Best Ways to Write a Cover Letter Opening With Examples
Cover Letter Opening | Examples | Resume.com
Crafting a stand-out cover letter takes a bit of time and effort but can make all of the difference between getting an interview and being passed up. The most important part of your cover letter is the opening. Learn how to write a compelling opening statement with examples for guidance.
What is a cover letter opening?
A cover letter opening is the first sentence and paragraph a hiring manager reads in your cover letter.
Why is a cover letter opening important?
Cover letter openings are important because a it is the best way to tell a potential employer about yourself, your skills, and why you want to work for them. Hiring managers view hundreds of cover letters for job openings, so the first paragraph needs to make an impression.
Examples of cover letter opening sentences
Here are some opening sentence techniques to consider.
Show passion for what you do
Passion drives success, and employers want potential candidates who will advocate for their company. An opening sentence that demonstrates the your passions and motivations for the job will help grab a hiring manager’s attention.
Example: After three years working in different roles at early-stage startups, I’ve realized my greatest talent is writing incredible content and sharing it with the world.
Express your love for the company
Companies want to hire someone who already knows and loves what they offer. Convey enthusiasm with a story about your experience with their service or product. Such excitement demonstrates the motivation and dedication you will have as an employee.
Example: I enjoyed your last speaking event in San Francisco so much I didn’t want to leave, so I didn’t. Instead, I searched for job openings with your company.
Start with an impressive accomplishment
Stand out by highlighting an accomplishment or skill that makes you unique among other similarly qualified candidates.
Example: In the first six months of my entry-level sales job, I was named Top Salesperson and have held the title for eight months.
Be creative or humorous
An unconventional opening can intrigue a hiring manager, but be careful. Examine the job post and website tone and use your judgment to determine if charisma and humor are appropriate.
Example: I could submit my credit card statements to prove how much I love online shopping, but I decided writing a cover letter would be a better approach.
Note a mutual connection
If a former or current employee at the company referred you, mention this in the opening statement of your cover letter. Employee referrals are important to hiring managers because they result in the best success rates.
Example: I was excited to learn about this job through my former coworker, Eliza Woods. She works with Core Group, Inc. as a data analyst.
Mention recent good news about the company
Mentioning a recent current event about the company shows you’ve done your research. Tie this to your interest in working there or why you would be a great fit for the role.
Example: I was impressed that your company was recently highlighted in the Fortune Tribute for your partnership with the Children’s Health & Wellness Foundation.
Begin with a powerful belief statement
A belief statement is an idea or value you care about that aligns with the company’s mission and values.
Example: As a teacher, I believe that every student deserves to learn with their own unique style and grow with hands-on experience.
Cover letter opening paragraphs examples
Here are examples of full opening paragraphs with opening sentences to help guide your writing.
Show your passion
Example: After three years working in different roles at early-stage startups, I’ve realized my greatest talent is writing incredible content and sharing it with the world. While I gained transferable skills at these jobs, I wanted to make sure my first big career move would provide me with opportunities for professional development, mentorship, and the ability to showcase my writing talent. Enter, you: Mosaic Creative, LLC.
Love for the company
Example: I enjoyed your last speaking event in San Francisco so much I didn’t want to leave, so I didn’t. Instead, searched for job openings with your company. I was thrilled to see you are hiring a marketing manager skilled at increasing brand awareness and sales through social media marketing. With my 4+ years of experience building and monitoring successful Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn campaigns, I’m confident I’m a great fit for this role.
Impressive accomplishment
Example: In the first six months of my entry-level sales job, I was named Top Salesperson and have held the title for eight months. I’ve consistently earned a positive customer rating above 95% and exceed quarterly sales goals by more than 10%. I’m ready for my next big challenge in sales, and I believe the sales manager role at Lincoln Sales Company is it.
Creativity and humor
Example: I could submit my credit card statements to prove how much I love online shopping, but I decided writing a cover letter would be a better approach. So here I am, describing to you all the reasons I can take Seaside Boutique to the next level. As a current in-house stylist of three years and a successful fashion blogger with over 20,000 website views a month, I’m confident I can expand your subscription-based styling business into a household name.
Network connection
Example: I was excited to learn about this job through my former coworker, Eliza Woods. She works with Core Group, Inc. as a data analyst. We worked closely for two years, most recently on a complex market research project at Meridian Associates. She thought I would be a great match for the market research analyst position on your team.
Newsworthy mention
Example: Your company was recently highlighted in the Fortune Tribute for your partnership with Children’s Health & Wellness Foundation. After reading the article, I quickly felt inspired to seek an employment opportunity with you because of my personal belief in the Children’s Health & Wellness Foundation mission. I was pleased to see your opening for an event coordinator. With five years of experience managing corporate events, I believe I would be the perfect candidate for this job.
Belief statement
Example: As a teacher, I believe that every student deserves to learn with their own unique style and grow with hands-on experience. It’s clear that Bayside Elementary School values a variety of learning techniques and activities that drive curiosity, and I would love to be a part of such a progressive-minded institution as your art teacher.
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