How NOT to Start Your Cover Letter

Posted by in Career Advice


If you’re looking for some awesome cover letter advice on how *NOT* to start your cover letter (and some great examples of how you should be starting it) then read on! On a weekly basis any hiring manager probably receives between 50 and … well, probably hundreds of resumes and cover letters. The key is to catch his or her attention from the start; and the best place to do that is in your cover letter. So I am going to tell you about the worst possible way to start your cover letter—and then give you some creative alternatives to use instead. Here is the most boring intro line because everyone uses it: Please accept my resume for consideration of the (XYZ) position within your organization. What a snoozer! Everyone uses that line; let’s see … being like everyone else isn’t going to get you very far in your job search now is it? No, it’s not. So you need to be different. But not just different—you need to be unique and appear more valuable than the average joe. Let’s take a look at some more creative and attention grabbing opening lines: Administrative: If you are spending too much time compiling tedious lists of general office duties and administrative tasks, then I have the solution for you. Try this: “My experiences in office administration and client services have equipped me with a multitude of skills including office management, business operations, and exemplary customer service. I am confident that my application of these and my many other skills would be an asset to your company.” Customer Service: It’s twice as hard to attract a new customer as it is to maintain an existing one. Unfortunately, this fact is often overlooked by many businesses. So exploit this reality. Here’s an example of what you should write: “Delivering high-quality, responsive service is vital in (industry x). And that’s exactly what you’ll get when you hire me. As my resume indicates, I have worked in client services for more than (number) years, so you won’t have to incur great expense while training me. Nonprofit: Try something like this: “In today’s challenging economic climate, many people will respond to your advertisement. Few will be interviewed. One will be hired. However … Of the many who will respond, few will be as qualified as I am, having in-depth experience in community and public outreach. No one else will bring my track record and the expertise I offer—expertise that equips me to immediately begin delivering results for you with maximum positive effect to your bottom line. General: “Integrity. Innovation. Initiative. If you have these qualities in mind for the position of (position title) then I suggest we meet to discuss the numerous qualifications I would bring to your organization. With my demonstrated track record of successfully directing pharmacy operations and introducing initiatives that directly impacted the bottom line, I am confident that I would be an excellent fit for the position at (company name). Of course, these are only a few sample introductions, and the remainder of your cover letter needs to be just as dynamic as the introduction. But nothing is more important than that initial first impression; and you are sure to win them over when you choose something unique, creative, and captivating.
Comment

Become a member to take advantage of more features, like commenting and voting.

  •  Robert Q
    Robert Q
    Do We Think A Cover Letter Is  Necessary?
  • Bose
    Bose
    So delighted I found your blog, I really found you by mistake, appreciate your patience!
  • Millicent
    Millicent
    Good to see a talent at work.
  • Cannon
    Cannon
    You're the greatest!
  • Myra Sieben
    Myra Sieben
    Although I always write a unique letter outlining my abilities that relate to the job for which I am applying, my introductory paragraph is always predictable and states the obvious.  I've always assumed that readers of these cover letters simply gloss over that first paragraph and get to the meat of the letter. I can see that that first paragraph doesn't have to be obvious; it can be inspired!  Thank you.
  • Laura Bramble
    Laura Bramble
    Although the cover letter shouldn't be boring, if I get too creative it may work against me. I agree with Steven C., you have to set the right tone and consider the audience as well. In my case, I'm applying for an executive assistant job, not a managerial job. Sounding over confident may give the impression that I'm arrogant and/or not serious.
  • Steven C.
    Steven C.
    Kathie, the level of confidence you should exhibit depends on the position.  For example, sales reps want to appear extremely confident, executives want to appear extremely confident, when you apply for a job you want to give the impression you are confident that you are perfect for the job.  How confident you want to show depends on the job or the audience you write too.  For example, a trait law enforcement professionals share is a high degree of assertiveness and confidence, sometimes mistaken for arrogance.  It's the nature of the job, so an applicant wants to show his confidence and assertiveness.  Now, if you want to apply as a librarian, you still want to show confidence but you probably dp nit want to set the same tone as a person applying for a swat team position.  The trick is to know the audience you are writing the cover letter to and set the tone accordingly.  Some of the suggestions in the article will work in some situations.  Others wont.   
  • Cover letter format
    Cover letter format
    The following statement of yours is a gem and needs to be understood well by the cover letter writer: "But nothing is more important than that initial first impression."
  • Kathie
    Kathie
    While I see the point that Jessica is making in her article, I do have a problem with her suggestions. Although they might be eye catching, and definitely different from the most common, but to me they seem a little too confident - almost bragging which could also be offensive. What I am looking for is something in between them both.

Jobs to Watch