Let’s face it: cover letters are one of the most misunderstood parts of the job search. Most people dread writing them. Many hiring managers skim them. But when done right, a cover letter can be your secret weapon.
As workforce professionals, we often coach clients through job applications, and we’ve seen how a few simple words can make the difference between getting an interview—or getting ignored.
So today, let’s break it down. Here are three words that can either make or break a cover letter—and how to use them the right way.
1. “Passionate”
Why it matters:
Employers want to know you care. They want someone who brings energy and interest—not just qualifications.
Make it work for you:
Instead of saying, “I’m passionate about customer service,” show it with evidence. Try something like:
“After five years leading front-line teams, I’ve come to love the fast-paced problem-solving and human connection that excellent customer service requires.”
Avoid this trap:
Don’t overuse “passionate” as filler. If every sentence starts with “I’m passionate about…” it begins to feel insincere.
2. “Fit”
Why it matters:
Hiring isn’t just about skills—it’s about culture. Showing that you’re a good fit tells the employer that you’ll be easy to onboard and collaborate with.
Make it work for you:
Say something like:
“From my first look at your company’s mission, I knew it was a strong fit. My values around inclusive hiring and community outreach closely align with your approach.”
Avoid this trap:
Don’t assume “fit” means blending in or being a clone. It’s about shared values, not sameness.
3. “Contribute”
Why it matters:
This shifts the focus away from what you want to what you’ll bring. And that’s powerful.
“We don’t just look at resumes—we look for candidates who clearly show why they want this job and how they’ll contribute to our team,” says Jamie Hart, HR Director at CareerPath Inc. “A tailored cover letter tells us if someone understands our mission and is ready to make a difference.”
Make it work for you:
A great cover letter answers this unspoken question: What will this person do for us?
Use a line like:
“I’m eager to contribute my skills in workforce program design to help your team expand services to underrepresented communities.”
Avoid this trap:
Don’t just say you want to contribute—be specific about how you will.
Why This Matters for Workforce Professionals
As professionals guiding others through career transitions, it’s worth highlighting that many job seekers are told to “just follow a template” or “keep it short.” But the most effective cover letters are customized, intentional, and human.
Encourage your clients to rethink the cover letter not as a boring formality—but as an opportunity to stand out. A good one doesn’t have to be long, but it should be strategic.
Take Action
Run a Cover Letter Workshop that focuses on using powerful, intentional language. Use real examples of do’s and don’ts.
Update your own templates to include coaching tips for using words like “fit” and “contribute.”
Download This Free Resource:
📄 20 Impact Words to Strengthen Any Cover Letter (PDF)
A quick-reference guide you can use with clients to replace vague language with strong, results-oriented terms.
If we want our clients to get noticed—and get hired—we need to help them write like someone worth talking to. Because they are.