Can I use a quote in my cover letter?

Saw the headline question in my search results. The answer is “Yes…if.” You can use a quote in your cover letter if you tie it to your accomplishments and value.

Almost always when I use a quote in either a resume or cover letter, it comes from an employee evaluation, reference letter, or perhaps a letter or email from a client or customer.

Rule of thumb for quotes in resumes or cover letters

Does the quote add value? If it does then put it in. If not, leave it out. What would add value?

• If the quote says something about the person that would sound like bragging if it was just a bullet point. Sometimes a quote from someone else lets you say things that would be awkward if you said them.

Dan Jorden has done an outstanding job in his Physical Education teaching experience at Horace Mann Middle School… He is willing to listen, take ideas, ask questions, and works well with others. He likes kids! He likes his area of expertise, is willing to learn, and plans long range and daily activities… I highly recommend him to any school district. He has great potential and will make the district proud to have him as part of the teaching staff…     R.D., Athletic Director / Physical Education Instructor, Wausau School District

• Does the quote provide additional validation of the qualities someone brings to the table?

Rock solid leader… hard charging, innovative, and respected by all… makes the toughest job look easy! Never stops… quadrupled our baseline instantly by securing $19 million plus at end of year budget – phenomenal!” M.I Lt. Colonel, USAF

or

Under Kim’s leadership, Camp Edwards was transformed from a struggling, barely viable enterprise with 2 marginal programs to a thriving, well-balanced and vital organization servicing 12,000+ people per year.” D.M., Board Member & Investment Banker

Quotes used this way can add value and make your cover letter or resume stand out from the rest.

What about the quote from a favorite author?

This becomes more difficult and there are people that would call this fluff. If you can creatively blend a quote that is really representative of a person into a cover letter, then it might work. I opened a client’s cover letter recently with this:

“Courage is being scared to death – but saddling up anyway.” ~ John Wayne

When I started exploring law enforcement as a possible career, I found the above quote and realized that I had the potential to deal with anything that came my way with that philosophy.

Throughout the rest of the cover letter, we came back with points that illustrated how this individual had lived the quote. This differentiates the quote from a random quote you found on Facebook.

Should you use quotes? If you feel they add value, yes. But only if you are comfortable with them and it fits your personality.

Stuck in your job search or just ready to move on from your existing position? Julie Walraven can help you find a new career! To find out how, Click here!

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