Lots has been written about how to write the winning presentation of yourself within your cover letter; how to structure it; how to start and end it nicely, but little has been said about specific words or phrases you should use or avoid to get picked for the job.
A stand-out and professional cover letter is just as important as a polished CV when it comes to your job application, and employers need to be equally impressed with both.
DO USE:
1 Active verbs:
Active verbs are vital on a cover letter, as the employer will get the idea that you have initiative, can take control, lead the team and hit your targets. These are just a few you could use, 
depending on the specific position you’re applying for:
• Achieved
• Negotiated
• Managed
• Launched
• Generated
• Reorganised
2 ‘Skills’:
Highlight your skills as much as you can – refer to concrete examples in your experience, and to the skills required on the job description. This will allow the employer to see that you’ve got the relevant abilities they’re looking for, and will make you stand out from the other applicants.
• Sales skills
• Telephone skills
• Communication skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Computer skills
3 “I will”
Using this phrase, accompanied by a specific example of what you ‘will’ do, is going to have your prospective employer already imagining you sitting at the desk dealing with clients. It shows a great deal of confidence, assertiveness, desire to succeed and eliminates any element of insecurity or doubt you may have incidentally created elsewhere in your cover letter. “I will” also shows commitment and long-term objectives – In short, it’s a really effective phrase, use it.
DON’T USE:
1 “I feel”, “I think”, “I believe”
The use of these phrases will make your statement appear weak, besides actually being quite vague and redundant – of course you believe what you’re writing. It also shows you’re not confident and not exactly sure about what you’re stating. As a prospective employee you want to show that you’re a positive individual that knows the game he/she is playing. Use “I am”, something like “I am confident that” sounds much better.
2 “I need”
Never, ever, use ‘need’ in a cover letter; it will make you appear desperate, and it will definitely rule you out. We know you need the job, and your prospective employer knows it too, especially if you’re not currently working with an income to support you. Still, desperation never works, whereas excitement and enthusiasm always sell well. Use “I’m excited”, “I can’t wait to”, “I’m enthusiastic” – you get what I mean.
3 “Just”
Really? Why would you use that? Do you need to apologize for anything, by chance? “Oh, sorry for interrupting you, dear Hiring Manager, but I ‘just’ wanted to send my application for the job advertised…”. It also shows weakness on your part. Please avoid it, and just say: “I’m attaching my CV to be considered for this position”, instead of “I’m just attaching my CV…”. See the difference now? Much more confident and assertive.
Heed the advice and polish up your cover letter immediately!
