their existing employees to recommend some candidates from their existing networks. In return, these employees will get a referral bonus, typically a financial reward, if the company successfully recruits that individual. That is also how referral works. What is an employee referral program? Simply put, this is an internal recruiting method in which employers encourage current employees, through referral incentives, to refer suitable candidates for job openings in their companies. 5 benefits of employee referral programs: Time-savingOn average, external recruitment methods can take 55 days to successfully hire a candidate, whereas it takes only 22 days for the entire employee referral scheme. (source: LinkedIn Business)Better candidate qualitySince your current employees know your company culture and work environment very well, they know exactly who will be the best cultural fit. Also, they will not introduce someone who fails to meet the basic job requirements.Improving (new) employee retention The better quality of hire, the better employee retention. Employees who are referred tend to stay longer with your company compared to traditional hires. The reason is that those selected from recruitment referral programs already know quite well about you through your existing staff.Reducing (existing) employee turnover rateEmployees who make a candidate referral will feel they are part of the hiring process and that their opinions count. This in turn will make them more engaged and stay with your company long-term.Building your brandThink of it as word-of-mouth marketing. Job seekers tend to trust what your existing staff say about your company more than what you write in the job post. Hence, internal referrals can contribute to building a successful employer branding strategy.How to Create an Employee Referral Program Step 1: Understand the hiring workflow. You'll first need to learn about all the necessary steps when it comes to referring an employee, including: Announcing the vacant rolesReceiving, reviewing, and shorting applicationsInterviewing suitable candidatesMaking a final decisionSending out a job offer Typically, there's little difference between external and internal referrals, except for the referral bonus policy. Step 2: Establish clear rules and incentives. Next, figure out exactly how the referral works within your company to avoid any misunderstanding or conflicts that may come from any side. Answering the following questions can help you set up an employee referral policy: Who can refer an employee? (i.e., any specific department, job level, or everyone can join the program?)Do you want to use only candidate referrals for every open role or specific positions?What is the maximum number of people that an employee can introduce?How can employees submit their referrals for recruitment, and when is the deadline?What is the reward for those making a successful referral? (e.g., cash, gift, vacation, etc.) It's equally important to pay extra attention to the referral bonus policy because it can go a long way in motivating your staff. You'll need to make it clear, simple to understand, and valuable, so they’re more likely to recommend people from their network who are qualified for the vacant roles. Step 3: Announce the employee referral program. Now that you already have a clear idea of how the employee referral scheme will work, make sure all the employees are well-informed about this. You can send them an email, post it on the internal job board, or announce it in the meeting. It's also crucial to keep those who refer candidates up-to-date at every stage of the process. If the candidate is not selected, you should still send referrers a thank-you note for their time and suggestion.Employee Referral Strategies Now that you might already know how to develop a referral program, here're some extra tips to make it work out for the best. 💡 Keep it simple and straightforward. One of the winning tips is creating an easy referral process that encourages your colleagues to do something beyond their normal job duties. The employee referral program policy, including rules, methods and rewards, should be easy to understand and apply. Below are several ways to keep this process simple: Place a resume drop box in the HR department’s office.Use an online employee referral platform like ERIN, Boon, RolePoint, Teamable, etc.Adopt a simple employee referral template.Make an instructional video or presentation that details the employee referral program. 💡 Consider different types of incentives. One of the best ways you can do to keep employees engaged in candidate referral programs is by effectively incentivizing them. Here are 7 different types of referral incentives to boost employee engagement: Financial incentives ( cash, bonuses and raises)Gifts (gift cards, travel vouchers, etc.)Extra days off with payWellness incentives (free healthy lunches, on-site health screenings, gym membership, etc.)Recognition and awardsLearning and development stipendProfessional development opportunities 💡 Keep the employee updated. As mentioned before, communication is a critical factor in making referral bonus programs work well in your organization. You need to keep your colleagues posted about the status of their referrals, so they will feel their suggestions are valued. This is also a great way to achieve a positive employer branding. 💡 Acknowledge good referrals. Acknowledging employees' efforts to refer high-quality candidate is equally important for building a successful employee referral program. The most popular way to do so is by sending them a sincere thank-you email, no matter whether the referred candidate gets hired or not. You can refer to the email template below: Subject line: Thanks for your referral! Dear [employee name], This email is to thank you for referring a candidate(s) for the position of [vacant role]. As you know, referrals are one of our best sources of new hires, and your effort in suggesting the right candidate is extremely valuable to us. We will keep you updated on the status of your referred candidate(s). Once again, we greatly appreciate your referral. Best regards, [Signature] 💡 Make use of social media. Social media can supercharge your employee referral program in various ways. Let's say your co-workers have an average of 300 friends on Facebook, so multiplying this by only ten employees will generate about 3,000 prospects. In this way, you’ve got a solid chance of recruiting success based on how you are able to leverage your employees’ social media networks. Sample Employee Referral Form 📚 Download the Employee Referral Form (word doc) for free here!Employee Referral Program Examples 1. Accenture Employee Referral Program Among the largest management consulting company in the world, Accenture involves their employees in the recruitment process and has a separate portal for their employee referral scheme (employeereferralprogramme.accenture.com). After logging into the site, the employee needs to enter all the candidate's details, such as name, D.O.B., address, educational background, work history, and other required information. They will then receive a C.I.D. number for tracking the status of the referral as well as a notification via email. Referral rewards include cash (which depends on the level of employment and skillset of recruited employees) and other prizes like watches, shoes, gym bags, and T.V.s, also based on the number of successful referrals. 📚 Further reading: Accenture Career FAQs 2. Google Employee Referral Program At Google, their employee referral programs are supercharged by simplicity. They previously doubled the referral bonus from $2,000 to $4,000, but this strategy did not work. Instead, HR leaders at Google encourage their current staff to look through their networks and identify professionals by asking simple questions such as: Who is the best (coder/engineer/marketing specialist/etc.) you have ever worked with?Who are 5-10 people you would want to work with again? By making the process simple and easy to apply, their new internal referral strategy has proved to be successful. 3. Salesforce Employee Referral Program The cloud-based software company takes a different route by organizing a get-together where employees invite friends or families who could be a good fit. The event, called “Recruitment Happy Hours”, serves as an informal introduction to the workplace and puts candidates at ease compared with formal interviews as usual. Another factor that makes their referral program achieve success is the reward system. Besides a cash bonus of 2.000 USD for every successful referral, Salesforce's employees also receive thoughtful gifts. 📚 Further reading: A path to Salesforce - How we hire 4. Other companies with the best employee referral programs Still looking for other ways to supercharge your employee referral program? Check out the following companies that have the most genius ideas: InMobiIntelPUREEnterpriseGoDaddy Cake is a cutting-edge free online resume builder that allows professionals to build and maintain their online presence. Besides personal branding, Cake also offers an employer branding solution that helps businesses establish and promote their brand across various talent pools globally. Want to know more about developing your employee referral employer or need employer branding consultation? Talk to one of our representatives for more information! — Originally written by May Luong —