Getting that perfect data analyst job starts with making a good first contact. A strong cover letter opens doors and shows what you can bring to the table. It helps you stand out from other people going after the same job.
Your cover letter needs to show both your technical skills and how well you can talk about what those skills mean for the company. The right words can make hiring managers want to learn more about you right away.
Sample Cover Letters for Data Analyst
Here are 15 different cover letters you can use as guides when creating your own.
1. Entry-Level Data Analyst Cover Letter
Subject: Application for Entry-Level Data Analyst Position – [Your Name]
[Your Name]
[Your Address Line 1]
[Your Address Line 2]
[City, State ZIP]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager’s Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address Line 1]
[Company Address Line 2]
[City, State ZIP]
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
Your job posting for an Entry-Level Data Analyst caught my attention on [job board/company website]. As a recent graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Statistics and hands-on project experience with SQL, Python, and data visualization tools, I am excited about the chance to join [Company Name] and help turn data into valuable insights.
During my studies at [University Name], I completed several projects that closely match what you’re looking for. For a class project, I analyzed customer buying patterns using Python and created dashboards that showed clear trends the business could use. My professor praised this work for its clarity and practical business applications.
My key skills include:
- Data cleaning and preparation using SQL and Python
- Basic statistical analysis and hypothesis testing
- Creating dashboards with Tableau
- Clear reporting of findings to non-technical audiences
I am drawn to [Company Name] because of your focus on [specific company value or project]. Your recent work on [specific company achievement] shows how much you value data-driven choices, and I would be thrilled to be part of that culture.
Thank you for looking at my application. I would love to discuss how my skills align with your needs for this position.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
[LinkedIn Profile]
2. Experienced Data Analyst Switching Industries
Subject: Senior Data Analyst Position Application – [Your Name] with 5+ Years Healthcare Experience
[Your Name]
[Your Address Line 1]
[Your Address Line 2]
[City, State ZIP]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager’s Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address Line 1]
[Company Address Line 2]
[City, State ZIP]
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
After five years as a Data Analyst in healthcare, I am looking to bring my analytical skills to the retail industry, which is why I am applying for the Senior Data Analyst position at [Company Name].
While healthcare and retail have different goals, the core of data analysis stays the same: finding patterns, making predictions, and helping businesses make better choices. At [Current/Previous Company], I created reports that helped cut patient wait times by 30% and worked across teams to build a prediction model for patient readmissions that saved the hospital over $2 million yearly.
What I offer:
- Strong SQL skills (Oracle, MySQL) for handling large datasets
- Advanced Python programming with pandas for data cleaning and analysis
- R programming for statistical modeling
- Dashboard creation with Power BI and Tableau
- 5+ years working with cross-functional teams
Your company stands out with its data-first approach to customer experience, as shown in your recent [specific initiative or project]. I’d like to use my healthcare background, where accuracy and privacy are critical, to help you gain even deeper customer insights.
I would appreciate the chance to discuss how my background could benefit your team. Thank you for considering my application.
Regards,
[Your Name]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
[LinkedIn Profile]
3. Data Analyst With Specialized Industry Knowledge
Subject: Data Analyst Position – [Your Name] with Financial Services Expertise
[Your Name]
[Your Address Line 1]
[Your Address Line 2]
[City, State ZIP]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager’s Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address Line 1]
[Company Address Line 2]
[City, State ZIP]
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
As a Data Analyst with seven years of experience in financial services, I was excited to see your opening for a Data Analyst focusing on risk assessment at [Company Name]. My background in fraud detection and risk modeling makes me a strong fit for this role.
At [Current/Previous Company], I built predictive models that reduced credit card fraud by 22% year-over-year. I also created automatic alerts that helped the risk team spot unusual patterns quickly, which saved the company approximately $1.5 million in potential fraud losses last year alone.
My relevant skills and achievements include:
- Creating and maintaining SQL databases with financial transaction data
- Building machine learning models to detect fraud patterns
- Making executive dashboards using Tableau that track key risk metrics
- Setting up automated reporting systems that saved 15 hours of manual work weekly
- Working with compliance teams to make sure all data handling followed regulations
I have followed [Company Name]’s growth in the fintech space and am particularly interested in your new [specific product or service]. The chance to help protect both your business and your customers through smart data analysis is very appealing to me.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to possibly speaking with you about how my financial data background could benefit your risk assessment team.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
[LinkedIn Profile]
4. Recent Graduate Data Analyst Cover Letter
Subject: Application for Junior Data Analyst Position – [Your Name], Recent MSc Graduate
[Your Name]
[Your Address Line 1]
[Your Address Line 2]
[City, State ZIP]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager’s Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address Line 1]
[Company Address Line 2]
[City, State ZIP]
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I recently completed my Master’s degree in Data Science at [University Name] and am eager to apply my fresh knowledge to the Junior Data Analyst position at [Company Name]. My academic projects and internship experience have given me strong skills in data cleaning, analysis, and visualization that match what you’re looking for.
For my thesis project, I analyzed social media sentiment data to predict consumer buying trends, achieving 85% accuracy with my model. During my summer internship at [Internship Company], I helped clean and organize customer data that led to identifying a previously missed market segment worth an estimated $300,000 in annual revenue.
My technical toolkit includes:
- Python (pandas, NumPy, scikit-learn)
- R for statistical analysis
- SQL for database queries
- Tableau and Power BI for visualization
- Excel for quick analysis and reporting
What draws me to [Company Name] is your commitment to [specific company value or approach to data]. I am particularly impressed by [specific company project or achievement] and would be excited to contribute to similar data-driven initiatives.
I would welcome the chance to discuss how my recent education and growing experience could benefit your data team. Thank you for considering my application.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
[LinkedIn Profile]
5. Data Analyst Cover Letter Highlighting Soft Skills
Subject: Data Analyst Position Application – [Your Name] with Communication Expertise
[Your Name]
[Your Address Line 1]
[Your Address Line 2]
[City, State ZIP]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager’s Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address Line 1]
[Company Address Line 2]
[City, State ZIP]
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
Your job posting for a Data Analyst who can bridge the gap between data insights and business strategy caught my eye. With four years of experience as a Data Analyst at [Current/Previous Company], I’ve learned that technical skills are only half of what makes a great analyst. The ability to communicate insights clearly to non-technical teams is just as important.
At my current role, I regularly present data findings to executive teams and department heads. My ability to translate complex analyses into clear business recommendations has led to several key strategic shifts, including a product lineup change that increased quarterly revenue by 12%. Additionally, I created a monthly data newsletter that made key metrics accessible to all staff, which helped build a more data-friendly company culture.
My combination of technical and communication skills includes:
- Advanced SQL and Python for data manipulation and analysis
- Statistical analysis and A/B testing methodology
- Data visualization expertise in Tableau and Power BI
- Clear written communication of technical concepts
- Presentation skills for technical and non-technical audiences
- Active listening to truly understand business questions before analysis
What excites me about [Company Name] is your focus on [specific company approach or value]. The opportunity to work in an environment that values both technical excellence and clear communication seems like an ideal match for my background.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to potentially discussing how my skill set could help strengthen the data-driven decision making at [Company Name].
Kind regards,
[Your Name]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
[LinkedIn Profile]
6. Data Analyst Cover Letter for Remote Position
Subject: Remote Data Analyst Position – [Your Name] with 3+ Years of Remote Work Experience
[Your Name]
[Your Address Line 1]
[Your Address Line 2]
[City, State ZIP]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager’s Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address Line 1]
[Company Address Line 2]
[City, State ZIP]
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am applying for the Remote Data Analyst position at [Company Name] with great enthusiasm. Having worked as a fully remote Data Analyst for the past three years, I have developed both the technical skills and self-management abilities needed to thrive in a virtual work environment.
At [Current/Previous Company], I built automatic data pipelines that connected our global teams across four time zones, making sure everyone had access to up-to-date information regardless of where or when they worked. My ability to work independently yet stay connected with teams led to my promotion to project lead on a customer segmentation initiative that increased targeted campaign response rates by 28%.
My qualifications for this remote role include:
- Strong data analysis skills using SQL, Python, and R
- Experience with cloud-based data platforms (AWS, Google Cloud)
- Proficiency with collaboration tools (Slack, MS Teams, Jira, Asana)
- Self-motivation and time management
- Clear digital communication across different channels
- Experience leading remote data projects from start to finish
I am particularly drawn to [Company Name]’s commitment to [specific company value or approach]. Your recent [specific company achievement or project] shows how successful your remote-first approach has been, and I would love to contribute to that success.
Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the possibility of joining your distributed team and would welcome a virtual interview to discuss the position further.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
[LinkedIn Profile]
[Time Zone]
7. Career-Changer Data Analyst Cover Letter
Subject: Junior Data Analyst Position – [Your Name], Former Marketing Professional
[Your Name]
[Your Address Line 1]
[Your Address Line 2]
[City, State ZIP]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager’s Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address Line 1]
[Company Address Line 2]
[City, State ZIP]
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
After five successful years in digital marketing, I have completed a data science bootcamp and am excited to apply for the Junior Data Analyst position at [Company Name]. My unique background combines business understanding with newly acquired technical skills, allowing me to approach data analysis with both analytical rigor and commercial awareness.
During my marketing career at [Previous Company], I became increasingly drawn to the data side of our campaigns. This led me to complete the [Bootcamp/Course Name] program, where I gained hands-on experience with SQL, Python, and data visualization tools. For my final project, I analyzed marketing campaign data using techniques I wish I’d had in my previous role, uncovering insights that could have improved ROI by an estimated 20%.
What I bring to this role:
- Technical skills: SQL, Python (pandas, matplotlib), Tableau, Excel
- Business context: Understanding of marketing KPIs and business objectives
- Problem-solving: Experience identifying business questions before starting analysis
- Communication: Ability to explain technical findings to various stakeholders
- Learning agility: Proven ability to master new skills and concepts quickly
Your job description mentions the need for someone who can work closely with the marketing department. My background gives me a unique advantage here—I speak both “languages” and can serve as a bridge between data and marketing teams.
Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the possibility of bringing my dual perspective to [Company Name] and would love to discuss how my background could benefit your team.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
[LinkedIn Profile]
8. Contract Data Analyst Cover Letter
Subject: 6-Month Data Analysis Contract Position – [Your Name]
[Your Name]
[Your Address Line 1]
[Your Address Line 2]
[City, State ZIP]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager’s Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address Line 1]
[Company Address Line 2]
[City, State ZIP]
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am writing to express my interest in the 6-month contract Data Analyst position at [Company Name]. With five years of experience working on data analysis projects of various durations, I am well-equipped to hit the ground running and deliver results within your specified timeframe.
My contract work history includes completing a 4-month data migration project for [Previous Client], where I cleaned and validated over 2 million customer records two weeks ahead of schedule. At [Another Previous Client], I built a sales prediction model during a 3-month contract that improved forecast accuracy by 35%, which led to an extension of my contract to implement additional features.
Here’s what makes me an effective contract data analyst:
- Quick adaptation to new data environments and team dynamics
- Strong project management skills with a track record of on-time delivery
- Extensive experience with SQL, Python, and R for rapid data analysis
- Self-directed work style with regular communication touchpoints
- Documentation practices that ensure knowledge transfer upon project completion
The project goals outlined in your job posting align perfectly with my experience in [specific relevant experience]. I am particularly skilled at [specific technical skill mentioned in job posting], which seems central to this project’s success.
Thank you for considering my application. I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss how I could help [Company Name] meet its data analysis goals during this 6-month project.
Regards,
[Your Name]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
[LinkedIn Profile]
[Availability Start Date]
9. Data Analyst Cover Letter Focusing on Technical Expertise
Subject: Senior Data Analyst Application – [Your Name], SQL and Python Specialist
[Your Name]
[Your Address Line 1]
[Your Address Line 2]
[City, State ZIP]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager’s Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address Line 1]
[Company Address Line 2]
[City, State ZIP]
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
As an experienced Data Analyst with specialized skills in SQL optimization and Python automation, I am excited to apply for the Senior Data Analyst position at [Company Name]. Your job posting’s emphasis on database performance and automated reporting systems aligns perfectly with my technical focus.
At [Current/Previous Company], I redesigned legacy SQL queries that reduced processing time by 76% and cut our cloud computing costs by $45,000 annually. I also built a Python-based automation framework that turned 20+ hours of weekly manual reporting into a scheduled system that delivers results with 99.8% accuracy while freeing up team resources.
My technical skillset includes:
- Advanced SQL (complex joins, window functions, query optimization)
- Python (pandas, NumPy, automation scripts, custom ETL pipelines)
- Database design and optimization (MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB)
- Data warehousing concepts and implementations
- API integration for data collection
- Version control and collaborative development using Git
What attracts me to [Company Name] is your reputation for technical excellence and your work on [specific company project or technological implementation]. The opportunity to apply my technical expertise to [industry/domain] problems is particularly appealing.
Thank you for considering my application. I would welcome the chance to discuss your technical challenges and how my skills could help address them.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
[LinkedIn Profile]
[GitHub/Portfolio Link]
10. Data Analyst Cover Letter for Startup Environment
Subject: Data Analyst Position at [Company Name] – [Your Name]
[Your Name]
[Your Address Line 1]
[Your Address Line 2]
[City, State ZIP]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager’s Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address Line 1]
[Company Address Line 2]
[City, State ZIP]
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
The Data Analyst position at [Company Name] caught my attention immediately, as I’ve been following your startup’s growth since your Series A funding announcement. As someone who thrives in fast-paced environments where wearing multiple hats is the norm, I believe my analytical skills and startup mindset make me an excellent fit for your team.
At [Current/Previous Company], another high-growth startup, I built our analytics function from scratch. Starting with basic reporting, I gradually implemented a full data stack that helped guide product decisions through our critical growth phase. One key achievement was creating a customer journey analysis that identified a major drop-off point, which after fixing, improved conversion rates by 40%.
What I can bring to your startup:
- End-to-end data skills (collection, cleaning, analysis, visualization)
- Experience setting up analytics systems with limited resources
- Agile approach to changing priorities and requirements
- Quick learning and implementation of new tools as needed
- Strong communication to make data accessible to all team members
- Product analytics experience (user behavior, funnel analysis, etc.)
Your company mission to [company mission/goal] resonates with me, and I’m excited about the prospect of using data to help drive your growth at this crucial stage. I understand that in a startup environment, impact and execution speed are critical.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to potentially discussing how my skills could help [Company Name] make data-driven decisions during this exciting growth phase.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
[LinkedIn Profile]
11. Data Analyst Cover Letter Highlighting Project Success
Subject: Data Analyst Position – [Your Name] with Proven Project Results
[Your Name]
[Your Address Line 1]
[Your Address Line 2]
[City, State ZIP]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager’s Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address Line 1]
[Company Address Line 2]
[City, State ZIP]
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am excited to apply for the Data Analyst position at [Company Name]. With a track record of delivering high-impact data projects, I am ready to bring my analytical skills to your team and contribute to your data-driven goals.
At [Current/Previous Company], I led a customer segmentation project that completely changed how our marketing team approached campaigns. By analyzing purchase history, browsing behavior, and demographic data, I identified five distinct customer segments that had previously been treated as one group. The resulting targeted campaigns saw a 45% increase in response rates and a 28% increase in average order value. This project won internal recognition as the “Most Valuable Data Initiative” of the year.
Other notable project successes include:
- Pricing optimization analysis that led to a 12% revenue increase without affecting customer satisfaction
- Churn prediction model that helped reduce customer turnover by 18% through targeted retention efforts
- Supply chain efficiency study that identified $250,000 in annual potential savings
Your job description mentions the need for someone who can take ownership of analytical projects from conception to implementation. This aligns perfectly with my working style and experience leading cross-functional data initiatives.
Thank you for considering my application. I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss my project experience and how it could translate into success at [Company Name].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
[LinkedIn Profile]
12. Data Analyst Cover Letter for Government Position
Subject: Application for Data Analyst Position (Job ID: #12345) – [Your Name]
[Your Name]
[Your Address Line 1]
[Your Address Line 2]
[City, State ZIP]
[Date]
[Hiring Official’s Name]
[Department/Agency Name]
[Address Line 1]
[Address Line 2]
[City, State ZIP]
Dear [Hiring Official’s Name],
Please accept my application for the Data Analyst position (Job ID: #12345) with the [Department/Agency Name]. As a data professional with experience working with large public datasets and a commitment to public service, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the important work of your department.
During my time at [Current/Previous Organization], I analyzed public health datasets to identify community needs and measure program effectiveness. One project involved analyzing five years of service utilization data to optimize resource allocation, resulting in a 15% improvement in service delivery efficiency while maintaining high quality standards. I also collaborated with stakeholders across multiple departments to ensure data reporting met both regulatory requirements and practical decision-making needs.
My qualifications that align with your requirements include:
- Experience with statistical analysis and data management
- Proficiency in SQL, R, and Excel for public sector applications
- Knowledge of data privacy regulations and security protocols
- Ability to present complex findings to diverse audiences
- Experience with public records management and reporting
- Collaborative approach to working with multiple stakeholders
I am particularly interested in joining [Department/Agency Name] because of your mission to [specific aspect of agency mission]. The opportunity to use data analysis to support this goal is very appealing to me.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of discussing how my skills and experience could benefit your department and the communities you serve.
Respectfully,
[Your Name]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
[LinkedIn Profile]
13. Data Analyst Cover Letter with Quantifiable Achievements
Subject: Data Analyst Position Application – [Your Name] with Proven Results
[Your Name]
[Your Address Line 1]
[Your Address Line 2]
[City, State ZIP]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager’s Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address Line 1]
[Company Address Line 2]
[City, State ZIP]
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am applying for the Data Analyst position at [Company Name] with a proven track record of turning data into measurable business results. Throughout my career, I have focused on connecting analytical insights directly to key performance indicators, resulting in significant improvements across various business functions.
At [Current/Previous Company], my work consistently delivered quantifiable benefits:
- Reduced customer acquisition costs by 24% through analysis that identified the most efficient marketing channels
- Increased production efficiency by 18% by spotting bottlenecks in manufacturing processes through time-series analysis
- Saved $135,000 annually by identifying and eliminating duplicate vendor contracts through spend analysis
- Boosted email marketing click-through rates by 32% through A/B testing and segment analysis
These results were achieved by combining strong technical skills (SQL, Python, Excel, Tableau) with a business-focused mindset that always starts with the question “How will this analysis create value?”
The job description for this position mentions your company’s focus on using data to drive business decisions, which aligns perfectly with my approach. I am particularly interested in applying my analytical skills to help [Company Name] achieve its goals in [specific company objective or challenge mentioned in job posting].
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to potentially discussing how my results-driven approach to data analysis could benefit your team.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
[LinkedIn Profile]
14. Data Analyst Cover Letter for Healthcare Industry
Subject: Data Analyst Position at [Hospital/Healthcare Organization] – [Your Name]
[Your Name]
[Your Address Line 1]
[Your Address Line 2]
[City, State ZIP]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager’s Name]
[Hospital/Healthcare Organization]
[Address Line 1]
[Address Line 2]
[City, State ZIP]
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
As a data analyst with a passion for healthcare improvement, I am excited to apply for the Data Analyst position at [Hospital/Healthcare Organization]. With three years of experience analyzing healthcare data and a deep understanding of medical coding and healthcare operations, I am well-positioned to help your organization use data to enhance patient care.
At [Current/Previous Healthcare Organization], I worked closely with clinical teams to develop meaningful metrics that tracked patient outcomes across departments. My analysis of emergency department wait times led to a process redesign that reduced average wait times by 35 minutes while maintaining quality of care. I also built interactive dashboards that gave leadership real-time views of key performance indicators, enabling faster responses to emerging trends.
My healthcare data analysis qualifications include:
- Experience with healthcare-specific data systems (Epic, MEDITECH)
- Knowledge of medical coding, billing, and compliance requirements
- Familiarity with HIPAA and patient data protection protocols
- Statistical analysis of clinical and operational data
- Data visualization tailored to clinical and administrative audiences
- Collaboration with medical professionals to define meaningful metrics
What attracts me to [Hospital/Healthcare Organization] is your reputation for [specific aspect of organization, such as patient-centered care, innovation, etc.]. I am particularly interested in your recent initiative to [specific healthcare improvement project or goal] and would be excited to support this work through data analysis.
Thank you for considering my application. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my healthcare data experience could contribute to your organization’s mission of providing excellent patient care.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
[LinkedIn Profile]
15. Data Analyst Cover Letter for Higher Education Role
Subject: Data Analyst Position Application – [Your Name], Educational Data Specialist
[Your Name]
[Your Address Line 1]
[Your Address Line 2]
[City, State ZIP]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager’s Name]
[University/College Name]
[Address Line 1]
[Address Line 2]
[City, State ZIP]
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
The Data Analyst position within the Institutional Research department at [University/College Name] aligns perfectly with my background in educational data analysis and my passion for using data to improve student outcomes. I am excited to submit my application for this role.
For the past four years at [Current/Previous Educational Institution], I have analyzed enrollment patterns, student success metrics, and program effectiveness data to support strategic decision-making. My analysis of first-year student engagement factors led to targeted support programs that improved retention rates by 7% over two years. I also developed an early warning system that identified at-risk students with 82% accuracy, allowing for timely interventions.
My relevant qualifications for this position include:
- Experience with student information systems and educational databases
- Skills in statistical analysis focused on educational outcomes
- Knowledge of retention, graduation, and student success metrics
- Experience with accreditation data requirements and reporting
- Ability to present findings to faculty, administrators, and trustees
- Commitment to using data ethically to support student success
I am particularly drawn to [University/College Name]’s commitment to [specific institutional value or initiative]. The opportunity to contribute to your goal of [specific institutional goal] through thoughtful data analysis would be both challenging and rewarding.
Thank you for considering my application. I would welcome the chance to discuss how my experience with educational data could support the mission and goals of [University/College Name].
Respectfully,
[Your Name]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
[LinkedIn Profile]
Wrapping Up: Cover Letters That Get Results
Creating an effective cover letter takes time and attention to detail, but the effort pays off when it helps you land interviews. Each of these examples shows a different approach to highlighting your skills and experience as a data analyst.
The best cover letters are specific to both the job and your unique background. Start with these templates, but make sure to customize them to your situation. Focus on matching your skills to what the employer needs and showing how you can add value from day one.
A great cover letter opens doors. Take the time to craft yours carefully, and you’ll increase your chances of moving forward in the hiring process.