The #1 Reason HR Skips Cover Letters: No Proof (Here’s the Fix)

Q: What if my job doesn't have 'numbers'?

Every job has metrics. Focus on frequency, volume, or time saved if direct revenue isn't part of your role.

Q: Can I estimate the percentages?

Yes, provided they are reasonable estimates that you can back up with logic during an interview.

Q: Why do global firms care about 'Quantifiable Impact'?

Data is a universal language. It allows recruiters to compare your productivity objectively across different markets.

Q: Does 'Proof' matter for junior roles?

Yes. It demonstrates your work ethic and your ability to understand the value of your output.

In a world where everyone says they are a "dynamic leader" or a "team player," those words lose their meaning. If your cover letter gets ignored, it's usually because it lacks "Hard Proof." Recruiters in Singapore and global hubs care about cover letter achievements—not adjectives.

To win a seat at the table, you must learn to quantify impact in every paragraph.

How to Add Proof (The Fix)

The "Before & After" Method: "I was in charge of sales" vs "I increased sales by 20% in 6 months."
The "Tool & Result" Method: "I used Python to automate reports" vs "I saved the team 10 hours a week by automating reports with Python."
The "Regional Scale" Method: "I handled many projects" vs "Managed 5 regional product launches across SG, MY, and VN."

SG/SEA Tone vs. Global Tone

Candidates in Southeast Asia are often taught "not to boast." However, global firms see "modesty" as a "lack of results." You aren't boasting; you are reporting data.

SG Tone: "I helped the project a bit."
Global Tone: "I was a key contributor to the 30% reduction in production costs."

Before vs After: Adding Proof

Pair 1: Customer Service

Before: I handled customer complaints and made sure they were happy.
After: Resolved over 50+ high-level escalations weekly, maintaining a 98% customer satisfaction rating.

Pair 2: Operations

Before: I was responsible for the office budget and procurement.
After: Saved [Company] $15,000 annually by renegotiating 5 key supplier contracts.

Copy-Paste Templates

Template 1: The "Revenue Generator"

In my previous role at [Firm], I directly contributed to a [Number]% increase in revenue by [Action].

Template 2: The "Efficiency Expert"

I realized our [Process] was taking too long. I implemented [Solution], which reduced turnaround time by [Number]%.

Template 3: The "People Leader"

I managed a team of [Number] and achieved [Outcome]. Try in Email Improver to highlight leadership language.

Template 4: The "Scale" Pitch

Having managed [Number] projects across the APAC region, I have a deep understanding of [Topic].

Template 5: The "Cost Saver"

I identified [Waste] and reduced overhead by [Percentage] across [Department].

Actionable Checklist

At least 3 sentences include a specific number or percentage.
Every "duty" is paired with a "result."
Linked your LinkedIn profile to prove your history. Review our pricing for profile help.
Used active verbs (Created, Led, Engineered).
Removed all "fluff" adjectives (Very, Really, Good).

FAQ Section

1. What if my job doesn't have "numbers"? Every job has numbers. If you are an admin, it's the number of people supported or tasks completed. If you are a teacher, it's the student improvement rate.

2. Can I estimate the percentages? Yes, as long as you can explain the logic during the interview. "Estimated 20% growth" is better than "improved growth."

3. Why do global firms care about "Quantifiable Impact"? Because it allows them to compare you objectively against other candidates from different countries.

4. Does "Proof" matter for junior roles? Yes! Even if it's "Helped 100+ customers a day," it shows your capacity for work.