How to Write an ATS-Friendly Cover Letter: Tips and an Example

Struggling to Land Top Jobs in Kenya? Here’s Why

Imagine spending hours crafting job-specific cover letters and CVs but never hearing back from hiring managers. You have the right credentials, skills, and experience, but you still can’t land top jobs in Kenya. You might think you’re just “unlucky,” but that’s NOT true! Like many global job markets, the Kenyan employment sector has become highly digitised. In Kenya, hiring managers do not manually sift through thousands of CVs and Cover Letters. Instead, they use applicant tracking systems (ATS).

What is an Applicant Tracking System (ATS)

An ATS is a scanning software that sorts and ranks job application documents based on job-specific keywords. Only applications with the “right keywords” reach the hiring manager’s desk. As a result, candidates who have the required qualifications but fail to submit ATS-friendly job application documents often miss out on employment opportunities.

Therefore, this article offers tips to help you write ATS-friendly cover letters and increase your chances of landing top jobs in Kenya.

Key Components of an ATS-Friendly Cover Letter

Date

First, start your ATS-friendly cover letter with the date at the top left corner. Ensure it matches the day you submit the job application.

Contact Information

Next, adding contact details to your cover letter makes it look professional. Below the date, list your contact information, including your full name (bolded), postal address, email, LinkedIn profile (optional), and phone number.

Next, add the hiring manager’s contact information. Include their name (bolded), the company’s name, and the postal address. If the hiring manager’s name is unavailable, use “Hiring Manager” or “HR Team.”

Salutation

Align the salutation to the left. Use the hiring manager’s first or last name, e.g., Dear Ms. Jane or Dear Mr. Okello. If the name is unavailable, use “Dear Hiring Manager” or “Dear HR Team.”

Personalizing the salutation shows you’ve researched the employer and can increase your chances of success for top jobs in Kenya.

Crafting an ATS-Friendly Cover Letter

Introduction Paragraph

Keep the opening paragraph 3-5 sentences long. First, mention the position you’re applying for, e.g., sales manager. This maximises the cover letter’s ATS compliance and lets the hiring manager quickly understand the document’s purpose. Second, state where you saw the job posting, e.g., the company’s website, a job board, or LinkedIn.

Third, briefly summarise your relevant qualifications. Include job-specific keywords to help your application rank highly on the ATS scan. Finally, express enthusiasm for the role and explain why you’re a good fit for the company.

Body Paragraphs

An ATS-friendly cover letter should have 2-3 body paragraphs that highlight your achievements and value to the company.

• In the first Body Paragraph, list your key qualifications, skills, and experience. Relate them to the job requirements and use quantifiable metrics where possible. Incorporate keywords from the job description to boost ATS compliance.
• In the second Body Paragraph, explain how your background (experience and achievements) aligns with the company’s values and needs. Show your understanding of the organization’s goals and how you can contribute to their success. This increases your chances of landing top jobs in Kenya today.
• If needed, mention relevant certifications, projects, or soft skills not discussed earlier in the third body paragraph (Optional).

Conclusion Paragraph

Lastly, the conclusion paragraph should be brief. It should restate your enthusiasm for the role and include a call to action that politely expresses your desire for a follow-up or interview. Furthermore, the action call should also highlight your willingness to provide further details regarding your application. You can also include a brief statement on your preferred contact method, mention any attachments and end the paragraph by expressing gratitude for your application’s consideration.

 Sign-Off

End with “Sincerely” or “Best Regards,” followed by your full name. You can include a scanned signature between the sign-off and your name.

More Tips for ATS Compliance

The content of your cover letter is as important as its structure. Here are extra tips to ensure ATS compliance:

• Optimize Keywords: Use job-specific keywords throughout the cover letter.
• Correct Formatting: Keep the layout simple and professional.
• Personalize Your Document: Tailor each cover letter for the job you’re applying for.
• Proofread and Test for ATS-Friendliness: Use tools to check for errors and ATS compatibility before submitting.

Example of an ATS-Friendly Cover Letter

Below is an example of an ATS-friendly cover letter for a Sales Manager position:

7^th August 2024

Sandra Kalekye Mutua

60148-100, Nairobi

[email protected]

linkedin.com/in/sandra-kalekye

+254 708 736 941

Mercy Opara

Dream Skin Haven

52418-100, Nairobi

Dear Ms. Mercy,

I am writing to express my interest in the Sales Manager position at Dream Skin Haven as advertised on the Elevolt job board (https://www.elevolt.co.ke/job/sales-manager-at-dreamskinhaven). With a bachelor’s degree in marketing, four years of experience as a sales representative, a year’s experience as a sales manager, and a proven ability to lead a sales team, I am confident in my capacity to contribute to the realisation of your team’s goal of elevating sales performance. Moreover, Dream Skin Haven’s commitment to offering high-quality beauty and skincare products aligns with my professional objective of always offering customers value for their money.  

In my previous role as Sales Manager at Sanura Skincare, I engaged in planning and implementing sales strategies, which increased product sales by 25% over four months. I was also involved in mentoring and coaching the sales team, which helped facilitate strong customer relationship management and the delivery of exceptional customer service. My experience as a sales manager in an organisation that sells skincare products equips me with the industry expertise I require to identify emerging markets and market shifts. I can apply the stated skill to design and implement a strategic business plan to expand Dream Skin Haven’s customer base and build the company’s reputation to create a competitive advantage.

I am particularly interested in Dream Skin Haven’s goal of hitting sales targets to achieve growth by effectively managing the sales team. With my background as a sales manager, I believe I am well-positioned as an ideal candidate who can further your organisation’s agenda by overseeing the sales team’s activities and performance, as well as setting and tracking individual sales targets. Additionally, I have experience in presenting sales, revenue, and expense reports and forecasts to the management. Moreover, I am passionate about building strong customer relationships, which not only create a better understanding of consumers’ needs but also inform the implementation of highly effective sales strategies.

I am excited about the opportunity to bring my expertise in sales management to Dream Skin Haven. I look forward to hearing from you to discuss my skills and experience further. Please feel free to reach me at +254 708 736 941 or [email protected] if you need more information about my sales management background. Thank you for considering my application.

Best Regards,

Sandra Kalekye Mutua.

Useful Resources

• Artificial Intelligence (AI): Use AI tools like Chat GPT or Open AI to identify relevant keywords in job descriptions.
• Templates: Websites like Jobscan, Enhancv and Resume.co provide free customizable cover letter templates. Use the tips in this article to create ATS-friendly cover letters that will land you top jobs in Kenya.
• ATS Compatibility Test: Jobscan offers a free ATS compatibility checker to test your cover letter before submission.

Final Thoughts

An ATS-friendly cover letter is concise (300-500 words), well-formatted, and optimized for keywords. While customizing your cover letter may seem time-consuming, it greatly increases your chances of securing top jobs in Kenya.

Hence, follow the tips in this article to craft a standout cover letter that distinguishes you in a competitive job market. All the best!