Submitting an effective cover letter can show potential employers that you’re the right person for the job you’re seeking. You can convey your authenticity and enthusiasm in the introduction of your cover letter and highlight the qualifications that make you a good fit for the role. Learning how to start a cover letter can help you capture the attention of the recruiter.
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In this article, we provide a how-to guide for introducing yourself in your cover letter.
How to start a cover letter
To create an effective opening for your cover letter, follow these steps:
1. Convey enthusiasm for the company
If you’re genuinely attracted to the company’s brand or have used its products or services before, you can describe your enthusiasm in the first sentence of your cover letter. Employers value authentic enthusiasm because it often translates to highly motivated and successful employees.
Example: “I was excited to see that Company ABC is hiring an event manager skilled at increasing brand awareness and driving growth with high-traffic events, especially since I’ve attended several of your company’s speaking events myself. With my five years of experience coordinating successful events in the corporate space, I’m confident I’m a great fit for the role.”
2. Highlight a mutual connection
If a former colleague referred you to the job you’re applying for, the beginning of your cover letter can be a place to mention that specific person. It grabs the hiring manager’s attention because they may want to see why someone they know and respect recommended you for the role. Here are some tips on doing it tactfully:
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Avoid using extreme words like “greatest” or “best”
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Show excitement and gratitude
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Keep it brief and let the recommendation speak for itself
Example: “I was excited to learn of this job opportunity from my former colleague, Alex Johnson. Alex and I have worked closely together for many years, most recently on a complex data analysis project at XYZ Company. Alex thinks I’m a good fit for this position due to my project management skills on the software development project, where I achieved milestones, met deadlines and maintained the budget.”
3. Lead with an impressive accomplishment
Write a memorable opening paragraph of your cover letter that leads with an impressive achievement and features quantifiable results. Here, it’s important to emphasize the connection between how you added real business value during your previous experience and how you can apply it to the new role. Make sure your accomplishment relates to your desired role and the potential employer, and quantify the contribution your achievement had on the organization. Provide a concise summary of your professional background that highlights your skills and work history.
Example: “Last month alone, I more than doubled Company X’s Instagram followers and ran two successful social media ad campaigns that generated more than $25,000 in revenue. I want to bring my expertise, organically expanding the social reach and delivering ROI to the social media manager position at Company ABC.”
4. Mention something newsworthy
Start your cover letter with evidence that you’ve done your research. If the company you’re applying for was recently in the news, mention it in the opening line and explain why you admire the company. Mention a specific event, fact, notable statistic, or award the company recently won.
Example: “When I saw that the magazine featured Company ABC last month for its commitment to renewable energy and reducing waste in the workplace, all while experiencing triple-digit revenue growth, I felt inspired. With my track record of reducing costs by 30% and promoting greener workplaces, I’m excited about the possibility of taking on the account executive role to expand your company’s growth and work toward a more sustainable future.”
5. Express passion for what you do
Passion is one of the greatest driving factors behind success. Since hiring managers are looking for candidates who can be advocates for their company and come with a strong work ethic, starting off by expressing your passion and motivations can capture the reader’s attention.
Example: “I’ve been passionate about writing since I was the editor-in-chief of my middle school newspaper. Throughout my 10 years of experience, I’ve channeled this passion into a personal blog with 20,000 monthly readers, featured articles in major magazines that have garnered over 40,000 views, and a writer’s workshop I founded and delivered five times for more than 100 inner-city teens.”
6. Tell a creative story
Even though you may not be submitting your cover letter to a creative writing contest, don’t be afraid to inject some humor, charisma and creativity, as long as it’s appropriate for the specific position and company. Hiring managers may be looking for something that catches and keeps their attention. Do some research on the company culture, examine the tone of the job posting and use your own judgment when going the creative route.
Example: “I looked up at the clock and gasped. It was exactly two hours before a critical meeting with one of our biggest clients, and my boss had just asked me to completely redo our entire sales pitch. Under this deadline, I reworked our pitch, collaborating with teams across several departments to deliver a completely new presentation on time. The best part was our client loved the pitch, and we closed the sale within 30 minutes.”
7. Start with a belief statement
Impress the hiring manager by opening up with a short and impactful belief statement that mirrors the organization’s values and goals. Make sure your writing is original, and aim to relate the statement to the mission statement of the employer. Reference steps you’ve taken to support your beliefs throughout your career and explain how you can use your values to make positive contributions to the company.
Example: “As a teacher, I believe every student deserves the opportunity to learn at their own individual pace, let curiosity direct their learning, and participate in hands-on activities that encourage growth.”
I hope you find this article helpful.
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