A cover letter is a crucial part of your application. It is a fantastic way to grab a hiring manager’s attention while highlighting why you are the best person for the job. There is no established proper way to open a cover letter, but there are certain lines to help you stand out and statements to avoid.

Job Title & Accomplishments

Although typical, this is a very effective way to open a cover letter. This method of opening a cover letter gets straight to the point and impresses employers with your background. Make sure you use your most notable and relevant accomplishments stories to explain your value to the company.

Get Excited

Another excellent way to open a cover letter is by expressing your excitement about the job opportunity. There might be a company you wish to work for or a job you would like to pursue. The cover letter is a terrific opportunity to express your enthusiasm. Your excitement helps a hiring manager to see that you are motivated and dedicated as an employee.

Use Keywords

If you are applying to a sizable organization, there is an excellent chance that the company uses an applicant tracking system. Make use of keywords. Include several keywords in the opening statement of your cover letter. The right keywords immediately ensure that a hiring manager reads your letter and your most relevant skills.

Name Drop

Did someone in your professional network refer you to the position, company, or specific hiring manager? If so, use this information in the opening lines of your cover letter. When you drop the name of a mutual contact, the employer will have a point of reference. The hiring manager will be curious as to why your referrer thought you would be ideal for the job.

Use a Current Event

If you want to impress an employer uniquely, consider opening your letter by demonstrating your knowledge of current events. Search for recent news about the company you are applying to and tie the information into the job opening. Clarify why the news item makes you think you would be an excellent fit for the job.

Things to Avoid

There are great ways to open a cover letter, but there is also no shortage of wrong ways to start a letter. Try to avoid opening a cover letter with any of the following:

• A generic phrase
• Too formally
• Too casually
• Beg or show desperation
• Forget to talk about the company or position
• Forget to edit details from the last cover letter, such as job title or company name
• Restate your resume
• Undercut yourself
• Telling the employer reasons why they should hire you

Let the staffing experts at Exact Staff find you a challenging, high-paying, and rewarding career opportunity.