In a sea of job applications, a tailored cover letter can still make a powerful difference—especially, according to FastCompany, when it includes one sentence: “I will add immediate value to this role in the following ways.” 

According to career expert Sam Debase, this statement cuts straight to what hiring managers want: proof that a recruit's  experience and skills align with their needs.

Too often, candidates focus solely on enthusiasm or cultural fit without clearly stating what they bring to the table. A sentence like this shifts the narrative—it sets up the cover letter to show the job applicant's concrete value right away. 

To follow through, candidates must list three key strengths that match the job description, and back each one with a specific example from their work history. For instance, instead of just saying an applicant is skilled in content creation, note how the candidate increased engagement or reach in a past role. The key is measurable results. 

This line isn’t just for cover letters—it can also strengthen a resume’s “About Me” section or headline. Used correctly, it creates a consistent, confident message across the applicant's materials.