You have just seven seconds to make an impression.
To whom it may concern is not the way to do it.
My name is Anthony. I am writing to express my interest in the position of graphic designer open in your firm.
That may not work either.
Statistics reveal that only 20% of applicants make it to the interview phase. This doesn't speak to the lack of skill or experience. But rather, it may be a sign that something is missing: the cover letter.
To make the right impression, knowing how to start a cover letter matters.
A cover letter is not a pitiful generic document you send along with your resume. It is your stage.
Think about it. You have three to four paragraphs through which you can go beyond your resume and show your potential employer why you are the teammate they are missing.
Let your cover letter bring out your inner creativity.
How exactly do you achieve that? Below we have an attention-grabbing and job-securing cover letter guide. So, let's write.
Before we get into the best ways to start a cover letter, let's first explore a few cover letter-writing tips. The tips below apply to the overall cover letter, not just the opening.
In any type of content or writing, research is invaluable. As the saying goes; there is no research without action and no action without research.
If you are looking to draft a winning cover letter, then research has to be your trump card. Ensure that you get acquainted with the company you are applying to.
Spare the time to visit their website and review their culture. This will not only help your cover letter stand out but also show the hiring team your interest in joining the company.
Glance at the organization's social media platforms, visit review sites, and hear what other employees or even customers are saying about them. For the added advantage, you can also review what the company's executives are saying on their social platforms.
Our advice to any cover letter writer is to ensure that you know the company's mission and drive. See what their tone is and mirror that in your cover letter writing technique.
The core principle followed in warm outreach is letting the prospective client know what the business has to offer them. This includes showing them how you can best serve their needs.
And that is what a cover letter is. The difference is that your lead is the hiring manager.
A cover letter is your chance to show the hiring team how you can best serve the company. So, don't be shy to share why and show how you could be their company's missing link.
This is where research and warm outreach converge. When you are writing a cover letter, remember that the opening is everything.
The biggest don't, when it comes to addressing your cover letter is using something generic.
Our tip: scour the team page found on their website. There you may find the name of the hiring manager or anyone on the HR team.
Use that information.
If you don't find anything on there, use something light-hearted like Dear [company name] team. A quick example: Dear Burger King team.
This is not generic and still gives a bit of personalization.
One thing to bear in mind during your cover letter writing process is that you have only a few seconds to hook the manager.
Sure you are not writing a novel, but it wouldn't be bad if your cover letter reads like one.
Most posts receive hundreds of responses. For your job application to stand above the crowd, you will have to produce a luring piece.
If you still need a resume laced with expert advice, our professional resume writing service can help. With our years of experience, we can help you draft a cover letter that will bring you closer to your dream job.
Ever received a letter from a secret admirer? Or maybe you stood near a friend as their eyes twinkled with excitement as they ingested one?
The point is, no one is immune to admiration.
There is nothing like flattery to pique interest. But remember to keep it sincere. Though everyone loves flattery, no one enjoys forced compliments.
Add weight to your compliments by sharing personal moments you have had with the brand. Have you always known about the company? Are there points in your life where it influenced you?
These are opening gold mines.
Sharing admiration for the company will show the hiring team that you not only know the brand but that you know the customer and most importantly, are the customer.
A few cover letter examples adhering to this rule are below:
Ever since I found out what video editing is, [company] has been my guiding light. Not only have I used it to compile some of my favourite moments but it was how I finished my graduation project. So, when I saw that you were on the hunt for a social media manager, I knew that this was my opportunity to be a part of a team that changed my life.
Humour is a great icebreaker. It is a good way to put a smile on someone's face and encourage them to read on. When done right, it can secure you an interview call.
However, the thing with humour is that it's not for everyone. And so, if you are going to attempt this approach, do your research.
If your company of interest seems to have a quirky character, then they may appreciate, applaud and even reward humour. But if they are a bit more toned down and keep things professional, then run from humour. It may not be the approach.
We will still give you an example:
An enthusiastic digital marketer with a knack for analytics? For a moment there I thought we had already met. When I saw this post, I knew I had to apply.
Every person has a story to tell and sometimes, telling yours can be a great way to start your cover letter.
If there is one thing we all can't resist, it's a good story. It's why people have gathered around the fire throughout civilization and why cavemen left renderings on their ceilings.
A good story is captivating, has a strong hook, and leaves the reader wanting more. That is how you should start your cover letter.
But as with humour, remember to do your research first. You need to be sure that the company you are applying to is a creative hub.
That doesn't mean this type of opening works only for media companies or advertising agencies. A good story has its place in a law firm, pharmaceutical company, and even governmental institutions.
Our take?
Everything for me changed six years ago. The sun set as I watched my best friend of 12 years bawl her eyes out. She had been a victim of injustice. Another statistic. It seemed as though no one cared. That left me no choice but to act. And that is why I want to join your company.
We wouldn't advise anyone to brag. Boasting is bad manners.
Not only do you come off as conceited but it also suggests you don't need anyone. That may not be the character you want to portray in a job application.
But there is certainly nothing wrong with being proud and grateful. Rather, it's psychologically advised.
Celebrating your achievements is believed to help build esteem and enhance confidence. It also creates the perfect platform for future success.
As far as the cover letter writing goes, nothing can better back your claims than data. Telling the hiring team about your accomplishments is the best way to show them why you are the person for the job.
Related success shows businesses your competency in completing mandatory tasks.
This cover letter opening is the best approach for mid-level to C-suite job applications. But recent graduates who have completed internships and apprenticeships could also show your prospective employer that you know your work.
For one of our cover letter examples:
From designing funnels to nurturing leads, for the past few years, I have been helping my former company grow. During my work with the team, I managed to increase sales by 10% and customer retention by 3%. I have learned so much that I cannot wait to share as a marketing manager for [company].
When it comes to completing your job application, the first step is figuring out how to start a cover letter. Your cover letter opening is like baking a fragile creme brulee. When done right, the opening can be the first step to securing your dream job.
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Book your free consultation to take a step toward your dream.
