Originally shared via email. For early access to UN job search success tips and advice, subscribe to the newsletter here.

I've been meeting so many of you lately – always an absolute joy to connect and be a small part of your career pursuits!

However, I've noticed a pattern from all these sessions. It's a pattern of brilliant professionals undermining themselves in their cover letters. Often repeatedly within a few paragraphs!

How does it happen?
 

They focus on their learning journey rather than fully owning their knowledge, skills, abilities and competencies. As a result, they appear to have just learned it, but not applied their knowledge or skills in any meaningful way.

Instead of writing about how you came to learn something or the fact that you still have things to learn (don't we all?!), write from a place of established expertise.

Let me show you what I mean with a couple of examples:

Instead of: “In X role, I honed my analytical skills through involvement in multiple complex projects.”
Write like this: “I bring sharp analytical skills, consistently applied to deliver actionable insights on complex projects.”

and

Instead of: “This role will allow me to deepen my expertise in X.”
Write like this: “In this role, I will leverage my expertise in X to drive impactful results.”

See the difference??

Why is this important?

Because hiring managers want to know that you're able to make a meaningful contribution right away. When you shift from “I’m learning” to “I’ve mastered,” (or at least "I know what I'm doing!" you convey confidence and readiness.

Before you send your next application, take a moment to review your cover letter. What’s your tone? Is it full of learning journeys? Or does it confidently project the skills and competencies you’ve already used in a professional context? What can you adjust to communicate your expertise more confidently?

I'm excited about the difference this small shift can make to your letters!

Wishing you inspired and confident writing.